Well the public BETA for Halo 3 has come and gone in what seems faster than a Paris Hilton jail term. For the last 3 weeks many XBW members and staff have been sticking plasma grenades to each other, getting stuck by said grenades, getting rectally examined by Spartan Laser beams, experiencing the disturbing sensation that is 'corpse humping' and tearing up the maps in Mongoose quad cycles.

There’s been everything from shouts of glee from racking up Killing Frenzies, shouts of despair at the ‘Halo 2’ graphics, sniping, double kills a plenty and it seems everyone’s GamerScores have barely increased over the past 3 weeks because we’ve all been glued to a demo!

So the Halo 3 public BETA is now gone. What did we think of it? Well rather than share just my thoughts we put the word out to our Community Forum members and XBW staff to find out just what they thought...

Dominic Rozenberg. XBW Assistant Editor.

For me, Halo has always been a singleplayer experience. It was the first game I ever played on Xbox (like many I’m sure), and while I did a bit of multiplayer, it was the solo campaign that got me hooked. Halo 2 was a bit of a disappointment story-wise I found, but the expanded multiplayer and Xbox Live certainly did make up for it. But as the third act in a trilogy, I’m expecting big things from the singleplayer Halo 3 experience, as well as the multiplayer.

So why am I telling you this? Because even though the beta had no single-player component, it was a pretty good example of what we can expect from the final product. For me, the Halo 3 beta wasn’t so much about clocking a hundred hours of multiplayer in a fortnight or anything; it was getting a taste of what the end result is going to be. And, well, upon firing up the Halo 3 beta, I was…largely unmoved.

The graphics have been polished up sure, but they don’t hold a candle to Gears of War’s visceral punch and level of detail. Likewise the amount of lag in larger games coupled with the time it takes the game to fill matches certainly gave me cause for concern. There are some nifty innovations like the bubble-shield which should add a bit of variety online to be sure, and the integration into the Xbox Live experience is excellent, as you’d expect from a flagship title like this. But to me, the multiplayer put forth in the Halo 3 beta smacked of being Halo 2.5 running in HD, rather than anything revolutionary. Maybe that’s enough for a lot of the fans, but it isn’t for me.

I can only hope that Halo 3 marks a return in force to the singleplayer side of things for the franchise, because if the beta is anything to go by, multiplayer is going to be good, maybe great, but nothing beyond that. Whether this marks the sunset days of the Master Chief’s career I don’t know, but when a friend invited me to play some Gears of War co-op during the week, that was a much more exciting prospect. Still, there’ll be a lot of cheap copies of Crackdown floating around this week if you haven’t picked it up yet!

Jessara. XBW Community Forum Moderator.

For months I did not really care about the Halo 3 Beta but as it approached I got caught up in the Halo 3 Beta fever that was going around. The first thing that had me going "Wow..." was that the game was lag-free, I can't stand lag most of the time so this left a really good impression on me. The look of the game is a step up from Halo 2, nothing like Gears of War but the Halo series has its own distinct type of graphics and game play that sets it apart from other popular shooters.

They gave us a lot of different weapons to try out during the Beta. Some were particularly deadly and can take you down in one shot if you are not careful. during the time I played I became fond of the sniper rile especially using it on the maps, High Ground and Valhalla. Another weapon I always picked up in a match was two Brute Spikers, I loved these as they seemed to damage an opponent quite quickly.

My thoughts on the three maps used during the Beta:

Snowbound: This was one of the very first maps I played after loading the Beta up. At first I had thought the map was an alright one but after playing it over and over again I really started to dislike it. In my opinion the map is too small and appeared too frequently in the play lists.

High Ground: Now this map is my favourite one out of the Beta maps. I loved the open area and all of the places you could hide from the enemy. There was one particular Slayer match I was in where I took up a position on the cliff where the invisibility cloak would spawn and I sniped anyone I could see. For most of the match people did not know where I was, in the end they found me but I still had the most kills to win the match.

Valhalla: Valhalla is the biggest of the three maps. I did not get to play this one as much as I wanted; maybe because I stuck with the Rumble Pit play lists a lot of the time. This map is great because you have your two bases, one at each end of the map and a whole battlefield in between them to fight it out. I loved doing the team-based matches on this one with fellow Xboxworld members.

Overall I really enjoyed what time I put into the Beta and I am looking forward to trying out everything this game has to offer when it is released in September. It is time to finish what was started in Halo: Combat Evolved, it is time to FINISH THE FIGHT!

Chris Hamilton.. Resident Halo & Halo 2 mad gamer.

The first game I played was on High Ground with a bunch of friends who I’m likely to team with for future competitions. They all had ADSL2, so a green connection and host was often a certainty. This gave us a chance to test things out properly without the delay of lag. The first noticeable thing was the graphics. Sure, they don’t compare to Gears of War or GRAW2. But for a beta, they were pretty impressive. They were slightly better than Halo 2’s graphics and Bungie have said themselves the graphics are going to be improved closer to the final release of the game. So no issues there.

In terms of balance, there are a few issues though. Spawning with an Assault Rifle does not fix the reason why everybody hated SMG spawn in Halo 2. The Assault Rifle doesn’t reach far enough and doesn’t give the player a fighting chance against a Battle Rifle or a Carbine. The fix to this (I believe) is to also add the M6G-Pistol as a secondary spawn weapon. Assault Rifle primary, M6G secondary. Much like Halo: Combat Evolved. I’m not asking for the Halo: CE pistol to return, keep the Halo 3 pistol the way it is (5 headshot kill), but increase its range so it’s similar to that of the Battle Rifle and Carbine. This will at least give spawning players a chance to fight back. Either that or spawn each player with a Battle Rifle.

Dylan Burns. XBW Game Reviewer.

Well, once you got through the seventeen years it took to load up Crackdown and sign into your profile, the Halo 3 Beta is actually a very fine piece of software – mostly because of its user-friendly interface, stat tracking, video saving and the ability to keep your clan together across matches.

Personally, I pretty much suck at multiplayer (whether it’s the West Australian lag or my general suckage we’ll never know) [I’ve got a fair idea.. Shane..] but even during my short time with the Beta I’ve gotta say that I really felt my skills improving as my knowledge of the maps slowly grew and allowed me to be a bit sneaky. Team play is definitely where Halo 3 shines, as most of the maps lend themselves to defensive positioning and pack mentality.

Graphically it’s... okay. But when you’re looking left, right and centre with a trigger-happy finger and death in your adrenaline-filled eyes, you’re not really too worried about the particulars of the level’s graphics. Of course, most people are sick of Snowbound but we can only hope that the quality of maps present here carries over to the final game.

High point: getting hammered by a guy called xxWarbirdNextxx or some nonsense and then one of my team mates coming to the rescue from directly behind and pwning his arse! Low point is pretty much every other moment... because I suck and I died a lot. Oh also, just like Halo 2, the game’s physics rock – especially when you die in the air and come crashing back down to the cruel hard earth like a rag doll.

Julian Cram. XBW Game Reviewer.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Halo3 Beta. I must admit, Halo 2 left a bad taste in my mouth for a number of reasons, but I forgot all about the pure, unadulterated fun Halo multiplayer can offer. And with the Halo3 Beta, maybe it was because most of those 15 year old kids are some years older now, or maybe they couldn’t afford Crackdown, the typical “pick up” game was really enjoyable, but as always the game really shined when playing online with friends.

I had tons of fun with people on my friends list, particularly in team games. I excelled in team games, and on the whole found them to be quite well rounded and play well. My favourites were the King of the Hill games on Highground and VIP on Valhalla. Overall, my favourite map was Highground – the nooks and crannies of the outpost were great for hiding in, especially in CTF fights.

What I’m mostly interested in seeing is what changes from now to launch. Of course the graphics will improve, weapons will be tweaked, but what is most interesting to me is what did Bungie find and what will they alter, and how much of it will be because it needs to be fixed, and how much will be fanboy badgering?

Karachi King. XBW Community Member.

I was a little reluctant to play the Halo 3 Beta. Really the only reason I played it was because my brother wanted to play something co-op, and I was getting a little sick of always playing Guitar Hero. Not surprisingly, the Beta plays a lot like Halo 2, which I was fairly obsessed with, but mostly since I just got Live about a week after it came out. Now that the initial thrill of playing online has disappeared, I found myself pretty unimpressed with Halo 3.

It probably doesn't help that I'm not particularly good at the game... Although even with such a negative view of the Beta, I'm still going to pick up the game(the Legendary Edition even) because I want to see how the story ends. I always thought Halo had a pretty good story behind it, and I just have to see what happens at the end of good stories(I'm looking in your direction, Crystal Dynamics).

The low point of my games was being constantly killed by the same guy over and over, who insisted on rubbing it in every single time. Yes, you're better than me. I get it. That's why I keep dying...

My favourite moment was running down to the shore of High Ground with my brother, who was carrying the flag, while being chased by someone with the Spartan Laser. As soon as I saw it targeting, I looked across at him and casually suggested he should move. Luckily, he managed to dodge the laser, while I got to listen to our pursuer cursing his poor aim, moments before cracking his skull with the butt of my rifle.

dEv1L mUfF1nMaN. XBW Community Member.

The Halo 3 Beta finally rolled out (after a bit of a glitch on the first day that left the masses screaming!). The wait was definitely worth it; the game is, simply, an online gamers’ dream. Though multiplayer was the only accessible option, you can already tell that the final game will be a hit. It takes parts from Halo:CE, and Halo 2, and wraps them together to present the player with a game that caters for everybody’s needs.

From the lush graphics (That can only be improved by the time the real-deal is released), to the huge new maps (Valhalla for example), to the cool new weapons and gadgets (Think Bubble Shield, Mongoose, and the return of the classic Halo:CE Assualt Rifle), to the plethora of online, and offline, playlist options that can be altered ‘till your heart’s content; Bungie has left no stone unturned in the quest for the most enjoyable Xbox Live experience out there.

Halo 2 did a lot of things right, but still left something to be desired by many hardcore fans. Halo 3, on the other hand, is the tool that Bungie will use to answer their critics who seemed to write them off after the ‘poor’ sequel. Late September the public will get their hands on the final version of Halo 3, and, if it’s anywhere as enjoyable as this small beta, then I’m sure Bungie will have a HUGE hit on their hands.

I HDT I RUFIO. XBW Community Member.

Hey, after playing and very much so enjoying the halo 3 beta i have only a few little points I'd like to pick on, otherwise it seems bungie have a top game here to offer.

1- i think the idea of being able to decide what your after in matchmaking ie. prefer good connection, is a great idea, however i think bungie need to work on what a good connection is for us Australian users

2- some of the game type updates are awesome, however with king of the hill, that big coloured ring that you can barely see through.... well thats got to go, absolutely ruined both for me. And as for territories, well lets just say i think attack and defend style territories is stupid, but thats just my opinion.

3- i like the way the smg has been evened up a little, but the spikers are too powerful, they need to either be weakened on have a much shallower clip.

Other than this the game was quite enjoyable to me, although the 3 levels did get old rather quickly, still a very enjoyable experience, and i cant wait to see what the full game will have to offer.

Duel00. XBW Community Member.

The Halo 3 multiplayer BETA seems to be taking what made Halo multiplayer great, and adding on what Halo 2 provided: awesome online gaming! It has no shortage of memorable moments; like sniping that guy who jumped on the man cannon at the wrong time, or lasering the hell out of the flag guy riding the mongoose just before he was about to seal the game up. While you’ll have fun playing with random people, playing with your mates is where it’s at!

The maps are cleverly designed too, especially the creepy tunnels on Snowbound. But my favourite would have to be High Ground. Starting at the bottom of the map there's a few entrances to get into the base itself, and makes for a creepy experience. The sounds in the BETA are great, especially the echoes of battles going on in the distance. The weapons feel not only satisfying, but balanced as well, something Halo 2 missed in my opinion. There is very little I don’t like about the BETA, but I’m sure they’ll all be polished and fixed by the time the full game arrives; this is a 'BETA' after all. But the gameplay more than makes up for any of its problems.

I have no doubt Bungie will deliver, not only on the (while small) taste we got of the multiplayer, but the campaign as well.

Zoky. XBW Community Member.

Halo 3 Beta after a somewhat delayed introduction to live through Crackdown all was revealed. Yes I waited all night and it didn’t show. People are expecting Bungie to deliver a fantastic gaming experience for Halo 3. Let’s just remind everyone it’s a beta and not the final game. Halo 3 beta is the sign of what is to come; I'm pleased to say 'Bungie Loves You!' Feels like a Halo game & plays like one too and more. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

First thing I noticed when playing was the movement was a little slower. This felt good, don’t get me wrong it’s still hectic in the battle field but it felt like I was more in control. Graphics, many people mentioned how ordinary they are. When will these people wipe the shit out of there eyes? Graphics are solid; it keeps to the Halo theme and does it well. The sound of the guns & ambient noise puts you in the mood. Sniper bullets whizzing by your head was mind-blowing.

More guns, more vehicles, more everything, how can you go wrong. I was lucky enough to try out some custom games. (Mod bug in Beta) The gravity & speed option by far my favourites. Set to Low Gravity & highest speed. The team matches played like a Matrix movie where everybody flying in the air trying to melee each. Most fun I had in playing the beta.

Over all 25th September can not get here quick enough. The wait will be pain stacking. I’ll be back to finish of the fight that’s for sure.

Shane. XBW Editor in Chief.

Was it highly anticipated, hell yes, did it deliver? For Halo 2 fans, most definitely. For 360 owners that have been toughened up on Gears of War, it ‘mostly’ delivered. For me personally, I’d have to say I was fairly impressed, yet at the same time I thought Bungie might have showed off something a little bit extra, something that would have us losing sleep and counting down the days to September 26. Maybe one map that made our jaws drop, some graphical advancement that tightens up the pants, I don’t know.. but there wasn’t anything that really grabbed you by the throat and said “Halo 3 is coming biotch!”…

There’s no denying it. It’s a Halo game. (duh).. Bungie are obviously sticking to what they know best and the guts, the core memory I have of the Halo 3 BETA was very much of a prettier version of Halo 2. There were a few new weapons; the Spartan Laser was nicely balanced. Powerful, yet with limited ammo, reduced ammo capacity and a fairly lengthy charge up time it didn’t allow people to run around the maps without fear and I definitely hope it’s included in the full game and one of the most enjoyable parts of playing Halo, that is, manning the chain gun on the back of a warthog laying waste to groups of enemies was just as fun as it’s always been. Maybe even more so thanks to the HD graphics.

If that was it and Bungie were to release Halo 3 tomorrow I think most people would still be happy but from some of the info that’s been leaked to the internet it sounds like there’s some amazing stuff awaiting us. The map called ‘Shrine’ which is supposedly the ‘largest map ever in a Halo game’ has me intrigued, so does the hint of some insane armour customisation options. I just hope that most of the maps aren’t ‘reworked’ Halo or Halo 2 maps.

One area that did frustrate me was the extremely long wait time for games to set up, obviously this was BETA software we were testing so I’m prepared to totally discount that.

Anyway you look at it, most of the people that played the Halo 3 BETA liked what they saw. Wether or not it was a ploy to just sell more copies of CrackDown, kudos to Bungie anyway for opening it up to the public and giving us a glimpse! I experienced some absolutely classic moments playing the BETA and absolutely cannot wait to see what lies in store for us.