Bungie Weekly Update: 05/01/09

Bovine-themed braggadocio, taking Halo 3: ODST home, and a way to win Recon.

Breaking In - Seth Gibson

Seth Gibson speaks out on Tech Art, Powerlifting, and living in a "Blast or Dust world."

Community Spotlight - PraetoriaGuard

Fair play, good sportsmanship, and family values.

Bungie Weekly Update: 04/24/09

Some therapy, a little Punishment, and a quick look at what's coming in May.

Viewing: All
'Gone' A Halo 3 Montage 

Posted by urk at 5/7/2009 1:08 PM PDT

Going, going...


Herbal T put together a pretty relaxed montage featuring some very nice plays, subtle editing, and great quality.  At just under three minutes, it's fairly short and well worth your time.  Have a look.



YouTube - Subliminal Arts Presents Herbal T "Gone"

'O 2 THE T' Halo 3 Rap 

Posted by urk at 5/7/2009 1:08 PM PDT

oh Paulius writes:

"Gonna put you in your place..."


This adults only music video focuses on the more sensual side of Halo 3's multiplayer space.  If you like to do a little bit of post-kill trash talking (and more), this is your anthem.  Brief description and link to the video are below.

"Project Rooster and Ro4ch do a little collaborative work and create this catchy Halo 3 rap. Taking a very famous term in Halo 3 and making a very creative rap. Catchy techno beat and nice lyrics will keep you owning and T-bagging for months to come."

YouTube - O 2 the T Halo 3 Rap

Forgebattle's Mythic Map Friday #4 

Posted by urk at 5/7/2009 1:01 PM PDT

R and C General writes:

No date for Friday? We'll cheer you up!

Once again the folks at Forgebattle.com are offering up a fun time this Friday night should you find yourself looking for something to do.  They're throwing down on Mythic, so if you want to participate, you'll need the new trio of maps and you'll need to sign up at the site.  Details below.

"Well its that time again! Forgebattle.com is gearing up for our fourth Mythic Map Friday. This is an event that our site holds to help people who want to have some fun playing on the new Mythic DLC.

During the event, we play all of the premiere Forge maps on Sandbox, Orbital and Assembly, and this week we expect to have even more awesome maps!

We will play competitive games, mini-games and our personal favorite, racetracks. So join the site, sign-up for the festivities, and play some games with other gamers on Bungie's new Mythic Map Pack."

Director Dialogues: Anoj 

Posted by urk at 5/7/2009 9:24 AM PDT

Topping the charts.


"For this week's interview, RandomSauce sits down with Anoj, of Top 10 Series fame. Read on to learn more about the man behind the countdown as well as what goes into producing his videos."

HBO's Director Dialogues: Anoj

Aesthetic Artist Montage: Week 1-4 

Posted by urk at 5/7/2009 9:24 AM PDT

jdars1804 writes:

For the visual learners.


Created by A Deaf Boy, these monthly montages feature the best screenshots from the players featured in HBO's Aesthetic Artist Interviews.



Aesthetic Artist Montage


Top 10 Halo 3 Ricochets 

Posted by urk at 5/7/2009 9:03 AM PDT

KillPie3 writes:

Got Bounce?


KillPie's collected a pretty extensive list of projectiles that refuse the adhere to the old axiom that the shortest and best path to an object is via a straight line.  These bullets bounce about like nobody's business.  Check it out.



YouTube- Top 10 Ricochets

Phil - Day Eight: "Ghostbusters" 

Posted by urk at 5/7/2009 9:01 AM PDT

Xtreme BMonkey writes:

Jasper, the friendly Ghost of Blackout.


Phil is back in his latest episode, Day Eight. The mystery behind the Halo "ghosts" is revealed.  In High Definition, no less.  Video and link below.




YouTube - Phil - Day Eight "Ghostbusters"

2501 - Episode 50 

Posted by urk at 5/7/2009 8:58 AM PDT

The Catfish 16 writes:

We'll find out soon enough.


"Ahoy there,

Today's gripping installment involves swashbuckling escapades as our heroes and their kidnappers exchange a flurry of vicious speech, battling back one remark with another. Yes they stand there and talk. Go see anyway.

50 - Regulations

The Catfish"

Scarab Beatdown 

Posted by urk at 5/6/2009 1:40 PM PDT

TimewornDoctor writes:

Took it out with his bare hands.


Well, he does have gloves too.  Oh, and MJOLNIR armor.  Of course, that doesn't mean this feat isn't impressive.  It's not everyday that a player tries and succeeds at taking down a Scarab without firing a shot.

"Me and my friend, SkyHammer23 made a bet that I couldn't kill a Scarab with only using my fist, so I decided to prove him wrong."



YouTube - Scarab Beatdown

Halo 3 Racetrack 'Paramount' 

Posted by urk at 5/6/2009 1:28 PM PDT

King Knight 11 writes:

Hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times.

Seems Sandbox has spawned quite a number of new racetracks.  Here's another one, if you're interested in putting your driving skills to the test.

"Paramount was created with speed and fun in mind. The track consists of several banked turns, a spiral, drop turns, and to finish it all a tight flat turn that is hard to master. Maximum speed is achieved at a certain point in the track where the track does a big downward bank. You better buckle up for some intense, high speed action and don't forget to keep your hands and feet in the vehicle at all times, and enjoy the ride. "



YouTube - Halo 3 Sandbox Racetrack Paramount


Bungie.net Map Variant "Paramount"

What The French - Episode 4 

Posted by urk at 5/6/2009 1:10 PM PDT

II Sirkan II writes:

Failure is a universal language.


Halo 3 éloigne de nous trois grands maux: l'ennui, le vice et le besoin.

What The French is a sort of Halo 3 Fails for French players, edited by Vandia and propulse, members of the Halo 3 community, Halo.fr.  As the title implies, this is the fourth in the series.  If you want to check out the other three, stick around after you watch and browse the site.
 
What the French - Episode 4

PraetoriaGuard's Favorite Files Updated 

Posted by urk at 5/6/2009 11:05 AM PDT

The skilled and celebrated soldiers return.


PraetoriaGuard is back for week two of their spotlight, sending Eisen Feuer into the fold to provide details on his Forge creation, Access.  If you want to see some of the custom content they have on offer, or you simply want to check out some of their thoughts on what they think could make the Forge a little bit easier to use, you're in luck, we've got what you need below.

Map Variant - Access

Q. What inspired your creation?

A. Access is a Frankenstein of all my favorite maps in Halo CE and Halo 2. There's a little bit of everything in there. My favorite map in Halo CE was Chill Out and in Halo 2 it was Ivory Tower. The defining feature of these for me was the weapons setup; both had a Sniper Rifle, a Rocket Launcher, a Shotgun/Sword, and an Overshield. That really kept you on your toes as the power weapons were constantly changing hands like rock/paper/scissors and they'd come back to bite you unless you kept track of them in your head.

Access's layout itself is a combination of Prisoner and Lockout. It has three distinct levels and a sniper tower like Lockout, and it's enclosed with a bridge spanning the center like Prisoner. Also likening back to Halo 2, there are a smattering of crouch jumps that can get you to the top in seconds and a few grenade jumps that will cost you your shield, but can also prevent you from getting cornered into a more deadly situation. Every level has its own perks but generally speaking you want to be on the top level, shooting down on the denizens of the pit below you.

Q. How long did it take to create?

A. Access began as a larger map with vehicles (taking up half of Foundry) built around what would become the fence wall skybridge that holds the Fuel Rod Cannon. Enclosed ramps caged the action and after attaining your prize weapon—you couldn't jump off, you had to fight your way out. But when I started on my final design there was no room for them inside the box I had made, so I started deleting my wall and put features like that on the outside, with fence box U-bends allowing for a view. The map was "complete" for a month or so, but in testing the lower level was a butcher shop; I could never provide enough cover without the place looking like a junkyard. So again I carved into the wall and added another wing to siphon some of the action away from dead center, which also provides cover against those shooting down from the top.

Access was the product of many hours spent in Forge elsewhere, so making its final version came in under 24 hours. Maybe someday I'll return to make every corner razor sharp, but I'm satisfied with its current state. Function before fashion.

Q. How could The Forge be improved?

A. I hope I don't make anyone cry because I know something that seems very simple to the end user (like rewinding in Theater Mode) can turn out to be a game engineer's nightmare, but here I go:

1. Undo last action (or maybe just last delete): "Oops, I deleted a part that cannot be put back, now I need to disassemble everything and recreate it from scratch" could be a thing of the past.

2. Snap/Align to: A box is a box, but sometimes that thousandth of a degree off makes a huge difference when everything else has been aligned to it. Ideally, you'll be able to snap an object to another object like Legos, but just being able to align an object to the cardinal directions (and keep it that way) would be a godsend.

3. Turn off physics: A lot of cool creations are done Mario-style with blocks floating in midair, it would be nice to eliminate the need for scaffolding and/or the constant save and reload regime, and just have an object float there when you let it go.

4. FFA: the ability to turn off teams. This would be great for machinima, we wouldn't need to switch back and forth from Forge to Custom Games as the needs on set change.

5. Guns-down. I'd like to see the old Left-Trigger Gun-Down Animation from Halo 2 return in Forge. Machinima makers will kiss your feet.



No tears on our end.  And feet-kissing is right out.  But, we always want to hear what players think of our title, whether good or bad.  And once again, we want to thank our friends at PraetoriaGuard for engaging with us over these last two weeks.  If you're looking for a great group to join, and you're not a jerk, go ahead and enlist.  If you just want to check out what they have on offer in Bungie Favorites, everything is live and ready for download.

'Life in Halo 3' A Brute Shot Montage 

Posted by urk at 5/6/2009 9:27 AM PDT

M1STA WU1FY writes:

More Brute Shot means less Warthog.


We've seen plenty of montages from the vehicle's perspective.  Often being on foot puts players at a distinct disadvantage.  Not WerewulfByNight.  If you turn a corner and see him standing out in the open with his Brute Shot at the ready, bail out - it's already too late for you.

"This Brute Shot montage is special because It includes a number of the matchmaking clips that got me to my personal goal of 2000 Brute Shot kills. Be ready to see vehicles die, children...it's a fact of life when I'm around."



YouTube - Life in Halo 3, a Brute Shot Montage

Haloramics HD - 'Solo' 

Posted by urk at 5/6/2009 9:26 AM PDT

AmX15 writes:

Moving pictures.


Haloramics.com put together a compilation of panoramic screenshots taken from Halo 3's Campaign and Multiplayer, applied a liberal layer of Photoshop technique, and then uploaded them all to YouTube in High Definition.  Set to a rousing score, if you're into moving pictures, you should give this one a watch.



YouTube - Haloramics, "Solo"

Chronicles of ODS Steve #24 

Posted by urk at 5/6/2009 9:21 AM PDT

Better Than a Food Nipple.


The latest escapades of ODS Steve are online over at Hawty McBloggy's webspace.  Actually, there's no Steve to speak of this time out, but a couple of other characters come into frame and discover some evidence of the squad's recent departure.  Then they drink said evidence.  Sound gross?  Well get your mind out of the gutter and get reading.

Chronicles of ODS Steve #24 - Better Than a Food Nipple

Halo 3 Fiesta Montage 

Posted by urk at 5/6/2009 9:16 AM PDT

goheels619 writes:

It's a Fiesta!

Submitted to our news feed just in time for the 5th of May, we didn't get around to posting until this morning.  As they say, better late than never.  And really, every day is a great day for Fiesta!

"Pull out your hats and start dancin'! vVv Tomas has a new Halo 3 Montage just for Cinco De Mayo. Hit the link to watch the Fiesta madness (Pinatas not included)."



YouTube - Halo 3 Fiesta Montage

Reclaimer 182 - The Mother of Invention 

Posted by urk at 5/6/2009 9:14 AM PDT

A patchwork plan.


Reclaimer needs access to the UNSC datanets, but first some repairs are in order.  And of course, it's not as simple as just plugging some stuff in or turning a bolt.  That would be far too easy.

Reclaimer 182 - The Mother of Invention

2501 - Episode 49 

Posted by urk at 5/5/2009 2:45 PM PDT

The Catfish 16 writes:

Take us to your leader.


The Catfish popped back in to send word of a new page of 2501.  If you're keeping caught up, click the link and get your read on.  If not, what's wrong with you?  It's just one page at a time!

"Hello all,

So on today's episode of 2501 we find who captured our lads (well, lad and lass) and, well not much more. Pop on by and give your rampant speculations.

49 - Invaders

The Catfish"

'The Fellowship' Halo 3 Screenshots 

Posted by urk at 5/5/2009 1:29 PM PDT

COL0NEL SANDERS writes:

A fellowship of screenshots.


You might feel like you've been transported to The Shire if you watch this High Definition slideshow, but only if you keep your eyes closed.  We recommend lids up for the best viewing experience.  All screens taken by members of Aberrant Designs.

"TheMoleN1 recently created a pictage showcasing the best screenshots the community has to offer; more specifically, the best Aberrant Designs has to offer, which is home to only the top gun artists of the Halo community. Set to some emotional and dramatic music, this screenshot slideshow is well worth your time."



YouTube - Halo 3 Screenshot Montage: The Fellowship

Halo Classic Forging Contest 

Posted by urk at 5/5/2009 1:29 PM PDT

Truthisr3vealed writes:

Get nostalgic and win Microsoft Points.


Mjolnir Battle Tactics is hosting a contest open to all of their members.  If you want in, you need to enlist, read the rules, and get Forging.  If they like the retro stuff you whip up, you could win yourself a pile of Microsoft Points.

"Mjolnir Battle Tactics is hosting an event to bring it all the good stuff from the past back. The Halo Classing Forging Contest is a competition where forgers compete to produce the best recreation of a Halo 2 Map Variant.  All are welcome and we hope to see numerous remakes of classic games.

Prizes
First Prize: 4000 MS points
Second Prize: 3200 MS points
Third Prize: 1600 MS points"

Sandbox Racetrack - 'Typhoon' 

Posted by urk at 5/5/2009 1:28 PM PDT

Deuced On Who writes:

A cyclone suspended in midair.


If you're looking to get your twist and turn on, you might want to check out Typhoon.  Seems the Sky Bubble on Sandbox has become the de facto grounds for laying down track.  If you're looking to lay down some rubber, give this a spin.  Video and Map Variant linked below.

"HaloEvolution presents Typhoon by oO SLiK Oo! Typhoon is one of the most amazing halo 3 sandbox racetrack built yet. The smooth turns keep you strapped to your seats. This track includes some hills, twist, turns and amazing gameplay!"




YouTube - Typhoon

Bungie.net Map Variant: Typhoon

Know Your Ninja - The Slayer 

Posted by urk at 5/5/2009 11:14 AM PDT

Tidying the place up, one slaying swing at a time.


The Average Joe contingent once again takes a brief backseat for a week as we introduce you to another one of our awesome Forum Ninjas.  If you want to learn a little about what makes The Slayer tick, what you can do to keep yourself off the "naughty" list, or whether or not that iceburn PM you fired off right after he revoked your posting privileges had any effect on his attitude, scroll down and get an eyeful.  Just make sure you shut them tight when you get to the part about Stosh.  Because, gross.

Q. Who are you and what do you do?


A. I am a junior in high school. When away from the computer, I try to dabble in the arts and get a bit rowdy with the friends. I am a pretty normal dude who enjoys driving his Mazda 3 and picking up the babes. You can usually catch me around town, pillaging and plundering.

When at school I attend the art academy, VADA. It’s a cool little thing, getting to stick with pretty much the same students for nearly every class (sounds boring, but when you are with the same people, things can get way rowdy). This year we have been focusing on photography and the use of Photoshop along with a lovely painting course. I am the suck at painting.

I now live in an apartment with my father, the apartment being right across from the school awesomely enough. (Not that I love living near the school, but that lunch breaks are now as easy as pie.) We both had to move into this fine establishment because of the California Tea Fire.  It ended up burning our lovely casa in the mountains to the ground. Aside from that mess, life could not be going any better. School has become more manageable for me, I have some wonderful friends, and a family that smells nice.

Q. What did you do with your time on Bungie.net before you took up Banhammer duty?

A. Before pulling the mighty hammer out of the stone, I was a dude posting in groups and occasionally in the Septagon.. You could catch me in the Bungie Jumpers, a group I would call home. I would also be heavily involved in the group For Carnage Apply Within, focusing on and playing some of Bungie’s older multiplayer games. I would also pal around with evilcam in the group WHTI (We Hate The Internet).

Q. Speaking of hating the Internet, do you ever want to just drop offline and take a break for a bit?

A. Less wanting, more doing. If the job of moderating ever turns out to be just a bit too hectic I can always stop, which very well does happen. It’s just as easy as logging out and venturing back a couple of hours/days later. Though this isn’t a sign of the forums getting to me, it is merely the sign of a man needing to take his occasional break.

Q. When you do take your occasional breaks, what other online places do you check out?

A. I venture into my online home, The Frozen Minority (Nearly the same group of dudes from the Bungie Jumpers). I also visit For Carnage Apply Within, the most welcoming group I am a part of. There are not many other sites that I visit really, though I do love the occasional #moap. #moap, pronounced moh app, is an incredible chat server where tons of wonky talk goes down.

Q. Once you've recharged, what compels you to return to Bungie.net?

The nudes of stosh, mostly.

[Editor's Note: No.  Just, no. -urk]


I don’t know really, the place is just fun! The front page gets plenty of action that I get to witness. The groups are great, always being able to organize games with your friends. The stats on this site are amazing, always a fun thing to check out. There are just too many features on this website to ignore. I could never leave this place, it being my first online community of sorts. I have also met a few friends that I can safely say are, in actuality, friends.

Q. Aside from meeting a few friends, how has your view of the B.net community changed during your tenure?

A. It hasn’t really. If anything, I simply see the moderators in a bit of a different light and am able to view the forums with a whole new perspective. When seeing a naughty thread/post I am now able to do something about it.  I like that. Though I suppose my times on the forums now have gotten a tad hectic, I am no longer on the forums just to post, but also to moderate. So, I suppose things have changed.

Q. Be honest, how awesome is it to swing the Banhammer and take care of those "naughty" posters?

A. It’s pretty damned awesome. It feels nice to have someone trust me in helping out the forums. It also feels very nice in knowing that I do have the ability to help the community and tidy the place up. Some may view the terrible PMs as a bad thing, but I look at it as being hilarious. Anyone over the Internet who has never met me before, but insists that I go play in traffic deserves my thanks, without you I would not be laughing nearly as hard every day.



Pretty awesome, indeed.  Big thanks to The Slayer for taking some time out to provide us with a few details about who he is and what he does when he's not banning fools and laughing at the response PM's.  Huge thanks for picking up the mantle of the Banhammer and keeping our forums clean.  Immeasurable admonishment for bringing up Stosh candids, even though we hope and pray such things do not exist in this world.  Considering everything else, we'll let it slide.

The Halo CE Chronicles Comic 

Posted by urk at 5/5/2009 9:36 AM PDT

UXB writes:

Shipwrecked Episode 66 - Paradise Lost


The Halo CE Chronicles Comic Shipwrecked Episode 66 - Paradise Lost is now available for viewing. The Search and Rescue team find that paradise is not what it used to be.

The Halo CE Chronicles Comic Shipwrecked Episode 66

Out of Work Spartan 

Posted by urk at 5/5/2009 9:33 AM PDT

MetalNEMESIS01 writes:

Gotta have a jay oh bee.


What happens when the UNSC falls on hard economic times?  Tahoeanime has the answer.  A blend of live action and in game footage, this machinima shouldn't have any trouble finding gainful employment.  Give it a watch.

"From: UNSC Job Placement Services

Due to recent economic problems and the mismanagement of government bail out funds, the UNSC has resorted to cut backs in several of its key departments. The UNSC job placement services was created in an attempt to help former UNSC employees acclimate their skills and experience into civilian life. We would like you and your community to review our current applicants video in hopes that a potential employer can be found to provide a steady and stable work place for our applicant. Thank you for your support."


YouTube - Out Of Work Spartan

'Barrels O' Fun' Halo 3 Trick Jumps 

Posted by urk at 5/5/2009 9:26 AM PDT

Gear61 Owns writes:

Guy's got ups.


KillerxJake shows off his verticality, getting to places most of us can only dream of.  Clocking in at only 3:38, if you're interested in seeing some sweet jumps pulled off in Halo 3 custom games, you should invest a little bit of your time.  Brief description and video below.

"This is a short Halo 3 trick jumping montage from KillerxJake of Jump Theory showing off some cool jumps in a video entitled, "Jump Theory." Enjoy!"



YouTube - Barrels O' Fun

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