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Halo 3 beta: we're in! (mostly)
Xbox 360 Fanboy was pleased to learn today that two of its bloggers have wrangled themselves a slot in the upcoming Halo 3 beta. That's right David Dreger and I have both landed squarely in the beta, having now earned the right to point and laugh at the poor miscreants outside in the cold. Unfortunately, that poor lot includes our resident Gears of War nut, Dustin Burg, who made a critical miscalculation in his Halo 2 matchmaking time (see Fancast 002 for his methodology). We already know that many of our readers have made it, and we invite you to raise your hands again and scream it to the heavens. Failing that, you could also leave a comment right here.Assuming we don't get squelched by a nefarious NDA, you can bet that we'll be reporting the latest and greatest from the Halo 3 beta. If we're lucky, we might even be able to arrange a 360 Fanboy reader beta session. Don't forget, if you haven't made it into the beta yet, you can still score a copy of Crackdown starting next week.
Leaked Halo 3 alpha video w/ Halo 1 pistol
We may not get much official love from Bungie lately (though we did enjoy the Brute ViDoc), but we're sure getting plenty of unofficial content. This time we have yet another leaked Halo 3 alpha video. This one is seriously shaky cam but it's a doozy. You'll get to see the Mongoose, the new Spiker, and (drum roll, please) the pistol from Halo 1. Don't get your hopes too high, as it could easily be a placeholder graphic, and even if it's not, it doesn't mean the pistol will be as powerful as it once was. As an added bonus, you'll get to see the camera man get wasted by the Spartan Laser. Hit the "read" link to watch the video. You'd better do it quick, too. There's no telling how quickly it'll be pulled.[Thanks, Oozer]
Must the H3 beta roxxorz our boxxorz?
IGN has posted an interesting article claiming that the Halo 3 beta must "rock our faces off." The reason the beta must do this is twofold. One, what we've seen of Halo 3 so far has been unfinished. Bungie repeats this every time they release a snippet of video, but that doesn't stop the intertron from pointing out all the graphical inadequacies. We'd like to point out that the Halo 3 launch trailer was in engine and looked fantastic, something many seem to have forgotten. Still, plenty of Halo fans are waiting for the next graphical "wow." So, the beta will be expected to present that (as unfair as that is).
Halo 3's latest thing: adjustable gravity
Halo 3 is set to have multitudes of customizable options for multiplayer. It should have many, many more than Halo 2 in fact. One of these options is adjustable gravity. Frankie, KP, and company recently tested this feature out during the latest Halo 3 Humpday Challenge. Testing it out on Snowbound, Bungie tried out two game types with 50% percent gravity. The first match was a rockets match. Similar to tactics used on Halo 2's Colossus map, players would spend as much time as possible in the air, thus reducing the possibility of a splash damage kill and forcing opponents to make a direct hit. While the crew notes that it wasn't that much different from a regular rockets match, it did provide for an extra layer of strategy and timing. It's also worth mentioning that once everyone runs out of ammo, the game transforms into epic, anime-style air battles, with each player trying to melee the other as they pass.The second match was shotguns and sniper rifles. This match played much differently, as the low gravity does wonders to put you out of shotgun range, but also makes you an easy target for any sniper worth his salt. As such, shotgun players often found themselves not being killed by those they were dueling, but by snipers in the distance. Nice.Options like adjustable gravity (and many others) should go a long way to keeping Halo 3 a fresh experience. Are there any cool custom options you'd like to see?
Rule of Three: Play Halo 2 with us!
We wouldn't be Xbox 360 Fanboys if we weren't going to try our luck at the "Rule of Three" Halo 3 beta program. As such, we'll be playing a lot of Halo 2 over the next three days. So, keep an eye out for us on Halo 2. We won't necessarily be playing together, but we'll definitely be doing our best to rack up the required three hours. Why not have some fun with our readers while we're at it, right?If you see us online, say hi. We'll play a few matches and have a good time. Who knows, maybe the 360 Fanboy nation will all make it into the beta. See you online.X360F Gamertags:Richard Mitchell -- SenseiRAMDustin Burg -- SuperDunnersDavid Dreger -- Knuckles Dawson
Bungie profiles the Spartan Laser
Continuing their series of weapon profiles, Bungie.net now has a "field report" up about Halo 3's new Spartan Laser (not to be confused with even deadlier Laser Cats). In short, the Spartan Laser is death on a stick. Well, death on a shoulder mounted stick to be more precise. Unlike previous field reports, the Spartan Laser profile has several bits of info and specifications redacted. So for now, we don't know precisely what the weapon's range is. Judging from the report, we can gather that the laser may have a scope and that it will only have a limited amount of ammunition. In other words, once the weapon is empty, it will have to be tossed, much like Covenant plasma weaponry. The profile goes on to describe the weapon's tactical uses on both High Ground and Valhalla. One interesting use we hadn't considered: the Spartan Laser produces a thin beam of light that is used to "paint" the target before the weapon fires. Much like the targeting laser for GOW's Hammer of Dawn, this can be a terrifying experience for the enemy. So, rather than wasting a precious Spartan Laser shot, the targeting laser itself can be used to scare enemies into running to a less defensible position. Nice. All in all, it sounds like a formidable weapon, and we can't wait to try it out. Click the "read" link for the full profile.Oh, and don't forget, the "Rule of Three" Halo 3 beta entry program begins today. Anyone gunning for a slot?[Thanks, un1qu3 n3wy0rk]Other weapon and vehicle profiles:Spike GrenadeMA5C Assault RifleMongoose
Halo 3 beta: "Rule of 3" starts tomorrow
Just a quick reminder for all the Halo fanboys out there (us inlcuded), the Halo 3 beta "Rule of Three" program begins tomorrow. The "Rule of Three" program was recently clarified by Microsoft (and on our fabulous new podcast, wink wink) and works as follows. First of all, the program is open to US and Canadian residents (age 17 and older) who have a 360 console with hard drive, a valid Xbox Live Gold subscription, and a copy of Halo 2. Starting February 1st at 12:01AM EST and ending February 3rd at 11:59PM EST, you have three days to play three hours of Halo 2 multiplayer over Xbox Live. Then, on February 5th, you must register at Halo3.com. The first 13,333 players to register will be accepted into the beta. We'll repeat that again, you cannot register until February 5th, after the three day window is open.Unfortunately, there are still a few questions left unanswered here. For starters, three hours of multiplayer is a little vague. We don't really know what counts. Is it enough to simply be logged into Live? Does time spent in lobbies count, or does it have to be three hours of actual play time? We're not really sure, but you're best bet is probably to play as much Halo 2 as you can during the three day window.And don't forget, if you don't make it into the beta via the "Rule of Three," you can still pick up a copy of Crackdown.
Halo 3 beta in every copy of Crackdown [update 1]
Update: Oops. It looks like IGN didn't quite get it right. Microsoft has contacted us and clarified that the Halo 3 beta will be included in every copy of the initial shipment of Crackdown and that the boxes will be specially marked. So if you want yours, you'd best pre-order. We say again, the Halo 3 beta will only be available in the initial shipment of Crackdown in specially marked boxes.It was revealed by IGN yesterday that the Halo 3 beta will be included with all copies of Crackdown. Previously, it was stated that the beta would be included in specially marked boxes only. Naturally, this means that the Halo 3 beta is much bigger than originally expected. In fact, one might call it huge. Given that the second wave of registration includes 13,333 available spots, the number of participants involved once Crackdown is thrown into the mix could be astronomical. Whatever happens, we say the more the merrier. And if it makes Halo 3 multiplayer that much better as a result, then that's just gravy. We have to wonder though, was the beta planned only to go with only specially marked copies? We get the feeling that someone realized they could sell a lot more Crackdown if the beta was in every box.So, you've got a kick ass demo up on Live and guaranteed access to the Halo 3 beta, is anyone still not interested in Crackdown?[Thanks, dpcough]
Halo fan art ahoy!
Bungie recently unleashed a new selection of some of its favorite Halo related fan art. The pieces run the gamut from silly to amazing, and it's worth a look for Halo fanatics looking for some new desktop wallpaper. Our favorite, Final Destination by benjiphil08, is pictured above. It features a helmetless Master Chief, no doubt taking a breather from a long day of slaughtering Covenant scum. Hit the "read" link for more. Also, if you've got some cool 360 related art that you'd like to share (Halo or otherwise), let us know.
Clarifying "Rule of Three" Halo 3 beta entry
It seems that the next phase of the Halo 3 beta registration process needs a little clarification. The original press release was a little fuzzy about registration timing regarding the "Rule of Three" program. We originally reported that the "Rule of Three" required you to play at least three hours of Halo 2 matchmaking between Feb 1st, 12:01AM EST and Feb 3, 11:59PM EST and then register at Halo3.com. This led many to believe that one simply had to play three hours and then immediately register. It looks like it's not that simple, as Halo3.com now clarifies the process. It turns out that registration must occur on February 5, after Feb 3, 11:59PM. In other words, you have three days to play three hours, and then you have to be one of the first 13,333 to register on Feb 5.As our tipster points out, this method doesn't really reward the most dedicated players -- the kind of people who would have registered exactly three hours after the contest began. That's true, but it also gives more people a chance. After all, not everyone can stay up 'til four in the morning just to register for a beta. Hopefully, this has cleared things up for everyone. Just in case it hasn't, we've included the exact text from Halo3.com after the break.
What are the odds? Halo driftwood
We have a few theories about the above images. Theory one: the Halo universe really exists, and the events in the games occurred eons in the past. A Brute Shot somehow managed to escape decay by being embedded in a tree and thus encased in petrified wood. Theory two (slightly more plausible than theory one): the uppermost image is a piece of driftwood miraculously worn down to the near exact shape of a Brute Shot. Perhaps the most amazing thing of all, this particular piece of driftwood just happened to be found by someone who recognized what it looked like. We ask you, what are the odds?Anyone else care to share some 360 related found art with us?[Via HBO]
Halo 3 video and screens galore! [update 5]
Update 5: At Bungie's request, we have pulled the previously posted content. In its place is the handsome portrait of the Master Chief you see above. Keep on truckin' Bungie, we only pry because we love.
Halo 3 Mongoose details aplenty, new pics
Bungie has posted an article detailing the new Mongoose ATV set to make its debut in Halo 3. The article reads more like an army field report, which is kind of interesting (especially if you're a Halo-verse geek). Long story short, the Mongoose is fast and should feel right at home to fans of the Warthog. The article also mentions a few strategies that utilize a Mongoose. As you would expect, the fast (but unarmed) Mongoose is best for securing objectives (flags, bombs, etc.). For example, each base in Valhalla has two Mongooses (Mongeese?). Get your team on both Mongooses (two driving, and two riding "brokeback") and hightail it to the enemy base. Grab the flag and meet your Mongoose at the rendezvous point (this could be behind the base or at the Mancannon landing zone). Voila, captured flag. Hit the "read" link to check out the article and see some new images of the Mongoose. [Thanks, un1qu3 n3wy0rk}
Bungie's Weekly Update gives us warm fuzzies
Another week has come to an end and another Bungie Weekly Update has been posted. Inside this week's update Frankie let's us know how Halo 3 is coming along and other nuggets of info. Currently, the team is tinkering with the "dead cam" that shows up when you die. They're pondering the idea of giving more options to the user so they won't be so bored in the long "dead wait". Also, that mysterious "X" button we have yet to learn about may eventually be moved, switching controls in-game will be much easier, and Halo 2 matchmaking updates will be scarce in the future. And if you're still confused about how the "Rule of Three" beta entry works or how the Crackdown invitation will be implemented, just make the jump. And if that doesn't sell you, Bungie is hiring a full-time Halo 3 tester ... but you have to be an adult ... have testing experience ... and live in the Seattle area.
Announcing two new gateways to Halo 3 beta
digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Two_new_ways_into_the_Halo_3_beta_announced'; Microsoft today announced two new ways for gamers to gain access to the Halo 3 beta. The first wave of the beta registration took place in December, and these two additional ways seem to be the only remaining methods for hopeful players to register. The first -- which we've already reported -- is to buy a specially marked copy of Crackdown. Revealed in the press release is the fact that the Crackdown disc itself will act as your key to download the beta from Xbox Live Marketplace. Crackdown is scheduled to hit the US February 20, Asian territories February 22, and Europe February 23.The second new method is called rule " Rule of Three." In order to qualify, Xbox 360 owners must participate in at least three hours of Halo 2 multiplayer sessions over Xbox Live between February 1 and February 3. Once this is accomplished, players must then register at Halo3.com. The "Rule of Three" program is open only to US residents age 17 and older. The first 13,333 players to register will be accepted into the beta.Please note that 360 owners must have a hard drive and a valid Xbox Live Gold subscription to apply for either of these methods.
Halo 3 tested in Iraq by our soldiers [update 1]
Over at the Gamespot's forums pictures and a brief video have surfaced of the Halo 3 beta being played by soliders in Iraq. There are a few offscreen pictures posted and a short video showing what looks to be either the Halo 3 loading screen or the title screen. Bungie and Microsoft set up a huge gaming station to showcase Halo 3 multiplayer for the soldiers ... how friggin' cool is that? If any soldier living overseas is reading this, please send us a tip if you know about this sneak peak at Halo 3 and/or your reactions if you got some hands on time. More pictures and video after the break ... salute! Update 1: Another video was found, updated video links after the break. [Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
Brute video reveals Covenant shotgun?
Ah, if there's anything better than milking Halo 3 content for all it's worth, we have not seen it. A savvy forum goer at High Impact Halo took some still shots of the new Brute video and has revealed what looks like a Covenant shotgun. The gun model itself looks like it's still a placeholder, but the image above shows definite traits of a shotgun-like weapon. Obviously, the blue lasers are going in several directions, all emanating from the same point. This could merely be a visual effect, but it looks as if some of the beams are impacting the Brute closest to the foreground (follow the "read" link for high res images). Given the Brutes tendency towards weapons with more, ahem, brute force, it wouldn't be surprising to see them have some sort of shotty.Will it make it into the final game? We'll just have to wait and see.[Thanks, Sam Meyer]
Bungie talks up the Brute video
Now that the latest Halo 3 "ViDoc" has been released and allowed to simmer for a few hours, Bungie has responded to some of the most common questions and concerns associated with it. Chief among these questions is of course the graphics. Already announced as being placeholder graphics, many still found the video to be lacking -- in some cases barely above Halo 2's visual quality. In response, Bungie says that essentially nothing in the video represents the actual look of Halo 3, save for a few very brief snippets. Furthermore, all footage in the video is several months old, as that is when they started creating the documentary.
Halo 3 Brute video: thoughts, impressions
Okay, the Halo 3 Brute documentary is now available on Marketplace. Doubtless, many of you have watched it already, while other poor souls are forced to go to work (if you are stuck at work, check out some off screen images here). You know what time it is? That's right, time to over-analyze!
New Halo 3 campaign video next week
Okay, so we got a big nasty rumor about playable Brutes and a new Halo 3 video yesterday. Those that stuck with the story know that Bungie's own Frankie later debunked the idea of playable Brutes. Luckily, part of the rumor is true, as Frankie has announced that we will be seeing a new video next week. He reveals almost nothing about the video, except that it will deal with the campaign mode of Halo 3. We've only had one snippet of the campaign mode so far, and that is the image above, so we're damned excited to see something new. Naturally we have our dreams (more Spartans?) but we'll try not to get our hopes too high. Let us conclude by making one Christmas wish: oh please let it have actual gameplay.
