Bungie-Studios
Latest
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.
Halo 3 Beta invites delivered to 'Rule of Three' participants
The second phase of Halo 3 Beta registration is complete, as those qualifying through the "Rule of Three" (Halo 2 playathon) have been notified of their entry into the beta. Future beta participants have been emailed the following confirmation: Congratulations [gamertag], You were one of the first 13,333 gamers to meet the "Rule of Three" program eligibility requirements. As a result, you have been selected to participate in the Halo® 3 beta. In order to participate, you must have access to: - An Xbox 360 Pro console or Xbox 360 Core console with hard drive - A valid Xbox Live® Gold subscription Keep an eye on your inbox, we will be sending more information about this opportunity soon. *Limit one Halo 3 beta invite per person/Xbox Live gamertag. Your invitation is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. The beta is available in English only. Now that phase one and two are complete, there remains just one opportunity to join the beta test. Buy Crackdown.
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 for cheap, if you buy now
LionGames.com is offering a $20 discount off of all Halo 3 retail editions. The catch is you'll be paying the full discounted price upon purchasing. Lion Games does imply that this is a limited time offer, encouraging interested shoppers to 'buy now,' meaning you'll be forking over at least $40 for a product that's unlikely to ship for at least another nine months. The deal could certainly be a device for the newly launched retailer to build some quick capital; but if you don't mind contributing to that, then go ahead and purchase a copy (or two). We can't vouch for Lion Games' credibility, but the site, headquartered in Winsted, Connecticut, appears to be a legitimate operation -- we have little doubt that your pre-purchased copy of Halo 3 would be shipped soon after the official release. As an added bonus, Lion Games accepts trade-ins (you pay for shipping). So as an alternative, you could pile up enough games and send 'em in to cancel out the Halo 3 charge -- heck, you could even trade in enough product to get Lion Games to cut you the check. Let us know how the exchange goes. [Thanks, Karl]
Buy Halo 3 now, get 1600 MS points for $5
Are you a diehard Halo fanatic guaranteed to pick up the upcoming sequel on the first day of release? Here's a deal that might interest you. If you are willing to shell out the full price of Halo 3 now, Best Buy's online store will sell you 1600 MS points ($20 in US currency) for $4.99. It sounds like a pretty good deal, so long as you had nothing better to do with $60 or $70 for the rest of the year. Best Buy loves it, of course, since they're getting the money virtually free for now and can invest it in a way that more than makes up for the $15 loss they incur for the MS points.
Japan invited to Halo 3 Beta, will anyone RSVP?
Siliconera reports that copies of Riot Act (a.k.a. Crackdown) will contain download codes for Halo 3 Beta, extending Microsoft's promotion to Japanese gamers. Peter Moore recently reiterated to IGN that Microsoft is "not going to back down" in its aggressive campaign to popularize the Xbox brand in Japan. Including the download code inside Riot Act retail boxes is a friendly gesture, but it's not going to generate as many sales as the promotion will in North America or Europe, where Halo is a dominant franchise; and FPS in general, a leading genre. Still, Moore insists that the beta promotion isn't about boosting Crackdown's exposure, but rather, is simply an opportunity to pair potentially M-rated Halo 3 with an M-rated title. Guess that explains why Viva Piñata didn't include keys to the beta. Riot Act will be available on February 22 in Japan, two days after the game is released in North America. Halo 3 Beta download codes will also be included with the European version 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 3 Beta invite guaranteed in every 'initial' copy of Crackdown [update 1]
While previous sources have stated otherwise, IGN claims to have received information from an unnamed Microsoft rep who has confirmed that every copy of Crackdown will include an invitation to Halo 3 Beta. If you're not interested in Crackdown, playing Halo 2 (you do own a copy of Halo 2, right?) for a few hours is still the best way -- and only other way -- to gain access to the beta. But it's good to know that a golden ticket, albeit an expensive one (if you plan to throw away the "chocolate bar"), will be sitting on the shelf at the local retailer, accessible at your leisure. Update: Microsoft sent along word that "every copy in the initial shipment" of Crackdown will have the download code for Halo 3 Beta. Each box will be specially marked. Microsoft did not specify how large the initial shipment would be. Don't cancel those pre-orders just yet... [Thanks, dork]
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.
Bungie laments Halo 2's failures
Bungie Studios' Chris Butcher hates Halo 2. "I [frackin'] cannot play Halo 2 multiplayer," he laments in an interview with Edge, "I cannot do it." Butcher's sentiments are, surprisingly, shared by many in the Bungie studios, who feel that Halo 2 did not have that four- to six-week period to polish the game like they did for the first outing. There's even dismay over the oft-maligned cliffhanger ending that Bungie staffer Frank O'Conner parallels to the ending of Thelma & Louise. The obvious promise, if you hadn't already guessed, is that Halo 3 is going to outdo its previous titles, correct the mistakes of the past and save puppies.* This writer still prefers the original Halo over its sequel, so it'll be interesting to see if the third game can bring the game to its fresh-and-exciting roots. [Via Xboxic]
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.
Halo 3 Beta notices this week, phase one registration closed
The first wave of Halo 3 Beta registrants will be notified of their acceptances this week, bringing phase one of Bungie's registration process to a close. A brief statement posted on Halo3.com reads: "If you have been selected to participate, congratulations and stay tuned for an email notification on the week of January 22-26, 2007." Anyone expecting? Two additional registration phases will follow, beginning with the "Rule of Three" Halo 2 playathon (Feb. 1). The final invitations to join the beta will be granted through the purchase of specially-marked retail boxes of Crackdown, which releases February 20. In related news, Microsoft has confirmed that the Crackdown demo, which will not offer access to Halo 3 Beta, will launch on Xbox Live tomorrow, January 23 (2:00 A.M. PST). [Via Xboxic; thanks, Jonah & Mr. Dude]
Bungie profiles Halo 3's MA5C Assault Rifle
In similar fashion to its recent Mongoose profile, Bungie turns the spotlight on Halo 3's MA5C Assault Rifle. Notable differences between the new weapon and Halo: Combat Evolved's MA5B include: Heavier barrel with a 1 in 7 twist Redesigned cowling to house the electronics suite that reduces weight and increases pointability of weapon Redesigned handguard which is sturdier and provides a more positive grip Simply put, the MA5C has greater range and is capable of dealing more damage than its predecessor. Bungie explains that the MA5C's performance is somewhere between the MA5B's and the BR55 Battle Rifle's. Like the BR55, a MA5C clip magazine holds only 32 rounds. As such, pulsing the trigger -- firing bullets in short bursts -- is the recommended strategy for dispersing targets.
We got learned! Halo 3 MA5C rifle info
As part of their in depth analysis of random Halo 3 technology, Bungie.net posted an analysis of an old weapon gone new, the MA5C Assault Rifle. Again, it is written in an army field report style with soldier opinions, technical specifications, and weapon combo strategies. One of our favorite soldier quotes referring to the assault rifle has to be "The (MA5C) is the workhorse for us ground-pounders. Just holding it makes you feel like God's own anti-son-of-a-blam!-machine". The assault rifle is similar in looks to it's older brother the MA5B (which appeared in the original Halo), but acts more like its Halo 2 cousin the BR55 Battle Rifle. Key differences that separate this assault rifle from the Halo version is that the clip holds much less rounds (32 to be exact), each bullet is more damaging, and it is much more accurate at longer distances. We also hear that it's wicked brutal when used as a melee weapon. The MA5C Assault Rifle will be the workhorse in Halo 3 and we're looking forward to using it to splatter grunt juice over every wall. [Thanks, un1qu3 n3wy0rk]
Leaked Halo 3 Alpha media roundup [update 1]
We've compiled (courtesy of Xbox 360 Fanboy) the leaked Halo 3 Alpha media for easy digestion. You won't get much more than a headache out of watching the videos, but the screenshot showing the Alpha download may give some indication as to the size of the forthcoming beta test (start deleting those old demos if you plan to join). Enjoy ... [Update: We've removed the leaked content at Bungie's request, sending the images and videos back into the perforated dam we call the internet. In lieu of ogling blurry screens and choppy video, stare at this $100 Legendary Edition helmet for a reminder of something else you'll never have.]
