Tamrok

I've heard numerous rumblings about a version of Halo being the surprise game available at the launch of Xbox Live. Microsoft has already stated that there may be a surprise game at launch (either packed in with the kit or available free via download) that gamers would be quite pleased with. The obvious guess is Halo. Now, I find this post on Penny Arcade which seems to give more credence to the rumors:

Link: http://www.penny-arcade.com/


"So Tycho called me this morning and told me how he just got his Xbox live kit. He told me all about the service and how ****ing cool it was. He was downright giddy over the whole thing. I knew that eventually I would need to get an XBox for Panzer Dragoon Orta, but that is quite a ways off. Then yesterday Tycho told me that he heard through one of his contacts that a game I like very much would actually be playable via Xbox live. I am pretty sure I can't say which one, but suffice to say I am going to Comp USA today to buy an Xbox. When the game is announced I am sure you will understand my decision."

Very interesting. I hope the rumors are true!

joltaddict

Gabe wasnt particularly impressed with Halo. Halo 1.5 (online) has been shot down as a rumor by everyone in MS or Bungie.

*kicks Tamrok in the JimJim for getting his hopes up*

Groucho

I think Halo Online would be more of a flagship title to attract people to Xbox Live, rather than something thrown in as a surprise bonus.

I'm hoping it's Kabuki Warriors meets Bruce Lee...Online!.

joltaddict

*kicks Groucho in the JimJim for GP*

Tamrok

Wasn't impressed? What's wrong with that boy? He likes SOCOM Navy Seals but doesn't like Halo? That's crazy talk!

Well, if you're convinced the game is not Halo, what unannounced Live game is it that would cause Gabe to go out yesterday and buy an Xbox due to it's imminent arrival? Of all the Xbox games that are already out, a Halo Online patch (regardless of whether Microsoft has denied it exists) seems like the most logical surprise pack-in/download. It would seem like a relatively easy task to create a patch that adds voice support and Live compatability to the already existing Halo multi-player assets. I may very well be wrong but Halo seems the most logical choice to me.

discostu1337

correct me if im wrong, but Halo already is played online Why would this be so special?

Tamrok

True, but there would be many more people playing it online if it was Live compatible. The lag would likely be reduced, as well. Plus, they might be able to have new downloadable maps. It's all speculation but I hope it happens...

discostu1337

Just wondering...I really could care less, I'm not a Halo fan at all
GIve me ANY other FPS on the pc anyday.

Flay

Anyone that reads Penny-arcade knows that Gabe hates Halo. THE GAME IS NOT HALO ONLINE.

Point in Fact: http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php...01-11-28&res=l

s}{ammer

I heard it was going to be a downloadable patch to enable online for Buffy the vampire slayer. Actually that right there would probably be enough to get me to buy the box.

BrinStar

Sure, if you like FPS with no story hardly to speak of.

(Don't get my wrong, Looking Glass Studios made some FINE FPS type games, but they are now gone. And thief 3 is being done by a new company with only afew of the original team on board.)
Halo's graphics would cost me over $2,500 in PC hardware, while the Xbox is a Fifth of that and virtualy bug free.

Last I checked the last Great PC FPS came out in '00 with Tribes 2.

WOWZY

I hope it isn't Munch's Odyssey. I don't wanna play as one of those dumb Mudokens.

I bet it's Shrek. I've always wanted to play the evil Humpty-Dumpty.

BrinStar

Morrowind 1.5: Multiplayer games such as "Smear the Scamp" and "Capture the Mudcrab".

Jet Set Radio Futre 1.5: The multiplayer maps that got old 5 min after playing them 2 player on the same Xbox are going to now get old 5 min after playing them 2 player over the net.

Wreckless 1.5: In order the speed up the loss of player life, each online player will take turns losing on the god aweful impossible later boards, due to time limits.


Dead or Alive 3.1.5: Same game, more boobies. Oh yea, and the net.

joltaddict

I would guess an old school Sega title. Panzer Dragoon maybe?

Tamrok

Nah, he mentioned that he was already planning to get an Xbox for Panzer Dragoon when it finally comes out later this year. Whatever the game is, it persuaded him to run out and buy an Xbox right now ! The way he talks about the 'mystery' game, it sounds like something he's already played before or possibly a sequel to something he's played before but now with online play. Based on that, I figured it had to be Halo but apparently he hates Halo. The way he was raving about SOCOM, I figured he would like a game like Halo. No accounting for peoples tastes, I guess.

As you say, it could be some other Sega title, though...

Tamrok

I read Penny Arcade but I didn't know! Of course, I only started reading a few months back. I knew Gabe loathed the Xbox but was unaware of his hatred of all things Halo.

joltaddict

An online Virtua Fighter would give me an orgasm.

edstein

How about an Online Rallysport. Not too many racing games online on any platform.