- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
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III. Agamemnon's Frequently Asked Questions
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These are some questions I've encountered that Bungie hasn't officially noted. Please note that some of the answers are speculations unless otherwise noted.
Note: Speculated answers will be marked with this symbol: *
Q: Windows Vista? What's that?
A: Windows Vista is the new operating system from Microsoft.
Q: Are there any requirements for Windows Vista?
A: Yes, there are. Currently there are two classifications for whether your system can run Vista when it comes out. I will provide a chart to inform you.
Vista Capable
Processor...................800 MHz
Memory.......................512 MB RAM
GPU.............................DirectX 9
GPU Memory..............32MB RAM
HDD capacity..............20GB
HDD free space..........15GB
HDD type...................Normal
Other Drives..............CD-ROM
Vista Premium Ready
Processor...................1 GHz
Memory.......................1GB RAM
GPU.............................DirectX 9 with Pixel Shader 2.0
GPU Memory...............128 MB RAM
HDD capacity...............40GB
HDD free space...........15GB
HDD type....................Normal
Other Drives...............DVD-ROM
Q: How much will Windows Vista cost?
A: It varies from version and whether you're upgrading or getting it for the first time, but these are the official prices from Microsoft:
Version.................................................full / upgrade
Windows Vista Home Basic..........$199 / $99.95
Windows Vista Home Premium....$239 / $159
Windows Vista Business..............$299 / $199
Windows Vista Ultimate...............$399 / $259
Q: Will there be Co-Op mode on Halo 2 Vista?
A: No
Q: How will online play work if XboxLive is no longer the system that Halo 2 Vista will use?
A: Bungie is implementing a new system called Live Anywhere, which is, a service similar to Xbox Live and will bring matchmaking to H2V players. It is stated that we will be able to do all the things we could do before; system links for local connections, global online play, and dedicated servers. Bungie has stated that there will be no ranking or player stat tracking systems for Halo 2 Vista, nor will it offer clan support.
Upon recent events, we also learned that matchmaking will only be available to those with Gold memberships. Also, it will no longer be possible to run a dedicated server and play on that server at the same time, as it is supposedly restricted. In order to host a regular game, you also must have a Gold membership.
Q: Will we have to pay to play Halo 2 Vista?
A: For a free Silver membership, no, you won't. With a Silver membership, you will be allowed a single gamertag, a common gamerscore and and gamer profile, single player achievements, private chat via text and voice, a common friends list and online presence, and a browsing list. With a Gold membership (which you do have to pay for), you have everything the Silver membership offers, matchmaking, and multiplayer achievements.
Q: When will Halo 2 Vista come out?
A: It's out.
Q: How much will Halo 2 Vista cost?
A: The cost varies. $49.99 - $59.99
Q: Will there be a demo for Halo 2 Vista?
* A: There is no confirmation if there will be or if there won't, but it's safe to assume with such little feedback from either Bungie, Microsoft, or Hired Gun that there won't be a demo.
Q: What will be Halo 2 Vista's ESRB Rating?
A: M for Mature
Q: Will Halo 2 run on any version of Windows Vista?
A: Yes, it will. It is optimized so even the people who are getting a simple upgrade can play the game.
Q: What do we know about the custom tools to build our own maps in Halo 2 Vista?
A: Quite a lot. The original tools found for the first port, Guerilla, Sapien, and Tool, will make a reappearance; this time included on the disc. The H2V team has stated that this time around we will be able to customize a lot more than Sapien had to offer, as well as creating new and improved textures and even customiziable shaders.
It is also said that the H2V team are trying to make the tools much more user-friendly; the co-existing tools for Halo 1 were extremely hard to use and were not easily picked up, even after you had an extensive knowledge on how to use it.
The H2V team also boasted a much more stable toolset, as the three had an uncanny habit of corrupting files, shutting down for no reason, and producing errors that no one had ever heard of. This is something what many Halo 1 modders would call a Godsend.
Q: Cool! So we'll be able to model our own maps with the tools given to us?
A: Actually, no, you won't. Bungie will not be including a 3D modelling program once again for you to model your own maps.
Q: What are some boastable new features Halo 2 Vista will include?
A: Up to 1900x1200 screen resolution, dedicated servers, tools to create custom maps, extremely upgraded and fine-tuned graphics, text lobby chat (as well as a mic still), and in-game text chat.
Q: Will there be new weapons or vehicles in Halo 2 Vista?
A: No.
Q: Will there be new maps for Halo 2 Vista?
A: Yes, there will be two new Halo 2 Vista-exclusive maps.
Q: In Halo Custom Edition, we had to download maps manually to actually play them online. Is there a new system that solves this problem?
A: Yes. There will be an online system that will automatically download content that is required to play in the server of your choosing. Needless to say, you won't have to download maps again unless you're hosting them for the very first time.
[Edited on 08.08.2007 9:38 AM PDT]