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[Blueblur1]

None of my asshole friends wanted to play halo; now, 20 minutes later here I am shutting off in the box in rage.

Playing by yourself can be so damn frustrating.

I'd recommend you befriend more GAF'ers on Live but I doubt many people are online on a Monday night anyway.

 

[MrDaravon]

Wow, you guys were not kidding about the opening.

Nearly done with the Beta thread OP. I need to finish up the still-not-fully-explained Invasion descriptions (it drove me nuts that they stopped describing it after the first phase in the podcast, arrrrrgggghhh), add any stuff from the Theater and bungie.net features, and linkify all the coverage come Wednesday. But otherwise, I'm set.

Oh, and I'm at over 22,600 characters, and the post cap is set at 24,000. I'm thinking tinyurl is going to get some love for the media coverage. :lol

What's completely saving me on the OP I made for another forum is that their spoiler tags do it as a Show/Hide dropdown, so I can break it down into dropdown categories. I'd forgotten about the post cap they implemented here, that sucks. Didn't the MGS4 thread here have like 10 opening posts or something ridiculous?

 

[Princess Carl]

I'd recommend you befriend more GAF'ers on Live but I doubt many people are online on a Monday night anyway.

Lol yeah. I didn't last long enough to finish the second game, let alone check the Gaf list :lol .

Next time Ill make the right choice and check the list first

 

[Deputy Moonman]

The guy singing that intro song on the podcast needs to work on nailing the last line. Sounded like he couldn't figure out which note he wanted to hit at the very end, and just fluffed it. :lol

 

[feel]

Great podcast as usual. What was that music from the end? Not spawn on your bro, the one that played before, sounded great.

 

[dslgunstar]

Good podcast. Im a lot more interested in hearing about gameplay mechanics in action than graphics engines and net code, but still interesting.

 

[GhaleonEB]

Wow, you guys were not kidding about the opening.

What's completely saving me on the OP I made for another forum is that their spoiler tags do it as a Show/Hide dropdown, so I can break it down into dropdown categories. I'd forgotten about the post cap they implemented here, that sucks. Didn't the MGS4 thread here have like 10 opening posts or something ridiculous?

Yeah, but that thread also just used an image or two in each post. There was no reason to break it up so huge other than to have an epic, scrolling OP. I'm taking a different approach, similar to what I've done before but more compact. A few mega-sections (Features, Maps & Gametypes, Weapons & Ordinance), with a brief description of each feature, clean formatting, links to detailed articles where appropriate, and thumbnail images to break up the text. I know huge transparent .png files for an OP is the hotness, but I'm doing this one old school.

I just added some stuff, and managed to cut 1,000 characters by reformatting some sections and tightening up some descriptions. (I'd forgotten to mention targeting bloom, the new spawn system, and "battle bros".)

Fantastic podcast, everyone got into some really fascinating detail in their respective areas. I got the sense the hosts were trying to pull them out of the weeds once in a while, but I really enjoyed the deep dives into what the team actually does.

Great podcast as usual. What was that music from the end? Not spawn on your bro, the one that played before, sounded great.

I was wondering the same, I didn't recognize it.

 

[dilatedmuscle]

So i just got around to listening to the podcast. The two tracks they featured were amazing. I never been this hyped about a halo score since i heard the Halo theme on electrical guitar for Halo 2.

Cool podcast bros.

That second piece, right before the spawn on your bro mix, is akin to what I'd expect to hear out of a next gen Marathon.

Waiting to be told it has nothing to do with Halo, heh. (edit: don't try to connect that to the Marathon comment...)

Yeah i know what you mean, it had a dark, technical, and hard feeling. It was imagining playing the campaign while that song was playing and it got me pretty excited.

 

[Tashi]

Listened to the podcast. It was really informative and fucking hilarious. I'm gonna listen to Froman's part again, there was some really interesting stuff in there.

 

[DragoNZ DZ]

Cool podcast bros.

That second piece, right before the spawn on your bro mix, is akin to what I'd expect to hear out of a next gen Marathon.

Waiting to be told it has nothing to do with Halo, heh. (edit: don't try to connect that to the Marathon comment...)

 

[Ramirez]

I have a question regarding Invasion, I don't think it was in the podcast...once a new area of the map is unlocked, is the last part of the map blocked off? I could see lots of randoms just aimlessly wondering around parts of the map that had nothing to do with the objective at hand if the whole map stays unlocked at the end...

Can't wait to just try it out for myself, aside from Arena it's definitely where I want to spend the most time.

 

[metareferential]

I have a question regarding Invasion, I don't think it was in the podcast...once a new area of the map is unlocked, is the last part of the map blocked off? I could see lots of randoms just aimlessly wondering around parts of the map that had nothing to do with the objective at hand if the whole map stays unlocked at the end...

Can't wait to just try it out for myself, aside from Arena it's definitely where I want to spend the most time.

I think "older" parts will be locked as you'll be no longer spawning there. New stage, new objectives, new spawn points.

I don't know if this will suffice to prevent aimless wandering throughout the map, though.

 

[Striker]

I think "older" parts will be locked as you'll be no longer spawning there. New stage, new objectives, new spawn points.

I don't know if this will suffice to prevent aimless wandering throughout the map, though.

Basically like BC2's Rush mode, which is fine with me. I'm sure the beta will be littered with lots of wanderers. New map, new game-mode, etc.

 

[Cuban Legend]

So how can I contact the Bungie UI guy that was the 2nd guest on the Podcast? I'd like to submit criticisms and stuff when BETA hits.

 

[Magni]

I had battery acid leak in my MixAmp.. The sound still works fine, but the mike.. =(

 

[The Librarian]

speaking of things like the UI.

What's happening with the faint visor outline on the hud? why's it gone? D:

I don't think Bungie's provided a reason for that yet. Personally, I'm glad it's gone.

Edit: Oh, and I've downloaded the H3 MP disc to my hard drive. Much more pleasant to play without hearing the disc drive.

 

[Major Williams]

Still trying to grapple my head on how the lockdown perk is balanced... can't wait to see how it pans out

 

[EazyB]

Personally I hope the UI's team greatest feat turns out to be presenting a map editor that's so smooth and intuitive that Bungie's able to cram a fuck-ton of depth into the system without being afraid of discouraging the 11 year old ADHD kids they apparently want creating maps.

 

[Devin Olsen]

I had battery acid leak in my MixAmp.. The sound still works fine, but the mike.. =(

How long have you owned them? I would suggest calling Astro and seeing what they can do, they are extremely reasonable.

I ordered a pair of A30's (well my girlfriend ordered them for me) and she had ordered black instead of white. So I emailed 'Walter' and explained the situation and he said "No problem at all, we will cancel your order". Well a couple days later the Astro's land smack dab in the middle of my door step.

I phoned Bella at Astro and explained the situation and she gave me two options. I could either have a pre paid shipping memo emailed to me so I could send them back, or they would fully refund the $100 in shipping costs.

I thought that was really cool of them, since they really could have just said "oh to bad for you!" and been done with it.

More on topic - The Podcast was really good, but I don't know why they stopped explaining what Invasion was 1/3 through the whole thing! Worse explanation then GTtv I think .

 

[metareferential]

What are the chances of Bungie releasing the gttv footage in proper quality?

The worst part of having someone covering video material other than images is that they could edit it for their purposes.

I downloaded the montage made by rowboat from hbo, though. Maybe for Bungie having that is sufficient, given the embargo lifts tomorrow.

 

[Slightly Live]

What are the chances of Bungie releasing the gttv footage in proper quality?

The worst part of having someone covering video material other than images is that they could edit it for their purposes.

I downloaded the montage made by rowboat from hbo, though. Maybe for Bungie having that is sufficient, given the embargo lifts tomorrow.

It's UP on GTTV in HD within the show. It's not the same resolution of the other HD screenshot images and trailers, but that's the best you can get.

And it looks like we'll be getting more video footage from the 26th onwards.

 

[The Librarian]

What are the chances of Bungie releasing the gttv footage in proper quality?

The worst part of having someone covering video material other than images is that they could edit it for their purposes.

I downloaded the montage made by rowboat from hbo, though. Maybe for Bungie having that is sufficient, given the embargo lifts tomorrow.

Very low, I think. Bungie never re-released footage given to the press for Halo 3 or ODST. It looks like we're on the cusp of some new footage anyway though.

 

[EazyB]

What are the chances of Bungie releasing the gttv footage in proper quality?

The worst part of having someone covering video material other than images is that they could edit it for their purposes.

I downloaded the montage made by rowboat from hbo, though. Maybe for Bungie having that is sufficient, given the embargo lifts tomorrow.

I don't know if we'll be getting any video tomorrow, Brian doesn't mention it in this post:

Turns out that the global embargo is WEDNESDAY for impressions and screens. It was Tuesday but it got pushed back a day to be a little kinder to the UK journos who just today got their hands-on. My initial reponse was out-of-date.

The multimedia week of win is very much still in effect though. Beginning this afternoon.

But his ommision of "video" may not of been intentional. Anyways, not getting my hopes up. As far as impressions from the media, I find them pretty much useless unless they reveal a feature or situation that's yet to revealed, the screens should be fucking sweet nonetheless. I'd love to know if this means I can finally pick Coco P and Voc's brains to see how they feel about the weeks and weeks they've been playing the thing.

 

[metareferential]

Wow, three sniper-posters watching me :lol

Thanks for the info guys.

The problem I have with gttv is I hate how they handled the reveal. Quality is not even that good; I downloaded the flv from gttv with orbit I'll see if I can satisfy my Invasion porn need with that.

Speaking of footage: our movies from the beta will be visible on b.net, and that ensures their availability in the near post-beta future.

What about the file itself on the 360? If I'll go into the theatre mode of ODST after the beta the replay will still be visible, right? I don't see why it shouldn't.

 

[Chinner]

started playing halo 3 mp again. its fun, just wish btb was more objective with less slayer and SANDTRAP.

 

[Geoff9920]

Yeah, but that thread also just used an image or two in each post. There was no reason to break it up so huge other than to have an epic, scrolling OP. I'm taking a different approach, similar to what I've done before but more compact. A few mega-sections (Features, Maps & Gametypes, Weapons & Ordinance), with a brief description of each feature, clean formatting, links to detailed articles where appropriate, and thumbnail images to break up the text. I know huge transparent .png files for an OP is the hotness, but I'm doing this one old school.

I just added some stuff, and managed to cut 1,000 characters by reformatting some sections and tightening up some descriptions. (I'd forgotten to mention targeting bloom, the new spawn system, and "battle bros".)

Fantastic podcast, everyone got into some really fascinating detail in their respective areas. I got the sense the hosts were trying to pull them out of the weeds once in a while, but I really enjoyed the deep dives into what the team actually does.

I was wondering the same, I didn't recognize it.

Minor nitpick in case it's spelled that way in your OP, but it's Ordnance, not Ordinance. Two different things.

Anyway, can't wait for the new impressions coming tomorrow!

 

[metareferential]

started playing halo 3 mp again. its fun, just wish btb was more objective with less slayer and SANDTRAP.

Then you'll probably love Invasion.

 

[Blueblur1]

Reading Ghaleon's last post, I'm reminded of last night's podcast. Since we have Bungie peeps all up in our Kool-aid all the time, I wanted to express how great everything sounded. Especially when Timmins started explaining some of the guts behind the networking model and how they can track bad spawns now. I know people might sound like they've got a stick up their asses when they praise Bungie but damn... It's all so awesome. I loved every second of it and will give it a second listen.

 

[JMizzlin]

Oh lawd, they brought up 'koh-ta-koo' again, then made it even better with 'shad-owe run'. :lol :lol

Awesome podcast.


Also, any chance the 'special prize' is a Phantom?

 

[big ander]

Still trying to grapple my head on how the lockdown perk is balanced... can't wait to see how it pans out

I think it's balanced, from how I understand it works. You lock and can't be hit. The longer you stay in lock, the bigger an EMP blast you send out. No matter what, that EMP will affect you and knock out your shields, leaving you vulnerable as soon as you've unlocked. So it gives you some protection for a couple seconds, then leaves you extremely vulnerable.

 

[JMizzlin]

IIRC I read that flag juggling can no longer be done somewhere. Is this correct? I was discussing it with a friend, and forgot my source. Does anyone perhaps know where I could have possibly gotten (and even misinterpreted) this information, please?

 

[big ander]

IIRC I read that flag juggling can no longer be done somewhere. Is this correct? I was discussing it with a friend, and forgot my source. Does anyone perhaps know where I could have possibly gotten (and even misinterpreted) this information, please?

You won't be able to do it in default matchmaking gametypes, correct. You can still make it happen in customs, though.

 

[Devin Olsen]

I think it's balanced, from how I understand it works. You lock and can't be hit. The longer you stay in lock, the bigger an EMP blast you send out. No matter what, that EMP will affect you and knock out your shields, leaving you vulnerable as soon as you've unlocked. So it gives you some protection for a couple seconds, then leaves you extremely vulnerable.

Hmm... IIRC the EMP burst does not affect you.

I really do not think that you are left without shields after you use Armor Lock.

 

[bobs...onGaf]

Hmm... IIRC the EMP burst does not affect you.

I really do not think that you are left without shields after you use Armor Lock.

Yeah I remember them saying how your shields behave normally while in armour lock. So if you lock whilst at no shields, if you stay locked long enough - by the time you come out your shields will be back. Didnt they also mention a brief overshield after effect?

Either way to me Armour Lock just sounds like a less cool version of the Bubble Shield.

 

[JMizzlin]

You won't be able to do it in default matchmaking gametypes, correct. You can still make it happen in customs, though.

Perfect, cheers ander

Hearing this it sounds like Bungie is putting a hell of a lot more options into constructing gametypes. Can't wait to see what spawns from such an extensive range of choices.

 

[Raide]

After listening to the podcast, there is something I am wondering about. After hearing about Invasion mode and also the Derek-ball modes, I wonder if we will have the option to mod the sandbox for multiple game types? Hopefully they make the forge maps pretty big so we can make our own mix of Invasion-like maps.

 

[broony]

After listening to the podcast, there is something I am wondering about. After hearing about Invasion mode and also the Derek-ball modes, I wonder if we will have the option to mod the sandbox for multiple game types? Hopefully they make the forge maps pretty big so we can make our own mix of Invasion-like maps.

Yeah they have mentioned a few times the tools they now have that allow you to create gametypes really quickly, hopefully these tools will make their way into forge for the user to come up with custom gametypes.

 

[JaggedSac]

Is there anything dropping today?

 

[Raide]

Yeah they have mentioned a few times the tools they now have that allow you to create gametypes really quickly, hopefully these tools will make their way into forge for the user to come up with custom gametypes.

That sounds pretty cool. I hope people can play with the Forge and make their own Invasion ideas.

 

[metareferential]

Either way to me Armour Lock just sounds like a less cool version of the Bubble Shield.

How is that so?

There's a huge difference in philosophy from equipments to abilities, but how is that less cool than the bubble shield? Not just aesthetically, I mean.

I guess it is a good way of translating the bubble shield into a one-man feature. The only difference is you can't protect anyone else.

 

[Shake Appeal]

Improved network talk got me hot. I am sceptical, but I want to believe.

 

[Wizman23]

I wonder if loadouts are going to be in the campaign. One thing I hated about Halo 3 co op was playing as an Elite and spawning with their weapon set. I'm wondering if we get to chose weapons and armor abilities each time we die in campaign like we do in MP.

 

[bobs...onGaf]

How is that so?

There's a huge difference in philosophy from equipments to abilities, but how is that less cool than the bubble shield? Not just aesthetically, I mean.

I guess it is a good way of translating the bubble shield into a one-man feature. The only difference is you can't protect anyone else.

I was mostly talking aeshetically, but your right there is a huge shift from Equipment to AA, and its a shift im a bit wary of. Granted I havent played Reach, but if done wrong they could become almost mechanical in nature and have very 1 dimensional roles. I have faith in Bungie to make them interesting to use and the podcast went a long way in putting that fear to rest.

What I loved most about equipment was the very deliberate design decision to make it something that can effect either team equally. If my enemy deploys a bubble shield but we manage to kill him, that bubble shield now benefits us. That just seems more dynamic.

Either way im just nitpicking really, Armour Lock will still be interesting - and armour locking right in front of a vehicle looks awesome :lol

The bubble shield was so beutiful though

 

[metareferential]

I am sceptical

From the Halo Reach Netgaming Guide: How to improve your netgaming experience.

move to the States :lol

I was mostly talking aeshetically, but your right there is a huge shift from Equipment to AA, and its a shift im a bit wary of. Granted I havent played Reach, but if done wrong they could become almost mechanical in nature and have very 1 dimensional roles. I have faith in Bungie to make them interesting to use and the podcast went a long way in putting that fear to rest.

What I loved most about equipment was the very deliberate design decision to make it something that can effect either team equally. If my enemy deploys a bubble shield but we manage to kill him, that bubble shield now benefits us. That just seems more dynamic.

Either way im just nitpicking really, Armour Lock will still be interesting - and armour locking right in front of a vehicle looks awesome

The bubble shield was so beutiful though

Yeah, personal abilities seem to take away that 2-way dynamic feel.

Though looking carefully, you'll see that also using an AA has an impact to either team: armor lock has an EMP blast. Use it among your teammates, and they're fucked.

Same goes for others abilities like active camo, which jams anyone's radar.

It's a different approach, but the dynamic approach is intact.

 

[pringles]

Bungie needs to research FTL broadband for their next game. I'm tired of lag.

 

[BladedExpert]

Improved network talk got me hot. I am sceptical, but I want to believe.

Same here. Timmins makes it sound good on paper. Lets hope it works in the wild.

/EuroGaf

 

[snoopeasystreet]

Intro song sounds like Molly Malone.

 

[Gui_PT]

Same here. Timmins makes it sound good on paper. Lets hope it works in the wild.

/EuroGaf

Do you guys usually have lag related problems during matches?

I always pick "Good Connection" so I only have lag problems half the time :lol

Problem is that it takes forever to get a match started

 

[bobs...onGaf]

Do you guys usually have lag related problems during matches?

I always pick "Good Connection" so I only have lag problems half the time :lol

Problem is that it takes forever to get a match started

Latency can suck a bit, but I guess it works both ways, Gaf customs can be like hell at times though :lol

I cant remember who it was, but Halo 2 was so much worse - I think Dax was host and I just gave up trying to kill him - "I can dance all day" :lol

 

[BladedExpert]

Do you guys usually have lag related problems during matches?

I always pick "Good Connection" so I only have lag problems half the time :lol

Problem is that it takes forever to get a match started

Depends on the time of day. MLG playlist is <1,000 people til about 4 or 5pm so searching Good Connection takes a while. Plus most people on at that time are European. Later on I have to or I get West Coast hosts and might as well play with my feet for all the chance I have of winning. I can generally compete on an East coast host though (<3 Tashi's host

Spoiler

Warrior

).