Originally the name we heard of the Spartan Ops squad was called “Majestic.” Then in the Halo 4 trailer from E3 we heard the name Crimson. Are they the same? Did Crimson replace Majestic as the name?

No. In fact they are two separate squads. Want proof? David Ellis of 343 tweeted as such:

So this leads to wonder if YOU will get to choose the name of your squad from a pallete of names, when starting a Spartan Ops mission.

If so, this could lead to healthy competition between squad of different names, as well as squads compared with same named squads.

Hmm, I’ll search to find out more.

-HFFL

Source: http://press.xbox360.com/products/p51/halo-4?grp=Blockbuster+Games&event=5

Click on the tab “Artwork.” You can see by the title that it’s a cryptum.

Here’s the artwork itself:

You can believe that Master Chief is in for some major SHI…er bad stuff when this thing opens up.

Here’s a comparison pic from the trailer and the graphic above:

From gametrailers.com:
Kiki Wolfkill Interview

(Sorry couldn’t embed video)

She doesn’t give anything else away that we haven’t already heard about before. However, it’s just good to hear her talk about the game. The folks at 343 have been silent for far too long. Glad they can open up a little.

There is some debate after the release of the trailer from E3 regarding the length of the UNSC Infinity. The trailer says it’s 3.5 miles long. Previous to this it was stated to be 3.5 kilometers long.

To illustrate both sizes, I’ve created two comparison graphics. I had to fudge the perspective in Photoshop to straighten out the Infinity since we as yet do not have a good clean side view of the ship. It’s close enough for this comparison though.

Here is how it stacks up against the UNSC Spirit of Fire, a Star Wars Star Destroyer, and a succession of Empire State Buildings turned on their side to show scale.

This is the Infinity at 3.5 kilometers long (click to make bigger):

This is the Infinity at 3.5 miles long (click to make bigger):

Clearly either way it’s gargantuan next to the other ships. Since the trailer stated miles and this is the newest information, I’m going to go with it being 3.5 miles long.

To show it against something real, here it is placed against midtown Manhattan (New York City, New York). The white line denotes 3.5 miles long. The UNSC would measure from Times Square all the way to the end of Central Park. Folks, that is MASSIVE!

Longbow may or may not be the official title come release date, but for now, it’s how we know it to be named. Here are three screen shots of the snowy map as seen in the trailer from E3.

This is a great looking map that follows in the tradition of snowy maps. I’m VERY glad to see it coming for Halo 4.

Here we have  a pic of  a handout from E3 that shows the default Halo 4 button layout.

Looks pretty straight forward to me. Finally the use of the D-Pad.

I do hope (and assume) that there will be other button layouts available. Hopefully, we can program our own layout. I prefer the H3 Default/Halo Reach Recon layouts myself.

Still, for long time Halo players, this should be easy to figure out and use.

Here are some screenshots I chose that showcase the video. I’ve compilated some due to same or similar references.

First up UNSC Infinity’s size. It’s been said to be both 3.5 miles long and in the video 3.5 miles long. SO which is it??

The Infinity’s holo display:

343 did a great job with this title bar. I wonder if it will be in the game or if it’s just for the vid?

Spartan Ops Screens. These will be in the game, or so I hear.

Here are two shots of the exciting new Lava Base map. (Not the official name):

The lower pic of the lave map reminds me of “Mustafar” from Revenge of the Sith.

More Spartan Ops Screens. This time Credits and Ranking up:

Unlock weapons. (I assuem this is for use in Spartan Ops as the Battle Rifle is readily available in Multiplayer (War Games):

Armor Customization screens.

Note that the upper left corner shows what armor is able to customize:
• Helmet
• Chest
• Left Shoulder
• Right Shoulder
• Arms
• Legs
• Visor

This is the same amount as Halo Reach, however the difference is that in Reach you can change your Wrist attachment and Leg equipment. Whereas, in Halo 4 you can change the armor of your arms and legs. THAT is much MUCH better.

I took the liberty of taking some screenshots from the Halo 4 “War Games” video and adding some written commentary. Some helpful, some funny…

Hmm, what is the name of this map?

Here’s the boost meter for the ghost.

Double assassination! (Click to make bigger)

Calling in a weapon. (Awesomesauce!!)

I’m lovin’ the visor “flashing!”

Disintegration! (Finally no bodies to fumble over)

And finally, take it like  a MAN!

343 has just released 3 videos of Halo 4. This is the third of those three:

Halo 4 War Games Gameplay

Here’s my reaction while watching it for the first time:

My Reaction.

343 has just released 3 videos of Halo 4. This is the second of those three:

Halo 4 Spartan Ops Gameplay

Here’s my reaction while watching it for the first time: