Today is [url=http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html]talk like a pirate day![/url] Yarr!! Talk like a pirate and tell us some jokes in the flood forum today! Yarr!

Talk like a pirate day!

The [url=http://www.bungiestore.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=7&idproduct=322]Fight the Flood[/url] disaster relief program is still going strong with 9,763 shirts sold as of this morning which amounts to approx. $146,445 in funds for the American Red Cross! Many thanks to our awesome community for their support and please continue to help us spread the word.

It's been a little over a week since we officially started selling our charity "Fight the Flood" [url=http://www.bungiestore.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=7&idproduct=322]t-shirts[/url] and the response has been amazing! With your help, we've now raised an impressive $146,445 in funds to benefit the American Red Cross and victims of hurricane Katrina. Sales have begun to slow down somewhat but we will keep spreading the word to raise more money. While 9,763 shirts is a lot, it's obviously only a small fraction of the larger Halo community. Help us out by telling everyone you know to buy a shirt, it's for a good cause. The situation in the gulf states may be slowly improving but there's a long road ahead and supplies and money will be needed quite possibly for years to come. Remember, 100% of the profit from the Fight the Flood shirts will go directly to the American Red Cross. Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to help others in this time of need.

The [url=http://toolbar.h2press.net]Halo Community Toolbar[/url] by [url=http://www.h2press.net/mambo]H2Press[/url] is no longer bound by the limitations of Internet Explorer... The firefox version has been released!

Both toolbars offer the same awesome features, with a few slight differences. Brief list of features: >>Updated news feed on Halo 2 and other general gaming news >>Links to bungie.net, HaloBabies.net, HBO, RedvsBlue.com, HIH and Rampancy >>Search box for all the major search engines as well as several gamertag/clan stats searching options (New: Toolbar now has ability to search the HaloWiki!) >> Scrolling Marquee with important information and news fromt the major halo sites Also, a recent improvement, the toolbar now has the ability to shrink in order to fit on screens with higher resolutions. For more information (and to download and install one of or both of the toolbars) you can visit [url]http://toolbar.h2press.net[/url] Toolbar designed and maintained by [url=http://www.h2press.net]H2Press.net[/url]

VII Toast writes:

The 7th War ([url=http://www.the7thwar.com]www.the7thwar.com[/url]) recently celebrated it's birthday with a bit of Myth, Halo 2 and just a sprinkle of carnage. Details inside..

Within the bowels of doom and hate, a small website with an even smaller fanbase slowly grew, creating a community worth respect. This community had fun, laughed, and died together. On September 5, 2005 (Labor Day!), we finally sat down to play our birthday extravaganza, which included pizza, Myth II, and Halo 2. While the pizza didn't make it though the [url=http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/6223/piza9gs.jpg]first[/url] few [url=http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/3665/piza25kd.jpg]minutes[/url], the party kept rolling on. First game up was Myth II, which started around 3 PM. Here are some quick screenshots: [*][url=http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/2778/hbday7thwar8nb.jpg]Picture 1[/url] [*][url=http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/6455/hbday7thwar33be.jpg]Picture 2[/url] Our plan for that event was to set up as many Wights (people that explode) as humanly possible in one area, and detonate them. We messed up about two times before it all came together. Want to see the finished BANG? Thanks to Psyched, we recored all the chaos. Video link below. [ .WMV 11.7 MB (sorry Mac)] [url=http://www.the7thwar.com/downloads/The_7th_War_Anniversary.wmv]The 7th War Anniversary Video[/url]. (right click and "save target as") (BAM! Can't stress that word enough... BAM!) After the Myth II carnage was well over with, the actual party wasn't. We proceeded to play a few quick games of Halo 2 to finish off the night (getting kinda late) and we ended up with three 'official' ones. [*][url=http://www.bungie.net/Stats/GameStats.aspx?gameID=296255376]Game one[/url] was a simple Warthog Wars gametype. Big explosions. [*][url=http://www.bungie.net/Stats/GameStats.aspx?gameID=296265629]Game two[/url] was Midship, with everyone and their *control issues*. Luckily, my team (blue) came through with very little effort. [*][url=http://www.bungie.net/Stats/GameStats.aspx?gameID=296363405]The Final Game[/url] for the night was stressful as trying to hold the Oddball would be with everyone having swords. Eventually I grew tired, and I quickly booted everyone from the game.. declaring me the winner. I then received about a dozen angry messages for booting them. We all went to sleep that night with pizza in our stomachs, sore backs and a strong will to kill anything that moved. The guys had fun, and we will [b]definitely[/b] be doing this next year. HAPPY BIRTHDAY THE 7TH WAR!!! Cheers to next year! ([url]http://www.the7thwar.com[/url]) ~The 7th War's actual birthday is September 26, but we decided to have it on Labor Day since everyone is off~

Our special "Fight the Flood" [url=http://www.bungiestore.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=322]shirt[/url] has been hugely successful and with your help we've already raised nearly $93,000 for the Red Cross in just a few short days. Help us spread the word and lets see if we can push this well into six-figure territory! THANK YOU to everyone who has helped.

The Halo community has rallied to help those in need and with your help we're coming close to raising $100,000 for the Red Cross to aid in disaster relief. Help us spread the word and tell everyone you know to buy a [url=http://www.bungiestore.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=322]shirt![/url] As we mentioned in last weeks [url=http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?story=fighttheflood&p=4656758]update[/url], we are also working on a special charity auction with our friends at halo.bungie.org that will kick off shortly. We'll have lots more to say about that real soon! Thanks again to everyone for lending a helping hand. Remember there are many ways to help, if you can't buy a shirt, call the Red Cross directly (or any other relief agency) and ask what you can do to help. Money is usually the easiest and quickest way but that's not always the only option. American Red Cross - [url=http://www.red-cross.org/]www.red-cross.org[/url] [b]1-800-HELP-NOW[/b]

A new Matchmaking [url=/Stats/page.aspx?section=FAQInfo&subsection=playlists&page=1]Playlist[/url] update was released on Xbox Live today! This latest [url=http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=4657016]update[/url] includes two brand new playlists, "Multi-Team" and "Team Snipers", as well as the integration of all new maps and a few minor tweaks and enhancement

The Halo 2 Xbox Live Matchmaking Playlist have just been updated with two brand new entries and a number of minor improvements and adjustments based on player feedback. [b]Please note: You will need to have ALL new maps installed in order to participate in Matchmaking.[/b] Also, please note that it may take a little time for this new playlist update to fully propagate across Xbox Live so you may encounter an occasional leftover game from before the update if you or the host haven't logged off in a while. For the full list of the latest playlist offerings, check out the [url=http://www.bungie.net/Stats/page.aspx?section=FAQInfo&subsection=playlists&page=1]playlist page[/url] in the Stats section of Bungie.net. For additional info about this latest update, check out this [url=http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=4657016]forum thread[/url] in the Optimatch Forum. Our next update will be in approximately six weeks and we've already begun gathering your suggestions and ideas on what it should include. Currently there are a few discussions underway in the [url=http://www.bungie.net/Forums/topics.aspx?forumID=5576]Optimatch Forum[/url] so be sure to share your opinion. Currently we are building out the details for a "Pro" style playlist but any and all suggestions are welcome. And as always, if you encounter people who are cheating, being offensive or causing problems, please use the in-game feedback system to report them.

No, unfortunately we're not talking about the evil parasitic lifeform from the world of Halo. This flood is all too real and it's impacted thousands of real people in the wake of hurricane Katrina. In this time of tragedy we're calling on the Bungie Underground Army to do what you can to [url=http://www.redcross.org/]help[/url] those in need.

Hurricane Katrina has decimated New Orleans and surrounding towns along the Gulf coast. If you've taken a break from playing Halo 2 and watched the news lately then you've no doubt seen the horrible aftermath of this devastating storm. It's not often that we stray from topics related to Halo but in this case we felt the need to rally the members of the Bungie Underground Army to lend a hand to help those who have suffered through this disaster. What can you do to help? The [url=http://www.redcross.org/]American Red Cross[/url] is on the front lines providing shelter, food and recovery assistance to the thousands of people impacted by Katrina. You can help out by volunteering your time or making a monetary donation to support their efforts. More information can be found at the Red Cross [url=http://www.redcross.org/]website[/url] or you can donate over the phone by calling [b]1-800-HELP-NOW[/b]. What are you and your posse doing to help? Share your stories in our [url=http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=4631234]forum[/url] and we'll do an update to prove that gamers really can contribute to the world in a positive way! : )

As promised, the Halo 2 [i]Maptacular Pack[/i] is now available as a free download over Xbox Live. If you haven't already grabbed these five maps, what are you waiting for!? All of the maps will be required in order to play matchmaking after next weeks playlist update.

If you've been holding out on getting the last wave of Halo 2 maps your time has finally come. The [i]Maptacular Pack[/i] is now available for download free of charge and includes Terminal, Backwash, Relic, Elongation and Gemini. Please be sure to download all of the Halo 2 maps if you haven't already or you will be unable to play in matchmaking once the playlist update is released next week. In the meantime, you can find new map action in the current Rumble Preview and Team Preview playlists.

Episode 58 Officially Kicks Off Season 4...

Episode 58 Officially Kicks Off Season 4... And you will not be dissapointed, this first episode is 4 minutes 22 Seconds straight of laughter, yes, it is back and better than ever. Head over and check out the new episode [url=http://www.redvsblue.com]HERE[/url]

I want to hear about your Halo 2 Xbox live and Lan Tournaments! Please drop an email to [email]tourney@soffish.com[/email] and include tourney information such as: date and time, title, location, sponsors (if you have any) and awards/prizes. Feel free to send in your post-tourney stories and tourney updates as well!

Every week or so I will take all the tourney information I recieve and consolidate it into one news post called the "Tourney Roundup". I'll try my best to get the roundup posted every Thursday afternoon! Thanks!

Mark your calendars! September 19th is [url=http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html]Talk like a Pirate day![/url] Arrrrr!

Just sit right there and you'll hear a tale, A tale of pimping tri-ip! (ARRH) That started from the seaside hood, Aboard this pimping shi-ip! (ARRH) Aboard this pimping shi-ip! I looked right down and I saw a fin, A fin of mermaid sea -blam!-! (ARRH) She hopped right upon my boat, And starting giving her sales pitch! (ARRH) And starting giving her sales pitch! Its been a good fortnight or two, I hope my whores don't flee! (ARRH) This tale of mine continues, Past lands and seas unknown to me-ee! (ARRH) Past lands and seas unknown to me-ee! Share your pirate and pirate pimp jokes, experiences and shanties on the [url=http://www.bungie.net/Forums/topics.aspx?forumID=10]flood forum[/url] on September 19th!

Due to the explosion of amateur machinima films, a Halo movies awards contest was created, named [url=http://rop.thatweasel.tv]Rockets on Prisoner[/url]. The 3rd annual awards are open for public voting for just two more days. Vote now in one or all of the 16 categories. [url=http://rop.thatweasel.tv/index.php?site=O&pg=V]Vote for your favorites![/url]

The voting process itself is very simple. The page lists five nominees for each of the 16 categories, and the voter picks one person to win for each of them. The winners of the awards will not only receive signed bumper stickers from the judges, but real golden Master Chief trophies (like an Oscar, but a Spartan), That Weasel fan club subscriptions, gift certificates, and potentially some Red vs. Blue DVDs and Sponsors vs. Freeloaders T-Shirts. You can [url=http://rop.thatweasel.tv/index.php?site=O&pg=V]vote for your favorite Halo Movies here[/url], and find out [url=http://rop.thatweasel.tv/index.php?site=O]more information about the history, the prizes, the judges and whatnot here.[/url]

The [url=http://www.penny-arcade.com/pax]Penny Arcade Expo[/url] (PAX) kicks off today in Bellevue, WA. There are a few specific points of interest for Halo fans including appearances by Red vs. Blue tonight and an ongoing Halo 2 tournament culminating in a match against Team Bungie tomorrow afternoon. If you live in the area, swing by to say hello and check it out!

The Penny Arcade Expo looks to be better than ever this year with more gaming goodness than you could possibly handle in a 3 day period. Tons of tournaments ranging from Halo 2 to card games will be taking place along with special industry panel discussions, hands-on game demos and even musical performances. Tonight, the guys from Red vs. Blue will be providing some entertainment and mingling with fans. Tomorrow, members of Team Bungie will be stopping by to play an exhibition match against the winners of the PAX Halo 2 tournament around 1:30 PM. Stop by and watch our guys try to represent and feel free to give Frankie a hard time. For more details about PAX including a full roster of activities for all three days, head over to the Penny Arcade [url=http://www.penny-arcade.com/pax]website[/url].

[url=http://www.bungiefansonline.com]Bungiefansonline.com[/url], a bungie fansite created by two long time and somewhat respected bungie.net forum members ([url=http://www.bungie.net/Account/Profile.aspx?uid=26396]psyched[/url] and [url=http://www.bungie.net/Account/Profile.aspx?uid=219812]snowmanaxt[/url]), has recently launched!

Check it out and tell these jokers what you think. Keep in mind that their site is very new and still smells a bit. (the grand opening party got a little freaky) Additionally bungiefansonline.com has many of the features you would expect from any respectable bungie fansite. News, polls, and forums are all present. The BFO crew is also in the process of setting up a [url=http://www.bungiefansonline.com/index.php?pg=tourney05]Myth Tourney[/url]! Bungie.net members don't do positive things for the old school community often...so plan on attending! :P

mrsmiley writes:

[url=http://www.halobabies.net]HaloBabies.net[/url] hit their 100th strip today after 2 years of hilarious Halo-based comic strips! Check out [url=http://www.halobabies.net/comics/100]strip 100[/url] today, along with 3 new desktop images themed after the strip!

HaloBabies.net is based off of the beloved April fools joke that was crafted by Bungie Lead Artist, Lorraine McLees. It has been going strong for 2 years, with a steadily increasing fan base. Be sure to swing by the [url=http://www.halobabies.net/forum]forum[/url] after you check out the new strip, and see what kind of art our members have to offer!

Ghandi 2 writes:

Sometime in the coming weeks, a Myth tournament will be hosted on MariusNet. It is open to anybody who has Myth 2, is willing to be civil, and wants to have fun playing Myth. Read all about it and sign up [url=http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=4569014]here[/url].

So what are you waiting for? Sign up now! Good Luck to all who participate and remember: Have fun!

Halo 2 arrived at one of the biggest anime conventions to the Otaku generation between August 19-21.

Otakon 2005, one of the biggest anime conventions in America, host a video game room every year. Lucky for us, Halo 2 has been making an outstanding impression for gamers everywhere. This year, Halo 2 was played on 6 large projector screens. This meant lots of invitation to watch. Tournaments were ran both Friday and Saturday, kicking off with two FFA tournaments Friday, and Team Slayer and Team Objective tournaments on Saturday. The lines to play in these events were long and saddening for those in the back of them. Here are a few pics from the gamer's point of view: [url=http://www.krazygamers.com/downloads/Otakon%202005:%20Lines%20pwning%20n00bs/otakonsaturday247.jpg] Pic1 [/url] [url=http://www.krazygamers.com/downloads/Otakon%202005:%20Lines%20pwning%20n00bs/otakonsaturday119.jpg] Pic2 [/url] [url=http://www.krazygamers.com/downloads/Otakon%202005:%20Lines%20pwning%20n00bs/otakonsaturday135.jpg] Pic3[/url] [url=http://www.krazygamers.com/downloads/Otakon%202005:%20Lines%20pwning%20n00bs/otakonsaturday134.jpg]Pic4[/url] More pictures and hopefully video will be added to [url=http://www.krazygamers.com] www.krazygamers.com [/url]

From Marathon to Halo, Pat Miller describes how Bungie has evolved the genre in the latest issue of The Escapist.

Pat Miller details the ground-breaking accomplishments of Bungie in the lastest issue of [url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/7/3]The Escapist[/url]. He details the engrossing storyline and devotion starting in the Marathon days and evolving into the Halo series. It's an excellently written article, inspiring me to stand back and give a sincere "golf-clap" to the professionals from Bungie that worked on all these accomplishments. [i]"Marathon's game design has left its mark, not only in Halo but also in the genre as a whole. While the rest of the industry was collectively soiling themselves over Doom's gritty texture maps and the totally awesome BFG 9000, the Bungie folks were quietly pioneering FPS development with things like secondary fire modes, objective-based missions instead of red keys and blue doors, plots that aren't mind-numbingly boring, and so on."[/i]

Raw skills help in racking up the kills and avoiding death and might make you a decent or even a good player. But how reach the level of a [b]great[/b] player? [url=http://halowiki.net/wiki/User:LegendaryMark ]LegendaryMark[/url] provides part of the answer in his article [url=http://h2wiki.halowiki.net/wiki/What_makes_a_great_player]What makes a great player?[/url].

Asking themselves the same question I think most people realize that things like accurate aim and snake-fast reflexes sure are important, but that they aren’t the [b]most[/b] important factor. Take two equally technically skilled players and the best one will be the one with the best strategy and tactics. But Mark wonders if it isn’t even that a technically inferior player can beat the technical master by outsmarting him. At least if the technical gap isn’t too large. Some players seem to be in the right place at the right time always. Lucky spawns? Not according to Mark. Making the opponents seem like babies (paraphrasing Overswarm) is about outthinking them, outsmarting them, outwitting them. Know the maps of course, know the [url=http://h2wiki.halowiki.net/wiki/Carney_Holes]Carney Holes[/url], know yourself and your limitations. In short, learn to think like a Pro. That means power weapon control and ability to lock down the enemy completely. Take a step in this direction by reading the article. Here: [url=http://h2wiki.halowiki.net/wiki/What_makes_a_great_player]What makes a great player?[/url].

Nedus writes:

Voice actor Steve Downes is interviewed, and touches on subjects like the Halo movie, and how he got involved with Bungie.

[url=http://tiedtheleader.blogspot.com/2005/08/visit-from-master-chief-himself.html]http://tiedtheleader.blogspot.com/2005/08/visit-from-master-chief-himself.html[/url] Voice actor Steve Downes is interviewed, and touches on subjects like the Halo movie, and how he got involved with Bungie. Its broken into three parts. MP3 format, 2-3 megs apiece.