Xbox Game Passengers 033 – ‘Halo Infinite’

by Derek KraneveldtFebruary 11, 2022

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Once a month, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service, which was chosen for them (usually) at random.

Whether the game is a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show, so you always know what’s coming up on the next adventure.

It’d be hard to keep the show going without talking about one of 2021’s biggest (and last) releases: Halo Infinite. Pretty much co-host at this point and major Halo lover (like mentioned it in his wedding vows) Dougie returns to talk all about if Halo Infinite can save the series, how good Tactical Slayer is, his thoughts on the Battle Pass, and so much more.

Note: Derek’s audio is a little crispy this episode. Sorry about that.

When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Step inside the armor of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic adventure and explore the massive scale of the Halo ring.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

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Thanks for joining us for another episode! We took a long (long) break as the world fell apart, but we’re glad to be back playing games and making new content. We really hope that you enjoy the episode — if you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

‘Halo Wars: Definitive Edition’ Is Getting A Standalone Release Next Week!

by Derek KraneveldtApril 17, 2017

Briefly: While it began as a sweet, sweet bonus for fans who purchased the Ultimate Edition of Halo Wars 2, as expected, it won’t be long now before the enhanced edition of the Xbox 360 classic becomes available to anyone with an Xbox One or Windows computer.

Brian Jarrard, Community Manager at 343 Industries revealed today via Xbox Wire that the title will become available on April 20 for Xbox, Windows 10 PC and Steam, reminding us that this version runs natively on Xbox One and Windows, featuring improved graphics, additional Achievements and includes all of the DLC created for the classic real-time strategy game.

As someone who has never played Halo Wars in any capacity at this point, for the cool $19.99 asking price of this Definitive Edition, I certainly can’t wait to give it a shot. The game is also a Play Anywhere title, meaning that a digital purchase of the game on either platform will provide the other version at no additional cost.

You can watch the Halo Wars: Definitive Edition trailer below, and let us know if you plan to play!

Get Your First Look at the Loot Crate’s ‘Halo’ Legendary Crate!

by jake108September 12, 2016

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Loot Crate. To catch you up, Loot Crate is a subscription service that will send you crates of geeky goodness every month. Since it’s conception, Loot Crate has expanded into creating specialty crates that are geared to fans of a specific franchise or pastime! Today, we’re looking at Loot Crate’s first Halo-themed crate!

The loot comes in a Halo-themed box, not weighing much. Upon opening, you’ll see an assortment of goodies that will please any Halo fan. First up, we have this pin signifying that you are a part of the newly formed Fireteam Apollo. If you haven’t heard of Fireteam Apollo, don’t worry. This new Fireteam is exclusive to Loot Crate and it’s goodies are closely tied to this fictional band of brothers.

The second item in the box is a long-sleeve, lightweight sweatshirt with a Fireteam Apollo graphic on it. It’s quite comfortable, but don’t expect it to save you from the rain. I’ve found it be perfect for those who don’t want direct sunlight on their arms, but want to remain cool in the process. With Fall around the corner, this was one of my favorite items.

A third item in the crate was the first of the Halo Icons. This scene is perfect for gamers who are looking to decorate their entertainment center, or their desk. It’s a good size and will probably remind of you of all the times you spawned a Hannibal Scorpion tank, only for the game to end within the next five seconds.

Another item featured in the crate is a is what the creative team is calling a Data Drop. This drop comes in an envelope and is consistent with the Fireteam Apollo recruitment theme. The drop contains letters from Thomas Lasky and Jun, two very prominent characters in Halo lore.

I won’t spoil what the letter entails, but it’s basically a congratulation and directions on where to report for your tour of duty. Also featured in the Data Drop is an X-Ray scan of a Spartan’s anatomy, which is pretty cool on its own.

The last couple of physical items included in the crate is a UNSC satchel, which is quite useful for hikes and long walks on the beach. The satchel has five zippered pockets and multiple bands for you to attach water bottles or hand sanitizer. As for me? I’ve already strapped the last item in the crate, a Mister Chief Carabiner Plush.

Overall, the first iteration of a Halo-themed loot crate is pretty awesome. If this is only the beginning, I’m expecting some big things later on!

If you’re interested in getting a crate of your own, be sure to visit www.lootcrate.com/geekscape and use the coupon code “geekscape” for a special discount!

E3 2016: ‘Halo Wars 2’ First Impressions

by jake108June 22, 2016

While the show was going on this week, some of us couldn’t make the trip into the heart of downtown LA, and some of us couldn’t find the time to try out the sequel to a beloved Halo title, Halo Wars 2. Whether you haven’t had the time, or are simply out of hard drive space (we’ve all been there), I’m sure you’re still at least a little curious to how a RTS title holds up on a console.

First, coming from a die-hard Halo Wars fan, I was excited to see what the folks at 343i had in store for the franchise. Halo Wars was introduced to the masses at a time where the future of Halo was uncertain. At the time, in 2009, we had heard rumblings that Bungie would be signing off after what ultimately became Halo: Reach. To make matters worse, Ensemble Studios, the developers behind Halo Wars and a couple of future Halo-related projects was shut down shortly after being acquired by Microsoft. Sure we got a couple of DLC packs post launch, but Halo Wars went relatively untouched for the remainder of its life. Today, it’s a backwards compatible title with online capability, and it’s still something I enjoy playing with friends. So, along with Ensemble’s demise, and the demise of a green-lit Halo MMO title, the future of this particular RTS was one giant question mark.

Last year, the Halo Wars franchise had a breath of new life. 343i made it very clear that the Halo Wars campaign story was not lost on them, and its lore was used in a variety of other mediums Halo has since conquered. Most recently, the logo for the Spirt of Fire, which was the main UNSC ship in Halo Wars‘ story, showed up in Halo 5 as a weapon skin. Characters related to the lore created by Halo Wars was also briefly mentioned in Halo‘s comic book series. By now, it would seem that 343i and Microsoft are full steam ahead on expanding Halo Wars.

All of this got me excited to try the game out, something you can do yourself by downloading the open beta today. Fans of the previous iteration may notice a couple of tweaks to the gameplay that feel, well, unnecessary. For instance, tech levels and base levels are now one in the same. Halo Wars 2 has done away with reactors and instead developed a sort of currency you build up to advance your tech level and research new units. This change may not be welcomed to those who prefer to just build reactors instead.

The game does look pretty. New sound effects and unit looks are a welcomed update. This still being in beta, the game’s look is all up from here. There are some units introduced to the game that were missing from the previous installment too. One of these units is the Sniper unit that is available when using Captain Cutter in the beta. Each unit clearly has an ability which can be countered by other units, depending on who chooses who when the game releases. Along with new ground units, we are also treated to new air units. Fans of Halo will most definitely recognize Banshees in the air, but there are also new air vehicles that, well, look weird. Most of the fan favorites appear to be back. Any Halo Wars veteran will tell you how great it is to attack a base with nothing but marines equipped with flamethrowers.

As for the heroes, only two were available in the beta. Captain Cutter reprises his role as the default UNSC hero, while a Brute, who I suppose was the same hero in the first Halo Wars, takes a more prominent role for the Covenant. What’s also new is that each hero has a sort of skill set assigned to them. For example, Captain Cutter is described as more of an attack hero while Atriox is described to have defensive units. Obviously, gamers will pick heroes that work best for them, but the unit differentials employ a greater sense of strategy than the first game.

While every unit wasn’t available in the beta, understandably so, Halo Wars 2 looks to redefine console RTS’ for the better. With the Halo franchise behind it, they might just do that. Unfortunately, Halo Wars 2 seems to have lost something that made the first magical. Still, with his being just a beta, I am completely open to changing my opinion when the game comes out.For now, I’ll stick to playing the first Halo Wars, which is now backwards compatible on the Xbox One.

Halo Wars 2 is set to release February 21, 2017.

WonderCon 2016: Here’s A Look At Kotobukiya’s Displays!

by Natalie KipperMarch 29, 2016

Kotobukiya’s booth at this year’s WonderCon was swarmed with fans taking pictures but that is to be expected. Cons are when Kotobukiya showcases prototypes of upcoming items along with announcements of figures in development. And this time was no different.

First is the next entry in Kotobukiya’s Bishoujo figure line, Kill Bill‘s The Bride. This figure is so new, they didn’t even have a prototype yet. Instead, they displayed its concept art.

Also part of their Bishoujo line was Lucky Chloe from Tekken Tag Tournament. This figure is currently available for pre-order online. It is scheduled to release in August.

From the ArtFX+ line is Halo‘s Spartan Athlon. You can pre-order this figure online with an expected May release.

The Alien Warrior Drone ArtFX+ was more than a little unsettling. It ships in April but you can still pre-order it here. Note: the tiny Alien dudes aren’t part of the package.

An item that garnered a lot of attention was the prototype of the upcoming Kylo Ren ArtFX+ figure. It is always neat to see this portion of the design process. The finished product is available to pre-order online with an expected July release.

Building on the popularity of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kotobukiya will also be releasing a set of ArtFX+ figures starring C-3PO, R2-D2, and BB-8. This item, while still listed on Kotobukiya’s online store, is currently sold out.

Positioned beside the Kylo Ren prototype were the Captain Phasma and First Order Stormtrooper ArtFX+ figures. I thought it was a nice touch that you could choose between a single First Order Stormtrooper or a two-pack.

And thus ends my list of highlights from Kotobukiya’s booth. Did I miss something? Let me know in the comments!

Geekscape Reviews: ‘Halo: The Fall of Reach’

by jake108December 1, 2015

The Halo franchise is quite expansive. Spanning over numerous books, comics, video games, two live-action series, and animated shorts, Halo has grown to be a cultural phenomenon that’s hard to stay away from. I was a little over ten years old when I first played Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001. Being so young, I skipped over the DOOM craze and had dabbled in Star Wars: Dark Forces on my family’s old Macintosh. Halo was my first real FPS and it was also the first world in which I totally immersed myself in. In doing this, I eventually made the trip to Barnes & Noble in an attempt to find novels based on the game’s lore. I was successful and ended up buying the box set, which included The Flood, First Strike, and The Fall of Reach.

It was a story that delved into a time before the Master Chief became, well, Master Chief. It opened the door to new worlds in the Halo universe, new characters, some of which I waited fourteen years to see in a video game. Just as Halo 5: Guardians, Blue Team plays an integral part in The Fall of Reach, so it made sense to release the animated adaptation of The Fall of Reach alongside Halo 5.

This animated adaptation of The Fall of Reach chronicles the Spartan II’s upbringing from the time of UNSC conscription to the end of their first mission against the Covenant. The adaptation tries to play well with Eric Nylund’s words, but just like every adaptation, there’s just something missing. However, most of the fan-favorite scenes from the book are included. Having read the book numerous times, I can say this was enjoyable to watch. With each key scene, it was like remembering a part of my childhood spent in those pages.

The story is separated into three chapters that center around John 117. Through this, we see the Master Chief become who he is by the time Halo: Combat Evolved rolls around. More importantly, we see just how he brings Blue Team together. The chemistry between Chief and Blue Team was never really shown or talked about before Halo 5. Seeing how John interacted with Kelly, Fred, and Linda was nice and adds to a much needed Master Chief story for Halo 5‘s campaign.

The animation leaves more to be desired. Some of the story’s key moments were lost on me because of the animation. However, this may not be the case for everyone. While I’m sure a lot of hard work was put into this, it’s hard to judge it when other installments in video form to the Halo lore have been better. The inconsistency in quality over the course of fourteen years gets to you. This problem was bound to arise when you have so many different artists and studios working to create an expansive world such as this one. Not only that, but with each artist comes a different vision of the universe. I just didn’t happen to enjoy this one too much.

The Fall of Reach was produced and directed by SEQUENCE, which is also responsible for creating the terminals found in Halo 4 and Halo 2: Anniversary. This 65-minute take on the novel makes this SEQUENCE’s most ambitious project to date.

It’s hard to gauge the demographic that The Fall of Reach was intended for. If it was for the fans, this animated take on a beloved tale lacks in a few key departments. If it was for newcomers to the Halo franchise or Halo lore, then this seems like a suitable crash course in how the Spartan II’s came into being. For those of you interested, the official synopsis is as follows:

Based on the Halo novel of writer Eric Nylund, the 65-minute feature tells the dramatic tale of the origin and intrigue behind the SPARTAN program that propelled characters like the Master Chief and Dr. Catherine Halsey into the pantheon of Halo lore. The story reveals the events that brought Master Chief and Blue Team together, including their Spartan training and their daring mission to strike back at the Covenant during the first days of the deadly alien invasion.

Overall, I would say Halo: The Fall of Reach is a good buy for anyone looking to buy a gift for a die-hard Halo fan. If you’re a collector of all things Halo, you shouldn’t feel too guilty about picking this up either. If it were up to me, I’d have everyone read the novel by Eric Nylund before taking a swing at this animated feature.

Halo: The Fall of Reach is available now on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Geekscape Games Reviews: ‘Halo 5: Guardians’

by jake108October 26, 2015

Halo is a franchise that has defined a console generation, shaped console matchmaking as we know it, and since its release in 2001, Halo has continued to grow into a juggernaut. Over the next fourteen years, the Halo franchise would spawn books, comics, spin-off video games, an animated anthology series, and two live-action series. For over fifteen years, fans have been able to cherry pick and decide how much Halo lore they wanted to consume. The lore itself spans over 100,000 years and continues with the release of Halo 5: Guardians.

A major fault Halo 4 had with some fans was the inclusion of lore that was only available through a series of books and careful attention to terminals found in past Halo titles. Let me preface this review by saying those who didn’t like that attribute in Halo 4 will be disappointed again. Halo 5 employs a number of plot points that are aided by stories found in books, terminals, and other Halo products found across multiple mediums. On the flip side, Halo 5 contains the most ambitious story this franchise has seen. But when does a story get too big?

STORY (Light Spoilers)

Halo 5 opens with a reveal right away with the appearance of Cortana. As fans know, Cortana, the A.I. that has aided and been a significant part of the Master Chief’s life, was created by Dr. Halsey. Now, Cortana isn’t like other A.I’s. She was created using a human brain – Halsey’s brain. In order to achieve this, Dr. Halsey flash-cloned herself, killed her clone to harvest her brain, and thus created Cortana. In this same opening cutscene, we catch a glimpse of a picture of Halsey’s daughter, Miranda Keyes, wearing the same uniform she wore when receiving her father’s medal at the start of Halo 2. If we were to go off this picture alone, that places the Cortana reveal after the events of Halo 2, thus revealing the creation of another Cortana.

Following the reveal, the game opens with Spartan Locke and Fireteam Osiris. These four characters may be new to some, but both Locke and Buck have appeared in other Halo stories, Halo: Nightfall and Halo 3: ODST respectively. Through 343 Industries’ marketing campaign, Fireteam Osiris has been introduced as the Spartan team that is sent to find and bring in Master Chief and his Blue Team for desertion. Blue Team is comprised of four Spartan II’s, including Master Chief. Linda, Kelly, and Fred all grew up and trained with Master Chief on Reach. Reach, may ring a bell with some of you as the planet’s demise was the focal point behind Bungie’s last installment into the franchise, Halo: Reach. Blue Team’s adventures are well-documented in the book, Halo: The Fall of Reach.

Narratively, many will argue that Halo 5 is Master Chief’s story. However, you only play as Master Chief through three of the fifteen missions. Granted, Blue Team’s missions may be a little longer than the average Fireteam Osiris missions, but I can’t help but feel 343 Industries had a hard time giving everyone, other than Fireteam Osiris, enough screen time. This seems to be a first for a Halo game, but given he large cast of characters, it shouldn’t be surprising.

In Halo 4, we were introduced to Tom Laskey, Captain of the UNSC Infinity. Laskey played an integral part in Spartan Ops along with Spartan Sarah Palmer. Mind you, Laskey and Palmer are well-established characters through other mediums. As expected, these characters were to play a pivotal role in Halo 5. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a whole lot of Laskey or the UNSC Infinity for that matter. But, we get a lot of Fireteam Osiris.

Also in Halo 4, we were introduced to a number of Forerunner terms, such as the Mantle of Responsibility. The mantle is to be taken up by a species with the intent of policing and maintaining order in the universe. The last species to do this was the Forerunners. After the lighting of the Halo rings, the mantle has been left for another species to take it up once again. Up until Halo 5, it was looking like Humanity would be the one to take up the Mantle of Responsibility. Then, in a strange twist, humanity is dealt with a new challenger for the mantle.

And that’s it – that’s where the story lies. Halo 5 is much bigger than any of the marketing campaign was letting on and almost feels like an entirely different game than what I was expecting. This has positives and negatives regarding the story. Everyone likes to be surprised, but some of Halo 5’s surprises can leave a gamer scratching their head. The fact of the matter is, Halo 5 needed more Master Chief, more Cortana, more Blue Team, and it’s something that I hope is remedied in the next game. Fans will definitely relate Halo 5’s narrative decisions with that of Halo 2 when Bungie introduced the Arbiter to the franchise. Going further in relation to Halo 2, fans will definitely have some feelings resurface regarding Halo 5‘s ending.

Squad combat isn’t new to the Halo franchise. We got our first taste of what a squad could do in Halo: Reach and Halo 3: ODST. However, Halo 5 is different in that you are able to order members of your squad to certain locations, to pick up weapons, engage enemies, or mount a turret. Having this ability allows players to engage enemies in new ways that was previously missing in the Halo franchise. Squad members are also able to revive their teammates. Don’t worry – there is a timer that appears above your head every time you are “downed.” When the timer runs out, you’ll die and have to start from the last checkpoint. If this happens to an A.I. teammate, they will be absent from play for a time before rejoining the battle with you. As far as their narrative presence, both Blue Team and Fireteam Osiris, aside from Master Chief and Locke respectively, have little to add to the story. If you explore here and there, you’ll get some banter between your teammates, but other than that, their presence wasn’t necessarily needed to advance the plot. However, it’s way better than being no-name elites or Master Chief clones again.

Without spoiling anything more, I found that playing through the campaign, and really taking your time with exploring every map made every mission better. In Halo 5, there are a series of data pads hidden throughout the mission world. This, coupled with skulls, encourage me to find hidden corners and see different sides to missions I had already gone through. The world itself is beautiful at times and players should take full advantage of that. On Legendary, I finished the campaign by myself at around 10 hours. Don’t be surprised if you complete it over or under 10 hours either. (Keep this between us, but I had some trouble at certain situations.) In all, Halo 5: Guardians is a treat for fans who keep up with the lore extensively and will most likely be excited to see the direction 343 Industries is taking with the Halo franchise.

MULTIPLAYER

Over the past two years, Halo has left a hole in Xbox Live’s next-gen multiplayer catalog. Sure, we had MCC, but after the numerous crashes and bugs, many of the game’s initial population left for other games. Even now, as you’re reading this, it’s not surprising to think MCC is uninstalled on many Xbox One’s. Because of this, you may be wondering: Is Halo 5 worth it? Let me take this opportunity to say, with absolute confidence, Halo is back and is here to stay.

Granted, pre-release playlists were limited to two. Of those two playlists, I was able to lay in over 10 hours of multiplayer without getting tired of it. A large part of the multiplayer fun are the maps. Each map carries with it alternate ways players can adapt and strategize. Warzone maps are especially well-made. As you play through them, your experience will change and you will find yourself adapting at a quicker and more effective rate than any other Halo game. And that’s not the only great thing about Warzone. Along with other features, Halo 5 brings forth a REQ system that allows players to customize loadouts on the fly. Power weapons are restricted to your in-game REQ level, points, and how many cards you have of one specific weapon. For example, you need a high REQ level and so many REQ points to unlock a top tier weapon like the Energy Sword or Sniper Rifle. If you still don’t understand it, don’t worry. You’ll get the hang of it as you play.

Arena multiplayer lets players level up and be grouped into different tiers depending on skill. Players who have encountered Arena gameplay in past Halo iterations will be able to pick up the gist fairly easy. However, if you’re grouped into a higher tier, your gameplay experience will change. You’ll find more organized attacks, friends who have partied up, and a more competitive environment. Still, if you’re a leisure type gamer, I don’t see any situation where you’re constantly getting competitive matches. Just be sure you know your strengths and weakness with Halo 5’s arsenal.

Let me be blunt: Most players, both old and new, will encounter a definite learning curve. Established weapons in the franchise will feel somewhat familiar to veteran players. There aren’t any huge changes to weapons like the Magnum or Battle Rifle, but after hours of playtime, I’ve found that accuracy carries more weight in Halo 5 than in any other Halo. The game even goes so far as to display your accuracy percentage at every post-game report. Friends watching me play on Twitch commented that my play style was too jerky, and that I should think about lowering my sensitivity. When the game releases, I know there will be some players who will have to do a little soul searching when it comes to sensitivity.

Perhaps the greatest thing about Halo 5 multiplayer is that it does away with Loadouts in standard multiplayer. No more Jet Packs, no more Armor Lock, and no Active Camo at spawn. Even spawns returns to competitive Halo, and it’s fantastic. This is all good news and part of 343 Industries’ attempt to recapture what made Halo 2 so great. Furthermore, 343 Industries goes even further with customization, something that has made past Halo’s great. With over hundreds of helmets, armors, and weapon variations, Halo 5 will have collectors putting some serious hours into multiplayer.

Running at a steady 60fps throughout my entire experience, Halo 5 can be beautiful at times. Gamers in search for a good-looking next-gen title will feel at ease with this purchase, and even more at ease knowing that Halo 5’s visuals aren’t all it has to offer. What we have here is a package that gives us enough replayability that will last years. From online drop-in and drop-out co-op, to endless matches of Warzone, I fully believe Halo 5: Guardians is a statement for the Xbox One, and more importantly, 343 Industries. Fans of the franchise will definetly get hooked on this title and the population will grow with new gamers. As for right now, I can guarantee you, Halo is back.

Story: 8/10

Gameplay: 10/10

Graphics: 9.5/10

Replayability: 10/10

Final Score: 9.4/10

Geekscape Streams ‘Halo 5: Guardians’!

by jake108October 20, 2015

Halo 5: Guardians is finally upon us. Well, it’s a little over a week away, but here at Geekscape, we’re not waiting. Join us as we stream missions 1-3, as well as mission 8!

Keep in mind, the stream will be down between mission 3 and 8 in order to transition. If there are any hiccups, just refresh the page! Thanks for watching!

Watch live video from jake1o8 on www.twitch.tv

We’ll update this page with stream start and end times everyday!

Check Out Halo 5’s New Live Action Teaser!

by jake108September 28, 2015

It looks like 343 and Microsoft are trying to capture the magic that was Halo 3’s live action marketing campaign. Their newest teaser for Halo 5 depicts an announcement regarding Master Chief’s death…but we all know he’s still alive. It’s worth noting that the events that seemingly killed Master Chief take place on October 27, 2560. October 27, 2015 is Halo 5‘s release date.

Watch the teaser below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SENJV2_XuLM

We’ll have to wait a little while longer to see just what the event is, be through another teaser or a campaign mission. In any case, the excitement is ramping up.

Halo 5 is set to release October 27, 2015!

Watch the ‘Halo 5 Guardians’ Opening Cinematic!

by jake108August 31, 2015

PAX wrapped up their event today with the debut of Halo 5‘s opening cinematic. Watch it below!

Guardians takes place after the events of Spartan Ops in Halo 4. If you haven’t at least read up on what happened during Spartan Ops, you’re going to need to if you don’t want to feel confused at the start of Halo 5. This cinematic contains a ton of action, which is something we haven’t really seen since Halo Wars. Hopefully, this is something we can expect more of throughout the game.

Overall, this was a nice introduction to Fireteam Osiris. However, I’m getting a little tired of all this attention on Spartan Locke. Hopefully we’ll get more of Master Chief and Blue Team as we near the release date. In any case, I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Halo 5: Guardians releases October 27, 2015.

Gamescom 2015: ‘Halo Wars 2’ Announcement Trailer

by jake108August 4, 2015

Halo Wars 2 is definitely one of those games that fans of the first always wanted, but not quite sure we’d get. It’s nice now that we have confirmation of the game’s existence. Worry will now be shifted to how the game will be handled. Shortly after the completion of Halo Wars, Ensemble Studios was dissolved. Certain Affinity and 343i will be handling Halo Wars 2 and the game’s story seems to be incorporating characters from the first game.

Fans will immediately recognize the name Douglas along with what appears to be the Spirit of Fire emblem on the side of the spartan’s armor. As well all know, Douglas went into cryo sleep, along with the rest of the Spirit of Fire crew that made it off the shield world. It will also be interesting to see how this game ties in with the Halo comics. Both are canon.

Halo Wars 2 is set to release next Fall.

SDCC 2015: Hands-On with Halo 5’s Warzone!

by jake108July 14, 2015

By now, hardcore fans everywhere have seen the videos. Warzone promises to be the next step into large-scale multiplayer combat. Before this, Halo‘s biggest multiplayer mode was Big Team Battle, which pit two teams of 8 against each other. Warzone is similar in concept, but it pushes out to be bigger than anything fans have experienced before. Warzone is everything you see; it’s new, it’s big, it’s fast, and it’s fun.

From the time the match started, until the time it ended, I couldn’t help but think how fun this mode is going to be with friends. As you’ve previously seen, each game starts with retaking your base from enemies. In this particular map, the base is overrun by Prometheans. Surprisingly, these enemies aren’t as easy to take down as you’d think and I wholeheartedly prefer it this way. It’ll take your entire team to eliminate enemies in your base effectively and quick. But once your base is free and clear, you and your team are then thrust into the large map against an opposing team.

Throughout the match, each team is vying to reach 1,000 points before the other. Points are of course given when you kill the opposing team and capture bases placed around the map. Teams that are down by a ton of points should not be discouraged. If your team is able to rally, and if you are able to destroy the enemy’s core in their own base, your team will win the game.

What makes Warzone stand out from previous Halo multiplayer modes is the inclusion of enemy AI, and not just at the start of the match. Throughout Warzone, players will also have to battle against more Promotheans, Covenant, and opposing team Marines. Marines will keep watch over captured bases and will communicate with each other in an attempt to take down enemy spartans. It usually doesn’t go well.

During the match, announcements will be made making players aware of the presence of enemy AI bosses. These bosses will sometimes spawn, near bases or even in vehicles. Taking them down will reward the assassin with a large sum of points. Because of this, the AI bosses will sometimes act as a nexus and attract a larger battle between the boss and his friends, red team, and blue team. I also noticed that no two matches are the same. The game will change according to how each player plays, reacts, and decides what they want to do. One player may focus on capturing bases while another may want to hunt down enemy AI to secure some big points. Some players may want to hang back and snipe while others may want to spend points on purchasing large vehicles and comb the map.

As points are earned, players are also treated to a new requisition system. For those of you familiar with Gears of War‘s Beast Mode, this will be simple. Players accumulate points in which they can spend during the respond screen so that they are able to spawn with a variety of weapons. Essentially, you are spending points to create your own custom loadout in real time. This creates an added layer of strategic thinking. Depending on how the enemy team is playing, you may want to spend your points on certain weapons. However, points spending is not limited to just weapons.

Players will also be able to spend points on vehicles. The choice is always yours, and with team communication, one team can dominate another team with poor communication. One thing about Warzone that everyone needs to realize is that the match cannot be one by just a couple of spartans. It’s going to take the team. So far, Warzone looks to be the mode I’ll dive into right after campaign.

Halo 5: Guardians is set to release October 27th, 2015

E3 2015: Halo 5 Gameplay Showcase!

by jake108June 15, 2015

Microsoft started their E3 with a bang by bringing out Spartan Locke and company in a gameplay reveal trailer. The trailer, among other things, sets the stage for shape of things to come regarding Halo’s campaign. Spartan Locke and his team of Spartan IV’s, Sergeant Buck from Halo ODST included, are on a mission to bring the Master Chief and his friends back to the UNSC. It should be noted that Master Chief and his squad have deserted the UN.SC and are seen as traitors by many.

Campaign missions will feature drop-in/drop-out co-op gameplay for both Master Chief and Spartan Locke’s campaign missions, which is a sure upgrade from Halo: Reach. The gameplay trailer opens up with the Battle of Sunaion, which was a battle between what seemed to be Master Chief and his squad and the Storm Covenant from Halo 4. As the fight progresses, Locke and his team encounter new “soldier” class prometheans. Halo 5‘s new squad commands are also on display as Locke and his team sweep the city.

You can watch the full gameplay trailer below:

Second, 343i was proud to show off their new multiplayer mode, Warzone. This mode promises to feature player vs. player combat with the inclusion of AI enemies. The maps, as stated, are also promised to be four times larger than any previous Halo map to date.

You can check out Warzone below!

Halo 5‘s reveal is just beginning. Stay tuned for more Halo and E3 news as it comes!

Halo 5 Guardians is set to release October 27, 2015.

Geekscape Games Podcast: Level 23 – ‘O Canada, Where Art Thou?’

by GeekscapeStaffApril 2, 2015

Join Josh, Juan and Shane as they discuss the last week in video games!

Subscribe to us in iTunes!

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Scroll to the bottom of the show notes to listen on this page!

This Week

Josh buys Duck Dynasty on the 3DS.

Live action Zelda Netflix series rumors CONFIRMED FALSE!

Mega64 Shadow of Mordor.

Halo: Online – RUSSIA ONLY?!

Halo 5: Guardians ARG starts up.

Predator joins the list of playable characters in Mortal Kombat X.

Juan breaks his dogs leg!

Mario Party 10.

Codename STEAM.

Star Wars Battlefront III releases 2015 and is Next Gen only!

Pokemon Shuffle.

MLP Mobile game.

This Week’s Listener Mission Objective:

What game did you absolutely hate that everyone seemed to love?

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:13:43 — 50.9MB)

‘Halo 5: Guardians’ Beta First Impressions

by jake108December 21, 2014

It’s the season of giving, and what better way to start it with Halo 5: Guardians.

To start, I must say: After more than a month of dealing with the troubles in the Master Chief Collection, coupled with what looked like to be Call of Duty inspired gameplay, I can say I was not as excited for Halo 5 as I could have been. Don’t get me wrong, it was always going to be a day-one purchase, but I could not shake the doubt I had regarding the game’s multiplayer. To those still worrying about Halo 5‘s multiplayer, I say this: wait until you play it before ostracizing it on grounds that “it isn’t Halo,” because let me tell you, Halo 5: Guardians is something to behold for the Halo franchise.

Let me begin with the most paramount changes from Halo 4 to Halo 5. Players will immediately realize a transition to a time before Halo: Reach, a time where every player had even spawns. This means no classes, no abilities other players don’t have, no gun customization or traits; just plain even battlegrounds. As a fan of the franchise since the beginning, this is huge. For the first week of the Beta, players will be treated to two maps with Team Slayer being the gametype. Players may recognize one of them to be the highly anticipated remake of Midship from Halo 2.

The fact that my first match was played on Truth may have had something to do with it, but for the first few minutes on the game, I was able to make a steady transition to Halo 5‘s gameplay, something that took me by surprise. Perhaps the newest and most infamous addition you’ll find in Halo 5 is ADS (Aim Down Sights). This trait is typically found in arcade-like shooters and is most widely recognized in titles such as Call of Duty and Battlefield. The fact that ADS was implemented into Halo made some fans furious, claiming that 343i was conforming to generic gameplay traits. However, after spending some time with Halo 5, I can say ADS does not bother me nearly as much as I thought it would. In fact, I’m not ashamed to say that I kinda like it.

Aiming down the sights in Halo 5 isn’t typical to generic FPS’. For example, in the weapons available in the beta, none of them include iron sights. Instead, when a spartan aims down a sight, a hologram-like HUD will appear above you’re weapon with a steady crosshair for you to use. This is especially noticeable for both the Magnum, Assault Rifle, and Battle Rifle. However, there is little change in scoping in when using the DMR and Sniper Rifle.

Starting with Halo 2, fans have always had to adjust with the shift in controls from one Halo title to the next. Halo 5 is no different. Here’s a peek at the default controls for the Beta. Take notice to the armor abilities listed in the diagram below:

As you can see, along with the slight changes from traditional controls, players will also have every Spartan Ability at spawn. Curious to know just what each ability is? Glad you asked:

After playing a few rounds, I must say using the Thruster Pack in combination with the Clamber ability adds another layer to gameplay. This brings me to the maps. Both Empire and Truth, maps currently in the beta, are tremendously fun. I have to give a shout out to Quinn DelHoyo and his crew for creating two stellar Halo maps. It wasn’t long after my second or third match that I started using some of the new Spartan Abilities. What’s awesome is that each ability felt natural to the map. This is important because not one ability nor one aspect of the two maps felt forced to fit a puzzle. In fact, one can just sprint around and not use any other Spartan Ability and still be in a position to win. It’s up to the player to figure out when and if they should use a ability or not.

Halo 5: Guardians‘ release date has yet to be announced, but one can expect the title to be out fall of 2015. The game still has a ways to go, but it’s clear 343 Industries is on the right track.

Got clips you want to share? Post links in the comment section and stay tuned next week! Till then, be strong, Guardian….er…wrong game….sorry.

The Launch Trailer For ‘Destiny’s First Expansion Shows Us What’s To Come!

by Derek KraneveldtDecember 4, 2014

Briefly: My time with Bungie’s Destiny has come and gone, but based on the just-released launch trailer for next week’s expansion, The Dark Below, I could definitely see myself headed back to the moon for a few more (dozen) hours.

Bungie has been extremely active in patching, evolving, and fixing the myriad of issues that frequent players had been having, and from what I’ve heard (again, it’s been awhile since I’ve played) the game has come a long way. The game’s first expansion, The Dark Below will add new weapons, armor, and gear, as well as an increased light level cap. Of course, it’ll also feature new story missions, three new PvP Crucible arenas, and new co-op challenges, including a new Strike and brand-new six-player Raid.

Sounds like a good chunk of content, doesn’t it? The expansion will launch on December 9th for a cool $20. Check out the trailer below, and let us know if you’ll be picking this one up!

Miss Out On ‘Destiny’? It Now Has A Free Trial!

by Derek KraneveldtNovember 18, 2014

Briefly: If you haven’t yet jumped into Bungie and Activision’s Destiny, you now have one less excuse not to play it: The publisher has just detailed a trial version of what may be this year’s most addictive shooter (which still has a ton of issues which we totally go into on Geekscape Games… yep, shameless plug).

The free version (which is called a trial on PS4/Xbox One and demo on PS3/Xbox 360) is available today, and Bungie has answered any questions that players may have (mostly regarding character progression) via their latest blog post:

When I’m ready to buy the full game, will my character progression be transferred?
Yes, assuming you purchase the full retail copy of Destiny on the same console platform family you played the Destiny Trial or Demo on. For example, you may not transfer your progress from the Destiny Demo on Xbox 360 to the full retail version of Destiny on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 3.

Progress is always shared automatically within the same console family on the Destiny servers. No action on your part is required.

How do I upgrade to the full game?
The Destiny Trial on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One can be upgraded via the in game menu. You will not be required to download the full retail game or purchase a disc.

To get the full version of Destiny on PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360, purchase Destiny from your local retailer, the Xbox Store, or the Playstation Store. Once you have launched the full version of Destiny, and confirmed that your existing character progression can be selected, you may delete the Destiny Demo file, as you will no longer require it.

The demo/trial offers “a sampling of character creation and progression, story mission content, along with cooperative and social activities.” Not bad for free, and a great way for Activision to sell a ton of copies this holiday season. Will you be checking out the trial? Or are you already well versed in Destiny and it’s wonderful (hah) Grimoire?

http://youtu.be/9ZyQK6kUdWQ

Geekscape Games Podcast: Level 6 – Halo Boom: Unity For The WiiU

by GeekscapeStaffNovember 14, 2014

Join Derek, Josh, Juan and Shane as they discuss the last week in games!

Shane’s Assassin’s Creed: Unity review is something to hear.

Subscribe to us in iTunes!

Subscribe to our various feeds!

Scroll to the bottom of the show notes to listen on this page!

This Week

Avalanche Studios confirms Just Cause 3 will not have micro transactions.

Game of Thrones from Telltale details released.

Tales from the Borderlands.

Microsoft files for Battletoads trademark.

Assassin’s Creed: Rogue.

Amiibo’s third release announced.

Shulk Amiibo Gamestop exclusive.

Pokemon Delta Episode and Mirage Spots.

Never Alone launch party with 907 Gamers in Alaska.

Never Alone.

Assassin’s Creed: Unity.

Halo: Masterchief Collection.

Smash Bros.

This Week’s Listener Mission Objective

What is your favorite gaming memory with a non gamer friend or family member.

Leave a comment below, tweet us OR email us: shane (at) geekscape (dot) net

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:06:33 — 45.7MB)

‘Destiny’s ‘Vault Of Glass’ Raid Opens At 2 A.M. Pacific!

by Derek KraneveldtSeptember 15, 2014

Briefly: Let the raiding begin.

While I’m not even close to being high enough level to give this a shot, Bungie has announced that Destiny’s first raid, the Vault of Glass, will open at 2AM Pacific time tonight. It sure sounds like a freaking blast. Here’s what the developer had to say about the event:

“Beneath Venus, evil stirs.”

The Director is light on details for the Raid in Destiny. This is by design. The most elaborate mission ever created by Bungie is a mystery as much as it is a challenge – a puzzle and a gauntlet. The race to see who can be first to solve it – with their cunning and their skill – is about to begin.

At 2:00 AM Pacific on Tuesday, September 16th, the Raid will accept challengers in Destiny. That’s 9:00 AM GMT.

Become Legend.
Not everyone will qualify. Among those who do, not everyone will succeed. To even approach this trial of teamwork and combat, the Guardians in your Fireteam will need to be Level 26.

Gear up. Team up.
Bring with you a team that has made the commitment to work together. Configure your loadouts so that you are powerful together in a variety of ways. Communicate with each other. The Raid will demand that you operate as a team. Cooperation is the key to your success.

Follow the Leader.
It’s very likely that you will not finish the Raid in one sitting. Your Fireteam leader is crucial to your eventual potential success. Your progress will be saved for one week. To resume your mission where you left off, you’ll need to follow the same Fireteam leader back into battle.

Enjoy the View.
There are those among you who are certain that they will be first. They have accepted our dare with a pledge to broadcast their first attempt. If you’re not yet prepared to undertake this rite of passage, you’re welcome to watch as they venture into the hostile unknown.

www.twitch.tv/StreamerHouse
www.twitch.tv/ProfessorBroman
www.twitch.tv/Towelliee
www.twitch.tv/Admiral_Bahroo
www.twitch.tv/itsDatto
www.twitch.tv/VersusTheStream
www.twitch.tv/GoldGlove
www.twitch.tv/ActaBunniFooFoo
www.twitch.tv/iijeriichoii
www.youtube.com/hikeplays
www.youtube.com/typicalgamer
www.youtube.com/team0epiphany
www.twitch.tv/noahj456
www.twitch.tv/leopardstealth

Do you think you and your friends can beat these intrepid raiding parties to the finish line? Bungie will be watching. And, we’ll celebrate the fastest Fireteam from the Tower.

Of course, once you have completed the Raid, we’ll invite you to try it on hard. That’s the true experience.

Be brave.

Sounds like quite the night(s). Don’t forget the MTD and Doritos, and when you’re finished playing, be sure to let us know your thoughts!

Listen To Paul McCartney’s ‘Destiny’ Track

by Derek KraneveldtSeptember 10, 2014

Briefly: Destiny is now available worldwide, and though I haven’t yet had the opportunity to spend much time in the world of Bungie’s latest space epic, I really can’t wait to fully explore and experience the vast world(s) that the game has to offer. I spent a ton of time with Destiny‘s alpha way back in the day, and I’ve been nothing but happy with the retail release thus far.

One of Destiny‘s best features is its phenomenal soundtrack. The game was composed by Marty O’Donnell, Mike Salvatori, and Paul McCartney, the latter actually creating a single specifically for the game’s release.

I hadn’t yet heard the track in my brief time in Old Russia, but YouTuber Kilo Juliett has been kind enough to put the track online. You can give it a listen for yourself below, and don’t forget to watch the game’s live-action trailer if you haven’t yet, and be sure to let us know what you’re thinking of Destiny so far!

‘Destiny’ Gets A Bad-Ass Live Action Trailer!

by Derek KraneveldtSeptember 4, 2014

Briefly: Following the release of the official gameplay launch trailer two weeks back, and the reveal of the game’s Playstation exclusive content last week, Bungie has debuted a phenomenal live-action trailer for next week’s release.

I’ve been enamoured with Destiny for as long as I can remember, and that feeling was exacerbated by the short time that I’ve been able to spend with it. September 9th really, really can’t come soon enough. I played the Alpha and Beta as much as I possibly could, and in that time Destiny became one of my favourite games of the year. I cannot wait to play the full game, and I cannot wait to learn the full story through its bad-ass companion app (seriously, it’s so freaking well done).

It’s definitely my most anticipated title of the year, and I am going to spend way too much time on it. Just five more days to go!

Watch the amazing live-action trailer below, and let us know if you’re becoming legend on September 9th.

http://youtu.be/9ZyQK6kUdWQ

Here’s ‘Destiny’s Playstation Exclusive Strike Mission: Dust Palace

by Derek KraneveldtSeptember 4, 2014

Briefly: Following the release of the official launch trailer two weeks back, and the reveal of the game’s Playstation exclusive content last week, Bungie and Playstation have debuted a new video that shows off the Playstation exclusive Strike mission, Dust Palace.

The PS3 and PS4 editions of the game include the exclusive Exodus Blue map, exclusive Dust Palace strike mission , and plenty of extra equipment. Wouldn’t it be nice if it had cross-platform play to go with it?

Take a look at the video below, and let us know what you think. Destiny hits shelves on September 9th.

Here’s The Playstation Exclusive ‘Destiny’ Map: Exodus Blue

by Derek KraneveldtSeptember 3, 2014

The PS3 and PS4 editions of the game include the exclusive Exodus Blue map, a strike mission, and plenty of equipment. Wouldn’t it be nice if it had cross-platform play to go with it?

Take a look at the video below, and let us know what you think. Destiny hits shelves on September 9th.

New ‘Destiny’ Video Shows Off Playstation Exclusive Content!

by Derek KraneveldtAugust 27, 2014

Briefly: Following the release of the official launch trailer last week, Bungie and Playstation have debuted a new video that shows off all of Destiny‘s Playstation exclusive (at least for the time being) content.

The PS3 and PS4 editions of the game include an exclusive map, strike, and plenty of equipment. Wouldn’t it be nice if it had cross-platform play to go with it?

Take a look at the video below, and let us know what you think. Destiny hits shelves on September 9th.

The ‘Destiny’ Launch Trailer Will Make The Next 18 Days Even Longer.

by Derek KraneveldtAugust 22, 2014

Briefly: After what seems like forever, and an incredible taste of the game in its Alpha and Beta stages, Destiny is nearly here.

It’s so close, in fact, that Bungie and Activision have debuted the impressive launch trailer for the game… which is going to make the next 18 days and even longer wait.

Seriously, I’ve been enamoured with Destiny for as long as I can remember, and that feeling was exacerbated by the short time that I’ve been able to spend with it. September 9th really, really can’t come soon enough.

Take a look at the launch trailer below, and let us know which console you’ll be playing Destiny on.

‘Destiny’s Latest Trailer Takes Us To Venus, Looks Incredible

by Derek KraneveldtAugust 18, 2014

Briefly: We’re now less than a month away from Destiny‘s anticipated launch (I’ve already taken the day off work), and today Bungie took us to Venus with the game’s newest trailer.

Bungie says that “Venus was once the site of a great discovery – a paradise. Now, it is a monument to all that we have lost.”

I was enthralled with the alpha, and had a blast with the beta for the day that I was able to play it (I had to leave for SDCC of course) and I cannot wait to get back inside this world. Take a look at the Venus trailer below (and the Mars trailer is embedded below if you missed it).

Will you become legend when Destiny hits on September 9th?

SDCC 2014: Could ‘Halo: The Master Chief Collection’ Be The Xbox One’s Best Game?

by jake108July 30, 2014

It’s been over a decade since the first Halo title released onto the original Xbox entertainment system. Since then, gamers have enjoyed multiple Halo titles and multiplayer experiences. Perhaps the most popular experience was, and has always been, Halo 2. So when 343i announced there would be an anniversary edition of Halo 2, the hearts of gamers were filled. However, 343i wasn’t done. Halo: The Master Chief Collection will feature Halo’s 1-4, in HD, and each with their own respective multiplayer experiences.

So, four games, one disc, one experience. Where do you even start? Well, from the beginning, it has been 343i’s goal to create a unified Halo experience. This will include a new user interface menu system in which gamers new and old will have little trouble accessing their favorite title and mission. From the start, each Halo will have all story missions unlocked, allowing gamers to go straight to their favorite mission in any game.

Furthermore, gamers will be able to launch playlists that deal with campaign missions, as well as the standard multiplayer gametype. This means that you and I will be able to enter a playlist that includes missions that deal with heavy vehicles and weapons that span across all four titles. Maybe you want to just play the Arbiter’s missions straight through the end of the game. There’s a playlist for that. Speaking of the Arbiter, 343i has also put terminals into Halo 2′s campaign. The terminals will feature a side story from the Arbiter’s point of view.

As far as multiplayer goes, gamers will be able to vote on which Halo map they want to play on, each representing their respective experiences. If you should just want to play Halo 2 multiplayer matches, a playlist will be there. The collection will feature over 100 maps, and even include all PC maps that console gamers never saw. All mutliplayer matches will also be hosted on dedicated servers.

Perhaps the most stunning piece of news coming out of this collection are the new cutscenes designed by Blur studios. Blur, the same studio who was behind the Halo Wars cutscenes, has done an excellent job at recreating cutscenes from Halo 2.

Last, but not least, the collection will also feature Halo: Nightfall, a new series from Executive Producer Ridley Scott.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection will be released November 11th on the Xbox One!

‘Destiny’ Beta Begins July 17th, Collector’s Edition Detailed

by Derek KraneveldtJuly 7, 2014

Briefly: Destiny made quite the show at this year’s E3, and the Alpha that followed was even better (I barely slept for the entire weekend).

Today’s Bungie Day (a self-proclaimed holiday due to the developer’s obsession with the number 7) brought on a plethora of new details about the game, including just when we’ll get some time to play again, as well as info on the sure-to-be-sought-after collector’s and Ghost editions.

First up, the Beta. Playstation 3 and 4 owners will get the first taste from July 17th to 20th. Things will go dark on the 21st and 22nd, but when the Beta returns on July 23rd, Xbox 360 and Xbox one owners will also be able to join in on the fun. The Beta will end for everyone on Sunday, July 27th, which will probably be our last taste of Destiny until its official launch. Here’s a nice Bungie-created infographic to break things down for you:

Looks like I won’t be earning that emblem; I’ll be in California for SDCC, so I’ll be missing out on the entire Beta (and I’m not even upset about it).

The developer also detailed the Limited Edition and Collector’s “Ghost” Edition of the game. Here are the details, straight from Bungie.net.

Humanity has been searching the ruins of our Golden Age for Guardians – heroes capable of wielding Light as a weapon. You have just been found and given a vital mission: defend our home, drive back the forces of Darkness, find a way to awaken the Traveler, and Become Legend.

CONTENTS

–Limited Edition SteelBook™ Case and Game Disc

–Guardian Folio, containing:

–“Arms and Armament” Field Guide: Many believe the weapons and armor featured in this record are a myth. You will learn the truth.

–Postcards from the Golden Age: Our worlds have been claimed by our enemies. Now, it’s time to take them back.

–Antique Star Chart: Explore the wild frontiers of our solar system. Discover all that we have lost.

–Collector’s Edition Digital Content: The City has provided you with a cache of items to start you on your journey, including:

–A Unique Ghost Casing

–An Exclusive Player Emblem

–An Exclusive Player Ship Skin

-Includes the Destiny Expansion Pass*

This is your Ghost. It sought you out for centuries. It found you, dead and forgotten in the ruins of our civilization’s violent Collapse, and it brought you back to life to protect us all. Defend our home, drive back the forces of Darkness, find a way to awaken the Traveler, and Become Legend.

CONTENTS

–Limited Edition SteelBook™ Case and Game Disc

–Ghost Replica: This is your motion-sensing Ghost, featuring lights and audio from the game. May it lead you through the Darkness.

–Letter of Introduction: These worlds were once ours. If you accept your destiny, you will be asked to do the impossible.

–Golden Age Relics, which include a Patch, Sticker, and two Chrome slides of the Traveler

–Guardian Folio, containing:

–“Arms and Armament” Field Guide: Many believe the weapons and armor featured in this record are a myth. -You will learn the truth.

–Postcards from the Golden Age: Our worlds have been claimed by our enemies. Now, it’s time to take them back.

–Antique Star Chart: Explore the wild frontiers of our solar system. Discover all that we have lost.

–Collector’s Edition Digital Content: The City has also provided you with a cache of items to start you on your journey, including:

–A Unique Ghost Casing

–An Exclusive Player Emblem

–An Exclusive Player Ship Skin

-Includes the Destiny Expansion Pass*

Both editions include the Destiny Expansion Pass. Here’s its official description:

Expand your Destiny adventure with brand new story missions, cooperative activities, competitive multiplayer arenas, and all wealth of all new weapons, armor, and gear to earn. The Destiny Expansion Pass includes Destiny Expansion I: “The Dark Below” and Destiny Expansion II: “House of Wolves.” In “The Dark Below,” you’ll discover an ancient tomb has been unsealed. Beneath the surface of the Moon, a dark god has answered centuries of prayer, and a dark army has risen. Explore the true depths of the Hellmouth. Stop the dark Hive ritual and survive.

The pass will cost $39.99 on its own, or $19.99 per expansion.

Bungie has also debuted a new Beta trailer for the game, which is totally awesome. Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know if you’ll be playing the beta!

Meet The Arbiter (Again) In A New ‘Halo: The Master Chief Collection’ Trailer

by Derek KraneveldtJuly 5, 2014

Briefly: Rumoured forever and officially announced last month at E3, Microsoft today debuted a new trailer for 343 Industries Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

The collection, of course, brings together Halo: Anniversary Edition, Halo 2: Anniversary Edition, Halo 3, and Halo 4, with all their campaigns, co-ops, and multiplayer maps, all in 1080P 60FPS. As someone who has missed out on Halo in its entirety to this point (aside from a few nights of multiplayer), I couldn’t be more excited for the package.

The new trailer reintroduces us to the Arbiter (and his many names, depending on who you side with). I don’t know much about what’s going on, but I do know that it looks very pretty.

Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know what you think! Halo: The Master Chief Collection hits the Xbox One on November 11th!

E3 2014: ‘Destiny’ Debuts A New Trailer, And It’s Nearly 4 Minutes Long!

by Derek KraneveldtJune 10, 2014

Briefly: Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft have all impressed us at this year’s E3, and Bungie did the very same with a near four-minute trailer for Destiny.

The trailer features an ominous monologue about the expansion (and then destruction) of humanity, and that it’s up to you and a few others to save it. if you can’t, the entire human race, everything it ever was, and everything it ever will be, is gone forever. No pressure.

Sure, it looks a lot like Halo, but it’s also by the guys that created it, so we’re definitely in for a treat here. The game launches on September 9th, and a special white PS4 bundle will launch on the same day and include the game.

Pre-orderers, of course, get access to the game’s beta, which starts on July 17th. Take a look at the new trailer below, and let us know if you’re excited!