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Software Halo 3 Beta Registration Opens, TV Spot Airs
Marcus Yam (Blog) - December 5, 2006 2:40 AM
Print 36 comment(s) - last by glennpratt.. on Dec 6 at 12:37 PM

Master Chief looking better than ever
Can't get enough of that Halo 3

If you have an Xbox 360 (and perhaps even if you don’t), we’re pretty sure that you’d be interested in participating in the Halo 3 multiplayer public beta. Today, Microsoft opened registration for those wanting to participate.

 

The beta is scheduled to begin in spring 2007 only for Xbox 360, and players’ experiences and feedback will be used by Bungie Studios to further refine and hone the end result of the game.

 

According to the rules, registrants for the beta must be 17 years or older and a resident of the 50 United States (includes District of Columbia) or Canada. If selected to participate, you must have access to the following:

- An Xbox 360 Premium console or an Xbox 360 Core console with hard drive
- A valid Xbox Live Gold subscription
- A valid Microsoft. NET Passport account with an Xbox Live gamertag linked

 

Hit the Official Halo 3 Web site to register. As for European gamers, they will have their chance to join in on the beta through a separate registration at a later date.

 

While on the hot topic, those who missed the inaugural airing of the Halo 3 TV commercial during ESPN’s Monday Night Football (or for those who just want to see it again) can catch it by clicking here. It will also be available as a high-definition download from Xbox Live Marketplace.

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Down with C.G.!!
By SLI on 12/5/2006 7:56:30 AM , Rating: 5
Thanks but keep your C.G. Show it to me in the game engine itself or dont it to show me at all.




RE: Down with C.G.!!
By 05SilverGT on 12/5/2006 8:08:02 AM , Rating: 3
Agreed, if it's not gameplay or something in engine don't bother showing me. It will just disappoint me when I get the real game and it doesn't look like that.


RE: Down with C.G.!!
By therealnickdanger on 12/5/2006 8:39:39 AM , Rating: 4
You guys are right, they should advertise Halo 3 using the unfinished, glitchy graphics engine that it has right now. Maybe they could even show it crashing.


RE: Down with C.G.!!
By othercents on 12/5/2006 9:16:05 AM , Rating: 2
I just can't wait until they finally do get the cinematic realism into the games they produce. 0 Load times and consistent action like a real life war game. Now that would be some heart pounding action.

Other


RE: Down with C.G.!!
By therealnickdanger on 12/5/2006 11:11:40 AM , Rating: 2
You should try Gears of War. While not without load times, it's the closest thing I've seen to "cinematic realism". Hmm, is that an oxymoron?

Somehow I'm not sure that "real" games would be all that fun. Part of what makes games fun is escapism. Look at me in my 8-bit world, I'm a plumber that eats mushrooms and shoots fireballs! I dunno, it could be that because I grew up alongside each generation of game technology, but I don't believe for one second that graphics make the game.

I love pretty graphics as much as the next whore, but I don't require them. Anyone remember the PS9 commercial where the guy inhales the Playstation spores and plays the game all in his mind? It's only a matter of time. People can already control basic computer functions and robotic body parts with their minds, we're not too far away from doing away with controllers, mice, and keyboards altogether. The next step will be to remove monitors and speakers...


RE: Down with C.G.!!
By thejez on 12/5/2006 12:44:42 PM , Rating: 3
the closest thing i've seen to cinematic realizism real-time is what the guys at crytek are doing with their DX10 stuff... its amazing (and not on a "next-gen" console)... as for zero load times you can have those if you can afford a big enough solid state disk to install the game on. :)

http://www.crytek.com/images/gallery/cryengine2/en...
http://www.crytek.com/images/gallery/cryengine2/fa...
http://www.crytek.com/screenshots/index.php?sx=cry...
http://www.crytek.com/images/gallery/cryengine2/ri...


RE: Down with C.G.!!
By djtodd on 12/5/2006 9:33:38 AM , Rating: 2
Actually the parts after the initial "childhood" portion were the engine.


RE: Down with C.G.!!
By Vertigo101 on 12/5/2006 9:50:06 AM , Rating: 5
Alas, no. Bungie has said that although they provided Digital Domain with their in-game assets to work from, it was not in-engine, was not gameplay, and not representative of what playing Halo 3 would be like.

It was not trying to be passed off as gameplay.

*cough*Killzone*cough*


RE: Down with C.G.!!
By fijillian on 12/5/2006 11:46:54 AM , Rating: 2
YEAH! TELL THAT TO SONY!


Registered!
By therealnickdanger on 12/5/2006 8:32:01 AM , Rating: 2
I signed up first thing yesterday. I really hope it goes back to its roots and ditches the gimmicky Halo 2 additions. It's apparent they have learned from some of their mistakes, but... *sigh* ...we'll just have to wait and see.




RE: Registered!
By sscilli on 12/5/2006 9:34:38 AM , Rating: 2
Weak trailer! The previous trailer at least showed what appeared to be in game footage.


RE: Registered!
By therealnickdanger on 12/5/2006 10:15:46 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Weak trailer! The previous trailer at least showed what appeared to be in game footage.

... and? I don't understand this obsession with "in game footage". Technically, you'll never truly get "in game footage" until the game goes gold. Even some previews for movies now show clips or jokes that don't even make the final cut. There's a lot more to the trailer than just the graphics. Every little part of the trailer hints at new gameplay elements:

- The Chief gets knocked out of his hog and obviously hit so hard hit helmet comes off. Is this an indication that body armor is destructible?
- It would appear that vehicle damage is still present.
- The AR (assault rifle) is back! I'm sure they modified it somehow, but it's back, regardless.
- Personal shield generator device looks interesting...
- We now get to see where the Chief places his weapons: on his back. So now you can see what weapons enemies are packing during multiplayer.
- It appears that they may have finally introduced the sprint mode. Stowing your weapon and running full bore may make it to production this time.
- There's at least one new enemy now, they look sort of like cat-like Brutes...


RE: Registered!
By Scabies on 12/5/2006 1:42:24 PM , Rating: 2
Do note that the company Bungie contracted to make this movie was given Bungie's Halo 3 models. Therefore, what you see in this trailer will be very indicative of what you will see in the game.
(though... I think the cat-like brutes are still brutes. I downloaded the trailer, and noticed one of them is holding a hammer (think Tartarus))

But damn! Holy Attention to Detail, Batman! The kid's stomach flexes when he talks, the dust shakes off the AR as the magnets grab and lock it to the armor, but the sheild-grenade makes me think Final Fantasy for some reason.


RE: Registered!
By jarman on 12/6/2006 1:03:59 AM , Rating: 2
WRONG!!!!!!!!!!
These games and the consoles that support them ARE about the graphics, that's why Sony and Microsoft have focused their marketing efforts on the 1080i and 1080p resolutions with the GPUs pushing all of the in-game detail (HDR, AA, AF, etc., etc.)

Trying to sell a game on C.G. is garbage. If a company truly has a quality product (e.g. Halo 3), then ANY images or videos that market the game should reflect actual "game play". Anything else is tantamount to a bait-and-switch sales tactic.


RE: Registered!
By therealnickdanger on 12/6/2006 9:53:08 AM , Rating: 2
But as I posted before, you can't show what doesn't exist. Gameplay elements, graphics, etc. can all change between now and the release. If they show content as "actual gameplay" and then change anything - that would be bait and switch.

Are you going to say that any and all game art used in ads for games should be banned if it's not "in game"? I dunno, I don't see at all what the big deal is. Car companies use CG for their car ads (GM cars don't actually fly), using AX doesn't get you laid, and four blades isn't better than one. If you're dumb enough to believe commercials, you deserve to be disappointed.


RE: Registered!
By glennpratt on 12/6/2006 12:37:04 PM , Rating: 2
Halo was always about intense and polished, movie like, FPS, not the best graphics. Halo 2 looked great, not because of pixel pushing power, but because of polish.

Sure MS and Sony market to the graphics whores, but they also market to a lot of other people. Most mainstream ads for the 360 had absolutely NOTHING to do with graphics and everything to do with fun.

And really, is there any point in saying 'WRONG!!!!' in reply to an opinion. You know what they say about opinions.


UT 2k4 was better
By encryptkeeper on 12/5/2006 9:42:08 AM , Rating: 2
Too bad Halo just can't live up to it's own hype. Anyone who bought it and played it thinking, "What's this game going to be about" was undoubtedly impressed. I first played at a friends house and frankly I was disappointed that you could only carry 2 weapons, and that dual analog control is just really frustrating to use. Keyboard and mouse are much better! Or even better, the potential for the Wiimote is outstanding for FPS. Then I tried to play Halo on the PC, and I was disappointed again. The levels are long and boring, and they all look the same. Why is everyone so crazy about this game? I guess it just doesn't offer anything to anyone who's not into multiplayer.




RE: UT 2k4 was better
By UserDoesNotExist on 12/5/2006 10:27:26 AM , Rating: 2
OK. You don't like Halo. We understand. Does that mean that you should post anti-Halo message in every Halo-related post? No, it doesn't. Of course, most of you have the constitutional right to be a troll, but that doesn't make it right. This applies to PS3, XBox 360, Wii, Apple, Microsoft, Linux, iPod, Zune, console-versus-PS, etc. threads as well. We've heard all the tired argument before about why the PS3 is going to fail, or why Microsoft is a bloodthirsty corporation, and so on. Can we please just move past this rabid fanboism, this "ZOMG Product X is for lamerz and Product Y is FTW" mentality that so permeates all technology-related sites?

And now, to ignore my own advice (since I know no one's going to listen to it anyway):
I do have to agree with you that Halo 1 had a boring single player campaign. But Halo 2 had a great single player campaign, although not the best single player campign I've ever played, and both have probably the most fun multiplayer modes I've played. I do prefer the keyboard-and-mouse setup, but it's not that big of an issue for me. (Minor disappointment: the 360 in theory can support the keyboard-and-mouse setup. Why doesn't it let you?) Only being able to carry 2 or so weapons is an excellent move in multiplayer matches, as it totally changes the entire playing field. At first, it bothered me, but now I'm convinced it's one of the best design decisions Bungie ever made. Just look at how many new games are copying it. You can't just run around and grab a whole bunch of weapons on a map and become der ubersoldier. You have to strategize your weapon choices. Yes, you can have a rocket launcher and a sniper rifle, making you an awesome long-distance fighter. But that leaves you vulnerable to short-range firefights, unless you suicide it. You can have dual machine guns, but you have to sacrifice the ability to throw grenades to do so. And so on. If there's one thing I don't like about Halo 2, it's how many racist 12-year olds play it on Live.

Besides, Halo 3 is going to have a Man Cannon. Any game with a Man Cannon deserves at least an 80% review.


RE: UT 2k4 was better
By therealnickdanger on 12/5/2006 11:02:28 AM , Rating: 2
The campaign experience of Halo is best on Xbox, especially co-op. Even moreso on a big screen with surround sound. I think PC gamers missed out on a lot of the "Halo magic" with the port. Keep in mind that we're also talking 2001. Even though it was only five years ago (has it really been that long?), a lot changes in five years.

Beyond your own preferences, you can't really compare Halo to UT. I love UT, it was my favorite game for a long time (except for 2K3). I've been playing shooters since Wolf3D, so I've got no agenda in defending Halo. It's just entirely different than UT with a completely different objective.

As for HaloPC, I still play regularly and get tons of satisfaction from it. Are the graphics dated? Yes, but the gameplay is timeless, IMO. Most of my reasons for hating Halo 2 come from the fact that Bungie tried to make Halo more like UT with faster pacing and by changing up a lot of what made Halo unique.

Part of what made Halo great was the use of grenades, but Halo 2's nades were weaker, couldn't be thrown as far, and made you an easier target for anyone who was dual-wielding (empty gimmick). Actually, everything but dual-wielding yourself made you an easier target. Halo 2 also brought with it much more aggressive auto-aim which made it impossible for me to enjoy. Bungie also decided to allow gamers to fall from any height without taking damage and to use Quake-esque energy lifts rather than ladders. Let's not even start with the sword...

By and large, Halo 2's story, while having a larger budget, was pathetic and uninteresting. I struggled to make it through the campaign without falling asleep. I tried SO hard to love Halo 2, but too much was changed to even consider it a sequel and by taking away everything that made it unique, it was "just another shooter" in a class dominated by countless (better) shooters. It was an embarassment.


RE: UT 2k4 was better
By Spivonious on 12/5/2006 11:04:07 AM , Rating: 2
I agree with the OP. First game was too long and boring. Second game was getting good and then you switch characters. What's with that? Completely killed any interest I had in continuing the game.

And posting an anti-Halo comment in every Halo-related article is perfectly acceptable. It generates discussion, without which these comment boards would be very dull.

And I hate the stupid buggy posting system. Come on DT fix this. It's been months!


RE: UT 2k4 was better
By UserDoesNotExist on 12/5/2006 12:45:13 PM , Rating: 2
You are right, I did overreact, and I apologize for it. But the gist of my original (badly edited) post still stands. I don't mind when posts generate interesting discussion. But the merits and vices of Halo is a conversation that has been raging in the same cookie cutter fashion for years now, and I'm just tired of rereading it any time Halo is even mentioned in the footnotes.


RE: UT 2k4 was better
By encryptkeeper on 12/5/2006 2:46:07 PM , Rating: 1
In all seriousness about the buggy posts, it times you out after 5 or 6 minutes ago. I just have to remind myself to type faster.


RE: UT 2k4 was better
By glennpratt on 12/6/2006 12:31:50 PM , Rating: 2
I've typed one sentence and gotten 'whoops...'.

Also, the ordering for the fields is very annoying for someone who doesn't use the mouse much. Field #1 should be the subject then body text box, then submit, preview cancel THEN go to , bold, etc. Most people don't change those things.


RE: UT 2k4 was better
By encryptkeeper on 12/5/2006 2:44:10 PM , Rating: 1
Whoa there chuckles, I never said anything that EVER sounded like "...rabid fanboism, this "ZOMG Product X is for lamerz and Product Y is FTW". I expressed in a perfectly reasonable tone that I don't understand the popularity of Halo mainly due to a disappointing experience with the game. I also, in a calm and non-rabid manner expressed that I think the keyboard and mouse is a much better way of playing FPS, and that the Wii had a great potential as bridging the gap between the two. Also, it's not an anti Halo post. I WANTED to like Halo because all of my friends were having a great time playing it, but even under peer pressure, I couldn't force myself to enjoy the experience.


Weak
By Ard on 12/5/2006 6:28:16 AM , Rating: 2
I'll be the first to say that the trailer was extremely weak. Disappointment doesn't quite do what I felt justice...




RE: Weak
By tuteja1986 on 12/5/2006 6:38:05 AM , Rating: 2
Doesn't beat the Halo 2 1st trailer where he is going the down lift and picking up is gun. Walks out of the lift and opens the hanger door and jumps out of the space ship. :)


RE: Weak
By keitaro on 12/5/2006 9:19:44 AM , Rating: 3
Erm... I doubt this could be considered a trailer at all, despite that the site claiming it is. It is what we expected it to be: a TV ad for an upcoming video game. You're given 15 seconds to 60 seconds of airtime to pitch your product. This is completely different from what you'd expect from full-blown game and movie trailers. If you were hoping for something worthwhile to be shown for Halo 3 at this stage, you set your standards too high and much too early.

If you want what Halo 3 truly has to offer in terms of graphics, gameplay, and/or story, wait for it.


RE: Weak
By The Arete on 12/5/2006 1:55:37 PM , Rating: 2
I agree. After all they (Bungie) went through alot to stress, and emphasize the fact (THIS IS NOT IN GAME FOOTAGE). I think it's just that. A TV spot.

As previously stated, despite my feelings on Halo, the Ad worked. It get's you excited, and gives away a lot of hints as to gameplay. And yes Digital Domain did use most of Halo's models. It's indicative of Gameplay but not of Graphics wise.

Overall it worked. I'm excited and intrigued. Am I disappointed it's not In-game like the first one. yep. But it's still a kick-ass trailer.


what are the chances
By Serifan on 12/5/2006 8:27:07 PM , Rating: 2
It would be really funny if this game turned out to be a flop and everyone hated it, then again people still say halo was a good game. Don't get me wrong here Halo was fun but it was no way the greatest game people say it is.




RE: what are the chances
By Sharky974 on 12/6/2006 12:12:04 AM , Rating: 2
You're just saying that because it's a microsoft game. People dont go around saying Zelda is overrated (though it certainly is). The difference is just that Zelda is a Nintendo game.

You wouldn't say Zelda or Gran Tourismo are overrated, or post it everywhere you could on the internet, because it's not MS. Dont worry though, XBOX 360 is still gonna beat your face in judging by the latest sales LOL.


RE: what are the chances
By Serifan on 12/6/2006 1:16:42 AM , Rating: 2
WTF are you going on about. I have a xbox and a xbox 360.
All I said was Halo was not that great of game. Im sure halo 3 will be better but remember this game is getting hyped up and we all know what that can do to a game.


Linux users don't like Halo
By Deathspawner on 12/5/2006 7:46:43 AM , Rating: 2
Or at least that's what I would grasp from the website, since clicking the "Enlist Now" button does not work under Linux, even with Flash 9.




By therealnickdanger on 12/5/2006 8:34:33 AM , Rating: 2
It could just be that your Linux doesn't work under the "Enlist Now" button... LOL


By xeal on 12/5/2006 10:13:54 PM , Rating: 2
"Please enter your date of birth."

WTF!?




By Sulik2 on 12/6/2006 1:23:56 AM , Rating: 2
You show the trailer, and you get the hype rolling for the Halo 3 beta. Which is a really inovative and unique thing for consoles. But mostly, you show what is surely going to be a very controversial addition, in a very cool way. And just to get the name Halo back out there after the movie was delayed and Gears/PS3/Wii are dominating the news.

On a side not, with all the CG Halo stuff we seem to be seeing, I wonder if we are going to get a CG Halo movie instead of a live action one.




Typical. US and Canada only :-(
By BZDTemp on 12/6/2006 6:40:10 AM , Rating: 2
Wonder how much copy&paste they will use for their single player leves this time around.




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