Halo 3 - Spring 2006 Confirmed (pre-orders up on EB & GS)

[nixts]

Xbox 360 makes the cover of Time Magazine, reportedly with some news regarding Microsoft's launch plans for Halo 3.

http://img76.echo.cx/img76/9015/11010505231202jr.jpg

The next version of Halo will not, repeat not, be ready in time for the launch of Xbox 360. It will be part of the all-important second wave next spring. "It's perfect," Gates says, radiant with bloodlust. "The day Sony launches [the new PlayStation], and they walk right into Halo 3."


Added by CheapyD

Pre-orders are up:

ETA: 6/1/2006
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=T000284

ETA: 6/30/2006
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/520728.asp

[clockworkvictim]

Er. Cool :).

[8ballGuy]

awesome hopefuly its complete this time

[kill3r7]

Awsome, I can't wait to get my hands on Xbox360. :-D

[basketkase543]

I'm confused. How are they going to move any systems without a new Halo? What would they replace their killer app with?

[evilmax17]

Can't argue with a smart decision, and I like how they aren't lying about the reason either.

[mykevermin]

X-Box on the cover? "Exclusive: Dave Chappelle Speaks"?

When did Time become fucking People Magazine for Bullshit-Intellectuals?

myke.
...good to hear about Halo 3, though I'm skeptical.

[8ballGuy]

I'm confused. How are they going to move any systems without a new Halo? What would they replace their killer app with?

The new morrowind has me buying it, just need a new bioware game and their set for launch

[Murcielago77]

if this is true, uhh, awesome

[bil4l]

There's a little title called Perfect Dark Zero, that is REPORTEDLY a launch game. PS2 didn't have jack for killer apps when it launched and the sales were still insane, so I don't think MS is too worried about it.

[jam3582]

heres a funny scenerio what if the next GTA would be released as a launch title for ps3 . I kno its unthinkable but that would be a very funny scenario though wouldnt it . Anyway even though they would be releasing halo 3 against the PS3 im guessing the majority of poeple who are going into get a ps3 will want a ps3. Maybe its geared more towards the mainstream meaning a guy walks in the store to get a new system sees halo 3 blown away by it and gets that instead of ps3 maybe I dunno .

[Mr Unoriginal]

Aren't we past the days when you only buy one system or the other? Halo 3 coming out sure isn't going to stop a gameer from buying a PS3. I'm sure the majority of people here own more than one system so it's not as if you chose PS3 and never get Halo 3 or vice versa.

[Scahom1]

Aren't we past the days when you only buy one system or the other? Halo 3 coming out sure isn't going to stop a gameer from buying a PS3. I'm sure the majority of people here own more than one system so it's not as if you chose PS3 and never get Halo 3 or vice versa.

For most people, 1 system at launch price is all they could afford. That's not saying they won't pick up the other(s) later down the road, which is what I did.

[slimpip]

There's a little title called Perfect Dark Zero, that is REPORTEDLY a launch game. PS2 didn't have jack for killer apps when it launched and the sales were still insane, so I don't think MS is too worried about it.

The first next gen Madden was pretty killer for PS2 on launch....

[CaptainObviousXl]

YEAH but it will prolly get pushed back

[scdoanintendo]

What's with the LED on the 360, is it all green or multi-colored like that?

[jam3582]

YEAH but it will prolly get pushed back

and if it dosent then its either a miracle or its just gonna be halo 2 with better graphics and alot of bugs and glitches

[mykevermin]

Killer App? How quickly did the first 100,000 PSPs sell with no "major" app? If anything, the PSP is a good indication that the Sony name can sell, virtually by itself. There are good PSP titles, sure, but other than Lumines, few are "must have" titles (and "killer apps" and puzzle games don't often meet each other, with the exception of Tetris on Game Boy).

myke.
...although, if competing *directly* with Halo 3 (both are released on the same day), then it is very possible that the Sony name won't save them.

[mykevermin]

What's with the LED on the 360, is it all green or multi-colored like that?

Probably multi; the Xbox is like that too, but in halves instead of quarters - I've seen green, orange, and red, depending on how much I did to my console.

myke.

[Roufuss]

X-Box on the cover? "Exclusive: Dave Chappelle Speaks"?

When did Time become fucking People Magazine for Bullshit-Intellectuals?


Agreed... alot of these high end magazines are really dumbing themselves down lately. Playboy used to have some amazing articles in it, but lately it just seems like they are trying to be like Maxim and FHM in presentation.

They still have amazing articles occasionally, but you have to go through alot of BS to get to them. I mean, video game girls naked? That's not the Playboy I know.

[Ugamer_X]

...although, if competing *directly* with Halo 3 (both are released on the same day), then it is very possible that the Sony name won't save them.



I'm sorry, but this notion that Microsoft is going to release Halo 3 on the same day as the PS3 launch is laughable. It doesn't even make sense from a business perspective. What Microsoft will likely do, is release Halo 3 1-6 months before the PS3 launch. That way, people will play the game beforehand and put their money with Microsoft rather than Sony. Releasing Halo 3 on the same day as the PS3 would only serve to create a living hell for retail employees.

Of course, this is assuming that Halo 3 will be any good. If Halo 3 ends up being a rushed title, there is that slim chance that it will be released on the PS3 launch...But it's effect will only be short term in that case.

[supadupacheap]

Agreed... alot of these high end magazines are really dumbing themselves down lately. Playboy used to have some amazing articles in it, but lately it just seems like they are trying to be like Maxim and FHM in presentation.

They still have amazing articles occasionally, but you have to go through alot of BS to get to them. I mean, video game girls naked? That's not the Playboy I know.

Ive said that to a bunch of people lately and they said I was crazy. (guess it proves who reads the articles and who doesnt) Yeah, PB isnt nearly the gentleman's mag it once was. Sure its always had bare women but it managed to have class too. Now, not so much.

[supadupacheap]

Yeah, I dont see the logic in lauching Halo 3 to compete with Sony's launch. It sounds great but in the end its a bluff, and I think Sony knows it.

[Roufuss]

Releasing Halo 3 on the same day as the PS3 would only serve to create a living hell for retail employees.


That would be one hell of a Midnight Madness sale.

[supadupacheap]

That would be one hell of a Midnight Madness sale.

Yeah but even worse, imagine the Fanboy fights....good lord!!!

[Kaijufan]

Yeah but even worse, imagine the Fanboy fights....good lord!!!
:lol:

[epobirs]

What's with the LED on the 360, is it all green or multi-colored like that?

The LED on the power indicator is in four parts and can be used to convey information about each player. The simplest is how many players are currently in the game and whether mor can join. It will also signal things like incoming alerts from friends via Xbox Live.

[mykevermin]

I'm sorry, but this notion that Microsoft is going to release Halo 3 on the same day as the PS3 launch is laughable. It doesn't even make sense from a business perspective. What Microsoft will likely do, is release Halo 3 1-6 months before the PS3 launch. That way, people will play the game beforehand and put their money with Microsoft rather than Sony. Releasing Halo 3 on the same day as the PS3 would only serve to create a living hell for retail employees.

Of course, this is assuming that Halo 3 will be any good. If Halo 3 ends up being a rushed title, there is that slim chance that it will be released on the PS3 launch...But it's effect will only be short term in that case.

I disagree; a game can lose its luster 1-6 months after release, and it existence a moot point in preventing sales for the competition. Furthermore, regarding it being rushed: that's not important, because Halo 1 and Halo 2 both "delivered" (although #2 less so, to be honest); it has an excellent reputation, and thus its name value alone will sell millions of copies.

Will it be retail hell for employees? You betcha. That's the best part!

myke.
...I don't see how its laughable from a business perspective: a business is offering one in-demand product for $50 to keep people from buying another in-demand product for $250 (minimum). The $50 will be more enticing than $250, based upon simple risk/benefit analysis. What doesn't make sense about that?

[zewone]

I'm sorry, but this notion that Microsoft is going to release Halo 3 on the same day as the PS3 launch is laughable. It doesn't even make sense from a business perspective. What Microsoft will likely do, is release Halo 3 1-6 months before the PS3 launch. That way, people will play the game beforehand and put their money with Microsoft rather than Sony. Releasing Halo 3 on the same day as the PS3 would only serve to create a living hell for retail employees.

Of course, this is assuming that Halo 3 will be any good. If Halo 3 ends up being a rushed title, there is that slim chance that it will be released on the PS3 launch...But it's effect will only be short term in that case.
Its very possible that Halo 3 will launch on the same day as the PS3. Nintendo did a similar thing releasing Majora's Mask(New Zelda Game =Killer App) the same day the PS2 was released. They do this to help push their own sales while lowering the competiors numbers. I'm sure lots of people would rather play Halo 3 than a PS3. Myself included.

[PawnTakesKing]

I'm glad I don't work for any major game retailers. This is going to be nothing but mass chaos. Which is GREAT! I might just park outside of Gamestop around 11 p.m. that night and see how many fights break out.

[jam3582]

Its very possible that Halo 3 will launch on the same day as the PS3. Nintendo did a similar thing releasing Majora's Mask(New Zelda Game =Killer App) the same day the PS2 was released. They do this to help push their own sales while lowering the competiors numbers. I'm sure lots of people would rather play Halo 3 than a PS3. Myself included.


I guess that didnt hurt sony's sales and I dont think it stoped people from lining up and gettin the ps2.

[RAMSTORIA]

Its very possible that Halo 3 will launch on the same day as the PS3. Nintendo did a similar thing releasing Majora's Mask(New Zelda Game =Killer App) the same day the PS2 was released. They do this to help push their own sales while lowering the competiors numbers. I'm sure lots of people would rather play Halo 3 than a PS3. Myself included.

seems like a premature statement to make, i know lots of people are looking forward to halo 3... but nobody knows anything about the ps3 right now... i mean, who knows what killer app (if any) they have at launch, it could potentially backfire on microsoft, i agree that it might be more useful to release it like a month before ps3 launch

[jam3582]

I disagree; a game can lose its luster 1-6 months after release, and it existence a moot point in preventing sales for the competition. Furthermore, regarding it being rushed: that's not important, because Halo 1 and Halo 2 both "delivered" (although #2 less so, to be honest); it has an excellent reputation, and thus its name value alone will sell millions of copies.

Will it be retail hell for employees? You betcha. That's the best part!

myke.
...I don't see how its laughable from a business perspective: a business is offering one in-demand product for $50 to keep people from buying another in-demand product for $250 (minimum). The $50 will be more enticing than $250, based upon simple risk/benefit analysis. What doesn't make sense about that?

if this model is to be correct wouldnt it mean that the person would have to have the xbox 360 already in order to enjoy the $50 halo 3 game. I would think microsoft wants to release it at the same time to move some more xbox 360s instead of ps3s. so it would be like $300 (minimum) for xbox360 and halo 3 compared to $300(minumum ofcourse) PS3 with some (most likely) so-so launch title . Am i correct on this assumption ?

[zewone]

I guess that didnt hurt sony's sales and I dont think it stoped people from lining up and gettin the ps2.
Well of course, almost no game is ever going to have as much selling power as a brand new system.

[mykevermin]

if this model is to be correct wouldnt it mean that the person would have to have the xbox 360 already in order to enjoy the $50 halo 3 game. I would think microsoft wants to release it at the same time to move some more xbox 360s instead of ps3s. so it would be like $300 (minimum) for xbox360 and halo 3 compared to $300(minumum ofcourse) PS3 with some (most likely) so-so launch title . Am i correct on this assumption ?

Yes and no. There may be people moved to buy an Xbox 360 when Halo 3 is released; on the other hand, there are likely to be people who already own 360, who will purchase Halo 3 rather than a PS3. As many have pointed out, we are no longer in a generation that requires only 1 console.

myke.

[Admiral Ackbar]

Yes, I see Hallo 3 being released on the same day as the PS3. It doesn't make business sense, but this isn't about business sense. It's all about hubris.

[Demolition Man]

I have a feeling that "Halo 3" will be delayed quite a few times. I mean it took how long for Bungie to finally deliever "Halo 2" and in the end it was nothing more than "Halo 1" with an overglorified XBox Live patch thrown on it.

I doubt in the end that even if "Halo 3" comes out Spring 2006 that it will hurt PS3 sales that much. Casual gamers who usually buys a game system based upon what their friends/neighbor/coworker has most likely is going to go to the PS3 just on the basis of Sony being the current number 1 name in the gaming world. "Halo 3" will still do well in sales, but again... I doubt its going to affect PS3 sales.

[zewone]

The Halo 2 we got at retail was actually made in a matter of months. The original Halo 2 was scraped after E3 because it wasn't fun. Anyways, Halo 3 could be ready by the time PS3 comes out. I mean its about a year away.

[jam3582]

Well of course, almost no game is ever going to have as much selling power as a brand new system.

you know I really didnt remember it being released the same day , I wonder if it sold as much as they were hoping for during that whole first week it was released. any Idea ?

Yes and no. There may be people moved to buy an Xbox 360 when Halo 3 is released; on the other hand, there are likely to be people who already own 360, who will purchase Halo 3 rather than a PS3. As many have pointed out, we are no longer in a generation that requires only 1 console.

myke..

tru but what about from microsoft stand point, I think they are trying to get potential customers that dont have the system more so than the ones who currently have it. Since it would be a much harder descision of which to buy PS3 or XBOX 360 they are giving people an incentive by releasing Halo 3 . well thats just my though but ofcourse I see what you are saying .

[zewone]

you know I really didnt remember it being released the same day , I wonder if it sold as much as they were hoping for during that whole first week it was released. any Idea ?
This is all I could fine in the 30 seconds I searched on Google:

Although PlayStation 2 was in the spotlight the week ending October 28, Nintendo’s N64 Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask was still able to take top honors, ranking the number one title that week.
http://www.npd.com/dynamic/releases/press_001109a.htm

[mykevermin]

tru but what about from microsoft stand point, I think they are trying to get potential customers that dont have the system more so than the ones who currently have it. Since it would be a much harder descision of which to buy PS3 or XBOX 360 they are giving people an incentive by releasing Halo 3 . well thats just my though but ofcourse I see what you are saying .

You're right; I have just been trying to make a case that it is wise, in a business sense, to subvert your competition and make money simultaneously.

Ackbar, I was hoping that, after MS and Sony both went through this console generation without really addressing or acknowledging hardware issues, and Nintendo's continued pushing of GC-GBA "connectivity" as an incredible feature, that it is truly *this* generation that is all about hubris. I hoped that it would die along with these consoles; given Sony's attitude toward PSP manufacturing problems, however, I suppose it can only get worse from here.

myke.
...really needs to STFU and work on his paper.

[thorbahn3]

Halo 3 - Spring 2006 Confirmed: delayed a lot.

[Mr. Anderson]

Yes, I see Hallo 3 being released on the same day as the PS3. It doesn't make business sense, but this isn't about business sense. It's all about hubris.

I once knew a dog named Hubris.

[KingDox]

I'm confused. How are they going to move any systems without a new Halo? What would they replace their killer app with?


They will replace the killer app with hype. Just like the PS2 didn't have a killer app at launch. xbox 360 will launch with people wanting the games that aren't out yet. Just like all the PS2 fans got one for MGS 2.

My guess Halo 3 will launch the same week as PS3. Just to give Sony a big F U.

[Theenternal]

There's a little title called Perfect Dark Zero, that is REPORTEDLY a launch game. PS2 didn't have jack for killer apps when it launched and the sales were still insane, so I don't think MS is too worried about it.

PS2 sales were not really insane at their launch, remember the "low" supply. In addition sales of competeing consoles were higher during that time DC, N64, and actually the ps1 sold more.

More importantly this shows that an impressive launch doesn't always make the system. DC2 anyone :lol:

[jam3582]

This is all I could fine in the 30 seconds I searched on Google:

Although PlayStation 2 was in the spotlight the week ending October 28, Nintendo’s N64 Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask was still able to take top honors, ranking the number one title that week.
http://www.npd.com/dynamic/releases/press_001109a.htm

AHH thanks I should have known to google that , wow that freakin game was 60 bux and was number one damn .

[SEGA128DC]

Nice, Halo 3 to be released when the PS3 is launched! Great move by Microsoft...:applause:

[YeahRight13]

aww i wish it would come out when wbox 360 comes out

[KaneRobot]

This will probably work as well as possible.

Unlike the first XBox, which was unproven and absolutely had to have a huge launch game, people now know the XBox name and, crappy MTV specials aside, will be impressed with the 360, especially after we have another 6 months of hype. Perfect Dark Zero may not have the "name impact" of a Halo, but still carries a reputation and is still definitely strong enough to be the featured launch title. Once a couple other strong launch titles are announced as well (say, PGR 3 and the new Madden) the launch lineup is plenty strong enough to move a lot of systems.

By staggering the Halo 3 launch to when Sony stands to strike hardest, they're being pretty clever. It's certainly not going to stop Sony from selling an assload of PS3s, but it stands to steal some of their attention at least. Plus, like I said elsewhere...it'll probably be really annoying for people standing in line for a PS3 at midnight (or whatever) to have to deal with a bunch of people in line for Halo 3. A lot more people can afford a $50 game than they can afford a $300-$400 system.

[Ledhed]

Plus, like I said elsewhere...it'll probably be really annoying for people standing in line for a PS3 at midnight (or whatever) to have to deal with a bunch of people in line for Halo 3. A lot more people can afford a $50 game than they can afford a $300-$400 system.

Jesus, I didn't even think of that. I gotta make sure I'm no longer at GS by then. That would be a hellacious shift...

[dafoomie]

I'm sorry, but this notion that Microsoft is going to release Halo 3 on the same day as the PS3 launch is laughable. It doesn't even make sense from a business perspective. What Microsoft will likely do, is release Halo 3 1-6 months before the PS3 launch. That way, people will play the game beforehand and put their money with Microsoft rather than Sony. Releasing Halo 3 on the same day as the PS3 would only serve to create a living hell for retail employees.

Of course, this is assuming that Halo 3 will be any good. If Halo 3 ends up being a rushed title, there is that slim chance that it will be released on the PS3 launch...But it's effect will only be short term in that case.
Its not at all laughable, I find it very likely. There is a precedent for this. Sony released Final Fantasy VIII the same day that the Dreamcast launched (9/9/99). It may not make perfect business sense, but it makes perfect sense from a marketing standpoint. The perception will be that Microsoft has huge balls. And they get to rain on Sony's parade. Think of the marketing potential. They'll out-Sony Sony.

Has PS3 even been confirmed for a spring launch though?

[jkam]

Too bad I don't like FPS's.

This move by Microsoft is actually pretty predictable. They want to overpower Sony at their own game. As time goes by though people tend to stick with games they dig. If someone owns a PS2 and loves Jak, Sly, and Ratchet they will most likely wait for the PS3 to come out rather than ante up for a new Xbox 360. It is pretty obvious that Nintendo's first party titles are what have kept them from vanishing all together. Microsoft has secured a lot of 3rd party support. If they add new unique franchises up to par with Halo then maybe their strategy will work. Otherwise I don't see too many people passing on the PS3.

[Ozzkev55]

Same day as the PS3 release, that makes for an expensive day for me

[David85]

Halo 3 will not come out in spring, it will most likely be delayed. MS has to rush it so it's in time for the PS3 and N5 launchs.

PD0 will replace Halo as the shooter to have, even through it looks terrible.

[JimmieMac]

Halo 3 will not come out in spring, it will most likely be delayed. MS has to rush it so it's in time for the PS3 and N5 launchs.

PD0 will replace Halo as the shooter to have, even through it looks terrible.

I'm not only thinking of making a line on about the Perfect Dark Zero as being the "Halo Killer" but I'm thinking of making one that asks if "PD0" will be an acceptable acronym.

Early odds say: No, on both.

[KaneRobot]

Its not at all laughable, I find it very likely. There is a precedent for this. Sony released Final Fantasy VIII the same day that the Dreamcast launched (9/9/99).

Glad to see I'm not the only one that remembers this. I remember EGM even had some cover story calling it "the biggest 24 hours in entertainment history" or something that was overblowing it a bit.

That was kind of a "junior version" of what MS and Sony are fixing to do now.

I can't possibly see Bungie getting Halo 3 done in time for the PS3 launch if it really does show up around April-June 2006ish - but it's not impossible. Keep in mind they essentially restarted from scratch on Halo 1 once it was moved to the XBox and finished it in 1 year. I'm sure that after Halo 2 was done they probably took a few weeks off and then got right back to work on the next one, so it's already well underway.

[Trakan]

http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/520728.asp

[SEGA128DC]

Interesting release date for Halo 3. I know it's not set in stone, but, June 30, 2006 is so far away!!!...

[epobirs]

Glad to see I'm not the only one that remembers this. I remember EGM even had some cover story calling it "the biggest 24 hours in entertainment history" or something that was overblowing it a bit.

That was kind of a "junior version" of what MS and Sony are fixing to do now.

I can't possibly see Bungie getting Halo 3 done in time for the PS3 launch if it really does show up around April-June 2006ish - but it's not impossible. Keep in mind they essentially restarted from scratch on Halo 1 once it was moved to the XBox and finished it in 1 year. I'm sure that after Halo 2 was done they probably took a few weeks off and then got right back to work on the next one, so it's already well underway.

I can think of two primary issues. First, how much of what will be in the game do they already have defined? The way Halo 2 ended left many suspecting they had a third already scripted. Who knows how much additionally material the voice actor recording sessions may have covered? Along the way they may also have a long list of all the things they would have included given more RAM and other resources.

Second, Bungie did a lot of hiring last year after it was a bit late to add personnel to the Halo 2 team. (Throwing personnel at software projects late in the process is a formula for disaster.) This may have been a separate effort starting work on the engine for Xbox 360 titles.

Depending on how many already defined game assets they had going in and how ambitious the engine is, they may be able to pull it off.

[psychobrawler]

If the framework for H3 was already there when Bungie wrapped H2, it is quite possible that it will be ready next summer - time will tell. As far as the strategy, I think it could prove rather brilliant. If the 360 launches as $300 or so and moves well over the holidays, there could be a nice little established fan base by the time PS3 is ready - with a lot more people undecided. If PS3 launches, as a lot of analysts are predicting, at $400+.... Well I wouldn't be at all surprised if MS dropped to $199-249 range and launched H3. Now you're looking at a $150+ price difference, a hugely popular "killer ap", and six months + worth of titles on the store shelves to compete with the PS3 launch. A lot of the people who are not brand loyal or hardcore enough to shell out $500 for a system may easily decide to check out the 360 instead.

In any case, I don't think the next gen market will be %70 sony, %17 MS, and %13 Nintendo. I'm thinking more like %50, %42, %8....

[-Never4ever-]

I've always found trhe notion that Halo 2 was nothing more than an expasion pack to the first one to be bullshit, plain and simple. Anyone who can grasp the concept of gameplay and graphics can easily see that H2 is above an Beyound a different game than H1. What these individuals have been saying is pretty much akin to saying that MSG3:SE is a bare bones update to MGS (PSOne) or even better, comparing the technical achievements of Star Wars Eps 3 to Esp 4 and saying there has been no real improvement. To these people I suggest thinking, MORE.

Anywho, back on topic, as others have pointed out this wouldn't be the first time game companies have done this, I wouldn't put it past M$. As for those who perdict massive delays, keep 3 things in mind; (1) Bungie never set a realese date for H2 untill the Nov date, Halo 2 never got pushed back or delayed. (2) It's pretty well known by now that H2 lacks a definate conclusion (at least from a storyline perspective), it's also a widely known fact that it was purposely split up with the intention that the conclusion would be on X360. (3) Bungie was the first developers to recieve X360 dev kits, they've been working on H3 the very minute H2 went gold (at least according to their very own words).

As for a launch killer app: Rare, Live, 55 simultaneous players online and Jet Packs. Need I say more? :)

[Trakan]

PD0 looks like shit. 55 players? WTF, that's not fun. I don't like 16 in Halo.

[Ledhed]

I gotta go with Trakan here. Anything more than 8 in a (console) FPS is over-kill. It becomes so impersonal, you may as well be playing against bots. And even if it was fun, how often would you see full 55-player games?

[Ultimate Matt X]

I gotta disagree when it comes to the amount of players. I think Live makes it a lot more personal than the huge PC games because of the mic. Sure not every match should have 50 some players or whatever, but I like forward to finally getting more than 16 in typical deathmatch type of games. Now, something like 32 might be better for CTF, but that's still better than what we are currently getting. Coagulation and some of the other maps sure could use more players on the map to fill empty space.

[gameprozero]

Sweet!

[-Never4ever-]

Question to those that say PD0 looks like shit, have you seen the E3 footage? Not the pre-release pics, those were horrid, but the exctal vids from E3. Even with all the grainy-ness and lack luster resolution that is real time video you clearly see that it looks above and beyond anything on any of the 3 current gen systems.

As for 55 (or was it 54?) players playing at once. That comment was made more to apeal to the PC gamers who flock to crap like Battlefield and other FPS games were there are hundreds of people playing simultanously. Me personally I prefer 8 or less player games, it's easier to establish a team feeling and stradegy.

[-Never4ever-]

I gotta disagree when it comes to the amount of players. I think Live makes it a lot more personal than the huge PC games because of the mic. Sure not every match should have 50 some players or whatever, but I like forward to finally getting more than 16 in typical deathmatch type of games. Now, something like 32 might be better for CTF, but that's still better than what we are currently getting. Coagulation and some of the other maps sure could use more players on the map to fill empty space.

Imagine a battalion of like 20 players marching down the field in Coag, preparing to launch an assualt on the opps base. :drool:

Damn shame people are retarded nowadays. Somethying like that could almost never be achieved.

[Ledhed]

Damn shame people are retarded nowadays. Somethying like that could almost never be achieved.

Which is why this sounds great on paper, but won't be much fun at all in execution.

[-Never4ever-]

Yeah at best all we would get is a giant clusterfuck.

[psychobrawler]

I'm definately more of a fan of 4 on 4, or even 2 on 2. Still, it's cool that the 360 will be able to handle large games. It's always nice to have the option. The cool thing about PDZ is that maps are scalable, so they can be sized up or down for the number of players currently in the game. Plus with bots available, that'll open up a lot of option. Apparently you can even open and close various parts of maps to limit the size, if you're more interested in the smaller games.

[manofpeace20]

A game that would favor tactics rather than running and gunning would work well with 55 people. A war strategy game would work well with a huge amount of players.

[CheapyD]

Pre-orders are up:

ETA: 6/1/2006
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=T000284

ETA: 6/30/2006
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/520728.asp

*thanks joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/)*

adding to OP

[sighlintbob]

Anyone know if it can be preodered at a store yet?

[Kaijufan]

Anyone know if it can be preodered at a store yet?
I'm sure that both EB and Gamestop would take your money for a Halo 3 preorder.

[homie153]

I preordered mine at EB two days ago. They didn't say anything bout a limit on how many they plan on taking at my store. I put down $300. I'm also planning on getting one using http://www.trialclix.com/index.asp?refID=132555 (http://www.trialclix.com/index.asp?refID=132555) It's the best free trial and referral site to get free stuff. It tells you how many points you get for each thing you try. Xbox 360 is at 5,500 points. Or you can get other stuff and sell it on ebay for xbox360 money.. =) So I'll have 2 xbox 360's... One when it comes out and one I'm gonna prolly put on ebay. XBOX 360 IS GONNA OWN! Oh by the way, while I was at EB preordering my 360 and games. The games list showed a date of 11/02/05.... So I'm guessing that is a possible release date.

[XboxMaster]

God damn, I just realized how much of a fix I'm in. I was relieing on the PS3 to come out at least somewhat close to the 2006 holiday season so I could actually afford it. I guess this will be the second Sony system I'll have to wait on (1st: PSP). I must admit I'm rather proud of my ability to not go insane over the PSP, I tell you!

[Gothic Walrus]

I gotta disagree when it comes to the amount of players. I think Live makes it a lot more personal than the huge PC games because of the mic. Sure not every match should have 50 some players or whatever, but I like forward to finally getting more than 16 in typical deathmatch type of games. Now, something like 32 might be better for CTF, but that's still better than what we are currently getting. Coagulation and some of the other maps sure could use more players on the map to fill empty space.
Can't you limit the number of people in a match if you're the one setting it up?

It seems like you'd just be able to stay away from the giant deathmatches if you're bothered by them that much.

[XboxMaster]

PD0 looks like shit. 55 players? WTF, that's not fun. I don't like 16 in Halo.


PD0 will have much bigger maps than Halo 2 can offer and I'm sure the core gameplay for multiplayer will be designed to be more enjoyable with so many players. Although, I do agree with you: I don't like 16 ppl in a Halo game neither (most of the time).

[ryanbph]

I think that if halo 3 gets hyped to hell like halo 2 did, it could damper the talk of the ps3

[urzishra14]

Yeah but even worse, imagine the Fanboy fights....good lord!!!

hey maybe Legend of Zelda for GC will be released this same day.. crazy shit is going down that night.

in regards to the massive FPS games.. I do like 32 players in a "battlefront" type game.. it makes you feel part of a war. but for Halo.. i stick to team slayer or 2 on 2 matches.. those are more fun.....and I love the big maps for small games because you can hide and wait for your opponents or slowly stalk them.. i love it.. it gives a realism that you're actually playing a real area instead of a really small close quarters kind of game. (because in a real outdoor environment there are no barricades to stop you from going anywhere).. so thats what i like.. I can't wait for halo 3. but i'll hold off on a system until then.