Game 1: Team Slayer on The Pit

We worked well as a team with callouts and teamwork, however we were outmatched by gunfire from all directions. STSK team shoot their way to victory with a final score of 41 to 29.

Game 2: Team CTF on Citadel

This was a long and painful game for the Red Minjas. STSK scored fairly early in the game which forced us to play heavy defense in order to prevent another capture. We were able to hold them off for a good ten minutes, but they eventually broke through our wall and scored once more giving them a comfortable lead. We were able to get their flag back to our side of the map while they had ours on their side of the map. Back and forth for 5 minutes each team would try to return their flag in order to score. The Red Minjas caught STSK by surprise with an energy drainer landing on the flag carrier, he was dropped quickly and the flag was returned. Midge quickly scored after our flag was returned. The game lasted the full 20 minutes with the final score being 2 to 1.

I cooked up this montage as a farewell to a great game. We are all looking forward to Reach, but until then think about all the good times had in Halo 3. What are some of your great moments from Halo 3? Post it in the comments.

Earlier this week, I started my self-imposed quest to get ready for the September 14th launch of Halo Reach.  I stayed up way too late Sunday night knocking out the Halo: Combat Evolved campaign for the umpteenth time.  I played firefight off and on to get my ODST fix in before taking it back to Gamestop to help offset the cost of the new title.   I played some Halo Wars.  I’ve started a legendary run on Halo 2 for PC in order to nab some final achievements.  Lastly, I’ve started reading the Cole Protocol in order to get my Halo Novel fix in.  Over the next nine days, I’m going to try and finish my Halo 2 run, play through Halo 3 again, and just absorb myself in Halo goodness as much as possible.  Is it crazy?  Possibly, but I am an unabashedly smitten Halo fanboy, and I am pumped.

New Halo games only came around once every three years, and with the future of that release cycle uncertain, due to Microsoft Gaming Studios/343 Industries taking over, I can’t wait to get my hands on Bungie’s last effort of the series.  Just as much as new gameplay, graphics, a new story, and new features, I’m looking forward to being back in the bosom of a game where the studio supports their titles with more than just post-release downloadable content.  I’m looking forward to being back with a party management system that is conducive to enjoying the experience of gaming with friends.  Bungie has always gone above and beyond for their fans, and it shows.  This will be, without a doubt, the best multiplayer experience as a whole on a console today.

Are you doing anything special or unique to get ready for Halo Reach?  What are you most excited about?

Countdown at this juncture is 9 Days, 12 Hours, and 25 minutes.  Noble Team Inbound…

Update

One of our members, Slick WillyQ, is so pumped up for Reach, that he created a montage of his Beta gameplay!  Make sure to hit his YouTube page for more awesome stuff!

That’s right, the Good Gaming Network (GGN) and Tied the Leader are putting on a Modern Warfare 2 tournament, and IGC Alpha Squad has answered the call.  The rules are fairly simple…Hardcore settings, Double Elimination; prepare for Search and Destroy!  First round starts this week, with our first squad, IGC Alpha, taking on All the Kings Men, while our second squad, IGC Red Mother, looks to defeat the behemoth of OCR Ruin.

Your lineup for this week is:

IGC Alpha

• Godlywayz SBG – Captain
• BlueRabbit720
• Slick WillyQ
• Kins Dearest
• ShoTt T0 Kill – Alternate

IGC Red Mother

• wyoming001 – Captain
• Smokeyzz
• IRON Church
• FeloniousAsault
• ll Kingz ll – Alternate

Stay tuned to your local minister of propaganda for more information regarding the activities of your fellow crew members!

9/4/10 Update

Red Mother is out of the tournament, but Alpha is keeping our hopes alive.  They’re doing a great job, and are among the final few teams remaining.  We’re proud of you guys!

They were in the final four of the winner’s bracket last week, before falling in a difficult match against Team SLAP.  Right now, they’re currently working they’re way out of the loser’s bracket in hopes of getting a shot at the championship.  Stay tuned for further updates.

Game 1: Slayer on Standoff
An early push by the Brigadiers left the IGC Warthog a smoking wreck near Dish 2. Fortunately, the Crew were able to make a successful initial push for the Spartan Laser and retreat with it to lay down vehicular suppression from behind the IGC base. Forming up a firm line on the 8BB rock line, the Brigadiers were able to lay down a solid offense. The combined IGC Spartan Laser domination and a successful second deployment of a respawned Warthog were enough to put a solid lead in favor of IGC that 8BB was unable to recover from. Several times, 8BB surprised us by alternating offensive pushes from both Dish 1 and Dish 2, and managed to dominate laser control near the end of the game. Unfortunately they were unable to overcome our early lead, giving IGC the win for round 1.
Result: Victory for Team Red Storm

Game 2: Slayer on The Pit
After Standoff, it was time to move on to the 8BB map selection – The Pit. IGC selected Slayer as the gametype. On spawn, a rain of grenades fell upon the Rocket spawn and Invis. A flurry of kills at rocket hallway opened up the match. From there, the battle lines were drawn at sword room bridge, invis, and rockets. CzarCastic held down the 8BB sniper tower very effectively and made several deposits of lead into IGC skulls. Stealthy gameplay on the part of 8BB resulted in several great kills, but solid use of cover and close quarters battle skills favored IGC Red Storm.
Result: Victory for Team Red Storm

Game 3: Two Flag on Avalanche
With the first two games in the can, the final game was played for pure fun. Both teams hurtled headlong toward the horseshoe and upper keyhole to meet our respective opponents. An early hog joust wound up in a stalemate with both sides taking losses. Both sides set up a solid defense, with the Laser changing hands a few times. Pushes were made for the flag on both sides, but the 8-Bit Brigade managed to get an early flag capture. IGC put forward a solid defense the entire match, with few attackers making it past horseshoe thanks to sharp-eyed Laser carriers and Snipers. 8-Bit Brigade fended off two fierce hog rushes during the course of the game and infiltrators moving through portal. IGC was unable to score a flag capture, giving the victory for game 3 to the Brigade.
Result: Victory for 8-Bit Brigade

Altogether, a great series of games for the Crew. We built stronger ties between ourselves and the Brigade, and brought the bragging rights (and our first victory) back to the home turf. Great games 8-Bit! Looking forward to future matchups!

Please enjoy the video highlight reel put together by our very own SlickWillyQ

5 stars for Mario Kart on the Xbox.

Game 1: Slayer on Standoff
Bread and butter. Run it by the numbers. Slayer on Standoff all day long. After the customary lag check, the match began. The Red Storm opening salvo rolled over the 5G ‘hog, causing them to scramble in disarray. A quick mounting of the Red Storm offense pushed them back into and behind their base. IRON Hojimoto and IRON Kyesiff had an impressive run in the ‘hog laying down vehicular domination. Red Storm foot mobiles led by IRON Terps mopped up the rest of the Five Guys as they hovered in and around camo tree and their rock line.
Result: Victory for team Red Storm

Game 2: One Flag on Valhalla
With adrenaline pumping from the victory on Standoff, the Red Storm team flew headlong out of man cannons toward their opponents at beach base on Valhalla. As soon as the game began, we realized the intensity had been upped from the last game. Both sides fought hard for control over center hill and laser during each round. Neither team gave an inch. BennyJ GBG brought a solid defensive game, making some key plays to preserve and return our flag to base.
Result: Draw

Game 3: One Bomb on Last Resort
Determined to bring home the win and give Red Storm its first true clan match victory, team Red Storm mounted the catwalks of Last Resort as the Five Guys team rushed headlong into the base. Once again the same fierce gridlock ensued. Back and forth the battle raged, the Five Guys making solid attempts to plant the bomb. Each time, they were turned aside by the Red Storm guardians. A last minute blitz by the Five Guys crew in round 4 sealed the deal giving them one point which let them win the round.
Result: Victory for the Five Guys, tying up the series

Game 4 (Tie Breaker): Capture the Flag on The Pit
The opening rush for Rockets began. While Spartans clashed for the rockets, other Spartans clashed for Overshield, resulting in an early advantage for the Five Guys. They quickly moved in and grabbed the flag, returning it to their base for a quick score. Several flag grab attempts were put forth by Red Storm, but they were stopped quickly at every turn by shotgun blasts and well-placed grenades. The Five Guys put up two more flag captures to bring the clanmatch to a close.
Result: Victory for the Five Guys

End Result: Five Guys defeat Red Storm 2-1-1 to take the clan match.

A solid series of games for both teams, Five Guys Playing Halo take the bragging rights back to their campfires. Good games gentlemen! Until next time, check out the highlight reel by our very own SlickWillyQ!

It is a french game so there is strong language and some nudity.

5 stars for originality and a great story.

Heavy Rain – A WillyQ Review

Games:

• Assassin’s Creed 2
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
• Borderlands

DVD/Blu-ray:

• FRINGE
• HEROES
• LOST
• the office
• Terminator Salvation
• Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
• X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Electronics:

• 1080p Monitor
• 1080p Television
• Amazon Kindle DX
• Apple Mac Mini
• Astro A40 Audio System
• Canon Lenses
• Call of Duty:  Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edition Xbox 360
• Gears of War 2 Limited Edition Zune
• JBL Creature III Speakers
• Powermat iPhone Case
• Samsung Blu-Ray Player
• Solid State Hard Drive
• Xbox 360 Accessories

Other Goods:

• Architecture Books
• Architecture posters/frames
• Astro travel bags
• Carry Conceal License (CCL)
• Collegiate Apparel
• Halo Encyclopedia
• Heating Oil (500 gal.)
• Laptop/Camera bag
• Masterpiece Starscream / Optimus Prime
• Springfield .40 XDM
• Sumo Comfy computer/gaming chair
• ⌘Z necklace (Undo command)

Giftcards:

• Amazon
• Best Buy
• GameFly
• Walmart
• $$$$

The freshly minted Red Storm answered the call of battle and set a squad of eight against the oncoming apocalypse. Who would come out the victor?

Game 1: Multi-Flag on Standoff
Grenades rained across from both sides in the traditional opening salvo. The IGC Warthog survived the initial rush, but was taken out shortly thereafter by a massive push by the Horsemen. In disarray, Red Storm was unable to capture the laser and the Horsemen took the initial advantage. Red Storm was able to hold the rock line and maintain a solid defense but there was a large amount of give and take. Back and forth the battle raged with both flags being out on the field at several points. IRON BoomStick was able to get several good flag pickups, but nary a capture. TFH Carnage, TFH Demolition, and TFH Armageddon were all able to execute flag captures, sealing the victory of Game 1 for the Horsemen.

Game 2: Neutral Bomb on Avalanche
With Standoff a fading memory, the icy wastes of Avalanche awaited. The initial rush for the bomb began, with both teams meeting at the horseshoe. The Horsemen gained the advantage with the initial bomb pickup. IRON Terps stood guard at upper keyhole, keeping the opposition at bay. Strong use of teamwork and vehicle support once again gave the Horsemen the advantage and two successful bomb plants. A late game invis pickup and bomb pickup resulted in a successful bomb arming for the Red Storm, but no detonation. The Horsemen then brought the bomb back around for another attempt to score, but they were held off. The game ended with the Horsemen having two bomb plants to the Red Storm’s zero.

Game 3: Big Team Slayer on Valhalla
Having brought home the victory, game three was played for pure fun. The lush fields of Valhalla awaited. Early on, the Horsemen established control of the hill and the laser. Red Storm set up shop at leaning rock, three rocks, and snow cave, picking off weak enemies here and there. The same intense series of give and take ensued as center hill changed hands multiple times throughout the course of the game. Ultimately, superior use of Warthogs, map/resource control,  and team shooting on the part of the Horsemen gave them a solid victory over the Red Storm 100 to 42.

End Result
Victory for The Fifth Horsemen, and a great series of games for both teams.

To our new friends at The Fifth Horsemen, we enjoyed it and learned much about ourselves and where we need to improve. We’re already looking forward to our next encounter and a chance to even up the series. Great games guys!

Game-play goes strictly from any RTS game.  Cities produce people, people gather resources, resources build infantry, and infantry invade and conquer others.  Each player starts with a city in 3500BC and has until 3000AD to win the game.  The years goes by quickly until the mid 1950′s.  There are four ways to conquer:  Domination is the hardest and requires a massive to capture 4 capital cities.  Economic victory occurs when the player earns 20,000 gold units and builds a World Bank.  Culture victory requires a very diverse city and earns 20 or more unique people to live in their town.  At that point, the player may build the United Nation to unify the world.  The last victory is very cinematic.  By evolving your technology to the space age, players can build a section a space station and travel to Alpha Centari to colonize the planet.   The game features a turn based system.  This allows players to move their armies around the map, but limits how many place each unit may move.  Also building construction is measured in the number of turns before completion.  If your city has the gold to do it, these buildings and units may be rushed, but it will cost you.  After all moves have been made, the turn ends and your opponents units move around the map.  Some may be engaged in combat with others, some may even be attacking you.  Years advance by the 100s until 0AD, 50s until 1000AD, 25s until 1900AD, 5s until 2000AD, and then its every two years.

Players have many choices along the way to achieve these victories, whether research as much science or mine for gold, while maintaining security for your borders.  Each match has 4 other countries with their own hopes of conquest.  How a player reacts to each culture is entirely your own method, but peace has its advantages.  Players will be able to exchange technology for either more rounds of peace or a for more advance science.  But be careful, each science allows your peaceful ally one step closer to destroying your city.  Different science options will allow players to advance in different directions.  University studies will advance science by 4, it will decrease gold production.  At this point, obtaining another city will become very important.  Settlers can be built in the city to build other cities or your army may just want to attack a near by city to conquer it.  With multiply cities, players will be able to focus science at one and gold production at another. 

War will happen no matter route you decide to go towards.  So a good defense of your cities will let you focus your time on other advancements.  As the years drift by, your army will become more powerful.  Since the starting year is 3500BC, weapons are nonexistent.  Researching certain science fields will give players distinct advantages to victory.  Warrior groups will begin with basic swordsmen and archers.  These soldiers can be upgraded to knights, pikemen, riflemen, and eventually, tanks and troops armed with machine guns.  Army units will advance themselves through combat.  Every 3 victories grants that unit a perk.  Perks range from an extra move per turn to extra defense during battles.  However, land based troops aren’t the only concern.  Airplanes, dive bombers, and battleships can turn the tide of battle sharply in one’s favor when the technology is researched.  Not all countries start on the same land mass, so transporting your army from island to island to hunt down your enemy will create problems if your troops aren’t protected.  With three different fields of combat, defense proves to be an excellent offense. 

Building up your cities is quite important no matter which victory path you plan on winning.  Cities offer growth of the population that obey your request.  The more you have, the faster you will be able to conquest.  There are 5 types of basic buildings:  Science, gold, culture, Food, and production.  Science buildings consist of libraries and universities.  Gold buildings are markets, banks, and trading posts.  Culture is very important.  While your people will obey your wishes, happy workers work better.  Plus with more culture, players have a better chance to gain unique people.  Production buildings are workshops and factories that speed of the creation of other buildings.  Food builds increase your population turnover.  These consist of harbors and courthouses.  Besides the basic buildings, players may also choose to build Wonders.  Wonders are massive structures from the many years of civilizations.  They can include Leonardo’s Workshop to the Internet to eventually the Manhattan Project, giving the player a nuclear warhead in which to dispose of his enemies with a touch of a button.  These wonders can drastically improve the quality of life and production for whichever city they are built in.

Overall, players can expect to play between 1 to 2 hours per match depending on the difficulty of the game.  Advancing your technology the quickest will provide the best defensive base in which to secure your victory.  The game itself can be found online mostly from the games on-demand for download from the marketplace.  If your lucky, you may find a used copy at your local Gamestop for 24.99.  For those for thrive on gamer points, spending 4 or 5 days on this will net you a nice 800 more points without being to invested in it.  For those on the edge, download the demo on the marketplace for a quick sample.  The demo stops at 1250AD, but leaves the player wanting more.  Both myself and Godlywayz SBG have the game, so hit us up if you want a quick game.