April 25th
I have a dream. A dream that we are all playing the Reach Beta together. A dream that the Beta is everything we ever wished it could be. A dream that the DMR is perfect, and the BR is there for those who want it and doesn't exist for those who don't. A dream that all of our favorite remakes of classic Halo maps are available. A dream that Reach is the best damn Halo game ever to be created. Oh shoot, sorry I meant I "had" a dream, but then I woke up and realized it was still one week from the Beta. Well anyway, on with the site news!
Terrible News...
This passed week something tragic happened. Possibly the worst thing to ever happen in Forge Hub history. For the first time ever the Hub Pub was breached. The invaders, Aftershock 10, Gamer720, Mander, TecH, YEE MAN IZ BAK, and following slightly after, Urban Myth. They raided the bar, making a mess in their drunken stupor. It was horrifying. Wait, what? They were just let in because they achieved two featured maps? Oh, well congratulations to them! Oh yeah and TransactionZero returns to staff. I'm sure you will all become well acquainted. Make sure to congratulate everyone on their new colors.
The Return of an Old Friend
Did you miss her? The sweet love of that familiar, old mistress. Well be prepared to take her out on the town one more time and now she's got a hot, new dress and some sexy, sexy lingerie. That's right you old dog, TGIF is back in action on May 7th and you know what that means. Reach Beta action. So put on some fancy clothes and go out for a night on the town. We'll be playing in 8 player matchmaking parties (or as large as we can) and making our own custom fun out of what Bungie has given. You never know, if it goes well maybe she'll let you take her out another time or two before Reach Beta moves on its way.
Exercise Your Democratic Rights
It's that time again; Forge Hub Favorites time. As many of you know, this is your time. Forge Hub favorites is a bi-weekly map selection picked by you, the community of Forge Hub. So make sure to check out this thread and throw down a vote on your favorite map from last weeks nominations. If you didn't get to nominate a map last edition, make sure to take a look for the next nomination thread going up May 2nd.
Harsh Words, Bro
The Review Hub is H-O-T-T-O-G-O. If you can't figure that out, it says "hot to go". That's right folks, the Review Hub is open for applicants after much preparation. If you would like to join the Review Hub, check here. However, the Review Hub is not for the faint of heart as it takes some real dedication. But if you think you have what it takes then come be a productive member of the Hub. Your efforts will not go unnoticed. As long as you meet the requirements to stay in the Review Hub (1 map per week), you will earn a shiny, secondary rank image. All reviews from the bi-weekly period will also be posted in the Site Update. For more information on the Review Hub and the requirements for joining, check here
Monumental Changes..
No, not at all actually. As a matter of fact, it has already happened. You may have noticed that the Post Party Countdown, the premier thread that houses all of Forge Hub's history is...GONE!? And replaced by a new one. The old one was archived. I know, I know but please don't cry because now you can post without worry of lag! Enjoy the new PPC.
This Spartan Life Rube Contest
Remember our ongoing Forge The Studio competition in conjunction with The Running Riot? (Whilst we're on that subject, emphasis on ongoing, in case you'd forgotten.) We'll we've now got another offer teeming with potential for inter-community relations and metaphorical bridges to be built. If such a proposition alone doesn't sway you, did I mention that the winning map will be used in a machinima shown on Halo Waypoint?
This Spartan Life is a machinima that has been running since 2005, and is currently producing episodes to be shown on Halo Waypoint, and they're looking for a Rube Goldberg style map to be used for an upcoming interview being shown in May. There are prizes on offer for the winner and two runners up in the form of action figures, Halo books, and signed items, kindly donated by the Waypoint team. Full details can be found in their own news article, and the deadline for submission is Thursday the 29th of April. That's right, only 4 days away, but the Forge Hub community has some pretty good credentials for Rube forges in the not too distant past, so why not try your hand?
Get Smart
Insane54 is taking a new outlook on Forge classes. If you want to learn all he has to know about map design philosophy than you should most definitely sign up for this program. Classes will be conducted over Skype text chat with live feed support for examples. Some details are still to be fleshed out, but if you want more information or to sign up you should take a look here.
Diamonds in the Sky
It would be an absolute tragedy if we didn't offer you some hidden gems this week. ENJOY!
Neon Sun
Silent Night: Arboretum
Bailout
Courtyard
Riptide
Visual Cocaine
The Halo: Reach beta is just around the corner and we here at Forge Hub are getting pretty hyped. In the coming months we will be working to Reach-ify the Hub in every way possible. While we don't have much to say on this right now, I will remind you to check out the discussion and work yourselves into a frenzy for Beta launch. If you have something you want to say about Reach, you can check out the Reach sub-board here. If you aren't up on all there is to know about Halo: Reach, than I recommend you drop by the Halo: Reach Discussion thread. For some visual candy check out the latest Reach ViDoc below:
YouTube- Halo: Reach CarnÃ*ge CarnivÃ*le
Eight More Sleeps...
Or seven, since I doubt anyone will be sleeping next Sunday night. So warm up your boxes, play some Halo 3 and get prepared for the best month you've had in a long time. Until next, next week suckaz!