Author: Count Zero

Matt drops in on the forum again to expound on the ESRB rating process and explain what a T (Teen) rating really means.

Official Bungie double whammy on the forums today: First David “candyman” Candland gives us the straight dope on the Halo box, and puts some rumors to rest for the umpteenth time. Then, Matt “Matt” Soell further explains the Halo box art.

ÊŠÊŠHis train of thought was derailed as the intercom on the table started beeping. He entertained notions of ignoring it, setting it with a charge of plastique, or dropping it in the “Out” bin- filed the ideas for future reference, reached over and activated the com. The Silver Hawks indulge in a little electronic espionage…

“Ar, hey thar matey. Mission successful. We met up with our marine comrades. We took zero casualties, but I’m afeared I can’t say the same for the marines. We’re returning to the ship. These boys need some new hardware bad.” The plasma hits the fan as Omniscient sends in Part 8 of his ongoing Sea…

ʊʔhe pitch black came apart. Carbines fired in sloppy automatic belches. Tracer fire richochetting wildly off the local terrain. Then the cluster of mines burst. Submunitions scattering shards of metal and explosive into the air at over a hundred miles and hour. Jon Chang sends in a short, violent story entitled War Hero.

Thanks to Evil Bastard, who was the first to tip us off that Xbox.com has Halo listed at $49.99 US. Get those preorders ready…

A number of people have written, via mail and the forum, to inform us that IGN has come up with what appears to be Halo’s box art. It is visible here, along with several other Xbox games.

Mark Levin points out that our favorite cybernetic soldier has appeared on humor site The Conversatron. Mmm… plasma.

“There were twenty-one elites, not twenty. The twenty-first dropped off last. And it was not just an elite. He was a Red, sir. I’d never seen one before, but – damn – I’m sure of it.” Sea of Steel continues as Omniscient sends in Part 7.

“This is Captain Prindle! Covenant have boarded the ship. All Marines and capable hands, equip yourselves and prepare to hold back the enemy forces until all hands can be safely evacuated.” NevinNiven sends in Beached, a look at the troops’ arrival on Halo.

The results of the latest Question of the Week have been posted at The Online Universe.

Michael gives us a cool new wallpaper . Mmm… red.

FunXbox points out that the Bungie guys have put up a picture of one of their Xbox development kits on the Bungie Webcam. They have posted an enlarged image here.

Justin Brimm sends in the first of a new generation of logos, based on the new “Combat Evolved” image. Check it out here.

“Commander, drop zone is near. I humbly suggest that you prepare to drop,” said the sensor operator. Tsheac walked over to him and peered over his shoulder at the screen. Sea of Steel continues as Omniscient sends in Part 6 of his ongoing story.

This week’s Halo Update has surfaced at HaloPlayers.

M B sends us a wallpaper based on another wallpaper sent in a few days ago. Does this make it 4th party content?

Matt Soell dropped in on our forums to give an update on the status of the Halo playtest. Looks like if you want in, you’d better move fast.

Evan Sharp sends in two wallpaper variations on a theme, which may be found here and here.

The air snapped and flashed, three times. Banning closed his left eye reflexively. When he opened it again, there were six pock marks all along the metallic walls. Wilder grinned, holstered, walked up, and gave the door a kick. Vector40 sends the next part of his Hawk Chronicles. Find out more of what really happened…