In our forum, Char points out some Halo footage (In QuickTime format) that appears to have been demoed at the Tokyo Game Show. It is a bit brighter than what we have been able to download from Bungie and various other Gamestock '01 mirrors, but it is also very truncated. This may be a boon to dialup users if they don't mind getting the uber-short version and missing some of the cool items in between the beginning and end of the Gamestock footage.
Breaking news... Blue's News is reporting a rumor that there may be further, more sweeping changes made to Bungie's newest creation. This may involve both a name change, and a shift in this genre-busting title. Halo Fan7asy is still well on track for concurrent release with the Xbox, but it will be expanded into a massive multiplayer role-playing game in order to strengthen the Xbox against the Playstation 2's anticipated titles. We'll bring you more information as it becomes available.
We've just gotten the word from an MS PR representative that in recent playtesting the Halo team has decided to simplify some aspects of Halo. He specifically points to weapons balance as one of their key issues:
Matt Soell of Bungie is supplying this week's regular dose of Halo dope via Battleground: Halo. Take a few hits before heading over there for the mother lode:
Marty appeared on the HBO forum to clarify some things regarding the audio effects and music we heard in the GameStock '01 Halo movie.
Originally at Battleground: Halo.
Interestingly, a bunch of people emailed and posted in regards to my comment last week that I wasn't sure how much longer these Halo Updates would be interesting...and only one or two of them said Yeah, Matt, shut the hell up why don't you? Everyone else seems to like them, so I guess I'll continue for the forseeable future.
More interestingly...
$erial-ki!!A informed HBO that PC Gamer UK, according to their ads for their May issue, will VISIT BUNGIE to get all the latest news and incredible SCREENSHOTS of this stunning tactical shooter! Following that, according to Halo Command Central's Griffon, the June issue will have the hi-res Halo Gamestock video on DVD. Sounds like a good time to get a subscription...
As noted below, Seamus Blackley reported at the GDC that Microsoft will be displaying various Xbox games at the Tokyo Game Show this year. Additionally, we've learned from PlanetXbox that Bill Gates will be giving the key note address there on the 29th, which will be webcast live via Xbox.Com. I'm anticipating we'll see some serious fireworks, since the Asian market will be the toughest sell for Microsoft's Xbox.
