“I have defied gods and demons …”
“I am your shield — I am your swords …”
I know I’ve written long, impassioned love letters to Halo, and I have even admitted to belonging to the bizarre, Scientology-esque cult that obsesses over the game. But I have to say that I never expected to be so moved, so blown away by the teaser trailer for Halo 3. Have a look at it here.
Thinking of where Halo 3 takes the series — with earth completely conquered by the Covenent, that terrible collection of extraterrestrial religious extremists on a doomsday quest to eliminate all life in the universe to jump start their “Great Journey” — and you know this game is going to go to dark places that most mere video games don’t tread. And there’s something comforting and awe inspiring about Master Chief, a genetically-engineered cybernetic warrior, being the last hope that the Covenent may be defeated. Word’s can’t express what the hardcore Halo fan feels when Master Chief emerges from the horizon, assault rifle in hand, battle damaged, but still ready to go. It’s that same feeling we got when we saw the Halo 2 trailer in movie theaters back in the summer of 2004 and filled the room with thunderous applause when Master Chief appears perched on a high mound of rumble, dual SMG’s in hand. “I need a weapon,” he says, and you get this amazing chill. Because you know that the Covenent are going to be spectacularly wiped out. And you also know that you yourself will step in Master Chief’s armor and be administering that much deserved arse-kicking.
I know, I know. Halo fandom is bizarre and intense. But I’ve got to say, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had as any part of a community. When Halo 3 finally puts a lid on the series, I know I’ll look back fondly on something that elevated video games above simple “entertainment,” that was a tremendous cultural event shared by millions of people online. Think on it — Halo 2 earned $125 million on its first day. People dropped $200 on an XBOX just to play it. How much did MI:3 earn on its opening day — $43 million? That’s less than half of what the Chief pulled in — take that Tom Cruise.
“Finish the Fight — 2007
God, I can’t wait.
Uncategorized | jeff | 12 May 2006 |
