h3beta07
Latest
Halo 3: Features that should be in the game
After playing a bunch of the Halo 3 beta, the guys over at GameSpy wrote up a list of ten features that they're hoping Bungie will include in the retail build of Halo 3. Among their top ten are a few great ideas, including a rating system for shared videos, available commentary on user-made videos, new multiplayer character models, and four player campaign co-op. Though, their wish list also includes a few things we don't necessarily agree with like an optional third person view and retro mode (this is Halo 3, not the complete Halo trilogy). But, to each their own. And speaking of which, what do you really want to see in Halo 3 when it ships this September that is either lacking in the beta or hasn't been officially announced?
Sighted: evidence of new aircraft in Halo 3
You may recall the fuss created by a group of modders last week, in which several things were discovered inside the Halo 3 beta code. There were mentions of new medals, weapons, and vehicles. In particular, the code snippets lead many to believe there would be new aircraft, specifically the Chopper, Pelican, and Phantom. Well, kiddies, throw another log on the rumor fire, as a new medal has been uncovered. This medal is awarded to those who "board an aircraft." We have to note, as did our tipster, that the medal says "aircraft" and not "Banshee." Is this proof that their are more controllable aircraft in Halo 3? Hell no, but it's starting to look that way.Hit the "read" link to see a game of the Halo 3 beta with the mysterious medal.[Thanks, Jeff]
Video: Halo 3 beta: Banshee ... in ... space!
You may have read some of Bungie's weekly updates about the number of things going on behind the scenes in Halo 3. Specifically, the sky you see in Halo 3 is much more complex than you might believe. The game engine simulates the pollution and other particles in the atmosphere that cause the sky to appear blue, when in actuality the sky is not blue at all. Granted, you won't ever notice this effect as you're playing a game of Slayer, but it is there. As proof of this, we present to you this video of a Banshee flying far into the sky of Valhalla. The Banshee flies so high that it actually pierces the cloud cover and reaches an altitude at which the sky is no longer blue and stars are visible. Honestly, it's pretty serene up there. Just a little food for thought the next time you waste some fool with the Spartan Laser.[Thanks, Muffin Man1]
Fanswag: Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway Day 3
Update: This giveaway is now closed. To see the winner, click here. To enter the latest giveaway, click here.The X3F Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway continues its march to world domination today, as we roll in to day 3 of our fabulous giveaway. Without further adieu, the winner of a Large, brown Halo 3 beta T-shirt is (imaginary drumroll, please) Daniel, who informs us that his gaming fuel is nothing more than pure love. Ain't that sweet? Congratulations, Daniel, we'll be contacting you soon.Now, on to today's T-shirt. Today, we're giving away another brown beta shirt, only this one is Extra Large. It's got extra room for those Halo sleepovers. Its expansive, comfy fabric also makes an excellent (and totally awesome) nightie for your sweetheart. Be sure and send us some pictures if you convince her to wear it! Anyway, all you have to do to enter is leave a comment (limit 1 per entry period. Limited to U.S. residents 18 and over). Get to it, and good luck!Click here for the Official Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway rules
Fanswag: Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway Day 2
Update: This giveaway is now closed. To see the winner, click here. To enter the latest giveaway, click here.The Xbox 360 Fanboy Halo 3 beta T-Shirt Giveaway now rolls into its second glorious day. Before we move on to today's giveaway, let's get yesterday's winner squared away. The winner of the Day 1 giveaway, who will receive an Extra Large green Halo 3 beta T-shirt is ... Kejoriv! Congratulations, Kejoriv, we'll be contacting you soon.Now on to today's giveaway. Today we'll be giving a away a brown beta shirt, size Large. For your chance to win, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. Just for fun, why not tell us what your favorite Halo multiplayer fuel is? Is it tacos? Red Bull? Taco shells filled with frozen Red Bull? Of course, you can leave any kind of comment you want -- the winner is completely random, after all -- but you might as well make it interesting, right? Get to commenting and good luck! (Limit one entry per person. Limited to U.S. residents 18 and older.)Click here for the Official Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway rules
Banshee meets a trip mine and trip mine wins
Fresh from the Halo 3 beta's "that's freakin' awesome video clip vault" is a video we like to call Banshee Meets Trip Mine. While standing on a base in Valhalla a red team member decides to pick up a trip mine, spots an incoming Banshee, and tosses the mine into the man cannon. And as you can see in the video, the Banshee loses the fight. How amazingly great it is. Tune in next time for a brand new Halo 3 beta video straight from the "that's freakin' awesome video clip vault". Goodbye everyone and good night![Via Digg]
Bungie wants your Halo 3 beta questions
With the Halo 3 beta finally in full swing, many of our burning Halo 3 questions have been answered. Of course, there are always more questions. For instance, the Banshee flier was recently unlocked in Valhalla. Does this mean we might see other vehicles unlocked? What about weapons, or equipment? If you have questions you'd like answered, Bungie want's 'em. All you have to do is submit them to this forum thread on Bungie.net. Bungie will then select some questions to answer in the forthcoming weekly update. So, ask away fanboys. You might just get lucky. Since you're already at it, why not post your question right here as well?Check out all the X3F Halo 3 beta coverage
Fanswag: Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway Day 1
Update: This giveaway is now closed. To see the winner, click here. To enter the latest giveaway, click here.In celebration of the ongoing Halo 3 beta, Xbox 360 Fanboy will be giving away limited edition Halo 3 beta T-shirts every weekday from now until the end of May. You may have seen shirts like these in the Bungie store, but let us assure you that these are way cooler. How? First of all, our shirts come with that oh-so-trendy distressed look. Second, our shirts simply say "beta" instead of "beta tester." Finally, our shirts have green Spartans, which are unavailable for sale. So, how do you get your hands on one? Easy, all you have to do is comment on this post! Simply leave a comment (limit one comment per entry period, limited to U.S. residents 18 and up) and we'll pick a random winner tomorrow. Don't worry if you don't win though, we'll be giving one away every weekday until the end of May. Keep your eyes out for a new giveaway post every day at 12 Noon EDT.Today's shirt is green and Extra Large, for the manliest of Halo fanatics. Leave a comment and good luck!Click here for the Official Halo 3 beta T-shirt Giveaway rules
Possible Halo 3 beta weirdness tomorrow
Frankie gave us a heads up that tomorrow, May 23rd between the hours of 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM PDT, the monkeys over at Bungie are going to be collecting data on any game crashes that take place in the Halo 3 beta during that time. A warning will come up and it will upload logs to the Bungie servers for their testing purposes. Those who participated in the Shadowrun beta should understand, as we would upload game logs after each match for a minute or so. Frankie reassures us that the upload should take somewhere from 10-20 seconds. Upon completion a message will pop up saying "File upload complete. Visit http://www.bungie.net/forums/halo3beta for more information (safe to reboot)." After 1:00 PM, they'll turn things back to normal, and upload time will be reduced greatly. Moral of the story? Be good fanboys and let the logs upload. Check out all the X3F Halo 3 beta coverage
Banshee now available in Halo 3 beta
In addition to updating the playlists for the Halo 3 beta, Bungie has dropped in another little surprise as well. Log on to the Halo 3 beta and start up a game of Big Team Training, and you will now find a Banshee in Valhalla. Specifically, there is one Banshee at each base. Someone is bound to pick one up at the beginning of each match, so we suggest you keep the missile pod handy. Of course, there are already players using the Banshee to find a way out of the map, which you can observe in the video above. So, has anyone tried out the Banshee? Is it new and improved or just more of the same? [Via CVG. Thanks, Pedro Monscooch] Check out all the X3F Halo 3 beta coverage
H3 beta playlists get an update
Just when you thought the Halo 3 beta was settled into a predictable state, Bungie has decided to throw everyone a slight curve ball. This week they switched up the beta's matchmaking playlists by getting rid of some old and adding some new. Team Training has been replaced with a 6v6 Big Team Training playlist and Team Skirmish has been tweaked to add more variety. It's not a huge playlist change, but it's a change nonetheless. Full Halo 3 beta playlist details available after the jump.[Thanks, II VALIANT II]Check out all the X3F Halo 3 beta coverage
Confused? Halo 3's Ranking Points explained
If you're like us, the Halo 3 beta's new Ranking Point system was (or still is) a tad confusing. With its cumulative total, military jargon, random symbols, and how it's calculated, the whole thing can be a mind bender for some. But not anymore, because Grunts "R" Us posted a detailed analysis of how Halo 3's Ranking Point system works. Included in their guide is not only a definition, how the points are calculated, and what they are used for, but it also explains the military ranks and what Ranking Points you need to achieve each level. It's really not all that confusing, trust us. That is unless you're against addition, the military, and pictures. Then we just advise you to ignore this post and go back to playing the beta. You'll be clueless, but happy.[Via Hushed Casket]Check out all the X3F Halo 3 beta coverage
Halo 3 four player co-op confirmed?
The other day we reported on a hacking group that cracked opened the Halo 3 beta code and found values referring to new weapons, new vehicles, and new gametypes. But now it looks like the beta code has revealed more info about how we'll be playing the campaign. Over at the 7th Columnist they dug up some error text in the Halo 3 beta code that could confirm four player co-op, which states "The party size is too large to start the game. Up to 4 players may play coop on Xbox Live or System Link". Does this confirm four player co-op in campaign? Well, not just yet ... but we'll be an optimistic bunch and cross our fingers and toes. Anyone thinking four player co-op over Xbox Live would be the greatest thing since, say, sliced bread?[Thanks, DjDATZ]
Change gravity and more in Halo 3's custom games [update 1]
The fellas over at Hushed Casket are reporting that while playing the Halo 3 beta some players have experienced a network error, causing a weird bug to occur, which ultimately displays a hidden custom game settings menu. The custom games menu is chalk full of options, including the ability to change players' speed, ammunition count, recharge rate, motion tracker range, and even gravity settings. Don't believe us? Take a look at all the screenshots that Hushed Casket has unearthed and a full list of custom gametype options after the break. But don't get too excited, because the Halo 3 beta custom gametypes menu is only for looks and does not allow you to make a game with the options. Which is too bad, because we so wanted to play a few rounds of Tankball. Update 1: Added video of new menus.
Bungie drops bannhammer on beta miscreants
A little something to remember if you're participating in the much-ballyhooed Halo 3 multiplayer beta: Bungie is watching. And listening. In the latest Bungie Weekly Update, Multiplayer Producer Joseph Tung lets us all know that many Bungie employees are playing the beta and keeping their eyes and ears peeled for trouble makers. He reminds us that normal trash talk and the occasional teabagging are expected, but racial epithets and offensive language could get you banned for an indeterminate amount of time. So, all the jerks out there may want to straighten up their act for the length of the beta, as its limited population and expanded Bungie presence make them that much easier to find. Us, well, we'll stick to politely shouting "Thank you!!!" when we get killed and "It was nice to make your acquaintance!!!" every time we kill someone else.Check out all the X3F Halo 3 beta coverage
Graphics war: Halo 2 vs Halo 3
If there's one complaint people have about the Halo 3 beta it would have to be that the graphics aren't what some had hoped to see. Nobody is saying that the graphics are horrible, people are just saying that they aren't Gears of War quality or a gigantic leap over what Halo 2 has to offer. But if you really think about it, how much have Halo 3's graphics improved over its older bro? Gamespot dusted off their copy of Halo 2 on a mission to find out. They took a few screenshots from both Halo 2 and the Halo 3 beta and showcased them in complete image rollover fun. And, from what we see, the differences are quite noticeable. The textures and reflective surfaces in Halo 3 are far superior to Halo 2, even the geometry is beefed up. But that's expected on a next gen game. It all comes down to what your expectations are and if you feel the visuals took a big enough leap. What do you think about the comparison? [Via Digg]
Halo 3 beta codes sent out again
For those of you who got in the Halo 3 beta via the Rule of Three program and didn't get your code, then listen up. Bungie says they that they did sent out all the codes and that people who are reporting that they didn't get them probably had the email blocked, misplaced, or is laying in their junk email. So, yesterday Bungie resent the Rule of Three beta codes between 6 and 7:00PM eastern time from email addresses similar to halo3beta-X@microsoft.com. And so be sure to check your junk mail box or look for an email from Microsoft between that time interval. Also note that this second email includes the same Halo 3 beta code that was sent to your email from the other day. So, if you are already playing the beta, simply ignore this new email.
Out of map experiences in Halo 3 beta
Oh no! The Halo 3 beta has been out for a few days now (but not for all of us) and the hacker/modder/explorers among the community have been hard at work trying to break the game. Well, not really break the game, but exploiting the beta's weaknesses. As you can see in the video above, players have found ways to climb huge structures, get on top of the maps, do some crazy jumping, and overall reminds us of how exploited Halo 2 online is. Here's to hoping Bungie can find the balance between multiplayer map exploration and players using unfair map exploits.[Thanks, AfroCelt]Check out all of the X3F Halo 3 beta coverage
It's fixed! Download Halo 3 beta via Crackdown
We got off to a rough start this morning, but everything smells of roses and fresh baked cookies now. Bungie sent word that the Halo 3 beta is finally available to download for those of you who are getting access through Crackdown. Simply pop in Crackdown, make your way to the main menu, select Downloads, and then Download Halo 3 beta. It's easy as pie! And yes, we know the public beta is going live a few hour later than promised, but can't we just forgive, forget, and get to fragging already? Or just take your anger out on the unsuspecting foes that you meet in the beta and unleash the fury! Have fun guys. PS: They've extended the beta a few days longer until June 10th. How nice ...
Halo 3 beta problems being fixed in 3-6 hours
Golly gee willikers, it looks like the Bungie team has finally posted an update on this whole Crackdown slash Halo 3 beta fiasco. According to SketchFactor, Microsoft has pinpointed the download problem, implemented a fix, and is doing some final testing as you read this blog. So, with any luck, the Halo 3 beta will be available for Crackdown downloaders in roughly 3-6 hours which is only like ... 15 or so hours later than expected. But don't worry, Bungie cares about your feelings and apologizes for the minor (some say major) inconvenience, because they really do feel bad. Keep your eyes peeled and your Crackdown disc at arm's length, we're in for one long night of extremely slow downloading. [Thanks, to everyone who sent this in] Check out all of the X3F Halo 3 beta coverage
