E308: Halo 3, Bungie speculation continues

by Xav de Matos { Jul 14th 2008 at 12:20PM }

As we patiently await the Microsoft Press Conference a big question looms over the show, will Bungie showcase something new. Gamers and game sites everywhere are speculating on the company's recent activity and have some theories as to what they have in store for Xbox 360 owners.

The most popular theory is that Bungie will announce a new third-person shooter set in the Halo universe where players take on the role of ODSTs (Orbital Drop-Shock Troopers) during a Covenant attack on Earth. Two possible storylines include a game based on the events between Halo 2 and Halo 3, also seen in the Neill Blomkamp short film Halo Landfall, or showcasing the initial attack on Earth. Both theories ultimately end the game with an epic battle reminiscent of the famous Halo 3 diorama. According to a reliable source, GameSpot says a tactical shooter is likely and considering former Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter creative director Christian Allen is the lead of Bungie's next project it makes sense.

Another theory after the jump.

Another theory based on the recent 'Superintendent' marketing blitz is less sexy.

Bungie.Net forum goers are speculating the 'Keep It Clean' slogan actually hints at a Halo 3 rank reset -- something Halo 2 players are familiar with. The theory comes after a Bungie.net moderator supposedly posted the phrase '0EEP IT CLEAN' in a thread about a possible rank reset. Other nods to the possibility include a deleted wallpaper (seen above) that asks people to 'remain calm,' which some speculate is a nod to the passionate response a reset will likely trigger.

We don't know for sure but we do know that we'll find out shortly if Bungie has anything to say on the matter.

[Thanks to drew s. for the rank reset tip]

Tags: bungie, e3-08, e3-2008, e308, halo, halo-3, halo-landfall, neill-blomkamp, superintendent

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

zourskittles @ Jul 14th 2008 12:26PM

Well we keep our rank and just lose our skill levels if they did that? cause i just got commander i dont wanna lose it!

Rick @ Jul 14th 2008 12:29PM

"Please remain calm" actually pertains to accepting the fact that Halo 3 isn't as popular as COD4 is on XBL.

Haha, come on, you guys love takin' it!

Ysleiro @ Jul 14th 2008 1:13PM

Not trying to start an argument or anything. Just offering some analytical insight.

From what I can gather (playing) COD4 is an easy and addicting game to pick up that will have even the lamest gamers scoring a couple of kills. Halo 3 on the other hand makes it a bit more difficult for lame gamers. The fact that a person you began shooting first might still kill you in Halo is the source of this.

I'm not saying COD4 (or people that play it) sucks just saying it's a new concept (Halo isn't), doesn't require much hard work to get decent (Halo does). It's a very mainstream commercial game. But like all things in life "commercial and mainstream" doesn't make it the best.

For example: The best rapper (lyricist, freestyle) isn't the most commercial/mainstream rapper.

Rick @ Jul 14th 2008 1:22PM

Aww, I'm just poking fun. Don't fret too much.

Neil @ Jul 14th 2008 12:35PM

Its all sounding very cool and I cant wait to see what they show.

But I have a question, didn't Bungie Microsoft cause they didn't want to keep doing Halo games?

Wip3dOut @ Jul 14th 2008 12:36PM

I'm all for a reset.

Tyr1n @ Jul 14th 2008 12:41PM

resets are good, everyone starts playing again.

and for the new halo project - i heard they are just putting the odst helm on marcus fenix n' crew and CALLING it a new halo ;-) lolz i kid

Scot Reutzel @ Jul 14th 2008 12:46PM

Halo Blue... hmm... "ODST" soliders have blue visors.

Rumble @ Jul 14th 2008 1:47PM

The Covenant have glowing blue plasma grenades. What are you saying.

Zac LaCombe @ Jul 14th 2008 12:47PM

Now, honestly, I hate to sound like a jerk, but why would they wait until E3 to announce a rank reset? Bungie isn't that arrogant. They're surely not that stupid to make an announcement that'll unleash a hatestorm on themselves on the biggest stage in gaming. No, they referenced big news about the future "around the 14th" in the podcast. I doubt a rank reset would be the secret news.

Xav de Matos @ Jul 14th 2008 1:16PM

My point is that the superintendent image and E3 announcement could be unrelated.

B @ Jul 14th 2008 1:28PM

What's the point in reseting? Am I missing something here?

Wise Guy @ Jul 14th 2008 1:58PM

I would be all for a RANK RESET!! I have hit a wall with Commander (grade 2) and have not been able to jump that hurdle. Everyone is too good and I don't have a regular team to play with so my ranking has been going up and down for months. I have enough experience points... just have to hit level 40. It's dumb because I tried a 1 month gold membership (has expired now) and was ranking up much more quickly (hitting level 35 by the time I hit captain). Their officer ratings are bogus. You have to play RANKED MATCHES from the very start.. (nothing else) and hit the higher levels while still drawing in lower ranking officers. I can only hope for a reset. Same goes for achievements. How are you suppose to earn those RANKED FREE FOR ALL achievements at higher levels? IMPOSSIBLE!

Patton @ Jul 14th 2008 2:09PM

The idea of a tactical Halo game that has a level (or set of levels) based on the Halo 3 diorama gives me a tingly feeling in the vicinity of my unmentionables. I enjoyed Halo 3, but was rather disappointed that I could not take part in the massive battle that the diorama described.