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Female Spartan in Halo 3? Could be ...
Upon further inspection, we've unearthed another Halo 3 tidbit from Friday's Bungie.net weekly update. Bungie is considering (considering, mind you) adding a female voice option for Spartans in Halo 3 multiplayer. Apparently, a considerable portion of the Halo 2 player base is comprised of women. It's also apparent (at least to me) that none of these women live within a hundred miles of Fanboy Towers (not that it matters, I'm happily married thankyouverymuch). Bungie assures us that the voice will not be comical or stereotypical, but rather a strong female voice to make the Chief proud. Of course, this raises a few issues. What about female Covenant? Are there female Covenant? On second thought, maybe we don't want to know.Are you a female Halo fanatic jonesing for a gender appropriate voice in your games? If so, Bungie invites you to say so in their forums, make petitions on your own sites, or you could always comment here.
Frankie is obsessed with water
Frankie's most recent Bungie Weekly Update talks about various things, anything from a sales update on the new Halo novel, to how pretty Halo 3's water is. Above all the meat and potatos of Frankie's update is that next week there will be some BIG Halo 3 news revealed. I can't help but think that the BIG news coming out next week is due to a certain console being launched, just call me crazy. I for one can't get enough Halo 3 news, who's with me on that?
Play what in 2007?
With the recent release of Gears of War you may be asking yourself, "man this game roxorz, but what other games can I look forward to in 2007?" It's okay my friend we're here to enlighten you, because About.com compiled a nice list of the most anticipated Xbox 360 games dropping in 2007. I'm already saving up for games like BioShock, Lost Planet, Halo 3 (duh), Alan Wake, Too Human, Assassin's Creed, and Guitar Hero II. I'm going to shed a tear ... just look at what we'll be playing in 2007.[Via, Digg]
Halo 3 maps, weapons previewed
1UP's got the skinny on several of Halo 3's multiplayer maps for your starving soul: Snowbound - small map (4-10 players) with outdoor and indoor (tunnel system) environments; ideal for Slayer, Team Slayer, Tank Flag, Ninjaball, Oddball, and King of the Hill High Ground - mid-sized (6-16 players) Zanzibar-esque map with beach entry and compound; ideal for One Flag CTF, Assault, Slayer, Team Slayer, and Eliminatio Valhalla - mid-sized (6-16 players) spiritual successor to Blood Gulch; ideal for CTF Classic, CTF, and Team Slayer 1UP's coverage also previews new toys, including the MA5C Assault Rifle, Spike Rifle, Spike Grenade, and Spartan Laser -- oh, and the Man Cannon. Heads!
Breakdown of new Halo 3 multiplayer maps
1UP's kuh-razy month long coverage of Halo 3 continues with breakdowns of the three confirmed new maps: Snowbound, High Ground, and Valhalla. Along with the new maps, we learn about some of the new environmental features.
Video break down of leaked Halo 3 info
Shatter Studios have put together two videos that summarize the leaked Halo 3 info in easily digestible bites. Using the leaked images as backgrounds, the videos point out new weapons, features, and maps. Think of it like a really awesome version of all those crappy documentaries you had (or have) to watch in high school. Our favorite part is when they point out the new spike grenade, which resembles a WWII era German grenade -- you may remember 1UP's Mark MacDonald remarking that it makes a satisfying/terrifying "whoop whoop whoop" sound as it rotates in the air. Check out both videos after the break.
Halo 3 impressions from 1UP and EGM
That issue of EGM isn't even out yet and the Halo 3 hype train keeps a' rolling. The editors of EGM/1UP have posted some of their thoughts and impressions of their visit to Bungie. Though they don't give away anything that hasn't already been leaked, they do announce that they definitely liked what they saw. Dan Hsu makes a time honored point, noting that the graphics weren't "that impressive for an Xbox 360 game," but it was so fun that it didn't matter. He goes on to say that he doesn't want to go back to Halo 2 now that he has been spoiled by this (pre-alpha) build of Halo 3. Mark MacDonald probably gives the most concrete info, giving speculators and Halo fanatics something to chew on. "I very rarely dual-wielded in the few hours we got to play Halo 3, and after some early experimentation, I mostly stuck with the Assault Rifle. I'd pick up a Battle Rifle or Shotgun if I had the chance, but unless I was super close or far from a target, the AR suited me just fine. More than fine. OK I f*king love the assault rifle. It might as well be an entirely new weapon. (I hope they don't mess with it too much between now and the final game.)"He goes on to discuss some of the new weapons, the new maps, and the overall candor of the Bungie team. Fans slavering for info would best be served to read his impressions first. The last impression comes from Luke Smith, who paints Halo as his Mario. His is more nostalgia and hope than the factual accounts of the other two. Still, if you love Halo, or hearing people wax romantic about videogames, give it a read.So, with all this pre-hyped hype, has anybody actually gotten the new EGM yet?[Via HBO]
New Halo book meets the HD era
I just picked up the latest novel in the Halo series, Ghosts of Onyx. I've barely begun to read it, but you can expect some sort of review-like thing when the words are ingested. However, before the book is even opened, it's clear that the Halo books have moved into the HD era. Much larger than its older cousins, Ghosts of Onyx is a true example of next generation book making. The cover art is dramatically improved, no doubt thanks to the wonders of dual core processors and 512 Megs of RAM. Also, the words are very clear and precise, easy to read. Of course, we all know that pretty graphics are worthless if the gamepla . . . er . . . story isn't up to snuff. I'll give you the lowdown on that just as soon as I'm finished. Anyone else out there pick this up yet?
1UP clarifies Halo 3 info, new details
1UP has taken some of the leaked Halo 3 info and clarified a few mistranslations and speculations. First, the Spartan laser is more than an anti-vehicle weapon and can be used quite effectively as an anti-personnel weapon. Apparently, it's not as difficult to control as some sources thought it to be, though Bungie may still tweak it for balance. Second, the new Brute weapon, the Spiker, is sort of a cross between the needler and the SMG and it's more effective than both. The weapon shoots bright orange spikes at a very fast rate. We can't help but be reminded of the needler shown during a pre-release Halo 2 multiplayer demonstration ages ago. You know, the one that didn't suck. Third, the nail grenade is actually called a spike grenade and should be quite a departure from the plasma and frag varieties. Fourth, weapons not in use will be placed according to their type. For example, two handed weapons like rifles and shotguns will be slung over the shoulder, while single handed pistols will be kept at the hip. Halo fans will recognize that actually seeing a secondary weapon will dramatically change gameplay (no more hiding the sword or rocket launcher). Fifth, multiplayer will still be capped at 16. Obviously, this has worked well thus far, so why fix what ain't broke? Finally, the "Man Cannon," designed for fast air travel, is so hilariously named that many assumed it was a mistranslation. Nope, Man Cannon is the name Bungie gave it, and it's not likely to change. 1UP promises that there is even more info in the latest issue of EGM -- arriving in mailboxes shortly -- and all month long at 1UP itself. Rest assured we'll bring you more Halo 3 as it develops.[Via Bungie.net]
Halo 3 LE images, pre-orders being taken
Just when you thought you'd absorbed all the Halo 3 info that was leaked last week, scans of the latest Famitsu are starting to hit the web. There's plenty to look at, though most of it was in the scans of Level that were leaked last week. One little bit that was not in the scans -- as far as we know -- is a picture of the Legendary edition. Taken from the Famitsu scans, the above image could be both the collector's and Legendary editions side by side, or possibly just the Legendary edition by itself. We'll leave the speculating to you. Hit the read link for the scans.In related news, GameStop has started taking pre-orders on Halo 3, with a release date of 11/07. Those familiar with Bungie lore know that 11 and 7 are important numbers in the Halo universe -- the Master Chief if Spartan 117, for example -- so the date is feasible. That, and it'll probably take that long to finish anyway. GameStop requires a reservation fee of $5 for the standard edition, $10 for the collector's edition, and $25 for the Legendary edition. We agree with Joystiq that it's insidious to play on gamers' fears with pre-orders -- the logic being that if you don't pre-order, you won't get it day one -- but at the same time, we want that helmet (at least I do). Still, with a rumored price of $100, the Legendary edition could be a serious pain in your wallet. Would you be willing to lay down ten Hamiltons for it?[Thanks, Sincere7745 and dapperdan]
EB-Gamestop wants your Halo 3 money -- now!
EB-Gamestop has launched an aggressive campaign to secure your Halo 3 pre-order, today -- well, technically, yesterday. Chances are if you're on file, the company spammed you yesterday, via phone, to let you know that pre-orders for three different Halo 3 editions are now being accepted.First, the details (or lack thereof): EB-Gamestop is collecting $5 for the standard edition, $10 for a collector's edition, and $25 for Legendary Edition (a.k.a. Master Chief's bust). The company cannot confirm the final retail price for any of these items*, nor does it know when it will stop accepting your free money. "We stop taking pre-orders the day they call and tell us to," a Gamestop employee in the New York area told us today.Certainly there's a pre-order cap, but what is it? Collectively, retailers sold more than 1.5 million Halo 2 pre-orders. Let's assume each of those pre-orders cost $5 -- knowing that many were sold for more. That's $7,500,000. Say, EB-Gamestop secured 30% of those pre-orders; then the company alone pulled in $2.25 million, plus interest.Accepting Halo 3 pre-orders now is taking advantage of us, the consumers. The game isn't due until at least next year, but for fear of pre-orders suddenly ceasing, for fear of not owning Halo 3 on day one, we go out there and hand over our security deposits; and the retailers sit on it, making money off of our money -- the money that bought us nothing more than a promise.It's fine to offer pre-orders a few months in advance. In fact, it's a good idea -- but only once the release date is known; the retail prices confirmed; and shipment numbers allocated. But asking for our Halo 3 money now? Today? C'mon, you really gonna play us like that?*Legendary Edition is rumored to be priced at $100.[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]
Halo movie officially postponed
Sad news today for Halo fanatics, the movie has been officially postponed. The postponement stems from Fox and Universal recently pulling out of the project. It's worth noting that the production team is still fully behind first time feature director, Neill Blomkamp. Here is the official statement:"As was previously confirmed, we deeply regret that both Universal and Fox did not choose to move forward with financing the Halo film under the original terms of the agreement. At this time Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, along with their partner, Microsoft, have mutually agreed to postpone making a feature film based on the Halo video game universe until we can fulfill the promise we made to millions of Halo fans throughout the world that we would settle for no less than bringing a first class film to the big screen. We are fully supportive of Director Neill Blomkamp's vision of the film. Neill is a tremendously gifted filmmaker and his preliminary work on Halo is truly awe-inspiring. While it will undoubtedly take a little longer for Halo to reach the big screen, we are confident that the final feature film will be well worth the wait."Whether or not you believe it when corporations say that they're "doing it for the fans," it's heartening to note that the movie is not canceled (though AICN isn't so sure). Then again, oftentimes, movies that take forever to develop eventually fall flat (D&D, anyone?). At any rate, we'd speculate that you won't see any Halo movie before 2008. But hey, at least they're finally rolling out new info about Halo 3, right?[Thanks, Paul]
Halo Trilogy theme on XBLM
A Halo 3 theme is now available on Marketplace for 150 MS Points or as a bonus with the new Halo faceplate out tomorrow. Here's the official description:The Halo Trilogy dashboard theme is a must-have for serious Halo fans. Available as a free gift with the purchase of the Halo 3 Xbox 360 faceplate, or right now as downloadable marketplace content, the theme features never-before seen scenes from Bungie Studio Halo 1, 2 and 3. Each blade presents a re-imagined view from the Halo universe, including all three iterations of the Master Chief's iconic Spartan armor, from past, present and future.Buyers please weigh in with your review. Does everybody agree that just about all of the game-related themes on XBLM make the text too hard to read?
Leaked H3 info is just the beginning
In Friday's Bungie Weekly Update, Frankie speaks briefly about the Halo 3 magazine scans that were leaked last week. For one, EGM has images that weren't leaked via the Swedish magazine, Level. Not only that but the folks at Bungie have one or two more Halo related surprises before the year is over. What these surprises could be is anyone's guess. We'd say that it will be a new trailer at best, and a demo at most impossiblest (not a real work). In other Bungie news, Halo 3 matchmaking tests are going swimmingly and the Halo movie continues apace, despite recent setbacks.Anyone care to hazard a guess about what Halo 3 info will be revealed before New Year's?
Halo 3 email addresses fetching the bucks?
With the first decent info on Halo 3 showing up in the gaming glossies, you can really sense the hype machine starting to churn. That's why it's a good time to start snapping up Master Chief-related exotica on Ebay -- starting with a Halo 3 yahoo adress. With 13 hours to go, "Order_Halo_3@yahoo.com" is going for $9.99, a full $290 off the buy-it-now price of $300. The seller says similar "professional" Halo 3 email addresses have sold for $1000 plus. Sounds like a can't miss deal, but I'm sticking with my squatter address: whyruwastingyr$@yahoo.com
Bungie don't want no stinkin' scans
Bungie is cracking down on scanned images from gaming magazines with stuff on Halo 3. They're threatening to ban anyone who links or posts offending pics/ transcriptions to their forums for life. Merely mentioning the subject gets you a week. While I'm sure everyone understands their need to protect copyrighted material (There has to be some reason to pay $6 for EGM right?) it's sad that the dead tree media has to be so uptight in this information age, especially since all people want to do is hype Bungie's product . Luckily, you can still read the issue for free at 7-11 until the clerk yells at you.[Thanks Cal]
Halo 3 Legendary Editon includes cat helmet
Because a regular "Collector's Edition" just isn't geeky enough, here's what will be included in the four-disc Halo 3: Legendary Edition according to 1up: Cut-scenes from the Halo games with DVD-style director's commentary An uspecified number of documentaries, including a look at the way Halo fans have extended the fiction A "cat-head sized" (1up's description) Spartan helmet that you put over the four discs as a display piece. The actual game. No word on what all this fanboy fun will cost. How many Halo fanatics will pay top dollar for the chance to cram a Bungie-approved torture device on Toonces' head? What's a fair price?
MGS4 on the Xbox 360? [Updated]
Most of us were so busy gabbing about the Halo 3 cover story in the December issue of EGM, we failed to notice the "Metal Gear Solid 4 on Xbox 360?" headline in the upper right corner. Any subscribers care to elaborate?[Update]Che Chou, a former 1up staffer now working on Forza 2 for MS posted this response in the NeoGaf forums (Via Xboxic):It's simply a rumor that Konami higher-ups are pressuring Kojima Productions to consider making MGS4 a multiplatform game because production costs on the game are unsurprisingly high and only getting higher. With PS3 install base numbers not looking all that rosy due to console cost and manufacturing problems, Konami is scared they can't recoup their investment on only 1 platform alone. It's also a nice way to maybe blackmail Sony into giving Konami an incentive to keeping the game a PS3 exclusive, imo. Whatever the case, I highly doubt it's going to happen so quit building yourself a disappointing kiloton bomb. Either way, it's fun to see the PS3 fanboys sweat over losing their most prized exclusive.[Thanks Luke]
1up prepping Haloverload
1UP is going to be offering three full weeks of Halo 3 updates with video, podcasts, pictures, finger puppets, and posts. Are we jealous? Only a tiny bit. Are we envious? Not of all the work they'll be doing. Even they're calling it a "megafeature." After they're done, you're either going to want to storm the Bungie offices, kick the doors in, and demand your own copy of the game, or else you'll want to strangle someone at 1up because you're green with envy.We'll give you a preview of the coverage here:Week one - YAY! We played Halo 3! (post)Week two - Hey, did we mention we played Halo 3? (podcast)Week three - Guess what, we played Riiiiiiiidge Ra ... er, we mean Halo 3!!! (video)Efforts are underway by 1UP to have November named "National Halo 3 Month," more as it develops.
1UP confirms Halo 3 news, more to come
1UP has officially confirmed the Halo 3 info that we uncovered earlier today. What's interesting is that they reveal all the same details that we discovered. Obviously, this can't be all that there is to the EGM cover story or 1UP wouldn't spill the beans. After all, why buy the magazine if 1UP already told you everything, right? 1UP does reveal another detail or two that we didn't have earlier. One, there will actually be three SKUs of Halo 3, a standard, collector's, and the aforementioned "Legendary" edition. Two, 1UP hints that Halo 3 will include an in game recording option, allowing budding machinima creators to make their own movies, or letting vets record their best runs. 1UP promises to have three solid weeks of Halo 3 coverage. Stay tuned for all the latest info, and be sure that we'll give you the lowdown on the cover story when it shows up in our mailbox.[Thanks, hot zizzy]
