A lot of us found out about the EGM article when it was leaked, but out of respect and a little CYA we didn't want to spill the beans on the podcast before the article was published. Now that the article is in circulation, the curtain has been lifted! Behold some of the latest revealed features:

• New brute dual-wieldable shotgun: the "Mauler." Look good to you or a bit weird?
• Gravity hammer from Tartarus is now usable. Send vehicles flying or hit the ground and push back grenades, etc. Got any ideas for cool customs with this?
• New brute vehicle similar to the Spectre... will it differentiate itself enough? Will it be stronger with a better turret and more protection for passengers?
• New human vehicles: Hornet small flying vehicle and warthog with troop carrier in rear... will these be in multiplayer? What if they are?
• New equipment: portable shield like the covenant ones from Halo 2 and a shield recharger. Which one interests you more? How do you see these being used in strategies?
• New multiplayer map: Guardian (aka Jub-Jub) is the "spiritual" successor to Lockout. Do you think it lives up to the legacy so far? Can you pick out any changes?
• New multiplayer element/vehicle: the Elephant. It's a vehicle that moves slowly, has a turret, holds 12 and has a flag/assault plant spot! Will moving bases really provide that much of a strategic element? How can you see this being used?
• New Elite armor variants... but do the Elites still have a structural disadvantage with headshots? You like the new look options?
• 4 player co-op online CONFIRMED! This is going to make for some serious tales from the foxhole.
• Meta-game in campaign: Compete in co-op for fastest complete time, most headshots, most vehicle boards, etc. Do you see this extending the life of campaign and co-op?
• FORGE: the coolest thing ever. Edit Halo 3 maps and share them online! Got any ideas already for maps we've seen?
• Forge games: you can switch to a spartan in forge and fight, and it keeps score! This makes for some really creative customs... got any ideas?

Got answers to these questions? Want to tell us what part of this gets you excited? Let us know! Send in your comments by clicking submit news & tips on the right side of the page. If it's good and we have time, we'll read it off on the show and make you famous. Be sure to include your gamertag so we can give you credit. Deadline is Thursday Night at 6pm EST, so hurry!

‘nuff said.

Luke Smith’s confirmation:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7249107#post7249107
IGN:
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/809/809569p1.html
Joystiq:
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/31/its-official-halo-3-has-four-player-online-co-op/
Some other site:
http://n4g.com/xbox360/News-55843.aspx

Currently Playing: Guitar Hero: Rock the 80’s

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This week we chat with Dan Hsu, editor in chief at EGM magazine. JVB and I talk with the shoe about what it takes to get into gaming journalism, how he got started, and of course lots of Halo 3. Show's about an hour.

Major Nelson says that Marathon Durandal is one of two games that will hit Xbox Live Arcade this week; specifically, on Wednesday, when XBLA gets its weekly update.

Durandal wll cost 800 points. For more information and screenshots, check the Marathon Durandal page at Xbox.com.

Spartan182 has sent in a PrintMusic file of the piano solo from the Halo 3 Announcement Trailer. We've added it to the Halo Sheet Music section, check it out!

So the last concert I posted about never materialized like I was told, but don’t fret because this one is inked. Three really good bands are set to rock it out at Crossroads 8/28/07. Check out Pollstar for the proof;)

Bands:
Evans Blue
Submersed
Framing Hanley

Keep a watch out on Crossroad’s site for more information about ticket prices and times.

Today, the folks at Xbox Family (xboxfamily.com) published an intercepted e-mail from Microsoft that includes the various ways that the company will be marketing Halo 3 to the public in the coming months. It looks like come August, you won't be able to turn your head without seeing something Halo-related!

Mountain Dew – Game Fuel

• The promotions team is partnering with Mountain Dew to create a new Dew drink called Game Fuel inspired by Halo 3
• Game Fuel is a customized, limited-time “Halo 3-themed” Dew beverages that contains 30% more caffeine and a citrus cherry twist
• Game Fuel will come in 20-ounce bottles, two-liter bottles and 12-packs of 12-ounce cans (~40M) and distributed nationwide at ~150K outlets
• Additional support includes TV and online advertising, street teams, and press distribution of the drink

7-11 Program

• Halo 3 will be featured on Slurpees with 3 collectible linticular cups
• Dew will be creating special aluminum bottles of Game Fuel for distribution at 7-11
• Halo 3 will also be included on Doritos packs at 7-11 with a sweepstakes to be a voice actor in Halo Wars

Pontiac

• The team is also working with Pontiac who will be promoting Halo 3 along with their new high
• performance Pontiac G6 launch
• Pontiac will create events just prior to launch
• We will be partnering for a chance to win a Limited Edition Halo 3 G6 car
• Additional support includes TV advertising

Burger King

• We are also partnering with Burger King who will be promoting Halo 3 with Survival Kits sold nationwide for 10 weeks during Sept and Oct
• On King Size upgrades, consumers will receive their food and drink in Halo 3-themed packaging.
• Additional support include sweepstakes, drive thru POP, and other activities

That's in addition to the other branded materials and products already coming to the market, like the Halo 3 Limited Edition Xbox 360 controllers, the Halo 3 Limited Edition Xbox 360 console, Halo 3 Limited Edition wireless headset and Halo 3 Xbox Live subscription cards. So, as a Halo fan, what do you think? Is this a good thing, seeing the Halo brand spread so far and wide? Or has it become overkill with Master Chief car commercials and happy meals?

More at Xbox Family (Thanks HBO)

Anyone up for an impromptu gathering in the Huntsville area this Thursday? We could use it as an opportunity for everyone to reclaim LAN equipment that was taken home by others this weekend. I’m fairly indifferent as to location and activity. Restaurants, bowling alleys, and bars have both worked out well so far. Throw out some suggestions. Traditional time has been 7 PM. Does that still work?