Well, here I am guys; back at the helm of the single most interesting piece of writing on the web. I apologize for my extended absense, but I must say that things were left in very capable hands. No, I was not playing Reach and shirking my duties but rather I ran into an unfortunate computer breakdown which is terrible when trying to write papers at university. But enough about that we're here to talk about the two most important things in your life: Forge Hub and Halo Reach.
The Big Leagues
We have a little more action in this section this week. For starters, we have a new addition to the upper echelon of testers. Stickmanmeyhem has been working hard for the passed few months and through this has become a Senior Member in the Testers Guild. Make sure to congratulate stickmanmeyhem on his achievement.
However, we do have some sad news this week. Two of our longstanding moderators have fallen to the wayside. Roche178 and TexturedSun have returned to the people. We thank both Roche and Textured for all their hard work over the years. Don't worry though, I'm sure you will see both around the hub very frequently.
Testing Like A Pro
While the Review Hub may be on a short hiatus, the Testers Guild is going as strong as ever. If you haven't heard about the Testers Guild, it's a sector of the TRC guild that focuses on testing your unfinished maps. There has been a lot of traffic lately with the release of Halo: Reach, so do appreciate that it may take the testers a few days to get to your map. However, if you need to get some testing done then the Testers Guild is your best option. If you just want to help out the community, you could always take the first step and join up with the Testers Guild here.
Forget You
The Forgotten Treasures II, otherwise known as the Halo remake contest, is coming to a close. Only days remain before the submission thread is shut and judging begins. If you are unfamiliar with the contest, it promotes the recreation of Halo maps from Halo CE, Halo 2 and Halo 3. Unfortunately this means that both PC exclusives and firefight maps are disqualified but there are still plenty of choices for your remake. Also keep in mind that the remakes already included in Halo: Reach, as well as the Reach maps, are barred from this contest. If you'd like to check out the full contest details, see here. If you'd like to submit a map or even just check out the competition then take a look at the Submission Thread.
Hidden Gems
We know what the ladies like...
Rise - Sethiroth87 & Solo XIII
Bowser's Castle - biesterd1
UNSC Trebuchet - Rifte
Colonnade - II Synthetic II
It's Not Friday Yet...
Nope, but it will be in five days and that means the next installment of Halo: Reach TGIF. Our recent TGIF was quite successful with full parties all night. We are looking forward to seeing you all out this coming Friday. Look out for the sign ups this Wednesday.
Bungie Needs You
Well, they don't need you but they would like you to forge them a map. I'm sure most of you have heard, but recently Bungie announced their Forgetacular mapmaking contest. Mapmakers can create a map and submit it for one of various categories including Slayer, CTF, Invasion, Arena and Race. For full details, check out Bungie's post.
Men Without Measure
If you weren't aware, the current Halo: Reach rank progression is currently capped at Lt. Colonel Grade 3. Many poor, distraught individuals are at a loss of what to do with themselves. They need their next armory fix. They need you. Bungie has set a goal for us all. We must complete 117 million challenges in order for the level cap to be lifted and for anyone to reach Commander or higher. So make sure to all get out there and do your four challenges a day and make your Lt. Colonel friends happy!
Another Week, More Reach
If you haven't unfortunately come down with this ailment known as "a life", then you've been spending all the time you can playing Halo: Reach. With so much to do it can often be difficult to find time to forge. But I'm here to tell you that you have to; you have no choice in the matter. Well actually, you do but now that I've put it in your head you might as well get to it. See you all in two.