eckosama stopped by with word of a tribute to Mike Miller’s ‘Legend’ vids (search our news if you’ve never seen them) – it’s a Halo PC vid, with some nice moves! Take a look.(Louis Wu 17:22:58 UTC)

The Halo Wars demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace (for Gold account holders); release seems to be rolling by region, so if you can’t get it right away, be patient. It’s 1.4 GB in size. You can also download the Call to Battle trailer (though this is available on YouTube (thanks, onebitrocket), or in HD from us in either WMP9 or QuickTime formats, 47 mb). It’s a morning for Halo Wars!(Louis Wu 13:13:19 UTC)

G4 TV has a hands-on review of Halo Wars that’s mostly a video playthrough of Campaign Mission 3. Go watch if you want to see Grizzly tanks in action.(Louis Wu 12:34:45 UTC)

The Catfish let us know that 2501 Episode 11, following Squadron E, is now up.(Louis Wu 12:34:23 UTC)

Bryan Newman asked us to let you know about his casting call – his team needs Halo 3 actors, and they know what they DON’T want. Watch the video for details.(Louis Wu 12:34:06 UTC)

I thought this was common knowledge at this point, but apparently it’s not – and it bears repeating in any case: sketchfactor confirmed yesterday that when Halo 3: ODST touches down this fall, every Halo 3 multiplayer map – original shipping maps, Heroic, Legendary, and Mythic packs, Cold Storage, and the three new exclusive maps that will debut with ODST – will be available in the box. They’ve finalized how the logistics of play will work – but are still waiting for word from Microsoft on when they can clarify this for the fans. (His wording – ‘available in the box’ – suggests that they might come as download codes, rather than on the disc itself – which would be a disappoinment for folks looking to outfit LAN parties inexpensively.) Regardless of those details, however, the bottom line is, if you buy ODST, you’ll have every Halo 3 multiplayer map ever released. (Louis Wu 12:33:21 UTC)

nash–housewares noticed an article at Wired about an increase in the use of hacker techniques in Halo 3 matchmaking. It’s definitely not common… but apparently, some people are turning to approaches like Distributed Denial of Service attacks in order to win Halo 3 matches. (The article suggests that you can lease a ‘zombie’ (a PC controlled by virus-installed software) for $2 per unit – and with 40-60 of these units, you can destroy your opponent’s chance to play. Are there really that many people willing to spend $100 to win a game of Halo 3? Really?) (Louis Wu 12:31:24 UTC)

Bungie’s Blog noted a video entitled ‘MLG Top Ten Series: Episode 3‘, showing off 10 clips collected by B Mc Gann and Static Hazard in MLG matchmaking and custom games. I don’t think I’d agree with the order (#4 is WAY more impressive than 3, 2, OR 1), but they’re good gameplay moments. Go watch! (When you’re done, swing by Hawty McBloggy’s – she’s opened a debate on whether Major League Gaming (I assume she means specifically Halo 3) is a professional sport or not… weigh in!)(Louis Wu 12:28:15 UTC)

Jason Pace, Microsoft’s Halo Studio’s Lead Producer, talked to VideoGamer.com about the future of the Halo franchise. What he says will reassure some fans, and scare others. (Narcogen, at Rampancy.net, reacted to an early excerpt with a little bit of fear. I think the discussion of a dancing Grunt game in the full interview might add to that.)(Louis Wu 12:27:28 UTC)

urk pointed out that the Weekly update to Bungie Favorites, showcasing the second batch of material from ODST 4th Battalion, is now live. Cheeto666 also discusses a particular map.(Louis Wu 20:45:29 UTC)

If you haven’t completed the Vidmaster Annual Achievement, the Bungie Blog is highlighting a video that can help you whip through it in no time at all. Four decent Halo players usually need 45 minutes to an hour and a half (or more) to finish the level… these guys offer you hints and a glitch that will get you through in 20-30 minutes.(Louis Wu 18:47:26 UTC)

anthraxgoon told us about X36 Chapter 2 Issue 2 (mindhacking? ew.), and Hawty McBloggy sent word that ODS Steve #12 (You Won’t Like Him When He’s Angry) is up, but she went to sleep and forgot to mention it sooner. Watch those mad grunts!(Louis Wu 18:21:30 UTC)