Category Archives: General Blog Info

The Spirit of Fire podcast MULTI-Cast part 2

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This week’s podcast is a doozy. I partnered up with Robowski from Post Game Carnage Report to bring a multi/simulcast of our podcasts. As well, my co-host Zach live streamed it on his twitch channel ( twitch.tv/thehaloarray ). I’m proud to say from now on, the Spirit of Fire podcast will be live streamed on Zach’s channel, so you good readers/listeners can chime in through the chatbox. We may even give out prizes in the near future through the stream…

Also, this week marks the Spirit of Fire being put onto iTunes. So if you don’t want to listen below or download from the blog, you can now go and subscribe HERE to listen on iTunes!

Anyway, so we teamed up and also invited others to join in. Robowski brought along two of his co-horts. Er co-hosts…LOL. I of course brought in Zach. Robowski invited Justin Bryce from Drunken Halo Podcast and I invited in Addicted Cha0s from HaloDieHards.net.

Not knowing the software I use to record the podcasts had a limit, this episode had to be broken down into two parts. The first part (here) is just a smidge over 3 hour, 20 minutes long, with this second part being 1 hour 4 minutes long.

Myself and Robowski take turns bringing up topics of discussion as well as asking our panel to respond to the topics. We jump all over from topic to topic talking about Halo 4.

Now before you listen, I want to make clear, this will for all intents and purposes be the last time I criticize Halo 4 in a podcast. Well, at least as a major portion of the podcast. After this marathon multi-cast, I kind of grew tired of saying the same stuff over and over and am about fed up with 343’s non-response… So from now on, we’re just going to report Halo as it is and not as we wish/want it to be. That is…until Halo 5 comes out!

Enjoy and don’t forget the second part to this.

Listen here:

      SoF 10-22-13 Multicast part 2

Download here:

SoF 10-22-13 Multicast part 2

Whew, again this was a doozy.

I hope you enjoy and please feel free to comment below!

-Sal

The Spirit of Fire podcast MULTI-Cast part 1

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Spirit of Fire Podcast LOGO_R-sm

This week’s podcast is a doozy. I partnered up with Robowski from Post Game Carnage Report to bring a multi/simulcast of our podcasts. As well, my co-host Zach live streamed it on his twitch channel ( twitch.tv/thehaloarray ). I’m proud to say from now on, the Spirit of Fire podcast will be live streamed on Zach’s channel, so you good readers/listeners can chime in through the chatbox. We may even give out prizes in the near future through the stream…

Also, this week marks the Spirit of Fire being put onto iTunes. So if you don’t want to listen below or download from the blog, you can now go and subscribe HERE to listen on iTunes!

Anyway, so we teamed up and also invited others to join in. Robowski brought along two of his co-horts. Er co-hosts…LOL. I of course brought in Zach. Robowski invited Justin Bryce from Drunken Halo Podcast and I invited in Addicted Cha0s from HaloDieHards.net.

Not knowing the software I use to record the podcasts had a limit, this episode had to be broken down into two parts. This first part is just a smidge over 3 hour, 20 minutes long, with the second part (here) being 1 hour 4 minutes long.

Myself and Robowski take turns bringing up topics of discussion as well as asking our panel to respond to the topics. We jump all over from topic to topic talking about Halo 4.

Now before you listen, I want to make clear, this will for all intents and purposes be the last time I criticize Halo 4 in a podcast. Well, at least as a major portion of the podcast. After this marathon multi-cast, I kind of grew tired of saying the same stuff over and over and am about fed up with 343’s non-response… So from now on, we’re just going to report Halo as it is and not as we wish/want it to be. That is…until Halo 5 comes out!

Enjoy and don’t forget the second part to this.

Listen here:

      SoF 10-22-13 Multicast part 1

Download here:

SoF 10-22-13 Multicast part 1

Due to the technical restraints of my software, about 10-15 seconds were cut off from this first portion of the podcast at the end of it.

-Sal

 

HFFL’s own podcast Spirit of Fire is now on iTunes!!!

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The Spirit of Fire Podcast is now on iTunes! – https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/halofanforlife-spirit-fire/id731546815

So now you’ll have THREE ways to listen. Here on the blog, download and listen later or through iTunes!

This is a BIG step for the podcast. I look forward to what this may mean for HFFL, the community and the Halo franchise in general.

Now, at the moment, the artwork isn’t up, nor my name as the author. As well, it says this is ‘clean’. Folks, I think you know we DO cuss on the show, so as soon as I can get that changed I will. I’ve already shot off an e-mail to them asking how to fix all of the settings.

In the meantime, PLEASE spread the word about the podcast!

-Sal

Okay…it’s ON! LOL!! Help me help KIDS! Extra Life Fundraiser

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In a friendly contest to see if I can reach my goal faster than Zach’s, I just signed up HFFL to participate in the “Extra Life” charity event for kids!

Here’s my donation page:

http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=62498

Extra Life Fundraiser logo
Donate what you can folks. $1, $5, more. Anything helps and it ALL goes to kids.

I was a child in need way back when, so I’m MORE than happy to sponsor a donation page for them. My charity is the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. I’ve been there on more than one occasion in the past doing charity or cosplay events for the kids.

So please give. Thanks!

-Sal

Gamer charity fundraiser for KIDS!

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My friend of more than 4 years and now fellow co-host of HFFL’s official podcast, the ‘Spirit of Fire’, Zach Jacobs, is helping to raise money for kids.

He’s taking part in the “Extra Life Fundraiser.” Please show your support for a wonderful cause by clicking on the logo below. It will take you to his page there where you can donate. He’s already raised $50 of his $200 goal. Let’s all help him top that goal for KIDS!
Extra Life Fundraiser logo

Here’s the text from his donation page:

Dear Friends and Family,

I’m on a mission to save kids and I need your help.My local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital treats thousands of children each year, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. These kids are facing scary stuff like cancer, cystic fibrosis, and injuries from accidents to name just a few.

On November 2nd, 2013, I’ll be participating in this huge worldwide celebration of the social impact of gamers of all kinds from video games to board games and tabletop RPG’s!It’s my sincere hope that you’ll find it in your heart to support my efforts with a monthly pledge or one-time gift that will go directly to my hospital.

Your donation is tax-deductible and ALL PROCEEDS go to help kids.

Last year, Extra Life raised more than 2 million dollars to save kids, but in 2013 our goals, just like the needs of the kids we serve, are much, much higher. I can’t do this without your help. Donating online is safe and easy! To make an online donation please click the “Support This Participant” button on this page.Thank you for caring for our kids!

Also, please give Zach a follow on twitter at: https://twitter.com/TheHaloArray
and check out his twitch stream here: http://www.twitch.tv/thehaloarray

-Sal

Tonight the BIG Halo Multi/Simul-Podcast!

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Tonight’s Podcast will be LIVE for the first time ever.

As well, it’s a VERY SPECIAL podcast as it will be simulcast on twitch, and recorded by no less than two (maybe three) Halo podcasts.

I’ve teamed up HFFL’s official podcast, ‘The Spirit of Fire’, with ‘Post Game Carnage Report’ AKA PGCR for a special simulcast. We’ll both be recording at the same time and releasing our versions on our site within the next couple of days. In the meantime, you can listen LIVE starting at around 9pm EST at: http://www.twitch.tv/thehaloarray

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This podcast promises to be a long one as Myself, Robowski (Host of PGCR) and a panel of other Halo podcasters, and Halo forum owners talk about the state of Halo, in specific Halo 4, Halo Waypoint, and 343.

We’re going to discuss everything from Campaign to multiplayer to Spartan Ops, to Forge, Theater and all points in between. As well, we’ll touch on Halo Waypoint online as well as through XBOX and the smart phone ap. During all this, we’ll also be talking about our observations of 343 and their handling of the Halo franchise thus far.

Likely there is going to be some strong criticism as well as strong language folks, so be FOREWARNED.

I’ll say this, all of us in tonight’s podcast LOVE Halo. However, we’re displeased with the current state of the game and franchise. For my part, this will be my last big rant on the subject as I tire of bringing up the same points over and over. If 343 chooses to ignore us, and by us I mean the greater Halo community, not just we in this podcast, then that should serve as a clear indication as to their thoughts on we the most loyal Halo fans.

-Sal

Spirit of Fire podcast #7 What’s good in Halo 4.

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After a couple of shows where we’ve expressed our displeasure with some aspects of Halo 4, I thought it only fitting that we had a show that discusses things we LIKE about the Halo 4. I’m joined by my co-hosts, Zach and Martin for this one.

Have a listen here.

      SoF 10-16-13

Or right click/download here.

SoF 10-16-13

In this episode you’ll here about the following (with links to certain topics if you want to follow along that way as well):

The Week in Halo
• McFarlane reveals the Halo 4 Master Chief Statue will go on sale December 6. https://halofanforlife.com/?p=11095 ; https://halofanforlife.com/?p=11141
• Halo Initiation #3 is out. Last in the 3 part mini-series leading up to Spartan Assault. https://halofanforlife.com/?p=11101
• Halo Bulletin: https://halofanforlife.com/?p=11108
– Majestic is no longer needed for Team Slayer!
-Oddball replaces King of the Hill. Has ‘Stickyball’ variant gametype sticky det/sticky nades
-Team Throwdown gets the v5 settings (give list of gametypes/maps)
-Interview with Ghostayame
– Screenshot Spotlight – Forge I like “Jurassic Park 4 Rampage”,  Pillar of Autumn, Risen
• New York Comicon has Halo presence. Frank O’Conner signs Mega Bloks Mammoth poster Panel discussions, giveaways
• AGL switches to Halo 3 for their next tournament: https://halofanforlife.com/?p=11169

Blog specific news:
• Various Halo Artwork shown on blog and put on HFFL’s Pinterest page. Specifically a great vertical timeline: https://halofanforlife.com/?p=11132
• Color me this: Halo Initiation #1 variant artwork. Several blog posts showing the original black and white art, the artists final render and my progression of the piece.
• Upcoming multi/simulcast with PGCR (Post Game Carnage Report) Various Halo community people as panel of guests. Expected to be a LONG podcast. 3-4 hours.

What is good in Halo 4?
Campaign – Good story. Nice graphics, great sound.
Multiplayer – Lots of maps within the first 6 months of release.
Spartan Ops – A great additional campaign as seen through your multiplayer spartan’s eyes. 15 maps over the course of all 10 episodes.
Forge – Magnets, three “forge” maps

Halo 3 for FREE
Finally the game we’ve been waiting for to be free is available. Mythic Maps not downloaded? Is this an issue with anyone else? E-mail me!

When I first started this up earlier today, I immediately felt a rush. Call it nostalgia if you want. All I know is that it felt good. Like I was ‘back home’ again. While I thoroughly enjoyed ODST and Reach, Halo 3 for me was the BEST of all the Halo games to date. I’m going to spend some hours playing the campaign again AND taking screenshots in theater.

This week’s podcast is just over 2 hours. Have a listen and let me know what you think of it. Reply below or on twitter. My twitter page is: https://twitter.com/HaloFanForLife or @HaloFanForLife

-Sal

 

What does a near 2-hour conversation with PGCR get you?

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I just finished a near two-hour long discussion with Robowski of Post Game Carnage Report (PGCR) about an idea for a future multi-cast/simulcast podcast between PGCR and Spirit of Fire.

To say we were both into the idea and talked a lot about the topics is an understatement. We will be having a panel of other Halo folks. Some community leaders, some everday fans, and of course Robowski, myself and portions of our ‘crews’ respectively.

Since he and I talked for almost 2 hours, I can guarantee that this multi-cast is going to be much longer. In fact we’re expecting it to be at least 3 hours, maybe 4.

What will the topics be? Hmm, well you’re just going to have to tune in for that. We are working towards recording this NEXT Tuesday (Oct, 22) with the simulcast be released either the 23rd or 24th.

Folks, this is one that if you’re a Halo fan, you NEED to listen to.

Part of the reasoning for doing a simulcast and having a panel is to show there is a larger voice than just one or the other of us that wants to have our voices and opinions heard.

-Sal

The Spirit of Fire Podcast for 10.9.13

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This week’s podcast topics include:

The Week in Halo: 

• HFFL has an ETSY page! https://halofanforlife.com/?p=10934

• The Halo Bulletin 10.2.13 https://halofanforlife.com/?p=10953
– Game of The Year Trailer
– Matchmaking Playlist Update
–Oddball to replace King of the Hill on Oct 14. (I’ve got about 12 games to win to master this before it goes away…)
–Tutorial on how to make a Race gametype with Ricochet settings.
–Remake of Halo Reach’s Countdown shown and article with creator after.
–Screenshot Spotlight ORANGE I liked ‘Refractive FOTUS” the best

• Toy reviews of McFarlane’s Halo 4 series 2 Orange Scout, Purple CIO, Elite Ranger, Storm jackal, The Didact. (Go into a little detail of some of the figures…especially the Didact and how that review was featured on Waypoint)

• My first gig as a Halo Tourney Commentator: https://halofanforlife.com/?p=11065
and the after report: https://halofanforlife.com/?p=11069

• Callout sessions with HFFL this Saturday 4 pm EST. https://halofanforlife.com/?p=11087

•Halo 4 Master Chief Resin Statue release announced: https://halofanforlife.com/?p=11095

• Halo Initiation #3 is out! https://halofanforlife.com/?p=11101

My rants for the week:
Regarding the Rotational Playlist and possible solutions instead: https://halofanforlife.com/?p=11058
Letter to BS Angel regarding Halo 4 Playlists: https://halofanforlife.com/?p=11061

This week’s podcast is shorter than most at only 1:43.

Have a listen here:

      SoF 10-9-13

Or download by right click here:

SoF 10-9-13

-Sal

 

Calling all CALL-OUTS!

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Are you not as versed in ‘call out’ in Halo 4 as you’d like to be?

Don’t even know what call outs are?
Want to know more and be better skilled at the game because of them?

Well then…join me this Saturday at 4 pm EST for: A Call Out session with HFFL!

I’ll take up to 15 other gamers in a party into select maps and teach you the basic call outs.

Now this is to be a learning experience, so I ask that if you want to join in on this that you be on good behavior. I will not tolerate people shooting each other during these sessions. This is for those who really want to learn more about the game. It’s not about goofing off.

The callouts I give will be HFFL callouts. The great majority of these ARE the same as standard Halo 4 call outs among the community. So they are easily transferable to regular gameplay with just about anyone else.

The callout session will last for 2 hours. The amount of maps will greatly depend on how quickly we get through each map.

The maps we’ll be going over will be as follows (time permitting) in order:
• Haven
• Adrift
• Complex
• Exile
• Ragnarok
• Vortex
• Meltdown

Doubtful we’ll get through all of these. If not, then we’ll continue the next session where we left off and add more maps as we go.

I won’t cover DLC maps until all of the basic maps have been covered. This for obvious reason that the base maps from launch are what everyone has.

You may ask questions during the sessions, only when I call for questions. If you are going to try and countermand my names for callouts, please do not even attend. Again these will be HFFL callouts. If there is a different name in the community I may address that. Otherwise discuss this with others after/outside of the callout sessions.

To sign up for this, you need to be a registered member of the blog. It’s free to register. Just send me an e-mail with your preferred username and password you want for the blog. I will be taking preference to those who are in my gaming group first as those are the folks I game with the most. After those gamers, then I will open the roster up to blog members.

Below is a list of gamers who have expressed their desire to be at this callout session (not including myself of course):

1. PensHalo
2. Thomas Bradford
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
I will update this list as I get more interested gamers. Just reply below with your intent to join in on this.

-Sal