TeamXbox

Go and check out the news story about 4 player Co-op in H3. At the bottom of the story you will see a group of 4 sites given special thanks for info and we are one. Thanks to Rap’s post on H3 multilayer gametypes and options they have a link for us. Very cool!
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More ramblings on the Internet over the past few days about the Halo 3 beta.

• Cinema Blend Games got a chance to try team gameplay and liked what they saw.
• Urban Reflex talks about the problems people had with their beta codes, as well as what some people gleaned (or thought they gleaned) by poring over the content in the Beta.
• Game Feed likes Halo 3’s new features.
• GameSpy likes the new weapon spawn system, which isn’t surprising because Halo 2’s system received quite a bit of criticism over the game’s lifetime.
• Major Nelson notes that the Halo 3 Beta will show up in next week’s activity summary; it was released too late in last week to make any real impact.

Grunts”R”Us (heh) has a really useful guide to the new military-style ranking system in HALO 3 beta. They lay out the ranks and the RP points required to get the ranks. Notice that if you quit out you’ll loose 2 RP points.

Below is information pulled from Grunts”R”Us:

The Rating Points (RP) Ranking system is based on military ranks and is the secondary measure which measures you up in matchmaking. The points given goes accordingly, and are given in both ranked and non-ranked matchmaking:

Win a match: 1 RP
Lose a match: 0 RP
Quit out of a match: -2 RP

The ranks are given like so, and are subject to change (as this is semi-unofficial and somewhat speculative):

Rank: Recruit – Grade 1
RP Points: 1

Rank: Apprentice – Grade 1
RP Points: 3

Rank: Private – Grade 1
RP Points: 5

Rank: Corporal – Grade 1
RP Points: 10

Rank: Corporal – Grade 2

RP Points: 15

Rank: Sergeant – Grade 1
RP Points: 20

Rank: Sergeant – Grade 2
RP Points: 30

Rank: Sergeant – Grade 3
RP Points: 40

Rank: Gunnery Sergeant – Grade 1
RP Points: 50

Rank: Gunnery Sergeant – Grade 2

RP Points: 75

Rank: Lieutenant – Grade 1
RP Points: 100

Rank: Lieutenant – Grade 2
RP Points: 150

Rank: Captain – Grade 1
RP Points: 200

Rank: Captain – Grade 2
RP Points: 300

Rank: Major – Grade 1

RP Points: 400

Rank: Major – Grade 2
RP Points: 500

Rank: Major – Grade 3
RP Points: 600
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currently playing: Catan, HALO 3 beta, Guitar Hero II
anticipating: Shadowrun, HALO 2 (PC), HALO 3, Quake Wars (in that order)
rest in peace: GoW, CoD3
Shadowrun rocks!

TeamXBOX.com and many other sites are reporting that modders have found information in the HALO 3 beta program that indicates that we’ll be able to play 4-player co-op over XBOX Live. The following phrase was found in the HALO 3 beta:

“The game cannot start because all players are set to observer. Too many players for splitscreen. Only 2 players may play splitscreen coop on the same Xbox 360 console. The party size is too large to start the game. Up to 4 players may play coop on Xbox Live or System Link. Loading information from Xbox Live… “

Holy cow! HALO 3 just got really cool. Could the campaign be the “killer app”?

The most important part to HALO 3 is the campaign. For some, it’s worth the price of admission. Being able to play campaign with up to 4 players just added a lot of replay value into the game. What do you think about online co-op in HALO 3?

What do you think about this information being published at this time? Is it a spoiler? Is it unethical for modders to look in the HALO 3 code and find details about the final version of the game? Is it unethical to post that information online? Thoughts?

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currently playing: Catan, HALO 3 beta, Guitar Hero II
anticipating: Shadowrun, HALO 2 (PC), HALO 3, Quake Wars (in that order)
rest in peace: GoW, CoD3
Shadowrun rocks!

Now that I’ve seen the playlists from Guitar Hero I and II, and played GH II extensively, I want to lay my requests out there for GH III. The selections are geared towards my particular interests, but I think my interests are pretty closely in line with traditional rock and roll and heavy metal that has been the fundamental ingredient in the success of the Guitar Hero series. You’ll notice that like most good songs, most of the tracks below are about drinking, fighting, or having sex. So read on and feel free to disagree, but be sure to post a better idea if you do.

10. Bloodline- Slayer

This would make a great addition for one of the heavier tracks. Simple and heavy, Bloodline’s crisp lyrics and chugging riffs make it a perfect choice for a power-chord laden track in one of the first three setlists. Perhaps they could add some special effects like blood spraying all over the stage when it is played. It’s a good pick for one of the more obscure tracks.

9. Pour Some Sugar on Me- Def Lepard

I’m hot, sticky sweet—aren’t you? This 80s rock classic deserves a spot on the GHIII playlist as much as any track. While the guitar is sparing throughout much of the verse, the main hook would be a blast to play. It would also scale well from easy all the way to expert. If you were born between 1975 and 1985 this is probably a staple track for your shower karaoke excursions. Furthermore, Guitar Hero has ignored Def Lepard so far in its first two iterations, making the band’s inclusion in the third installment that much more of a necessity.

8. Highway to Hell- AC/DC

Another band this is yet to be included in the Guitar Hero series. This 1977 album title track has one of the most memorable opening riffs in rock and roll history. The heavy distinction between Malcolm Young’s rhythm tracks and Angus Young’s leads would make it easy to separate the tracks for cooperative play. This would be the new Iron Man of Guitar Hero I. Angus’ Gibson SG would also fit well with the Gibson-heavy theme of the Guitar Hero series.

7. I Drink Alone- George Thorogood

I triple dog dare you to listen to this song and not marvel at how much fun it would be to grind out each unique verse and the incredible solo and choruses. George Thorogood is a solid part of rock and roll history. Let’s show George some love by having a blast pretending to play his Gibson ES-135.

6. Down on Me- Jackyl

Sometime around 1998 I saw Jackyl in Huntsville outside the VBC. For the paltry sum of $10 it remains the best concert value I’ve experienced. With so many memorable guitar hooks this track is 100% perfect. Vocals from Jesse James Dupree make it that much better.

5. Pushing Me Away- Linkin Park

Seriously, is there a Linkin Park track that shouldn’t be on Guitar Hero? This track fits the Guitar Hero style beautifully. The verses are mellow and require sequences of individual notes (harmonics, actually) and the chorus is an intense sequence of power chords. Your right hand had better be in shape to successfully complete the outro on expert difficulty.

4. Dr. Feelgood- Motley Crue

There’s nothing better than a memorable guitar riff comprised of a quick scale of notes followed by a couple of concluding chords. The solo is concise, interesting, and totally bitchin’ Yes, that’s a technical term. The Crue got plenty of love in GH II, where one of their most favored live tracks, Shout at the Devil, was an encore. Their return in GH III is just what the doctor ordered.

3. Blood Pollution- Steel Dragon

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that Steel Dragon isn’t a real band. It was created from real musicians for the 2001 film Rockstar, starring Mark Wahlburg. However, much like the fictitious Spinal Tap in GH II, this track is seriously rockin! Lead guitarist Zakk Wylde already has his signature spiral-striped guitar finish featured in GHII. The coincidences are just too much!

2. Stairway to Heaven- Led Zeppelin

Yes, it’s trite. Yes, it’s cliché. You know what? Things that are trite and cliché are usually that way for a reason: they’re immensely popular and immensely good! We’ve already seen Free Bird as the culminating track of GH II, so that ship has sailed. Where else can you find over ten minutes of rock and roll anthem like Stairway to Heaven? This should be the final encore of the final setlist. No question.

1. Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, …and Justice for All- Metallica

While each of the names above is a title track for an album, I am actually referring to the entire album. Every—single—song. According to the best intel we’ve got, Metallica has so far refused to allow their music in the Guitar Hero series. As such a staple of heavy metal, there’s really no other explanation for their omission. The three above named albums represent the pinnacle of modern heavy metal. Of all of the songs on the three albums, I’d have to pick the title track “Master of Puppets” as my #1 must have for GH III. Everything other Guitar Hero track from the first and second iteration would pale in comparison. This is the zenith. There would be none higher. Now, if Lars would just extract the drumstick he’s sitting on and sell the rights to Activision…

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Out of nowhere, MLG has added Gears of War as a main title to their tour. Over the course of the 2007 Boost Mobile MLG Pro Circuit, MLG will be awarding over $140,000 in Gears of War prize money and pro player benefits, with the National Championship first place prize weighing in at $25,000!

MLG’s GoW tournament rules:

1. No leaving the normal boundaries of a Map.
2. No shooting while Roadie Running.
3. No use of the Chainsaw on yourself.
4. No Land Surfing
5. No Skydiving
6. No Airwalking
7. No Instant Chainsaw.
8. No Remote Control Chainsaw.
9. No Canceling the Chainsaw Animation.
10. No looking at an opposing Team’s TV or projected screens by Players or Coaches.
11. No starting Games until all Player’s status has been Set to Ready.
12. Breaking any of the above rules will result in a Forfeit of the Game.
13. Any sign of cheating may result in a Forfeit of the Game and possible ejection.
14. The Team that doesn’t Host will choose to play as the COG or Locust for each Game.
15. Quitting out of a Game will be considered a suicide. If the Host quits out of a Game their Team will forfeit the Game.
16. All Players must play as a different COG or Locust character.
17. Players must use their registered MLG Login Name during all Games. No Team Name abbreviations are allowed.
18. No Warm-Up Games may be played outside of scheduled Warm-Up periods.
19. During scheduled Warm-Up periods the winners can stay, but the losers must get up.
20. During scheduled Warm-Up periods, Teams still active in the Event have priority over open Stations.
21. When Players are given the option of using a Full-Screen, Teams can use 2-4 TVs.
22. Players may not raise the volume of a TV above 50. This rule doesn’t apply to Station 1 or Players using headphones.
23. In the case of an Xbox 360/TV malfunction, the Game will be restarted from the beginning.
24. Games started without the approval of a referee will be restarted.
25. If a Team fails to report to their Station within 5 minutes of the announcement, they will Forfeit the first Game. 10 minutes after the announcement, a Team will Forfeit their Best of 3 Game Match or the 2nd Game of their Best of 5 Game Match. 15 minutes after the announcement, a Team will Forfeit their Best of 5 Game Match.

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currently playing: Catan, HALO 3 beta, Guitar Hero II
anticipating: Shadowrun, HALO 2 (PC), HALO 3, Quake Wars (in that order)
rest in peace: GoW, CoD3
Shadowrun rocks!

Wow, this is awesome! StarCraft II is official!!! Finally, a PC game I can look forward to!

Check it out at http://www.starcraft2.com.

You can download the cinematic trailer here.

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StarCraft II continues the epic saga of the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg. These three distinct and powerful races will clash once again in the fast-paced real-time strategy sequel to the legendary original, StarCraft. Legions of veteran, upgraded, and brand-new unit types will do battle across the galaxy, as each faction struggles for survival.

Featuring a unique single-player campaign that picks up where StarCraft: Brood War left off, StarCraft II will present a cast of new heroes and familiar faces in an edgy sci-fi story filled with adventure and intrigue. In addition, Blizzard will again offer unparalleled online play through Battle.net, the company’s world-renowned gaming service, with several enhancements and new features to make StarCraft II the ultimate competitive real-time strategy game.

Features:

* Fast-paced, hard-hitting, tightly balanced competitive real-time strategy gameplay that recaptures and improves on the magic of the original game
* Three completely distinct races: Protoss, Terran, and Zerg
* New units and gameplay mechanics further distinguish each race
* Groundbreaking single-player “story-mode” campaign
* Vibrant new 3D-graphics engine with support for dazzling visual effects and massive unit and army sizes
* Full multiplayer support, with new competitive features and matchmaking utilities available through Battle.net
* Full map-making and scripting tools to give players incredible freedom in customizing and personalizing their gameplay experience.
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