Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PSA: Halo 2 PC multiplayer support extended]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-support-extended/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-support-extended/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-support-extended/#comments Good news for dual-wielding, sword-rushing Lockout fans, Halo 2's online multiplayer on PC has received an extension. Previously, Halo Waypoint had announced that Halo 2's PC multiplayer servers would join the Forerunners on February 15. Not so anymore, according to 343 Industries designer David Ellis, who revealed the extension on Twitter, noting that servers will now stay online until June 2013 "while we investigate further support options."

In other words, not only do the few remaining Halo 2 players get another four months of online multiplayer, but 343 is apparently looking into ways to extend it even further. Now everyone calm down and get back to Team Slayer on Turf (BR starts, duh).

JoystiqPSA: Halo 2 PC multiplayer support extended originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungieHalo-2pcWed, 13 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam database fills out with Halo 2, 3, Fez, Dyad, King of Fighters, more [Update: MS says no plans for Halo]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/steam-database-fills-out-with-halo-2-3-fez-dyad-king-of-figh/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/steam-database-fills-out-with-halo-2-3-fez-dyad-king-of-figh/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/steam-database-fills-out-with-halo-2-3-fez-dyad-king-of-figh/#comments Halo 2, 3 get Community pages in Steam database, more games pop upThe Steam database is a dark and convoluted mine, with twisting tunnels of useless content and, every now and then, a diamond. NeoGAF member Stumpokapaw braved the database and dusted off a few gems, including the addition of Halo 2 and Halo 3.

The Halo 2 and 3 database entries included links to Steam Community pages for each game, according to Stumpokapaw and Redditor whatsmyPW, who provided the above screenshot. The Community links no longer resolve those pages, and the Halo 3 database history shows the app was edited today to remove the website name.

Halo 2 and 3's existence in the database doesn't mean these games are coming to Steam, but it could point to some form of Community support on Steam in the future. With the Steam Box on the way, anything is possible (yes, even that, you absolute freak). Other games in the database, listed by Stumpokapaw, include Fez, Shadow Warrior Complete, Dyad, The King of Fighters 13 (and 2002 Unlimited Match and '98 Unlimited Match), Halo: Combat Evolved, Quantum Conundrum 2, The Witness and Second Life.

Dyad, at least, is definitely on its way to Steam, developer Shawn McGrath tells us.

Update: Microsoft says, "We currently do not have plans to release any Halo titles on Steam," in a statement to Eurogamer.

JoystiqSteam database fills out with Halo 2, 3, Fez, Dyad, King of Fighters, more [Update: MS says no plans for Halo] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Halo-2Halo-3pcSTEAMsteam-databasevalveMon, 04 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Halo 2 PC multiplayer servers going offline Feb. 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-servers-going-offline-feb-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-servers-going-offline-feb-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-servers-going-offline-feb-15/#comments PSA Halo 2 PC multiplayer servers going offline Feb 15Online multiplayer matches in the PC version of Halo 2 are about to get a lot lonelier than they already are, as Bungie will be pulling the plug on Friday, February 15. Matches over LAN will still be possible of course, but as far as playing through Bungie's servers, that's all she wrote.

"We've been monitoring the population for months," the announcement reads, "and it's been peaking consistently at approximately 20 players or less." So! If you're one of the 20 people left in the whole of existence that are still playing Halo 2, allow us to officially welcome you back to society. You'll be pleased to know that several other Halo games have been released in your absence.

JoystiqPSA: Halo 2 PC multiplayer servers going offline Feb. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieHalo-2microsoftmultiplayerofflinepcPSAserversshut-downSat, 19 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo stats blown out by Bungie as studio moves on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/halo-stats-blown-out-by-bungie-as-studio-moves-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/halo-stats-blown-out-by-bungie-as-studio-moves-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/halo-stats-blown-out-by-bungie-as-studio-moves-on/#comments Bungie is out of the Halo stat-tracking biz, but says "so long and thanks for all the fish" with one last nuke of information. Since 2004, over 20.8 billion Halo matchmaking games have been played, with Halo 3 supplying a majority at 11.5 billion, at around 221 million games averaged monthly.

The studio gathered all the data up in a mega infographic, covering stats of the great battles between humanity and The Covenant, and Red vs. Blue. At the end of Bungie's oversight of the online war, the body count exceeded 136 billion, with over 43 billion assists.

Having moved on from Halo, Bungie is currently in a 10-year contract with Activision to produce ... something.

JoystiqHalo stats blown out by Bungie as studio moves on originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieHaloHalo-2Halo-3Halo-3-ODSTHalo-ReachmicrosoftxboxMon, 02 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Anniversary gets Headlong remake; Reach title update drops Sept. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/halo-anniversary-gets-headlong-remake-reach-title-update-drops/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/halo-anniversary-gets-headlong-remake-reach-title-update-drops/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/halo-anniversary-gets-headlong-remake-reach-title-update-drops/#comments If you spent any considerable amount of time with Halo 2, then you've likely stomped around the Headlong map in your billion-dollar boots, helping to fertilize its soil with a few dead bodies. A new and improved version of that large-scale map, dubbed Breakneck, will ship with Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary, 343 Industries announced today.

Some graphical tweaks have been made, but you may notice some layout differences as well. That teleporter on the Blue base's balcony has been replaced with a man-cannon and some panels have been added up there for better cover when moving from building to building. Red side's had an extension added to the Engineering Hallway and lost a chunk of the ceiling in the Office.

343 also sent word on the next big title update for Halo: Reach, due on September 21. Initially, the title update won't change anything for you, but come October 4 a special beta playlist will become active with 4-on-4 Objective and Slayer game modes. Here is where 343 will monitor games so that it can continue to shape Reach.

Feel free to hop into our gallery below to check out shots of the new and improved Headlong Breakneck. You'll get a chance to see it in person when Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary launches on November 15.

Gallery: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary (Breakneck map)

JoystiqHalo Anniversary gets Headlong remake; Reach title update drops Sept. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbreakneckbungiehalo-2halo-combat-evolved-anniversaryhalo-reachheadlongmicrosoftmultiplayerxboxWed, 14 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-Minute Halo: An Interview with Jaime Griesemer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/half-minute-halo-an-interview-with-jaime-griesemer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/half-minute-halo-an-interview-with-jaime-griesemer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/half-minute-halo-an-interview-with-jaime-griesemer/#comments "In Halo 1, there was maybe 30 seconds of fun that happened over and over and over and over again. And so, if you can get 30 seconds of fun, you can pretty much stretch that out to be an entire game."

Or maybe even five games. The succinct secret to Halo's success, that half minute of fun, has long been a mantra repeated by developer Bungie, repurposed by game critics, and presumably whispered by Master Chief himself before he tosses a plasma grenade into a gathering of grunts. It's inoffensive, catchy and it sounds about right. Doesn't it?

"Yeah, it's probably the most famous thing I ever said," says game designer Jaime Griesemer. "For some reason it really resonated with the community and got quoted and repeated to the point where I would hear it from people that didn't realize where it had come from in the first place! Especially with journalists." Like many of you, Griesemer has heard the phrase on podcasts (yes, including The Joystiq Podcast) and read it in several articles, such as Clive Thompson's examination of Halo 3 playtesting in Wired. "Some of the guys at Bungie were calling me 'Mr. Thirty Seconds' for a while ... heh."

If only we had paid attention to Mr. Thirty Seconds for about, oh, 30 seconds longer.

Continue reading Half-Minute Halo: An Interview with Jaime Griesemer

JoystiqHalf-Minute Halo: An Interview with Jaime Griesemer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalohalo-2halo-3halo-3-odsthalo-combat-evolvedhalo-combat-evolved-anniversaryhalo-reachjaime-griesemermicrosoftsucker-punchsucker-punch-productionsxboxThu, 14 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie discusses the Halo beyond Halo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/bungie-discusses-the-halo-beyond-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/bungie-discusses-the-halo-beyond-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/bungie-discusses-the-halo-beyond-halo/#comments Even if you've never touched a Halo game, you're likely familiar with the basic story. But as only the devout know, there's another, deeper fiction behind Bungie's baby that predates even the series itself. Today IGN encapsulates that daunting mythology in a new feature that's well worth a read.

JoystiqBungie discusses the Halo beyond Halo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiecortanahalohalo-2halo-3halo-reachmicrosoftpcxboxWed, 20 Oct 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch a full match of Team Slayer on Halo: Reach's Reflection map]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/watch-a-full-match-of-team-slayer-on-halo-reachs-reflection-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/watch-a-full-match-of-team-slayer-on-halo-reachs-reflection-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/watch-a-full-match-of-team-slayer-on-halo-reachs-reflection-ma/#comments For being a remake of Halo 2's Ivory Tower, Reflection doesn't look like it's changed much. Aside from giving it a graphical overhaul, the map's layout in Halo: Reach is pretty much what we remember. Large open area, some tight hallways and that elevator -- we call it the "deathvator" because, let's be honest, anybody riding that thing is going to get murdered.

Head on past the break and soak in five minutes of what the latter half of your September is going to be like, courtesy of 343 Industries.

[Thanks, Glenn]

Continue reading Watch a full match of Team Slayer on Halo: Reach's Reflection map

JoystiqWatch a full match of Team Slayer on Halo: Reach's Reflection map originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiehalohalo-2Halo-Reachivory-towermicrosoftreflectionxboxFri, 13 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Elite costume sets the bar for DIY]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/halo-elite-costume-sets-the-bar-for-diy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/halo-elite-costume-sets-the-bar-for-diy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/halo-elite-costume-sets-the-bar-for-diy/#comments Oh, you've made your own assault rifle from Halo? That's cute. Wait, you've made your own Spartan suit? Meh, it's okay, we guess. See, the dudes at Peter Mander FX have ruined us forever, because they've produced about the best homage to Halo one could ever hope for: the ultra-realistic Elite suit you see above.

Largely comprised of plastic, TLC and dark magicks, the suit not only looks impressive, but it's animatronic. We can't imagine the blood, sweat and/or tears it took to produce such a lifelike recreation of this Covenant class, but we can get some idea from the video documenting the creation of this behemoth, which you can find past the break.

[Image source: Device Magazine]

Continue reading Halo Elite costume sets the bar for DIY

JoystiqHalo Elite costume sets the bar for DIY originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 04:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieBungie-StudiosDIYEliteHaloHalo-2Halo-3Halo-3-ODSTHalo-Combat-EvolvedHalo-ReachMicrosoft-Game-StudiosPeter-Mander-FXWed, 30 Jun 2010 04:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 2 still kinda alive, thanks to some fans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/halo-2-still-kinda-alive-thanks-to-some-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/halo-2-still-kinda-alive-thanks-to-some-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/halo-2-still-kinda-alive-thanks-to-some-fans/#comments When the sun set on the Xbox Live service for original Xbox games on April 15, some Halo 2 players decided they just didn't want to let go. So they've been in-game and have left their consoles running past the designated April 15 shutdown, staying in Halo 2 for almost two weeks now. They're going to flip when they see their electric bills!

This thread over on the Bungie forums lists the numerous individuals still online in Halo 2, the last few people able to play the game online ever. Determined not to abandon it until they're forcibly removed by Bungie or Microsoft (or their consoles blow up, which is a very real possibility), you can clearly see each individual's commitment via their profile page on Xbox.com: You gotta give it to these guys for their perseverance. Sometimes, you just can't accept something coming to an end. That's why we've never gotten around to watching the series finale of Who's The Boss?.

[Via CNET]

JoystiqHalo 2 still kinda alive, thanks to some fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalo-2Microsoftoriginal-xboxxbox-1Xbox-360xbox-livexbox-originalsThu, 29 Apr 2010 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Master Chief Sings: a 19-disc set of John 117's best]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/master-chief-sings-a-19-disc-set-of-john-117s-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/master-chief-sings-a-19-disc-set-of-john-117s-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/master-chief-sings-a-19-disc-set-of-john-117s-best/#comments With all of that space travel going on, there's got to be plenty of downtime for the last Spartan in existence. Sure, Master Chief can just hop into a cryo-chamber and saw some wood between Halo games -- but every now and then, when nobody's around, MC likes to exercise the old pipes. You would not believe how dynamic his range is, clearly exhibited in the video past the break from IGN.

Oh, and before you watch the video (and inevitably call that number to order your own set), know that we think we've finally figured out John 117's identity: Michael McDonald.

[Via LazyGamer]

Continue reading Master Chief Sings: a 19-disc set of John 117's best

JoystiqMaster Chief Sings: a 19-disc set of John 117's best originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiehalohalo-2halo-3ignmaster-chiefmaster-chief-singsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosparodysatirespoofXbox-360Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:27:00 EST<![CDATA[GamePro looks at Halo's influence on gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/gamepro-looks-at-how-halo-influenced-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/gamepro-looks-at-how-halo-influenced-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/gamepro-looks-at-how-halo-influenced-gaming/#comments We'd explain that Halo influenced gaming in that it influenced many to play it, but that's hardly a secret. It's a cash juggernaut; an epic tale of dudes in space suits that cost more than it does for us to go to space right now. And, of course, bags of tea.

But GamePro offers its own, more poignant analysis of Microsoft's biggest franchise. There are the obvious effects of Bungie's success -- such as regenerative shields and the popular control scheme mimicked by many of Halo's successors -- but one of the biggest is the emergence of online multiplayer in the console FPS. The series has helped pave the way for some of console gamers' favorites.

We can't help but point out that GamePro is neglecting one crucial item: Theater mode. Before Halo 3, just about everyone's crazy stories of conquest or humiliation were suspect and impossible to prove. Now every console player on the message boards can see how awesome you are, and you can't really put a price on that now, can you?

JoystiqGamePro looks at Halo's influence on gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiefpshalohalo-2halo-3microsoftmultiplayerregenerative-shieldsshieldsXbox-360Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie bids funny farewell to Halo 2 online multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/bungies-funny-farewell-to-halo-2-online-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/bungies-funny-farewell-to-halo-2-online-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/bungies-funny-farewell-to-halo-2-online-multiplayer/#comments
Click image for more lulz

As today is the last full day you'll get a chance to enjoy Halo 2, Bungie has apparently gone and pulled the joke lever. In preparation for tonight's festivities, we went online to download all of the extra maps for the game and get a round of practice in, only to find a few peculiar messages -- like the self-esteem booster you see above.

For the most part, the messages are pretty jovial, though there are a few odd ones that take it a bit too far. Head into the gallery below to check 'em all out.

Gallery: Bungie's Halo 2 Farewell

JoystiqBungie bids funny farewell to Halo 2 online multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesbungieBungie-StudiosFPShalohalo-2MicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosscreensscreenshotscreenshotsXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 14 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F Game Night: Halo 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/x3f-game-night-halo-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/x3f-game-night-halo-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/x3f-game-night-halo-2/#comments Did you hear? Microsoft is pulling the plug on Xbox Live support for original Xbox games, like, tomorrow, so we thought it'd be a good idea to say goodbye in style. Specifically, in the style of playing some Halo 2! So tonight, Wednesday, the 14th of April, we're asking readers to log on and frag with us!

I'll be online at 7PM ET, ready to rumble; merely send me an Xbox Live message (Gamertag: KnifefightYaDad), and I'll do my best to get you into the game, as space permits. Tell your friends, tell your mom and, uh, tell your mom's friends! This is the last time we'll get to play together before the servers are shut down tomorrow.

Note: You may want to download all of the extra maps before joining us online, if you don't have them already. It'll save time and hopefully get us gaming together as soon as possible.

Finally, we're hoping to turn X3F Game Nights into a regular thing, so if you keep showing up, we'll keep hosting -- all you have to do is ask!

What: Multiplayer Halo 2 send-off
Where: Your house (or wherever your Xbox/Xbox 360 is set up)
When: Wednesday, April 14 at 7pm ET until ... dark!
Why: Because Xbox Live won't support original Xbox games after April 15
How: Jump into Halo 2, send KnifefightYaDad a message and wait for the invite

JoystiqX3F Game Night: Halo 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-2original-xboxx3f-game-nightxbox-liveWed, 14 Apr 2010 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie looks back on Halo 2 development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/bungie-looks-back-on-halo-2-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/bungie-looks-back-on-halo-2-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/bungie-looks-back-on-halo-2-development/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Speaking to Eurogamer as part of a look back at the development of Halo 2, several Bungie staffers shared some revealing thoughts on the game's development. The end of development "crunch" was particularly difficult, with Chris Butcher noting that he would show up for work early and leave after 11pm "seven days a week, for months and months." He added that, while crunch time at Bungie has improved significantly, "The crunch on Halo 2 was, 'Oh my god, we're f***ed. We're all going to die."

The stress stemmed from a solid release date, which would see the game released just prior to the last major holiday season for the original Xbox. Still, Butcher said he prefers a deadline to the Blizzard / Valve "when it's done" philosophy. "The problem with 'when it's done' is that it would never have been done," said Butcher. He elaborated that the team was cutting features from Halo 2 within four months of the deadline.

Concerning the ambition of the original scope of the project, Butcher offers an interesting anecdote. "There's a famous drawing that someone did on a whiteboard in the team's space that shows a plane on fire trying to land on a runway, and people are jettisoning cargo crates out the back of the plane in order to try and get it on the runway," Said Butcher, adding, "Every crate has the name of a feature we had to cut .... In the end, we ran out of room on the whiteboard for all the crates."

Be sure to read Eurogamer's full piece, which covers plenty of other topics, including the reaction to the Arbiter and, of course, Halo 2's infamous cliffhanger ending.

JoystiqBungie looks back on Halo 2 development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungieBungie-StudiosFPShalohalo-2Microsoftmicrosoft-game-studiosXbox-360Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Last weekend to play Xbox 1 games on Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/psa-last-weekend-to-play-xbox-1-games-on-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/psa-last-weekend-to-play-xbox-1-games-on-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/psa-last-weekend-to-play-xbox-1-games-on-live/#comments This is it. Cue The Doors record, because next Thursday, April 15th, Microsoft will be turning out the lights on the servers that run original Xbox games on Xbox Live, which means that this weekend will be the last non-workdays you've got to play Star Wars: Battlefront 2, Crimson Skies, or Halo 2 online. If it's any consolation, remember that the reason for the shutdown is that older hardware on the service is keeping Microsoft from being able to update things like the friends list limit, so in this case, change should bring some welcome progress.

But as for us, we'll be vegging out all day on Sunday playing Conker: Live and Reloaded. We just called Aunt Emma to tell her this weekend's visit will have to wait -- something more important has come up.

[Thanks, Chris!]

JoystiqPSA: Last weekend to play Xbox 1 games on Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conker-live-and-reloadedcrimson-skiesfriends-listhalo-2microsoftoriginal-xboxpsastar-wars-battlefront-2Xbox-360xbox-liveSat, 10 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 2 players getting Reach beta invites via email]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/halo-2-players-getting-reach-beta-invites-via-email/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/halo-2-players-getting-reach-beta-invites-via-email/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/halo-2-players-getting-reach-beta-invites-via-email/#comments
This is what you get for being loyal to Halo 2

If you're one of the die-hard Master Chief fans that just can't let go of Halo 2, there's a chance that you've got some good news waiting in your inbox. Microsoft is currently sending out emails to Xbox Live users, specifically those who insist on clinging to the old ways. As the Xbox Live service for original Xbox games will shut down next month, Microsoft is offering Halo 2 fans quite a severance package.

All told, OG Xbox gamers will receive three months of Xbox Live Gold, 400 Microsoft Points and an invite to the upcoming Halo: Reach multiplayer beta. Granted, it's probably not going to console those who have yet to upgrade to an Xbox 360 -- or those loyal to games other than Halo 2 -- but it's certainly better than nothing. And hey, jet packs, right?

[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]

JoystiqHalo 2 players getting Reach beta invites via email originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiehalohalo-2halo-reachhalo-reach-betamicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosXbox-360Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Major Nelson: Original Xbox DLC back online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/major-nelson-original-xbox-dlc-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/major-nelson-original-xbox-dlc-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/major-nelson-original-xbox-dlc-back-online/#commentsFiled under:

After telling Joystiq just yesterday that it was working on a fix for unavailable original Xbox DLC, Microsoft has restored the content to Xbox Live. Major Nelson made the news known via his Twitter account. We popped a copy of Halo 2 into the ol' Xbox 360 and, sure enough, all the map packs were once again available for download. Ninja Gaiden worked as well. So, if you need any DLC for your dusty old Xbox games, you'd best get it before the original Xbox Live servers shut down permanently on April 15 (just in time for taxes!).

Also, don't forget to snag the old Halo 2 maps for Bungie's final online farewell to the game on April 14. You really should be there to play one last time. It's got dual-wielding!

JoystiqMajor Nelson: Original Xbox DLC back online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlchalo-2Microsoftoriginal-xboxxboxxbox-1Xbox-360xbox-liveThu, 11 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft 'actively working' to restore Original Xbox DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/microsoft-actively-working-to-restore-original-xbox-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/microsoft-actively-working-to-restore-original-xbox-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/microsoft-actively-working-to-restore-original-xbox-dlc/#comments Earlier today we reported that Original Xbox downloadable content had been taken offline, presumably in an early effort to turn off online support for the classic Xbox; however, according to Microsoft the unavailable DLC is only an error.

In an email to Joystiq, a Microsoft representative said: "We are aware that Xbox v1 users are currently unable to access downloadable content via Xbox LIVE, both for the original console and Xbox Originals on Xbox 360. The team is actively working on resolving this issue so that the Xbox v1 community can continue downloading content until April 15."

No time frame was given for a fix to the disconnected servers, but it looks like Microsoft wants gamers to enjoy every element of the original Xbox's connected experience until April 15. Now we can all go back to ignoring these server shutdowns and stop acting like it's such a big deal. You know, because it's 2010.

JoystiqMicrosoft 'actively working' to restore Original Xbox DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadable-contenthalo-2Microsoftoriginal-xboxXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 10 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Original Xbox games' DLC already offline]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/psa-original-xbox-games-dlc-already-offline/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/psa-original-xbox-games-dlc-already-offline/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/psa-original-xbox-games-dlc-already-offline/#comments Plans to disconnect Xbox Live services for original Xbox games have apparently already begun, as DLC servers for Xbox titles have been quietly taken offline. According to numerous forum threads and our own tests of an assortment of Xbox titles, attempts to download original Xbox game content are now fruitless. Each title tested yielded the message: "Could not download content list. Please try again later." (The image above was taken from our test of Halo 2.)

Last Friday, Microsoft announced online support for original Xbox titles would be discontinued on April 15, but made no mention of disconnecting DLC servers earlier than that. Some forum users claim that the DLC servers for Xbox titles were taken offline as soon as the announcement was made last week. So, if you've continued to put off your infiltration of the Kola Cell in the original Splinter Cell, you'd better have already downloaded the mission.

[Thanks, Bren]

JoystiqPSA: Original Xbox games' DLC already offline originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlchalo-2Microsoftoriginal-xboxpsaserversxboxxbox-1Xbox-360xbox-livexbox-originalsWed, 10 Feb 2010 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Pour one out for Halo 2 and the original Xbox with Bungie on April 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/pour-one-out-for-halo-2-and-the-original-xbox-with-bungie-on-apr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/pour-one-out-for-halo-2-and-the-original-xbox-with-bungie-on-apr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/pour-one-out-for-halo-2-and-the-original-xbox-with-bungie-on-apr/#comments The plasma party may be almost over for those of you still gripping tight to your Xbox 1 and copy of Halo 2, playing game after desperate game before Microsoft shuts the online servers, but Bungie is looking for fans to join staff members in a last hurrah on April 14. Community manager Brian "Sketch" Jarrard proclaims on Bungie.net that, "We're all saddened at the realization that an era is coming to an end," before asking fans to "mark your calendars now - on April 14th let's all rally to go online for one last hoorah." And sure, he might not explicitly mention the emptying of various malt beverages from 40 ounce glass bottles, but that's why we read between the lines. It's right there, people!

JoystiqPour one out for Halo 2 and the original Xbox with Bungie on April 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-jarrardbungiehalohalo-2MicrosoftsketchxblXbox-360xbox-liveSun, 07 Feb 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live service for Xbox 1 games to be discontinued on Apr. 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/xbox-live-service-for-xbox-1-games-to-be-discontinued-on-apr-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/xbox-live-service-for-xbox-1-games-to-be-discontinued-on-apr-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/xbox-live-service-for-xbox-1-games-to-be-discontinued-on-apr-15/#comments
[Image: Bungie]
Microsoft is pulling the plug on the Xbox Live services that still cater to the original Xbox. As of April 15th, all Xbox 1 games -- including those playable on Xbox 360 or via the Xbox Originals service -- will be severed from the online realm. "I want to start by saying this isn't a decision we made lightly," Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten said at the start of a letter to Xbox Live members, "but after careful consideration, it is clear that this will provide the greatest benefit to the Xbox Live community."

Whitten added that in continuing to "evolve the service," Microsoft requires changes that are "incompatible" with the previous console's games. "We will contact the Xbox LIVE members directly impacted by this change and if this includes you, I encourage you to check your LIVE messages and associated e-mail account over the coming weeks for more details and opportunities."

According to Major Nelson's most recent list of top Xbox 1 Live titles, Star Wars: Battlefront 2 and Counter-Strike players will be hardest hit. Well, sure, Halo 2 is still the most widely played game, but at least those guys will have some consolation when they leave the house and discover that two three more Halo games have come out since 2004.

By the way, if you have anything terribly important to say to your clan mates, we suggest you say it now.

Continue reading Xbox Live service for Xbox 1 games to be discontinued on Apr. 15

JoystiqXbox Live service for Xbox 1 games to be discontinued on Apr. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesBungieBungie-Studioscounter-strikeFPShalohalo-2marc-whittenMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosoriginal-xboxstar-wars-battlefront-2xbox-1Xbox-360xbox-livexbox-originalsFri, 05 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Three ex-Bungie vets form Moonshot Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/three-ex-bungie-vets-form-moonshot-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/three-ex-bungie-vets-form-moonshot-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/three-ex-bungie-vets-form-moonshot-games/#commentsTired of telling the tale of Master Chief and all of those spinning rings in space, three Bungie veterans have packed their bags and left the company, GI.biz reports. The trio -- Michel Bastien, Damián Isla and Rob Strokes -- have decided to embark on their own adventure together as Moonshot Games, a studio based in both the Seattle and Boston areas.

There's no word on what the new studio will be focusing on, but with all three having spent years making Halo 2 and Halo 3, we'd say it's safe to assume the studio's new project won't include any AI constructs or multi-billion dollar cyborgs. Well, unless they decide to stick to what they know best ...

JoystiqThree ex-Bungie vets form Moonshot Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieDShalohalo-2halo-3Microsoftmoonshot-gamesNintendoWiiXbox-360Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Want a bigger friends list? Stop playing Halo 2 online!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/want-a-bigger-friends-list-stop-playing-halo-2-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/want-a-bigger-friends-list-stop-playing-halo-2-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/want-a-bigger-friends-list-stop-playing-halo-2-online/#comments
Speaking to G4 late last week, a "high-level Microsoft source" said that the real reason Microsoft hasn't upped the friends list limit on 360 thus far has more to do with people still playing Halo 2 on Xbox than limitations of its current console. Reportedly, the source says that Microsoft is still undecided on when to finally pull the plug and add a feature gamers have been requesting for a long time now.

The company has made it clear in the past that it would like to implement the feature, even going so far as to explain to us at CES 2009 that "original Xbox games were coded to be limited to 100 friends and that limit was brought into the current generation." According to G4's source, the shuttering of Halo 2's online could come after Halo 3: ODST drops this September, giving Microsoft two Halo titles to offer on the Xbox 360. The source also contends that the real decision to keep Halo 2 online is in the hands of gamers. What say you, gamers?!

View Poll



[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqWant a bigger friends list? Stop playing Halo 2 online! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiefriends-listg4halohalo-2halo-3-odsthalo2microsoftxboxXbox-360xbox-liveMon, 10 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy (belated) 10th birthday, Halo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/happy-belated-10th-birthday-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/happy-belated-10th-birthday-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/happy-belated-10th-birthday-halo/#commentsHey, Halo! Wow, is it ever good to see you! Listen, we're sorry we missed your birthday yesterday, we were really busy with the Babypirates and that dinosaur-headed robot. We just wanted to say you're 10 years old now, and you're growing up in to a fine young man. ... Anyway, listen to us ramble. The point is ... we think you're old enough to have this: It's your grandfather's pocket knife.

Now don't tell your mom about it and don't go poking your eye out, she would just skin us alive. ... What's that? No, smart alec, we don't know how a knife would puncture the nearly 1,000 pounds of MJOLNIR armor that you're constantly required to wear. Now go get washed up for supper, we're having fettuccine.

[Thanks, Jacob]

JoystiqHappy (belated) 10th birthday, Halo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiefpshalohalo-2halo-3halo-3-odstMicrosoftodstXbox-360Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3: Over one billion served]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/halo-3-over-one-billion-served/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/halo-3-over-one-billion-served/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/halo-3-over-one-billion-served/#comments
At 6:36pm PT on Saturday night, Halo 3's 1 billionth match went down. It was a game of Infection on Foundry that lasted a little over 3 minutes, and we imagine all those involved are incredibly proud of how far along Bungie's baby has come. To put it in perspective, that's 2,023,153,340,764 seconds (64,109 years) of total matchmaking playtime. That's like 3 multiplayer searches in Gears of War 2.

Another fun fact: Bungie offers that Halo 2, a game that has topped the original Xbox Live leaderboard since its release 4 years ago, has served a total of 798 million games. Halo 3 released on September 25, 2007.

JoystiqHalo 3: Over one billion served originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalohalo-2halo-3matchmakingmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 03 Mar 2009 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Frank O'Connor leaves Bungie for Microsoft to work on Halo franchise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/frank-oconnor-leaves-bungie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/frank-oconnor-leaves-bungie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/frank-oconnor-leaves-bungie/#commentsFiled under:

The long-standing "voice" of Bungie, Content Manager Frank O'Connor, is leaving the Halo studio in order to "work more closely with Microsoft on the Halo franchise." In his final Weekly Update, O'Connor sends a heartwarming thanks to the community for a number of things, among them for "not following through on the death threats" (his emphasis, not ours).

The most interesting part of his goodbye later is the tease on the "coming years." Said O'Connor, "I was busy working on a story for one of our next games, an experience that is destined to surprise, amaze and entertain like nothing we've ever made before. That game has an amazing team invested in it, and one that will be tasked with building the Next Big Thing. You should see what they've already achieved, you truly should." We'll be watching with eager eyes. Take care, Frank, you'll be missed.

(Oh, and be sure to check out all the fun Frank O'Connor Photoshops.)

JoystiqFrank O'Connor leaves Bungie for Microsoft to work on Halo franchise originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 21:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsbungiebungie-studiosfrank-o-connorhalohalo-2halo-3microsoftXbox-360Fri, 16 May 2008 21:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Downloadable Halo 2 HD cut scenes now complete]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/downloadable-halo-2-hd-cut-scenes-now-complete/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/downloadable-halo-2-hd-cut-scenes-now-complete/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/downloadable-halo-2-hd-cut-scenes-now-complete/#commentsFiled under:

An update to last month's story about HBO and their friends whose mission was to make all of Halo 2's cut scenes available to the masses in beautiful high definition. Progress moved along at a slow yet steady pace, with each week bringing a new downloadable HD cut scene and at the same time, as each video was uploaded, a piece of our soul was fulfilled. Now, after a few weeks of hard work, we're proud to announce that all of Halo 2's thirty-five cut scenes are now available for download in HD over at HBO. Grab the complete HD series and clog HBO's bandwidth pipes. Mr. Louis Wu would love us.

JoystiqDownloadable Halo 2 HD cut scenes now complete originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesbungiebungie-studiosFPShalohalo-2hboMicrosoft-Game-StudiosMon, 07 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Halo 2's cut-scenes in glorious HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/09/watch-halo-2s-cut-scenes-in-glorious-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/09/watch-halo-2s-cut-scenes-in-glorious-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/09/watch-halo-2s-cut-scenes-in-glorious-hd/#commentsFiled under:

Since the cut-scenes that were included as part of the Halo 3 Legendary Edition didn't live up to our HD requirements (stupid limited DVD format), the fellas over at HBO and Clan Infectionist have teamed up to bring Halo 2's cut-scenes into the HD era.

Captured using Halo 2 PC, the newly HD'ified H2 cut-scenes are being made available over at HBO in both Quicktime and Windows Media flavors. Currently, only the first two H2 cut-scenes are available for download in HD, but HBO will be rolling out the entire HD H2 cut-scene library throughout March. Staggering their release in an effort stay on top of the massive amount of bandwidth needed to host these gems. Now go forth fanboys, download H2 cut-scenes minus that icky "popping effect" and in full, glorious, beautiful, HD glory.

JoystiqWatch Halo 2's cut-scenes in glorious HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesbungiebungie-studiosFPShalohalo-2halo-pcMicrosoft-Game-StudiosSun, 09 Mar 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 2 finally joins Xbox 'Platinum Hits' collection]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/halo-2-finally-joins-the-platinum-hits-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/halo-2-finally-joins-the-platinum-hits-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/halo-2-finally-joins-the-platinum-hits-collection/#commentsFiled under:

As one of the strongest titles in the Xbox library, Bungie's Halo 2 has been notably absent from Microsoft's "Platinum Hits" series, which features high-selling games at reduced prices a few years after their release. Now, it seems that Halo 2 has finally gone "platinum," with the required ugly box art remix, and an expected price drop down to $19.99 USD. Said ugly box art remix was recently added to Microsoft's press site.

Currently priced at $29.99, Halo 2's inception into the Platinum Hits would certainly be a good thing in terms of price. The bad side? The slick cover art of Master Chief has been cropped to make way for all the Platinum Hits gobbledeegook, and includes a big ugly inset reminding everyone that it's the "Best Selling Xbox Game Ever." The new box also reminds players that Halo 2 is playable on 360 (provided you have a hard drive).

If you have yet to pick up this modern classic, the price drop certainly makes it a good time to reconsider a purchase. When this beauty hits brick-and-mortar shelves, though, we recommend hunting down the old-box versions and requesting the new lower price. Nothing says "uncool" like owning the "greatest hits" version.

[Update: Microsoft has confirmed the news. An official announcement is forthcoming.]

JoystiqHalo 2 finally joins Xbox 'Platinum Hits' collection originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalo-2halo2microsoftplatinum-hitsXboxMon, 11 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 2 decides it wants to be a Platinum Hit [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/halo-2-decides-it-wants-to-be-a-platinum-hit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/halo-2-decides-it-wants-to-be-a-platinum-hit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/halo-2-decides-it-wants-to-be-a-platinum-hit/#commentsFiled under:

Update 2: Microsoft has now confirmed that Halo 2 definitely headed for Platinum Hits. The shock of the confirmation nearly made us spew out our iced tea. Nearly.

After being on the market since 2004, earning an average metacritic score of 95 and selling millions upon millions of copies, Microsoft decided Halo 2 could sit among the Max Payne and Shark Tales of the world and officially become a Platinum Hit. Woohoo! Actually, we bet it was the other way around. Halo 2 finally decided it was time to lower itself to the Platinum Hits catalog and force Microsoft to quit milking its $39 retail price tag as its retail teets have become sore and gone dry (yeah, bad mental picture).

We confirmed Halo 2's Platinum Hits status after recently spotting the game's retail box art (viewable above) over on one of Microsoft's press websites. We also can't help but point out that Halo 2's Platinum Hits box is chalk full of marketing goodness including a "Plays on Xbox 360" stamp and a rather large blue inset that tells everyone that Halo 2 is the "Best Selling Xbox Game Ever". You know, just in case weren't aware. Anyway, the new Halo 2 Platinum Hits edition should be shipping to retailers sometime soon and will carry the typical Platinum Hits price of $19.99 even though we're sure you can find the game clearance priced for cheaper. But who wouldn't want a copy of Halo 2 in that iconic and oh so brag worthy silver jewel case. Right?

JoystiqHalo 2 decides it wants to be a Platinum Hit [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studioshalo-2platinum-hitsMon, 11 Feb 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo stalker arrested after making 2,600 mile trip]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/halo-stalker-arrested-after-making-2-600-mile-trip/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/halo-stalker-arrested-after-making-2-600-mile-trip/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/halo-stalker-arrested-after-making-2-600-mile-trip/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A 20-year old male was arrested in Spokane, Washington this past weekend for stalking a 15-year old girl he met online playing Halo (the report does not specify which iteration). The accused was from Saratoga Springs, New York, which means by our estimations he drove around 2,600 miles in order to drive past the girl's house and send her a text message.

According to Seattle news outlet KOMO-TV, the parents of the girl caught his license plate number as he passed and called the police. He has been charged with a felony count of stalking. Let this be yet another warning to all online gamers out there: don't give out your personal information, including where you live and your phone number.

[Thanks, Foolio]

JoystiqHalo stalker arrested after making 2,600 mile trip originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halohalo-2halo-3new-yorksaratoga-springsspokanestalkstalkingwashingtonXboxXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 02 Jan 2008 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: December 7, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/today-in-joystiq-december-7-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/today-in-joystiq-december-7-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/today-in-joystiq-december-7-2007/#comments We've seen enough Master Chief costumes, and although the vast majority of them are better put together than this Covenant costume, it's at least something different. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
DS Fanboy Lite: Dec. 1 - Dec. 7
Japanese hardware sales, Nov. 26 - Dec. 2: If the Wii fits edition
Joystiq Podcast 028 - Gerstmannia edition
Tuesday's hottest video that now has subtitles: Vii commercial

News
Stranglehold getting new DLC, achievements
Strike holds up Castlevania movie
Devil May Cry 4 demo confirmed for PSN, XBL in early 2008
Aqua Teen devs to develop, publish PlayStation Network games
Future US responds to Texas suit
Virtually give a Virtual Console gift with video
XMB who? Custom soundtracks, friend lists spotted in PS3 games
Smash Bros. Brawl dated for Europe ... at a 'later date'
Gerstmann-gate: the aftermath
Nintendo to pull advertising in the wake of Wii shortages
Nyko's wireless 'Nunchuck' prevents deadly entanglements
Bungie reaffirms faithfulness to Xbox 360
Nintendo now accepting stars for Wii Points
Age of Conan beta surpasses 10,000 testers, more invites to come
Q-Games founder: PSN games haven't caught on in Japan

Rumors & Speculation
Apple patent hints at iPhone/iPod Touch gaming
Rumorang: Updated 'Dreamcast' trademark spurs Dreamcast 2 speculation

Culture & Community
Will it Blend beats Halo 3... by blending it
Dr. Phil tries to help teen with MMO addiction

[Thanks, Robby]

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: December 7, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>covenantdailyrecaphalohalo-2halo-3Fri, 07 Dec 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Fall Xbox 360 dashboard update revealed: download Halo December 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/fall-xbox-360-dashboard-update-revealed-download-halo-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/fall-xbox-360-dashboard-update-revealed-download-halo-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/fall-xbox-360-dashboard-update-revealed-download-halo-december/#commentsFiled under: ,

Official Xbox Magazine has the scoop on the Fall Xbox 360 dashboard update, and you better believe it's a doozy. UK-based CVG reports that the December 2 update will allow 360 owners to download and play Microsoft-published Xbox 1 games on their 360s.

Let's say that one more time: come December 2, you will be able to download full, original Xbox games to the Xbox 360. The initial list of available games includes Fable, Indigo Prophecy, Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge, Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath Of Cortex, Burnout 3, and, of course, Halo: Combat Evolved.

Games will cost approximately 1200 Microsoft Points, or $15 USD. Microsoft plans on re-releasing as many Xbox 1 titles as possible through Marketplace. Look out, Virtual Console.

Update: The CVG source has been removed, but Eurogamer has posted a similar report, dating the update for December 4th.

JoystiqFall Xbox 360 dashboard update revealed: download Halo December 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 05:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesbreaking-newsbreakingnewsBungieBungie-Studiosburnout3crash-bandicootcrashbandicootcrimson-skiescrimsonskiesdashboard-updatedashboardupdatefableFPShaloHalo-2indigo-prophecyindigoprophecymicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosXboxxbox-360xbox-live-marketplacexbox360Tue, 13 Nov 2007 05:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3: Landfall - all three Blomkamp shorts cut together]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/halo-3-landfall-all-three-blomkamp-shorts-cut-together/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/halo-3-landfall-all-three-blomkamp-shorts-cut-together/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/halo-3-landfall-all-three-blomkamp-shorts-cut-together/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Halo 3: Landfall, a combination of Neill Blomkamp's three previously-released live-action short videos depicting the events following Halo 2, has now been released online; it is also available through Xbox Live.

One thing we noticed as the film progresses is the improved quality between each of the three shorts. Of course, the next logical thought would be what Blomkamp could do with another Halo video, or perhaps even a film. Alas, it just wasn't meant to be.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqHalo 3: Landfall - all three Blomkamp shorts cut together originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesBungieBungie-StudiosFPSHaloHalo-2Halo-3Halo-movieHalo3MicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosMoviesNeillBlomkampXbox-360Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Uprising goes hardcover next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/halo-uprising-goes-hardcover-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/halo-uprising-goes-hardcover-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/halo-uprising-goes-hardcover-next-year/#commentsFiled under: ,

Spotted for pre-order over on Amazon.com by eagle eyed halo.bungie.org member Onebitrocket is a listing for a yet to be announced hardcover version of the Halo: Uprising comic books. The Marvel comic series, which bridges the story gap between Halo 2 and Halo 3, was initially slated for four separate comic books with staggered release dates throughout the year and into 2008. But never did Marvel mention plans for a collective hardcover version of the comics and at a $16 retail price, you can count us in. Hardcover Halo: Uprising FTW!

[Via HBO]

JoystiqHalo: Uprising goes hardcover next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studioshalohalo-2halo-3halo-uprisinghalo3Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 2's Zanzibar map done completely in Lego]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/halo-2s-zanzibar-done-completely-in-lego/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/halo-2s-zanzibar-done-completely-in-lego/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/halo-2s-zanzibar-done-completely-in-lego/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It seems like if you want some guaranteed internet traffic these days, all you have to do is slap Halo tags all over the place. In fact, it's probably standard practice by now for sites offering things like FREE VIAGRA and GET RICH NOW NOW NOW to put Halo in the metatags. Darned 'Halo' branded little blue pills.

However, if you actually go out and create something all your own as a fanatical tribute to the Halo universe, then you have our respect. When it involves recreating the Zanzibar map from Halo 2 completely to scale in Lego, then you have our allegiance. In fact, we'd love to have something like this gracing the front window of the 'Stiq offices. If you've ever read Douglas Coupland's Microserfs, then hopefully you get the reference. If you haven't read it, then you probably just think we're dorks.

Anyhow, check out the video of this incredible Lego creation, and then go raid your old toy closet and pull out the bricks. Time to get crackin' on your own Lego version of Lockout. Ping us when you're done.

JoystiqHalo 2's Zanzibar map done completely in Lego originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesBungieBungie-StudiosFPSHaloHalo 2Halo 3Halo-2LegoMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosXbox-360ZanzibarFri, 05 Oct 2007 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Got a small fortune? Play Halo 2 with a Wiimote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/got-a-small-fortune-play-halo-2-with-a-wiimote/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/got-a-small-fortune-play-halo-2-with-a-wiimote/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/got-a-small-fortune-play-halo-2-with-a-wiimote/#commentsFiled under:


Modders, to put it lightly, are crazy. Case in point, a little project by someone known only as OBsIV. What project, you ask? Why, nothing more than to get a Wii remote to control Halo 2 on an Xbox 360. More impressive than the feat itself it the sheer amount of stuff required to do it. Behold:
  • Wiimote and Nunchuk
  • Xbox 360
  • PC
  • XFPS 360
  • Custom drivers
  • "Black box" (hard coded microcontroller with spliced PS2 cable)
As amazing as the mod is, we're almost more impressed that OBsIV found a good use for the XFPS 360. Check out a video of the mod in action after the break.

Continue reading Got a small fortune? Play Halo 2 with a Wiimote

JoystiqGot a small fortune? Play Halo 2 with a Wiimote originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesBungieBungie-StudiosFPShackshaloHalo-2halo2Microsoft-Game-StudiosmodswiimoteTue, 07 Aug 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 2, Shadowrun made playable on XP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/halo-2-shadowrun-made-playable-on-xp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/halo-2-shadowrun-made-playable-on-xp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/halo-2-shadowrun-made-playable-on-xp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Falling Leaf Studios is mad as hell and not going to take it anymore. What has caused them ire? Microsoft making Halo 2 and Shadowrun Vista-only. So they decided to make them XP-compatible.

The company is promising that if you buy one of the games through Amazon via the links on their page, then they will send you for free their initial release of compatibility software that will let you"run these Windows Vista titles on Windows XP," they claim.

Said Falling Leaf Systems CEO Brian Thomason, "first [Microsoft] claim that it was impossible to implement DirectX 10 compatibility atop Windows XP, and now they also want us to believe that they couldn't successfully launch two DirectX 9 based titles on XP either. We plan to expose both theories as patently false."

We're not sure if the software will work as planned, or how Microsoft might try to prevent the games from going online. The expected shipment date is "within a few months," according to their press release; the pre-order page estimates late July.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

JoystiqHalo 2, Shadowrun made playable on XP originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesbungieBungie-Studiosfalling leaffalling leaf systemsFallingLeafFallingLeafSystemsFPShalohalo 2Halo-2Halo2microsoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosPCshadow runShadowRunwindowsxboxXbox-360Mon, 11 Jun 2007 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 2 Vista coming May 31 in US, June 8 in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/halo-2-vista-coming-may-31-in-us-june-8-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/halo-2-vista-coming-may-31-in-us-june-8-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/halo-2-vista-coming-may-31-in-us-june-8-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After a long wait, Halo 2 is coming to Windows Vista-equipped PCs June 8 in Europe; the North American version, which was originally pushed back to May 22 but obviously missed that mark, will arrive May 31. The game will retail for £34.99 / $49.99, respectively.

When reached for comment, a spokesperson for Microsoft said, "Halo 2 for Windows Vista did not release to retailers on May 22, as previously announced and will now ship from manufacturers on May 31. Shadowrun will be the first game to debut the highly anticipated Games for Windows - LIVE system on May 29. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our customers."

PC gamers have been waiting over two and a half years for Halo 2 to break free from its console chains. Xbox 360 users are currently enjoying the Halo 3 beta. Those who did not get into the beta can check out our sister site Xbox 360 Fanboy for extensive beta coverage.

JoystiqHalo 2 Vista coming May 31 in US, June 8 in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesbungieBungie-StudioseuropeFPShalohalo 2Halo-2Halo2microsoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosPCshadow runusXbox-360Thu, 24 May 2007 14:25:00 EST