In Response To: Hi res Shots (Charthepirate)
: http://xboxmedia.ign.com/media/previews/image/halo/halomag6.jpg
First, the good: Sweet mother! Now THAT'S what I call a SPNKR! By the way, any of you able to make out the text on the side? Here's what I can decypher: "Caution: ?.O.J. Test" I really have no clue what the second line says, let alone what we're supposed to be cautious about. Maybe it has to do with that big green button-like thing?
And now the bad: Look at the cliff edge, what do you see? Jaggies. I don't know what I was expecting, but the fact remains that there are jaggies in this pic. Perhaps the AA isn't on? I sure hope so, because I would hate to think Bungie wasn't taking full advantage of that wonderful enhanced GeForce 3 the Xbox has.
: http://xboxmedia.ign.com/media/previews/image/halo/halomag2.jpg
Nice contrails! It's the infamous Indoor Flyer shot. Is it just me, or does that place look a lot like "The Shaft"? I just love the way the instrument panel is all lit up like that...sigh, I'm gonna adore this game (not that I don't already, but PLAYING it will be... better than words can say)
: http://xboxmedia.ign.com/media/previews/image/halo/halomag4.jpg
Anyone who sees this pic and still insists that the original Mac/PC shots and movies look better than the current build has LOST their HEAD! This shot is by far the most beautiful pic of Halo I've yet seen. The vibrant sunset, the sparkling beam thingy, the faint lights on the gigantic plane overhead, the most beautiful sniper rifle yet seen in a game, and, to top it all off, little lights on the cyborg's kneecaps! Wow! Incredible! Now THIS is an Xbox game!
: http://xboxmedia.ign.com/media/previews/image/halo/halomag3.jpg
Very intense battle here. I spent a full minute just gazing at the gorgeous weapon effects in this shot. The dissipation effect of that giant cannon is awe-inspiring (I'm getting a little worked up, here). Another thing that struck me was the ammount of detail on the Covenant elite. The little spike-things on his neck, the shinyness of his armor and the incredibly detailed facial features. I also much enjoyed the way the fallen Grunt's fin/wings (I think it looks more like a shell, personally) reflects the light, plus all the damage visible. Also, take note of the vast ammount of Covenant blood spattered aroung the dead grunt. Good stuff. Once again, I'd like to point out the glowing control panel on the manned Covenant ground cannon. One more thing - the ground at the cyborg's feet. Look at the way the explosions cast shadows between the ripples of the sand. This is a top-notch screenshot.
: http://xboxmedia.ign.com/media/previews/image/halo/halomag5.jpg
There are several strange things about this shot. First, and most obvious, are the flames. I don't undestand why a flamethrower would spew greenish-yellow flames. Maybe I'm missing something, but I would much prefer a nice, hot red-and-orange flame anyday. Next, those bizarre aliens. I don't think I've ever seen THESE before. They look like parts of their body (head, side of torso, etc)is made of bone. Very odd, but cool. Also, are those fins on their arms? Third, that odd blue thing just above the strange aliens. What in the Halo IS that? The box on the left looks like a futuristic blue vending machine, and next to it, some sort of segmented pipe. I can't fathom the purpose of these two very odd structures. Lastly, those spaceships in the background. Are those just the big blue covy tanks? I think they look different, shorter and more bulbous. Then again, we've never seen one of those head-on like this before.
: http://xboxmedia.ign.com/media/previews/image/halo/halomag1.jpg
I don't have too much to say about this one, just a few little things. First of all, direct your attention to the cyborg's visor. Is it me, or does it always show that same hilly reflection? The scene depicted on the visor often doesn't match the scene it should be reflecting. I should think that Bungie would be able to accurately reflect the cyborg's surroundings in the visor - just look at the beautiful job they did on the covenant energy pistol. Then again, you won't be able to see the visor throughout most of the single-player game, so I guess it wouldn't be too efficient to waste processor speed on this. Next, look at the ice on the ground. See the bulletholes? They actually match the color of the ice! It looks like a hole was punched in the ice, not like someone made a little black mark on the ground. This has been one of the little things that has bugged me in other FPS games: inaccurate bulletholes. I'm so glad to see that Bungie has spent so much time making even the little things, like bulletholes, look just right. Last, but not least, I just wanted to tip my hat to Bungie for crafting such beautiful snow! It looks fuzzy and cold and it actually marrs your vision!
Well, that's quite a bit more than I originally set out to write. As a final note, I'd just like to say that I'm glad Bungie keeps such strict policies on their screenshots. I agree wholeheartedly that everything they release should fully reflect the glory that is Halo. And these pics are a prime example of the gorgeous type of game Halo is. Good work fellas, I'm gonna be playing this game on November 8th, that's for certain! Oh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it!
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