Halo3 ODST Xbox360 Review

"9" Can't put it down

Halo: ODST [Orbital Drop Shock Trooper] is the story of a group of ODSTs being sent into the city of New Mombasa to land on a Covenant Carrier hovering above the city, and kill the Prophet inside… Or so they think. ONI [Office of Naval Intelligence] has a different plan. Too bad even ONI didn’t expect the Carrier to jump right above the city. Sound familiar? That’s right, this game takes place DIRECTLY after Master Chief followed the Carrier through the ‘slip-space rupture’ in Halo 2. In this game, you play the FNG [or ****ing New Guy], simply referred to as the Rookie. Don’t be sad though, these guys are still crazy, if not crazier, than Spartans. Think about it. They get launched from space in a tiny pod, break through the atmosphere, and survive the impact into usually enemy filled territories. At least, that’s how it’s SUPPOSE to go. There’s a certain saying among the ODSTs. ‘Digging your own grave.’ I’ll leave you to ponder that one. Another saying, just to emphasize the point, is ‘Jumping into hell feet first.’ That’s right, these Helljumpers are no pansies, and boy, do I love it.

Squad Fire

As ‘The Rookie,’ you wake up six hours after the slip-space rupture occurred, and scour the nighttime city in search of your lost squad. The game blends a gritty film noir type setting until you find trigger clues, these can be anything from a bent sniper rifle, to a camera from a Drone. Once found, you’re sent into the shoes of one of the Rookie’s squad mates, where you drop the detective setting and put on the kick ass Halo style boots. My personal favorite is playing as Dutch and leading a Warthog charge against a Covenant infested zoo.

Halo3ODST Pod Concept Art

While playing this game you may feel like you’ve done a lot of this before, not that this is a bad thing, of course. That’s because Halo: ODST uses the exact same engine as Halo 3. With a few moderation’s, of course. Two of the most notable differences in the game are: A) The lack of duel wielding. That’s right, kids, you can’t use two of the new amazing pistols at the same time. [I’ve already cried about it.] And B) The lack of the Battle Rifle.  Yes, yes, cry, my children, cry. I personally am ecstatic to see that hunk of junk go! Back to the game of course.

"The Rookie"

ODST’s campaign will burn about 3-5 of your sweet hours depending on your difficulty setting. For ODST first timers, I recommend Heroic. If you’re play Co-Op, go straight into Legendary. Now, onto the actual game itself: health packs have made a comeback, and shields are only on brutes. Instead, ODST’s have Stamina, which will recharge and Health, which can only be restored with health packs found across the game. This will be familiar with those of you who’ve played Halo: Combat Evolved. [If you haven’t, go do it now.] The mini-map is also gone, though it is replaced with the cities superintendent, the AI that runs the megapolis, and his detailed grid of the city, including enemy locations. Vehicle driving is just as fun as always, with every vehicle from the Halo series returning. Scorpion inside of the city limits? Count me in! You can ever find a couple of vehicles as the rookie, albeit only mongooses.

Day 1 Rally Point

But, wait! There’s more! [More?] Yes, more! Let me introduce you to Firefight. Lately, the survive as long as possible games have been huge successes, [COD: 5’s Nazi Zombies, GoW2’s Horde, etc, etc] and this one is no exception. The maps are fun and gorgeous. Playing this on live with 3 other friends is a BLAST! [LITERALLY!] As you play, you rack up a ton of medals, each showing your amazing feat. Hammer Spree? I’ve got about 3 of them. Headshots? 29. It just never ends!

Oh, god, I’m starting to feel like an infomercial. Yes, there’s more. ODST comes with a second disc that contains EVERY Halo 3 multiplayer map known to us common man. This was good news for my 20GB hard drive and me. This also means that you don’t need a copy of Halo 3 to play multiplayer. The game comes with three new maps, each of which is STUNNING!

I give Halo: ODST a 9 out of 10. Bungie really went above and beyond the call to create a real game between their Spartan II epics. Also, I’m a sucker for add on stories and the ODST’s are just as bad ass as it gets. Buy it now, you will NOT be disappointed.

Oh, and as I said in my earlier article, if you purchase ODST, you’ll have an invitation for the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta next year! What are you waiting for!?

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Winter Revelers have shared their holiday decorations and provide a festive seasonal flare for their patrons.  You can find them located in Inns standing  under a sprig of mistltoe.  Should you kiss one you will be rewared.  Remember you can only kiss a Winter Reveler every hour.  Below are items which you can be rewarded with.

Mistletoe – Use: Wish a friend some Season’s Greetings!

Handful of Snowflakes – Use: Shower a nearby target with a cascade of snowflakes!

Fresh Holly – Use: Transforms your mount into something more festive.

Snowball Fight!!!

There are three ways to get snowballs.  You can purchase them from Smokeywood Pastures vendors or ask a engineer to make them for you.  They can also be looted from piles of Holiday Snow found in Alterac Mountains near The Abominable Greench.

The Little Helper in you!

The goblins have PX-238 Winter Wondervolt machines set up which can change your character into a Little Helper.  The buff last for 30 minutes and will be lost by shapshifting or death.  You can change the gnomes costumes as many times as you like until you get the one you want.  Remember you will need this disguise to completed the achievement With a Little Helper from My Friends.

Gifts Galore!

It wouldn’t be Winter Veil without presents under the tree.  You will be able to open the presents under Greatfather Winter’s tree from Decemeber 25th to January 2nd.  There are a total of six presents which can be opened by completing the quest attached to that present. 

A Carefully Wrapped Present

A Ticking Present

A Winter Veil Gift

A Festive Gift

A Gaily Wrapped Present

A Gently Shaken Gift

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The Winter Veil Bosses that drop the red and green winter hats are outlined in this post. This covers those dungeon bosses in all three areas — Northrend, Outland and Azeroth.

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Winter Veil Bosses of Northrend

Grand Magus Telestra Red Winter Hat (The Nexus)

Jedoga Shadowseeker Red Winter Hat (Ahn’Kahet: The Old Kingdom)

Mage-Lord Urom Green Winter Hat (The Oculus)

Winter Veil Bosses of Outland

Captain Skarloc Red Winter Hat (Escape from Durnholde Keep)

Nethermancer Sepethrea Red Winter Hat (The Mechanar)

Grand Warlock Nethekurse Green Winter Hat (Shattered Halls)

Grandmaster Vorpil Green Winter Hat (Shadow Labyrinth)

Exarch Maladaar Green Winter Hat (Auchenai Crypts)

Winter Veil Bosses of Azeroth

Darkmaster Gandling Green Winter Hat (Scholomance)

Goraluk Anvilcrack Green Winter Hat (Upper Blackrock Spire)

Prince Tortheldrin Green Winter Hat (Dire Maul)

These are all of the Winter Veil Bosses I have come across.  Some of them could have changed since last year and please leave your comments so we can keep this updated for you.

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Winter Veil vendors data is listed below. All of the Smokeywood Pastures goblins for each faction are detailed as are the products they purvey. This post is your one-stop source if all you need to know is where to find some Winter Veil vendors. Shop ’til you drop!

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Smokeywood Pastures food and drink vendors are located near an Auction House in all major cities.  They offer a plethora of food and drinks for you to purchase.  Make note that the recipes are bind on pickup and you won’t be able to trade or sell them.  Smokeywood Pasture vendors will be located near each Auction House.

ALLIANCE city vendors are Bessbi Jinglepocket (Exodar 54,47), Macey Jinglepocket (Ironforge 33,67),  Guchie Jinglepocket (Stormwind 62,70) and Olnayvi Copperpinch (Shattrath City 60,55).

HORDEcity vendors are Kaymard Copperpinch (Orgrimmar 52,66), Morshelz Copperpinch (Silvermoon City 63,79) , Jaycrue Copperpinch (Undercity 67,38)  Whulwert Copperpinch (Thunder Bluff 42,55), Olnayvi Copperpinch (Shattrath City 60,55).

Blended Bean Brew Restores 436.8 mana over 21 sec.

Green Garden Tea Restores 1344.6 mana over 27 sec.

Sparkling Apple Cider Restores1992 mana over 30 sec. If you spend at least 10 seconds drinking you will become well fed and gain 12 Stamina and Spirit for 15 min.

Holiday Cheesewheel Restores 243 health over 21 sec.

Graccu’s Homemade Meat Pie Restrores 874 health over 27 sec.

Spicy Beefstick Restores 1392 health over 30sec.

Honeyed Holiday Ham Restores 7500 health over 30 sec.  If you spend at least 10 seconds eating you will become well fed and gain 20 Stamina and Spirit for 30 min.

Steamwheedle Fizzy Spirits A typical alcoholic beverage.

Greatfather’s Winter Ale A strong alcoholic beverage.

Smokeywood Patures general goods vendors are next to the food and drink vendors in all cities. There is a vendor in Orgrimmar and Ironforge which will sell you the pattern for either the Red or Green Winter Clothes and Boots.  Since the vendors are neutral you can with off course I am sure a death or two buy the other factions clothes if you should so choose to do so.

ALLIANCE city vendors are Wulmort Jinglepocket (Ironforge 33,66), Khole Jinglepocket (Stormwind 62,70),  Wolgren Jinglepocket (Exodar 54,48) and Eebee Jinglepocket (Shattrath City 54,29).

HORDEcity vendors are Penney Copperpinch (Orgrimmar 53,66), Hotoppik Copperpinch (Silvermoon City 62,79) , Seersa  Copperpinch (Thunder Bluff 42,55)  and, Nardstrum  Copperpinch (Shattrath City 67,38).

Pattern: Red Winter Clothes Use: Teaches you how to sew Red Winter Clothes (Wulmort Jinglepocket, Vendor in Ironforge)

Pattern: Greeen Winter Clothes Use: Teaches you how to sew Green Winter Clothes (Penny Copperpinch, Vendor in Orgrimmar)

Pattern: Winter Boots Use: Teaches you how to craft Winter Boots.

Snowball Use: Throw me!

Blue Ribboned Wrapping Paper Use: Wraps an object in festive paper.

Green Ribboned Wrapping Paper Use: Wraps an object in festive paper.

Purple Ribboned Wrapping Paper Use: Wraps an object in festive paper.

Holiday Spices

Holiday Spirits Use: A fairly weak alcoholic beverage.

Candy Cane Use: Restores 61 Health over 18 sec.

Recipe: Gingerbread Cookie Use: Teaches you how to bake Gingerbread Cookie. Restores 61 health over 18 sec.  If you spend at least 10 seconds eating you will become well fed and gain 2 Stamina and Spirit for 15 min.  (Small Egg, Holiday Spices)

Recipe: Egg Nog Use: Teaches you how to make Egg Nog.  Restores 61 health over 18 sec.  If you spend at least 10 seconds eating you will become well fed and gain 2 Stamina and Spirit for 15 min. Also packs quite a kick… (Small Egg, Ice Cold Milk, Holiday Spirits, Holiday Spices)

Recipe: Hot Apple Cider Use: Teaches you how to brew Hot Apple Cider.  Restores 7200 mana over 30 sec.  If you spend at least 10 seconds drinking you will become well fed and gain 20 Stamina and Spirit for 30 min.  Standard Alcohol.  (Sparking Apple Cider, Holiday Spirits, Holiday Spices)

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Winter Veil NPC Coordinates are listed below. This post is exactly what you think it is…no frills.  Please feel free to give another chuckle at Blizzard’s clever naming of the Jinglepocket and Copperpinch goblins. If all you needed was the Winter Veil NPC coordinates, here you go!

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ALLIANCE

Bessbi Jinglepocket (Exodar 54,47)

Eebee Jinglepocket (Shattrath City 54,29)

Goli Krumn (The Commons, Ironforge)

Greatfather Winter (Ironforge)

Guchie Jinglepocket (Stormwind 62,70)

Historian Karnik (Ironforge 77,11)

Khole Jinglepocket (Stormwind 62,70)

King Magni Bronzebeard (Ironforge 39,56)

Macey Jinglepocket (Ironforge 33,67)

Olnayvi Copperpinch (Shattrath City 60,55)

Strange Snowman (Alterac Mountains 35,72)

Wolgren Jinglepocket (Exodar 54,48)

Wulmort Jinglepocket (Ironforge 33,66)

HORDE

Cairne Bloodhoof (Thunder Bluff 60,51)

Furmunh (Orgrimmar 51,66)

Hotoppik Copperpinch (Silvermoon City 62,79)

Jaycrue Copperpinch (Undercity 67,38)

Kaymard Copperpinch (Orgrimmar 52,66)

Morshelz Copperpinch (Silvermoon City 63,79)

Nardstrum  Copperpinch (Shattrath City 67,38)

Olnayvi Copperpinch (Shattrath City 60,55)

Penney Copperpinch (Orgrimmar 53,66)

Sagorne Creststrider (Valley of Wisdom, Orgrimmar)

Seersa  Copperpinch (Thunder Bluff 42,55)

Strange Snowman (Alterac Mountains 35,72)

Whulwert Copperpinch (Thunder Bluff 42,55)

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Winter Veil Achievement details are listed below. This post will give you directions and some recommendations on how to work through each Winter Veil achievement as quickly and easily as possible. Some of them are more difficult than others (especially if you haven’t done some of the prerequisite work – Fa-la-la-la-Ogri’la, anyone?). However, these notes should simplify things and get you well on your way to wrapping up (pun definitely intended!) one of the achievements necessary for What a Long, Strange Trip It’s Been.

Merrymaker — Complete the Winter Veil achievements listed below

Tis the Season You can complete the Rescue Metzen quest which will send you 20 Graccu’s Mince Meat Fruitcakes in the mail.  You will also get a Smokeywoods Pastures Sampler after completing Treats for grandfather winter. So in total you should get 21 fruitcakes in total. You can get the red hat off the first boss in Nexus. Tailors you can buy the patterns off of Penney Copperpinch (Orgrimmar 53,66) for Horde and Wulmort Jinglepocket (Ironforge 33,66) for Alliance.  Both Penney and Wulmort also carry the boots which are made by Leatherworkers.

A Frosty Shake You will get your Winter Veil Disguise kit after completing the chain of quest, starting with Stolen Winter Veil Treats.   Change yourself into something more befitting the wintry season. Winter Veil Disguise Kit requires a snowball to use. Then you just need to get your dance on with another snowman in Dalaran.

Bros. Before Ho Ho Ho’s You can get Mistletoe from randomly kissing Winter Revelers.

Crashin’ & Thrashin’ You will be able to obtain the Crashin’ Thrashin’ Racer Controller as a Winter Veil present starting on the 25th of December.  Remote control your inner child heart out by slamming another players racer to earn kills towards this achievement.  If someone crashes into you, you will loose your racer and you need to re-summon.

Fa-la-la-Qgri’la There are some quests you need to complete in order to obtain this achievement if you have not already done so.

1)Start out by talking to Grok in Shattrath. He will send you to Mog’dorg the Wizened in Blades Edge (55,44)

Mogdorg will give you 3 group quests.  You can complete these with a group of three players.
Even Gronn Have Standards
Grulloc Has Two Skulls
Maggoc’s Treasure Chest

After completting those he will give you 2 more quest.  You can complete these with a group of five players.
Grim(oire) Business
Into the Soulgrinder

Once completed he will send you to talk to Chu’a'lor at Ogri’la in the Blade’s Edge (28,57)

Chu’a'lor Will give you 3 additonal quests you will need to complete.
The Crystals
An Apexis Relic
The Relic’s Emanation

Torkus will give you another quest.
Our Boy Wants To Be A Skyguard Ranger

Complete all these and it will open a quest from Chu’a'lor for “The Skyguard Outpost” quest.

Go speak with Sky Commander Keller (27,52). He will tell you to talk to Sky Seargent Vanderlip (right next to him). She will give you the quest: Bombing Run!.

Once these are completed it will open the daily quest “Bomb Them Again”.  Complete it with your festive mount and you can get the achievement Fa-la-la-la-ogri’la.

He Knows If You’ve Been Naughty All this achievement requires is for you to log in during December 25th thru January 2nd and obtain a gift from the Winter Veil tree in Ironforge or Orgrimmar.

Let It Snow You will need to kiss the winter revelers whom are standing under mistletoe in order to obtain snowflakes to complete this achievement.  If you are unable to find all the toons you need running around.  You can check BG’s or have a friend create the toons which could save you some time.

BB King This is a new achievement this year for The Feast of Winter Veil.  We will have to see if this will be a gift you get from under the tree.

On Metzen (Coords 64.34- Searing Gorge) You will have to fight a few mobs lvl43-45 non-elites.  Once that is done walk up to reindeer and talk to him which will allow you to use the dust.  Depending the time on the day on your server you might not have to worry about killing anything.

Scrooge This is a very simple quest for both Alliance and Horde. Alliance throw a snowball at King Magni Bonzebeard (39,56) and Horde throw a snowball at Cairne Bloodhoof (59.52).

Simply Adominable This achievement is completed by doing A Smokeywood Pastures’ Thank You! Don’t forget to group up with others in your faction to help others out and save the long wait.  It’s bad enough waiting in line during the holiday’s at a store.  I am sure time like this make it very interesting on PVP servers.

  The Winter Veil Gourmet Make sure your cooking is at 325 before the event begins.   Start farming the small eggs now or you might be paying some money on the AH during this event for them.  Top four beast and places to get are as follows highest percentage first. Feral Dragonhawk Hatchling lvl 1-6, Crazed Dragonhawk lvl 2-8 in Eversong Woods, Mountain Buzzard lvl 15-16 in Loch Modan and Dire Condor lvl 14-19 in Redridge Mountains.

With a Little Helper from My Friends While transformed into a Little Helper from the Winter Wondervolt machine you will need to get 50 honorable kills.  I would suggest Wintergrasp or Alterac Valley for this.  Remember your disquise will be lost if you get shapeshift or die. It may take a couple times to complete this one.

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Winter Veil Quest (Alliance) details are outlined in this post. This Winter Veil quest walkthrough will help get you on your way if you are fighting the good fight for the Alliance. Below you will find information for important NPCs, quest notes and the rewards for successful completion. If you spot any mistakes or oversights or just have a suggestion that might help others who read this, please leave a comment and let us know.

Greatfather Winter is Here!

Speak with Greatfather Winter located near Smokeywood Pastures vendor area in Ironforge.

Start: Macey Jinglepocket (33,67)

End: Greatfather Winter

Once Completed : 1250XP (or a 1g  32s  compensation at level 80)

Treats for Greatfather Winter

Start and End: Greatfather Winter

This is a simple quest to complete for the reward of a  Smokeywood Pastures Gift Pack.  This will give you some low level tradeskill materials.  You will need to bring him 5  Gingerbread Cookies and a glass of  Ice Cold Milk (you can buy from vendors).

Once Completed : 3150 XP (or a 3g 30s  compensation at level 80)

Stolen Winter Veil Treats

Start: Macey Jinglepocket (33,67)

End: Strange Snowman (35,72)

You will need to travel to Alterac Mountains to find the missing Smokeywood Pastures investigator who was sent out to search for missing shipment of treats.  Once finding the Strange Snowman (35,72) you will be given another quest.

Once Completed : 3150 XP (or a 3g 30s compensation at level 80)

You’re a Mean One…

Start: Strange Snowman (35,72)

End: Wulmort Jinglepocket (33,66)

Isn’t there a Greench in every story and it seems like he has made his way off with some stolen treats! You will need to slay the Abominable Greench to obtain the Stolen Treats.  It might be a good idea to group with others around you for this quest or you might have a wait a while for the 5 min spawn rate on this guy.

Once Completed : 6250 XP (or a 6g 63s compensation at level 80)

A Smokeywood Pastures’ Thank You!

Start: Wulmort Jinglepocket (33,66)

End: Greatfather Winter

A long journey you have made my friend, now speak to Greatfather Winter to recieve your reward.  You will recieve  Smokey Pastures Special Gift which is a random tradeskill recipe. If it is not the item you need, you can trade with another player, buy it off auction house.  All of them will require you to be at 190 with your tradeskill to use.

Once Completed : 9500 XP (or a 9g 93s compensation at level 80)

Recipe: Elixir of Frost Power (Alchemy – Increases Frost spell power by 15 for 1 hour)

Plans: Edge of Winter (Blacksmithing – Chance on hit: Blast a target for 30 Frost damage)

Pattern: Gloves of Greatfather (Leatherworking – Increases spell power by 11)

Pattern: Green Holiday Shirt (Tailoring – Teaches you how to sew a Green Holiday Shirt)

Formula: Enchant Weapon – Winter’s Might (Enchanting – Teaches you how to permanetly enchant a melee weapon to increase Frost spell power by 7)

Schematic: Snowmaster 9000 (Engineering – Allows an experienced engineer to turn water into snowball.)

The Reason for the Season

Start: Goli Krumn (The Commons, Ironforge)

End: Historian Karnik (77,11)

If you’re interested in learning what the Feast is all about for yourself, ask Historian Karnik (77,11) at Explorer’s League. I’m sure he’ll be suprised that someone cares about history rather than getting presents.

Once Completed : 1250 XP (or a 1g  32s  compensation at level 80)

The Feast of Winter Veil

Start: Historian Karnik (77,11)

End: King Magni Bronzebeard (39,56)

If you are interested in learning more about Feast of Winter Veil, read this book.  When you’re done, the the book to King Magni Bronzebeard (39,56) in Ironforge.  Don’t forget to grab a snowball if you have not already completed the Scrooge achievement. You also have the new achievement BB King.

Once Completed : 1250 XP (or a 58s 50c compensation at level 80)

Metzen the Reindeer

Start and End: Macey Jinglepocket (33,67)

Wouldn’t you know poor Metzen has been stolen and you need to rescue him.  Metzen is located in two different world locations and depending with one is easier for you, you can travel to Lost Rigger Cove in Tanaris (68,41) or near Stonewrought Gate of Searing Gorge (69,34).  Once you find Metzen you will need to speak with him to complete the quest. Oh, and don’t forget your Pouch of Reindeer Dust although you don’t have to physically use this.  You will recieve goblin faction reputation and 5 Preserved Holly.  This you can use on your mount all year to turn it into a reindeer.

Once Completed : 9500 XP (or a 9g 93s  compensation at level 80)

Smokeywood Satchel – “Inside are the things you will need to rescue Metzen the Reindeer!”

Metzen’s Letters and Notes

Pouch of Reindeer Dust

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Winter Veil Quest (Horde) details can be found below. This guide will help get you moving in the right direction if you are a proud member of the Horde. It includes important NPCs, notes to complete each quest and the rewards you can expect for completion. If you come across anything that needs to be updated or figure something out that will make it easier on folks who follow, please leave a comment and let us know.

Great-father Winter is Here!

Speak with Great-father Winter located near Smokeywood Pastures vendor area in Orgrimmar.

Start: Kaymard Copperpinch (52,66)

End: Great-father Winter

Once Completed : 1250 XP (or a 1g  32s  compensation at level 80)

Treats for Great-father Winter

Start and End: Great-father Winter

This is a simple quest to complete for the reward of a  Smokeywood Pastures Gift Pack. This will give you some low level tradeskill materials.  You will need to bring him 5  Gingerbread Cookies and a glass of  Ice Cold Milk (you can buy from vendors).

Once Completed : 3150 XP (or a 3g  30s  compensation at level 80)

Stolen Winter Veil Treats

Start: Kaymard Copperpinch (52,66)

End: Strange Snowman (35,72)

You will need to travel to Alterac Mountains to find the missing Smokeywood Pastures investigator who was sent out to search for missing shipment of treats.  Once finding the Strange Snowman (35,72) you will be given another quest.

Once Completed : 3150 XP (or a 3g  30s  compensation at level 80)

You’re a Mean One…

Start: Strange Snowman (35,72)

End: Kaymard Copperpinch (52,66)

Isn’t there a Greench in every story and it seems like he has made his way off with some stolen treats! You will need to slay the Abominable Greench to obtain the Stolen Treats.  It might be a good idea to group with others around you for this quest or you might have a wait a while for the 5 min spawn rate on this guy.

Once Completed : 6250 XP (or a 6g  54s  compensation at level 80)

A Smokeywood Pastures’ Thank You!

Start: Kaymard Copperpinch (52,66)

End: Great-father Winter

A long journey you have made my friend, now speak to Great-father Winter to recieve your reward.  You will recieve  Smokey Pastures Special Gift which is a random tradeskill recipe. If it is not the item you need, you can trade with another player or buy it off Auction House .  All of them will require you to be at 190 with your tradeskill to use.

Once Completed : 9500 XP (or a 9g  81s compensation at level 80)

Recipe: Elixir of Frost Power (Alchemy - Increases Frost spell power by 15 for 1 hour)

Plans: Edge of Winter (Blacksmithing – Chance on hit: Blast a target for 30 Frost damage)

Pattern: Gloves of Greatfather (Leatherworking – Increases spell power by 11)

Pattern: Green Holiday Shirt (Tailoring – Teaches you how to sew a Green Holiday Shirt)

Formula: Enchant Weapon – Winter’s Might (Enchanting – Teaches you how to permanetly enchant a melee weapon to increase Frost spell power by 7)

Schematic: Snowmaster 9000 (Engineering – Allows an experienced engineer to turn water into snowball.)

The Reason for the Season

Start: Furmund (51,66)

End: Sagorne Creststrider (Valley of Wisdom, Orgrimmar)

If you’re interested in learning what the Feast is all about for yourself, ask Sagorne Creststrider.  I’m sure he’ll be suprised that someone cares about history rather than getting presents.

Once Completed : 1250 XP (or a 14s  40c  compensation at level 80)

The Feast of Winter Veil

Start: Sagorne Creststrider (Valley of Wisdom, Orgrimmar)

End: Cairne Bloodhoof (60,51)

If you are interested in learning more about Feast of Winter Veil, read this book.  When you’re done, take the book to Cairne Bloodhoof (60,51) in Thunder Bluff.  Don’t forget to grab a snowball if you have not already completed the Scrooge achievement. You also have the new achievement BB King.

Once Completed : 1250 XP (or a 1g  32s  compensation at level 80)

Metzen the Reindeer

Start and End: Kaymard Copperpinch (52,66)

Wouldn’t you know it, poor Metzen has been stolen and you need to rescue him.  Metzen is located in two different world locations and depending which one is easier for you, you can travel to Lost Rigger Cove in Tanaris (68,41) or near Stonewrought Gate of Searing Gorge (69,34).  Once you find Metzen you will need to speak with him to complete the quest. Oh, and don’t forget your Pouch of Reindeer Dust although you don’t have to physically use this.  You will recieve goblin faction reputation and 5 Preserved Holly.  This you can use on your mount all year to turn it into a reindeer.  This reward is no soulbound and can be sold on auction house if you wish to do so.

Smokeywood Satchel – “Inside are the things you will need to rescue Metzen the Reindeer!”

Metzen’s Letters and Notes

Pouch of Reindeer Dust

Once Completed : 9500 XP (or a 5g  70s  compensation at level 80)

I got what I came for, please return me to the main Feast of Winter Veil post.

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‘Tis the season to be jolly it is that I hear on the roof top Feast of Winter Veil is here.  Shall we toast our cheer with Sparkling Apple Cider and fill our bellys’ with Honeyed Holiday Ham.  May we share in the exchange of  A Winter Veil Gift or two, or hide behind a tree to avoid a Snowball tossed at you.  The seasonal cheer is here and can be found in the cities far and near.
The Feast of Winter Veil is from December 15- January 2 and is available by Horde in Orgrimmar and Alliance in Ironforge. We’ve put together some information for you to make getting through the season a breeze. Bookmark this post and check back if you get stuck. Since Winter Veil is a pretty big event and putting everything in a single post would be a bit much, following is a table of contents that will link to separate posts containing neatly organized notes. We hope this helps!

Table of Contents — (Click the Section Titles)

Winter Veil Quest Horde: This post outlines the Horde version of the Winter Veil quest. It provides coordinates and descriptions of each step.

Winter Veil Quest Alliance: This post outlines the Alliance version of the Winter Veil quest. It provides coordinates and descriptions of each step.

Winter Veil Achievement (Merrymaker): This post gives a run-down on the various achievements necessary to complete the event achievement – Merrymaker!

Winter Veil NPC Coordinates: If you just need the coordinates for the various NPCs involved in the Winter Veil event, this is the post for you.

Winter Veil Vendors: This post provides descriptions of the two vendor types, coordinates for both Horde and Alliance and a breakdown of the Winter Veil goodies and recipes available.

Winter Veil Bosses: This post details which bosses (by area – Northrend, Outland and Azeroth) drop the coveted Red Winter Hat and Green Winter Hat.

Winter Veil Quick Notes: The Feast of Winter Veil wouldn’t be complete without a few snowball fights and everyone’s favorite Winter Wondervolt Machine. This post collects notes on the rest of what makes Winter Veil so unique.

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Resident Evil 5

Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Genre: Survival Action/3rd Person Shooter
Release Date: 3/13/2009 on XBox360 & PS3
Release Date: 9/18/2009  on PC
Players: 1-2 Players/Multiplayer
Engine: MT Framework-Enhanced with Havok Physics
MSRB: Mature 17+
MSRP: 49.99$

Don't buy it!

The PC port for this game earns the Steamer Badge!

Here is another review of a game that has been on the shelf for 2.5 months already. Were catching up over here at the Ezfactory. Mixing in a little “been out a bit now” with “just came out”. Anyways, the Resident Evil 5 (aka Bio-hazard 5 in Japan) release rides on the back of all that has been previously released as most franchises do.   Capcom has a loyal group of zombie fans who will scoop it up despite it nearly being a carbon copy of 4, which was actually a fun game.   Have you ever gone to a Christmas dinner and felt like you were just served what was left over from Thanksgiving?  Resident Evil 5 is all about leftovers & turkeys!  Tweaked gameplay, slightly smarter AI, improved merc mode, we move from small fictional village in South America to small fictional village in Africa, and well, I’ve seen it all before.   This is another feeble attempt to convince consumers to shell out 50 bucks for this game! (note to self, it worked really well!) (Mercenary mode is where players compete against the clock to try and kill as many enemies as possible and is a lot of fun, but for full price it’s not enough!).  Give me something fresh and new already! Oh wait, why would Capcom do that when droves of Resident Evil fans willingly shell out 50 bones for the same product time after time! This game is great in an arcade setting, but on the PC, we deserve better! Porting to the PC was a bad idea for this title because it’s a horrible gaming experience.  The game lacks a cohesive storyline which presents more like the same mindless dribble we have seen for years now.   Its clunky controls need to be simplified and ridiculous rewards updated, (since when does a mutant dog carry a small pouch of gold!?-seriously!), and graphically, for where we are on that time-line, this game just ain’t cutting the mustard! This title is not polished,  looks rushed and is weak at best!  Nevertheless, let’s break it down.

The game takes place in fictional Kijuju, Africa supposedly 4 years later than RE4. You are dropped into a lawless shithole of a nation where 5 goons are beating the stank out of some guy they have locked up in a burlap sack with cricket paddles, and wooden stakes (alright, that looks like fun, can I have a go?). They stop to give you the evil eye which normally means I’d have to share my ammo with their torso’s but the game won’t allow you to do that. (lucky them) You start out as Chris Redfield, ex-STARS agent and team up with Sheva Alomar. I make use of her inventory and make her my medic. Honestly, as far as programmed sidekicks go, she isn’t half bad and she helps carry the load in all areas. On the Xbox360 & PS3 versions of this game Sheva is also your partner, but at anytime she can be controlled by a 2nd player as part of the games drop in/drop out co-op game play. A feature I really like in console games!

Buyer beware-renders are much nicer than actual in game footage!

The inventory seems odd. I advise you don’t try to access it in-game. It isn’t simple and quick to manipulate and everything around you doesn’t pause, so mobs will easily get to you. There is nothing unique about this process. Standard weapons like gun, rifle, sniper rifle, machine gun, shotguns, rocket launchers, grenades, ect, ect! If your playing the game on the PC like I am, you will need to think about how to evenly distribute the upgrades for these weapons you can purchase for both Chris & Sheva. Upgrades are like accuracy or damage or clip or magazine load amount. One aspect I like about the game is that it is hard! There are 3 difficulty settings with the middle of the 3 being normal. Normal is hard and it will take some time to adjust to the buttons the game calls for in combat settings. Setting it to hard, which I do for every game I play right at the get go, was impossible to play, and that was frustratingly fun! In total, this HUD looks old school to me: Turkey trimmings at Christmas dinner! Burbelflickle!

The Inventory HUD looks ripped out of a game from 10years ago!

The game has some cool bosses. I especially like the chainsaw wielding zombie. The first boss you face is a hulk of an executioner dude wielding an axe hammer wrapped in chains so large it’s pretty cool. Understanding how to defeat your enemies in this game is easy. They all have flaws and they are plain and simple to see. Whether it be a pause they have leaving the opening for you to do your damage, or a fiery furnace to lure them into before you roast them up like a marshmallow under a flame-thrower, the simplicity of this game, whether I like it or not, has sold globally like hot cakes! 5 million units since march of this year in total, and is the best selling release in the 7 titles released under the RE franchise tag. This is before the PC release to boot. If I had my choice on what platform to play this game I’d have to experience the arcade version first and then I’d go to the 360. I would not play this game on the PC, and after those 5million units sold by September of this year, I’d love to see how many were sold on the PC since then.

Chainsaw boss is pretty kick ass!

In summary, zombies are the popular bad guy these days. Everyone likes a zombie, and it’s a great theme right now. In fact, cities are having zombie crawls where people show up to an area dressed as zombies and just hang out and have a good time. Zombiemania! Zombie movie after zombie movie is made and people flock to it. Even zombie costume sales during Halloween were breaking all-time sales records with merchants in 2008-09. People are crazy for zombies-Capcom knows it to! It is hard to argue with 5 million units sold, and on anyone’s score card in this industry that’s a grand slam! No doubt Capcom shareholders are laughing all the way to the bank. There is no denying the game is fun to play (at very limited times) because I try to make every bullet count. However, that same fun teeters on the high-wire with boring and redundant all too quickly. This game rocked 5 years ago and that is an eternity in game years, but the Resident Evil Franchise is a well branded dead horse that still produces. I give this game a 5.0 out of 10 because 5 million units sold is nothing to shake a stick at, but any claims that this game is a masterpiece are totally absurd. The game isn’t a total wash though. It is long, and there are definitely fun parts. You get to kill a lot of rather intelligent zombies, and cool bosses with destructive weaponry. Hence, this game is certainly no Terminator Salvation, but it’s also not “Left for Dead” either, not even close, which is a great game and an example of fresh new zombie ideas fused with awesome gameplay, smooth mechanics,  & insatiable level design. Bottomline:  Don’t buy the PC version of this game.  Go get “Left for Dead 1 or 2″ instead if your looking for some Zombie action on the PC! I didn’t play the Xbox360 or PS3 version of this game, and and this is not a review for those ports.   In addition to 5.0 game score, this game gets the steamer badge for its PC port.  Go put that in your pipe and smoke it Mr. evil Zulu warlord on the blow horn!

Capcom's Resident Evil Franchise has long been a focal point game for critics who point at violence in games affecting the development of children. Those arguments are losing ground in 2009.

Get outta my face with that breath!

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