Meh, I guess we can't expect a map with decent forge capabilities to be included in every map pack. Which is a slight disappointment. But the maps do look great and if they play as good as the Noble Map Pack did then I'll be happy.
Highlands art work is beautiful.. Until you look outside of the map :/ It's really poorly rendered ect. Saving framerate, but still it nags me. Unearthed, Same as above. Condemned, Same as above. But still, half of reach as normal, half glassed and space station drifing around is beautiful. But, they all play so well.
Guys, discussion is OK, links to leaked material is not OK. But anyway, I still don't see why having "Author: 343 Industries" is convincing evidence that Bungie didn't make them. I'm not saying you're right or wrong, I'm saying that the default author of the maps downloaded illegally set to 343 does not necessarily mean 343 made them as the Bungie logo is the only author which can be changed upon a maps first save. Seeing as 343 is in charge of all things Halo, its possible that they had the maps and prepared them for press demos or whatever they do. Again, I'm not saying you're wrong or that 343 didn't make them, I'm just not convinced by the "Author: 343 Industries" evidence and probably won't be convinced until the maps are officially announced and we can get some actual facts. (Edit: Also, Wiki pages never count as a source of factual information. The sources listed on the pages are the sources, and if there are none listed then the information might as well have been made up).
On the subject of 343 being the makers, I do find it interesting that the comment of 'Reach DLC incoming' was made by an MS employee, not a Bungie one. Obviously this is as far from concrete as it gets in terms of confirming the creators, but I don't remember MS ever giving any heads up on Halo DLC before Bungie did in the past.
CONVERSATION ONLY. No pictures or links, or videos. Xerax can answer your questions, but no more pictures.
ot: tsb....did you use my stealthy sausage joke as your ct....y u no use clandestine kubasa While I suppose any image can be doctored, I don't see a reason for the author name to be tampered with just for attention. So, I guess 343 is working on it, whatev.
I can almost Guarantee 343 are the ones working on it, because this is a quote from an article of a magazine released less than 2 weeks ago: "We will be supporting the current Halo games via DLC, matchmaking tournaments and more.". Also, the question "How would you classify 343 industries now that Bungie has moved on from the series"? A: "We are charged with the support, upkeep, maintenance and Health of the Halo franchise. That ranges from Publishing Halo Reach to supporting and nurturing it with DLC". This was in an Interview with Frank O Conner. I think thats all the proof you need. Bungie have indeed moved on me thinks. [br][/br]Edited by merge: Bungie weekly update: "t’s been fascinating to see the rumor mill grinding away from the opposite side of the fence these last few years. As a fan, there’s this devilish sense of defiant giddiness that washes over you when you realize you might have been granted access to something much earlier than anyone ever expected. It’s like sneaking downstairs in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve to fondle your presents, surgically removing the tape, and getting your first good look at what will be in store for you in the morning. Some children get so worked up that they just want to run off, scrawl their name on a scrap of paper, and deliver their triumphant message for the whole entire Internet to see, like a made-for-TV antagonist providing undeniable proof of their dastardly crimes. Others just can’t wait to tear open the wrapping paper and play with some new toys. Per policy, you probably already know that I’m not going into any details about whatever it is that I'm on about today. I’m already straddling a somewhat ill-defined line with my opening remarks. That said, there is a proper time and a place for this sort of thing, and it won’t be too much longer until everything is out in the open all official like, and things start to make a little more sense. Stay tuned." Particularly this part: "Some children get so worked up that they just want to run off, scrawl their name on a scrap of paper, and deliver their triumphant message for the whole entire Internet to see, like a made-for-TV antagonist providing undeniable proof of their dastardly crimes. Others just can’t wait to tear open the wrapping paper and play with some new toys" Basically, he just confirmed it. As if it wasnt already confirmed.
I'll still only believe when I see the map pack is from 343. this is SO vague I don't know how you can say its definitive evidence of ANYTHING. It just doesn't make sense for a company that had nothing to do with the making of a game to come in and make the DLC.
The official trailer for the Defiant Map Pack is now available on Xbox.com. My thoughts: Unearthed looks like a spiritual successor to Lost Platoon in terms of size and appearance. Minus Choppers, I'll have to reserve judgment for it later. Condemned I don't have quite as much excitement for. It looks like Orbital/Anchor 9, but I'm hoping it plays more like Chill Out/Cold Storage. Highlands - I don't want to get my hopes up too much, but this looks like the defining BTB map of Halo Reach. The trailer showed off a lot of Focus Rifle action, so I'm really glad 343 found that weapon a good home. Plus, the map just has a feel that screams classic Halo. Overall, I think this is a good introduction for 343 Industries. I hope they do well for themselves. The problem is, I now have to debate between this map pack and renewing Bungie Pro :/ Decisions, decisions...
Well damn. I'm man enough to eat me words... it is in fact 343 ! they all look interesting. I'm an admitted fanboy of anything halo, so I will be charging these as soon as its available.
That voiceover was of random Youtube user quality.... Maps look cool though, hopefully 343 treat us to some more detailed teaser vids like we got with the Noble, seeing more extensive bits of gameplay really give a better impression of how the map will play.