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Time magazine weighs in on Halo 3
In the latest issue of Time, you can spot the Master Chief right on the cover. Well, actually it's a multiplayer Spartan model and you'll find him (or her) in a small box in the upper-right corner. Still, it's Halo on the cover of Time and that has to count for something. Naturally, the magazine contains an article describing what makes Halo 3 tick. Don't go looking for the detailed analysis provided by the recent Halo 3 cover story in Wired, as Time's "The Man in the Mask" is written from an outsider's perspective. Written to appeal to the non-gaming set -- though the author is in fact an avid gamer -- the article attempts to explain the Halo phenomenon to "normal" people. Our favorite section in the article describes the level of detail lavished on the game. Specifically, the section refers to the shells that are ejected from fired weapons. According to an unnamed Bungie audio engineer, "We actually are insane ... because we track the impact of each shell casing on each surface. Literally. We ought to be locked up." Even though the article is focused through the lens of an older generation, Time seems impressed with Halo 3, even daring to give it the lofty label of "art." Who knows, if Bungie keeps up this pace, maybe the Chief will land on the cover proper. [Via The Final Fight. Thanks, Sadistik Roth]
Reserve your hot Halo weapons at Hot Topic
Much to the delight of emo Halo 3 fanboys everywhere, Hot Topic has begun taking pre-orders on the Halo 3 replica Covenant weaponry from Jasman Toys. For those unaware of these toys replicas, they feature laser tag functionality and are supposed to behave in the same manner as their digital counterparts. For example, the plasma pistol features a "super shot" mode and the exhaust on the plasma rifle will open when it "overheats." Both replicas also feature accurate sound effects and recoil. You'd better really love Halo (or laser tag) though, because the plasma pistol alone will set you back 70 bones. The plasma rifle costs nearly twice as much at $120. For that much money you could just buy Halo 3. Hell, you could almost afford the Legendary Edition. Still, if the plasma pistol exhaust port pops open after a charged shot, we might just pick one up when they release next month.[Thanks, john kirkpatrick]
Gears Of War Hidden Fronts free this Labor Day
Microsoft has announced that the Gears of War "Hidden Fronts" map pack will become a free download starting this Labor Day (which is Monday for our international friends). The map pack will officially become free starting at 2:00AM PT September 2nd. It should be noted that this isn't a timed promotion akin to the XBLA price drops this weekend, but rather a permanent change. So, if for some reason you still don't want the map pack on Monday, you can always pick it up some other time, free of charge. The "Hidden Fronts" map pack includes 4 maps: Subway, Process, Garden, and Bullet Marsh. If you'd like a refresher on what these maps contain, you can view our rundown after the break.
Mass Effect officially arrives November 20th
Emerging from a wormhole in space, the official release date for the next RPG from BioWare, Mass Effect, has been announced. No longer confined to the nebulous date of "November," Mass Effect will be landing on retail shelves -- where it will no doubt encounter hostile alien life -- starting November 20th. We were very impressed with what we saw of the game at E3, and the media that has arrived since then has done nothing to dull said impressions. Yup, we can't wait to play Peter Moore's most anticipated game. Alas, now we are saddled with the knowledge that we have nearly three months to wait for it. Sigh ... if only there was something to keep us occupied until then.
Halo Wars and TF2 videos on XBLM
A new day brings some new Xbox Live Marketplace content, and while we don't have any new demos to enjoy, there are some decent videos. The first video is the Halo Wars walk-through that was supposed to go up earlier this week. If you haven't already seen it on the intertubes, it's definitely worth checking out. The second video has also already been seen on the web, though it's probably worth watching in hi-def with some popcorn on the couch. We are talking, of course, about the Team Fortress 2 video featuring the soldier. We said it before and we'll say it again: comedy gold. Download both videos at your earliest convenience, but please, watch responsibly.
New Bungie podcast is all about Forge
The latest edition of the Bungie podcast is now live and available for download. This episode features Lars Bakken and Tyson Green along with regulars Frank O'Connor and Luke Smith. The Bungie boys spend this podcast jawing about the Forge, the map editor included in Halo 3. Suffice it to say, Forge sounds awesome. Our favorite concept discussed in the show: place a teleporter exit in the death zone on Snowbound. Now, as a monitor, pull up a teleporter entrance and fly into people with it, thus sending them to an unfortunate and hilarious death. Good times.Oh, and one more thing: the Hornet is definitely available in multiplayer, though it may not be default for any particular map. You will be able to place it on appropriate maps with Forge. Go forth and get learned.
Win Halo Effect from The Xbox Domain
Statistically, if you're hanging around a website called Xbox 360 Fanboy, you probably like Halo. As such, it's quite possible that you also like things about Halo. Now, if you find yourself a member of this second camp, there's also a pretty decent chance you would enjoy a book about Halo, but a free book about Halo? Forgettaboutit. Our friends over at The Xbox Domain are giving away 5 copies of Halo Effect which takes a long hard look at everything in the Halo universe, ranging from what makes it so damned popular to what it would take to construct a real ring world. Entering to win is phenomenally easy. In fact, it's so easy we're not even going to tell you how. If you want to find out, head over to The Xbox Domain and check it out.
Second Halo short "Combat Part 1" is officially live
The official version of the second Halo short film, entitled "Combat Part 1," is now live and ready for consumption. Microsoft has also announced that it should be ready for download on Xbox Live Marketplace, though we have been unable to find it thus far. MS seems to be having trouble uploading videos this week. The official version is definitely a step up from the leaked version that hit the net last week. No more pink fire and an actual ending are some of the advantages of the new version. Last week, we suggested that dedicated fanboys keep an eye out for needler shards, while our commenters said they were actually spiker rounds. Well, you were right readers, for Spiker rounds they are. Make sure you spot them, as watching the white-hot metal cool as the spikes hit the concrete will make you all tingly. That's how it made us feel at least. [Via Joystiq]
Video: Halo 3 Forge demonstration
We called for a video of the Halo 3 Forge in action and it didn't take long before someone pointed us in the right direction. As it turns out, the folks at JeuxVideo recorded a long video that features just about everything you can do in Forge. The demonstration is given by none other than Bungie's Brian Jarrard, who walks the press through the ins and outs of the wonders of Forge. Perhaps one of the coolest bits of info pulled from the video is that Bungie will be keeping track of what players are doing in Forge. If one particular map configuration works really well, Bungie can easily incorporate it into matchmaking for all to play. In other words, if you think the weapon placements on Guardian are unbalanced, you can design your own and, maybe, Bungie will agree with you and share your creation with the rest of the class. Us, we'll just drop tanks onto our friends, thank you very much. [Thanks to Dr DMoney for pointing this out]
Halo Wars gameplay footage now on XBLM [update 2]
[Update: The content is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. For more details, click here.] We reported earlier today that something Halo Wars related was coming along today, and lo and behold, here it is. A 10 minute video of Halo Wars in action has now hit Xbox Live Marketplace as well as HaloWars.com. The video is the same walk-through demonstration that was shown at E3 and gives an overall feel for what the game has to offer. Some of the things you'll get to see are vehicle construction, troop movement, and of course, battle. But enough jibber-jabber, watch it already. After you've seen Halo Wars in action, why not tell us what do you think? Does it have what it takes to give Command & Conquer 3 a run for its money?
PAX 07 Omegathon concludes with Halo 3
The Omegathon has become an annual tradition at PAX, and this year was no different. A gaming challenge that runs the gamut from the old school to tabletop gaming, the Omegathon truly tests the mettle of its participants. Another aspect that has become a tradition is the top secret final round of the Omegathon. Gamers have come to expect challenges of the old school variety, as previous Omegathons concluded with PONG and Combat (ask your parents). This year, however, was different. This year, the final round of the Omegathon was Halo 3. Yeah, you read that right. The top two Omeganauts, Accelon and MNC Dover, competed in new Halo 3 maps (Narrows and Guardian) and were able to test out new weapons and items like the firebomb, flamethrower, and flashbang. Head over to Joystiq for the full rundown.
Video: Halo 3 saved film features
Gamersyde, wonderful media mongers that they are, have posted a nice video detailing some of the fun you can have with Halo 3 saved films. This particular demonstration is being performed by Bungie's own Brian Jarrard. The presentation is similar to the one given to handsome journalists like us at E3 earlier this year. In the video, Jarrard shows off the ability to move the camera around as well as change camera angles. He also takes some time to pause or slow down the action for dramatic effect. The video is cut quite a bit, so you won't see the whole presentation, but seeing saved films in action as well as the level of detail present in the latest build of Halo 3 is definitely exciting. Now all we need is a video of Forge in action and we'll be set. [Thanks, Nol]
Leaked: the second live action Halo short film
The second in the series of live action Halo shorts has hit the internetz with a quickness. We received a few very low quality shaky-cam videos, but this one seems to do a better job than the rest. The first thing you'll notice is that there is much more action this time around than was present in the first short, "Arms Race". That is to say, this video actually has action. Honestly, the quality is low enough that it's hard to judge how good the video actually is. Still, Neill Blomkamp's directorial style, which emphasizes documentary-like realism over special effects wizardry, helps make the film grittier and, well, more realistic. Without judging the film before it's released properly, we will point out that there is one thing that is definitely missing: music. With such a rich musical history from which to draw, we're a little befuddled that neither of the Halo shorts have done so. Without Marty O'Donnell's music, it just doesn't quite feel like Halo. Again though, this video may not even be finished for all we know (the bright green plastic looks a little out of place for example). Here's hoping the final product really delivers.Protip: keep an eye out for errant needler shards. They will give you a nerdgasm.[Via Joystiq. Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
1UP begins 3 weeks of Halo 3 coverage
To go along with the EGM cover story, 1UP has officially kicked off three weeks of special Halo 3 coverage. Much as they did with their special coverage from last year, 1UP has set up a calendar marking off the days when new content will become available. The first week covers campaign and multiplayer, the second week covers Forge and other special features, and the third week covers the story. Considering you can't walk around the internet these days without tripping over new Halo 3 footage, we hope 1UP has some real doozies to share with the rest of the class. They've opened up their coverage today with some fresh screens, a preview of the fourth mission, "The Storm," and a retrospective on the first Halo. Be warned though, you might want to skip the mission preview if you don't want any spoilers (we did). The rest of you can have at it.Read -- 1UP Halo 3 coverage calendarRead -- New Halo 3 screensRead -- Preview of "The Storm"Read -- A look back at Halo[Thanks, DjDATZ]
New video of Halo 3's Campaign and Sandtrap
Coming from the Leipzig Games Convention is a brand new video of the Halo 3 campaign level "Tsavo Highway" as well as the "Sandtrap" multiplayer level (click the player to get the video started). The multiplayer video, unfortunately, doesn't show us much more than we've already seen. If you're anything like us, you'll be wondering why someone who's getting a rare chance to try out new weapons and vehicles refuses to utilize any of them. Come on, man! There's a Brute Chopper right there! Sigh, at least those of us who weren't privy to it at E3 -- i.e. most of you out there -- can appreciate to utter massiveness of Sandtrap for the first time. Seriously though, just a note for any would be videographers out there: try out some of the new stuff, m'kay? The second video, which you can find after the break, mostly features Tsavo Highway. You'll get glimpses of the new and improved Brutes as well as the new transport 'hog. After some campaign shenanigans the video shifts to multiplayer where we finally get to see the gravity hammer in action. Unfortunately, the video doesn't actually show anyone getting properly thwacked with it, but we'll take what we can get.
Red Vs. Blue Halo 3 special episode 4 is live
We're nearing the end folks as the 4th episode of the special Halo 3 series of Red Vs. Blue is now online. This episode focuses on the new maps that will be available in Halo 3, though unfortunately it mentions nothing we don't already know. Then again, we're in it for the yuks anyway. While the video is primarily an advertisement, it actually raises an interesting question. You see, none of the bases in the Halo games have a bathroom. Where does the Master Chief, you know, go? Does he just go in the suit? The possibilities make the mind reel.[Thanks, grigdog]
First look at Halo 3 LE and CE video content
So, we all know that both the Halo 3 Legendary and Collector's Editions come with extra video content for Halo fans to enjoy. As part of their special coverage of Halo 3 -- part of the overall marketing madness -- Comcast has posted a five minute video of the special content that comes with the special editions of the game. The video contains snippets of the "making of" documentary, a bit of the special Red Vs. Blue episode (it's the first episode re-rendered with the Halo 3 engine) and some of the Cortana Chronicles. Come on, you know you want to watch it. Alas, we cannot embed it here, so you'll have to traverse the dangerous internet waters to see it. Hit the "read" link if you've got the grapes. [Thanks, NukeAssault]
Wired extends Halo 3 coverage online
And the Halo 3 hits just keep on coming. Having posted a summary of the Wired Halo 3 cover story yesterday, the article has now been published online. In addition to the article itself, Wired is also hosting a special Halo 3 primer video (which has nothing you haven't already seen, by the way) and a handful of new screenshots. The most exciting of the new shots is probably the one above, which features the first look at the gravity hammer from the first person point of view. Also interesting is that the gametype noted on the bottom right is called "Mosh Pit." Whether this is an official or custom game we don't know. Hit the "read" link to check out the Wired Halo 3 phalanx.Oh, and don't forget about those unofficial Halo 3 Epsilon screens either.
Fable 2 aims to compete with movies, TV
Peter Molyneux says it all the time. When you play Fable 2, he wants you to really feel something. As Eurogamer reports, Lionhead's staging director Georg Backer, who spoke in Molyneux's stead at GCDC in Europe, wants Fable 2 to be on par with movies and television as an entertainment choice. In order to achieve this end, Lionhead has been employing several techniques used in the movies and television to craft Fable 2. For instance, the company hired a sword master who worked on movies like Gladiator and Troy to help them design the combat. Lionhead has also worked with a film editor to better understand the best way to present the action to the player. Backer noted that realism isn't necessarily what's important. What's important, Backer said, is "that the drama is conveyed on-screen." Achieving such goals in the movies, says Backer, often involves distorting realism in favor of what conveys the proper meaning. "For us," said Backer, "this is a really new thing and we really desperately want to make sure that this drama and emotion gets pushed in games."A noble goal indeed. Might we suggest the gang at Lionhead take some time to research BioShock while they're at it?
Video: Halo 3 Elephant and hammer shaky-cam
Okay, this is getting out of hand, folks. First we have leaked shots of the Halo 3 Epsilon, and now we have our first leaked video. And it is a doozy. It's quite short and it is of the shaky-cam variety, but we present to you now the first video footage of the Elephant. A giant mobile base usable only in Sandtrap, the Elephant is definitely a massive beast and it moves slowly. Like, really slowly. Still, you probably don't want to be caught in front of it when it's on the move. Also, we get our first video glimpse of the gravity hammer. Unfortunately, whoever captured the video missed the gravity (ouch) of the situation and failed to show us any attacks. That's pretty much it. You'd best watch it now before the Bungie defense force makes it disappear. [Thanks, ArchEnemy20]
