Review copy of Halo 3

I got a package from DHL this morning specifying Saturday delivery... I could hardly contain myself. I knew right away what it was as I hurriedly grabbed a knife out of my desk drawer and cut open the box. There is was, like a holy grail, my review copy of Halo 3 and the media kit.

Gently i lifted the game out of the box and laid it on my desk while i reviewed the media kit thoroughly. There were all the advertisements, merchandise, fact sheets, videos, screenshots, celebrity pics, and more. I quickly boxed that up and put that back on my desk and using the same box knife I opened my review copy of Halo 3 and of course broke the seal stating "DO NOT SELL BEFORE SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2007!" I then rushed into the break room of the studio where I locked the door and have been held up all day. I have only come out briefly to write this SHORT blog so my family and friends will know where i am for the next several days.

There is a hush around the studio as it is the weekend and i am one of very few people here. I have hooked the mega-sound system up to the high-def TV and the Xbox 360 and have it cranked as I booted up Halo 3 for the first time and there is the choir singing and the piano playing those familiar chords. I got a tingle of anticipation up and down my spine. Naturally i skimmed through the instruction manual (just like any guy does), then threw it aside and started my first campaign.

The game booted up and i was thrilled to see the rich detail and the deep graphic display. I am really enjoying the storyline and the interaction between the characters. I am also enjoying the way everyone treats me, Spartan 117, Master Chief, like a hero. The game starts out slow, for about 30 seconds then it throws me into battle and continues on from there. I will not spoil any of the story, but I am pleased with the attention that has been paid to the plot. And i have become completely absorbed in the storyline.

So, if anyone needs me for the next few days, you will be able to find me in the GameSHOUT break room surrounded by pizza boxes and water bottles, with my Xbox 360 controller in my hand completely at one with my alter ego, The Master Chief. Then after I am done with the single player game, I will see you all in the multiplayer game.

Microsoft and Bungie really went all out to make this game seriously replayable using the new Forge system allowing the gamer to redesign their own multiplayer levels. But more of that when we write our review. And be sure to tune in to next week's GameSHOUT Radio podcast as we dedicate the majority of the show to "Halo 3: Was it really worth the hype?" Cya there!!

PS: Very important note to all...I just finished the game and I want to warn everyone to be sure to keep watching beyond the credits...that's ALL i will say other than it is a very important part of the story so just keep watching. Great job Bungie and Microsoft!!!

And as a side note to parents...I don't understand why this game received an "M" rating by the ESRB board other than the violence though it is not extremely graphic, and the language is not extremely in-your-face bad though there are a few words here and there. This was more like a "T" rated game than an "M" game in my opinion.

Cya all in the multiplayer servers!