Halo 3's Warthog, 'A Super-Deluxe Killing Machine'

A super-deluxe killing machine, I tell you! Well ok, actually it's Bungie's latest weekly update that says so, referring to the smarter AI in Halo 3 - rather than the Warthog itself. Halo's trademark Hog may be going through some significant visual updates for the sequel, but it's the player's AI buddies who are turning it into a fine-tuned Covenant grinding machine, according to Bungie's webmaster Frankie.

He also drops another interesting tidbit about the AI, saying that beeping the Warthog's horn seems to bring any nearby Marine running and hopping straight into the gunner turret - although they will come based on suitability for the task at hand (more on that in a future update, he promises). In Halo 3, the AI gunner will also be more "persuadable" to pick a more relevant target, and have him stop trying to blast a lone grunt hiding behind a rock when a bigger menace approaches. Frankie adds:

"This has two effects on the gameplay - one is that it makes the Hog feel more like a weapon when you're driving, and the second is that it makes you want to cruise around bigger battle areas playing mop-up, whereas previously the temptation might have been to get the heck out of dodge. And by heck, I mean hell."

The new, "super solid" control scheme is also discussed in this update, although it's mainly about addressing some of the complaints Xbox 360 owners had about the button mapping, making for a more logical use of the left and right bumpers. A classic control scheme will also be supported, of course, and there may even be some improved or new control variants in Halo 3. Time - and more weekly updates - will tell.

In the meantime, did you see that trailer last week with some High schoolers performing the Halo theme live? They absolutely rock! And I thought school bands were all about screeching orchestras and sticking flutes up your... brb, phone call.

P.S. Taken from the official Halo 2 for Windows Vista F.A.Q.: "There are currently no plans to bring Halo 2 to Mac, PlayStation 9 or the Commodore 64". A' HA! I knew Sony were up to something, but PS9 - who would've thought? :)

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)