News

Last week over at bungie.net, the Bungie Weekly Update hinted at something big dropping this week, and here it is!

After launching to incredible acclaim and fanaticism, “Halo 3” players will be able to enjoy three all new multiplayer maps on [b]Dec. 11[/b] as part of the [b]Heroic Map Pack[/b], the first in a series of downloadable content from Bungie Studios to come via Xbox LIVE.

These maps will be available on the XBL Marketplace for 800 MS points ($10) and include Standoff, Rat’s Nest and Foundry—all fully customizable in Forge. Also of note, these maps will available for free in Spring 2008.

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For those that have pre-ordered or intend to pick up their Limited Edition of Halo 3 today, a word of advice: [b]open the case and inspect the game disc in the store before you leave.[/b] I had heard about problems with the Limited Edition having discs come loose during shipment and rolling around in the case, which can end up scratching the game disc pretty badly.

When I picked up my LE at a local GameStop, I opened mine right away and turned right around. I walked back to the counter, told them what I saw and they knew immediately what I was talking about, and apparently Microsoft knows about the problem. The clerk I dealt with just cut open a regular Halo 3 edition and swapped the game disc with me, so that’s probably your best option if you can swing it.

Again, be sure to check your game before you leave the store, because otherwise, if the game is unplayable, you’ll have to return to the store or possibly even have to send the game back to Microsoft, which might take days. Continue reading →

Just in case anyone hasn’t been paying attention, the wait is over and tonight you’ll be able to grab a copy of Halo 3 at midnight launch events across the globe. If you’re going to a midnight launch event, be sure to spread the word and represent Podtacular to as many of our fellow Halo fans as you can.

Foo Mo Jive and JVB will return soon with a new episode discussing their thoughts on Halo 3 and their experience so far, and we’ll be jumping back into our episode rotation, including episodes focused on strategies and tips for multiplayer, discussion of campaign tactics and encounters, and of course, custom games and saved films. Podtacular is coming back in a big way with Halo 3, so be sure to tune in for each episode to get the most out of the game.

Also, tomorrow you can expect to see a new face to Podtacular as well. Even though our discussion forums are currently in a lockdown (to prevent posting of spoilers), the site will have a few new features that we think you’ll like and get some use out of.

Otherwise, if you’re jumping in line tonight, have fun, stay safe and we’ll see you soon in a game of Halo 3! Continue reading →

Today, Microsoft has announced that Halo 3 has officially reached “gold” status. After months of waiting and anticipation, we’re now hitting the final stretch, with less than a month to go before the September 25 launch. Now it’s only a matter of a few weeks before the world will get its hands on some Halo 3 hotness!

From the press release:
[quote]The wait is almost over. Halo® 3, the final chapter in the groundbreaking Halo trilogy and the most anticipated game release of 2007, has been released to manufacturing.

Three years in the making by renowned developer Bungie Studios, Halo 3 is now finished and will begin its journey to store shelves around the world in less than four weeks. Halo 3, which has already set new records as the fastest pre-ordered game in history, has exceeded one million presales in North America alone. The title is set to shatter day-one entertainment sales records when it is released worldwide beginning Tuesday, September 25. [/quote]

More at [url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12737]Bungie.net[/url] Continue reading →

A few weeks ago I posted a story of a guy who’s gamertag was Coreyfear. His house was burned down and he was left with no clothes or furniture. Well, I am sad to announce that he lost his wife. His wife was shot by her ex-boyfriend in Staten Island. The article is on the Daily News and NY Post.

This is a tragic turn of events for Eugene. I really feel that the Xbox community should do something to help him and his family in some form of way. I would like to collect some money and buy a wreath for the funeral. I spoke to him twice since his house burned down and he was so shocked at the amount of love he and his family were getting from throughout the community.

Let me know if any of you can help.

LINK Continue reading →

Even though I might be posting this a little late. I still can’t keep the exciting news about the now-official statement from Bungie, that confirms that we will be PwNiN Brutes, Grunts and Profits together online. Now players will be able to gang-up in a room of four, to get some single-player action through Xbox Live. We’ll be able to play as one of four characters, Master Chief, Arbiter, N’tho ‘Sraom, or Usze ‘Taham.
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Today, the folks at Xbox Family (xboxfamily.com) published an intercepted e-mail from Microsoft that includes the various ways that the company will be marketing Halo 3 to the public in the coming months. It looks like come August, you won’t be able to turn your head without seeing something Halo-related!

Mountain Dew – Game Fuel

• The promotions team is partnering with Mountain Dew to create a new Dew drink called Game Fuel inspired by Halo 3
• Game Fuel is a customized, limited-time “Halo 3-themed” Dew beverages that contains 30% more caffeine and a citrus cherry twist
• Game Fuel will come in 20-ounce bottles, two-liter bottles and 12-packs of 12-ounce cans (~40M) and distributed nationwide at ~150K outlets
• Additional support includes TV and online advertising, street teams, and press distribution of the drink

7-11 Program

• Halo 3 will be featured on Slurpees with 3 collectible linticular cups
• Dew will be creating special aluminum bottles of Game Fuel for distribution at 7-11
• Halo 3 will also be included on Doritos packs at 7-11 with a sweepstakes to be a voice actor in Halo Wars

Pontiac

• The team is also working with Pontiac who will be promoting Halo 3 along with their new high
• performance Pontiac G6 launch
• Pontiac will create events just prior to launch
• We will be partnering for a chance to win a Limited Edition Halo 3 G6 car
• Additional support includes TV advertising

Burger King

• We are also partnering with Burger King who will be promoting Halo 3 with Survival Kits sold nationwide for 10 weeks during Sept and Oct
• On King Size upgrades, consumers will receive their food and drink in Halo 3-themed packaging.
• Additional support include sweepstakes, drive thru POP, and other activities

That’s in addition to the other branded materials and products already coming to the market, like the Halo 3 Limited Edition Xbox 360 controllers, the Halo 3 Limited Edition Xbox 360 console, Halo 3 Limited Edition wireless headset and Halo 3 Xbox Live subscription cards. So, as a Halo fan, what do you think? Is this a good thing, seeing the Halo brand spread so far and wide? Or has it become overkill with Master Chief car commercials and happy meals?

[i]More at Xbox Family (Thanks HBO)[/i] Continue reading →