Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack

April 15th, the launch date for the Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack

Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack is a collection of three new amazing maps:

1- Avalanche :

Your excuse to ride the many vehicles made famous by the Halo series, but retuned for the snowy battlefield.

This map is actually a tribute to the “Sidewinder” map from Halo: Combat Evolved, but has been massively revamped for Xbox 360.

2- Blackout :

It is actually the same basic design as Lockout (the fan favourite from Halo2), but you won’t believe the graphical overhaul it has received.

Sometimes we’re forgetting how much Xbox 360 really has moved things on graphically, but classic gameplay lives forever.

3- Ghost Town :

This medium-size map suits Team Slayer games, so expect to be kept very busy indeed.

Don’t be surprised to find your pulse racing as you navigate the rabbit warren of passages or emerge onto the rooftops with the ground far below.

Only for 800 Microsoft points you can enjoy more your multiplayer games with the new Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack......

Halo 3 Heroic Map Pack

Have you satisfied your appetite for Halo 3 yet? It’s barely been out of the office Xbox 360 since it arrived and we’re still hungry – ravenous, even – for more. And that’s very fortunate because ‘more’ is just what we’ve got, thanks to the Heroic Map Pack.

Came to Xbox LIVE (in a hail of Covenant bullets) on December 11th the Heroic Map Pack download comprises a trio of brand new multiplayer arenas, each offering a unique gameplay experience and all significantly extending the incomparable Halo 3 fun – and that’s got to be a good thing, right? Be assured, it totally is!

The first map, Standoff, is set in a symmetrical valley that is riddled with large boulders and sinuous trenches, making it ideal for sneaky sharp-shooters and mid-sized Slayer matches. Next up Rat’s Nest is a vast and twisty labyrinth that you wouldn’t really want to run around on foot, thus the action is more vehicular in nature – and is all the more explosive for it! Finally the Foundry describes itself as the ultimate Forge map. More or less every component of this cavernous warehouse can be moved and placed to your liking – stairways, bridges, tunnels and large walls to cower behind when you see us coming, guns a-blazing! With that kind of flexibility you might never need another map pack again. But that’s not how we play…

The Heroic Map Pack costs a mere 800 Microsoft Points and is available now – go check it out! However if you’re prepared to wait until spring 2008, when the next Halo 3 map pack is scheduled to launch, it will be totally free. How’s that for a triple-whammy of awesome news? But can you really keep your itchy trigger finger in check until next year? No, us neither!

Microsoft sued over Halo 3 "Consistent" crash

Master Chief better get a good lawyer to go along with his plasma gun.

A San Diego resident who recently purchased Halo 3, which stars the pistol packing super soldier, has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft - alleging that the company released a faulty product that frequently crashes when played on the Xbox 360.

In court papers filed this week, Randy Nunez charges that Halo 3 "consistently causes the Xbox 360 to crash, freeze, or lock up while the game is being played."

Along with Microsoft, Nunez also is suing Bungie, which developed Halo 3 along with Microsoft and recently spun off from the software maker. The action was filed in U.S. District Court in Southern California.

Nunez said he purchased a copy of Halo 3 at a Gamestop store in San Diego in mid-October. When he tried to play it on his Xbox 360, the system "repeatedly locked up, froze and/or crashed," Nunez said in court papers.

The lawsuit contends that the problem is widespread, and that Microsoft and Bungie haven't taken any steps to fix it.

"Although faced with repeated and mounting consumer complaints and inquiries concerning this operational flaw in Halo 3, the defendants have failed to recall Halo 3 or otherwise remedy its failure to function on the Xbox 360," the suit alleges.

As a result, Nunez charges that Microsoft and Bungie are in violation of consumer protection laws. Nunez is asking the court to give the suit class action status and is seeking unspecified damages.

Microsoft and Bungie have yet to file a formal response to Nunez' allegations.

Halo 3 smashed video game industry sales records when it debuted in September. It took in more than $300 million in sales during its first week on the market, including $170 million in first-day receipts.

Check our Halo 3 contest, u might win a free Halo 3!

Xbox 360 help Halo 3 giveaway!

ANNOUNCEMENT:
XBox360Help is having a FREE HALO 3 giveaway! Yes, that's right; a free copy of the critically acclaimed game, Halo 3!

There are no strings attached, folks; its just an e-mail raffle. Simply send an e-mail with the subject line of "I want to win a free Halo 3" to: xbox360helpprize@gmail.com

On the 21st of December, XBox360Help will randomly choose an e-mail address from all respondents.

To receive the prize! Send us an email as soon as possible to get a chance to WIN a FREE HALO 3!

New Halo 3 Maps are in the Works

According to Bungie insider lukems they are currently working on new maps to be available for download. He gives you a little teaser about the ones they are currently testing.... His quote after the jump.

"Work is progressing on new maps for future downloadable content, with the design and art teams vigorously engaged in the process. More entertainingly however, the ad-hoc test team of Bungie staff is enjoying these new maps greatly. My favorites are what I have already nicknamed Jodrell Bank and Moonbase Alpha."

"I “invented” a game type on Jodrell Bank which is actually just Team Slayer with Swords and Snipers. Thanks to some unique geographical features of that map, it works great. Moonbase Alpha, on the other hand is best suited to objective games, like CTF and Assault, but it has some natural deadlocks that make Slayer interesting and Infection terrifying.

Which reminds me of one more downloadable map. The scariest map of all time. Dark, frightening and surprisingly enormous. One of the scariest things that has ever happened to me (and this in a lifetime fraught with terror) was racing away from a marauding gang of zombies in Infection atop a Mongoose, only to have one leap out of the darkness ahead and unseat me with a throaty scream. I call that level John Carpenter’s Prince of Dorkness. It’s not as catchy as Jub Jub, but it’s every bit as accurate."

Halo 3 cheats

Unlockables:

Special Ending:

If you beat the game on Legendary mode, you will get a special, extended ending. Keep in mind that you only have to beat the final stage on Legendary mode, and not necessarily the rest of the game, in order to unlock this ending.

Unlock the following Elite armor permutations by fulfilling the requirement listed:

Ascetic (Body) - Get the Up Close and Personal Achievement
Ascetic (Head) - Get the Steppin' Razor Achievement
Ascetic (Shoulders) - Get the Overkill Achievement
Commando (Body) - Get the Triple Kill Achievement
Commando (Head) - Get the Overkill Achievement
Commando (Shoulders) - Get the Killing Frenzy Achivement
Flight (Body) - Complete Tsavo Highway (on Heroic or Legendary)
Flight (Head) - Complete the campaign mode (on Legendary or Heroic)

Grunt Birthday Party (Located: Crow's Nest):

If you manage to get a headshot on a Grunt, the Grunt will explode.

Spartan Armor Permutations:

EOD (Body) - Complete Tsavo Highway (on Legendary)
EOD (Head) - Complete the campaign mode (on Legendary)
EOD (Shoulders) - Complete The Ark (on Legendary)
EVA (Body) - Complete Tsavo Highway (on Normal, Heroic, or Legendary)
EVA (Head) - Complete the campaign mode (on Normal)
EVA (Shoulders) - Complete The Ark (on Normal, Heroic, or Legendary)
Mark V (Head) - Get the UNSC Spartan Achievement
ODST (Head) - Get the Spartan Graduate Achievement
Rogue (Head) - Get the Spartan Officer Achievement
Scout (Body) - Get the Too Close to the Sun Achievement
Scout (Head) - Get the Used Car Salesman Achievement
Scout (Shoulders) - Get the We're in for Some Chop Achievement
Security (Head) - Get 1,000 Gamerscore Points
Security (Shoulders) - Get 750 Gamerscore Points

Gold Skull Locations:

Black Eye (Located: Crow's Nest)

When activated, you will have to battle enemies with melee tactics to regain shield energy.

Catch (Located: The Storm)

When activated, enemies will throw more grenades.

Famine (Located: The Ark)

When activated, dropped weapons will hold less ammunition.

Fog (Located: Floodgate)

When activated, the motion tracker disappears.

Iron (Located: Sierra 117)

When activated, you will be sent back to the beginning of the stage you're on when you die instead of to the last checkpoint.

Mythic (Located: Halo)

When activated, all enemies will have twice as much health.

Thunderstorm (Located: The Covenant)

When activated, enemies will be of a higher rank.

Tilt (Located: Cortana)

When activated, enemies will become more resilient to your attacks.

Tough Luck (Located: Tsavo Highway)

When activated, enemies are skilled at getting away from projectiles such as grenades.

Skull Collecting:

While collecting skulls, keep in mind that you have to start the stage from the beginning (not from a checkpoint), but once you acquire the skull you're seeking, you can save and quit at any time without finishing the stage. This will allow you to collect skulls without having to worry about finishing the stage successfully.

Easter Egg: Funny Conversation

On the second level of the campaign, when you're escorting characters to their ships, you can head the wrong away from where you're supposed to go to complete your mission. If you do, you'll run into two characters (separated by a door) having a humorous conversation.

Halo 3 tricks

While the hardcore Halo player will no doubt find swift success and gain a firm grasp of the new, exciting tactics available in Halo 3, the rest of us may require the occasional helping hand. This last epic battle for Earth's survival and the Covenant's demise will test every fiber of your mettle, so keep the following tips in mind.

Trigger Red
Whether you're trying to differentiate an enemy troop from an ally at a distance, or you're scanning the thickly armored legs of a Scarab, let your reticle guide you. If it turns red, let it rip.

Click here for Halo 3 Full Coverage

High Ground
So often the fields of battle in Halo 3 take place on hillsides or near cliffs. Even indoors, you can often hop atop boxes, or climb a ramp or stairs to a second level. Gain the high ground whenever possible and you'll have a much easier time dispatching enemies and avoiding return fire.

Brutes First
Your primary focus in combat should be to pick off the most powerful enemies first. Usually, this means Brutes. Because Brutes tend to travel in packs, save your grenades and even rocket launcher fire for clearing out entire packs of these formidable opponents. The level design may also assist here. Look closely for exploding canisters near any tight-knit group of enemies.

Run 'em Over
Of course, a well-trained marine can dish out mayhem and death with the rear-mounted chain gun, but don't dismiss the devastation you can cause by simply running over your enemies. Entire camps of Covenant baddies can be cleared in a hurry, whether you're piloting a Warthog, Ghost, Brute Chopper, or even the slower moving Spectre.

Smack Em'… Unless
Melee strikes have always been a staple of the Halo games and Halo 3 is no exception. You can still find great success with one-hit kills when rifle-butting an enemy from behind. That said, you may want to rely a touch less on melee attacks as you do battle with the enormously powerful Brutes. There's more thunder in their fists than even Master Chief's, so watch out.

'Nade Tactics
Proper grenade use is always helpful, but on Hard or Legendary difficulty, it's critical.

Frag: Use these standard-issue grenades for long-distance throws. Unlike their plasma counterparts, these grenades roll after hitting the ground.
Plasma: The plasma grenade's greatest strength is its ability to stick to its target, so use these only when you're close enough for an accurate throw.
Spike: While the spike grenades don't travel as far, they do have a shorter fuse. Launch one at the feet of a group of enemies. They won't have time to flee outside the blast radius.

Brute T-Bone
The Brute Chopper shreds delightfully through enemy vehicles, but if you want to score a guaranteed kill, slam into the side of your enemy. Fender benders and head-on collisions may do damage, but a proper T-bone collision guarantees the most devastating results.

Riding Buddies
Whether it's the fast-traveling Mongoose, the more fearsome Warthog or a Brute Prowler, never ride alone if you can help it. Of course, this is most effective when playing co-op, but you may be surprised at the accuracy of the A.I.-controlled gunners. When entering a vehicle, always wait a second for a buddy to hop onboard.

Open Regeneration
The Halo 3 Regenerator offers Master Chief a quintessential Rambo moment, as you can safely drop the Regenerator (it constantly replenishes your shield) on the field of battle and unleash your wrath without fear of a swift death. This is a great tool to open up a large-scale battle, but make sure you're well within your weapon's effective range before employing this tactic.

Opposite Your Troops
Master Chief is worth an entire platoon of highly-skilled marines on his own, so don't clump up your forces by sticking too close to your allies. Instead, let your marines, and even the Arbiter and his Elites when they're with you, draw the attention of enemy forces. Then, slide along the opposite side of the battlefield to handle additional enemy forces, as well as to flank the foes with which your comrades are engaged.

Microsoft replace scratched Halo 3 discs

Following reports that defective packaging for the limited edition of Halo 3 allow the game to come loose and become scratched, Microsoft has added the game to its disc replacement program.

Under the regular terms of the program, consumers can get a replacement disc for certain titles published by Microsoft, provided that they return the disk to the company along with a small fee.

The current fee is USD 20, GBP 10, or 15 Euro.

For the Halo 3 Limited Edition and Essentials discs, consumers will be able to receive a replacement at no charge through December 31, 2007.

Microsoft has not yet commented on the percentage of Limited Edition discs being scratched, or any changes being made in the packaging.

Click here to go to Microsoft's official disc replacement page.

Click here to go to Halo 3 review, trailer and release coverage.

Halo 3 Release!

For Halo 3 Trailer, review and news please click here

New Yorkers were the first consumers in the U.S. to get their hands on Halo 3 after hundreds of eager fans lined up ahead of the midnight extravaganza at Best Buy near Times Square. In addition to day-long activities, some fans in line had the chance to play Halo 3 against on-site celebrities, with a new personality arriving every hour. A number of Bungie team members, local professional athletes, and celebrities were on hand for launch activities and there was a surprise spectacle at the stroke of midnight.

Initial numbers for sale quantities of Halo 3 are coming in from a number of sources. The Xbox 360 exclusive title is said to have sold through 1.8 million copies during the first 8 hours of release. This quantity breaks down to about 1.5 million units sold through pre-orders, and additional 300,000 copies sold at impulse (without pre-order).

It is estimated (assuming this trend continues) that a total of 950,000 fresh units will be sold within the first 24 hours, bringing the grand total to 2.45 million units (950,000 + 1,500,000). Microsoft has released the game in three SKUs ranging in price from 59.99 to 129.99. It is estimated that the average sale price of the title is currently at about 78 USD. Thus, Microsoft has already made an estimated 140.4 million dollars (1.8 million x 78.00 USD). Microsoft is thus expected to cash in about 191.1 million dollars today (2.45 x 78.00 USD).

Congratulations are in order as this will place Halo 3 at the top of entertainment’s highest day one sales list.

For Halo 3 Trailer, review and news please click here

No ban for playing Halo 3

Microsoft confirms only its own employees are under scrutiny, not its paying customers.

Microsoft has confirmed it won't ban the Xbox Live accounts of those who have snagged a pre-release copy of Halo 3.

There were widespread panic, arm-waving and forum threads with far too many exclamation marks when word was going round that Microsoft had started banning those on Xbox Live who had played a pre-release copy of Halo 3. With copies floating around eBay, Argos breaking the release date and some rogue videogame stores in Norway also selling the game early, it turns out quite a few people have now appeared online with 'Recently played: Halo 3' showing up on their Xbox Live accounts.

This was followed by stories that Microsoft was banning those who had played Halo 3 before its release date and even if those players had played it without being connected to Xbox Live, Microsoft would be able to backdate when Halo 3 was played when they did connect to Live and catch them that way. This sparked a spate of "BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU LOL" reactions but Microsoft is only banning its own employees for breaking Halo 3's street date, not you.

In other words: if you do have a pre-release copy of Halo 3, you're safe. Though it's best wait for the actual release date and join in the euphoric fun and an entire community coming together to celebrate Halo at the same time, no?

Halo 3 Special edition Xbox 360 release in Europe

Halo 3 Special edition Xbox 360

Microsoft announced the date of release of the Halo 3 Special edition Xbox 360 in Europe .

For Halo fans Halo 3 Special edition Xbox 360 will be available on the 26th of September 2007 and its estimated retail price will be £279.99

The Halo 3 Special edition Xbox 360 package includes :

1. Halo 3 Special edition console with an authentic Spartan green and gold finish and a HD MI port.
2. Halo 3 Special edition wireless controller
3. Halo 3 Special edition 20GB hard drive
4. Halo 3 Special edition wired headset
5. Halo 3 Special edition Gamer Pictures and Theme (Exclusive download via Xbox LIVE)
6. Component HD AV cable
7. Ethernet cable
8. Play and charge kit
9. Xbox Live Silver membership
10. Xbox Live Gold membership for one month

It's a great way for Halo fans to show their allegiance to one of the most popular and successful entertainment franchises ever.!!!!

Check this link for all info about the game itself.

Halo 3 game review and trailers too!!

Halo is a video game series created by Bungie Studios For Xbox. The Halo trilogy centers around Master Chief Petty Officer SPARTAN-117, or simply "the Master Chief", a human super-soldier equipped with technologically advanced battle armor, and his Construct AI companion, Cortana.

The epic saga continues with Halo 3, the hugely anticipated sequel to the highly successful and critically acclaimed Halo franchise. In this third chapter of the Halo trilogy, Master Chief returns to finish the fight, bringing the epic conflict between the Covenant, the Flood, and the entire human race to a dramatic, pulse-pounding climax.

Halo 3 represents the third chapter in the Halo trilogy—an international award-winning action series that grew into a global entertainment phenomenon, selling more than 14.5 million units worldwide, logging more than 650 million hours of multiplayer action on Xbox Live, and spawning action figures, books, a graphic novel, apparel, an upcoming film adaptation, and more.

High-definition visuals, enhanced A.I., an advanced real-time lighting engine, and new weapons, characters, and challenges are just a few examples of Halo 3's evolution of design and technology.


See the game trailer!

A beta test of the multi-player component of the game is scheduled to be available in Spring 2007. The final version of the game is due to be released in Fall 2007.

The Xbox Live multiplayer public beta, which is a pre-release version of the multiplayer experience of Halo 3 and exclusively on Xbox 360 will also represents an opportunity for you to give information that will help in the development of Halo 3!!


Here's another one, It's really a great one!

If you want to participate in the Beta version and share your ideas with the game programmers there were 3 ways to do so, even to register on http://www.halo3.com/ and that way is closed now and all selected players have been notified, or to qualify and register as part of the ‘Rule of Three’ program and this way is also closed and all selected players have been notified so, the only way remaining which you can still use is by purchasing Crackdown.

All Crackdown boxes will be specially marked with a Halo 3 sticker before the beta begins. When the Halo 3 multiplayer beta surfaces in spring 2007, those owners of Crackdown that have a valid Xbox Live Gold subscription simply need to load their copy of Crackdown into Xbox 360 and use the disc as a key to download the beta from Xbox Live Marketplace and join the battle in Halo 3 multiplayer.

By the way, your invitation (if you got one) is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash, so see you online buddy!!

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