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Bungie hints at big announcement this week
This week's Bungie Weekly Update brings us talk of Halo 2, Halo 3, and a hint at some significant news coming this week. On the Halo 2 front, Bungie announced that they will be rolling back all the ranks for all gametypes in preparation for the new maps. They'll also be releasing an update that'll allow their patented Banhammer to further bring the pain, which could make for some rocky matchmaking the first week or so. Be prepared, you were warned. But that's Halo 2, we want Halo 3 news and we want it now! And Frankie didn't disappoint as he discusses the evolution of the fusion core, ambient sounds, and announces that another Halo 3 vid doc will be coming down the pipeline in the near future. Most exciting is Frankie's hint about this week's news saying that there will be "Big changes coming. Big changes and big news. Next week is going to be significant". Big changes and big news eh? We can only speculate to what will be gracing our ears and eyes this week (Halo 3 beta news anyone?), we're eager with anticipation. Enjoy the update and enjoy the sun, make the jump and have some fun.
More Halo 3 weapon and multiplayer details
In an interview with Gamepro, Bungie's Frankie answers questions about Halo 3's weapons and a few multiplayer inquiries. Among the nuggets of information squeezed from Frankie's lips are that the Needler has been overhauled (again), the Spiker is the Brute version of the SMG, and that the various types of grenades add another layer of strategy to the whole ball of wax. Equally interesting is that Frankie pretty much confirms Halo 3 will be using Halo 2's party based matchmaking (as if we doubted that) and when questioned about online co-op Frankie answered, "What is a co-op? We'll do our best to make the online experience a blast". Haha, funny Frankie. You know we want our online co-op and we want it now, or just when Halo 3 is released. That'll do. Read the full interview after the jump. [Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
Bungie adds shiny new servers
Yesterday, over on Bungie.net, they put up a little warning post to current Halo 2 players stating that they were adding new servers and that some game stats may get lost during the work. They then went on to say that these shiny new servers will also be running and logging all of our future Halo 3 beta and Halo 3 fun. But wait, did you just read that? Bungie is adding brand new game servers that'll support the Halo 3 beta! Holy cow! That means the Halo 3 beta will be releasing in like weeks, no days ... wait, minutes or even seconds! Or not, because soon after the servers went live Bungie updated their post by saying that, "this was just a routine server upgrade, similar to when we upgraded the web servers a couple weeks ago, and isn't a hint of imminent changes in the beta status". So, we guess the new servers aren't official confirmation of anything beta related. It was just our inner fanboys yearning for Halo 3 beta news and nothing more than that. What a sobering thought.
Bungie talks Halo 2 maps
In Bungie's latest Weekly Update, Frankie went into greater detail with regards to Tombstone and Desolation. He complimented Certain Affinity's ability to bring Hang 'Em High and Derelict successfully to Halo 2's gameplay changes from that of Halo. There was obviously a lot more thought put into the changes than just changing the textures and taking away the roof, as the map also features fall damage, which we believe is to be exclusive to that map at this point. As for Desolation, it's been streamlined for competitive play and features grav lifts, ramps around the perimeter, as well as face lifts, moving from an abandoned spacecraft to an open forest.
High school Halo 2 tournament quashed by school officials
The Ann Arbor News reported this weekend about a high school junior's plans for a school-sanctioned Halo 2 tournament, which was canceled after local police got wind of it. Zach Wigal had hacked through a jungle of bureaucracy for nine months while planning the tournament, spending $650 of his own cash on a permit, printing 2,500 fliers, and clearing the idea with school officials. Four days before the event, Wigal's dad made a courtesy call to the cops, letting them know than an estimated 300 gamers were about to descend on the high school commons, suggesting that the officer might want to attend for security reasons. That set off a chain reaction of concerned phone calls that ended up with the school officials rescinding their permission for the tournament, ostensibly because "kids 17 and under playing an M-rated game for money is not something appropriate for the high school." A reasonable decision, but one that they were perfectly capable of making, oh, nine months ago. Zach Wigal had better hope he gets that $650 back.
Halo 2 maps: Hang 'em High is back, not 360 exclusive
Halo 2 fans rejoice, as Microsoft has officially announced the new maps coming to Halo 2. There will be two maps available for download, Tombstone and Desolation. Tombstone is a remake of one of the most popular maps from the original Halo, Hang 'em High. Seen in the image above, Tombstone gives Hang 'em High's stark presentation an industrial twist. Desolation is a remake of Derelict, and presents a more symmetrical design. Check out Desolation after the break.
Video: Fan Made Mjolnir Mix on GHII
So, last month we reported the OXM rumor about Halo 2's "Mjolnir Mix" getting into Guitar Hero II for the 360. Well, GameTrailers user moistpjs (heh) made a video from the PS2 version of the game that gives an interesting take on how it would play. Due to our newbian skills, however, we can't figure out if we can embed User made content from Gametrailers, or how he made it all happen. Either it was some very impressive editing skills, or most likely, he haxx0red the song into the game on his PS2 and set the note structure to the music. Whatever way he managed to pull it off, it's a job very well done on his part and we hope to see something official from RedOctane that follows suit in the form of downloadable content off of Xbox Live Marketplace. What did you think of the video? Would you play that song on your 360 version of GHII in a heartbeat?[Via HBO]
Frankie talks Halo 3 dev process
One thing we know for sure is that Halo 3 will be coming out this year, it will be huge, and it'll be put under one giant microscope. So, how does the Bungie team deal with all the internal pressures, development process, and stay on track? In a Next Generation interview, Bungie's own Frankie says that compared to Halo 2 the whole project is" well managed, it's well scheduled, and it's a pretty happy environment". Frankie also talks about what the main focus is right now and how they are polishing, refining, and adding layers and layers of goods onto Halo 3's framework. He also mentions that they do indeed have a hard date when they have to push the Halo 3 beta out the door (which is soon), but doesn't know when it'll make it into the public's hands other than a rough "this Spring". Halo 3 downloadable content talk and insightful interview banter can be read after the jump.[Thanks, Eric]
Bungie.net's makeover, complete with Halo 3 inspiration
Bungie couldn't look any prettier today as the long-awaited makeover of their site has officially rolled over. Typically, a company remodeling their website would be a footnote on a release, but this is Bungie and a site that has recorded over 600 million games of hot, Spartan action. It deserves a little recognition. Okay, so there is more to it. Midway through the design process, Bungie called upon one of the folks behind Halo 3's interface to lend a hand to the statistical portion of the website. Using our man-crush Frankie as an example, profiles have received a huge face lift, complete with swanky flash navigation for the game viewer. And If we look at this game where Frankie placed 12th on Juggernaut Lockout (ouch), we can see all sorts of new graphical flair and a much improved presentation. Sort of makes you wish you were playing Halo 3 right now, doesn't it?
Special driftwood looks like Halo 3's Spiker
Not only do we love our driftwood, but we like it all the more when it comes in the shape of items from the Halo universe. If your memory serves you well you'll know that this past January we told you about a piece of driftwood that looked eerily similar to that of a Brute Shot. Today we bring you more driftwood, but in the shape of the new Halo 3 Spiker! We aren't going to speculate on how such a masterpiece was produced by nature, because it just isn't necessary. We all know that the ancient Forerunners buried this masterpiece on Earth so someone would find it just in time for a Halo 3 release this Fall. Though, we're still waiting on the energy sword driftwood to float down the river ... maybe this spring.[Via HBO]
Lego Warthog and Spectre built brick by brick
We're adding to our ever expanding Lego creations collection by showcasing these two Halo inspired beauties. Over on his Flickr account, legohaulic posted a few pictures of his newly created Lego Warthog and Spectre models from Halo 2. Great craftsmanship and just very well done, gold star for you legohaulic. Our favorite has to be the Spectre with its curvaceous front and perfectly framed proportions. That's not to say we don't enjoy the Warthog, but we just wish he could have made it into a a limited edition Puma.[Via Digg]
Shadowrun in June, PC Live features revealed
Tucked away inside Microsoft's latest Windows Live press release is the official release month for Shadowrun. EGM speculated that the game would see release in April, but the press release reveals that the official month is June. We would have preferred to rock some Shadowrun a little earlier, but at least this gives us something to play over the summer.The press release also reveals that the Windows Vista release of Halo 2 will be May 8th. In addition, the press release outlines what PC users can expect from Windows Live. Silver members can utilize Gamertags, voice chat, gamerscore, single player achievements, friends lists, and PC only multiplayer. Gold membership grants access to matchmaking, TrueSkill matchmaking, multiplayer achievements, and cross-platform gameplay. Full press release after the break.
Games for Windows Live and Halo 2 hit Vista May 8th
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Games_for_Windows_Live_and_Halo_2_hit_Vista_May_8th'; While the editors of Games for Windows' official magazine may not be ready to drink the Vista-flavored Kool-Aid just yet, Microsoft is ready to give Vista early adopters a handful of reasons to pick up the latest OS upgrade ... err, at least they're ready to announce a date when you may want to plan on doing the picking up: May 8th. Yup, in eight weeks, Microsoft's Games for Windows Live service (doesn't roll of the tongue as easily as Xbox Live, eh?) and its inaugural title, Halo 2, will be available for Vista users.Don't care much for Halo 2? In "June" Shadowrun -- the first Live Anywhere title enabling cross-platform multiplayer -- hits the Xbox 360 and Vista with full Live integration. The final title they're eager to talk about is UNO, which will be released on Vista "later in 2007." We're not sure why a seemingly simple title like UNO isn't making the launch of the service (or even getting a date) but Microsoft assures us there will be more news around this decision later and that it will be apparent why we're not getting a release date now. They also said cross-platform licensing decisions for titles like UNO have not been worked out yet; we're betting this is gonna get tricky.%Gallery-2105%
Halo 2 Achievements for Vista
In a recent blog entry by Hired Gun, the MGS team responsible for bringing Halo 2 for Vista posted recently regarding the 41 Achievements the game will have. They cover the easy ones and the difficult ones the put in, from sticking your first enemy in multiplayer to killing someone who beat the game on Legendary to playing through the single player campaign without dying, although they didn't specify the difficulty required. Interestingly enough Silver members, while able to play multiplayer in Halo 2 Vista, they won't be able to unlock Achievements online or use the matchmaking, while Gold members get the full course. So, do you plan on taking your Xbox 360 account over to the land of mouse and keyboard to get Halo 2 Achievements?
Frankie wrote a novel of a Halo 3 update
This week's Bungie Weekly Update is a long one, almost epic in scale. In it, Frankie discusses many things, from Halo 3's campaign AI to Marty's award winning music. But what we love to hear about is how the game looks, how the world will interact with every multiplayer footstep we take, and how each blade of grass will sway. Frankie's water effects are coming along nicely, as the water reacts to whatever is in it, can get muddied, and could possibly move weapons (or bodies) down the river current. How cool is that? We also get a hint to where one of the new Halo 2 maps will be located, as Frankie tells us that "one map features some awesome monkey noises". Could it be in a Brute forrest or at the San Diego Zoo? We'll leave it up to you to do the speculating. Phew ... there's just too much information in the is weekly update for us to list, so we're making you read the other nuggets of information over at Bungie.net. Go ahead, Bungie doesn't bite (too hard).
Halo 2 Theme on Guitar Hero II? Schweet
OXM's exclusive article and review combo of Guitar Hero II in their March issue had an interesting tidbit on an exclusive song. Apprarently, the Xbox 360 version will get a little spartan nostalgia as they get to rock out to the Mjolnir Mix of the Halo 2 theme. In terms of the song itself, it sounds like a lot of fun, as the guitar is very distinctive. Honestly, who wouldn't want to play the Halo 2 theme? Still, when we read the magazine's article prior to coming across this news, we didn't see any mention of the song, but perhaps we overlooked it in a sidebar or something. So, until we double check our issue of OXM, or a Fanboy reader confirms it, we're going to classify this as a rumor. No word if it is going to be available on the disc off the bat or through a download off of Xbox Live Marketplace. We're going to look into this as soon as we can. Let's say this is true, how do you feel about the Halo's theme showing up in other games? [Via GameStooge]
Halo assault rifle replica in the really real life
Cheap plastic Halo laser toys just don't cut it for you? Do you have a more refined taste for video game replica weapons and demand a real man's Halo piece, all metal, and life size? Then you have to check out link4044's custom made Halo 3 MA5C assault rifle. It's still a work in progress, but he has been working on it since December. Using Corel Draw, having the blueprints laser cut, putting it back together, and giving it some sanding love makes this assault rifle quite the pretty replica. He's even putting an electronic bullet counter in it too! Job well done link4044, but we just want to know where we can preorder something like that.[Via Digg]
Is the Halo franchise working the streets?
Over at the PezCorner blog, Pezcore wrote up his concerns for the Halo franchise. To sum up his argument, he feels that Microsoft is "whoring" out the Halo franchise, making it too commercial, and tainting the Halo that we all love so dearly. Yes, we agree that Halo has gotten much more commercial, but that's what happens when a franchise reaches the popularity Halo has. One could argue that creating action figures, laser guns, or offering a beta in Crackdown is overkill, but an equal argument would be that this mass marketing feeds fan's appetite for all things Halo. Collecting action figures of your favorite video game, possibly playing Halo laser tag with your son, and getting the chance to play Halo 3 multiplayer before the game releases all wouldn't be possible if Microsoft didn't market Halo the way it has. And to be ashamed of being a Halo fan, because of the marketing? We'd consider checking your Halo fanboy membership card, because it may have expired. Let's all just breathe, be proud that we have one of the biggest FPS franchises, and have confidence in Bungie that they won't let anything happen to our Halo.[Via HBO]
Get your laser tag on ... Halo 3 style
Yesterday, TeamXbox reported that Jasman Toys will be partnering with Microsoft and Bungie to create an exclusive line of Halo 3 toys. But these aren't just any ordinary toys, oh no, these are replica Covenant weapons! Jasman Toys is creating a laser tag type of game using the Halo 3 plasma rifle, plasma pistol, and energy sword. Finally, we now have a way to act out our Master Chief fantasies in the real world. And we fully understand how the plasma rifle and pistol will shoot out laser goodness, but how is the world is the energy sword going to work?
Free Halo faceplate with Crackdown purchase
If you are going to be purchasing Crackdown this Tuesday, then you may want to head over to your local Circuit City. Since Crackdown comes with the Halo 3 beta invite, Circuit City is offering a free Halo faceplate (a $20 value) with the purchase of Crackdown. Free stuff always makes us happy, especially free Halo merchandise. And speaking of which, shouldn't it be a mandate that every new Xbox 360 game release has to include a free faceplate? It's a great idea and something we'll be pitching to Microsoft and their lovely marketing team.
