Halo 2.5 for Xbox 2 107
Voodoo Extreme is reporting that the Bungie team may work on a project to port Halo 2 to the next generation Xbox, adding in additional content and improving overall gameplay and picture quality. From the article: "Can you imagine Halo 2 running at 1280x720?!!! We also wonder what was meant by 'all the stuff people expected from Halo 2 but didn't make the cut.' With this kind of top-secret info, you don't ask; you simply listen."
Launch title (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Launch title (Score:2, Interesting)
And there is no panic over Halo 3. Bungie already said their next title will not be related to Halo at all. Halo 3 won't likely be in development until after the Xbox2 is released.
Re:Launch title (Score:1, Troll)
Halo 3 must be taking too long, so a panicked Board has Bungie re-doing #2
First off, Halo 2 just came out. Bungie was working Halo 2 probably a week or two before it went gold, implying that it was not finished. To some its not a complete game. So if anything, if they're doing it, Halo 3 just began in development.
I eagerly await Xboxers falling all over themselves to get this while simultaneously bashing Nintendo for the latest re-release of Su
Re:Launch title (Score:1)
Re:Launch title (Score:1)
Re:Launch title (Score:3, Interesting)
Yeah, but what has it done for me lately? Not having to buy memory cards is great, but I know that if I'm going to a friend's house, I can bring along my mem card and play my personal GTA game using his PS2 and his copy of the game. Can you do that with a hard drive? Only if it's removable, I suppose.
I'm just not buying that the Xbox hard drive is revolutionizing gaming... and I don't think M
Re:Launch title (Score:1)
You can actually, you just need to buy a memory card to do so, however its not required to own the system.
I'm just not buying that the Xbox hard drive is revolutionizing gaming... and I don't think Micr
Re:Launch title (Score:2)
Then the obvious solution would have been to simply give Halo 2 more time for development, and probably make it a Xenon launch title. We'll find out in May, but it seems ever more certain MS plans on launching the Xenon in late 2005.
What would another year have meant to p
Re:Launch title (Score:1)
What would another year have meant to people who wanted a full fledged sequel to Halo, and on a system that can do more than the Xbox? Maybe on the Xenon the in-game engine cinemas wouldn't have so much pop-in and textures would also not just pop into existance when you get
Re:Ok.... (Score:3, Insightful)
GTA San Andreas has 2P modes, so it is at the least viable for a couple players in that regard. Also, it's fun to play one guy's game, then switch over to your game to show off how they're different, what you've collected, whatever. Moreover, it can actually be fun to simply watch somebody else play a game. I chose GTA as the example over fighting or sports because I've actually done that, shithead.
What about KOTOR, which has save files that are too
Re:Ok.... (Score:1)
Oh really? Then why is the PS3 coming out with a hard drive, while also a PVR device? We look at revolutionary as in cutting edge technology, while what is revolutionary is the ideas that change how things are done. Every console up till the Xbox have all been the same,
Re:Ok.... (Score:2)
every console up till the Xbox have all been the same, only extending the graphics of the games.
That's not an accurate statement. Every generation has added new features to the ring, and just about every console has thrown in their own specialties that were later adopted by other companies. Analog sticks, shoulder buttons, wireless controllers, rumble feedback, memory cards, CD/DVD storage, voice input, camera input... all of
Re:Ok.... (Score:1)
It was explained (Score:5, Interesting)
If only they'd hired a competent Project Manager that knew his/her stuff when it came to delivering software on time, under budget, and to spec, without continuous deathmarch sessions, then they never would need to come out with an "here's-all-the-stuff-we-wanted-to-put-in-but-coul dn't" version. Oh, and would have saved at least the industry-standard 10% of the cost on redos and wasted effort to boot. Guess it is easier to do it twice rather than do it right the first time.
Slow down Tex (Score:4, Insightful)
They specifcally say that they didn't include the ATV because they couldn't figure out a reason to have it in the game either single or multiplayer.
All of the aliens that where left out where half finished ugly looking things.
In any creative enterprise, you consider things that you later deside are a bad idea.
Re:It was explained (Score:2, Insightful)
Yeah, they should have hired that guy! And maybe they could have gotten Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny thrown in on the deal..
Go look at what was cutout again (Score:3, Insightful)
A seperate race just to use the covenant sniper rifle? Uh, no. Theres already 5 races (6 if you count the prophets) in Halo 2 and Jackals piss me off as it is with the sniper rifle.
A 1 man warthog vehicle? Pretty but the only reason why the Ghost gets away with being a solo vehicle is because it can strafe.
A flamethrower? Fun but how are yo
Re:It was explained (Score:1)
Gabe Newell to the rescue!...Oh, wait..
Re:It was explained (Score:2)
Well for starters... (Score:5, Interesting)
Like a real ending?
I'll admit I haven't played through all of the single player and don't know first hand, partly cause I would just rather play online multiplayer. However it seems like everyone agrees the ending is shite and I'm taking their word on it.
Even if they are saving for some sort of content download, what about the half of my friends that payed $50 for the game, who would have X Box live but they can't get broadband where they live?
I would also love to see improved networking code. Maybe I just don't know about the underlying infrastructure to appreciate why I get dropped so much, but I recall having better luck playing Quake 2 on my 33.6 modem then I have had with my cable connection that is more or less fairly solid.
Re:Well for starters... (Score:3, Interesting)
It doesn't end. It just stops. When it faded out I was waiting for the next cut-scene. Then the credits started rolling. "That's it?" I say. "This is broken or something."
Re:Well for starters... (Score:2)
Re:Well for starters... (Score:2)
Xbox live sucks. I'm always getting dropped... hop online and play Q3/whatever pc game things work fine. I don't get what the deal is with Xbox live, me, and my friends, seem to have the same problem, getting dropped frequently.
- Joshua
Re:Well for starters... (Score:2)
How about just having the freaking game at the res it's al right now without that lame-ass texture redraw. Seriously, those are the worst cutscenes I've seen this generation. All of a sudden guns are getting drawn in on ships, key characters start dialogue without having a face on. Lame. Utter garbage.
Also wins the award for Worst Ending of the Millennium.
Re:Well for starters... (Score:1)
I had this problem as well and noticed it happened in different spots. I ran the cleaner and most of the pop-in went away. Not all of it, but then I've got an old system I bought at launch.
Re:Well for starters... (Score:2)
I got it in November the weekend before getting Halo 2.
If it's true, it's a ploy... (Score:5, Interesting)
Of course, the hard drive version will cost more than the non-hard drive flash memory version... so if they really are putting a Halo 2.5 pre-loaded onto the hard drive for the Xenon, well, it's a ploy to get the more expensive version to sell. And it also shows Microsoft knows they need Halo to sell copnsoles, despite what many an Xbox fanboi has stated in the past.
However, MS knows that Bungie won't have Halo 3 ready for the Xenon launch, so if this rumor is true, they're trying to have some sort of Halo at launch. They know that Halo single handedly kept the Xbox alive until Xbox Live and some really good games started coming out a year after launch (and anyone who says the Xbox could have really been selling on the other games besides Halo released in the first year is deluding themselves), so they could be hoping to do the same with "Halo 2.5"; IE keep Xenon sales going until better games start coming out for the Xenon.
Re:If it's true, it's a ploy... (Score:3, Interesting)
None of the other consoles had any d
Re:If it's true, it's a ploy... (Score:3, Insightful)
As for no other consoles having a great launch title, what about Soul Caliber 1 for the
Re:If it's true, it's a ploy... (Score:3, Interesting)
For the Madden fans, the PS2 had Madden at launch. The GameCube had Rogue Leader.
But, the point being that none of the other games for the Xbox's entire first year would have carried the Xbox or sold Xboxes. And, at the time, there was no promise of potentially really good games coming out, either. And witho
Re:If it's true, it's a ploy... (Score:2)
Re:If it's true, it's a ploy... (Score:1)
As far as Rogue Leade
How about... (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:How about... (Score:2)
I just paid $50 for Halo 2 and another $50 for an Xbox Live subscription. That's $100 for one game. Okay, whatever, fine.
Now they're telling me that the game is less than perfect and they want me to buy a new console and a new copy of the game. $200 for the console, $20 for a new headset adapter for the controller, and $50 for Halo 2.5.
Total cost: $370.
Is Halo 2 worth $370?
Re:How about... (Score:2)
No, they're not, some internet rumor site is.
And, by the way, Halo 2 is fucking awesome, even with it's supposed problems. I prefer the pop-in on Halo 2 to the load pauses in HL2, personally. As for the ending, the single player game took me ~12.5 hours to beat. That's plenty for a single-player game. Yes, the ending left a lot of loose threads, but it didn't feel like the game just "stopped," any more than Empire Strikes Back just "stopped."
I think a lot of peopl
RUMOR (Score:3, Informative)
TV? (Score:2)
Re:TV? (Score:2)
Re:1280x720, indeed (Score:2, Interesting)
What with all these people who can't tell the diff between a console and a PC?
Also, I note a pattern here. Want to bash the Xbox? Compare it to a high-end PC!
Here, I'll make it easy for you. Xbox == Console, PC == PC. Wasn't that easy!
Re:1280x720, indeed (Score:2)
Re:1280x720, indeed (Score:3, Insightful)
1. Spend a few grand to get the latest pc hardware.
2. Spen money on an operating system.
3. Spend money on the game.
4. Install the game.
5. Update all your drivers because the game doesn't play.
6. Get frustrated because you have a virus.
Console steps to playing games:
1. Buy console for less than 300 dollars.
2. Buy game.
3. Play game.
Console = toaster (Score:1)
Consoles are toasters. They make toast. If all you want is toast and the style of toast you crave is available for the toaster, buy the toaster. Otherwise, buy a computer.
Re:Console = toaster (Score:2)
Re:Console = toaster (Score:1)
The XBOX has horsepower once modded to reveal its inner not-a-toaster. I admire the work of those converting their breadboxes to ovens or SETI receivers but doing it myself ain't high on the list.
Re: (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:irony (Score:1)
You only wish you could play the likes of Halo or Halo2 on your Mac.
"Can you imagine Halo 2 running at 1280x720?!!! (Score:4, Insightful)
"I paid $2,000+ for my pc... (Score:1)
wow, and here i thought people on slashdot where usually smart. i realize most of you guys probably spend a small fortune on computer junk and alot of people on here may also make a good bit of money doing some computer related job, but the bulk fo this country does not have very much expendable income. I don't know why its so hard to imagine somone buying a $300 game sytem to hook up to there -$1000 hdtv the
Re:"I paid $2,000+ for my pc... (Score:1)
Also, there != their.
Re:"I paid $2,000+ for my pc... (Score:1)
Re:"I paid $2,000+ for my pc... (Score:1)
I have a high-end PC and a decent-but-not-spectacular home theater. Both cost around $2000 in parts. When I come home from a long day, I can either sit at my desk and play games on a 17" LCD, or sit on my couch and play on a 47" HDTV with 5.1 surround sound. Which do you think I choose? I'll concede that some people simply can't find the games they want on consoles, but for me, gaming's just more fun on the couch, especially when my friend
Halo sucks (Score:2)
Plenty of people agree with me.
But this will still sell consoles.
Now mod me down fanbyos, mod me down.
Re:Halo sucks (Score:1)
Re:Halo sucks (Score:2, Funny)
Plenty of people have and enjoy Halo 2. Bungie may have "sold out" to Microsoft, but I'm still going to enjoy their fantastic games they've made because of it. Hate me or even hate the games if you want, but I'll be over here playing some more Halo 2 on Xbox Live and having fun.
Re:Halo sucks (Score:1)
Nothing but a rumor (Score:2)
Re:High resolution? (Score:3, Informative)
- price ($100 to $300)
- comfy to play in couch. Great to play with friends. Perfect also for getting in a game quickly (no booting, etc).
- easy integration of gaming with home theater. Gamers who work usually already own a nice HDTV and Dolby surround system.
- XBox live ease of use
- no installation pain (hello Steam)
- huge size of existing game library, with a lot of quality titles.
- variety of genres: fighting, racing, rpgs, FPS, platform, action/adventure
- tends to be more originality o
Re:High resolution? (Score:3, Insightful)
- huge size of existing game library, with a lot of quality titles.
PCs don't have a huge library of exsisting titles?? I can go from playing Half-life 2 to DooM to Nethack and everything in between. Thanks partly to emulators, I can play a huge variety of games from the last 20 years or so. Try doing THAT on an XBox.
- variety of genres: fighting, racing, rpgs, FPS, platform, action/adv
You forgot about the bugs (Score:2)
None of those exist with consoles and the games are nearly perfect.
Re:You forgot about the bugs (Score:1)
This is something that the PC games industry, as a whole, should be addressin
Re:High resolution? (Score:2)
Re:High resolution? (Score:1)
Partly it's a bias on my part - I'm just used to playing g
Re:High resolution? (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:High resolution? (Score:2)
But they did... they all switched to consoles! If you recognize this as a major flaw in PC games, why are you holding out for them to fix it. Just for better graphics? It sounds like you're holding on to
Re:High resolution? (Score:5, Insightful)
But seriously, you must be relatively new to PC games. Things got *way* better when Windows 95 came out and games started supporting it. Back before that, you needed a plethora of boot disks (or a cleverly constructed boot disk menu system) setting up various types of extended memory managers, TSRs, sound drivers, etc. If you wanted networked games, it got worse as you threw packet drivers into the fray.
You want to play Descent with somebody over the Internet? Can't do it, unless you payed for Kali, which routes IPX over TCP/IP. Doom was fun, but it originally did network calls via broadcast packets -- killing the entire network if more than a few people were playing.
Even after Windows 95, then 98, etc., things still got tricky. Do you have a 3dfx card? Then you want Glide -- OpenGL may not work properly. But what if your game doesn't have a Glide mode? Or what if you don't have a 3dfx card, but your game only has Glide support? (A pity -- I really liked playing Dethkarz [gamespot.com] with my friends, but it's 3D is Glide only. I could set up an older computer to play it again, but can't expect my friends to do so too ...)
Seriously, ignoring blips like requiring Steam (and an Internet connection) to play games like HL2, PC games are easier to get running right now than they have since they started requiring more than 640k of RAM and better than CGA graphics, and had to actually be *installed* on the hard drive. And as much as I enjoy bashing Microsoft, I also know that much of this `ease' is thanks to Microsoft and the semi-standardized APIs that Windows provides.
Re:High resolution? (Score:1)
Fine, I'll bite. I've been playing games since my old TI-99, which was in some ways more like todays consoles than a PC.
I agree that games have gotten vastly easier to get working on a PC than they ever were before. Years ago, I spent most of a weekend tweaking a boot disk to play Master of Orion on my 486, trying to find the exact combination of drivers that would satisfy the game's requirements and not run out of memory. We're at a point where automa
Re:High resolution? (Score:2)
Re:High resolution? (Score:2)
Damn Right (Score:1)
Re:High resolution? (Score:1)
Exactly. (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Exactly. (Score:2)
Microsoft/Bungie sold 2.4 million copies (over $125 million gross) [cnn.com] of Halo 2 on the first day. For perspective (from same article), GTA: San Andreas, sold around 2 million copies in October. Now, what PC game (apart from solitaire or other Windows-bundled games) has ever reached those kinds of numbers in a month, let alone a DAY?
I know it's really hard for some PC people to accept, but the bottom line is that console games sell more copies than PC gam
Halo is a PC game (Score:2)
As you may have noticed, the eventual release of Halo for the PC did not cause anyone's XBox to explode - the XBox copies of Halo kept working, just the same as ever. Making Halo a "PC game" didn't prevent it from being an "XBox game" as well - games are just software.
If such things as "XBox and PC games" are possible to write, then, one is left to wonder why making Halo (a game which was originally written to be cross pla
Re:Halo is a PC game (Score:2)
Further, if Bungie were NOT a part of Microsoft but knew that making Halo/Halo 2 first for the Xbox while delaying a PC/Mac release would give them million-plus first-day sales of their Xbox game they would do it EVERY DAMN TIME. If they wouldn't, then they deserve to go out of business.
As for being a "conspiracy nut," well, no.
I'm not missing the point (Score:2)
I'm not suggesting that Halo shouldn't have been release
Re:Exactly. (Score:2)
It's easy to imagine that there never would have been a Halo 2 in that scenario because it wouldn't have been near as successful. Half a million copies of a PC game is hard enough to sell, but to match their success on the XBOX? No way.
Like it or not, Microsoft did YOU, a Halo fan, a huge favor by bu
Pre-Halo and Post-Halo (Score:2)
99% of people : Bungie? Who the hell is that?
1% Bungie! Marathon!
Post-Halo :
99% of people : Bungie? Halo!
1% Bungie? Those sell-outs!
Re:Exactly. (Score:2)
Re:Exactly. (Score:2)