Halo3Beta
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Hate reading? Halo 3 beta analysis video
We posted our own analysis of the recently leaked Halo 3 beta video in the wee hours of the morning earlier today. Unfortunately, it was comprised mostly of archaic written words (much like the post you are reading now). With the advent of moving pictures and recorded voice, the weaknesses of our written speech become abundantly clear. In other words, if you prefer watching to reading, you may want to glance at the video above. It seems that Joystiq did their own fancy and newfangled video analysis of the leaked video. It's chock-full of Halo 3 goodness and definitely worth a look for eager fans. Keep the faith fanboys, only 21 more days until May 16th.
Halo 3 beta video gets a complete analysis [update 2]
There was a certain Halo 3 beta video that got leaked last night, revealing a bunch of new information to how our beloved Halo 3 will look and play. The biggest news that came from the multiplayer video (which we re-embedded for your analyzing pleasure) was the game's graphics and a look at an un-announced map Last Resort, which is a re-creation of Halo 2's Zanzibar. But that's not all we learned, oh no. There is much more to see. We got our hands on a much higher res version of the leaked beta video and analyzed every frame of it, looking for new Halo 3 information. And we came away quite satisfied with a list of new Halo 3 beta tidbits that are posted after the break. Is the list complete? We doubt it, but that's why we want your help. If you noticed something that we missed in the leaked Halo 3 beta video (embedded above) simply leave us a comment. We'll keep an eye on your comments and update our post if we feel your new info was something we missed. As we always say, teamwork FTW! So, make your way to the break already ... new Halo 3 information awaits.Update 1 & 2: Fixed embedded video code above and updated the list.
Microsoft's internal Halo 3 beta begins
For those of you cool enough to have a Microsoft employee on your friends list you may have noticed them playing a certain game called "Halo 3 Beta". Yes, it is the real Halo 3 beta. No, it hasn't been released early, so put down your copy of Crackdown and breathe ... okay, you're good right? Frankie sends word that the Halo 3 beta is out, but is currently only available to Microsoft employees. In other words, it's Microsoft's internal Halo 3 beta and nothing more. So, if you see someone playing "Halo 3 Beta", you can be rest assured it's someone more important than you. And for the rest of us less important people we will have to be patient, because our Halo 3 beta goodness is still weeks away. We'll just sit back and wait this one out with a bag of Funyuns and a bottle of diet Mountain Dew. Damnit! You lucky Microsoft employees get everything ... we want our Halo 3 beta now! [Thanks, Willy Lohman]
More Halo 3 beta talk and Halo 2 news
The latest Bungie Weekly Update brings us a few more details about the Halo 3 beta and talks about the changes going on over in Halo 2 land. First, let's jump into the beta news. Frankie further clarifies his clarification about the new X button "Equipment" function. The X button will pick up and drop equipment items like the bubble shield and tripmine (others items may be in the works), but not "throw" them. So, they'll be items on a map that have to be picked up like any other weapon and once dropped ... they'll activate. Also, the bubble shield will allow people to pass through it, but stop bullets and grenades in their tracks. It's also interesting to note that the bubble shield will be "breakable" and stationary in the beta, not rolling once dropped. For those of you who are overly excited about Halo 3's recording function, it'll be available in the beta, but in a stripped down version only. And before we forget, there is plenty of Halo 2 news to be read about various problems, the new matchmaking structure, and information on the new maps. Again, we can't recap every jewel from the Weekly Update, so it's your fanboy duty to make the jump and read it all. Quickly, jump!
Halo 3 MP Vidoc Impressions
Wow. After watching today's ViDoc about Halo 3 Multiplayer, that's all we can muster to say. Despite only being Alpha footage, it looks to be very promising, and they showed us some never-before-seen weapons, arenas, and features. The most recognizable of which, is the bubble shield from the "Starry Night" ad back in December. Also shown is a trip mine, in this case, as a last ditch attempt at revenge for becoming roadkill via an oncoming Warthog. More analysis ensues after the break. But for now, we've got the video embedded for your viewing pleasure.
Halo 3 beta May 16th, new ViDoc on XBLM
Read the headline. That's really the gist of this whole story (as headlines tend to be). Microsoft announced this morning that the much anticipated Halo 3 beta will begin on May 16th, 5AM PDT, and will run for three weeks ending June 6th at 11:59PM PDT. The beta will come equipped with the three of the maps we already know about, Valhalla, Snowbound, and High Ground. It will also give players a chance to try out the Mongoose and many of the new weapons including the MA5C Assault Rifle, the Brute Spiker, the Spartan Laser, and the Spike Grenades. Finally, as a sort of hors d'oeuvre for the beta, a new ViDoc is now available at Bungie.net and Xbox Live Marketplace. Titled ""Is Quisnam Protero Damno!," the ViDoc gives some behind the scenes info on the new multiplayer maps and their design process. The fine lads here at X3F are all in the beta, so you can be sure you'll see us on there. If you haven't already, hurry up and sign up for the X3F Halo 3 beta leaderboard. The leaderboard should be a great place to find party members and some friendly competition when the beta launches. In the meantime, watch the ViDoc and dream of Halo 3 goodness.
Halo 3 beta shenanigans, shenanigans we say!
Some of our readers may have seen the image above -- minus the "bogus," of course -- floating around the internet since yesterday. Okay, the creator of the image claims that it is an official email containing a download code for the Halo 3 beta. Let's look at why this is categorically untrue.
A little more info about the Halo 3 beta
Game Informer sat down with Bungie's Community Lead Brian Jarrard to discuss the upcoming Halo 3 beta. When asked about how much actual Halo 3 content will be included in the beta, Jarrard confirmed there will be multiple multiplayer maps, a few vehicles, the inclusion of the new weapons, and a stripped down version of online stats that compare to that of Halo 2's offerings. Jarrard also hinted at new unannounced Xbox Live features saying that "most of our other new Live features are still highly classified, so I can't spill those details quite yet". Which of course gets our collective Halo fanboy gears churning, wondering what the other features could be. It's a pretty good (and short) interview, but we still don't learn any specifics about the beta including the most obvious ... when will it start? Anyone care to speculate on a rough time frame when we'll get our hands on some Halo 3 beta goodness or want to express your thoughts on what the new Xbox Live functions could be?
Germans get in Halo 3 beta with a preorder
Those lucky fellas in Germany have it easy trying to get into the Halo 3 multiplayer beta. To join this Spring's fun, all they have to do is plop down 10 Euros on Halo 3 and, like magic, they are in. Yup, that's mostly it. No hoops to jump, no waiting to register on a website only to find the server crashing in a minute, no purchasing of another game ... just a simple preorder. Though, to be fair, once they place a preorder they'll be emailed a code and then must register on this website. So, at least they have to do some (light) work to get in. Oh well ... German chocolates aren't that good anyway. [Via HBO]
Halo 3 materials and control scheme, oh my!
We're finally getting to a point where we get actual juicy details on Halo 3 from Bungie's Weekly Updates. This week's deep fried nuggets of information include the revealing of the first promotional material for Halo 3 (see above). According to Bungie, this marketing goodness is the first in a series that will be coming out throughout the year, similar to Halo 2's campaign with the whole orange background thing. Also note that it does read "Fall 2007" ... nice. Frankie also mentions that progress is being made on the campaign front, that the Halo 3 beta will not begin next week upon Crackdown's release, and that Bungie.net is getting an overhaul. He also posted the current default controller layout for Halo 3, dissecting each and every button and what each is used for. Though, Frankie makes it very clear that things could change and that the mysterious "X" button could be moved too. We're interested in how talking in multiplayer will work and currently there is a scheme using the d-pad, but he also mentions that it is in the extremely early stages of how the function will work. Please Bungie, make it so we don't have to push a button to talk, we can deal with loud people with our A-hole button. Go ahead and make the jump to get your weekly dose of Halo 3 knowledge.
Introducing the Halo 3 Beta Leaderboard/List
So, Phase 1 and 2 of the Halo 3 beta have closed, with most of us getting in. We even know that parties and matchmaking will be available, so you'll be able to play with your friends. A bunch of you readers left comments about getting in and wanted to exchange gamertags with those who were in the same boat. While we were busy throwing paper airplanes around the office here at Fanboy Towers, the idea came about to put together a comprehensive list of gamertags of beta participants. Better yet, we'll leave all the hard work to you, dear reader. If you're in the Halo 3 beta, sign up at our fancy schmancy custom leaderboard. We ask that those relying on Crackdown's invites to please only put your tag on the list after you've nabbed yourself a copy of the game. While you're at it, if you haven't added yourself to either of our standard leaderboards, feel free to do so now.Xbox 360 Fanboy Halo 3 Beta ParticipantsOther X3F Leaderboards:Xbox 360 Fanboy LeaderboardXbox 360 Fanboy Leaderboard Mk. II
Bungie answers our Halo 3 beta questions
So, we've got our Halo 3 beta seats confirmed (most of us), but we're still in the dark to what is happening, when, and what. Our heads are spinning in anticipation and our questions have been growing daily. But that's when Bungie steps in to clear up some of the confusion, because they are the cool cats of the gaming industry. At Bungie.net you'll find a newly posted Halo 3 beta FAQ where they answer some questions (and leave a few still lingering) about the beta. We now officially know that there will be no NDA attached to the beta (that's one less worry for Richard), that the beta will be mostly a technical stress test, we'll get to see what the mysterious "X" button does, that matchmaking will be the standard Halo party system, and there won't be multiple joining "phases" to the beta. Everyone who won the contests in phase 1, phase 2 or bought Crackdown will go on at the same time, friends and family get to lay down the "early play" card. Lots of good stuff, but still no word on when the beta will start or how long it will last.
Halo 3 beta: Microsoft says "the experience will be deep"
While at D.I.C.E., MTV News' Stephen Totilo spoke with Phil Spencer, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios, to check in on the status of some of Microsoft's bigger projects ... say, the litany of Halo games in the works. While Spencer wouldn't say much about Peter Jackson's as-yet-untitled Halo project, or Ensemble Studios' Halo Wars RTS -- both are still in the early stages of development -- he did have a little more to say about the upcoming Halo 3 beta. When asked about the size of the beta, Spencer responded, "It isn't really a tease ... People should expect a pretty robust experience when they're playing. Don't call it a demo." More than one map? Spencer assures us, "The experience will definitely be deep." Deep, eh? Remember, if you didn't get a Rule of Three invite, you can always grab an "initial" copy of Crackdown.%Gallery-1676%
Halo 3 beta primarily a server stress test
Speaking with Game Informer, Microsoft Games Managing Director, Shane Kim, and General Manager, Phil Spencer, take some time to discuss the Halo 3 beta. Speaking of the Halo 3 beta, Spencer notes that it will scale over time. In other words, the beta will start out small and grow as time passes. In part, this is why MS chose to put the beta in copies of Crackdown. It's presumable that those who made it into the first two phases of the beta will be playing before those with a Crackdown disc. The idea behind this is to implement new systems on Xbox Live to insure that everyone has a good experience playing when the retail product finally launches. By slowly adding more people to the beta, Microsoft can gauge the stress placed on Live.Spencer adds that before Halo 2 launched, many were worried about the amount of stress it would place on the Live network. According to Spencer, "For us that's what the beta is about." While this doesn't confirm suspicions that the Halo 3 beta is more a stress test than it is an actual beta, it certainly adds fuel to the fire. We've discussed our own theories in recent posts and the latest Fancast, but we'd like to know what you think.Will the Halo 3 beta be an actual beta, bugs and all? Or, will it be nothing more than a glorified stress test (admittedly a kickass stress test that's fun to play)? Does it even matter?[Via HBO]
MS defends Crackdown/Halo 3 beta decision
Ever since it was first announced that Crackdown would contain an invite to the coveted Halo 3 multiplayer beta, comments have been flying around the intertubes. Some have said that the beta was added in order to push an otherwise lackluster product. That theory, more or less, has been quashed now that the Crackdown demo has won the hearts and minds of the people. Others have expressed outrage at being "forced" to buy Crackdown in order to get into the beta. Frankly, this argument doesn't really hold water, as a beta test is just that, a beta test. In a recent Reuters article, Microsoft's Craig Evans defends the choice. In response to the claim that Crackdown was virtually off the radar before the Halo 3 beta was announced, Evans says, "I can understand why people might think that, but the bottom line is that Crackdown is a game that stands on its own." Referring to the common joke that people are buying the Halo 3 beta and not Crackdown (see image), Evans notes, "People are definitely saying 'I'm getting a free beta with Crackdown', not the other way around," adding, "The Halo 3 beta isn't going to push the game's sales into the millions. Crackdown is going to push its sales into the millions."We certainly won't argue that Crackdown is a good game on its own merits, but it would be foolish to assume that the inclusion of the Halo 3 beta had nothing to do with its quick rise into the spotlight. In the end, it was a slick way for Microsoft to promote a good original game with no franchise history to exploit. Grand Theft Auto, for example, practically markets itself. Crackdown didn't have an obvious marketing hook. The beta put Crackdown in the public eye, and now that we've had a taste, we want more. Halo 3 beta or not, we're picking Crackdown up next week. Anyone want to take bets on how long it takes to become a million seller?[Via HBO]
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.
Halo 3 Rule of Three beta invites arriving
The time has finally come to see whether your attempts at securing a Halo 3 beta invite were successful. You may have failed at phase 1 of the sign-up process, but your dreams of winning the Rule of Three are still a possibility. And soon you'll find out if you were one of the first 13,333 to make it in. Fanboy readers are reporting that they have received a confirmation email from Microsoft telling them that they have made it into the Halo 3 beta via the Rule of Three program. We've posted a copy of the email just in case your supposed best friend sends you a fake beta confirmation email, getting your hopes up, and ultimately resulting in you being the laughing stock of the planet. We wouldn't want that now would we? It's time to brag again fellow fanboys, who made it into the Halo 3 beta and who's going to be buying Crackdown?[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
Halo 3 Beta invitation confirms Crackdown disc needed
If you were planning on tossing Microsoft's upcoming supercop sim shortly after using the included Halo 3 Beta key, you'd best restrain your throwing arm. Shizzle Games has posted an image of Crackdown's included invite card -- it clearly lays out that the Halo 3 Beta code is both downloaded and launched via the game's main menu. With no dashboard option, you'll have to keep your Crackdown disc for as long as you want to take part in Bungie's practice run.Luckily, Crackdown's recent Xbox Live demo has greatly weakened the game's early reputation for being Master Chief's ball-and-chain. See the full invite card after the break. [Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
Crackdown disc required to play Halo 3 Beta
On Monday, we showed you a screenshot of the Halo 3 Beta download screen in retail copies of Crackdown. Today, we have a picture of the invite card, which confirms how the process works. In short, you need to have the Crackdown game in your Xbox 360 to play the Halo 3 Beta. It does NOT show up in your "Demos and More" tab on the dashboard after downloading it through Crackdown. This coincides with the original press release, which stated you had to load the game to download the beta. Check out the invite card after the break.
