Videogame History is Made, and the Chief Becomes Legendary

Bungie Studios must have been under enormous pressure developing the game considered the most highly anticipated video game of all time. I think it's safe to say that tomorrow morning people out there that will unwrap Halo 3 from its package and never see the light of day again. I think with the online capabilities of the Xbox 360 and the addictive nature of online multilayer games (Such as Gears of War, or dare I mention the old cult classics: Counterstrike or Unreal Tournament) Halo 3 has the chance to be a long lasting favorite of gamers through the next 2-3 years, solid. The lucky bastards at IGN received the game ahead of the world to give their reviews. I've watched them all, and.. Damn. The game (aside from what IGN calls "some issues," they assured their readers that it has been the game that we have been waiting for.

Above: the original drawing of Master Chief.. Badass.

What makes Halo so awesome? Well, the original game introduced the rechargeable shield in tandem with a health meter, which changed the way first person shooters were played but without eliminating the dynamic of physical damage and medpacks. It introduced a new approach to physics of the game (if you played, you might remember blowing up warthogs with a reckless abandon), and borrowed largely from Half-Life's concept of an exciting and attractive story line, which made playing through the campaigns much more enjoyable and engaging for the player.

The new game will have a map editor feature, which means that even if Halo 3 wasn't awesome enough for the online multiplayer experience, now you will have the joy of creating your own customized maps to play out a whole variety of different scenarios. I've already seen review footage of some guys using the gravity hammer (a weapon that allows you to go into Barry Bonds mode against vehicles) as a baseball bat, with another player as a "pitcher" shooting rockets at you. I think I'll want to avoid striking out on this one.

Master Chief John-117 is back.. Kicking alien ass with an extra shiny visor.


I'll tell you about my playing experience when the game comes out (Tuesday!), and if I can pry my friend's brother from the Xbox controllers long enough to give it a try. Not owning a 360 myself, I have to get the cheap condensed version of a review.