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[Kobold]

See you in Amsterdam!

 

[FrankT]

A couple of things I didn't notice earlier today (going through it again while working out).

1) They mention that no one knew they were going to be part of the E3 presentation until shortly before it started.

2) Frank said Halo 3 is done by the time Peter Moore leaves Microsoft. So they have to go gold (or at least get into cert not sure what constitutes "done") by September 1st. For those trying to divine how long they have left to crunch I thought it was interesting.



Your cat? As in, pet? The Brimley thing I accept as a weird and entertaining fetish, but you are collecting Brimley references and telling your cat about them is kind creepy. :lol

Thought Peter Moore was out on July 30th or is that when the new guy takes over, eh, not sure.

 

[Stinkles]

You lie. You mentioned when talking about dialogue that Grunts have new states they can be in so new types of dialogue. That falls directly in line with Grunts being converted - of course they'd have new dialogue if they're fighting against other Covenant and possibly on the same side as Marines.

Panic
Rage
Cover
Attack

those are states.

 

[TDG]

Panic
Rage
Cover
Attack

those are states.

4 states. Hmm... interesting. INTERESTING.

4 player online co-op confirmed?

 

[op_ivy]

4 states. Hmm... interesting. INTERESTING.

4 player online co-op confirmed?

:lol

i can visualize stinkles punching himself in the face after reading through this thread.

 

[raYne]

:lol

i can visualize stinkles punching himself in the face after reading through this thread.

:lol

stinklesdeathstare.gif

 

[GhaleonEB]

Thought Peter Moore was out on July 30th or is that when the new guy takes over, eh, not sure.

Peter Moore stays on at Microsoft through the end of August. The new guy starts July 30, so there's a one-month overlap transition.

http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2007/07/17/552114.aspx

As Dopey pointed out, a one-month lead for going gold to ship is par for the franchise.

And it's entirely possible that what they did to the Grunts in Campaign has to do with either just messing around, or another entirely seperate feature

Spoiler

Meta-game?

.

 

[Proelite]

Stuff and nonsense.

I'll miss fighting with grunts. ;_;

 

[3rdman]

I'm sure its just an oversight, but I can't help but notice that my question wasn't answered, Stinkles? I don't expect an answer, but I sure could use another Wilford Brimley Gif!

Are Grunts spawnable in multiplayer?

 

[Chinner]

Enjoyed the last one but has this podcast got alot more juice in terms of content whencompared to the last one?

 

[Ace 8095]

4 states. Hmm... interesting. INTERESTING.

4 player online co-op confirmed?

I'm almost positive Halo 3 will have 4 player online co-op.

 

[raYne]

I'll miss fighting with grunts. ;_;

I secretly hoped that between H2 and 3 the Brutes killed all of them in their sleep.

I know what they add to the series, but I'd like them a lot more if they weren't pure cannonfodder.

 

[Wile E Bud]

i liked the part where they said there are fish in the water and they can be killed and that make me wonder can u still kill birds in the game like mentioned in an weekly update or is that taken out.

 

[op_ivy]

bungie webcam updated!

 

[Falagard]

Panic
Rage
Cover
Attack

those are states.

What you mean is that those are the four emotions you feel as you read stupid posts.

I'm aware of what states are I've read Bungie's dissertation on Halo 2's AI system found here: http://www.gamasutra.com/gdc2005/features/20050311/isla_01.shtml

Not to mention implemented AI myself a few times in various projects.

So anyhow, Bungie did mention in a podcast that Grunts do something new and interesting so I figured it could be something like deserting/switching allegiance in the presence of the Arbiter. I didn't read that in the EGM leak.

So you're denying that this happens?

 

[Mr Vociferous]

I'm almost positive Halo 3 will have 4 player online co-op.

4-player coop is a pretty brave statement considering they admitted to struggling to any type of online cooperative play in the EGM article. Sounds like hex fantasies to me.

 

[thekad]

I wonder if Bungie has started work on their next game yet.... Stinkles?

 

[armubaba]

I wonder if Bungie has started work on their next game yet.... Stinkles?

Pimps At Sea XBLA.

Come on guys, make it happen.

 

[GhaleonEB]

So a bunch of Halo 3 merch listed at EB that previously had just placeholder names but no images have been updated today.

The faceplate and skin pack:

Really disappointed in this one. I was hoping for a cool way to deck out my 360 since I'm not double-dipping to get the Halo 3 edition unit. I expected more than iconography from the 2006 announcement trailer.

Carbine Scaled Replica:

Battle Rifle Scaled Replica:

I'm actually really digging these and might snag a Carbine to go with the LE helmet on my shelf. They're only $19.99 so no idea just how scaled they are.

Halo 3 Missle Case:

........

Master Chief Kubric Set:

Looks like a set of four for $19.99. Kinda cute.

Halo Slingbag/Backpack:

Halo Action Clix 4-Pack:

Probably just one set of many from the upcoming tabletop game.

 

[Mr Vociferous]

Nice merch. Carbine looks hot.

The whole conversation about what new things the Grunts do in Halo 3 is way off topic, but it's amusing to watch. The conversation that the guys had on the podcast didn't seem to have anything to do with AI in the game, but rather some back end, debug trick which was funny in and of itself.

Grunt AI will have some interesting attributes though...and some surprises:

Today, I swear I saw some Grunts do a classic pincer-movement to trap me in a narrow canyon. I was battling um, something bigger than a Grunt, and suddenly, I’m being peppered by a second group of jerks, mostly Grunts, who’d been sent in around my flanks to take me out. Grunts are still grunts though, and once I showed some serious opposition, a couple of them panicked and fled, but they nearly had me and it was quite a shock. [06/30/2006 - BWU]

…one thing I noticed is that the sheer number of characters on screen, talking simultaneously, affects the flavor of combat. Hearing three grunts panic while two charge you, yelling, makes combat feel way more intense. Grunts are still funny, but it’s not so funny when they’re winging plasma ‘nades at you like The Big Unit after a bad haircut. The number of times I have been taken by surprise by a gang of angry Grunts – I can’t even tell you. [01/19/2007 - BWU]

The AI on the opponents is more interesting too. Even a lone Grunt can be a nasty challenge. Actually, a lone Grunt is sometimes a cornered Grunt now. You’ve been warned. [03/23/2007 - BWU]

…there’s nothing like hurling a single plasma into an unsuspecting group of Grunts, fresh off a Phantom dropship, and seeing them scatter, literally like screaming bowling pins. My favorite spot to do this is a verdant, sunny cliff edge that ensures any Brutes with them, take a fatal plunge into the lake below. The only glitch in this plan is that sometimes a Grunt gets stuck, and comes racing out of the group, thus saving most of them. The reverse can happen too – stick a Grunt and watch him panic and charge straight back at his (former) buddies. And there’s another plasma surprise that relates to Grunt behavior. We’re saving that one, but let’s just say it’s one of the funniest, yet scariest AI behaviors I’ve ever seen. [03/02/2007 - BWU]

It seems like Halo 3's Grunts will be more resourceful this time around and at least some of them will be a tad more angry than before. Then there's something of a plamsa-tinged mystery...

 

[TDG]

I might buy that BR. I've always liked using the BR more than the Carbine. I'm not really sure why.

 

[Ace 8095]

4-player coop is a pretty brave statement considering they admitted to struggling to any type of online cooperative play in the EGM article. Sounds like hex fantasies to me.

I'm a brave man.

 

[SpudBud]

Screw the BR, give me more AR.

 

[TDG]

Screw the BR, give me more AR.

Yes.

 

[urk]

I will destroy you both with my single SMG. Making popcorn, bitchos.

 

[armubaba]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but...I actually want to buy those replicas. Only 20$, too...

Spoiler

Bungie has me BY THE BALLS

 

[Thermite]

Screw the BR, give me more AR.

definitely. if Bungie releases a replica Assault Rifle, I guarantee I will buy it.

 

[TDG]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but...I actually want to buy those replicas. Only 20$, too...

Spoiler

Bungie has me BY THE BALLS

Same here. I usually chuckle at that "stupid shit" when I see it but... I might actually end up buying one.

 

[op_ivy]

arent these pretty small though? like really small?

as dorky as it would likely be, i'd go for a full size weapon (of undecided make) to display over my gaming set if they ever made some available

 

[TDG]

arent these pretty small though? like really small?

as dorky as it would likely be, i'd go for a full size weapon (of undecided make) to display over my gaming set if they ever made some available

That's true. Never mind, I wouldn't pay $20 for something that tiny. I don't want a life-sized one, but 6 inches is too small.

 

[urk]

...but 6 inches is too small.

Obvious joke goes here.

 

[TDG]

Obvious joke goes here.

Indeed.

 

[Thermite]

That's true. Never mind, I wouldn't pay $20 for something that tiny. I don't want a life-sized one, but 6 inches is too small.

wait, they're only six inches? I figured they would be at least the size of the Legendary Edition Helmet.

 

[TDG]

wait, they're only six inches? I figured they would be at least the size of the Legendary Edition Helmet.

Well, that's what a user preview from GS says, so take it with a grain of salt.

I hope it's more than 6 inches.

 

[urk]

I hope it's more than 6 inches.

Obvious joke goes here.

 

[SpudBud]

Obvious joke goes here.

Oh urk....

 

[Falagard]

The whole conversation about what new things the Grunts do in Halo 3 is way off topic, but it's amusing to watch. The conversation that the guys had on the podcast didn't seem to have anything to do with AI in the game, but rather some back end, debug trick which was funny in and of itself.

I think we're talking about different parts of the podcast.

Here's a transcript as I'm listening to it.

Joe: "The Grunts have new umm..."
Frankie: "Nipple lines..."
Joe: "... things that they do in Halo 3..."
Luke: "Some new behaviors you're talking about..."
Joe: "... new behaviors that lend themselves to some pretty choice Grunt lines, I gotta tell ya."

And instead of states, behaviors is the word I was looking for

 

[Mr Vociferous]

I think we're talking about different parts of the podcast.

Here's a transcript as I'm listening to it.

Joe: "The Grunts have new umm..."
Frankie: "Nipple lines..."
Joe: "... things that they do in Halo 3..."
Luke: "Some new behaviors you're talking about..."
Joe: "... new behaviors that lend themselves to some pretty choice Grunt lines, I gotta tell ya."

In my quoted text, you're aboslutely right. I was talking about another part of the podcast. The part you have cited there seems to be in line with some of the interesting quotes from Frank in the Weekly Updates I posted above...

 

[Falagard]

In my quoted text, you're aboslutely right. I was talking about another part of the podcast. The part you have cited there seems to be in line with some of the interesting quotes from Frank in the Weekly Updates I posted above...

Yup, certainly those new behaviors could be just about anything.

 

[RogueHobbit]

Well done.

 

[godhandiscen]

Any info on this? If the quality is good I think I'll get it.
Halo Slingbag/Backpack:

 

[3rdman]

Yup, certainly those new behaviors could be just about anything.

Seeing that he says "you've been warned" I assumed it to mean that they might go Kamikaze on you if you toss grenades at them. But who knows...

 

[op_ivy]

Seeing that he says "you've been warned" I assumed it to mean that they might go Kamikaze on you if you toss grenades at them. But who knows...

i'd say it ties in with the new (?) grunt state "rage" as mentioned by stinkles above. a cornered grunt as something to fear? naw...

 

[Proelite]

Any info on this? If the quality is good I think I'll get it.
Halo Slingbag/Backpack:

I wouldn't be wearing that around the ladies for sure.

 

[Wolffen]

Listened to the podcast on my PS3 last night whilst working on other things (what can I say, I'm enjoying being able to browse the web on my TV and download podcasts and such that way). Joe was a hoot as always. Hearing my wife say "Geez, Luke sounds a bit too competitive" made me laugh until she followed it up with "Wasn't it him and Frankie that kicked your ass the last night of the beta?".

I'm actually starting to get a craving for the HaloClix. Don't know why. I just like things in miniature like that. http://www.Badgercomics.com has the 4-packs for a good price, so I might preorder from there.

With all the merchandising, I'm waiting for the Halo cereal to be revealed: Grey Halo rings (think Fruit Loops) with marshmallow Flood Infection forms.

 

[Numbers]

With all the merchandising, I'm waiting for the Halo cereal to be revealed: Grey Halo rings (think Fruit Loops) with marshmallow Flood Infection forms.

Hey, did anybody post/know yet that Joseph confirmed Elites in multiplayer (obvious) and that they would have armor permutations as well?

And what were the concept arts for "Long and Lean"? The bridge?

 

[godhandiscen]

I wouldn't be wearing that around the ladies for sure.

I am married. I do not need to impress more ladies. I like taking a backpack with me. I can put all my tools there and crap.

 

[godhandiscen]

Hey, did anybody post/know yet that Joseph confirmed Elites in multiplayer (obvious) and that they would have armor permutations as well?

And what were the concept arts for "Long and Lean"? The bridge?

This was confirmed since the GamePro scans surfaced. I do not know what is that other part.

 

[Thermite]

With all the merchandising, I'm waiting for the Halo cereal to be revealed: Grey Halo rings (think Fruit Loops) with marshmallow Flood Infection forms.

ugh, no thanks. that's milking it too much. what they're doing right now (action figures, replicas, Halo 3 edition Xbox 360, backpacks, etc.) is plenty.

 

[Wolffen]

ugh, no thanks. that's milking it too much. what they're doing right now (action figures, replicas, Halo 3 edition Xbox 360, backpacks, etc.) is plenty.

Pun intended? Sorry, couldn't help it. I was being facetious about the cereal, btw. I'm happy about the figures, miniatures, and such, but I'm a little surprised by new stuff they're revealing (backpack, "missile case"). What's next, a Grunt Plush? (Granted, my wife might like one of those or a Hunter plush).