The Interactive FAQ: Halo 3 Edition (Sticky Please)
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Contents
I. The purpose of this FAQ
II. The Facts
III. The Interactive FAQ
IV. Rumors
V. Closing
I. The Purpose of this FAQ
First and foremost, to provide a one-stop shop for the most up to date Halo 3 information. Secondly, if there is a question you have that is not already answered by the FAQ section, ask, rather than starting your own thread. Not only will someone be more than happy to answer your question, but it will be included in future updates of the FAQ.
Thirdly, to attempt to gather current rumors and either put them to rest, or investigate its validity. Although a lot of the information out there is fake, there are times they are right. Two examples that come to mind is the Halo 2 Beta Tester that gave out a lot of information at the H2GB and another was where someone actually got a playtest of Headlong with the first encounter of the Sentinel Beam. Fourth, is to gather a lot of speculation one might have regarding not only Halo 3, but the Halo universe. And now, the FAQ begins.
When is Halo 3 coming out?
The only thing we currently know is Fall 2007. No Month has been released. If you hear anything from any game company, like GameStop, EBGames, Babbages, or even Best Buy, about a release date, make sure it's confirmed by Bungie. People believed Halo 2's release date was pushed back many times because of them doing this, but in fact, Bungie only released the date once, and that was November 9th. Basically, don't post "I know Halo 3's release date" just because you heard it from a Gamestop employee.
Source: http://www.bungie.net/images/news/inlineimages/H3smaller_H3-Teaser_vertical.jpg
Will there be a demo?
Unconfirmed. However, there will be a public closed beta. What this means is that the public will have access to the beta, but not everyone. Phase 1 and Phase 2 registration have already closed, however you still have a chance of entering the beta.
All launch copies of the Xbox 360 game Crackdown, which will be released on February 20, 2007, will have an invite into the Beta. Once the Halo 3 beta starts you simply go to the Downloads menu in Crackdown to download the Halo 3 beta. After that, you will need to launch the Halo 3 beta from within Crackdown. You will need an Xbox 360 with a hard drive and an Xbox Live Gold account.
The start date is still to be announced, and has been confirmed to not start on Crackdown's release. The only given time frame is in Spring. The beta will only be playable for a limited time. Time frame is still to be decided. No information on what gametypes, playlists, or maps will be available. A party system will be available during the beta. There may be some things in the beta that has not been previously announced, including the function of the X button. It is confirmed the Laser will be a playable weapon.
Source: http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?cid=9182
Source: http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=h3betaz
Is this coming out for the XBox, Xbox 360, or both?
I know, this seems like a very basic question, but it's been asked before. Halo 3 will be a Xbox 360 exclusive.
Will this be coming out for the PS3?
Sadly, this question merits its own. No. It will not.
And the PC?
No word yet, however both Halo and Halo 2 made it to PC. Although, many years later.
Currently there is one trailer, a making of the trailer video,a commercial, a documentary focusing on the Brutes, and various pictures from the EGM interview with Bungie and Bungie themselves. There have also been various leaked videos from an alpha test that US Marines were able to play.
If you have not seen the already released teaser trailer yet (how is life under that rock?) here is a link:
http://bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=Halo3Announcement
You may also find the article somewhat interesting to read, as it gives some insight into it.
You may also find the Making of Documentary interesting to watch. It gives more insight into the trailer from Bungie, as well as different camera angles of the trailer itself. Kinda cool.
http://bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=e3makingof
A Halo 3 commercial aired on December 4th on Monday Night Football during half time. It featured CG scenes by a 3rd party agency. Bungie felt using real final actual gameplay wasn't the right thing to do because they only wanted to show it when it's ready. They felt like doing a CG commercial gave them something more movie-like and a more "real-life" representation of what Halo 3 should be. That being said, we were assured that it doesn't mean we aren't seeing real gameplay elements from Halo 3.
I suggest seeing the commercial at Gametrailers.com here:
http://www.gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?id=2606
The commercial is labeled "Trailer 2" I suggest viewing the HD version.
Source: http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?cid=9182
Bungie released a video documentary as to how they plan on changing the Brutes in Halo 3. It's a very interesting watch, and if you haven't seen it yet I highly suggest you do. You can view the documentary, titled "Et tu, Brute?" on the same Gametrailers.com link provided above, or check out the Bungie article below:
Source: http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?cid=9340
The best source right now for Halo 3 pictures is 1up.com as they show pretty much all the pictures in the EGM "exclusive" Halo 3 article.
http://www.1up.com/do/media?cId=3144308
You can also always view pictures on Bungie's website directly:
http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo3/gallery.aspx?gallery=Screenshots&page=1
Another picture was released by Bungie as a tease. "A quick note about this shot - this is an actual screenshot taken from the actual game within an actual campaign level of Halo 3." - SketchFactor
http://www.bungie.net/images/news/inlineimages/AnniversaryMCNewsweekLrg.jpg
There have also been various "leaked" Alpha videos released. Seeing how these are "leaks" and not official content, I will not place a link within the FAQ. However, I will make note of what little details they provide. If you're interested in seeing them, you can always try a search on user submitted video sites like YouTube.com.
Hmm... The graphics seem sorta... bland compared to the other 360 games out there.
That's because Halo 3 is still in its Alpha stage. Look at the Alpha stage Halo 2 pictures, and then the final project to see quite a large jump in presentation. As the game progresses you will see much improvement, just give it time.
Yes. Halo 3 will end the Halo trilogy and will end the current story arc. However, just recently announced at X06, there will be two Halo related games releasing in the near future.
One, is being developed by Ensemble Studios and will be going back to Halo development roots. It will be a RTS for the Xbox 360.
The other, is going to be developed by the newly formed Wingnut Interactive, spearheaded by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, who just so happened to be working on the Halo movie as well. Not much is know about this game, including a name, genre, or even when it will take place in the Halo universe. We are told it will be "another chapter in the Halo universe" and it will include "a blend of gameplay and storytelling quite unlike anything the games industry has ever seen before." Some bold statements.
If you want to learn more about any of these games, check out the links below. For now, this is a Halo 3 forum.
Source: http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=bungieatx06
Source: http://www.halowars.com
What vehicles will be in Halo 3?
According to Frankie, some of our old favorites may have new features we may be surprised to see. He also hinted at a new vehicle or two. Any of the old vehicles (only the Warthog was confirmed. Surprised?) are being completely redone for Halo 3, and not reusing models from Halo and Halo 2. This will ensure that the vehicles look better in the new game. We also see Banshees in the trailer (surprised again?) so they too will be making a comeback. No word on playable transports like Pelicans or Phantoms.
There seem to be some features to the Warthog Bungie is currently trying out. One thing mentioned is that marines in the gunner seat can target enemies you're looking towards. It was not clarified if it's something that is passive or active. The horn can also be used to gain attention of marines, however I think this was also implemented in Halo 2.
Source: Various Bungie Weekly Updates
Enough with the old, in with the new. Sort of. The Mongoose, the cut ATV from Halo 2, seems to be making a comeback for Halo 3. It seems as if they have fixed the problems they ran into with Halo 2, and plays solid for Halo 3. The Mongoose has no weapons, but can allow for an additional passenger in the back. Bungie has released an article providing new details on the Mongoose:
http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=mongi
It was also said in the recent EGM article that during a small clip of the Single player Brutes were getting into bulkier Ghosts. Will they play different, will they fire the Red Brute Plasma weaponry, or standard, will it be playable in Multiplayer? Unknown.
Pictures released show a standard ghost in multiplayer. Descriptions of the MP maps confirm this.
There have also been reports on more possible new vehicles. No information about said vehicles have been provided.
Source: EGM December 2006 article
We also can confirm Wraiths, Gauss Hogs, and of course Covenant Dropships. Unconfirmed if they will be usable in MP.
Source: http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3155363
Confirmed
Submachine Gun: Current playtests state that its rate of fire has increased. This may change before release.
Battle Rifle: During an article with 1up.com, Bungie assures them that even though it may look different, it is the same as the one introduced in Halo 2.
Needler: Is no longer dual wieldable. While some may consider this a frowned upon change, they can now make it stronger.
Energy Sword: It now has some sort of limit to its duration. Ammo? Time? Unconfirmed. Most likely ammo consumption just like in Halo 2's campaign.
Pistol: Bungie has remained quiet on what incarnation of the pistol we'll see, but has acknowledged that "hardcore" fans want the original back. There also has been some discussion on the pistol seen in the Halo 3 commercial. The pistol definitely looks like a mix between the two. The pistol did have cosmetic similarities to both pistols. Recent
Alpha leaks clearly show the pistol being used, and it looks more like the pistol from Halo: Combat Evolved (M6D) than the one from Halo 2 (M6C). No official word on gameplay.
Grenades: Plasma Grenades and Frags are back. Along with a new "Spike" Grenade. Used primarily by Brutes in campaign, it sticks to all surfaces. Upon detonation, spikes explode out in what's described as a "conical" fashion. Also, you can only carry two of each type. Bungie has released an article providing more details to the Spike Grenade:
http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=rawr
Arguably, there is also another grenade in the mix. In the Halo 3 commercial, Master Chief uses what seems to be a grenade to create a shield around him. How the device will be used, and if it is considered to be a grenade has not been mentioned.
Assault Rifle: Default Spawn weapon. Clip reduced to 32. More accurate than Halo's Assault Rifle which allows for close to mid-range fights. Also being referred to as the MA5C Assault. Bungie has released an article giving some details concerning the new MA5C Assault Rifle:
http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=ma5carrrrr
Spiker (Spike Rifle): Another weapon Primarily used by Brutes in Campaign. Fires sharp metal bolts. It does a little more damage than the human submachine gun and plasma rifle but with a slower rate of fire. Equipped with blades for strong melee attacks.
Spartan Laser: Shoulder mounted laser cannon. Takes a few seconds to charge before firing a laser blast capable of utterly destroying vehicles. While can be used to take out infantry, its primary function is anti-vehicle. Bungie has released an article providing some new details on the Spartan Laser:
http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=charginmalasers
Shotgun: No information about changes.
Sniper Rifle: No information about changes. Recent leaked videos seem to indicate a cosmetic change.
Plasma Weaponry: No information about changes.
Rocket Launcher: No information about changes. Unknown if locking on will be a left in feature.
Carbine: Talked about in a recent Halo 3 Humpday. No information about changes released.
Covenant Sniper Rifle: Has been stated it's been reworked on, aesthetically. No information about changes to how gun operates.
Brute Shot: Bungie has been stating that the two new weapons and vehicle complete the "Brute Sandbox" when including their previous equipment.
Unconfirmed
Fuel Rod Gun (for MP)
Sentinel Beam
There have also been reports on more possible new weapons. No information about said weapons have been provided.
Source: EGM December 2006 articl
Not 100% confirmed. However, there is this picture:
http://nikon.bungie.org/story/images/g4ark1.jpg
This was seen in the background of an older documentary with Bungie. It wasn't considered much at the time, but now, it looks very similar to the design in the trailer. On top of that, remember that FAQ link I posted earlier? It has this to say:
(Credit goes to Devil Mingy for the picture and explanation.)
Q What was that crazy huge dome buried under Earth?
A We're not saying, but Halo fans may recognize something about its design.
Does this mean it should look familiar due to it's Forerunner design? Or is that a hint relating to this picture? Pure speculation at this point. But I tend to think the latter.
Source: http://www.bungie.net/games/halo3/content.aspx?link=Halo3AnnounceFAQ
What about new species?
There was a moment in the documentary where they walked by some computers that Bungie was working on. On one of the screens was something that rang unfamiliar with viewers. Many think it's an entirely new species, holding a new gun, Some think they are just Brutes in some new armor. Others think it's just not fully textured. But, I'm just here to give facts, and you can speculate. Here are some pictures with the scene in question, you can decide:
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3493/14xv1.jpg
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1633/22hb2.jpg
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6076/31ay.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9561/49fg1.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4339/52sh.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/7132/65jl.jpg
http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/986/77tt.jpg
(Credit goes to Slava Nossar to supplying me these pictures.)
*Update* I wanted to keep the above intact, but just wanted to point out some new things based on new information. Those weapons they are carrying are Spikers, said to be primarily used by Brutes. Therefore I'm pretty convinced they are Brutes. Regardless what they are, this still means Bungie showed us a brief glimpse at a new weapon.
*Update* After viewing the documentary "Et tu, Brute" I would say they are Brutes in their new armor. It's possible in the picture shown they were still trying to decide on what their armor would look like.
Bungie has also mentioned various hints in their updates about new species, but not enough to make any good guesses by. All we know is there is one that is bigger than a Grunt.
Source: Various Bungie Weekly Updates
Are dueling wielding and hi-jacking back in?
Recent screenshots show duel-wielding and hi-jacking to be in current builds.
Source: EGM December 2006 article
Will the Arbiter be a playable character again?
No information about this topic has been officially released from Bungie at this time.
However, this much can be certain. He'll be in the game somehow, if not playable, then in cut scenes.
Update: Credit goes to Devil Mingy for bringing this to my attention in version Mark II.V
http://ten15.net/arby.jpg
It appears the Arbiter has been sighted in the "Et tu, Brute" documentary. Still no official word.
There are currently three known maps.
Snowbound:
Two Covenant structures are on different sides of this map. The two structures are connected to one another via tunnels. Outside is covered in snow. There are auto turrets surrounding the map that are designed to kill anyone who approaches them.
The structures also implement new "Shield Doors" which allows for physical bodies to pass in between, but stops explosions, bullets, and grenades. The Spike Grenade does latch onto the shield door, allowing for some... Interesting trap ideas.
Outside: http://media.1up.com/media?id=3090603&type=lg
Inside: http://media.1up.com/media?id=3090598&type=lg
High Ground:
Said to be the new Zanzibar. More compact, it features a compound on a beach. This map is designed with objective games in mind. Various alternate paths into the compound, one way consists of blowing apart a hatch on top of the bunker, allow for different strategies. The base is equipped with a turret, for anti vehicle purposes, and the beach team gets a warthog, while the compound team gets a ghost.
Concept art also shows a mortar inside the compound which may or may not be included in the final version. It wasn't in the playtest, nor mentioned.
Outside the compound: http://media.1up.com/media?id=3090593&type=lg
Inside the compound: http://media.1up.com/media?id=3090597&type=lg
Valhalla:
The new Blood Gulch/Coagulation. Two bases occupy a valley, filled with hilly terrain (making Snipers less dominant compared to BG/C), a river, and two elevated plateaus. The bases are of Forerunner design, and equipped with a "Man Cannon."
This "Man cannon" is an alternative to the teleporters. Getting into it will launch you a decent distance across the map. It will also launch Mongoose ATVs fairly far, but if trying to use it with a warthog, it will barely get you going any distance. You can also use it to drop grenades or other explosive surprises into it. These cannons are similar to the grav lift on Colossus, just seemingly stronger versions.
Playtests with this map had the Mongoose as well as the Spartan Laser.
Base 1: http://media.1up.com/media?id=3090600&type=lg
Base 2: http://media.1up.com/media?id=3090599&type=lg
The space between: http://media.1up.com/media?id=3090578&type=lg
The Mancannons: http://media.1up.com/media?id=3090577&type=lg
Source: EGM December 2006 article
Are the maps going to be entirely destructible like Red Faction?
So far, the maps only seem to be semi-destructible like in Halo 2, where only certain maps have certain areas that can be destroyed.
Source: EGM December 2006 Article (descriptions of maps)
Will you be able to choose between an Elite or Spartan like in Halo 2?
No official word yet. All multiplayer screenshots have only shown Spartans as playable.
Other than maps, anything else?
The secondary weapon a player holds will be visible on the player. This not only looks cool, but has tactical applications as well. Knowing what weapons someone else has is definitely worth knowing.
Source: EGM December 2006 article
You will also be able to mute players during a game. You will be able to press the "Back" button and bring up the player list, select the player you wish to mute, and with a push of a button, they are muted for the game. A very nice feature.
Source: http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?cid=9533
Maximum number of players is still 16. Bungie feels that the Halo experience is best at 16, and any more will change the gameplay experience too drastically.
Source: EGM December 2006 article
And bots?
"Bungie isn't adding adding computer-controlled bots to the mix to fill-out the player count, which unfortunately still stands at 16 players max."
Source EGM December 2006 article
And customization?
Gametypes are going to be MASSIVELY customizable now. There are now "player traits" which allow you apply traits to all players, winning/losing teams/player, ball/flag/bomb carriers and those not carrying anything. You can change gravity, speed, damage taken, damage dealt, invisibility, what weapons you may or may not pick up, or even set them on fire to make them easy to track and see. You can even change what traits you get from the two power ups, allowing you to make your own.
Source: EGM December 2006 article
Also, Bungie just recently did a survey whether or not female gamers would like their Spartan to have a female voice. Due to overwhelming support, Bungie is now seriously looking at implementing the feature. Bungie was also caught saying this:
"And that won't be the only MP feature we're going to let you customize, but more on that another time.
Source: http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?cid=9194
Will the graphics be as good in the trailer? I remember the first few trailers for Halo 2 looking better than the final result. Will that be the case this time?
The problem with Halo 2 was the fact that they wanted to use advanced graphic features that the Xbox couldn't handle. As they continued into development, they realized that it caused too many problems, and had to cut some out, and tone other ones down.
This time however, we're dealing with a much stronger console. What you saw in the trailer actually didn't have all the features that Bungie will be able to use. Now, many of you may be worrying because they heard similar things about Halo 2. However, they are playing multiplayer games as we speak that look just as good as that trailer. Which means they can do what they want to this time around. Expect the final game to look even more polished than the trailer, but basically, what you saw, is what you're going to get.
Source: Various Bungie Weekly Updates
Just recently, 1up.com ran an article about a ~30-second clip of single player they saw. Their comment about the quality of the graphics was "While the game is technically in pre-Alpha with presumably a year left in development, the single-player footage looks incredible, so much so that it might make some people say "Gears of huh?""
Source: http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3155363
Halo 3 will include Live compatibility, of course. Matchmaking will make a comeback, but details on that haven't been released.
However, there is a new ranking involved. Now, there is a rank that will go up regardless if you play ranked or custom games. Therefore, people will know that even though you may have a low level for that particular ranked playlist, you still have played a lot and they can roughly gauge how good you are and what to expect in the next match. It also separates into two categories "One is about winning, and the other is just about playing and having a lot of run." (Quote from Bungie employee Tyson Green, Multiplayer Design Lead.)
You will also be able to search for and advertise your own Custom games, something I feel Halo 2 needed. You can make your Custom game public allowing anyone to enter.
Source: EGM December 2006 article
Anything else?
Yes, in fact. You can now watch saved films. Everything that happens in a multiplayer and single player game is recorded. These clips are game engine reconstructions of the data so they don't take up much space. On top of that, you're able to switch from first person, third person, or a free flying bird eye's view.
On top of this, you can not only watch these recordings yourself, but with a online party. The party leader controls the speed, fast forwarding, rewinding, or pausing the game, while the other players control their view points. The game will also come in three flavors. Halo 3, a Halo 3: Limited Edition, and Halo 3: Legendary Edition. The Legendary Edition comes with a Master Chief replica helmet, small enough to "fit a cat's head into." (That being said, it won't actually be able to fit a
cat's into, as it's just used as a top for a stand that all the disks come in.) It also comes with 3 discs, filled with documentaries, gamertiles, dashboard themes, high-resolution cinematics from the first two games, commentary, and more. No set price, and it does not state what is included in the Limited Edition compared to the Legendary one.
Source: EGM December 2006 article
What about 4 player Co-Op?
Again, nothing has been said. However, Bungie seemed very turned off from the basic idea whenever it was mentioned for Halo 2. They would have to change around a lot about the levels just for this option, or even Legendary would be easy with 4 Spartans/Elites.
What's this I hear about a new controller scheme?
Halo 3 uses the new 360 Bumper buttons. Reloading is no longer using the X. Now, the right bumper button will reload your main weapon if single wielding, or reload right weapon and if held pick up a right weapon if dual wielding. It also is the action button. The left trigger will switch grenade type if single wielding, or reload left weapon and if held pick up a left weapon while dual wielding.
So, what is the X button now? Bungie has not given any comment on that at this time. Many believe it may be one of the cut features of Halo 2, either sprinting, or peeking around corners.
That being said, it will be usable during the Halo 3 beta. Bungie has said though, that it's nothing revolutionary, just really cool.
Source: EGM December 2006 article
Source: http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=h3betaz
Undetermined. However, one thing that is confirmed are "call signs." These are customizable one-letter two-number designations that you can give yourself. So instead of calling out for "Hey, Triforce with green background guy" you can be G89. There was also hand drawn concept art that showed emblems on Spartans, however no gameplay footage has shown this.
Source: EGM December 2006 article
Has the overhead display changed at all?
There have been several Alpha build videos leaked that show what the game currently looks like. Again, I will not post the videos, however it does show that the overhead display has changed slightly. The current game stats, ala the Red and Blue Bars, that was introduced in Halo 2, is still in the bottom right. The Grenades are in the upper left, showing you the current ammo for all three current types. The Shield bar is supposedly in the center top of the screen. Ammo is in the top right. Motion sensor is in bottom left.
That being said, Bungie has said quite a few times that these are just the alpha build pictures/videos and things may change before retail release. Even what you experience during the beta may change before release.
Source: Various leaked Halo 3 Alpha videos
Mostly everyone remembers the "Legendary FAQ" and for good reason. It was the best place to find confirmed information about Halo 2 before it's release. It helped new comers find the information they needed without cluttering the forums with frequently asked questions (OMG! FAQ!) While it's true it didn't root out all of topics, it did help.
Now, I'm not sure if anyone remembers, but I started a FAQ of my own the closer we got to Halo 2's release. This FAQ however was a bit different than the legendary FAQ. The FAQ was in fact, questions users asked that I answered for them. I let them know what we knew, and what my personal thoughts on the subject were, however I made sure the fact and speculation were clearly told apart. In the end, I had 4 volumes of the thread, and even had a few people who proved they knew what they were talking about help answer questions.
When I reposted the FAQ I took most of the questions (some weren't worth reposting because they were already asked, or was something small. There weren't many of them though) and reposted them with my response (and later on the response of someone else if they helped.)
It was a small success. The people who took part in it had nothing but great things to say, so I'd like to bring it back. Of course, I have much more additions this time around. But this section of the FAQ will be the "Interactive" part of it.
Here's what to do. If you wish to contribute to the Interactive FAQ just post a question. I'll try to answer it with any facts that we may have out there. I will also add my two cents in, however will clearly distinguish the two.
If you wish to help answer questions, please get my permission first. While it's true it's a message board and you can just answer as you will, I'm afraid someone will post a question, with 10 people answering him. In the end, the thread would be hard to follow. I also want to be sure you know your stuff. But, in the end, I will need some help. At first I imagine the questions will be slow, but as we get closer to the release date, I'm sure questions will be aplenty, and fast. So I will need help over some time. Just make sure to ask first, that's all I request.
The question you ask can be anything from "Anything new about weapons since you the first post?" to "What do you think about the Ark?" or "what do you think is up with Cortana?" It could be a question just wanting facts, or wanting a speculative discussion.
When I repost the FAQ (either when this topic reaches 500, or I think I have enough information to repost it) I will credit the question to you. If you answered the question for me I will credit you as well. (Again, try not to answer questions unless I ok it, just to make things easier. Also, don't ask to help just yet. I'll post when I need help.) I may also add questions to the Facts area influenced by questions asked in the Interactive section. The question may not be word for word, and I may answer it differently, but I'll post if it was based on a question.
So, as soon as you see my signature, you may post any questions that you may have, and I'll try my post to answer. Until then, here's some questions and answers that were asked in the previous installment. Questions are bold, answers from me are standard, and answers in italics are other forum posters.
Joseph Staten, the writer of the Halo video games, has this to say regarding the book being the "official" happenings:
The books are, for better or worse, part of the canon. In the future we may choose to revise or flat-out ignore some of the less appealing ideas (Johnson's biological immunity to the Flood, for example), but folks should treat them as defining elements of the Halo universe.
From Joseph himself. The books are cannon. Bungie can change a few things here and there, but what they would change is minor.
Source: http://halosm.bungie.org/story/staten102204.html
Devil Mingy had this this to say about the issue:
Also, on the canon issue, I believe that, until something in the games completely and utterly defies it, it can be considered factual. Bungie has said time and time again that they love Nylund's work. In fact, in a recent interview with IGN, they discussed that one of the reasons they wanted to include Breaking Quarantine as a chapter in the upcoming
Halo Graphic Novel was that they felt, of all events in First Strike, Johnson's escape from the Flood wasn't told well.
Therefore, I believe Bungie still considers First Strike canon, even if everything doesn't add up in face value.
WHAT THE **** IS CANON? - BlackMetalKrazy
Canon is when a story is deemed "official" or part of the actual storyline, opposed to fanfictions and alternate universe whatnots. - Blink of an eye
As for what seems to be canon, whatever Bungie has written in the manuals, backstory pages, and game scripts.
Novels and other outside sources (Joyride Studios Action Figures, HGN) can be considered canon as long as the info posted does not contradict something from a more official Bungie source (Those listed in the above section).
For instance, Johnson's Flood immunity mentioned in First Strike will be ignored in place for an altered version to be told in the Halo Graphic Novel. Bungie says that Nylund did a great job on First Strike's story, but had "and internal dilemma" with his execution of Sergeant Johnson's survival. I guess it just didn't seem right to them.
All fanfictions, machinimas, and outside spinoffs are considered non-canon and include, but not limited to, Red vs Blue, I love Bees (The Haunted Apiary), The Codex, Dead or Alive 4, etc. - Devil Mingy
What exactly is the graphic novel that you keep referring to? - Odin_Toelust
Bungie is about to release a graphic novel (comic book for adults {NOT pr0n}) which, I believe, can be considered canon. It's got several different "side" stories, ranging from something about the arbiter, to the squad of marines who re-released the flood, etc. It should be coming out pretty soon, I think they said it's already finished. - O81PenitentThingy
Are the forrunners really humans? - andyalbers
While there is a lot of speculation about the connection between the humans and the supposedly extinct ancient race, there is no solid evidence that gives us a definite clear answer. There is much circumstantial evidence that points to a connection, which many believe is that the humans are descendants of the Forerunner. But we really just don't have enough currently.
how long has halo 3 been in development for? - blaster16
Halo 3 has probably been development since Halo 2's ending, roughly 2 years ago. - Devil Mingy
will Halo 3 have a nonlinear story line? - CH00NG00
At this time, no facts have been given as to how Halo 3's story will play out.
Warning: Novel Spoilers
It was said he went off to train a new batch of Spartans. Whether or not they were S3's is up to debate.
In fact, whether or not they perished at Reach is up to debate. - Devil Mingy
This was answered before Ghosts of Onyx. Now, GoO does in fact show that Mendez did go on to the planet Onyx to train Spartan IIIs. However, this wasn't as soon as the Spartan II training ended.
In Halo 2, the covenant holy city, High Charity... Was that there the whole time, during halo 1 i mean and how did it get there so fast, i mean halo 1 - halo 2 was only a couple of days. - Falcgun44
High Charity, along with a very large Covenant fleet, arrived at Alpha Halo after the events of Halo.
Covenant Slipstream technology is far more advanced than the UNSC's.
Is it ever revealed how the Covenant found Delta Halo so quickly? It made it seem as though they really had only stumbled upon Alpha Halo, even though they had been searching for one (I would guess extensively too.), but then suddenly another pops up? What am I missing? - high_calc
A few theories.
-Regret found some sort of Forerunner artifact on Earth which gave away the location of Delta Halo. This also could explain why Regret left Earth so quickly.
-Regret random jumped and just happened to arrive at Delta Halo. Or, the In Amber Clad may have some how altered the destination of Regret, and just happened to arrive at Delta Halo.
-The Arbiter's first mission, in which he retrieved 343 Guilty Spark happened before Regret even went to Earth. Even though the first cut scene of Halo 2 showed the Arbiter's trial and Master Chief's ceremony, that does not mean they happened at the same time. The Arbiter could have retrieved Guilty Spark, and the Prophets could have gotten the information concerning Delta Halo's location even before Regret went to Earth. Once Regret realized the error of his ways, he jumped to Delta Halo, where the rest of the fleet may have been scheduled to arrive.
heres a question ive been wanting to know for a very long time...it would be awesome to like play as hunters, brutes, flood, etc... and i was just wondering if you get to play as a different race rather than just spartans and elites. - xero_hive
There's not even confirmation that you'll be able to play as Elites in MP.
iv heard his name is john on some threads? where did this come from? - dillonty14
The Halo books, and I believe even the manuals use his name.
What about that shield nad that we say in the latest commercial?
will it be in the game? - RicNaN
Unconfirmed. All Bungie has been quote saying is that "Just because it's a real life representation of the Haloverse doesn't mean you aren't looking at gameplay elements."
Therefore we can assume the Shield Master Chief used will be in the game in one form or anything. Is it the X Button? Is it a grenade? Unknown.
Unknown, but wielding Jackals shields, at least in the campaign, has been a wish since Halo CE.
so are there other playable characters in halo 3 in mulitplayer mode? - Panathnaikos
Only Spartans are confirmed. No official word on other models.
Any idea when the next video/information will come out? For some odd reason or another my computer can't load HBO. -cantcomplain18
Sadly, we have no idea when the next surge of information will be. Bungie makes Weekly updates on their website and it's kinda of hit or miss with new information. However, you can be guaranteed there will be new information once the Beta hits.
What the flocks up with Cortana? I think that was her in the E3 trailer, I'm really clueless but anyway. Also, I'm wondering where Gravemind stands in the conflict. - Jak_Ratchet937
Unknown. That being said, Bungie has released a Weekly Update that gives a little insight as the current condition of Cortana:
http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?cid=9533
What changes with the Colector's Edition from the normal? I heard of the model helmet for legendary.... - Krazymage
As for what discs the Collector's Edition will contain, nothing is confirmed. Only rumors. The Legendary Edition does in fact have a model helmet, about the size of a cat's head.
anyway, i have a question. i just finished reading the fall of reach, and i just would like a confirmation that all of the spartans (cept MC, of course) are dead. - mityman50
They are not all dead - Devil Mingy
and then i was also wondering about the 3 projects. MC is part of Spartan II, correct? so then i presume there was a Spartan I project. - mityman50
There was. - Devil Mingy
and in the book it talks of Chief Petty Officer Mendez going on to the Spartan III project. wat happened to them? will i hear of them in future books? please someone help me. - mityman50
He didn't go off to train S-III's, but rather a new batch of S-II's which, depending on what you want to believe, may or may not have actually taken place. You will learn more in Ghosts of Onyx. - Devil Mingy
In the trailer, you can see Master Chief's face!
You can't see his face, it's just light reflecting softly and warping to make it seem like an eye. It comes apparent when you actually watch the trailer and not just look at the pictures. You can see the "eye" in question warping as he moves his helmet around, proving it's just a reflection. There was also a rumor that you see an ammo counter blinking in the Chief's top right hand part of his visor. Upon closer inspection, I claim that too is false. It's a reflection of the lightning storm above the artifact.
If you take stills of the movie, then it's hard to tell. You need to actually see it in motion to see for yourself. So, watch it yourself. Times are: 1:10 - 1:14. During those 4 seconds, if you watch closely, you'll see what I mean.
To kill this rumor even further:
Hey I gotta question....in the Xbox official magazine, the article about master chiefs face...is that a hoax or did you guys n girls put that there with intent?
It's not a hoax, but the image shown in OXM, if you look carefully, is actually a realtime reflection of the vortex. The angle they capture it at makes it look like (to me at least) a glowing eye and even part of a nose. The "scar" is a crack in the ground. What they show is a coincidence, although, you never know what's going to happen in the final game. In their story, weâ??re quoted as saying "no comment." If we'd seen the image beforehand, weâ??d have been more definitive.
Source: http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?cid=8908
Also vegechan please say something in the next update about how...
Covenant civil war does not equal elites joining with the humans. And that the Arbiter does not represent all elites. - bondjames11007
Right now the Elites and Humans have a common enemy; Truth and his remaining followers. When the entire fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance, it would be quite stupid for the Elites to kill all humans getting in the way when there is so little time to waste.
That being said, I can imagine there will be many elites and humans who are very turned off by the concept of them working together as a new "Covenant." For a long time now humans were being systematically killed by the hands of the elites. I really don't think they can just forgive and forget in a day or two.
This is what I think will happen:
The Covenant fleet currently at Earth was sent to reinforce Regret's fleet shortly after Regret turned tail and ran. Therefore, those ships were there before Truth betrayed the Elites, so they are not currently in the know about Civil War. Somewhere in the game, the Arbiter arrives, and reveals the truth as to what's happening, thus bringing the Civil War to Earth. So, we'll be fighting Elites in the first half of the game, but not as much during the second. Again, I do think some Elites and Humans will be very turned off with fighting with one another.
OMG, DID YOU READ THE LEAKED SCRIPT?!
The script was fake.
Source: http://www.bungie.net/News/Story.aspx?link=5FF714DD-9CFF-4041-9BF9-C7A8EA7B172D
I wish I could carry over all the discussion had in the previous FAQ, but that wouldn't allow for much space for discussion in this one. I have some things that I will bring up for discussion in the next few posts, but in order to keep the thread alive before it gets stickied, I'll bring them up then. For now, thanks for the huge success as it wouldn't have been if not for you guys. Hope you find this one more useful. And I'm sure there are a ton of questions that need to be answered now that will be added to the Interactive section. So, let's get things rolling!
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Halo 3 is gonna flop HARD, it looks liek halo 2 :?coldkill19And look how well that game did. Over $100,000,000.00 made in its first 24 hours. You cant argue with the facts.
"Arguably, there is also another grenade in the mix. In the Halo 3 commercial, Master Chief uses what seems to be a grenade to create a shield around him. How the device will be used, and if it is considered to be a grenade has not been mentioned."
Wasnt that just a grenade and Master Chief was sheilding himself with his suit's powers to avoid getting affected by the explosion?
"Arguably, there is also another grenade in the mix. In the Halo 3 commercial, Master Chief uses what seems to be a grenade to create a shield around him. How the device will be used, and if it is considered to be a grenade has not been mentioned."
Wasnt that just a grenade and Master Chief was sheilding himself with his suit's powers to avoid getting affected by the explosion?
KenKen777
u sayin you didn't see the bubble go up around him?
No, it was the buble shield, and one of the two uses of the x-button. The public beta goes live on may 16."Arguably, there is also another grenade in the mix. In the Halo 3 commercial, Master Chief uses what seems to be a grenade to create a shield around him. How the device will be used, and if it is considered to be a grenade has not been mentioned."
Wasnt that just a grenade and Master Chief was sheilding himself with his suit's powers to avoid getting affected by the explosion?
KenKen777
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