Monthly Archives: October 2013

Tonight the BIG Halo Multi/Simul-Podcast!

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Spirit of Fire Podcast LOGO_R-sm

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

Oh yeah, the previous Color Me this???

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I posted this graphic last week. It’s the alternate cover for Halo Initiation #1.

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Along the way, I posted my progression of coloring this, while showing the original artist’s inkings:

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Here is what I came up with as the finished recolored piece:

Halo Initiation 1 variant BIG v7
I knew when I went to recolor this that I wanted to make this a night time setting instead. I’m pretty happy with the outcome. Hopefully that shows that you do not need to rush art as I took my time over the course of a week to finish this.

Let me know what you think of it.

-Sal

 

Color Me This: Boba Fett VS Master Chief

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Here’s a rare chance to mix Halo up with another fantastic Sci-Fi franchise. Star Wars was my first ‘love’ when it comes to sci-fi. So when I saw this on Pinterest the other day, I knew it was going to become the latest ‘Color Me This’ project.

Boba Fett vs Master Chief

Your mission, download and color this in, then send back to me.

Send back as a jpg file only, do not add anything vulgar as it will not be published. Submissions to be sent to [email protected]

-Sal

IGN interviews the voice of Master Chief, Steve Downes!

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IGN posted the “Podcast Unlocked Episode 117”. How befitting it is that they have Steve Downes, voice of Master Chief on the show. Okay, if you only want to here the interview, snap to 35 minutes in. (And honestly, I suggest that as what comes before is not pertinent to Halo and somewhat boring other than Naomi Kyle’s sweet voice…)

Take a listen:

      Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_117

Or download and listen to later here: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_117 

If anything, it’s just extremely cool to here ‘Master Chief’ is a casual mode.

-Sal

New Halo finds on Pinterest!

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Every week I check out Pinterest.com for Halo art to repin there and share here,

Here are this week’s finds! (Click on each to make bigger)

Pay special attention to that last one of Boba Fett vs Master Chief. That one is going to be the next “Color Me This” contest artwork, so you can get an early jump on it now if you want to!

Check out my pinterest page here! Please do as you can find who the artists are of such cool Halo works of art. And if you like their stuff, let them know!

As always, you can check out my pinterest page through the link on the right side as well on the homepage.

-Sal

Color Me This: Halo Initiation # 1 Alternate cover Almost done!

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Well, I didn’t have anyone submit a re colorization of this, and that’s okay. I worked on this on Wednesday and had meant to post it yesterday but had a bad day… So I let it slide for a day.

Here is the rendering now with added color shading/highlighting.

To read the progression of this the pic shows from left to right top to bottom:

Original artwork, Friday’s progression-some color added, Saturday’s Progression-a lot more color added;
Monday’s Progression-color added to hammer, brute’s chest and arms, Wednesday’s Progression-color added to blood spatter, highlights and shadows added to both Palmer and Brute, Actual Artist’s inking.

Orig-Fri-Sat-Mon-Wed-ArtistI’ll add some more lighting and a background sometime this weekend and show the final I came up with, compared to the actual artist’s inkings.

-Sal

 

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

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Spirit of Fire Podcast LOGO_R-sm
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

 

The Halo Bulletin 10.16.13

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Here we are again with another bulletin. Man, another week just flies by.

An article about this past 343 community playdate talks about 343 trouncing we lesser people, with them going 11-1.

Several 343ers talk about their experience during the playdate. Notably BS Angel with her more than inappropriate innuendoes regarding balls. It’s kind of played out now Jess. You’re a mom and a professional. Maybe you should take being the senior community manager job more seriously, especially in the official weekly bulletin. Yes, that’s me opinion here, but I’m not the only one who feels/thinks this way. Anyway, moving on…

Community Ricochet game types:

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Come Oct 28, we’ll see a new playlist in Community Forge Ricochet. This will include the top 6 finalist from the Ricochet Forge contest. This week, Waypoint asks us which of the above three variants would we like to see in the Community Forge Ricochet playlist. Below is a description of each: 

Quickochet 
Quickochet is the intersection of Ricochet and Halo: Reach’s “Hot Potato.” Loadouts and overall game settings are identical to Ricochet, but after a certain period of time, the ball will explode at random. Get ready to string together some passes!

Shotgun Ricochet 
In Shotgun Ricochet, teams must move together as they inch across the map and eliminate each line of defense. Players are equipped with Shotguns, Plasma Grenades, and Thruster Packs. With lots of in-your-face combat, this game type makes Ricochet up close and personal.

Legendary Ricochet 
Legendary Ricochet pits teams against one another with preset starting Loadouts in Halo 4’s Legendary experience (Battle Rifle starting weapon, no Armor Ability, Motion Tracker enabled).

Of these three, I’m leaning towards Quickochet. I like the idea of having to get rid of the ball fairly quickly. 

Head here to vote on the Waypoint forums.

THe next article is a FUN one. It’s time for HALO-ween! With that we have several Halo Pumpkin Stencils!

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I have to say, I may just try one of these out this year!

As if you didn’t already know, Halo 3 is free to XBL Gold members. Download it! You won’t be able to play on Mythic Maps unless you purchase those or use your ODST disc. Still, other than those, you can play everything else in Halo 3, for FREE. I played the first 4 missions last night alone and had a BLAST! Love reliving some memories. Wow, those graphics STILL hold up even after 6 years!

And finally this week’s Screenshot Spotlight: Armor Ability

Seems most of these were active camo. Something I hope returns to being a map pick up in the next game. (Should never have been an ability, IMO)

Anyway, here is my favorite of those posted on Waypoint:

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Next week’s spotlight will be on Oddball.

To read the full bulletin, go HERE.

-Sal

Halo Art by 343 artist John Liberto

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You may have seen most/all of these, but they are all so well done they needed to be shared again!

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Remember when these images evoked a grandness to Halo 4? So sad that much of that has been lost. But I am thankful for this artwork!

-Sal

 

Halo 3 is now FREE!

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Halo 3 is now FREE! (For XBL Gold members)

Halo 3 is freeSo in case you’ve never played the game, here’s your chance. At the very least, even if you have the game, this means you won’t need the disc to play it anymore.

Hmm, I wonder how much this will impact Halo 4’s population???

Click here to get Halo 3 for free!

-Sal

 

Halo 4 Matchmaking moves this week.

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In case you hadn’t seen or forgotten, there were a few matchmaking moves this week.

The rotational playlist went from King of the Hill to Oddball, with the ‘Stickyball’ variant.

As well the Majestic DLC is now gone from Team Slayer.

On that last note, it became readily apparent that DLC requirements in basic playlists were dragging those down in population. Team slayer is now back to it’s numbers in terms of population before Majestic was required.

So whether you’re looking to hold balls or slay, get back into Halo 4!

-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