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| Halo Reach Launches In 1 Day At The Stroke Of Midnight |
Halo means so much to so many people. This is not extraordinary in the culture of video games. What's exceptional is how many different things it means to those players. For me Halo has always been a social experience, with lifelong friendships forged over a shared love of the game. Some hop online to randomly test their merit in competitive matches. Others find themselves lost in the fiction, playing through the campaign alone and then poring over the extended story in books and anime. Still others look to Halo for a creative outlet as level forgers or machinima producers. This range in how we play Halo is a testament to how feature-rich development studio Bungie has made the franchise, and Halo: Reach is the ultimate punctuation on a decade's work.
This is the end of the Halo road for Bungie -- the group is set to move on to a new original game next while Microsoft takes over responsibility for the franchise's future -- and that sense of this being a finale is in Halo: Reach. It shows clear reference to past games, refines well-established game mechanics, adds a few exciting twists, and polishes the rest to a glossy finish. The result is one of the most complete, fully-featured packages you'll find in gaming.
Little here will surprise the hardcore Halo fan, especially if they were among the millions that took part in the multiplayer beta earlier this year. The approach to making a first-person shooter remains the same as it has in the past for Halo. There's a co-op friendly campaign filled with the dreaded Covenant aliens, sparkling online competitive multiplayer, the four-player Firefight mode, and lots of flexibility to allow everyone to tweak settings to their liking. If you've played a Halo game in the past, you'll feel instantly at home.
That's not to say this is just another rehash. There's plenty of new and exciting content in Halo: Reach and it begins with the main character. Master Chief is out. This time you'll step into the shoes of Noble 6, a nameless hero for players to project themselves onto. Noble 6 doesn't even have a defined gender. Thanks to a deep new customization system, you're free to fit Noble 6's look to your personality.
A dark tale of destruction awaits you.
Noble 6's tale begins with an introduction to Planet Reach. This colony is the center of humanity's military might, and home to the Spartan program that produced Master Chief himself. The events of Halo: Reach take place as a prequel to the main Halo trilogy and -- though they take small liberties with the established fiction -- help to tell the story of the events that lead up to events of Halos 1 through 3. The war with the Covenant is already raging, and things don't look good for us humans.
Noble 6 is the rookie member of Noble Team, a squad of Spartans stationed on Reach. You'll get to know each of the other team members through the course of Halo: Reach as you work with them to complete various missions, but the action always follows Noble 6's adventure.
The whole shebang will last you about nine or ten hours on your first play through on the Heroic difficulty (less if you're real good and more if you aren't). During that time you'll find a lot of tried and true mainstays of the Halo formula. That means plenty of big battlefields, crazy vehicles, lots of aliens to fight, and tons of weapons to help make the Covenant pay. Though past Halo games were filled with repetitive landscapes and circuitous, difficult to follow plots, Halo: Reach does not suffer from these problems.
This is the most straightforward and enjoyable tale of destruction the franchise has yet to produce. And don't worry if you haven't played the other Halo games yet – though Reach will feel a lot deeper and more compelling to longtime Halo fans, it can stand on its own as a self-contained story. The tale starts out simple enough, but it quickly escalates to stunning set pieces before pulling out all the stops. The last third of the game is just one big thrill ride, and the revelations that occur during that part of the game are sure to make any Halo buff go ballistic. The ending in particular left a huge impression on me. I don't want to spoil anything, but just know that the space combat Bungie used to tease
Halo: Reach is only the beginning.
Now, though the Halo formula is intact and there are plenty of wink-and-a-nod references to past games, Reach is a big step forward. Little successful elements of old Halo games are sprinkled here or there while a new found sensibility in level design and pacing is wrapped around the core. The action is always moving through one combat scenario to the next, with plenty of gameplay and scenario twists to keep things fresh.
Halo Personality Quiz -- Find out which Spartan you are.
The best new addition? Armor abilities. These are an evolution of the equipment found in Halo 3 and drastically change the way you play in their updated form. These temporary but reusable extra abilities add things like sprinting, jet packs, and invincible armor to the franchise for the first time. The result is a faster, more acrobatic game that affords the player more flexibility in how they'd like to approach each fight. Also, jet packs are awesome. How did we go without them this long?
That sense of immersion is helped along quite a bit by the amazing audio work and the new graphics engine built for Halo: Reach. Marty O'Donnell, the lead sound guy at Bungie, has once again delivered an epic soundtrack that is so good that it elevates the entire game. That's no small feat.
While that music pummels your ear drums, your eyes get to feast on one gorgeous looking game. The alien vistas and color palette are striking, and the sense of scale is oftentimes off the charts. You're fighting amidst a war that rages across an entire planet, and Bungie doesn't let you forget it. Even so, there are times when the epic battles don't quite feel so incredible thanks to a lack of detail or the occasional frame rate stutter while the engine can't keep up with what's happening.
It's difficult to separate out the core components of Halo: Reach because they all sort of blend together into one massive experience. The campaign can be played alone or with up to four-players on a split-screen or online. Likewise, you can play the Firefight mode, a single map test of skill and endurance against waves of Covenant enemies, with a few friends cooperatively. All of those great additions that made it into the campaign? Well they're here too. This mode was introduced in Halo 3: ODST, but has finally met its promise thanks to online matchmaking and a more robust set of options. One of which is a competitive versus mode where you can compete for points while one or more players take up the side of the Covenant.
Or you can just go all out in a fight against other players by joining the competitive online multiplayer game. Like Firefight, the core concept remains the same as past Halo games while new features, weapons and modes have been added. Armor abilities and tweaked physics make the game that millions have poured hours and hours into feel fresh once again. It doesn't hurt that the new modes like Headhunter and Invasion are a ton of fun. The format is warmly familiar, but it all feels so new after digging into the competitive game and learning new tricks and skills.
Wrapped around all of this is an addition that Bungie calls player investment. Everything you do -- be it play the campaign or complete an online match -- earns you credits. Rack up enough and you can unlock customization features to make your Noble 6 look elite, and that look carries through all modes in the game -- even cut scenes. Don't be surprised if you find a goofy, pink-and-blue Noble 6 invading your game like IGN editor-in-chief Hilary Goldstein did. If you make your character look dumb, it's your own fault.
Firefight has met its promise.
Likewise, Xbox Live members can take part in daily or weekly challenges created by Bungie with an eye towards compelling players to come back again and again to prove their skills. This, for me, is the kicker. I don't think I'm going to be able to stop logging on every few days for a new challenge, followed by a little message to a friend taunting them about how I did it faster.
The one aspect of
Halo: Reach I found lacking was in the multiplayer map selection. There are 13 total for competitive games, but four of those are either direct copies or retreads of maps from past Halo games. Everything plays quite differently with all of the gameplay tweaks, but I can already see myself looking forward to the first map pack. It's tough to complain about a lack of content in such a feature rich game, but I was left hoping for more.
IGN's History of Halo
That issue is mitigated to some extent by the incredible amount of flexibility built into Halo: Reach. The Forge, where players can lightly edit the competitive maps, is back and now much more user friendly. Most won't take advantage of that tool, but they will benefit from the new map and game variants that the hardcore create and share with the community.
It's also incredibly simple to just hop in and edit the rules of the game, both for Firefight and in normal multiplayer games. You can tweak everything from which enemies you face in Firefight to how much damage weapons do, and a whole lot more. Think of a crazy game variant -- even one that doesn't have anything to do with shooting -- and you can probably make it and share it with your friends in Halo: Reach. The whole system is incredibly powerful and equally impressive. The only downer is that there is no way to search for a custom game. If a game type isn't in the predetermined matchmaking hoppers and you don't have friends online, you're out of luck.
Yeah, you can play as the Elites online.
All told, the multiplayer suite is one of the best ever. The Halo multiplayer game has been expanding since the early days of the original Xbox, and now it's hit a point where the amount of , flexibility, number of modes, and potential for fun is just out of this world. Very few other games can compete with this level of polish, presentation, and attention to detail. And just when you think you've seen it all, don't forget to hop on to
bungie.net to find extra stats, shared in-game screenshots and movies, and a vibrant community ready to help you extend the life of your game for months and months.
Closing Comments
Or you can just go all out in a fight against other players by joining the competitive online multiplayer game. Like Firefight, the core concept remains the same as past Halo games while new features, weapons and modes have been added. Armor abilities and tweaked physics make the game that millions have poured hours and hours into feel fresh once again. It doesn't hurt that the new modes like Headhunter and Invasion are a ton of fun. The format is warmly familiar, but it all feels so new after digging into the competitive game and learning new tricks and skills.
Wrapped around all of this is an addition that Bungie calls player investment. Everything you do -- be it play the campaign or complete an online match -- earns you credits. Rack up enough and you can unlock customization features to make your Noble 6 look elite, and that look carries through all modes in the game -- even cut scenes. Don't be surprised if you find a goofy, pink-and-blue Noble 6 invading your game like IGN editor-in-chief Hilary Goldstein did. If you make your character look dumb, it's your own fault.
Firefight has met its promise.
Likewise, Xbox Live members can take part in daily or weekly challenges created by Bungie with an eye towards compelling players to come back again and again to prove their skills. This, for me, is the kicker. I don't think I'm going to be able to stop logging on every few days for a new challenge, followed by a little message to a friend taunting them about how I did it faster.
The one aspect of Halo: Reach I found lacking was in the multiplayer map selection. There are 13 total for competitive games, but four of those are either direct copies or retreads of maps from past Halo games. Everything plays quite differently with all of the gameplay tweaks, but I can already see myself looking forward to the first map pack. It's tough to complain about a lack of content in such a feature rich game, but I was left hoping for more.
IGN's History of Halo
That issue is mitigated to some extent by the incredible amount of flexibility built into Halo: Reach. The Forge, where players can lightly edit the competitive maps, is back and now much more user friendly. Most won't take advantage of that tool, but they will benefit from the new map and game variants that the hardcore create and share with the community.
It's also incredibly simple to just hop in and edit the rules of the game, both for Firefight and in normal multiplayer games. You can tweak everything from which enemies you face in Firefight to how much damage weapons do, and a whole lot more. Think of a crazy game variant -- even one that doesn't have anything to do with shooting -- and you can probably make it and share it with your friends in Halo: Reach. The whole system is incredibly powerful and equally impressive. The only downer is that there is no way to search for a custom game. If a game type isn't in the predetermined matchmaking hoppers and you don't have friends online, you're out of luck.
Yeah, you can play as the Elites online.
All told, the multiplayer suite is one of the best ever. The Halo multiplayer game has been expanding since the early days of the original Xbox, and now it's hit a point where the amount of , flexibility, number of modes, and potential for fun is just out of this world. Very few other games can compete with this level of polish, presentation, and attention to detail. And just when you think you've seen it all, don't forget to hop on to
bungie.net to find extra stats, shared in-game screenshots and movies, and a vibrant community ready to help you extend the life of your game for months and months.
Closing Comments
IGN Ratings for Halo: Reach (X360)
| 10 | Presentation
A package that all other developers can look to as the definition of complete. |
| 9.5 | Graphics
A few stutters here or there can't stop this from being an incredible looking game. |
| 10 | Sound
Once again, a masterful soundtrack. |
| 9.5 | Gameplay
Familiar, and yet brand new. These are some of the best first-person shooting mechanics around. |
| 9.5 | Lasting Appeal
Little things like more maps or a better way to hop into custom games could extend the long life even further. Even so, there's a ton of content here. |
9.5 OVERALL | Incredible (out of 10) |
If You Haven't preordered your copy of Halo Reach and still would like to indulge in the free $20.00 gift cards and exclusive multi-threat armor offers from retailers, then I suggest you do so NOW! Below are the best preorder deals on Halo Reach.
Bungie’s latest entry in the Halo
universe, Halo: Reach, is closing in on its release date (September 14th). If you’re an Xbox 360 owner and you haven’t pre-ordered the game yet (really?), here is your chance. We’ve taken a look at the best Halo: Reach pre-order deals for both US and UK, and we’re here to give you a heads up.The Most Popular of the 2 million ordered Halo Reach Copies Are Amazon; for the fast free shipping and $20.00 Amazon gift card, Buy.com; for the lowest price on the web, and Wal-Mart For it's low prices and efficiency. Here Are The Top Halo Reach Preorder Deals On The Web.
Halo: Reach Last Minute Pre-order Deals (US and UK)
Halo: Reach US pre-order deals
1. Amazon is offering a $20
Video Games Credit for those who pre-order the Standard, Limited or Legendary editions of Halo: Reach. You’ll also receive access to an in-game exclusive
Spartan Recon helmet.
2.
Gamestop: If you pre-order Halo: Reach from
Gamestop (
Standard or
Legendary Edition) you will receive an exclusive in-game
UA Multi-Threat Mjolnir Mark V(B) Armor, designed to provide Spartans with “
the most impact across all combat secenarios“. You’ll also get a token to
download the in-game
Spartan Recon helmet with the Visor/Blast shield and a chance to win a
life-sized Halo: Reach Spartan Soldier.
3. Best Buy: offers those who pre-order Halo: Reach (Standard, Limited or Legendary) a free
$20 gift card. If you are a member of the Reward Zone Gamers Club you’ll also receive
500 Bonus Points. The same offers applies also to those who pre-order The Xbox 360 250GB Limited Edition Halo: Reach Bundle.
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| Halo Reach Available For Pre-order At Best Buy |
4. Buy.com offers slightly reduced
prices (
Standard Edition – $56.99,
Limited Edition – $74.99,
Legendary Edition – $139.99,
Xbox 360 Halo: Reach Bundle – $399.99) and Free Shipping for those who pre-order Halo: Reach. The standard version comes with the
Recon helmet with the Visor/Blast Shield.
 |
| Lowest Prices And Fast Shipping on Halo Reach |
http://affiliate.buy.com/fs-bin/click?id=SfkWGjeg0YE&subid=&offerid=207701.1&type=10&tmpid=6932&u1=DanielJohnFarley&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buy.com%2Fretail%2Fusersearchresults.asp%3Fquerytype%3Dhome%2526qu%3Dhalo%2Breach%2526qxt%3Dhome%2526display%3Dcol5
.
5. Dell.com offers Halo: Reach
Standard Edition at $49.99 and the
Halo: Reach Limited Edition Xbox 360 Bundle with a 1-Year Xbox Live Subscription for just $399.99 (you save $50). Unfortunately the Halo: Reach Limited and Legendary editions are sold-out at Dell.
6. Wallmart: If you pre-order the
Standard,
Limited or
Legendary editions of Halo: Reach at
WallMart you will receive a
$20 Wallmart eGift Card. The offer also includes the downloadable
Spartan Recon helmet.
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| Halo Reach Available Here |
7. Toys R Us offers
free shipping and the
Spartan Recon Helmet with the Visor/Blast Shield if you pre-order the
Standard,
Limited or
Legendary Editions of the game.
8. Microsoft Store- Preorder Halo Reach from the Microsoft Store And Receive Halo Reach On Release Day, September 14! Yes, this is the fastest shipping on the web for Halo reach, so get yours before anybody else.
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| Halo Reach Launches In Just Two Days!! |
Halo: Reach UK pre-order deals
1. You can pre-order Halo: Reach at
Amazon.co.uk at reduced prices (
Standard – £36.99,
Limited – £49.70 and
Legendary – £169.99) and you’ll also receive the downloadable
Spartan Recon Helmet.
2.
Zavvi offers Halo: Reach at the following prices:
Standard Ed – £35.95,
Limited Ed – £49.70 and
Legendary Ed – £98.95 (Sold Out for now). Halo: reach Standard Edition comes with the
Bonus Spartan Recon Helmet while the Limited Edition brings the multiplayer only
Bonus Elite Armour Set. Zavvi offers
free UK delivery on all orders.
3.
Game has slashed the prices for Halo: Reach
Standard Edition (£39.99) and the
Limited one (£54.99). All pre-orders will come with the downloadable
Spartan Recon Helmet and the
UA Multi-Threat Mjolnir Mark V(B) Armor.
4.
HMV.com offers
free delivery and
800 Microsoft Xbox Live Points if you pre-order Halo: Reach
Standard Edition (£37.99) or the
Limited Edition (£54.99). Those free Microsoft points will sure come handy when Bungie will start releasing Halo: Reach DLCs.
If we happen to stumble on another pre-order deal worth mentioning we will update this article.
After you’ve placed your order you might want to check the Extended version of the
Halo: Reach – Deliver Hope Trailer, a leaked
Halo: Reach Campaign Gameplay Video, the
Noble Team in Action or the
A Spartan Will Rise Trailer.
If you're completely new to the Xbox gaming scene, Microsoft has a nice starter bundle available. For $400, this bundle provides a console, a copy of Halo: Reach, and two wireless controllers. This bundle features the new Xbox 360 Slim, which has the benefit of a sleeker design, integrated wireless, and 250 GB hdd. Even gamers who already own an Xbox might be tempted by the exclusive silver color. 
Halo fans have been waiting years for the Halo movie to hit theaters, and it seems they'll be waiting at least a few more. For the time being, Halo Legends is the closest gamers can come to experiencing the Halo universe through film. Like The Animatrix and Batman: Gotham Knight, Halo Legends offers a collection of short movies created by various Japanese animation houses. Each segment focuses on a different section of the mythology and sports its own unique style of animation. The approach pretty much guarantees there will be something to appeal to any type of Halo fan. And if the ending is to be believed, Microsoft may eventually deliver a sequel collection. 
If you're the type that enjoys a little real-life role-playing outside digital gaming, Master Replicas has a line of weapons just for you. Their Halo 3 prop weapons offer full-size renditions of popular Covenant weaponry like plasma rifles and energy swords. They even feature lights and sound effects. And given that Covenant warriors tend to be larger than the average ground trooper, these weapons are surprisingly large and hefty. 
For those that prefer a slightly more laid back approach to stocking their armory, Master Replicas also offers a series of scale model weapons and helmets that can be displayed on the shelf. Everyone could use a few UNSC Battle Rifles to offset that lightsaber collection. 
A quick Internet search will yield plenty of amateur and unofficial Master Chief costumes. Only one company's wares are good enough to actually be featured on Microsoft's Halo Waypoint website. Rubie's produces a high-end Mjolnir armor replica that looks plenty convincing on the party circuit. It probably won't deflect bullets, but it will impress the hardcore gamer crowd at your next Halloween party. Rubie's also has some cheaper options for sale, but we say – if you're going to suit up, you might as well go all the way. 
Flash drives are incredibly commonplace these days, and most of them are just so boring. Liven up your workspace with the cutest rendition of Master Chief you're likely to find. Mimobot has added Halo to their list of USB flash drive franchises alongside the likes of Hello Kitty and Star Wars. Gamers can grab the traditional Master Chief or blue or red Spartan variants. Capacities range from 2 to 16 GB, so even hardcore computer users should have plenty of storage to work with. Why not plug one into the Xbox to take advantage of the new USB storage support? It's certainly cheaper than buying Microsoft's official drive. 
