The weeks that lead up to E3 always sneak up on you. Just a few weeks ago, the team was looking at the calendar and thinking “Wow! We’ve still got over a month until E3!” and now, as we band together to put the finishing touches on our E3 presence (as well as book last minute flights, hotels, and hot-air-balloon packages), we realize that in just under nine days, we’ll be on our way to Los Angeles to prep for the Xbox Press Conference and the frenzy that will follow. We’re excited about our plans at the show, our plans for those of you watching from home, and we can’t wait until the show begins. For this week’s update, we discuss Halo: Escalation, the new Minecraft Mash-Up pack, and more. Let’s get into it!
HFFL: I for one can’t wait for E3. For one, I hope the rumors are either dispelled or confirmed about Halo 2: Anniversary. Hopefully a Halo 5 Guardians trailer as well as something from one or both of the video productions. E3 promises to chock full of games for the XBOX One and Halo factors into that!
Halo Escalation #6
The sixth issue of Halo: Escalation released today! The ongoing series, published by Dark Horse Comics, spins directly out of the events of Halo 4. To check out the first six pages of Halo: Escalation #6, head here and read below for a preview of what’s to come.
The saga of Halo Wars enters the modern age as Infinity struggles to liberate the long-lost Spirit of Fire from the deadly Vata ’Gajat. Meanwhile, Petra’s search for the identity of Infinity’s spy could result in her death. The Halo universe is on the brink of a new galactic war!
Visit the official Dark Horse website to grab Halo: Escalation #6.
HFFL: Heh, I’ve already covered this pretty extensively with the preview and a spoiler discussion post. Go back a few posts on the blog and you’ll find the spoiler article. (That’s if you want to know what happens in the story of that issue.
Minecraft Halo Mash-up Pack
Last week, we shared a sneak peek at what’s coming to Minecraft: Xbox 360 edition, and today, we announced that the Halo Mash-up Pack is now available!
The Mash-up pack, expertly crafted by 4J Studios, includes a Halo-themed texture set, themed menus and user interface, craftable items and 31 music tracks across the Halo franchise. Also available are 40 pixel-perfect character skins depicting beloved Halo characters, and incredible recreations of legendary Halo spaces such as Blood Gulch, The Silent Cartographer, and more. Check out the above links for more details, and check out the below video for an awesome look into what all of this means.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHxOZk7otaM
HFFL: I didn’t post this earlier in the week. I’m not much for Minecraft. It feels like a huge step backwards, like when I was 10 years old. (That was a LONG time ago…) However, this pack has me at least considering it. This with Marvel…hmmm. We’ll see. Do any of you play Minecraft? If so, why do you like it? This is a question I’d really like to get some response for as your comments may affect my decision to get the game or not.
Forge Idol
The team over at Beyond Entertainment have put together a brand new Forge contest. Six 2v2 maps have been nominated, but only one Forger will be named the Forge Idol! To cast your vote on your favorite map of the bunch, head over to their official voting thread. Round one of voting will be open until May 30, and the final two contenders will face off in one final vote that will end on June 2. Once a winner is selected, we’re excited to confirm that we’ll be bringing the map into the Team Doubles playlist in our next Matchmaking Update!
In addition to the above, the Forge Idol will also have their map featured in Beyond Entertainment’s Forge Idol 2v2 tournament powered by Astro Gaming. The tournament will take place on June 28, and matches will consist of 2v2 Team Slayer on Haven, Skyline, and the winning map from the Forge Idol competition. If you’re interested in competing, grab a partner and sign up at the link above.
HFFL: I was just reading about this yesterday. While the prizes aren’t huge, they’re still pretty nice for a FREE tournament. I’d enter, but I know I’d just get trounced… I’m an above average Halo gamer, certainly not Pro status worthy. (And I’m okay with that.) If any of you decide to enter this contest, let me know and I’ll feature your team here on the blog!
Mammoth Proportions
Late last week, we noticed our friend and famous Forger petetheduck took a stab creating the Halo 4 Mammoth in Forge. Typically known for creating incredible custom game types and maps as well as Rube Goldberg machines, petetheduck describes himself as “definitely not an aesthetic Forger,” but after seeing his Mammoth, we’re pretty sure he’s lying. In his blog, he tells us that he created the below beauty in a single Forge session over the course of about 12 hours, and also gives some insight into how he constructed the transport headquarters. Lastly, if you’d like to run around inside, you can download the map variant here.
petetheduck’s Halo 4 Forge Mammoth
HFFL: I downloaded this map several days ago. It’s SWEET! Pete is, IMO, the best forger out there. He certainly is for mini-games. And this Mammoth shows he IS an aesthetic forger as well. I highly suggest downloading it. It’s fun to roam around in and on top of. Now if only 343 would take a hint and give us a map with a Mammoth on it. (Even if it’s stationary.)
Screenshot Spotlight: King of the Hill
Last week, we turned the spotlight on the Shotgun. Take a gander at the following King of the Hill screenshots, and maybe even find inspiration to make your own.
HFFL: I’m partial to the “Clang of the Hill” and “Crack!!!” screenshots here. Are there any here that YOU like? Let me know by replying below.
For your chance at being in the next spotlight, take a screenshot that is mostly black and white and then tag it with “blackwhite” and “Halo Waypoint,” and maybe, just maybe, yours will be featured in the next Halo Bulletin!
HFFL: Dangit… I ALWAYS forget about this. I really need to get on the ball and take some screenshots for these.
And with that, this week’s Bulletin comes to a close.
Until next week,
Bravo
-Sal