Flying Master Chief

There ’s been an enjoyable rumor floating around the internet that Mr. Steven Spielberg was currently in talks to produce the Halo movie. A movie Microsoft will only say is “on hold”.

Responding to questions we had over the Spielberg rumor (and indeed the future of the movie itself), a Microsoft spokesperson reports:

We’re glad there’s still a lot of enthusiasm in the entertainment industry surrounding the idea of a Halo movie. That said, the Halo feature film remains on hold as we focus on projects like Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach.

Upon further questioning, Microsoft added that they had “nothing further to share with respect to plans regarding a Halo movie”.

That’s a long time holding, since the movie first went “on hold” all the way back in 2006. Somebody’s arms must be getting really tired by now.

BUT, for us Halo fans, “on hold” is better than “cancelled”, right?

Reportedly, Spielberg has been “blown away” by Stuart Beattie’s screenplay and after having lost Transformers, Dreamworks (having recently split from their distribution deal with Paramount) will be looking to gain a replacement “tentpole” action series, and Halo – which has been abandoned by Peter Jackson and Neil Blomkamp – fits the bill perfectly.

Apparently CAA, who list Spielberg as a client, have the director in “active negotiations” to produce the movie. So please, make note of this. He’s rumured to be in talks to produce the movie, not direct it.

Sounds crazy, but then, five years ago how many of you would have picked that Spielberg would produce a Transformers movie?

How is it going to be resolved? What mysteries will be revealed? Will all sentient life be wiped out by a devistating pulse from the monitor and its Halos? Is Master Chief some type of Messiah? Well, to help solve these questions we’ve created this in-depth Halo 3 walkthrough, and its so big that we have to split it into 9 pieces.

Because the game play is basically a bunch of skirmishes throughout a vast and gorgeous landscape, we’ve broken this walkthrough up in sections. One of the most important things to remember is there is usually more than one way to get through each skirmish, so if you find a better way through an area, let us know!

You might not realize that Halo 3 actually has a very rich story arc as you’re blasting your way through it. So, we’ll try to provide some back-story where necessary and commentary on each of the cut scenes.

Anyway, enough with the intro’s, let’s get Started!!

Level 1: Sierra 117

In the opening scene, we see a dark sky filled with stars. That female voice we have come to know and love, Cortana, starts talking about our beloved hero, Master Chief. During the intro, we see a shooting star come towards us and then break up as plows into Earth. Now our hero knows how to make an entrance. And while he might fly like a brick, he’s a brick with style. Since Master Chief was part of that space debris, he lies stunned on the forest floor in a locked position. When he does come to, he takes a quick run for the Arbiter who is watching from afar.

Walk it Off

As you take control of the indestructible Master Chief, that hard-as-nails Marine Johnson directs the squad to head on into the canyon. So, follow them as they run over the logs, through the trees, up over cliff faces and around pools.

You will eventually come to the opening of a waterfall, where a phantom flies overhead. Now, don’t let the fact that most of your squad climbs the rocks means that you should too. The proper path is a hard right over a log and into your first firefight with the troops in cement bunkers.

After you have finished off the first wave, a Phantom swoops in and second wave appears from the little waterfall in front of you. Kill this wave and cross to the other side of the river via the rocks along the waterfall, and kill the third wave of troops. Note: Try killing the Brute first as this sends the Grunts into panic mode. Unlike the regenerative shields that the Elites had in the previous Halo games, the Brutes have regular style armor that a good blast will knock them down to nothing.

Bonus – Skull: Blind

From the lagoon you were just at, take the stream until it leads off the cliff. When you’re standing on the edge, look out over the giant lake beyond and take a right. You should see a boulder in the way, but go around it. Follow the edge of this cliff around until you see a rock where there is a skull on the end. You will not get an achievement for this skull but it is still a skull that you can use during the campaign.

Next, follow the path as it winds around and over to a cliff that is overlooking a small canyon. One of the marines in your crew says “Jackals on the ridge, stay back it looks like the have Carbines.” He’s NOT LYING, there’s snipers all over the place. The best approach is to “borrow” a long range weapon such as a Battle Riffle or a carbine. Remember slow and steady wins the race – stand on the highest point and pick off each Jackal. Don’t jump down into the middle area, stay on the rocks that line the canyon!! This keeps you away from the Grunts and the Brutes waiting for some fresh Spartan meat. If you’re good, or just want to conserve ammo, look to the far end of the gorge, you will see several fusion cores which have the potential to take out several of the baddies at the same time.

When you kill everyone here, Johnson says “Pelicans are en route.” Around the next corner, a gold-clad Brute stands high on a log holding a marine over the edge. The Brute demands for the location of the base and the marine replies, “kiss my ass.” In a particularly brutish style, the poor human is pummeled and tossed to the ground. I think we’re supposed to take from this that Brute’s are mean and brutal.

Before you get all Spartan on that brute, watch out for his support team. There’s Jackals above ready to snipe you. Instead, use this opportunity to show off your sniper skills by focusing on the Brutes and the jackals from afar using the carbine. Keep on going ahead to add to the body count.

By following the path, you’ll eventually come to a cave. Inside, Master Chief starts getting flashbacks from Cortana. She appears to be lying down hurt and says “Could you
sacrifice me to complete your mission,” “Could you watch me die.”

At this point, good ol’ Johnson barkes “Chief, the Pelicans are at the river, so hustle up.” We then see two Pelicans hovering over a river and marines inside shooting down at the Covenant forces below. But, Pelicans being pelicans, get swarmed by Covenant Banshees and we can only be witness to our would-be rides get shot down. One of them explodes in all types of fire and mayhem, while the other Pelican barely escapes.
So, with no chance of hitching a ride, start off by shooting the light resistance at the beach. The real fight though, will be in the human structures that are along the cliff face.

Note: There is a portable machine gun turret inside the Pelican wreckage, but it is too slow and to use in this fight. Try creeping along the left side of the large boulder and pick off the jackals before flinging yourself into the hordes of Grunts and Brutes. If you are having too much trouble fighting up close and personal, try heading into the high ground of the boulders and the high wall that runs around the rear perimeter of the base. Using a combo of Carbines and Plasma Pistols seems to work well against a lot of the armored baddies in this area.

When the main area of the base is cleared, DON’T GO IN. Go around the corner to find a gold Brute and some more snipers.

Charlie Foxtrot

At this point, the Arbiter recommends heading back into the jungle and Johnson radios in that he and his Pelican were shot down. He sends the Master Chief his
coordinates expecting a rescue.

Well, in case you didn’t get enough sniping before, thank the Bungie coders now – this next area has even more Jackal snipers. Don’t forget to pick up one of the
Covenant sniper rifles (Beam Rifles) that one of the Jackals so graciously left you. Note: The Covenant Beam Rifle does not have a clip, you will have to
drop the whole gun when it is low of ammo, so best practice is when you kill each jackal swap out your rifle for their fully loaded one.

When you get to the next ridge, you’ll hear Johnson say “Come on you big dumb apes, if you want breakfast, your going to have to catch it.”
Enhance your body count with either the Sniper/Carbine. Like shooting fish in a barrel, pick off the jackals on the ridge. At this point, its ok to pickup a close range weapon such as a Brute shot because next comes a heavy Brute presence in the ravine below.

After killing him, follow the path as it winds around from the ravine up towards a small bridge. It is best to get your hands on a ranged weapon here as there will be jackals on the bridge.

When you reach the top, you will see that Johnson’s Pelican didn’t make it very far from the beach. The path through the mountain ridge will be guarded by Brutes and
Grunts. SAVE YOUR LONG RANGE WEAPON. Attack them with whatever weapon you kept that isn’t a sniper rifle, you’ll need the bullets for the next area.

Quid Pro Pro
The path opens up to a deep canyon that was created by the dammed river. The Arbiter will point out that Johnson and his crew are just bait. Pay close attention as there are Jackal snipers covering the entire perimeter of this base. Show them your skills as a sniper. Once the threat of the snipers are gone, jump off the cliff and move in for some close combat. While not a particular fan of the needler, it’s really useful here because everyone’s got one, and it’s best if you save your Brute Shot for the encounter on the top of the dam.

Make your way to the top of the dam and get ready for a good fight as you turn the corner. Make no mistake, The Brutes will come in full force as soon as they see you. Be mindful that there might be some jackals above too, stay out of their line of sight. It’s really important to focus all your fire on the Brute leader. Who’s the Brute leader? This guy.

When he falls, pick off the Jackals and then use the Brute Leader’s Gravity hammer to kill the remaining forces standing between you and Sgt. Johnson’s prison cell.

Bonus: Iron Skull

When the bridge is clear, as you stand on the dam, jump up to the platform where the two Jackals were. The floor here is a rust-red metal grating. Go Forward until you see two rusty pipes running perpendicular to you. Follow them around and then hop onto the catwalk that runs parallel to these pipes. The catwalk will run alongside the glass wall eventually. When it does, turn left and continue down it as it winds around the building. At the very, very end of the catwalk and tucked into a little alcove is the
iron skull.

Work your way around the dam and follow the navigation icon to find the imprisoned Johnson. He’s just on the far side and down the stairs. Johnson and his USNC marines are being held in the building across from the bottom of these stairs. Outside, a Phantom will appear overhead. You can just take cover, as the USNC will eventually destroy it, or you can help out and finish the game faster. Either way, stay close to your troops since they will provide some much needed fire support and absorb bullets that otherwise was meant for you. If you need it, there is a shield regenerator hiding nearby. Backtrack around the U again and up onto the dam.
Just sit tight and when the pelicans arrive, the story will continue.

The Pelican “goes hot” and fires a barrage of missiles at the Covenant drop ship destroying it instantly. Damn!

When the Covenant threat has been dealt with, follow your allies as they board the Pelican to complete the level.

Congratulations! You have completed Level 1 – Sierra 117 of Halo 3.

Stay tuned for more!

Bubble Shield – what the bubble shield basically does is to create a bubble that does not allow the entry of fast moving projectiles (i.e. bullets and grenades) in or out of it. Keep in mind that when the bubble shields you, you are unable to fire at the opponents. The shield is able to block a few vehicles but not all. It is used as a cover when in open ground combat. Since a player cannot throw grenades or shoot bullets when you are in the shield, a player standing behind the shield is still afforded with cover from the front and at a same time retain the ability to deploy grenades and send them in an arch over the shield.

Deployable Cover – The deployable cover is a form of a directional shield that you can use as added cover during combat to protect against snipers. Unlike the bubble shield; a deployable cover allows you to shoot weapons from your side. It is important to note that a well placed sniper shot can easily take the cover down.

Flare – as its names suggest – the flare is a tool that emits a flash of light; in this case it is blinding to all who look at it. This tool is very useful when confusing enemies and planning a getaway.

Portable Gravity Lift – smaller more compact version of the gravity lift. It stays active for a while after it has been dropped. It is however vulnerable to attack and can be easily destroyed.

Power Drain – This tool emits an EMP like pulse that affects and disables enemy shields and cause vehicles to stop in their tracks

Radar Jammer – Looks similar the Power drainer, just that this one is red in color. It serves to confuse enemies who are relying on their radar. This equipment will show numerous false activities on the enemy’s monitors, appearing as rapidly moving red dots. It jams not only your enemies’ radar but also yours and your team mates, so use the radar jammer with that in mind to get the best results.

Regenerator – Considered as the opposite of the power drainers. The Regenerator raises the shields of players that access it. It is very useful when your health is near depleted because it is able to raise your shield in a heartbeat. This is very useful when using the Man Cannon as it may provide cover against snipers.

Trip Mine – This is basically a land mine that is triggered with pressure on sensors found on top of it. It is effective anti-vehicle and anti-person equipment. The trip mines gives off a very distinct sound when it is armed on the ground. Keep attuned to it so you can avoid it.

Grenades

A lot of people don’t use grenades as much as they should when playing multiplayer. You should be constantly throwing Frag Grenades and Plasma Grenades before and during shooting at the enemy.

When you throw them make sure you throw them towards the enemy’s feet rather than trying to get it to hit their body as you want it to explode near them. (Unless you are trying to stick them with a Spike or Plasma grenade) .

On the other hand if you throw a grenade while you are having a shoot out you always stand a chance of killing from your grave with a random grenade you threw just before the final shot that killed you.

Using the Radar

Make sure you always have one eye on the radar. The last thing you want to do is run round a corner into the whole of the other team while you are on your own.

In the middle of the battle if you see a few red dots come to towards you and no yellow dots, you know that it is time to throw a grenade and run out of there before you do get killed.

Melee

If you are close to your opponent then stop shooting and go for the Melee. This is just as effective as grenades or guns and there is nothing quite as good as beating somebody down.

Sneaking up on somebody and giving them a one hit kill from behind is satisfying but also hitting somebody and killing them just before they do exactly that to you is just as good.

Try and master firing your guns and throwing grenades to get you close to the opponent and then just whack them to finish them off.

Duck Jumping

Once you can do this it will help you get round levels greatly. Just imagine if you crouch while you are in the air, less of your body needs to stay clear of a ledge when you land so you can jump a little but further from ledge to ledge.

Jump as late as you can and press the duck / crouch button just as you land and you will see exactly how it works.

Whether it is a multiplayer, a solo, or an FFA, your position during the game can totally turn the tables. It is rightly said that if you are a good player, undoubtedly you will find yourself in a good situation. Anyone can shoot and kill easily, but to do it flawlessly and without taking damage is the mark of a pro Halo 3 player. This is the fine line between the veteran and the elite. Your kill to death ration can increase substantially, if you ensure that you are in an optimum position throughout the game.

During a neck-to-neck game, you must consider the following points to gain advantage:-

Location – It is the one of the most important aspect. You must be in an adequate location depending on where your team members are and where your opponent is. You must be able to make a quick move in case of a sudden charge by your opponents.

Shield – Your location should also be in synchronization with your armor, i.e. do not be in a face to face fight, if you cannot resist the damage received.

Weapons – It also depends a lot on your weapon. Please don’t do “Rambo things” and be a cause for loss to your team.

Spawns and Top Spots – Places like weapon spawns are really popular and often the goal is to dock one as soon as possible. It gives you an upper hand on others since now they cannot get that weapon. Places in which campers love to relax are also a cause for a run. So ensure that your team gets to these spots as soon as possible.

Skill and Dexterity – Play according to skills, don’t overestimate or underestimate yourselves. As soon as you start playing with your characteristics, you come to understand how well you can exploit your skills in the game.

Each one of the above points is essential if you do not want to suicide. You do not get time to sit and think about all the above points, you should have enough practice that you can think these points subconsciously during the game.

When you are sure of the above points you move more freely in the map without being shot down. You can also exploit your enemies as they would also be following these points. Example – You can camp near a weapon spawn area and shoot as soon as the enemy appears. You can fake a run and trick your enemy to come out. You can camp the best of the weapons and exploit the enemy’s lack of good weapons.

There are many ways; the trick is not to limit your imagination in the game. You can try all bizarre techniques, but as long as they work, they are accepted. To play according to the situations and to adapt quickly into the environment which you are put on, are the footprints of a pro Halo 3 player J

Communication is an Ace

Keeping the common communication apart, you must tell about your real life situation to your teammates. Things which can affect or disrupt you in-game practice, should be told to the team members immediately, so that such a situation does not arise where members start losing trust on you.

When you practice with your team, ensure that special calls and messages are practiced every time, so that during a match if anyone gives a call, the team should know exactly how to respond.

Formulate a Game Play

First of all, you must be serious about your team and its practice. If you get time and the whole team isn’t available, then you should start a new game yourself and try strategies and ways to improve your dexterity in the game. Although over practicing is bad, under practicing can be worse, so don’t be afraid to go on the “geek side” a bit.

Experience is the Key

One of the most important aspect in the whole “become a pro in Halo 3 multiplayer” topic is experience. I cannot stress how important this is, perhaps the most important of it all. You must indulge in frequent matches with other teams, even if the matches are not formal. This will help you in two ways:-

1. Your team knows its weaknesses and strategies.

2. You get to know how to respond to other team’s strategies and attacks.

And these two points are the basics of multiplayer gaming.

The final note

In a team it does not matter if everyone has individual talent, what matters are coordination, understanding, strategies and execution. Halo 3 is one among the many games which totally relies on team performance (and not individual performance) in the multiplayer aspect. If you feel your team is not up to the mark, then try to find the area in which you are lacking by analyzing your performance in different game environments.

With the release of Halo 3, Bungie has now completed the Epic Halo Trilogy. Halo 3 concludes the tale for Master Chief and his alien sidekick Cortana. Bungie has certainly upped the ante when they made the final installment. A lot of the components of Halo 3 are familiar to old previous player, although some of the new weapons and terrains take some getting used to. In Halo 3, the Normal levels are easier than in Halo 2. This is because of Bungie’s effort to reach an audience of casual players. So, we suggest that if you have played Halo in the past (even in a Normal Level) try to challenge yourself and play Legendary or Heroic.

New challenges abound in the world of Halo 3. If you are new to the game or just haven’t played in a while, you are bound to start of your experience by dying frequently. To help you along, here are tips on surviving Halo 3:

Master your gadgets – With any game, you must know how to handle your weapons. Master it so that you can whip it out in a blink of an eye. It is also important to know which weapons you should use for a particular opponent. Halo 3 has a very useful feature – the dual wielding ability that allows you to handle two weapons at the same time. Master this feature and use it wisely.

Know your enemies – Like knowing your weapons you should also know your enemies. Some of them are easier to destroy than others. Some panic under pressure and others fall apart when you destroy the Brute leader. Another important tip when killing an opponent is to Aim for its Head. Hitting the head will require fewer shots from your part to take them down as compared with making body shots.

Get familiar with your surroundings – learn the ins and outs of your surroundings. Figure out where you can hide to shield yourself from enemy onslaught and try looking around to find bonus items you can use. Also, beware of the Skulls. The Skulls are important because they multiply your points, but they also have effects that range from helpful, or sometimes silly to downright frightening. Don’t hesitate to pick up a skull, they multiply points, just beware of their effects.