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When Microsoft throws a party, expect no rupee spared. The “Unofficial” Halo 3 Pre-Launch Party held at the magnificent Oberoi Hotel in Delhi was a sprinkled spectacle to behold. Not only was it the fanciest place I’ve ever been to get some face time with one of the most hyped Xbox 360 titles coming this year, but it was also a great place to meet up with other like-minded gamers both from the press and other game companies. Shucks, the free buffet and open bar didn’t hurt either. High-five!
Mohit Anand (Country Manager of Microsoft India’s Entertainment and Devices Division) was present to introduce the crowd to the first 15 minutes of Halo 3’s single player campaign on a projector screen – coupled with groovy smoke effects (sadly, no disco ball) and one freaking loud speaker setup. As per their Non-Disclosure Agreement, Microsoft made it a point that nothing related to game’s plot or features were to be publicized or photographed. Despite that mutual indenture, not a whole lot could really be unveiled by anyone since we were only allowed a playtime of one hour. You couldn’t exactly beat the game in that much time! But even more important and unfortunate, no system link was provided for the 6 given kiosks. Whatever multiplayer options you wanted to get a feel of, it would have to be done via split-screen. Tears of sadness crossed these generously proportioned cheeks!
Fully aware of the imposed time-limit, I thought it would be better to get some feedback from Mohit himself (pictured above, on the left), where he proved surprisingly open to any questions I had for him. We squabbled about recent incidents like the message board trauma surrounding the BioShock release (which was just last Friday, for those keeping score), and of course, the million dollar question – when is Xbox Live coming to India? Not for real, but like, for real real? “October, for sure,” he responded. He wanted to point out that because of legal issues (take out your conspiracy caps), the service was on an indefinite hiatus. Mohit also introduced me to Yashdeep Bali, Head Marketing Manager for Electronic Arts India. Yashdeep hinted that EA too will be holding preview events for their games, and that you can expect one in Mumbai sometime soon. Expect to sample sports staples like Tiger Woods and NBA Live, as well as the upcoming The Simpsons game. I’ll drink to that, sir!
As for the game itself, I only bothered with the multiplayer and got to duel with Mohit in a one-on-one battle to death on the reimagined Zanzibar map. It was my 15 to his 3, but let me tell this guy won’t hesitate to run you over in an ATV for a minute. Twice, approximately. Also got to play against LivingDigital’s Karan Bajaj (pictured above, right) and GameGuru.in’s Neelesh Mukherjee, but they didn’t prove to be much competition either, as they’ll tell you that modesty triumphs all! Especially if it’s my modesty.
Halo 3 will be releasing September 25th. If you preorder for the Collector’s Edition at select retailers, you’ll recieve a special Halo 3 Faceplate for your Xbox 360. Wish they handed some of those puppies out for free at the party, but hey, t-shirts are nice too. Even if they’re not your size!
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September 18th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
One week away and it feels like an eternity already.. Not to mention my Xbox 360 is still not in… Of course, that shouldn’t stop me from getting the CE and going through the Beastiary book at least, but I’d still love to be able to play through the damn game.
September 20th, 2007 at 12:03 am
OH SWEET MOTHER OF GOD!!! YOu held the box in your hands!!! AND you shaved!! FUCK. I cant believe i missed this. FUCK.
September 20th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
[...] the “cost of recurring games.” We already know Microsoft has been doing a heck of a lot of work to drive their message (with booze, no less); and thanks to the 54% decrease of the import duty imposed on game titles, [...]
November 14th, 2007 at 3:34 am
[...] north, getting lucky two times in a row, it has become more and more difficult. First, it was the Halo 3 pre-launch party followed up with the XBL India launch announcement party, both in New Delhi. Come 16th November [...]