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I PWN HALO 3!!!!!

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+I PWN HALO 3!!!!!
-{{pp-semi-protected|small=yes}}
-{{Infobox VG
-|title            = Halo 3
-|image            = [[Image:Halo 3 final boxshot.JPG|256px]]
-|developer        = [[Bungie Studios]]
-|publisher        = [[Microsoft Game Studios]]
-|picture format   = [[720p]], [[1080i]]/[[1080p|p]] (scaled from 1152x640)<ref name=640p/>
-|designer         =
-|series           = ''[[Halo (series)|Halo]]''
-|engine           = Proprietary "Halo Engine"<ref name="igntrailer" /> with [[Havok (software)|Havok Physics]]<ref name=engine>{{cite web |url = http://www.havok.com/content/view/555/53/ |title = Havok comes to you with Halo |accessdate = 2007-10-10 |date = [[2007-03-10]] |workr = Havok.com |quote = To create the immersive game environments, Bungie once again chose Havok Physics.}}</ref>
-|version          = 1.0 (release version)
-|released         = {{vgrelease|North America|NA|[[September 25]] [[2007]]}}<ref name=releasedate>{{cite web |url = http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12467 |title = Finish the Fight on September 25, 2007 |accessdate = 2007-05-16 |author = Smith, Luke |date = [[2007-05-15]] |work=[[Bungie.net]] |quote = On September 25, 2007, players will be able to finish the fight they started in Halo: Combat Evolved and continued in Halo 2. Halo 3 will be released in Europe on [[September 26]], [[2007]].}}</ref><br />{{vgrelease|Europe|EU|[[September 26]] [[2007]]}}<ref name=releasedate /><br />{{vgrelease|Japan|JP|[[September 27]] [[2007]]}}<ref name="japrelease">{{cite web |url = http://www.xbox.com/ja-JP/games/h/halo3/ |title = Halo 3 Page Xbox Japan |accessdate = 2007-06-15 |author = Microsoft Game Studios ||year = 2007 |work = Xbox.com/ja-JP/ |language = Japanese  |quote = 発売日: 2007/09/27}}</ref>
-|genre            = [[First-person shooter]]
-|modes            = [[Single player]], [[Cooperative gameplay|Co-op]], [[Cooperative gameplay|Online co-op]], [[Multiplayer]], [[Online multiplayer]], Forge, and [[Halo 3#Campaign Scoring|Meta-game]]
-|ratings          = [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: M<br />[[PEGI]]: 16+<br/> [[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]]: 15<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/website/Classified.nsf/0/1FB3194D3E47659580257341004F4642?OpenDocument|title=''Halo 3'' BBFC Rating Page|work=bbfc.co.uk|year=2007|accessdate=2007-08-24}}</ref><br />[[Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]]: D<br />[[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|OFLC]]: M<ref>{{web cite|url=http://www.classification.gov.au/special.html?n=46&p=156&sTitle=Halo+3&sTitleExact=1&sMediaGames=1&sDateFromM=1&sDateFromY=2003&sDateToM=10&sDateToY=2007&record=221739|title=''Halo 3'' Game (Multi Platform)|publisher=The Classification Board and Classification Review Board|work=classification.gov.au||year=2007|accessdate=2007-07-18}}</ref><br /> [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (New Zealand)|OFLC (NZ)]]: R16+
-|platforms        = [[Xbox 360]]
-|media            =
-|requirements     =
-|input            = [[Gamepad#Xbox 360|Xbox 360 Controller]], [[Xbox 360 accessories#Headset|Xbox 360 Headset]], [[Keyboard]]
-|footnotes        =
-}}
-'''''Halo 3''''' is a [[first-person shooter]] [[video game]] developed by [[Bungie Studios]] exclusively for the [[Xbox 360]]. The game is the third title in the [[Halo (series)|''Halo'' series]] and concludes the [[story arc]] that began in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and continued in ''[[Halo 2]]''.<ref name="announcement">{{cite web |url = http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=Halo3Announcement |title = Halo 3 Announced |accessdate = 2007-08-06 |author =  Achronos |authorlink = Bungie Studios|date = [[2006-05-09]]|work = [[Bungie.net]]}}</ref>
-The game was released on [[September 25]], [[2007]] in Australia, Brazil, India, New Zealand, North America, and Singapore;<ref name=releasedate /> [[September 26]], [[2007]] in Europe; and [[September 27]], [[2007]] in Japan. On the day before its official release, 4.2 million units of ''Halo 3'' were in retail outlets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6179772.html| title=Analyst: 4.2M Halo 3s already at retail | accessdate=2007-09-24 | author=  Sinclair, Brendan | work = [[GameSpot]]}}</ref> ''Halo 3'' holds the record for the highest grossing opening day in entertainment history, bringing in [[United States dollar|US$]]170 million in its first 24 hours,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=136548| title=Analyst: Halo 3 shatters retail record; sells $170M in 24 hrs | accessdate=2007-09-26 | author= Snow, Blake  | work= [[GamePro]]}}</ref> going on to gross US$300 million in its first week.<ref name="sales"/> More than one million people played ''Halo 3'' on [[Xbox Live]] in the first twenty hours.<ref name="1milxbox"/> As of [[January 3]] [[2008]], ''Halo 3'' has sold 8.1 million copies,<ref name="2008-01-03 sales"/> and was the [[2007_in_video_gaming#United_States|best-selling video game of 2007 in the U.S.]]<ref name="2007npd"/>
-''Halo 3''{{'}}s story centers on the interstellar war between 26th century humanity, led by the [[United Nations Space Command]], and a collection of alien races known as the [[Covenant (Halo)|Covenant]]. The player assumes the role of the [[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]], a cybernetically enhanced supersoldier, as he wages war in defense of humanity, assisted by human [[Marine]]s as well as allied alien [[Elite (Halo)|Elite]]s led by the [[Arbiter (Halo)|Arbiter]]. The game features vehicles, weapons, and gameplay not present in previous titles of the series,<ref>{{cite book | year=2007 | editor=[[Bungie Studios]] | title=''Halo 3'' Instruction Manual | pages=6 | publisher=[[Microsoft Game Studios]]|language=English}}</ref> as well as the addition of saved gameplay films, the Forge map editor (which allows the player to perform modifications to levels), and file sharing. Overall, the game was well-received by critics, with the Forge and multiplayer offerings singled out as strong features; on [[Game Rankings]], ''Halo 3'' ranks as the sixth highest rated Xbox 360 game to date.<ref name=gr/>
-==Gameplay==
-[[Image:Halo3 campaign ss.png|thumb|left|[[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]] aims his assault rifle at a group of [[Covenant (Halo)#Grunts|Grunts]]. An activated Bubble Shield can be seen.]]
-The gameplay of ''Halo 3'' builds upon the previous iterations of the franchise; it is a [[first-person shooter]] which takes place on foot, but also includes segments focused on [[vehicle|vehicular]] combat. The balance of weapons and objects in the game was adjusted to better adhere to what [[Bungie Studios]] Multiplayer Designer Lars Bakken describes as the "Golden Triangle of ''Halo''".<ref name="golden">Bakken, Lars. "[[Marketing for Halo 3#.22Is Quisnam Protero Damno.21.22|Is Quisnam Protero Damno!]]" [[Bungie Studios]], 2007.<font color=#555>(in English)</font></ref> These are "weapons, grenades, and melee",<ref name="golden"/> which are available to a player in most situations. ''Halo 3'' contains the ability to dual-wield, where a player forgoes both grenades and melee attacks in favor of the combined firepower of two weapons simultaneously. Most weapons available in previous installments of the series return with minor cosmetic and power alterations. Unlike previous installments, all weapons a player is carrying are visible; weapons not in use are [[holster]]ed or slung across the player's back.<ref name="1up prev">{{cite web|author=Smith, Luke|date=[[2006-11-06]]|url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=2&cId=3155028|title=''Halo 3'' Xbox 360 Preview|work=[[1up.com]]|accessdate=2007-10-25}}</ref> ''Halo 3'' introduces "support weapons", which are exceptionally large, powerful, and cumbersome two-handed weapons which drastically limit the player's normal combat options and slow them significantly, but offer greatly increased firepower in return.<ref name="ignburning">{{cite web |url = http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/812/812177p1.html |title = Burn, Baby! Burn! |accessdate = 2007-08-10 |author = Goldstein, Hilary |date = [[2007-08-10]] |work = [[IGN]] |pages =1-2 }}</ref> In addition to new weapons, the game contains a new class of usable items called Equipment;<ref name="ign review"/> these items are found like weapons and have various effects and functions, ranging from defensive screens to shield regeneration and enemy confusion. Only one piece of equipment can be carried at a time.<ref name="edge179" /> Like the previous games, ''Halo 3'' features a strong vehicular component,<ref name="Gamespot"/> with new vehicles added to the series. Most of the vehicles can be controlled by the player, but some are [[Game artificial intelligence|A.I.]]-controlled. Certain vehicles usable in campaign are not available by default in multiplayer due to balance concerns;<ref name="Bungie-podcast082707">{{cite web |url = http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/8/5/d85ce76f-0cb2-41df-aaae-a8c96790332b/Bungie_Podcast_082807.mp3 |title = Bungie Podcast: 8/28/07 |accessdate = 2007-09-02 |author = Smith, Luke|date = [[2007-08-03]] }}</ref> conversely, some vehicles are only found in multiplayer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerhelp.com/article_viewer.cfm?article_id=129400|title=Halo 3 Strategy Guide - Page 6: Vehicles|publisher=gamerhelp.com|date=2007-09-28|accessdate=2008-01-06|quote=The Elephant is not useable during the Halo 3 campaign, but you can use it on the Sand Trap multiplayer map.}}</ref>
-Besides refinements, ''Halo 3'' also brings entirely new features to the series. One such feature, known as 'Forge', is a map-editing tool that enables players to insert game objects, such as weapons and crates, into existing multiplayer maps.<ref name="Bungie-podcast082707">{{cite web |url = http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/8/5/d85ce76f-0cb2-41df-aaae-a8c96790332b/Bungie_Podcast_082807.mp3|title = Bungie Podcast |accessdate = 2007-09-02 |author = Bungie Studios |date = [[2007-08-03]]}}</ref> Almost all weapons, vehicles, and interactive objects can be placed and moved on maps with Forge.<ref name="BWU-07-08-03">{{cite web |url = http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12685 |title = Bungie Weekly Update: 08/03/07 |accessdate = 2007-08-05 |author = O'Connor, Frank |date = [[2007-08-03]] |work = [[Bungie.net]] |archiveurl = http://nikon.bungie.org/bwu/index.html?item=139 |archivedate = 2007-08-04 |quote = [...] placed a RIDICULOUS number of exploding fusion cores [...] respawn times set to as close to "instant" as Forge allows [...]}}</ref> Forge allows multiple players to work on maps at the same time, players can turn into a [[Forerunner (Halo)#Monitors|Forerunner Monitor]] and edit and manipulate objects in-game.<ref name="H3Manual">''Halo 3'' Manual (Silverlight), [http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/halo3.aspx available online from Microsoft.com].</ref> Another new feature is 'Saved films', which allows players to save up to 100 films of gameplay to their Xbox 360's hard drive,<ref name="100 gamesaves">{{cite web |url = http://nikon.bungie.org/bwu/index.html?item=135 |title = Bungie Weekly Update |accessdate = 2007-09-02 |author = Smith, Luke |date = [[2006-09-02]]  |work = [[Halo.Bungie.Org]]|quote = Players will be able to save up to 100 total films (this is also referenced to in a podcast that it is all items, so 100 films, or 20 "forges" and 80 films, et cetera}}</ref><ref name="h3betaSavedFilms">{{cite web |url = http://www.bungie.net/content.aspx?link=h3betaSavedFilms |title = Saved Films and File Share |accessdate = 2007-05-16 |author = O'Conner,  Frank |date = [[2007-05-15]] |work = [[Bungie.net]] }}</ref> viewing the action from any angle and at different speeds. The Saved Films are only game data (not an actual video) and this allows the file sizes to be smaller than a true recording. Saved films are played back at whatever resolution the Xbox 360 is currently set to, regardless of which resolution was used when the film was recorded. All games are recreated in real-time on the Xbox 360 using the ''Halo 3'' engine.<ref name="handson">{{cite web |url = http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo3/20070511-mulitplayerbeta.htm |title = Hands-On: Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta |accessdate = 2007-05-12 |author = Atkin, Denny |date = [[2007-05-11]] |work = Xbox.com }}</ref> ''Halo 3'' offers a form of file sharing, where items such as saved films, screenshots, custom game modes, and Forge settings can all be uploaded to the 'File Share'. Anyone can browse user created content that has been uploaded to Bungie's website on a personal computer and tag it to automatically download to their console next time they sign into Xbox Live.<ref name="edge179">{{cite journal |journal = [[Edge (magazine)|Edge (UK)]] |title = Finish the Fight |date = September 2007 |issue = 179 |pages = 66&ndash;77 |issn = 1350-1593 |accessdate = 2007-08-07  |url = http://www.edge-online.co.uk/archives/2007/08/edge_179.php }}</ref><ref name="BWU-07-08-17">{{cite web |url = http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12718 |title = Bungie Weekly Update: 08/17/07 |accessdate = 2007-08-19 |author = Smith, Luke |date = [[2007-08-17]] |work = [[Bungie.net]] }}</ref>
-===Campaign===
-''Halo 3''{{'}}s campaign contains nine levels, which complete the storyline of the ''Halo'' trilogy. The campaign can be played through alone, or played [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperatively with other players]] via [[Xbox Live]] or [[System Link]].<ref name="soundofsack" /> Instead of having each player be an identical [[SPARTAN-II Project|Spartan]] as in previous ''Halo'' games, the first player plays as [[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]], the second player plays as the [[Arbiter (Halo)|Arbiter]] and the other two players control two other [[Elite (Halo)|Elite]]s; [[List of Halo characters#N'tho 'Sraom|N'tho 'Sraom]] and [[List of Halo characters#Usze 'Taham|Usze 'Taham]], each with their own backstories. No matter which character is played, each player has identical abilities.<ref name="soundofsack">{{cite web |url = http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=thesoundofsack |title = The Tru7h About Co-Op in Halo 3 |accessdate = 2007-08-02 |author = Smith, Luke |date = [[2007-07-31]]  |work = [[Bungie.net]] }}</ref> A.I. behavior was improved over ''Halo 3''{{'}}s predecessors, occasionally drastically changing gameplay; for example, the behavior of enemy [[Covenant (Halo)#Brutes|Brutes]] the player faces has been modified, giving them a "[[Herd behavior|pack mentality]]" that causes the aliens to perform similar actions at the same time.<ref name="ign review"/><ref name="et tu brute">{{cite web|author=O'Connor, Frank|url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=9340|title=Et Tu Brute?!|date=[[2006-12-06]]|work=[[Bungie.net]]|accessdate=2007-10-23}}</ref> There are various [[Forerunner (Halo)|Forerunner]] computer terminals hidden throughout the campaign which can be accessed and provide background storyline information.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gruntsrus.com/viewpage.php?page_id=259|title=Halo 3 - Terminals|publisher=Grunts R Us|accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref>
-''Halo 3''{{'}}s campaign features a scoring method called the "[[Metagaming|meta-game]]", which introduces a competitive aspect to cooperative play. Players are awarded points for defeating enemies while completing a level in the campaign. Extra points are awarded for certain actions (such as performing [[headshot]]s or defeating multiple enemies in rapid succession), and are lost if the player dies or kills a cooperative team-mate. Hidden [[skull]]s (based on the [[Easter egg (virtual)|Easter egg]] skulls in ''[[Halo 2]]'') can be found on each level; these can be activated to cause changes in gameplay, such as giving the enemies extra health, changing in-game [[dialogue]], or modifying the enemy behavior.<ref>{{cite web|author=Smith, Luke|url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12828|title=Get the Most Out of Skulls|work=[[Bungie.net]]|date=[[2007-10-03]]|accessdate=2007-11-22}}</ref> These skulls, as well as the difficulty level and the speed at which the level is completed, provide multipliers to the total score.<ref name="edge179" /> Players are awarded [[Xbox Live#Gamerscore|gamerscore]] points for successfully reaching a certain score in each level,<ref name="Achievements">{{cite web |url = http://www.xbox360achievements.org/achievements.php?gameID=274 |title = Halo 3 Achievements |accessdate = 2007-07-30 |author = Bungie |date = [[2007-06-19]] |work =Xbox360Achievements.org }}</ref> and medals are awarded for specific accomplishments.
-===Multiplayer===
-On a single console, up to two players can play campaign and up to four can participate in a versus multiplayer match through use of [[Split screen (computer graphics)|split screen]]. Through use of [[local area network|LAN]] or [[Xbox Live]], up to four players can play together in campaign and up to sixteen can participate in versus multiplayer matches. (Each console must retain their respective split screen limitations.) A public [[beta test]] of the game's online multiplayer features, as well as saved films and file share, occurred between [[May 16]], [[2007]] and [[June 10]], [[2007]].<ref name=multiplayermadness>{{cite web |url = http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=MPBetaAndVidocRelease |title = Inside Bungie: Multiplayer Madness! |accessdate = 2007-04-17 |author = O'Connor, Frank |date = [[2007-04-10]] |publisher = [[Bungie.net]] |quote = The Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta will go live on May 16th at 12:00 AM PDT and run through June 6th at 11:59 PM PDT}}</ref>
-Like other multiplayer Xbox 360 titles, ''Halo 3'' uses a customized version of [[TrueSkill]] ranking system for 'matchmaking', or the automated grouping of players of similar skill. ''Halo 3''{{'}}s matchmaking system is based on two different measures of player ranking, skill and experience (based on the number of '[[Xbox Live#TrueSkill|rating points]]' or [[Experience point|EXP]], respectively). Skill is the numerical TrueSkill rank of the player in a given multiplayer mode. The TrueSkill ranking is affected by both wins and losses; wins against a much higher ranked opponent will rank a player up faster, while losses against players with lower ranks will cause a player to drop in rank faster. The experience system is linear, with a player gaining experience for winning a game and losing experience for quitting or otherwise leaving a game, with no effect for losing a game.<ref name="1up-3155479"> {{cite web |url = http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3155479 |title = The Five Best Things About Halo 3 |accessdate = 2007-04-28 |author= Smith, Luke |date = [[2006-11-24]] |f |work = [[1up.com]] }}</ref> To help players have an enjoyable time online, a new feature dubbed the "[[asshole|A-hole]] button" allows players to mute annoying players in the game quickly and easily from the in-game scoreboard view.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6165796.html |title=Halo 3 gets shutup button |accessdate=2007-04-28}}.</ref> Like ''[[Halo 2]]'', ''Halo 3'' supports downloadable content and updates.<ref>{{cite web|author=Smith, Luke |date=[[2007-10-09]]|url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12844|title=Halo 3: Matchmaking Playlist Update 1|work=[[Bungie.net]]|accessdate=2007-10-10}}</ref>
-==Synopsis==
-===Setting===
-''Halo 3'', like its predecessors, is set in the fictional Halo universe, taking place during the year 2553. According to the backstory, humans developed [[faster-than-light]] travel and colonized hundreds of planets before encountering the alien [[Covenant (Halo)|Covenant]] in 2525.<ref name=timeline>{{cite web|author=Bungie|url=http://halosm.bungie.org/story/halostory.timeline.html|title=Ancillary: Halo Story Timeline|work=[[Halo.Bungie.Org]]|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref> The Covenant declared humanity an affront to their gods and began [[vitrification|destroying]] human colonies by turning the planet's surface into glass. Despite efforts to keep the Covenant from finding Earth, a Covenant fleet discovered humanity's homeworld during ''[[Halo 2]]''.<ref>{{cite book | year=2007 | editor=[[Bungie Studios]] | title=''Halo 3'' Instruction Manual | publisher=[[Microsoft Game Studios]]}}</ref> By the beginning of ''Halo 3'', the Covenant have arrived in full force on Earth, with most human resistance crushed.
-The titular 'Halo' refers to [[Halo (megastructure)|massive ringworlds]] several hundred kilometers in diameter that are scattered across the galaxy. These rings were constructed thousands of years ago by an enigmatic race known as the [[Forerunner (Halo)|Forerunners]] as a weapon of last resort against the parasitic alien species known as the [[Flood (Halo)|Flood]]. When activated, the seven Halos would destroy all [[sentience|sentient]] life in the galaxy, thereby depriving the Flood of its food.<ref>'''Cortana''': You have no idea how this ring works, do you? Why the forerunners built it? Halo doesn't kill flood, it kills their food. Humans, covenant, whatever. We're all equally edible. The only way to stop the flood is to starve them to death. And that's exactly what Halo is designed to do; wipe the galaxy clean of all sentient life. - {{cite video game| title = [[Halo: Combat Evolved]]| developer = Bungie Studios| publisher = Microsoft| date = 2001| platform =[[Xbox]]| version = | level = Two Betrayals| language = English}}</ref> The ringworlds were activated once in the distant past, and the Forerunners are believed to have perished.<ref>'''343 Guilty Spark''': After exhausting every other strategic option, my creators activated the rings. They, and all additional sentient life in three radii of the galactic center, died ...as planned. - {{cite video game| title = [[Halo 2]]| developer = Bungie Studios| publisher = Microsoft| date = 2004| platform =Xbox| version = | level = The Great Journey| language = English}}</ref> In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', a small human ship fleeing the Covenant stumbled upon one of these ringworlds, [[Halo (megastructure)#Installation 04|Installation 04]]. The humans manage to destroy the ring, stopping the Flood once again; the Covenant, unaware of the destructive nature of the rings, attempt to fire another ring during ''[[Halo 2]]'' in order to fulfill their religious prophecy.<ref name=wind>'''Mercy''': Halo. Its divine wind will rush through the stars, propelling all who are worthy along the path to salvation. - {{cite video game| title = [[Halo 2]]| developer = Bungie Studios| publisher = Microsoft| date = 2004| platform =[[Xbox]]| version = | level = Sacred Icon| language = English}}</ref> One race in the Covenant, the [[Covenant Elite|Elite]]s, learn the truth about the rings, and join forces with their onetime enemies, humanity, in order to stop the firing of the ring. Though they are successful, the unexpected shutdown of the installation triggers a failsafe protocol—''all'' the rings are ready to fire from one single location, referred to as the [[Halo (megastructure)#The Ark|Ark]].<ref>'''343 Guilty Spark:''' Fail-safe protocol: in the event of unexpected shut-down, the entire system will move to standby status. All installations are now ready for remote activation. / '''Commander Keyes:''' Remote activation? From here? / '''343 Guilty Spark:''' Don't be ridiculous. [...] Why... the Ark, of course. {{cite video game|title=Halo 2 |developer=Bungie |publisher=Microsoft |platform=Xbox |language=English}}</ref> Still oblivious to the true nature of the rings, the Covenant [[High Prophet of Truth]] and the remaining loyalist Covenant proceed to head to Earth, where they believe the Ark is buried.
-===Characters===
-{{main|List of Halo characters}}
-''Halo 3''{{'}}s protagonist is the [[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]], a [[cyborg]] supersoldier who is one of the last surviving members of the [[SPARTAN Project]], and one of humanity's greatest warriors. The Chief fights alongside the [[Arbiter (Halo)|Arbiter]], a disgraced former [[Elite (Halo)|Covenant Elite]] commander who, along with his race, breaks from the Covenant during ''Halo 2''. Two new Elite characters, [[Characters in the Halo series#N.E2.80.99tho .E2.80.98Sraom|N’tho ‘Sraom]] and [[Characters in the Halo series#Usze .E2.80.98Taham|Usze ‘Taham]], appear as the third and fourth players in co-op play.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=thesoundofsack |title = The Tru7h About Co-Op in Halo 3 |accessdate = 2008-01-16 |author = Luke Smith (Lukems) |date = 2007-07-31 |format = HTML |publisher = Bungie.net |language = English }}</ref> Most of supporting characters that were introduced in previous games return; this includes Sergeant Major [[List of Halo characters#Avery Johnson|Avery Johnson]], a veteran human commander, as well as Commander [[List of Halo characters#Miranda Keyes|Miranda Keyes]], who prevents the firing of [[Halo (megastructure)#Installation 05|Installation 05]] in ''Halo 2''.<ref name=additionalvoices /> The Forerunner Monitor [[List of Halo characters#343 Guilty Spark|343 Guilty Spark]], who tries and fails to stop the Master Chief from destroying his ringworld in ''Halo'', also makes an appearance.<ref name=additionalvoices /> Filling an alternating antagonistic/helpful role to the player is the large [[Flood (Halo)|Flood]] entity known as "[[Gravemind]]"; encountered during ''[[Halo 2]]'', the leader of the Flood escapes from confinement on Halo by invading the Covenant city of ''[[High Charity]]'' and capturing [[Cortana]], a human-created [[Characters in the Halo series#AIs|A.I.]], in the process.<ref name=additionalvoices />
-===Plot===
-Taking place shortly after the events of the comic mini-series, ''[[Halo: Uprising]]'',<ref name="H_uprising">{{cite web |url = http://www.halo3.com/html/Halo_Uprising.html |title = Halo: Uprising On Halo3.com |accessdate = 2007-06-22 |author = Bungie Studios |authorlink = Bungie Studios |date = [[2007-06-14]]|work = Halo3.com |quote = ...the miniseries will bridge the gap between ''Halo 2'' and the upcoming release of the highly-anticipated Halo 3 video game... }}</ref> ''Halo 3'' begins with the Master Chief entering Earth's atmosphere and smashing to the ground, where he is found by [[Sergeant Major A.J. Johnson|Sergeant Major Avery Johnson]] and the [[Arbiter (Halo)|Arbiter]]. The Chief, Johnson, and company fight their way to a [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] outpost. Here, [[List of Halo characters#Miranda Keyes|Commander Keyes]] and [[List of Halo characters#Terrence Hood|Lord Hood]] plan a last-ditch effort to stop the Covenant leader, the [[High Prophet of Truth]], from activating a [[Forerunner (Halo)|Forerunner]] (an extinct, highly advanced race) artifact uncovered in the ruins of [[Mombasa]], [[Kenya]]. The Chief is ordered to clear a way into the city of [[Voi]], and destroy all anti-air Covenant defenses so that Hood can lead the last of Earth's ships against the Prophet.<ref>'''Keyes''': Truth's ships are clustered above the excavation site. And his infantry has deployed Anti-Aircraft Batteries around the perimeter. But. If we neutralise on of the batteries. Punch a hole in Truth's defenses... / '''Lord Hood''': I'll initiate a low-level strike. Hit 'em right where it hurts. I only have a handful of ships, Master Chief. It's a big risk. But I'm confident.. - {{cite video game| title = [[Halo 3]]| developer = Bungie Studios| publisher = Microsoft|date=2007| platform =[[Xbox 360]]| version = | level = Crow's Nest| language = English}}</ref> Using the opening caused by the ground attack, Hood mounts an offensive against Truth's ship, but the Prophet activates the buried artifact and creates an enormous, stable [[slipspace]] portal which he and his followers enter. As the human ships recover from the shock wave, a ship controlled by the [[Flood (Halo)|Flood]], a parasitic race which caused the destruction of the Forerunners, arrives via slipspace and crash-lands nearby.<ref>'''Keyes''': The Flood. It's spreading all over the city. / '''Lord Hood''': How do we contain it? / '''Keyes''': Find the crashed Flood ship, overload its engine core. We either destroy this city, or risk losing the entire planet. / '''Hood''': Do it. - {{cite video game| title = [[Halo 3]]| developer = Bungie Studios| publisher = Microsoft|date=2007| platform =[[Xbox 360]]| version = | level = Floodgate| language = English}}</ref> [[Covenant Elite]] forces, now allied with humanity, arrive on Earth, and [[vitrification|glass]] Flood-infected areas of Earth, neutralizing the parasitic threat. Following the cryptic message from the human [[artificial intelligence|A.I. construct]] [[Cortana]] left aboard the Flood cruiser, the Master Chief, Arbiter, Elites, Johnson, Keyes and a handful of marines follow Truth through the portal. Joining them is the [[Forerunner (Halo)|Forerunner construct]] [[343 Guilty Spark]], who decides to aid the Master Chief, since his ringworld was destroyed in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]].<ref>'''343 Guilty Spark''': Protocol dictated my response! She had the Activation Index and you were going to destroy my installation. You did destroy my installation. Now, I only have one function: to help you, Reclaimer. - {{cite video game| title = [[Halo 3]]| developer = Bungie Studios| publisher = Microsoft|date=2007| platform =[[Xbox 360]]| version = | level = Floodgate| language = English}}</ref>
-Traveling through the portal, the humans and Elites discover an immense artificial structure—the [[Halo (megastructure)#The Ark|Ark]]—which is well outside the [[Milky Way galaxy]]. Here, the Prophet can activate all the [[Halo (megastructure)|Halo]]s and purge the galaxy of all sentient life. The Halos were created by the Forerunners as a last ditch effort to combat the Flood, by destroying all sentient life in the galaxy. The Chief and company quickly activate the installation's [[Cartography|Cartographer]] to find Truth; in the process, Guilty Spark discovers that the Ark is creating a new ringworld to replace his destroyed installation. Guided by Guilty Spark, the Chief and the Arbiter make their way towards the control room of the Ark. During their journey, the Flood arrive on the former Covenant Holy City [[High Charity]] via slipspace, and they begin infesting the installation.<ref>(A Slipspace Rupture suddenly appears. High Charity emerges and approaches the Ark) '''Rtas 'Vadum''': High Charity... By the Gods, brace for impact!  - {{cite video game| title = [[Halo 3]]| developer = Bungie Studios| publisher = Microsoft|date=2007| platform =[[Xbox 360]]| version = | level = The Covenant| language = English}}</ref> Johnson is captured by Truth to activate the Ark because only a human can utilize the Forerunner technology. The Flood controlling intelligence [[Gravemind]] forges a truce with the Chief and Arbiter in an effort to stop Truth. Though Keyes is killed by the Prophet, the installation's firing is halted. After Truth is killed by the Arbiter, Gravemind quickly turns on the Chief and Arbiter, but Johnson flies away while the Chief and Arbiter fight their way out. Master Chief decides to activate the ''new'' ring being built at the Ark, sparing the galaxy at large while eliminating the local Flood. Before he can activate Halo, he needs an Activation Index, which Cortana had acquired in ''[[Halo 1|Halo]]''.<ref>'''Cortana''': The activation index, from the first Halo ring. A little souvenir I hung onto, just in case. - {{cite video game| title = [[Halo 3]]| developer = Bungie Studios| publisher = Microsoft|date=2007| platform =[[Xbox 360]]| version = | level = Cortana| language = English}}</ref> The Chief saves Cortana from ''[[High Charity]]'', and overloads its main reactor to destroy the ship and Gravemind with it.
-[[Image:Masterchief cortana h3.png|thumb|right|Master Chief and Cortana escape the new halo after firing it]]
-Arriving on the new Halo, Cortana warns that the Gravemind is trying to rebuild itself on the ring. The Chief, the Arbiter, and Johnson make their way to the control room, where they will activate Halo's weapon. Guilty Spark explains that since the ring is not yet completed, a premature activation will destroy it and the Ark.<ref>'''343 Guilty Spark''': Oh, hello! Wonderful news, the Installation is almost complete! / '''Johnson''': Terrific (sarcastically). / '''343 Guilty Spark''': Yes... Isn't it? I have begun my simulations. No promises, but initial results indicate that this facility should be ready to fire, in just a few more days. / '''Johnson''': "We don't have a few more days! / '''343 Guilty Spark''': Bu-bu-but! A premature firing will destroy the Ark! / '''Johnson''': Deal with it. - {{cite video game| title = [[Halo 3]]| developer = Bungie Studios| publisher = Microsoft|date=2007| platform =[[Xbox 360]]| version = | level = Halo| language = English}}</ref> When Johnson ignores his warning, Guilty Spark kills him in order to protect "his" ring.<ref>'''343 Guilty Spark''': Will destroy this Installation... (Guilty Spark suddenly turns red and shoots Johnson with his Beam) - {{cite video game| title = [[Halo 3]]| developer = Bungie Studios| publisher = Microsoft|date=2007| platform =[[Xbox 360]]| version = | level = Halo| language = English}}</ref> Master Chief destroys Guilty Spark, activates the ring, and barely manages to escape with the Arbiter and Cortana to ''Forward Unto Dawn'', a UNSC ship, as Halo fires.
-Back on Earth, the front half of ''Forward Unto Dawn'' crashes into the ocean, and workers cut the Arbiter out of the wreckage. A memorial service is held for the fallen heroes of the human and Covenant war; the Master Chief appears to have perished as well. After the memorial service, the Arbiter departs for his home planet, where the Elites are finally free of the Prophets' hegemony.<ref>'''Rtas 'Vadum''': "Things look different. Without the Prophets' lies clouding my vision. I would like to see our own world. To know that it is safe. / '''Arbiter''': Fear not. For we have made it so. - {{cite video game| title = [[Halo 3]]| developer = Bungie Studios| publisher = Microsoft|date=2007| platform =[[Xbox 360]]| version = | level = Halo| language = English}}</ref> If the player waits through the [[closing credits]], a [[post-credits scene|scene]] reveals that the Master Chief and Cortana have survived Halo's firing in the rear section of the ship and await rescue, drifting helplessly through space. If the game is completed on the "Legendary" difficulty level, the scene continues and depicts the severed section of the ''Dawn'' drifting towards what appears to be an unidentified planet.
-==Development==
-[[Image:H3-storyboard-art.png|thumb|right|Storyboard sketches for the ''Halo 3'' announcement trailer]]
-Initial conception for ''Halo 3'' was done before the game's predecessor, ''[[Halo 2]]'' was released in 2004.<ref>{{cite video |people=[[Marty O'Donnell|O'Donnell, Marty]] |date2=2007-09-25 |title=Halo 2 Developer's Commentary |medium=[[Halo 3#Versions|''Halo 3'' Legendary Edition]] | time=04:00| publisher=[[Bungie Studios]]}}— '''O'Donnell:'''"I remember when we were doing the Cortana Letters years ago where we had the entire plan from the beginning of the Cortana Letters to the end of the trilogy."</ref> For a period after this, much of the staff were still preoccupied in making extra content for ''Halo 2'', while others continued with the groundwork for the development of ''Halo 3''. Bungie remained almost completely silent as to what their new project was for the next year and half, occasionally leaving comments in their weekly update alluding to a "new project."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=updatemay05|title=Bungie Weekly Update: 05/05/06|author=O'Connor, Frank|date=[[2006-05-05]]|accessdate=2007-10-27|work=[[Bungie.net]]}}</ref> Due to the cliff-hanger ending of ''Halo 2'', many observers correctly speculated that Bungie's new project was indeed, ''Halo 3''.
-The game was officially announced with a [[Real-time computing|real-time]] [[cinematic]] [[trailer]] at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3 2006]].<ref name="announcement" /> Similarly to the development of ''Halo 2'', Bungie kept the public informed on game development via "Bungie Weekly Updates". During development, the game was divided into single player and multiplayer [[Software build|builds]]; this made debugging and testing the much smaller multiplayer files quicker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=8858|title=Bungie Weekly Update: 09/01/06|author=O'Connor, Frank|date=[[2006-09-01]]|accessdate=2007-10-27|work=[[Bungie.net]]}}</ref> While details of ''Halo 3''{{'}}s multiplayer were widely disseminated in the sixteen months leading up to the release,<ref name="1up prev"/> the single-player aspect of the storyline was kept relatively secret throughout much of the development to build up interest. The first campaign screenshots did not appear until a year after the announcement trailer, on [[July 5]], [[2007]], as a "tease" for the planned pace of marketing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12625|title=Bungie Weekly Update: 07/06/07|author=O'Connor, Frank|date=[[2007-07-06]]|accessdate=2007-10-27|work=[[Bungie.net]]}}</ref>
-===Graphics===
-''Halo 3'' utilizes a proprietary, in-house [[Game engine|graphics engine]], often referred to as the "''Halo 3'' Engine".<ref name="igntrailer">{{cite web |url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/706/706251p1.html |title = E3 2k6: Halo 3 Trailer Impressions |accessdate = 2007-06-25 |author =  Sanders, Kathleen |date = [[2006-05-09]] |publisher=IGN E3 2006 Coverage |work=[[IGN]]|quote = ...rendered in real-time on the [[Xbox 360]] using the current version of the ''Halo 3'' engine.}}</ref>As detailed on the Bungie Studios website, it employs advanced graphics technologies such as [[High dynamic range rendering|High Dynamic Range]], global lighting and [[depth of field]] effects within cutscenes.<ref>{{cite web|author=Klepek, Patrick|date=[[2007-03-19]]|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158071|title=Bungie Says ''Halo 3'' Graphics are coming Together|work=1up.com|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> [[Motion blur]]ring was absent from the beta, but was added to the final game.<ref>{{cite web |author=Booker, Logan|date=[[2007-11-01]]|url=http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/article.asp?CIID=97254 |title=Halo 3 - Review - Console Gaming |work=atomicmpc.com.au|accessdate=2008-01-08}}</ref> Most of the dynamic objects in the game cast real-time shadows on themselves and the environment around them, including the game's plant life. ''Halo 3'' uses [[Normal mapping|normal]], [[Bump mapping|bump]], and [[parallax mapping]] to give surfaces more detail without dramatically increasing the number of polygons. Players can see distances of up to ten miles (16 km) away, all fully three-dimensional.<ref name=scivsfi/> Real time reflections were written into the engine, however they are often unused as Bungie consider it a waste of resources.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12834|work=[[Bungie.net]]|date=[[2007-10-05]]|accessdate=2007-11-05|first=Frank|last=O'Connor|title=Bungie Weekly What's Update 10/05/07}} - '''BlatentB:''' "What happened to the real time reflections on Master Chiefs visor?" '''Frankie:''' "Nothing. They’re still in the game engine, but they’re not really much use, and are kind of a waste of CPU, so in many instances, MP for example, we save resources for more important stuff by using cube maps."</ref>
-After the game was released, speculations arose that ''Halo 3'' did not natively render at true [[high definition|HD]] resolution (at least 720 lines of vertical resolution).<ref>{{cite web|author=Dobson, Jacob|date=[[2007-09-28]]|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/28/halo-3-not-hd-runs-at-640p-pixel-counters-claim/|title=''Halo 3'' not HD: Runs at 640p, Pixel Counters Claim|work=[[Joystiq]]|accessdate=2007-09-30}}</ref> In a Bungie Weekly Update, it was confirmed that the game was rendered at 1152×640 resolution instead of the usual 1280×720 (HD) resolution that most [[Xbox 360]] games use.<ref name=640p/> The choice for this design was conscious on Bungie's part, due to the fact that ''Halo 3'' uses two frame buffers instead of the usual one, and that this choice would allow Bungie to preserve as much of the dynamic range as possible for the game's lighting, as well as maintaining a smooth frame rate. The picture could be upscaled all the way up to [[1080p]] by the Xbox 360.<ref name=640p>{{cite web|author=Smith, Luke|date=[[2007-09-28]]|url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12821|title=You owe me 60p!|work=[[Bungie.net]]|accessdate=2007-10-01}}</ref>
-===Audio===
-As with all titles on the Xbox 360, ''Halo 3'' fully supports [[Surround sound#5.1 Channel Surround (digital discrete: Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS)|5.1 surround sound]] audio.<ref name=productinfo>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo3/gamedetailpage.htm |title= Halo 3 - Game Detail Page |accessdate = 2007-07-12}}</ref> In the game, there are over 50,000 pieces of audio, with nearly 40,000 of those being NPC dialogue.<ref name="edge179" /> This is far more than in either of the preceding ''Halo'' titles; ''Halo 2'' had over 15,000 pieces of dialogue. The AI controlling this dialogue is designed to ensure the exchanges flow naturally and convincingly.<ref name=scivsfi>{{cite web|url=http://gameroom.mlgpro.com/view/zyiJ5z9YWvg.html|title=Sci vs. Fi - ''Halo 3'' Documentary|work=mlgpro.com|accessdate=2007-10-05|date=[[2007-10-02]]}}</ref> Separate recordings were made for nearby and distant gunfire to make for a more believable sound experience.<ref name=betaaudio>{{cite web |url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12505 |title=Bang Bang: Audio in the Halo 3 Beta |author=Smith, Luke |publisher=[[Bungie Studios]] |date=[[2007-05-28]] |accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref> Distant gunfire sounds, which may first seem like prerecorded ambient sound, may often be the result of an actual firefight happening elsewhere in the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=10898|title=Bungie Weekly Update 2/26/2007|publisher=[[Bungie Studios]]|date=2007-02-26|accssdate=2008-01-06}}</ref>
-[[Marty O'Donnell]] again composed the original score for the game.<ref>{{cite book | year=2007 | editor=[[Bungie Studios]] | title=''Halo 3'' Instruction Manual | pages=29 | publisher=[[Microsoft Game Studios]]|language=English}}</ref> Some pieces of the game's music are produced with a much larger real orchestra than any pieces in the prior two games. For example, the music for the announcement trailer was recorded with a 60-piece orchestra and a 24-piece [[choir]].<ref name="announcement" /> ''Halo 3'' is the first game in the series to feature custom soundtracks, allowing players to replace in-game music with their own choices.<ref name="BungiePodcast">{{cite web |url = http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/8/5/d85ce76f-0cb2-41df-aaae-a8c96790332b/Bungie_Podcast_092007.mp3 |title = Bungie Podcast: So Long|accessdate = 2007-09-22 |author = Smith, Luke |authorlink = |date=[[2007-09-20]] |format = [[MP3]] |work = Bungie.net }}</ref> The ''[[Halo 3 Original Soundtrack]]'' was released on [[November 20]], [[2007]].<ref name=amazoncd>{{cite web |url = http://www.amazon.com/Halo-Original-Soundtrack-2-CD-Set/dp/B000W04S6U |title = Halo 3 Original Soundtrack |accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> Included on the soundtrack is an original composition submitted by fans and judged by Nile Rodgers, Michael Ostin, and Marty O'Donnell.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3163737|title=''Halo 3'' Soundtrack, Contest Announced|author=Pigna, Kris|date=[[2007-10-17]]|accessdate=2007-10-26|work=[[1up.com]]}}</ref>
-=== Cast ===
-Voice actors returning to reprise their roles in ''Halo 3'' include [[Jen Taylor]] as Cortana, [[David Scully]] as Sergeant Johnson and the Elites, [[Keith David]] as the Arbiter, [[Tim Dadabo]] as [[343 Guilty Spark]], [[Ron Perlman]] as Lord Hood, [[Robert Davi]] as Rtas Vadum, and [[Steve Downes]] as the voice of Master Chief. The game also features new voices, with [[Terence Stamp]] and [[Justis Bolding]] replacing ''Halo 2'' voice actors [[Michael Wincott]] and [[Julie Benz]] as the [[Prophet of Truth]] and [[List of Halo characters|Miranda Keyes]] respectively.<ref name="voice">{{cite web|url=http://dvice.com/archives/2007/11/the_faces_of_halo.php|title=The Faces of Halo|author=Staff|date=[[2007-11-22]]|work=gamesindustry.biz|accessdate=2007-11-30}}</ref> Additional voices include celebrity presenter [[Jonathan Ross]],<ref name="redcarpet">{{cite web |url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=28748 |title = Microsoft plans star-studded Halo 3 launch in UK |accessdate = 2007-09-19 |author = Martin, Matt |date=[[2007-09-18]] |work = gamesindustry.biz }}</ref> [[Nathan Fillion]], [[Adam Baldwin]], [[Alan Tudyk]], [[Katee Sackhoff]], and [[John DiMaggio]].<ref name="voice"/> Members of the ''Halo'' [[machinima]] ''[[Red vs. Blue]]'' ([[Burnie Burns]], [[Gus Sorola]], [[Matt Hullum]], [[Jason Saldaña]], [[Geoff Ramsey]], and [[Joel Heyman]]) had a cameo role.<ref name=additionalvoices>{{cite book | year=2007 | editor=[[Bungie Studios]] | title=''Halo 3'' Instruction Manual | pages=31 | publisher=[[Microsoft Game Studios]]|language=English}}</ref>
-==Marketing and release==
-[[Image:Halo 3 Nasdaq.jpg|thumb|right|A ''Halo 3'' launch event was held at the [[NASDAQ]] building in [[New York City]] on September 25.]]
-{{main|Marketing for Halo 3}}
-Various marketing techniques have been employed in promoting the release of ''Halo 3''. This has included various trailers of the game; real-time [[cinematic]]s, recorded [[gameplay]] sequences, pre-rendered [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]], and even [[live action]] film.<ref name=brandweek>{{cite web|url=http://www.brandweek.com/bw/magazine/current/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003637129|title=Anatomy Of An Onslaught: How Halo 3 Attacked|publisher=brandweek.com|date=2007-09-10|first=Kenneth|last=Hein|accessdate=2008-01-15}}</ref> Throughout the course of development four "developer documentaries" were released, which explain the processes behind creating parts of the game. A large scale multiplayer Beta test was played on Xbox Live with more than 800&nbsp;000 members of the public being able to take part and experience the game for themselves.<ref name=brandweek /> Beginning in June 2007, [[Iris (game)|''Iris'']], an [[alternate reality game]], began on the internet, designed to create hype for the game while involving players in slowly revealing background information for the game.<ref name=brandweek /> The actual release was met with numerous launch parties across the United States and Europe.<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo3/launch/newyorkcity.htm|title=New York City Halo 3 Launch Event|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|work=Xbox.com|date=[[2007-09-25]]|accessdate=2007-10-26}}</ref>
-Numerous interviews with Bungie staff were conducted by gaming press establishments, covering a vast range of subjects dealing with the game. Magazines and journals also occasionally ran stories revealing new information. [[Pepsi-Cola]] announced a new line of soft drink, a variant of [[Mountain Dew]] named [[Marketing for Halo 3#Mountain Dew Game Fuel|Game Fuel]], branded with the ''Halo 3'' logo and the [[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Brudvig, Erik|date=[[2007-07-31]]|url=http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/809/809612p1.html |title=Halo 3 Box Arrives at IGN Offices |accessdate=2007-08-22 |work=[[IGN]] }}</ref> Much of the advertising focused on appealing to the general public, rather than just hardcore fans of the game; for example, some [[7-Eleven]] stores advertised ''Halo 3'' and sold specialty cups and copies of the game.<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff| url=http://www.xbox360rally.com/reserve-halo-3-at-7-11-today/ |title=Reserve Halo 3 at 7-11 TODAY! |accessdate=2007-08-22 |date=[[2007-08-06]] |work=Xbox 360 Rally}}</ref>  On [[September 12]], [[2007]] the "Believe" ''Halo 3'' ad campaign, focused on the epic nature of the story and heroism told through [[diorama]]s and third party accounts of Master Chief's service, began with the video "Museum" and continued on past the game's release.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/watch-the-new-halo-3-ad-museum/|author=McElroy, Justin |title=Watch the new Halo 3 ad: "Museum" |accessdate=2007-09-12 |date=[[2007-09-12]] |work=[[Joystiq]]}}</ref>
-=== Leaks ===
-Months before the release of ''Halo 3'', the game's final testing copy before its [[Software release life cycle#Gold or general availability release|gold release]] (codenamed Epsilon and confirmed by Bungie to be 99.9% complete),<ref name="epsilon">{{cite web |url = http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12718 |title = Homestretch |accessdate = 2007-09-24 |author = Bungie |date = [[2007-08-17]] |work = [[Bungie.net]] }}</ref> was [[Internet leak|leaked to the Internet]]. Microsoft reacted to this leak by having the Xbox Live accounts of gamers caught playing the Epsilon copy banned until the year 9999.<ref name="epsilonleak">{{cite web |url = http://uk.gamespot.com/news/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=25905855 |title = Halo 3 Epsilon cheaters banned until 9999 AD |accessdate = 2007-09-24 |author = "thorsen-ink" |date = [[2007-09-07]] |publisher = gamespot.com }}</ref> Two weeks before ''Halo 3'' was due to be released, full retail copies of the game complete with photographs of the open game box started to appear on the internet auction site [[eBay]].<ref name="ebayprerelease">{{cite web |url = http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=8824 |title = Early Copys of Halo 3 Sell on eBay |accessdate = 2007-09-24 |author = Yam, Marcus  |date = [[2007-09-11]] |work = dailytech.com }}</ref> A week before ''Halo 3'' was due for release, major UK catalog retailer [[Argos (retailer)|Argos]] accidentally released some of their final retail copies of ''Halo 3''. Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices division were quoted as being "disappointed that it happened" but that "it was just an honest mistake" and that Microsoft had no intention of punishing Argos for the error.<ref name="argosrelease">{{cite web |url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=28860 |title = Microsoft won't punish Argos |accessdate = 2007-09-22 |author =  Elliott, Phil |date = [[2007-09-20]] |work = gamesindustry.biz }}</ref>
-''Halo 3''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s final retail copy was leaked online over a week before its official release. The 6.14 [[gigabyte]] file of the game was hacked and downloaded by "thousands" of people within 24 hours of the leak.<ref name="h3leak">{{cite web |url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=28887 |title = Halo 3 leaked online |accessdate = 2007-09-22 |author = Matt Martin |date = [[2007-09-21]] |work= gamesindustry.biz }}</ref>  Videos of the ending of ''Halo 3'', obtained from the leaked copy, were captured and posted on [[Video hosting service|video sharing sites]].<ref name="h3leak" />
-===Versions===
-{{Halo 3 Versions}}
-''Halo 3'' was released in three separate versions. The Standard Edition contains the game disc and a manual. The Limited Edition, contained in a metal case, contains the game disc, manual, interactive Xbox 360 bonus disc with several featurettes, and a hard cover bound "Beastiarum", which is a collection of information and art covering the species, cultures, and civilizations of ''Halo 3''. The final version was marketed as the "Legendary Edition", which contains the game disc, manual, interactive bonus disc, Beastiarum (on one of the DVD discs), Legendary DVD containing special content exclusive to the Legendary Edition, and a scale replica of the Master Chief's helmet as a case for the three discs.<ref name="versions">{{cite web |author=O'Connor, Frank|url = http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12531 |title = Three Versions of Halo 3 |accessdate = 2007-06-08  |author = Frank O'Connor (Frankie) |date = [[2007-06-08]] |work = [[Bungie.net]] |archiveurl = http://nikon.bungie.org/bwu/index.html?item=130 |archivedate = 2007-06-09}}</ref> [[Gamestation]] stores in the UK also offered a limited edition Master Chief figurine only available to the first 1000 pre-orders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcfarlanes-figures.com/halo-3.html|title=Halo 3 Becomes The World's Biggest Selling Game|publisher=McFarlanes Figures|date=2007-09-25|accessdate=2008-01-16}}</ref>
-Upon release, some of the Limited Edition versions of ''Halo 3'' were found to have a defect in the hub that kept the discs in place, which could lead to scratched discs. Microsoft confirmed the problem and offered to replace scratched ''Halo 3'' Limited Edition discs free of charge until the end of January 2008.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemuse/xbox360/gameplay/discreplacement-program.htm|title=XBox Disk Replacement Program |accessdate=2007-09-25 |date[[2008-01-23]]|publisher= [[Microsoft]]|work=Xbox.com}}</ref> This was not a problem in either the Legendary Edition or the Standard Edition.<ref>{{cite web| author=Yam, Marcus|url=http://www.dailytech.com/Early+Halo+3+Limited+Edition+Owners+Plagued+by+Scratched+Discs/article9010c.htm |title=Early Halo 3 Limited Edition Owners Plagued by Scratched Discs |accessdate=2007-09-22 |date=[[2007-09-22]]|work= [[DailyTech]]}}</ref>
-{{-}}
-===Sales===
-[[Image:Bill Gates Halo 3 launch.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bill Gates]] sold copies of the game at the launch in Bellevue, WA.]]
-According to Microsoft, first-day sales of ''Halo 3'' reached $170 million in the U.S., setting the record for highest gross of an entertainment product within 24 hours of its release. The performance beat the previous record setter, predecessor ''[[Halo 2]]'', which earned $125 million within 24 hours after its launch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/halo3/news.html?sid=6179914|publisher=[[Gamespot]]|title=Halo 3's first-day US haul = $170M|date=2007-09-26|accessdate=2008-01-16|first=Tor|last=Thorsen}}</ref> ''Halo 3'' has beaten other records as well; at least four million copies of ''Halo 3'' were pre-ordered globally, making it the fastest pre-selling game to date.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2007/05/10/halo-3-pre-orders-top-4-million/|title=Halo 3 pre-orders top 4 million|work=xbox360fanboy.com|accessdate=2007-11-24|author=Mitchell, Richard|date=[[2007-05-10]]}}</ref> Worldwide more than US$300 million worth were sold in the first week, helping to more than double the sales of the Xbox 360 when compared with the weekly average before the ''Halo 3'' launch.<ref name="sales"/>  In the U.S., ''Halo 3'' sold 3.3 million copies in its first 12 days on sale,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/halo3/news.html?sid=6181307 |title=NPD: Halo effect helps Sept. sales hit $1.3B |accessdate=2007-10-19 |author=Sinclair, Brendan |date=[[2007-10-18]] |work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> increasing to 3.7 million copies by [[November 15]] [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6183006.html |title=NPD: October retail gaming tally tops $1.1 billion | accessdate=2007-11-15 | author= Sinclair, Brendan | date=[[2007-11-15]] |work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>  On [[October 4]], [[2007]], [[Reuters]] UK estimated that ''Halo 3'' may have sold up to 5.2 million copies worldwide in the first two weeks after launch.<ref name="sales">{{cite web |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUKN0438777720071005 |accessdate=2007-10-08 |date=[[2007-10-04]] |work=[[Reuters]] |author=Hillis, Scott  |title=Microsoft says "Halo" 1st-week sales were $300 mln}}</ref> By [[November 30]] [[2007]], ''Halo 3'' had sold 5 million copies worldwide, and as of that point, was the [[List of best-selling video games|best-selling video game]] of 2007 in the U.S., even though the game is only available on one console.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117976843.html?categoryid=2525&cs=1 |title=Videogame sequels hit geek peak |author=Ben Fritz |date=2007-11-30 |publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |accessdate=2007-12-03}}</ref> On [[January 3]] [[2008]], Microsoft announced that ''Halo 3'' has sold 8.1 million copies.<ref name="2008-01-03 sales">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6184291.html | author=Brendan Sinclair | title=MS: 17.7 million 360s sold | date=2008-01-03 | publisher=[[GameSpot]] | accessdate=2008-01-04}}</ref> ''Halo 3'' was the [[2007_in_video_gaming#United_States|best-selling video game of 2007 in the U.S.]] with 4.82 million units sold.<ref name="2007npd">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=17006 | title=NPD: 2007 U.S. Game Industry Growth Up 43% To $17.9 Billion | author=Brandon Boyer | publisher=[[Gamasutra]] | accessdate=2008-01-18 | date=2008-01-18}}</ref> The game drew over a million [[Xbox Live]] members to play online in the first 20 hours, making it the biggest day for Xbox Live gaming in history.<ref name="1milxbox">{{cite web|url=http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202102318|title=Halo 3 Sales Smash Game Industry Records|publisher=Information Week|accessdate=2007-10-03|date=[[2007-09-27]]|first=Paul|last=McDougall}}</ref>
-On [[October 15]], [[2007]], ''Advertising Age'' reported that movie studio executives were convinced the release of ''Halo 3'' harmed box office receipts; the week's take was 27% less than the previous year's yield.<ref>{{cite web|author=Watts, Steve|date=[[2007-10-15]]|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3163668|title=Film Execs Blam ''Halo 3'' For Poor Box Office|work=1UP.com|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref> While some executives decided the disparity in estimated and actual gross for films like ''[[The Heartbreak Kid (2007 film)|The Heartbreak Kid]]'' was due more to the film's poor reception, other analysts believed that "the audience on [''Halo 3''] is the 18-to-34 demographic, similar to what you'd see in cinemas" and that this led to a decrease in receipts.<ref>{{cite web|author=Akner, Claude|date=[[2007-10-15]]|url=http://adage.com/latestnews/article.php?article_id=121130|title=Bad Box Office? Blame 'Halo'|work=Advertising Age|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref> Later research suggested that the ''Halo 3'' players still watched the same amount of television and movies, regardless of the time they spent playing the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=808291|title="Halo 3" Fans Play Videogame Around Their Television and Movie Schedules|work=MarketWire.com|accessdate=2008-01-08|date=[[2008-01-08]]|author=Integrated Media Measurement Inc}}</ref>
-==Content for download==
-The week before release, Bungie announced that additional content for download would be inevitable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1pstart.com/halo-3-downloadable-content-inevitable/|title=Halo 3 Downloadable Content “inevitable”|publisher=1p Start|date=2007-09-21|accessdate=2008-01-16}}</ref> A new multiplayer map pack was released via [[Xbox Live]] on [[December 11]], [[2007]]. The "Heroic Map Pack" costs 800 [[Microsoft Points]] ([[United States dollar|US$]]10) and consists of three maps, entitled ''Standoff'', ''Rat's Nest'', and ''Foundry''.<ref name=bungieheroic /> The maps have additional features in Forge, including placeable man cannons (large gravity lifts) and shield doors,<ref name=bungieheroic>{{cite web |url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12983 |title=Heroic Map Pack Announced for Halo 3 |author=Smith, Luke|work=[[Bungie.net]] |accessdate=2007-11-19 |date=[[2007-11-19]]}}</ref> objects which were static parts of the environment in the game's original maps. The map pack will eventually be available for free.<ref name=freemaps>{{cite web |url= http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13019 |title= Bungie Weekly Update: 11/30/07 |accessdate= 2007-12-09 |last= O'Connor |first= Frank | |date= [[2007-11-30]] |format= HTML |work= [[Bungie.net]] |language= English |archiveurl= http://nikon.bungie.org/bwu/index.html?item=155 |archivedate= 2007-12-01 |quote= but in the long term, like those Halo 2 maps they’ll eventually be free of charge}}</ref>
-On [[January 4]], [[2008]], it was confirmed by Bungie that a new set of multiplayer maps would be released on an undetermined date.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13135 |title= Bungie Weekly Update: 1/4/08 |date=2008-01-04|accessdate= 2008-01-05|work=[[Bungie.net]]|author=Smith, Luke}}</ref> The [[code name]]s for the maps are currently ''O.K. Corral'', ''Moonlight Sonata'', and ''Cottonball''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13207|title= Bungie Weekly Update: 2/01/08 |date=2008-02-01|accessdate= 2008-02-01|work=[[Bungie.net]]|author=O'Connor, Frank}}</ref><ref name=newpack>{{cite web |url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13207|title= Bungie Weekly Update: 2/01/08 |date=2008-02-01|accessdate= 2008-02-01|work=[[Bungie.net]]|author=O'Connor, Frank}}</ref> Additional maps have been mentioned to be in development, code named ''Moonbase Alpha''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13160|title= Bungie Weekly Update: 1/11/08 |date=2008-01-04|accessdate= 2008-01-11|work=[[Bungie.net]]|author=O'Connor, Frank}}</ref> and ''Purple Reign'',<ref name=newpack /> but are currently not included in this map pack.
-==Critical reception and impact==
-{{VG Reviews
-|1UP =10/10
-|Edge =10/10
-|EuroG =10/10
-|Fam =37/40
-|GI =9.75/10
-|GSpot =9.5/10
-|IGN =9.5/10
-|OXM =10/10
-|
-|compilation = yes
-|
-|MC = 94%
-|GR = 93%
-|
-|award1 = ''[[Spike TV]] Awards'': {{nowrap|Best Multiplayer Game,}} {{nowrap|Most Addictive Video Game Fueled by Dew}}
-|award2 = ''[[Time (magazine)|TIME]]'': Game of the Year
-|award3 = [[GeezerGamers.com|Geezer Gamers]]: {{nowrap|Geezer Game of the Year,}} {{nowrap|Multiplayer Game of the Year}}
-}}
-Critical reception of the game has generally been positive. On the review aggregator [[Game Rankings]], the game has an average score of 93%, based on 82 reviews, making it the sixth best reviewed Xbox 360 game to date.<ref name=gr>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/926632.asp |title=Halo 3 Reviews |accessdate=2007-10-07 |publisher=[[Game Rankings]]}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the game has an average score of 94 out of 100, based on 74 reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/halo3 |title=Halo 3  (xbox360: 2007): Reviews |accessdate=2007-10-07 |publisher=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>
-''[[Pro-G]]'' assured readers in its review that ''Halo 3'' lived up to the hype, saying that the game "is everything we hoped it would be, and much, much, more".<ref name=progrev>{{cite web| author=Yin-Poole, Wesley|url=http://www.pro-g.co.uk/xbox360/halo_3/review.html |title= Pro-G ''Halo 3'' Review | accessdate=2007-09-23 | date=[[2007-09-23]]| work=[[Pro-G]]}}</ref> Many publications, including ''[[Eurogamer]]'' and ''[[Games Radar]]'' stated that the "winning formula" of ''Halo'' and ''Halo 2'' was unchanged, but the addition of new features and weapons prevented any stagnation.<ref>{{cite web| author =Fahey, Rob |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=83948  |title= Eurogamer ''Halo 3'' Review | accessdate=2007-09-23 | date=[[2007-09-23]]| work=[[Eurogamer]].com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| author=Barrett, Charlie|url=http://gamesradar.com/us/xbox360/game/reviews/article.jsp?articleId=2007092118243123051&sectionId=1000&releaseId=2005000000000000000350 |title= Games Radar ''Halo 3'' Review | accessdate=2007-09-23 | date=[[2007-09-23]]| work=[[Games Radar]]}}</ref> Most publications agreed that multiplayer was by far one of the best features; IGN said that the multiplayer map lineup was the strongest of the series,<ref name=ignrev>{{cite web| author=Goldstein, Hilary|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/821/821911p5.html |title= IGN (USA) ''Halo 3'' Review | accessdate=2007-09-23| date=[[2007-09-23]]| work=[[IGN]]}}</ref> and Gamespy added that the multiplayer offering will make "''Halo'' [veterans] weep big sloppy sobs of joy".<ref name="gamespy review"/> The Forge level editor and saved films features were singled out as particularly strong features,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1387/Halo-3/p1/ |title= Team Xbox ''Halo 3'' Review | accessdate=2007-09-23 | date=[[2007-09-23]]| work=[[Team Xbox]]}}</ref><ref name="Gamespot"/> in addition to superb voice acting and Martin O'Donnell's rich score.<ref name="gamespy review"/><ref name="game informer review"/>
-Reception of the single-player aspect varied greatly. ''Pro-G'' said that while the [[cliffhanger]] ending of ''Halo 2'' was disappointing, the campaign of ''Halo 3'' "is anything but";<ref name=progrev/> ''Gamespot'' and ''[[GameSpy]]'', meanwhile, said that the campaign was too short, especially on easier difficulty levels.<ref name="Gamespot"/><ref name="gamespy review">{{cite web| url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/halo-3/821976p1.html |title= GameSpy ''Halo 3'' Review | author=Graziani, Gabe|accessdate=2007-09-23| date=[[2007-09-23]]| work=[[Gamespy]]}}</ref> IGN was highly critical of the eighth level, stating "the penultimate chapter is so bad, just thinking about it puts a rotten taste in my mouth." ''[[The New York Times]]'' said the game had a "throwaway" plot and ''Total Video Games'' judged the single-player aspect ultimately disappointing.<ref name=nytreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/27/technology/circuits/27games.html?ex=1191470400&en=ea5522e86bc1015d&ei=5070&emc=eta1|author=Herold, Charles|date=[[2007-09-27]]|accessdate=2007-10-03|title=Halo 3 Mimics Halo 2, With Some Improved Graphic|publisher=''[[The New York Times]]''}}</ref><ref name="tvg review">{{cite web|author=Wilcox, Jon|date=[[2007-09-27]]|title=TVG Review: ''Halo 3''|url=http://www.totalvideogames.com/articles/Halo_3_12180.htm|wortotalvideogames.com|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref>
-Other complaints focused on the [[game artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence]]; critics praised the enemy AI but bemoaned that the intelligence of the player's allies was far poorer.<ref name="Gamespot">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/halo3/review.html |title=Halo 3 for Xbox 360 Review - Xbox 360 Halo 3 Review |accessdate=2007-09-25 |author=Gerstmann, Jeff  |date=[[2007-09-23]] |work=[[Gamespot]]}}</ref><ref name="ign review">{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/821/821911p5.html|title=IGN: ''Halo 3'' Review|author=Goldstein, Hilary|date=[[2007-10-01]]|accessdate=2007-10-02|work=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref name="gamecritics review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecritics.com/halo-3-review|title=''Halo 3'' Review|author=Weissenberger, Daniel|date=[[2007-10-01]]|accessdate=2007-10-02|work=gamecritics.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/halo-34.htm|publisher=[[How Stuff Works]]|accessdate=2008-01-04|title=Halo 3 Criticisms|first=Rick|last=Mayda}}</ref> Bryan Vore of ''[[Game Informer]]'' said that human faces and some textures were just "embarrassing".<ref name="game informer review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200710/R07.0923.1932.21255.htm|title=Game Informer: Halo 3|author=Vore, Bryan|date=[[2007-10-01]]|accessdate=2007-10-03|work=[[Game Informer]]}}</ref> IGN and Cinemablend.com both said that they thought a part of the story was lost by not having the [[Arbiter (Halo)|Arbiter]] featuring as prominently as the character was in ''Halo 2''.<ref>{{cite web|author=West, Steve|date=[[2007-09-27]]|url=http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Xbox-360-Halo-3-Campaign-Review-6543.html|title=''Halo 3'' Campaign Review|work=cinemablend.com|accessdate=2007-10-10}}</ref><ref name="ign review"/>
-===Awards===
-''Halo 3'' was nominated for seven awards from the [[Spike TV|Spike TV Awards]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6182621.html?sid=6182621&part=rss&subj=6182621
-|title=Halo 3, BioShock top Spike TV noms|author=Magrino, Tom|date=[[2007-11-11]]|accessdate=2007-11-11|work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> of which it won "Best Multiplayer Game" and "Most Addictive Video Game Fueled by Dew".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/NYSA00208122007-1.htm |title=Spike TV Announces 2007 'Video Game Awards' Winners |accessdate=2007-12-09}}</ref> The game was also nominated eleven times for the 2008 [[2old2play.com|GameStooge Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamestooge.com/2007/11/10/2007-gamestooge-award-nominations/
-|title=2007 GameStooge Award Nominations|author=Falcon, Jonah|date=[[2007-11-11]]|accessdate=2007-11-11|work=[[2old2play]]}}</ref> It won [[Time (magazine)|''TIME'' magazine's]] "Game of the Year" and [[IGN]] chose it as the Best  Xbox 360 Online Multiplayer Game and Innovative Design of 2007.<!-- COMMENT: can't the joystiq article be replaced by the actual TIME magazine one? http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/top10/article/0,30583,1686204_1686305_1692236,00.html --><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/time-magazine-names-halo-3-game-of-the-year/ |title=Time magazine names Halo 3 game of the year |accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/17.html|title=Best of 2007: Best Online Multiplayer Game (Xbox 360)|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/20.html|title=Best of 2007: Most Innovative Design (Xbox 360)|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> ''Halo 3'' won "Multiplayer Game of the Year" and "Geezer Game of the Year" as awarded by [[Geezer Gamers]] as well as runner-up for "Best Shooter".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geezergamers.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=342|title=1st annual Geezergamer Game of the Year Awards|publisher=GeezerGamers.com|date=2008-01-22|accessdate=2008-01-24}}</ref>
-The Visual Effects Society awarded Bungie the "Best Real Time Visuals in a Video Game" for Halo 3.<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=news&cid=13240</ref>
-{{-}}
-==References==
-{{reflist|2}}
-==External links==
-{{Commonscat|Halo 3}}
-*[http://www.halo3.com Official site]
-*[http://www.bungie.net/Projects/Halo3/ Official ''Halo 3'' site at Bungie.net]
-*[http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo3/ ''Halo 3'' at Xbox.com]
-*[http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/Halo_3 ''Halo 3'' on Halopedia] - Fan knowledge base
-{{Halo series}}
-{{Bungie Studios}}
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