Author Archives: Sal

About Sal

I’ve got tons of experience with Halo gaming and collecting. I feel I have something to offer to the greater Halo fan community. Posts along the way will be about tips and tricks in the games as well as collecting and many more Halo related things. I’ll also repost interesting articles from the official site, Halowaypoint.com, or from fellow Halo fan sites. As I continue this blog, I hope to help gamers who want advice on the games, as well as any collectors with regards to where to find collectibles as well as deals, coupons and so on. You can also follow me on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/HaloFanForLife or Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/halofanforlife11. Welcome to my blog and I hope you’ll come back again and again. -Sal

Would you pay for Spartan Ops season two and how much?

Posted on by

I posted a response over on HaloWaypoint.com regarding the topic of paying for SpOps season 2. I was surprised by the negativity towards SpOps as well as the notion of having to pay for a second season. Here is my response.

Wow, I sincerely hope 343 doesn’t listen to the majority of responses in this thread.
Spartan Ops is awesome. Since Firefight was taken out, this replaced it. IMHO, SpOps is MUCH better. Not only do we get a 5-7 minute video, but missions to go with it. It would be near pointless and wasteful if 343 just had the vids made without the missions.
As well, those missions actually mean something other than defending the same map over and over again ALA Halo Reach.

Talking about maps and their reuse, let’s just take a look at the numbers so far. There are 8 episodes/40 missions.
Here is a listing of the maps in SpOps and what Episode/Chapters they are used in:

Quarry: Ep1/Ch1  Ep3/Ch1  Ep5/Ch5
Sniper Alley: Ep1/Ch2  Ep2/Ch4  Ep4/Ch1
Fortress: Ep1/Ch3  Ep2/Ch3  Ep4/Ch3
Refuge: Ep1/Ch4  Ep2/Ch5  Ep5/Ch2  Ep5/Ch3
The Cauldron: Ep1/Ch5  Ep2/Ch2  Ep4/Ch4  Ep5/Ch4
The Gate: Ep2/Ch1  Ep3/Ch5  Ep5/Ch1
Galileo Base: Ep3/Ch2  Ep4/Ch5
Two Giants: Ep3/Ch3  Ep3/Ch4  Ep4/Ch2

Lockup: Ep6/Ch1  Ep8/Ch4
Control: Ep6/Ch2  Ep8/Ch5
Warrens: Ep6/Ch3  Ep8/Ch3
Cyclone: Ep6/Ch4  Ep8/Ch2
Harvester: Ep6/Ch5
Apex: Ep7/Ch1  Ep8/Ch1
Infinity: Ep7/Ch2,  Ch3,  Ch4,  Ch5

Looking at this, no map was used more than 4 times. However, when used multiple times, missions were using a distinctly different route. Infinity was used 4 times, yet each time was different due to different portions of the map being unlocked.

Now let’s just look at the amount of maps made for season 1 so far. FIFTEEN! Come on folks, we didn’t even have that many in Reach, yet we got that many so far within 3 months release of Halo 4. You folks who are complaining about reuse of maps are with respect a bit ridiculous.

We only got 10 Firefight maps in Reach and it was the SAME THING EVERYTIME. Maybe a slight variation on which vehicles showed up or which enemy squads came out, but it was the same thing. Okay sure there were some slight variations like Score Attack/2X Score Attack/Gruntpocalypse, but they were essentially the same thing. You NEVER unlocked new areas of the maps, you were never tasked with objectives (other than Generator Defense which, IMO was boring). You always defended the same areas of the map. BTW, those Firefight maps in Reach were SMALL. Well most of them in comparison to Spartan Ops maps.

We still have two episodes to go in Spartan Ops and I know there is at least one more NEW map.

Given all this, PLUS the videos AND cut scenes, if you can’t find some fun in Spartan Ops, then you need ot look at yourself and not complain about Spartan Ops. It’s MILES beyond Firefight. The fact that you get to engage in a campaign like atmosphere, with a firefight like gameplay AND achieve objectives…Wow, that’s just awesome.

Is the issue that certain maps are redux of Campaign or War Games maps? Um, hello, Reach’s Firefight did that too and with LESS maps. Also, just looks at what the Spartan Ops team at 343 is doing with those redux maps. Different times of day, unlocking areas not seen in Campaign or War Games, creating new areas within those redux maps. They are NOT the same. Similar yes, but not the same.

As for me, I’d totally pay 800MSP, maybe even 1200. This portion of Halo 4 is what keeps me coming back over and over again, especially when I might not have XBL friends on to game with.

I really think that majority in this thread are being unfairly too hard on Spartan Ops. Just think about this. If 343 where to listen to you folks, they would likely stop making SpOps. Then what? No more story to keep us intrigued until Halo 5. No more NEW maps to discover and game on and being forced to play War Games when you otherwise might not want to?

Give me MORE Spartan Ops and take my money while your at it 343! I LOVE Spartan OPS!!!

[end copy/paste]

So what do you folks think? Would you be willing to pay for a second season of Spartan Ops? If so how much. What might you want to see changed/fix/added in the next season.

Heh, I haven’t gone into what I’d like to see added. Ad far as changed? Nothing. I like who SpOps is progressing. As well, I don’t really see much that needs to be fixed. I really REALLY enjoy Spartan Ops.

-Sal

Halo Fan Art: GRANDBigBird via DeviantArt

Posted on by

You might have seen some of this artist’s work floating around on the net. I have but didn’t know who it was. Thanks to @chicksplayhalo for posting a link on Twitter to who the artist is, I’m now able to bring you a sampling of some of their work.

GRANDBigBird samples_sm

To see larger versions of these and much more, go check out the artist’s page on DeviantArt: http://grandbigbird.deviantart.com/

I’m always very happy to showcase other artists work. So, if you have Halo art or know of someone who does, please shoot me an e-mail at sal@halofanforlife.com and you might see your artwork here on HFFL.

-Sal

Toy Review: McFarlane Halo 4 Promethean Knight

Posted on by

Having paid for this several months ago, I forgot when it was coming out. So to my happy surprise this showed up at my door yesterday (as well as the 3-pack Blue team set to be reviewed tomorrow).

I have to say that this is a fantastic figure before I go any further.

Okay so on to the pics and the review. As always, click on the pics for a larger version or open in a new window to view while reading the review. (And of course you can download the images. I just ask that if you repost this article and/or the pics to give me credit as “Pictures by Sal Salerno of HaloFanForLife.com“.

McF Pro-Knight Box_sm

 

The figure is packaged in a box with a large “window” to showcase the figure. What I like is that the box isn’t overly big. It fits the size of the figure well. The window makes it very easy to see the figure. That’s a good thing for those who like to keep their toys in the package. I’m not one of those folks (normally). The graphics on the box are pretty good.

As seen from the side of the box, the figure has 40 points of articulation and the Watcher figure can fit in the back. Though it’s really just the body of the Watcher, and not the ring portion as well. Still, that’s fine by me.

McF Pro-Knight inside packaging_sm

 

When you first take the figure out of the box, it comes twist tied to this inner plastic. Note the curved foot anchors at the bottom. Be sure not to throw these away accidentally. While I didn’t need to attach these for the review, they are important to keep for display purposes.

McF Pro-Knight Poses_sm

 

The figure has some amazing articulation. Here is the list of articulation for the Knight starting from the top of the figure:

• Each “back wing” is ball jointed (x5)
• Ball Jointed Head
• Ball Jointed Shoulders (x2)
• Ball jointed Elbows (x2)
• Ball Jointed Shoulders small arms (x2)
• Swivel Jointed Elbows small arms(x2)
• Swivel Jointed Wrists small arms (x2)
• Swivel Waist
• Ball Jointed Hips (x2)
• Ball Jointed Knees (x2)
• Ball Jointed Feet (x2)

Now if you add the joints up it’s only 23. However, if you count each ball joint as TWO that being “double swivel” instead of true ball joint, then there are more than 40 points of articulation. So it’s all in how you interpret the articulation of a figure.

Regardless, the articulation on this figure is SUPERB!

McF Pro-Knight Details_sm

The detail of this figure is amazing. The shape of the parts and the grooved in lines are all crisp. Paint detailing is fantastic. I didn’t find any blemished on my Knight at all. The only slight issue was the Scattershot (weapon in the Knight’s right arm) was slightly curved. I think that has to do with how it was twist tied into the inner packaging.

I was so surprised that the small black arms had articulation. McFarlane could have skimped here and I wouldn’t have cared. Yet they didn’t and it makes the figure just that much better.

The cost of the figure is around $26-30 depending on where you buy it from. Is it worth that? A resounding YES! The size of the figure is great. It fits in well with the other figures from the Halo 4 line (I’ll get a comparison pic up shortly). The sculpt, paint application and articulation are just amazing.

My only complaint is why don’t we have the Lancer, Battlewagon, and Commander versions of this yet! LOL.

This is a MUST by if you collect Halo McFarlane figures. And I’ve got to say even if you’re a carded collector, this is one you need to open up and display. (So yeah, buy TWO of them. One to keep in package and the other to open.) Seriously, the figure is THAT good.

-Sal

McFarlane Halo Avatars Series 2 Mini-Figures!

Posted on by

Here are the avatar figures for series 2:

• Blue EVA Helmet and Legendary Tee
• Emile
• Anniversary Helmet and Tee
• Blue JFO Helmet and Black Noble Team Tee
• Brute Costume
• Metallic Gold ODST
• Banshee
• Red Spartan Mark VI

I want them ALL! Of course the Gold ODST and Banshee are going to be the hard ones to get (likely). I say this because that was the case with the gold fig and vehicle from series 1.

As soon as I can get a pic of these, I’ll post it.
-Sal

343 Industries working on a new “AAA” game set in the Halo Universe.

Posted on by

http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2013/02/06/343-industries-working-on-new-aaa-game-set-in-halo-universe/

Hmm, is this is to be believed, could it be Halo Wars 2? An MMO? An off shoot? Spartan Thorne maybe? The latter would be a good way to set him up as the new hero once the torch is passed from Master Chief (which will be a VERY sad day…).

Hmm, let’s explore the possibilities:

• Halo 2 Anniversary – As a follow up to Halo CE Anniversary. But really, would this be considered AAA if it’s just a remastered version of the game?
• Halo Wars 2 – Certainly a game that many Halo fans want. This would be a nice way to branch out from the FPS series and give us another RTS game.
• Halo: Thorne – Just thinking outside of the box here. I just have the feeling that Spartan Gabriel Thorne is who 343 wants to take over after Master Chief passes the torch. By creating a spin-off this early, they can test the waters to see if people are receptive to him being the new main hero down the line. It’s certainly a game I’d buy. Seeing as we have just been introduced to Thorne and he’s a rookie Spartan, what better way to “grow up” with him? Though this might seem a bit early, the point is, by bringing him in this early, 343 has plenty of room to develop the character, add more BA stuff to his armor/abilities and evolve him as a character and Spartan. If the early spin-off doesn’t work or is met with bad press/sales, then they won’t have to risk a trilogy on him after Halo 4/5/6.
• Halo: MMORPG – Okay, I play plenty of Halo. But man, THIS would just completely kill any time I have. I’d be so absorbed into this game, my Halo blog would likely suffer. Hmm, 343 might do well on something like this…
• Mega Bloks Halo – As competition to all of those LEGO games, Mega Bloks might get a Halo title finally. They’ve had successful contests with their Halo products for stop motion animation. Their products are fantastic and FUN. Personally, I’d LOVE to see this happen. LEGO needs more competition and this would give it to them.
• Halo: ONI – Hmm, a Splinter Cell like game using ONI operatives instead of Spartans or ODSTs. This would be interesting.
• Halo: Insurrection – This is one I’ve mentioned on the net before. A prequel. It’s set during Master Chief’s time before the Covenant War. We would play as either Chief or other Spartan IIs of the time against human Insurrectionists. More Halsey!

Whatever it is, I’m excited to hear ANYTHING about it.

Any other ideas?

-Sal

Whoah, Prima Games is promoting my blog!

Posted on by

Prima Games, known for super detailed and expansive guides is promoting my blog on their site. Look under the “Featured Fansites” section.

Here’s a quick screen cap:

Screen shot 2013-02-07 at 3.19.18 PM

How cool is that? I want to thank Prima Games for linking to my blog. Anyone coming over here from there, PLEASE shoot me an e-mail at sal@halofanforlife.com.

A friend of mine “Erickyboo” told me about this. Hmm, I wonder if he’s the one who submitted my site to be showcased? (It wasn’t me, but I’m grateful)

-Sal

Forerunner/Spartan concept armor?

Posted on by

Forerunner Concept

 

D’oh if I can recall where I found this. It’s what I get for severely messing with my sleep schedule. Finally getting back to a normal routine. Anyway, it’s another image that I thought was super cool. Obviously by the number on the chest plate this is meant for a Spartan. So  it seems to be armor of Forerunner design utilized for Spartans. Hmm, this helps to give credence to a theory by a reader yesterday that some of the new armor in Halo 4 is of Forerunner make.

Coolness!

Now if we could get a confirmation of that from 343, that would be awesome!
-Sal