My Halo News.com

The latest news about the Halo series of games from Microsoft

  • Forza 2 Demo and Car list Update.

    For the Millions, and Millions of Forza 2 fans roaming the Podtacular forums. Here is some sweet information regarding the upcoming demo, and a new list of cars.

    Here is the press release:

    Hello Forza Fans,

    We’ve spent the last several months telling you all about the incredibly deep and realistic features of “Forza Motorsport 2.” Soon you’ll be able to take the game for a test drive on Xbox LIVE Marketplace – the rumors this week of a downloadable demo are true, details on timing will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

    From true Force Feedback to online tournaments, from Xbox LIVE Auction House to our unmatched Livery editor, “Forza Motorsport 2” will truly set a new standard for the racing genre. According to Game Director Dan Greenawalt, “Soon, gamers will get a taste of the raw horsepower the Xbox 360 game engine has provided as we redefine what it means to be a racing simulator with ‘Forza Motorsport 2.’ Whether it’s the hundreds of thousands of physics parameters captured from countless man hours taking track measurements and capturing car data to harnessing the power of the industry’s most advanced the neural-network search algorithms, non-linear and linear math models as well as AI simulation systems from our Microsoft Research Labs, we’ve turned mountains of real world raw data into a living, breathing racing simulator where the only difference between the game and reality is that you’re not risking life and limb when you hit a wall at 200 mph.”

    As always, we have more to reveal from “Forza Motorsport 2’s” extensive car list as well. This week, we’re unveiling the aftermarket production cars in the game, with rare models including the Tommy Kaira Skyline from Nissan and the VeilSide Supra Fortune from Toyota. These souped-up favorites are sure to bring some spice to the track as they round out the game’s list of production cars – the full list below. Be sure to check out forzamotorsport.net for the latest screenshots as well as this week’s Pitpass report featuring Dan and Che “geeking out” on car physics and realism.

    “Forza Motorsport 2’s” May 15 release date is approaching fast and fans the world over have been responding in a big way! With pre-orders for the game on pace to double the original “Forza Motorsport,” please be sure to drop us a line with your editorial needs as this game quickly becomes one your readers are surely hungry to hear about.

    List of Aftermarket Tuner Car Classics

    1998

    Toyota

    AB Flug S900 Supra Turbo

    2000

    Honda

    Aerogear Integra Type-R

    2003

    Toyota

    APR Performance Celica GTS

    2000

    Audi

    AWE Tuning SilverBullet S4

    1995

    Toyota

    Border MR2 Turbo T-bar

    2003

    Chevrolet

    Corvette Guldstrand Edition

    1994

    Honda

    Do-Luck NSX

    1992

    Toyota

    Do-Luck Supra

    2003

    Nissan

    Fairlady Z Custom Edition

    2003

    Ford

    FocusSport SVT Focus

    2003

    Lexus

    Foose Design IS430 Project Car

    2000

    Dodge

    Hennessey Viper 800TT

    2006

    Mitsubishi

    HKS Time Attack Evolution

    1995

    Mazda

    INGS RX-7

    2002

    Chevrolet

    Lingenfelter 427 Corvette

    1999

    Mitsubishi

    MINE’S CP9A Lancer Evolution VI

    1993

    Nissan

    MINE’S R32 Skyline GT-R

    2002

    Nissan

    MINE’S R34 Skyline GT-R

    2004

    Honda

    Mugen Civic Type-R

    2002

    Honda

    Mugen Integra Type-R

    2003

    Honda

    Mugen S2000

    1995

    Mazda

    RE-Amemiya RX-7

    2003

    Mitsubishi

    Sparco Lancer Evolution VIII

    1998

    Subaru

    Tommy Kaira Impreza M20b

    2002

    Nissan

    Tommy Kaira Skyline GT-R R34

    1995

    Toyota

    Tom’s T020 MR2

    2002

    Toyota

    Tom’s W123 MR-S

    2002

    Toyota

    Tom’s Z382 Soarer

    1998

    Toyota

    Top Secret 0-300 Supra

    2000

    Nissan

    Top Secret D1-Spec S15

    1998

    Toyota

    VeilSide Supra Fortune 03

    1998

    Toyota

    VeilSide Supra Fortune 99

    2000

    Acura

    VIS Racing Integra Type-R

    1995

    Toyota

    VIS Racing MR2 Turbo T-bar

    2004

    Honda

    Wings West Civic Si


  • Forza 2 Demo and Car list Update.

    For the Millions, and Millions of Forza 2 fans roaming the Podtacular forums. Here is some sweet information regarding the upcoming demo, and a new list of cars.

    Here is the press release:

    Hello Forza Fans,

    We’ve spent the last several months telling you all about the incredibly deep and realistic features of “Forza Motorsport 2.” Soon you’ll be able to take the game for a test drive on Xbox LIVE Marketplace – the rumors this week of a downloadable demo are true, details on timing will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

    From true Force Feedback to online tournaments, from Xbox LIVE Auction House to our unmatched Livery editor, “Forza Motorsport 2” will truly set a new standard for the racing genre. According to Game Director Dan Greenawalt, “Soon, gamers will get a taste of the raw horsepower the Xbox 360 game engine has provided as we redefine what it means to be a racing simulator with ‘Forza Motorsport 2.’ Whether it’s the hundreds of thousands of physics parameters captured from countless man hours taking track measurements and capturing car data to harnessing the power of the industry’s most advanced the neural-network search algorithms, non-linear and linear math models as well as AI simulation systems from our Microsoft Research Labs, we’ve turned mountains of real world raw data into a living, breathing racing simulator where the only difference between the game and reality is that you’re not risking life and limb when you hit a wall at 200 mph.”

    As always, we have more to reveal from “Forza Motorsport 2’s” extensive car list as well. This week, we’re unveiling the aftermarket production cars in the game, with rare models including the Tommy Kaira Skyline from Nissan and the VeilSide Supra Fortune from Toyota. These souped-up favorites are sure to bring some spice to the track as they round out the game’s list of production cars – the full list below. Be sure to check out forzamotorsport.net for the latest screenshots as well as this week’s Pitpass report featuring Dan and Che “geeking out” on car physics and realism.

    “Forza Motorsport 2’s” May 15 release date is approaching fast and fans the world over have been responding in a big way! With pre-orders for the game on pace to double the original “Forza Motorsport,” please be sure to drop us a line with your editorial needs as this game quickly becomes one your readers are surely hungry to hear about.

    List of Aftermarket Tuner Car Classics

    1998

    Toyota

    AB Flug S900 Supra Turbo

    2000

    Honda

    Aerogear Integra Type-R

    2003

    Toyota

    APR Performance Celica GTS

    2000

    Audi

    AWE Tuning SilverBullet S4

    1995

    Toyota

    Border MR2 Turbo T-bar

    2003

    Chevrolet

    Corvette Guldstrand Edition

    1994

    Honda

    Do-Luck NSX

    1992

    Toyota

    Do-Luck Supra

    2003

    Nissan

    Fairlady Z Custom Edition

    2003

    Ford

    FocusSport SVT Focus

    2003

    Lexus

    Foose Design IS430 Project Car

    2000

    Dodge

    Hennessey Viper 800TT

    2006

    Mitsubishi

    HKS Time Attack Evolution

    1995

    Mazda

    INGS RX-7

    2002

    Chevrolet

    Lingenfelter 427 Corvette

    1999

    Mitsubishi

    MINE’S CP9A Lancer Evolution VI

    1993

    Nissan

    MINE’S R32 Skyline GT-R

    2002

    Nissan

    MINE’S R34 Skyline GT-R

    2004

    Honda

    Mugen Civic Type-R

    2002

    Honda

    Mugen Integra Type-R

    2003

    Honda

    Mugen S2000

    1995

    Mazda

    RE-Amemiya RX-7

    2003

    Mitsubishi

    Sparco Lancer Evolution VIII

    1998

    Subaru

    Tommy Kaira Impreza M20b

    2002

    Nissan

    Tommy Kaira Skyline GT-R R34

    1995

    Toyota

    Tom’s T020 MR2

    2002

    Toyota

    Tom’s W123 MR-S

    2002

    Toyota

    Tom’s Z382 Soarer

    1998

    Toyota

    Top Secret 0-300 Supra

    2000

    Nissan

    Top Secret D1-Spec S15

    1998

    Toyota

    VeilSide Supra Fortune 03

    1998

    Toyota

    VeilSide Supra Fortune 99

    2000

    Acura

    VIS Racing Integra Type-R

    1995

    Toyota

    VIS Racing MR2 Turbo T-bar

    2004

    Honda

    Wings West Civic Si


  • Shadows of the Ancients Ep 1

    Laird sent this along yesterday, but I forgot to post it; he found an interesting piece of Halo machinima on YouTube. It’s called ‘Shadows of the Ancients: Episode 1- Two Arrivals‘, and it was created by SpartanJedi360. Nice effects, decent storyline – give it a watch!(Louis Wu 19:21:59 UTC)

  • GiA Dialogue Contest

    Nathan Gibson, of Games in Action, let us know about a new contest they’re running – come up with a fun NPC one-liner for Halo 3, win stuff. (This contest is just for fun; the lines will NOT actually be used in Halo 3. But you can still win stuff.) More details in the contest post.(Louis Wu 16:55:14 UTC)

  • A Hunter Costume, In Progress

    Monstermaker13 has been hard at work on a Hunter costume, built from wood and cardboard; so far, he’s got the legs, a shield, and a Fuel Rod Cannon. The torso comes next – but in the meantime, check out the work he’s done so far!(Louis Wu 15:39:19 UTC)

  • TLA.

    Stuntmutt is a man of few words. Sometimes not even words… just letters. LOL at today’s One One Se7en.(Louis Wu 15:12:49 UTC)

  • Help me get down!

    Jamie98s let us know about his latest music video – this one’s set to the Killers’ “Why do I keep counting?” Great filming, as usual; awesome shots, cool effects, and (something a lot of Halo music vids seem to forget to do) action that’s actually synched to both the music and the lyrics. Check it out! Available in WMP9 format (35.3 mb) or QuickTime format (33.3 mb).(Louis Wu 15:09:10 UTC)

  • Chase Scene

    Nabsuh is learning Lightwave; what better way to check his skillz than by rendering a Halo space scene? Check out this animation short – A Covenant Assault Carrier chases a Halcyon-class Cruiser. Vids are about 2.2 mb each.(Louis Wu 15:01:31 UTC)

  • Podtacular 107

    Kiaffex let us know that Podtacular 107 was released yesterday – Customs and Callins, with Paul Maestri, of Halo Heads, guest-hosting. 1:14 long, 68.4 mb. Go listen!(Louis Wu 12:58:07 UTC)

  • FS2H – Details

    Devrous has posted another weekly update of FS2H, his Freespace 2 Halo mod. There’s a big Q&A about the project, plus a whole passel of screenshots. Take a look!(Louis Wu 12:46:26 UTC)

  • Uplift Revealed

    GameSpy has an interview with Jeremy Statz, of Hired Gun (the guys putting together Halo 2 Vista), looking at Uplift, one of the two new maps coming to H2V. (The other is called District.) There are 6 screenshots, as well; you can get a good sense for the strategies that will be needed on this map next month by checking this out! Thanks, Bootsman.(Louis Wu 12:39:13 UTC)

  • It’s gonna be like that thing. With the stuff.

    Gamepro’s got a short interview with Frank O’Connor – there’s almost no real info there; Frankie’s a master at talking without giving away ANYTHING – but I’m sure a few of his answers will be picked apart and gnawed on while we wait for more substantial fare…(Louis Wu 12:18:00 UTC)

  • Sandblasted Halo Love

    ManKitten posted a link (sort of) to a bunch of pictures of a really cool coffee table he modified; to make it easier for YOU to see, we put up local copies. Check it out!(Louis Wu 05:52:40 UTC)

  • Why would you put guns in your boots?

    Over at Bungie.net, you’ll find an interesting interview with Max Hoberman, head of Certain Affinity (the company that built the two new Halo 2 maps being released later this month) – there’s a lot of discussion about the maps themselves (and the changes that needed to be made to make them fun again), and there’s quite a bit of info about Certain Affinity, and where it might be going. Check it out! Looks like Hellion was first on the forum.(Louis Wu 05:27:00 UTC)

  • Episode 107: Customs and Callins

    107.jpg

    Download | Shownotes

    It’s time for customs and callins where we cover the top few custom games sent in, the top few Halo jokes, voice mails for the month naarated by CapnKrunk, and tales from the foxhole. This week we have stickygerbils joining us (for a little while), the artist behind the Halo Heads comic, and Logan Payne from the Podtacular community. Show’s about 1:14.


  • Episode 107: Customs and Callins

    Download | Shownotes

    It’s time for customs and callins where we cover the top few custom games sent in, the top few Halo jokes, voice mails for the month naarated by CapnKrunk, and tales from the foxhole. This week we have stickygerbils joining us (for a little while), the artist behind the Halo Heads comic, and Logan Payne from the Podtacular community. Show’s about 1:14.


  • Send in stuff for episode 108: Round table!

    Ok this time I’m gonna break with tradition and let you know beforehand who we have scheduled this week. This week it’s none other than Robert Summa, chief editor at the popular gaming blog destructoid.com. Also we’ll have Pink Sage who runs a segment on Gamertag Radio radio. So what are we gonna talk about? That’s where you come in.

    OMG! New Maps!

    We’ve finally been given a glimpse at the new maps heading for Halo 2, and it’s big news! What do you think of the sequel to hang ’em high, with it’s new look and new grav-lifts? What about derelict, with the same? Do you think they’ll compare with their counterparts on Halo 1? Tell us what you think!

    Is it really so Elite?

    The Xbox 360 Elite has been announced and the previews are mixed. What do you think about this new console variation from Microsoft? Do you think it gives PS3 proponents an edge? What do you think of the black matte color? Are you going to buy it? Let us know!

    Xbox support kicks it up a notch

    So Xbox has finally manned up and acknowledged that they’ve had issues with their support. They’ve announced a new “support champion” dude that’s supposed to fix things, along with new policies such as free shipping on replacement Xboxes, faster turnaround, and replacement programs on Microsoft published games. Do you think this will help?

    Deadline is Thursday night

    at about 5:30 pm EST to get your responses in. How do you send them in? Just click submit news and tips on the right side of the page, type it up, and send your gamertag so we can give you credit. This is going to be a really good show so don’t miss out!


  • A Certain Affinity: Mapmakers to the Stars

    We have a long chat with Certain Affinity’s Max Hoberman about making the new Halo 2 maps. Lots of insight follows.

  • Rollin’ in the Dough

    MLG’s posted prize money for the 2007 Pro Circuit; there’s more than a million bucks on the line for participants! They’re also boosting the number of teams eligible for travel stipend cash; pretty cool! Thanks, Tyger.(Louis Wu 21:49:08 UTC)

  • Halo 2 stats upgrade in progress

    We’re in the middle of upgrading the servers that receive game stats from the Xbox – processing of new stats may be delayed while we switch to the new system, and a few games might even fall through the cracks. (They’ll still count for rank, just won’t be visible on this site.) Sorry for any inconvenience.