[Nine]

More Halo 2 expansion details emerge?


Product page on EBgames.com briefly lists a $19.99, nine-level multiplayer add-on as coming May 24; Bungie says announcement due by week's end; Microsoft stays mum.

Last Friday, word spread like wildfire that Microsoft was planning to release an expansion pack for Halo 2. The news sprouted from a release schedule on the official Korean-language Xbox Web site, which listed a "Halo 2 X-Pack (Expansion Pack)" as "coming soon." No other details were available at the time, leading many who were disappointed by the sci-fi shooter's abrupt ending to believe that the expansion would feature a more extended and satisfying conclusion.


However, it now appears that those hoping for an alternate denouement to Halo 2's single-player campaign will have to wait. According to a product page for a "Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack" that was briefly listed on EBgames.com this morning, the expansion is only "a collection of nine multiplayer maps, as well as non-playable video content (a cinematic and a mini-documentary). Delivered on a standard Xbox DVD disc, the multiplayer content can be used by gamers on Xbox Live as well as those who play multiplayer via System Link or via Split-screen (on one Xbox)."

Before it disappeared from the site this morning, the page listed the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack as costing $19.99 and shipping on May 24. As of press time, the page still displayed the name "Halo 2 Expansion Pack" as its page title in Internet browsers and HTML code.

Some official word on Halo 2 expansion plans did come at the end of last week in developer Bungie's official What's Update newsletter. In it, Bungie.net content manager Frank O'Connor said a "major announcement about the details of our new maps" is coming later this week. He also said that Bungie plans to "make new content available for everybody, [to] those with Xbox Live and those without Xbox Live," adding further credence to the EB listing's contention that the Halo 2 update would be available on a DVD and not solely through Xbox Live.

GameSpot will have more on the Halo 2 Expansion Pack--which, it must be stressed, still does not officially exist--as further information becomes available.

By Tor Thorsen, GameSpot POSTED: 03/22/05 01:40 PM

This post has been edited by Nine: 25 May 2005 - 02:14 AM

[Whirlwind The Hedgehog]

to much for me rto read

[Sway]

Whirlwind The Hedgehog, on Mar 23 2005, 04:07 PM, said:

to much for me rto read

Don't post if you're not going to read. Seriously.

Anyway, Nine, very interesting. It seems legitimate from the sound of it. I'd probably buy it. I don't think there's anything better then playing everying in a game you love, thinking it's over, than then, BAM! There's more! Although I'm not as big a fan of Halo 2's multiplayer as some. That video content should be cool as well. Thanks for the info.

[Nine]

You're welcome, Sway, I'll keep you posted if they find anything else. Oh, and happy birthday, I think.

[Master of AFTER]

The expansion will be called "Halo 2: Xtreme Legends!" I was never huge into Halo myself, but this is pretty cool for people who are. It's good to see that the developer is committed to providing its fans with continued support and new updates to their games, as well. Too few game developers actively support their products after the initial release dates these days.

[Invader Tails]

For those with Xbox live, this will probably be available to download, it may have a price though, but if it did, it would be cheaper then getting the DVD probably.

[Lord Shmeckie]

Y'know, after playing Halo 2, one thing came to mind....

"I sure am glad Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors is still getting work."

[Nine]

Bungie confirms Halo 2 expansion

Map pack will feature nine new multiplayer battlegrounds; Live users will get first shot at four maps beginning in April; retail version hits shelves June 28.

Call it Halo 2: Combat Expanded. After much speculation, Bungie today announced plans to release an expansion for its popular first-person shooter, Halo 2. It will not, however, contain a single-player portion that many hoped might wrap up Halo 2's abrupt campaign mode ending.

The additional content, appropriately called Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack, will contain nine multiplayer maps of varying shapes and sizes. Xbox Live users will have the chance to start fragging one another on four of the maps in late April. Two of the maps will be free, and the other two will be available for $5.99. The remaining five maps will be downloadable for $11.99 on June 28.

Those Halo fanatics who still prefer their multiplayer old-school, via LAN, needn't worry: The entire collection will be available in a packaged retail version on June 28, for $19.99. The retail version will also come with a few bonuses. There will be an "animated side story" detailing events from the single-player portion of Halo 2, set in New Mombosa. There will also be a documentary focusing on the map designers, strategies for playing on the new maps, and detailed overviews of each battleground. The disc will also contain all Halo 2 updates and fixes, as well as, presumably, the first bonus map, Foundation. This particular bonus map was unlockable and later released to the masses over Xbox Live. Bungie has also discussed putting in "possibly one or two other little treats."

Gamers who aren't thrilled about shelling out some coin for additional content will still get the opportunity to play the maps...later. The entire collection will be made absolutely free via download "by late summer."

The first batch of maps to be released over Xbox Live will be titled Containment, Warlock, Sanctuary, and Turf. Each map was created after Halo 2's release last November, and each isn't of your typical "one base on one side and another base on the other" architecture.

The first of the two free maps, Containment, is a large playing field in the frozen tundra of Delta Halo. "One of the largest Halo maps ever," Containment gives Spartans and Elites the option of navigating the terrain by chugging around in vehicles or hoofing it to the many teleporters. A switch in the middle of the playing field, completely exposed to potential snipers, opens vehicle access to the looming bases, similar to the gate in Zanzibar. Containment was designed for large battles, with capture the flag specifically in mind.

Warlock, the second of the two free maps, is loosely based on the map Wizard, which appeared in the original Halo. Built from the ground up to take advantage of Halo 2's graphics engine, Warlock is a small- to medium-sized map with four-way symmetry, making it perfect for such games as four-team territories. The map has a castlelike quality to it, with a shrine jutting up from the middle of the field.

Turf is an urban map set in Old Mambosa. The streets are lined with storefronts, complete with playable interiors, and a catwalk system above the streets, which can be manipulated, thus making this map two-tiered. The initial development on Turf was handled with capture the flag and territories in mind, but Bungie has deemed it "surprisingly flexible."

The final map in the April bunch is Sanctuary. This map, on the surface, looks awfully similar to the stone Covenant stronghold set in the mountain from the single-player game. The map is focused on team-oriented play and features several creeks, pools, and waterfalls.

Little is known about the five remaining maps, save for their names: Terminal, Elongation, Gemini, Backwash, and Relic.

Once available, the free maps will be integrated into the Xbox Live matchmaking sets, and the two premium maps will have their own playlists (for those gamers who bought them). As all the maps become universally available, they'll be integrated into the matchmaking system. In addition, Bungie will be altering the current playlists and will introduce an entirely new two-on-two playlist.

Halo 2 is rated "M" for Mature and retails for $49.99. For more information on the game, read GameSpot's full review.

By Tim Surette, GameSpot POSTED: 03/25/05 11:51 AM

Here's a picture of one of the maps below.

Attached File(s)

•  Halo_2_map.PNG (96.62K)
  Number of downloads: 0

[Nine]

I'm obviously breaking some rules here, but I'm only human. Anyway, more news, so no sense making a new topic, right? Sorry staff...


Bungie tweaking Halo 2:


Auto-update balances weapons and fixes cheats and bugs; automatic update available for download April 18.

Halo 2 fanatics who log in to Xbox Live after this weekend may notice that opponents wielding the notoriously sluggish brute shot aren't just fodder anymore. This Monday, Bungie is overhauling its wildly popular first-person shooter with its second auto-update. While the update addresses the standard bugs and glitches most patches do, it will also tweak several elements of gameplay.

This is the third auto-update for Halo 2, and the biggest change gamers will see is in the weapon balance. After rigorous testing on Bungie's guinea pigs, the company decided to revamp various elements to the game's arsenal of weapons to make the multiplayer aspect of it more entertaining.

"The scale of the auto-update gave us a unique opportunity--a chance to implement balance changes on certain weapons to smooth out the Xbox Live and System Link experience, and in a couple of cases, we feel, subtly improving the overall feel of the game," said Bungie representative Frank O'Connor on Bungie's Weekly What's Update.

The biggest change will be to melee attacks. Jumping attacks will most likely result in an instant kill, and the brute shot's melee strike will now be more lethal, on account of the giant scythe on its barrel. Now, hammering the butt of an assault rifle, or any other gun, into an opponent's face will cause more damage, minimizing the unfair advantage players had when close-combat dual wielding.

"Now if someone charges too closely with dual SMGs, you can melee them and actually kill them faster than they can kill you," said designer Jaime Griesemer. "You have viable options again."

Grenades get the second-biggest overhaul. Both plasma and frag grenade damage has been increased, lessening the gap between dual wielders and grenade lobbers.

"A common complaint among critics (and Bungie employees!) was that grenades felt very weak and often simply ensured that a player would be hurt rather than killed," said O'Connor.

The fuse on both grenades has been shortened to give those last desperate attempts at blowing an attacker up more plausibility. Plasma grenades, in particular, have been juiced up. Players who now see the familiar blue aura of the sticky grenade at their feet should no longer expect to run off with a few scratches, but rather, they should have a teammate deliver last rites.

Other guns have also been tweaked to lesser degrees. The magnum's damage has been slightly reduced to emphasize headshots. The power of the plasma rifle/SMG combo has also been reduced.

Says Griesemer, "With these changes, the stories get a lot more interesting and varied. Now, sometimes it's 'He came up behind me and started shooting. So I ducked around the corner and dropped a grenade, and he ran right into it!' or 'He jumped down at me just as I was reloading, but he got in too close, and I beat him to death with my battle rifle.' The fights last longer, and each player has several options."

The auto-update also helps relieve the modem standby cheat, eliminates flag bouncing and the "flag-grab-through-solid-walls" problem, as well as "sword flying," which let a player fly from one end of a map to the other when wielding the Covenant energy sword. In addition, The Red Team no longer wins ties, and the split-screen's heads-up display is now less cluttered.

Halo 2 players not connected to Xbox Live will be able to get the update with the retail version of the additional multiplayer maps, which will be released June 28.

Halo 2 is rated "M" for Mature and retails for $49.99. For more information on the game, check out GameSpot's full review.

By Tim Surette, GameSpot POSTED: 04/15/05 03:45 PM

[Sway]

Oh, this is okay, you've got a good reason to bump.

Thank you sir.

[Invader Tails]

So, does this mean you'll actually be on Halo 2's multiplayer Sway? Anyway, my brother is doing a bunch of glitches now, since tommorow he can't use them.

[Nine]

Oops... I seemed to have forgotten to post this... My fault entirely! This is now my unofficial Halo/ Halo 2 news topic.

Worldwide Halo 2 tourney under way


US regional competition rumbles in early May; winners receive Halo gear, electronics, and cash.

It's time to sharpen up those plasma pistol/SMG dual-wielding skills. GameStop and Bungie are looking for the ultimate Master Chief in the first-ever global Halo 2 online tournament. Winners will be decided from each of Xbox Live's 24 regions, and then they'll duke it out for the title of global Halo 2 champion.


An advertisement was here. Check out Gamespot for your info on any game! (That was by me )

The tournament will be played in the Rumble Pit matchmaking playlist over Xbox Live beginning sometime around May 2. Gamers who register and compete in Rumble Pit optimatch sessions will have their statistics recorded for the duration of the competition. At the end of the tournament, on May 30, a winner will be announced based on the highest ranking.

The US winner will then participate in the global Halo 2 championships in a double-elimination slayer format. More details on the world championships will be disclosed at the end of May.

The top dog of the US regional will win $500 in cash, a Samsung digital camcorder, and Halo 2 gear, including a half-size statue of the game's hero, Master Chief. The winner of the global competition will receive $1,500 cash, a 50-inch Samsung DLP television and HD DVD player/recorder, a 24-karat-gold Halo 2 disc, and a trophy.

Halo 2 is rated M for Mature and retails for $49.99. To learn more on the game, read GameSpot's full review.

By Tim Surette, GameSpot POSTED: 04/28/05 12:58 PM

Those sound like awesome, jaw-dropping prizes; do they not?

[Nine]

Apparently I'm going to use it for anything dealing with the Halo series. Like, oh my gosh, looky here!

Halo 3 parrying PlayStation 3 launch


Time quotes Bill Gates saying that Sony's next-gen console will "walk into" the Xbox 360 follow-up to the best-selling sci-fi shooter.

For months, the Web was rife with rumors that Microsoft would ship the sequel to Halo 2 for the Xbox 360 simultaneously with the launch of the PlayStation 3. Now, that has been confirmed--by none other than Bill Gates himself.

In next week's issue of Time Magazine--which features Gates holding the Xbox 360 on the cover--Gates mentioned plans for the release of the much-anticipated follow-up to the best-selling console shooter. In a parenthetical sidebar in the article, Time says the following:

"Note to the hard-core faithful: the next version of Halo will not, repeat not, be ready in time for the launch of Xbox 360. It will be part of the all-important second wave next spring. 'It's perfect,' Gates says, radiant with bloodlust. 'The day Sony launches [the new PlayStation], and they walk right into Halo 3.'"

While Microsoft reps were not available for comment as of press time, Gates' comments appear to confirm the theory that Microsoft will release Halo 3 either simultaneously or near the release of Sony's next-gen console. It also marks further official confirmation that a third Halo is indeed in the works and will be released for the Xbox 360.

Although such statements might be interpreted as grandstanding, such a maneuver definitely would have an impact. Halo 2 sold more than 6.5 million copies to date and is credited with doubling the subscriber base of Xbox Live from around 750,000 to more than 1.5 million. It is also credited by industry-watchers as one of the main reasons for boosting sales of the original Xbox last holiday season.

By Tor Thorsen, GameSpot POSTED: 05/15/05 12:50 PM

[Nine]

Read or die, bitches!

Halo 2's map pack set back

Second round of downloadable multiplayer maps and full retail version delayed one week to July 5.

Amid the E3 tornado of news and announcements, Bungie broke some bad news to Halo 2 fans: The Multiplayer Map Pack has been delayed. Fortunately, the delay is nothing like the lengthy postponing of Halo 2, and this only sets the expansion back seven days, from June 28 to July 5.

The Map Pack will come in two versions, a boxed retail version that will sell for $19.99, and a downloadable version for $11.99. The boxed version will include the gameplay patches previously available over Xbox Live, as well as a new cinematic and a mini-documentary.

Bungie previously released four maps over Xbox Live: Warlock, Turf, Sanctuary, and Containment. The remaining five maps, Terminal, Elongation, Backwash, Gemini, and Relic, will be downloadable the same day all nine maps hit retail shelves.

In an interview with a fan on its Web site, Bungie announced that it currently has no plans to release any additional maps in the near future, as it is currently working on an unnamed project.

For more information on the new maps, check out GameSpot's preview of the first round of new battlefields. To learn more about the Mature-rated Halo 2, read the full review.

By Tim Surette -- GameSpot
POSTED: 05/24/05 02:41 PM PST

EDIT: I bet we know what the project is. It could be what I posted about before this. We'll have to wait and see.

This post has been edited by Nine: 27 May 2005 - 03:48 PM

[Invader Tails]

For some reason, I think releasing Halo 3 next to the Playstation 3 is a bad idea, it took them about 3 years to finish Halo 2, and now they are going to get Halo 3 out in one year? This game could be the downfall of Halo, and ruin the Xbox360.

[Bahamas]

No, they had Halo 2 done quikly, they just had to delay it a lot so that people would want it more when it came out.

[Nine]

New stuff has appeared. Act excited even if you aren't. Next time, I'll try to get this info the day it appears.
GameStop taking Halo 3 preorders

The retailer predicts that Master Chief will fight again in June 2006 on the Xbox 360; also lists 360 versions of DOA VBall 2, Theseis, Metronome, and [eM].

One of the biggest news stories during this past Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles didn't even happen at the convention. In an article with Time Magazine (which not-so-coincidentally came out just before the major press conferences), Microsoft top dog Bill Gates lobbed a plasma grenade right in the crotch of rival Sony with this announcement: "The day Sony launches [the PlayStation 3]? they walk right into Halo 3."

At least one retailer is taking Gates' words to the bank. GameStop has now begun to take preorders for Halo 3 on its Web site. The product page shows no box art or game information, but its June 1, 2006, estimated release date, $59.99 price tag, and Xbox 360 platform has fans of the sci-fi series dual-wielding joy and anticipation.

However, it isn't time to start checking prices on high-def TVs just yet. It's become common practice for online retailers to begin taking preorders based on mere speculation. To quote the site:

"NOTE: Content based on the best available information. Price, release date, content and title are subject to change and/or cancellation by vendor."

Gates' announcement may have shocked many, but not all. Thinking more like cutthroat business moguls rather than game developers tweaking ones and zeros, several conspiracy theorists and Web sites figured that Halo 3 launching simultaneously with the PlayStation 3 would make the most business sense for Microsoft. And it wouldn't be shocking--the company has made a similar move before.

Microsoft Game Studios delayed Halo 2 for a year to November 2004, which also happened to coincide with Sony's launch of its new slim-line PlayStation 2. The result? Halo 2 sold like gangbusters, Xbox Live subscriptions doubled, and Xbox consoles flew off the shelf. Thanks to the popular shooter, Microsoft finally toppled the Japanese company as the monthly leader in the gaming industry, a feat that the Microsoft brass hasn't been curt about.

Even with Gates' declaration, no official announcement of Halo 3 has been made. When speaking with GameSpot just before Microsoft's press conference at E3, Microsoft corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing, Peter Moore, remained mum on the subject, and Halo developer Bungie has denied that a third chapter of the Spartan shooter is in the works.

However, it doesn't mean the Washington-based developer isn't telling a little corporate white lie. Bungie has stated that it won't be working on new downloadable maps for Halo 2 after the release of July's Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack, as it is working hard on an "unnamed project," which, with Gates' boasting, seems more and more likely to be Halo 3.

For gamers who would rather stare at bouncing bazookas rather than fire 'em at enemies, GameStop posted a listing for another sequel set for the Xbox 360. According to the site, Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball 2 , starring the teenie-weenie bikini-clad beauties from the Dead or Alive series of fighting games, is in the works from Tecmo and Ninja Gaiden developer Team Ninja. The original was released January 2003 on the Xbox and it quickly became a cult game because of its, ahem, realistic physics.

A quick search through the Xbox 360 product listing also reveals a few other next-gen titles that were previously unknown (though each is tagged with the aforementioned disclaimer).

Swedish developer Team Tarsier has its paws all over Metronome , previously announced for the PC. The adventure game uses a bizarre art style (think a more colorful Edward Gorey or Tim Burton) to create the city of Metronome. According to the company's Web site , gamers will record sounds (or make their own) to progress through the game by using the audio to battle enemies, solve puzzles, or alter the moods of non-player characters. There is no release date information available on the game.

Theseis is an adventure game from Greek developer Track7 Games. A visit to the company's Web site reveals that a PC version is also in the works, and the game is scheduled for release in 2006. Apparently, gamers will play as Andronicos Kalogerou, a modern-day engineer in Athens. The tradesman stumbles upon a mysterious contraption and goes "where the dividing line between myth and reality becomes a mysterious blur." Judging from the game's screenshots, it appears as though Andronicos will travel back in time (that, or to an elaborate costume party).

The last game is shrouded in the most secrecy. Puzzlingly titled [eM] eNCHANT arM , the role-playing game sounds more like an Xbox Live gamertag than a 360 title. No information is available for the game aside from the fact that it is being developed by From Software, who is also developing the Xbox 360 mech-game Chrome Hounds for Sega. GameStop does list From Software as the game's publisher, which is unusual because From Software does not publish games in the United States.

None of the games have officially been announced, and Microsoft declined to comment on the matter. GameSpot will have more on all the titles as soon as information becomes available.

By Tim Surette -- GameSpot
POSTED: 06/01/05 12:28 PM PST

[Kvitne]

I got the information this time!

Quote

Halo 3

08/06/2005
By: Chris Leyton

Master Chief Set To Combat PS3 Launch???

Movie industry report suggests that Microsoft is keen to get the ball rolling on Master Chief's Hollywood debut...

Variety is today reporting Microsoft’s crusade in finding a film studio to produce a movie adaptation of Bungie Studios Halo. The report indicates that the scripts were hand-delivered to a variety of studios by messengers dressed as Master Chief, confirming that Alex Garland penned the piece and was paid a reported $1 million for his efforts.

The article went onto reveal specific pricing details, suggesting that Microsoft are holding out for a minimum $10 million advance or 15% of the film’s gross, based upon whichever results in the highest earnings. If that seems demanding, any potential film studio would have to relinquish total control to Bungie Studios, who have allegedly drawn up a “bible” for directors and producers to adhere to. Understandably Bungie are adamant that the film will not conflict with the Halo universe created in Halo, Halo 2 and which will “continue in future sequels” – seemingly confirming that Halo will extend beyond the third chapter…

More importantly is the reported haste of Microsoft for a studio to pick it up, with rumours suggesting that a Summer 2006 release alongside Halo 3 could form part of Microsoft’s plan to scupper the Playstation3 launch.

Variety concludes however that the sheer reported demands of Microsoft have already put off a number of studios, including New Line Cinema and Dreamworks, while the Sony Corp division, Colombia Pictures, was allegedly not supplied with the script.

We’ll have further information soon.

Sounds to me like Microsoft doesn't like the PS3 as it's competition...

[Nine]

Suck on this! And thanks for posting in MY news topic! You could have at least asked.

Quote

Microsoft hawking Halo script for $10m

Variety reports the software giant wants a movie version of its sci-fi shooter fast-tracked, but its steep demands are causing studios to pass.

Receptionists at most major studios reportedly got a shock with their morning coffee yesterday. According to Variety (subscription required), all the major movie studios' Hollywood offices were visited on Monday by messengers dressed as the Master Chief, the armored hero of the Halo games.

According to the film-industry trade, the costumed couriers presented each studio with a script for a movie adaptation of Halo. The script was penned by screenwriter Alex Garland (28 Days Later, The Beach), who was reportedly paid $1 million for his services.

Citing "numerous studio people," Variety reported that Microsoft wanted a minimum $10 million advance against 15 percent of the film's gross (meaning the company would keep whatever amount was higher). Unconfirmed rumors also said Microsoft was demanding a $75 million "below the line" budget, meaning the studio would have to invest that much money before hiring any actors or a director, typically some of the biggest production costs.

Whatever studio picks up the project would also have to relinquish "strict control of development" to Halo developer Bungie Studios, which has written a "bible" that any director and producer would have to follow. Variety 's sources say the purpose of the "bible" is "to make sure any changes to the script don't alter the universe established in the first two Halo games that will continue in future sequels," apparently further confirming that Halo 3 is in the works.

Microsoft also apparently wanted studios to bid for the Halo movie rights "as soon as late Monday," according to Variety . The brief window of opportunity is apparently a reflection of Microsoft's desire to get the Halo movie project rolling as quickly as possible; Variety said Microsoft has "a goal of starting [production] by January," while game-rumor site Kotaku heard it was demanding that "the movie be in production by September." The latter schedule could mean the Halo film could be in theaters as early as summer 2006, shortly after the PlayStation 3 launch--which is supposed to coincide with the release of Halo 3.

One would think studios would fight tooth and nail for the film rights to the Halo series, which has sold more than 13 million units--including nearly 7 million of Halo 2 alone. However, Microsoft's demands have apparently led many to pass on the project. Variety said that New Line and DreamWorks declined to pick up the script, which was reportedly not offered to Columbia Pictures, which is owned by Microsoft's main game-industry rival, Sony. As for the remaining studios, which include Fox, Warner Bros., and Paramount, the trade said that "several others are at least potentially interested."

Microsoft's Halo movie effort is being handled by Hollywood superagency CAA and (ironically) former Columbia Pictures president Peter Schlessel, who will also "serve as a producer in some capacity."

When asked for comment by GameSpot, Microsoft representatives (unsurprisingly) stayed largely mum. "We can confirm that the script was written by Alex Garland, and additional information will be provided at a later date," said a representative for the company.

By Tor Thorsen, GameSpot  POSTED: 06/07/05 11:42 AM

This post has been edited by Nine: 08 June 2005 - 06:57 PM

[Sway]

Kvitne, on Jun 8 2005, 11:12 AM, said:

I got the information this time!
Sounds to me like Microsoft doesn't like the PS3 as it's competition...

Uh, yeah, of course they don't, why would any business want competition? It's a pretty smart move on Microsoft's part to do this.

Nine, on Jun 8 2005, 11:55 AM, said:

Suck on this! And thanks for posting in MY news topic! You could have at least asked.

We have to ask to post news in a new topic now?

And I saw that thing about the Halo script yesterday. I sure hope it doesn't get made into a movie. I don't care who wrote the script, it'll likely be just another shitty scifi action movie. At least don't let Uwe Boll direct, please!!