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Halo 2: 5 million players and counting
Bungie has announced that Halo 2 has reached its 5 millionth player. What is more, it occurred yesterday, which just happened to be the 2.5 year anniversary of Halo 2's launch. Specifically, 5 million unique Live accounts have logged into Halo 2 (not including guests). Of course, this total includes every single Live account, including free trials (read: cheaters) and people who only tried the game for 5 minutes. As it happens, the 5 millionth player was "ultra theodore." Ultra indeed. [Via Joystiq]
New Halo novel announced: Contact Harvest
Bungie.net has announced the next book in the Halo series of novels. The next book in the series will be titled Contact Harvest and will detail the period of first contact between humans and Covenant. The book will be written by Bungie's own Joseph "voice of the grunt" Staten. As a head writer for both Halo and Halo 2, Staten is more than familiar with the material. We only know a few more things about the story: There won't be Spartans (too early in the timeline) There will be familiar Covenant characters (no Arbiter) The main human character is none other than Sergeant Avery "A.J." Johnson Are you listening? The main human character is Sergeant freaking Johnson! Contact Harvest is due this fall. Whether it hits before or after Halo 3 remains to be seen. Hit the "read" link for an interview with Joe Staten on Bungie.net.
Halo 3 pre-orders top 4 million?
According to Xbox Evolved, GameStop officials have confirmed that pre-orders for Halo 3 have already passed the 4 million mark. If true, this would make Halo 3 the most pre-ordered game of all time (unless GTAIV catches up). Assuming most of those pre-orders are actually purchased, it also puts Halo 3 in the running for first day sales records (which isn't exactly surprising). Keep in mind, these numbers are only for GameStop and its affiliated stores. Throw in other retailers and the number of pre-orders must be staggering. Our big question: how many of those pre-orders are for the Legendary Edition?
Halo 2 updated, ranks reset, the horror!
We knew it was coming, but that doesn't make the hurt any less deep. As part of the new maps finally being rolled into matchmaking playlists, Bungie has officially reset the ranks on Halo 2. A cause of great happiness to some and a source of deep anger to others, the rank refresh is sure to rankle many a player. Of course, others will have a new reason to start playing Halo 2 again. Another bombshell of sorts (even though Bungie informed the masses weeks ago), several of the updated playlists require that you have the new maps. A few playlists (most notably Team Hardcore) remain unchanged, so players without the new maps still have some online options. Finally, Bungie has announced that the new map will be free starting sometime in July. So, if you're still playing Halo 2 and you want the new maps but you're light on funds, all is not lost. Now if you'll excuse us, we have to go own some noobs before our rank resettles in its rightful place. [Thanks, PacoDG]
Forza 2 demo burns rubber tonight
The big Forza 2 demo news is out. Turn 10 community manager Che Chou has revealed that the Forza 2 demo should hit Xbox Live Marketplace sometime tonight. It sounds like the demo will show up fairly late in the day, as Che notes that "it'll be pretty painful for east coasters." We know that everyone is itching to get their hands on Forza 2, and now we'll have the chance. So, who's staying up late to grab this?[Via 1PStart. Thanks, marklar]
Forza demo news coming today
The clamor for the Forza 2 demo is reaching herculean heights these days. Quite simply, racing fans are frothing for the game, and understandably so. Take heart, Forza fanatics, for new information is upon us. In a recent forum post, Turn 10 community manager, Che Chou, has revealed that "good news" about the demo should be revealed sometime today. He adds, "It's coming sooner than you think." Dare we dream that we'll see the demo this week? Perhaps even ... today?
Microsoft Game Studios grows European arm
Microsoft announced today that Microsoft Game Studios is opening a European branch. The branch is being opened to more effectively communicate with Microsoft's European studios and partners, including Lionhead, Rare, Remedy, Real Time Worlds, and Bizarre Creations. It will be based in Reading, UK, hometown of Ricky Gervais (who is actually featured in Microsoft training videos). The new branch will be headed by Phil Spencer, currently Microsoft Game Studios' general manager. Spencer will retain his current position while heading up the new European branch.Hopefully, this means we'll see Fable 2 before 2009.
Whoops! Metal Gear Solid forgets rating; no longer on sale
Months after the US and Japanese release, Europeans were supposed to enjoy Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops today. To make up for the excruciating delay, the PAL version will feature new content not available in the other releases, such as new characters, maps and missions. However, it appears Europeans will have to wait a little bit longer, as the game has been delayed yet again. Why? According to Pocket Gamer, it appears that the box art artist forgot to include the BBFC (the UK equivalent of the ESRB) rating for the game.Without a rating on the box UMD, the game will not be sold at retailers. Whoops! This is a strange mishap, to say the least. It looks like European gamers will have to wait just a little bit longer as Konami fixes this mistake--but you guys are used to waiting, right?
Microsoft Game Studios to open European branch
Good news for people who like 360 and PC games, but have always wished they could have a distinguished accent and know the lyrics to at least five Robbie Williams songs: Microsoft announced this morning that they'll be opening up a European office of Microsoft Game Studios.The new branch will be based in Reading, UK and headed up by Phil Spencer, who's currently managing the MGS publishing business. He'll apparently still be in that position while he runs the new UK branch, which is designed to streamline relations with European companies like Lionhead, Rare, Bizarre Creations, Real Time Worlds and Remedy. Also part of the company's plan: Having loud parties outside Phil Harrison's house when he's trying to sleep ... cheeky devils.
Video: portable lifts and turrets in Halo 3
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Video_portable_lifts_and_turrets_in_Halo_3'; Update: It was inevitable. The video have been removed. Ah, well. It won't be long before we'll all get to experience the goodness for ourselves.The Bungie ninjas must be having a tough day today. After 5 Halo 3 videos were leaked earlier today, we've found yet another video. What's more, this video confirms two brand new items in Halo 3. First, the portable gravity lift is a reality. Second, Halo 3 will feature portable turrets. The video above shows both items in action. It's not know whether all turrets are portable or if they are equipment items similar to the bubble shield. Once a turret is picked up, the game switches to a 3rd person viewpoint, presumably allowing players to hose down opponents on foot.Will there be any secrets left by the time the beta arrives?[Thanks to jason for spotting this video]
Leaked Halo 3 video bonanza!
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Loads_of_new_leaked_Halo_3_videos_Power_drainer'; Update: The videos have been pulled from YouTube. And we imagine bipchizzle has been pulled from the beta. Only a few more days and we can all play it for ourselves.If Halo 3 were a boat, it would be nestled comfortably at the bottom of the sea right now. You see, we're talking about leaks. A YouTube user by the name of bipchizzle has posted several new videos of the Halo 3 beta. The quality isn't fantastic (he was using a Vision Camera) but we do get a halfway decent look at some weapons (including the new M6G pistol) and a brand new level called Epitiah (perhaps a misspelling of Epitaph?). As an added bonus, the video embedded above actually features Major Nelson! We've embedded the other videos after the break. Please note that these videos use some salty language, so turn off the sound if you have sensitive ears or if you're at work. Get 'em while the gettin's good. We've still got an hour or so before people start waking up in Redmond.
Halo 3 Preview May 11th
Microsoft can be mother of all teases, sometimes. They sent out a press release today with the simple message "Save the Date - Friday, May 11th, 2007. Join us for an exclusive preview of Halo 3". The event will be held in New York and San Francisco. Unfortunately, due to geographical disadvantages, the Xbox 360 Fanbloggers will not be in attendance for such an occasion. Fret not, as our lords and masters at Joystiq will be present and laughing at our misfortune. Hopefully, they don't treat Microsoft with the same respect they do us. What do you think could be announced just 5 days shy of the Beta's release?
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 brings the true 1080p pain?
A gaming blog by the name of PlayThree.net claims to have some top secret info from a Bungie insider. What is that info, you ask? According to the inside source, Microsoft is pushing Bungie to make sure that Halo 3 can churn out native 1080p support. 360 Fanboys will know that the Xbox is capable of 1080p, but for most games this effect is created by upscaling a 720p image. Apparently, last year's E3 made Microsoft think differently. While most games will remain 720p, the sheer amount of money and manpower being poured into Halo 3 make it the perfect candidate for true 1080p. According to the source, "if [1080p] can't be done on Halo 3, then the Xbox 360 can't do it at all." Apparently, Halo 3 is already running at 1080p at 60fps, though it's not final code at this point. Also, Bungie reportedly wants to be sure the game functions perfectly on the Core system, which adds to the difficulty of maintaining frame rate in large levels with many players. Oh, and just in case you were hoping to try out 1080p during the beta next month, don't hold your breath. The source notes that it won't be available in the beta. As always, information from "inside sources" should be taken with a grain of salt. Besides, it's not like a lack of true 1080p is going to keep people away from Halo 3. Update: Fixed grammatical error. Flogged self.
Metal Gear Solid wins Best Portable Game award from Famitsu
What? A PSP game that isn't called LocoRoco finally wins an award? Japan's most popular gaming magazine, Famitsu, recently unveiled their Famitsu Awards winners. PSP earned a valuable nod by stealing the "Best Portable Game" award with Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. Kojima's latest adventure certainly earns the award, with some spectacular graphics and a deep single and multiplayer gaming experience.While PSP fans can celebrate this victory, it should be noted that Final Fantasy XII (PS2) and Pokemon Diamond & Pearl (DS) both won Game of the Year.[Via Gamasutra]
Final Forza 2 car list rev-vealed, headline writer shot
A just punishment for such a terrible mangling of words, not to mention the trickery of "Final Forza 2" leading people to believe that Microsoft was releasing a bizarre automotive RPG, complete with mutant mechanics and bottles of restorative oil. No, the relevant game is Forza 2, simmy sequel to 2005's foray into car customization, reckless racing and all-round Gran Turismo-ing. The official Forza Motorsport 2 website has unveiled the full list of cars to be included in the final game when it screeches into stores this May. Numbering 310 and representing enough reflective metal to burn holes through the back of your head, the list of cars is sure to please fans unsatisfied by the forthcoming demo's comparatively meager offering of 24 vehicles. It's noted that seven of the 310 cars have been deemed "special," with some only being available to pre-order deals and the game's collectors edition. The "controversial unicorn cars" will also be exclusively available for a limited time in the game's online auction house. Racing enthusiasts are encouraged to look, use the Forza page and inspect the list closely as they attempt to answer the question, "Is there vroom for improvement?" Update: Article author shot as well.[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
Ill-fated Mars Global Surveyor has human error to blame
While we've no idea how much the Mars Global Surveyor actually cost to construct, launch, and manage whilst hovering around in space, it's entirely likely that a single human error wiped out even more than was initially lost by the Alaska Department of Revenue earlier this year. Sad to say, galaxy geeks everywhere now have a scapegoat to direct their wrath at, as a review board of the mishap found that "a single command (root@mars-surveyor: rm -rf /) that oriented the spacecraft's main communications antenna was sent to the wrong address," subsequently leading to a cataclysmic series of events that finally dismantled its communication system. Interestingly, the command caused the befuddled craft to think that one of its solar panels was "stuck," which eventually led to an autonomous decision to enter "safe mode," followed by a complete shutdown of the unit's onboard batteries. Intelligently, the LA Times report neglected to mention any specific culprit, and hey, living with the guilt of destroying the machine that showed us so much of the Red Planet is probably punishment enough.[Via Slashdot]
Forza 2 demo confirmed, more cars revealed
Microsoft has confirmed last week's rumor that a Forza 2 demo will arrive soon. Unfortunately, no specific dates have been confirmed, though a date should be announced "in the coming weeks." Also revealed was the next installment of Forza 2's ever expanding car list. The latest editions are "Aftermarket Tuner Car Classics." These cars cover a broad range of makes and models from 1992 all the way to 2006. The makes listed run the gamut from Acura to Honda to Chevrolet. See the full "Aftermarket Tuner Car Classics" list after the break.
Japanese Gears viral vids are freaky
We may never understand Microsoft's Japanese marketing. "Do! do! do!" was a stretch, but this is just weird. At first glance, the video above appears to be nothing more than one of those self-promoting, vaguely voyeuristic videos you see on YouTube. If you don't speak Japanese -- and perhaps even if you do -- you would have no way of knowing the video is about Gears of War. "Whaaa?" you say, and we understand. The Japanese schoolgirl stereotype is about as far from Gears of War as is Hello Kitty. Still, it's sort of hypnotizing. Watch the video above (it's actually worth it) and then check out the next video after the break.
Jetpac lands on XBLA, shoots floating brains
Sure, it's not as exciting as, say, the Xbox 360 Elite, but there is a new Live Arcade game out this week. That game, as previously announced, is Jetpac Refuelled. Does it break the 50MB limit? No, quite the opposite in fact. Jetpac Refuelled clocks in at a dainty 21MB. So, go download the trial and see what you think. Should you desire to, ahem, go all the way, the full version can be had for 400 points. Anyone enjoying the game so far?
