We all know that Joystiq kept pressing Bungie until they finally decided to submit and confess that Halo Reach will be an FPS title, but this article is not about that. In fact, there is a huge possibility that Bungie’s confession was merely the tip of the iceberg. From what I have discovered so far, this game could be far more than just another FPS. If you would like to know why the possible new direction that the Halo franchise might be taking with Halo Reach could be a Sandbox experience, then keep reading.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE NEW WILLY NORTHPOLE ALBUM IT’S FIRE

On a side note, before I start, I would like to state that I would not be surprised if Halo Reach turned out to be the first title to have gameplay that utilizes Project Natal. After all, what franchise could possibly be better to launch a new technology for Microsoft than Halo?

Back to the topic at hand, I recently checked Bungie.net, and I noticed new job listings; one that caught my eye was titled “Gameplay/Systems (Sandbox) Designer“. The key word is “SANDBOX“. The section under that title reads: “Bungie is looking for a passionate, creative and hard-working Gameplay/Systems (Sandbox) Designer for our next project”. More importantly, if you click on that job title, the most important part reads: “As a Gameplay/Systems (Sandbox) Designer at Bungie, you will work with the Senior Designer and our Object Artists on the style, quality and implementation across a wide range of sandbox elements in the game, including vehicles, weapons, controls, motion models, player feedback and environmental objects”.

Let me ask you this: Is it possible that Bungie is teasing us with an indirect announcement for what is yet to come next year? Is it possible that they are beginning the hype train, for this title, 18 months in advance? After all, they do like to tease, don’t they?

Furthermore, let us pretend that they would rather not make such an announcement so soon. Is it possible that Bungie was only hunting for a Sandbox Game Designer, and decided to mask the real job title by adding the term “Gameplay/Systems” to the equation in order to confuse gamers that stumble upon this discovery?

According to my research, that job title does have multiple meanings, which would make the perfect cover for the meaning we are inspecting right now.

In truth, if it does happen, many gamers might argue about whether or not it would be a good direction. Regardless, we can all agree that it would be an interesting new direction for the franchise.

Lastly, even though it is well-known that Halo has many areas that give you a sandbox experience, where you can drive around or fly around a huge area before moving on, which supports the job description that Bungie has given, that would not change the fact that it is quite possible that Halo Reach could, in fact, be an Open World Sandbox FPS title destined to take the gaming world by storm!

God Bless You All

Master Samo

This is a title that is destined to do great things for Microsoft. It will give you a clear idea of what to expect from future FPS titles. With this game, not only are the developers exploring uncharted waters and untapped potential in this genre, but they are also stretching the boundaries of what is possible in an FPS game. Make no mistake, by the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what it would take to revolutionize the FPS genre, and take it to new heights.

This title is an open-ended First-Person Shooter, that is set in modern times and is currently being developed by Techland for both the Xbox 360 and PC. In the game, you will play as an ex-Delta Force operative, currently working for the world’s largest military contractor, and complete a variety of challenging missions in battlefields around the world.

According to Gameinfowire, you will need to stay on top of your training, finances, and position in the highly-competitive mercenary market to ensure that you receive only the most profitable missions. More successful missions equal more money, which can be used to buy new equipment, and weapons for future jobs. Its innovative First Person Perspective cover system will allow you to bring the battle to your enemies in ways you’ve never dreamed of before.

Not only would its current features take the FPS genre beyond anything that has ever been done before, but it would enable this title to easily surpass the highly-anticipated Section 8 as well.  The reasons for my last statement are as follow:

First, due to the fact that this title will focus on complete freedom of choice, it will be a highly immersive and realistic experience. To clarify, you will have unprecedented opportunities to pick your missions, weapons, battlefield tactics and vehicles. You will be able to create your own path through each mission, and for each objective. You will also be able to select mission start times; meaning, missions can be launched at different times of the day, enabling players to catch guards napping in the early morning for example, or use their night vision goggles for a stealthy, but deadly, night ambush. You will also be able to select insertion/extraction points, as well as the types of insertions including land, air, and sea; for example, a truck will get you there, but an airdrop or a journey down a canal via a raft can be much more direct.

Interestingly enough, you will need to buy satellite photos, recon data, and other intelligence about the battlefield situation. You will be required to pick a deployment time and location, then pay for the means of getting in and getting out. You will earn money for each successful mission, and by selling materials picked up on the battlefield. Furthermore, you can use your earned wealth to buy weapons, ammo and new gadgets, as well as invest in learning new skills.

Second, it has extremely deep character development elements. To clarify, you can train your character in several skills, including climbing, repair, and weapons proficiency. More importantly, skills will be earned and developed as in the real world; for example, shooting ranges will improve accuracy, running tracks and climbing walls will boost cover and movement skills. Moreover, you will need to develop and use skill specializations to gain advantages in combat; in other words, new skills will offer fresh opportunities to advance through the mercenary ranks, and new ways to complete missions.

Third, the size of the game will be beyond most FPS titles on the market. To clarify, each mission begins with a satellite map of the terrain. Most of these maps are around or over six square miles, which should give you an idea of just how big this game is shaping up to be.

Fourth, it will be different everytime you play it. Meaning, every mission will be laid out differently each time you play it, enemy units will take up new positions, post new patrols, lay traps in different locations, set up ambushes, etc.

Fifth, it will include highly interactive and destructible environments. In other words, you will have plenty of surprises for the enemies; for example, you can destroy buildings enemies are hiding in, set villages on fire to smoke them out, or cause avalanches and knock down trees to clear your line of fire, or to create obstacles for the enemies and cover for you.

Finally, it will give you the opportunity to climb up the career ladder and increase your reputation among the elite mercenaries of the world. In fact, successful players will earn prestige among their peers, which leads to better and more lucrative contracts in the actual game.

Due to the fact that this title is a highly ambitious one, in addition to the fact that Techland already has two titles set for a 2009 release, it would only be fair to assume that Warhound would be delayed until 2010. However, if we keep in mind that the title was supposed to be a 2008 release, it would not be a sin to expect it in 2009.

We already know that the developer is in discussions with Ubisoft regarding this project, as well as a number of other big publishers. With stunning graphics, destructible environments and an unprecedented level of gameplay freedom, the Xbox 360 will be having an incredible title to add to its ever-growing 2009 line-up.

God Bless You All

Master Samo

Method Man & Redman Blackout 2 Buy It Today www.hiphopgamershow.com