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|game=''[[Halo 2]]'' | |game=''[[Halo 2]]'' | ||
|name='''''Halo 2 E3 Demo''''' | |name='''''Halo 2 E3 Demo''''' | ||
|image=[[File:NM E303.png| | |image=[[File:NM E303.png|250px]] | ||
|player=[[John-117]] | |player=[[John-117]] | ||
|date= [[2552#October 20, 2552|October 20, 2552]] | |date= [[2552#October 20, 2552|October 20, 2552]] | ||
|place=[[New Mombasa]], [[Kenya]] | |place=[[New Mombasa]], [[Kenya]] | ||
|Objective= | |Objective=Rendevous with Sergeant Banks. | ||
|enemies=*[[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] | |enemies=*[[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] | ||
*[[Unggoy|Grunts]] | *[[Unggoy|Grunts]] | ||
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|nowalk=true | |nowalk=true | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Quote|In the world of video game sort of mythic legends, I think the Halo 2 E3 demo is right up there. It's like the unicorn of the gaming industry.|[[Brian Jarrard]] | {{Quote|In the world of video game sort of mythic legends, I think the Halo 2 E3 demo is right up there. It's like the unicorn of the gaming industry.|[[Brian Jarrard]]<ref name="mixer">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp86KNbeCA8 ''YouTube'': Halo 2 E3 2003 Demo Stream from 343 + Never Before Seen Alphas/Betas (1080p 60 FPS)]</ref>}} | ||
The '''''Halo 2'' E3 Demo''' was | The '''''Halo 2'' E3 Demo''' was a real-time demonstration of early plans for [[Halo 2|''Halo 2'']]'s [[Outskirts]] and [[Metropolis]] levels. It was shown at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3 2003]], and revealed new designs for ''Halo 2'', including [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers|ODSTs]], [[BR55 battle rifle|Battle Rifles]] (which were originally going to be single-shot), [[Dual wielding|dual-wielding]], [[M7 SMG|SMG]]s, [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]], the [[M12G1 Gauss Warthog|Gauss Warthog]], among others. | ||
The demo bears little resemblance to the final game as it was created by Bungie out of demand for material to show at E3 amidst the exceedingly hectic development process of ''Halo 2''.<ref name="yt cairo">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcSk8Rx_JTo&t=13m30s '''YouTube''': ''Halo 2 Anniversary - Cairo Station Campaign Gameplay and...'']</ref> | |||
== | ==Gameplay== | ||
The demo runs on an early development version of the game engine and is built with the premise that the player—originally [[Joseph Staten]]—follows a heavily scripted path.{{Ref/Reuse|yt cairo}} For example, although the player is able to go "off script" and explore the level, there are certain cues to prompt them along; for example, the player will be teleported to the Gauss Warthog during the relevant portion of the demo regardless of their location on the map. Also, the player seemingly has unlimited health, ammunition and grenades. The dual [[M7 SMG|SMGs]] showcased in the demo are also not an example of true [[dual wielding]] as implemented in the final game, as the two weapons behave like a single one in terms of gameplay. | The demo runs on an early development version of the game engine and is built with the premise that the player—originally [[Joseph Staten]]—follows a heavily scripted path.{{Ref/Reuse|yt cairo}} For example, although the player is able to go "off script" and explore the level, there are certain cues to prompt them along; for example, the player will be teleported to the Gauss Warthog during the relevant portion of the demo regardless of their location on the map. Also, the player seemingly has unlimited health, ammunition and grenades. The dual [[M7 SMG|SMGs]] showcased in the demo are also not an example of true [[dual wielding]] as implemented in the final game, as the two weapons behave like a single one in terms of gameplay. Several other oddities indicate the game's unfinished nature, such as the Marines in the [[medical tent]]s in the opening area, who cannot die and will continue to play their scripted animations even if the player attacks them.{{Ref/Reuse|mixer}} | ||
On November 14, 2018, 343 Industries employees, [[Brian Jarrard]], Sean Cooper and [[Frank O'Connor]] revisited the E3 demo, along with several other early development ''Halo 2'' levels, in an online stream.{{Ref/Reuse|mixer}} Bungie and 343 Industries employees had previously commented that the demo would crash instantly if the player deviated from the scripted path, supposedly making it unworkable as an actual level.{{Ref/Reuse|yt cairo}}<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=4221 '''Bungie.net''': ''Weekly What's What Update: Massive Attack!''] - ''Nope, the E3 demo you're talking about still works and is playable even, but is waaaaaaaay too buggy as it stands to ever be released. ''</ref> However, it was found during the stream that the demo is actually quite robust, as O'Connor did not manage to "break" it despite having deliberately set out to do so.{{Ref/Reuse|mixer}} | |||
On November 14, 2018, 343 Industries employees, [[Brian Jarrard]], Sean Cooper and [[Frank O'Connor]] revisited the E3 demo, along with several other early development ''Halo 2'' levels, in an online stream.{{Ref/Reuse|mixer}} Bungie and 343 Industries employees had previously commented that the demo would crash instantly if the player deviated from the scripted path, supposedly making it unworkable as an actual level.{{Ref/Reuse|yt cairo}} | |||
==Plot== | ==Plot== | ||
Following a humorous, fourth-wall-breaking introduction by [[Avery Johnson|Sergeant Avery Johnson]] designed to accompany the original E3 presentation by Bungie, the demo opens to a scene of the [[Earth]] city of [[New Mombasa]] under siege by the [[Covenant]]. The [[John-117|Master Chief]] is en route to a UNSC field command post turned field hospital to assist the marines in destroying an [[ | Following a humorous, fourth-wall-breaking introduction by [[Avery Johnson|Sergeant Avery Johnson]] designed to accompany the original E3 presentation by Bungie, the demo opens to a scene of the [[Earth]] city of [[New Mombasa]] under siege by the [[Covenant]]. The [[John-117|Master Chief]] is en route to a UNSC field command post turned field hospital to assist the marines in destroying an [[Covenant artillery|artillery cannon]] and securing the area. The [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelican]] lands and Master Chief exits with a few ODSTs to be introduced to Cpl. [[Perez]] who takes him through the field hospital to where [[Banks|Sergeant Banks]] is. | ||
The Master Chief proceeds through the camp witnessing the new animations of allied AIs. He then passes through a destroyed building housing a Marine heavy Machine gun team and Sergeant Banks. Both are pinned down by Covenant forces. The Sergeant then calls in an airstrike on the [[ | The Master Chief proceeds through the camp witnessing the new animations of allied AIs. He then passes through a destroyed building housing a Marine heavy Machine gun team and Sergeant Banks. Both are pinned down by Covenant forces. The Sergeant then calls in an airstrike on the [[Type-48 Weevil|artillery cannon]]. A flight of Longsword fighters promptly complies, launching a successful bombing run on the cannon. After the airstrike has occurred Banks gives the player his SMG, an introduction to the new feature of [[dual wielding]]. Using his new weapons, the Chief clears the area of Covenant troops before moving over a pile a debris and into an open street. | ||
In the street there is a packed group of about seven Jackals with shields. Upon spotting the Chief they form a phalanx and begin to open fire with their plasma pistols. After a few moments of shooting, the group of Jackals are splattered by a pair of [[M12 Warthog|Warthogs]]. One of the Warthogs is the new Gauss Warthog, the driver instructs the Master Chief to man the Gauss Cannon on the back. Upon the Chief entering the turret, Warthogs drive around the street areas which are incidentally quite similar to the streets before the [[Protos-pattern Scarab|Scarab]] attack in the ''Halo 2'' level, [[Metropolis]]. After the Chief destroys a few {{Pattern|Ruwaa|Shadow}}s and [[ | In the street there is a packed group of about seven Jackals with shields. Upon spotting the Chief they form a phalanx and begin to open fire with their plasma pistols. After a few moments of shooting, the group of Jackals are splattered by a pair of [[M12 Warthog|Warthogs]]. One of the Warthogs is the new Gauss Warthog, the driver instructs the Master Chief to man the Gauss Cannon on the back. Upon the Chief entering the turret, Warthogs drive around the street areas which are incidentally quite similar to the streets before the [[Protos-pattern Scarab|Scarab]] attack in the ''Halo 2'' level, [[Metropolis]]. After the Chief destroys a few {{Pattern|Ruwaa|Shadow}}s and [[Type-32 Ghost|Ghosts]], the Warthog is boarded by a [[Jiralhanae|Brute]] who kills the Marines in the passenger and driver seat, prompting the Chief to exit the vehicle to take action against the boarder. | ||
The Master Chief quickly kills the Brute and a few of his comrades with his battle rifle before being alerted by [[Cortana]] of a fast approaching Ghost. Chief proceeds to board this vehicle by hijacking the Ghost, introducing yet another new ''Halo 2'' feature. | The Master Chief quickly kills the Brute and a few of his comrades with his battle rifle before being alerted by [[Cortana]] of a fast approaching Ghost. Chief proceeds to board this vehicle by hijacking the Ghost, introducing yet another new ''Halo 2'' feature. | ||
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The Chief proceeds to wreak havoc on the Covenant troops in the area before he is instructed by Cortana to escape the area via a tunnel which leads to a bridge. The demo then cuts then changes to a cutscene of two Brutes on Ghosts chasing the Chief through the tunnel. As a sign declaring "Highway access denied" flashes, the automatic doors at the end of the tunnel begin to close. In response to this small crisis Master Chief speeds up, barely making it through the remaining space between the closing doors, although in the process his Ghost crashes, disgorging him upon the ground. However the two pursuing Brutes are not so lucky. The door closes completely before they get to it and a shot from the outside of the tunnel shows the two explosions caused by the crash of the Brutes' Ghosts. | The Chief proceeds to wreak havoc on the Covenant troops in the area before he is instructed by Cortana to escape the area via a tunnel which leads to a bridge. The demo then cuts then changes to a cutscene of two Brutes on Ghosts chasing the Chief through the tunnel. As a sign declaring "Highway access denied" flashes, the automatic doors at the end of the tunnel begin to close. In response to this small crisis Master Chief speeds up, barely making it through the remaining space between the closing doors, although in the process his Ghost crashes, disgorging him upon the ground. However the two pursuing Brutes are not so lucky. The door closes completely before they get to it and a shot from the outside of the tunnel shows the two explosions caused by the crash of the Brutes' Ghosts. | ||
Just after Cortana points out a Covenant ship in the sky, a barrage of glowing drop pods begin to land around the Chief. Elites step out of these Drop Pods and draw their [[Type-1 energy sword|energy swords]]. Chief responds holstering one of his SMGs and charging up a [[ | Just after Cortana points out a Covenant ship in the sky, a barrage of glowing drop pods begin to land around the Chief. Elites step out of these Drop Pods and draw their [[Type-1 energy sword|energy swords]]. Chief responds holstering one of his SMGs and charging up a [[Type-1 plasma grenade|plasma grenade]]. Cortana, noting Chief's action, teasingly says "bet you can't stick it" to which the Master Chief responds "You're on." As he lunges forward to toss the grenade, the demo ends. | ||
== Transcript== | == Transcript== | ||
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''Fade in. We see two marines looking on the LZ. Plasma mortars fly over the air above'' | ''Fade in. We see two marines looking on the LZ. Plasma mortars fly over the air above'' | ||
*'''Spotter:''' | *'''Spotter:'''<ref name="storyboards">''[[The Art of Halo|Art of Halo]]'', pages 150-155</ref> "Immediate. Grid Kilo 23 is hot. Recommend mission abort." | ||
*'''Pilot(O.S.):''' "Roger, recon." | *'''Pilot(O.S.):''' "Roger, recon." | ||
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''More Elites surround the Chief. They draw their energy swords and snarl menacingly.'' | ''More Elites surround the Chief. They draw their energy swords and snarl menacingly.'' | ||
[[File:H2-E3-MasterChief-PlasmaGrenade.jpg| | [[File:H2-E3-MasterChief-PlasmaGrenade.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Cortana: "Betcha can't stick it." Master Chief: "You're on."]] | ||
*'''Cortana:''' "Bet'cha can't stick it…" | *'''Cortana:''' "Bet'cha can't stick it…" | ||
''The Chief pulls out a [[ | ''The Chief pulls out a [[Type-1 plasma grenade|plasma grenade]] and activates it.'' | ||
*'''Master Chief:''' "You're on." | *'''Master Chief:''' "You're on." | ||
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==Differences with the final game<!--Please avoid comparing the demo with the actual campaign level. This section should be focused on the gameplay mechanics and appearances.-->== | ==Differences with the final game<!--Please avoid comparing the demo with the actual campaign level. This section should be focused on the gameplay mechanics and appearances.-->== | ||
* The Brutes voices are deeper, much like an ape, than in the final game. | * The Brutes voices are deeper, much like an ape, than in the final game. | ||
* The Battle Rifle Has a slower version of the CE Assault Rifle Reload Animation. | * The Battle Rifle Has a slower version of the CE Assault Rifle Reload Animation. | ||
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* When the Chief shoots a Phantom with a [[M68 Gauss cannon|Gauss Cannon]] a green and blue plasma spark appears. | * When the Chief shoots a Phantom with a [[M68 Gauss cannon|Gauss Cannon]] a green and blue plasma spark appears. | ||
* The Gauss Cannon has a faster rate of fire. | * The Gauss Cannon has a faster rate of fire. | ||
* The back of the [[ | * The back of the [[Type-52 Phantom|Phantom]] is open and the troops disperse like on a [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelican]]. | ||
* If one looks closely at the Elites' energy swords, they can tell that they have the same appearance as the ''Halo 3'' ones, with the pointed edges around the hilt when turned on. | * If one looks closely at the Elites' energy swords, they can tell that they have the same appearance as the ''Halo 3'' ones, with the pointed edges around the hilt when turned on. | ||
* Jackal shields are a bright fluorescent blue, instead of bluish-green in the final version. | * Jackal shields are a bright fluorescent blue, instead of bluish-green in the final version. | ||
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* Plasma bolts and projectiles are more fluorescent than their retail counterpart. | * Plasma bolts and projectiles are more fluorescent than their retail counterpart. | ||
* Many textures for building walls and floors are re-used from Combat Evolved including brushed metal tiling, seen at 1:53 and 2:43. | * Many textures for building walls and floors are re-used from Combat Evolved including brushed metal tiling, seen at 1:53 and 2:43. | ||
* The Havok physics engine was not yet implemented in the game, so physics are closer to Combat Evolved | * The Havok physics engine was not yet implemented in the game, so physics are closer to Combat Evolved. | ||
* Grunt and human blood decals are Brighter, and more fluorescent than their retail counterparts. | * Grunt and human blood decals are Brighter, and more fluorescent than their retail counterparts. | ||
* Human blood textures are re-used from Combat Evolved. | * Human blood textures are re-used from Combat Evolved. | ||
* Grunt, human and Jackal blood splat decals are bigger than retail, resulting in more blood seen in the demo compared to the full release. | * Grunt, human and Jackal blood splat decals are bigger than retail, resulting in more blood seen in the demo compared to the full release. | ||
* Grunts and Jackals are more aggressive and will fire faster than retail, as seen at 4:25. | * Grunts and Jackals are more aggressive and will fire faster than retail, as seen at 4:25. | ||
* Chief | * Chief features a new model not seen in the full release of the game, featuring real-time reflections on his visor, seen at 0:19. | ||
* | * Gunshots and shots from the Mounted Turret illuminate the ground and surrounding area when fired. | ||
* The SMGs' | * The SMGs' muzzle flash is a darker red, rather than a bright yellow/orange seen in the final release. | ||
* SMGs (including dual wielded SMGs) have an increased rate of fire, and no recoil | * SMGs (including dual wielded SMGs) have an increased rate of fire, and no recoil. | ||
* Dual SMG's have a unique "Double Up" overlapping Reticle, rather than a normal SMG reticle seen in retail. | * Dual SMG's have a unique "Double Up" overlapping Reticle, rather than a normal SMG reticle seen in retail. | ||
* Warthog Headlights illuminate and cast visible | * Warthog Headlights illuminate and cast visible light and shadows on the road | ||
* Physics for Warthog splatters seem to be closer to Combat Evolved, Even small bumps or hits will result in a splatter with a lot of blood particles. | * Physics for Warthog splatters seem to be closer to Combat Evolved, Even small bumps or hits will result in a splatter with a lot of blood particles. | ||
* Street | * Street Lamps and Lights illuminate dynamic lights and shadows, Most dynamic lights were disabled shortly before release but still exist in the final game and can be enabled on the Halo 2 Editing Kit. this was also explained by Joe staten in the H2 developer commentary on 4:48. | ||
* Mounted turrets visibly expel rounds after every shot fired | |||
* | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
=== | ===Images=== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:H2-Concept-E3-Chief.jpg|Concept art of John-117 priming a plasma grenade. | File:H2-Concept-E3-Chief.jpg|Concept art of John-117 priming a plasma grenade. | ||
File:H2E3_VisualGlitch.jpg|A visual glitch that occurred during the demo's development. | File:H2E3_VisualGlitch.jpg|A visual glitch that occurred during the demo's development. | ||
H2 E3 Chief | File:H2 E3 Demo Shadows.jpg|A close-up of the Shadows in the demo. | ||
File:H2E3 Demo Master Chief.jpg|Master Chief in the Battle of New Mombasa. | |||
File:H2E3_BetchaCan'tStickEm.jpg|"Betcha can't stick 'em!" | |||
File:H2E3_GaussHog.jpg|John-117 manning a Gauss cannon in the demo. | |||
File:H2E3_John117_Ghost.jpg|John-117 driving a Ghost in the demo. | |||
File:H2E3_John117_Warthog.jpg|John-117 driving a Warthog. | File:H2E3_John117_Warthog.jpg|John-117 driving a Warthog. | ||
File:H2E3_John117_Turret.jpg|John-117 manning an [[M247 machine gun]]. | |||
File:H2E3_Standoff.jpg|John-117 facing down two SpecOps Elites. | |||
File:H2E3_John117_Turret.jpg|John-117 manning an [[M247 | |||
File: | |||
File:H2E3_John117_Hijack.jpg|John-117 hijacking a Ghost. | File:H2E3_John117_Hijack.jpg|John-117 hijacking a Ghost. | ||
File:H2E3_Ghost_Chase.jpg|Two Ghosts chasing one another. | File:H2E3_Ghost_Chase.jpg|Two Ghosts chasing one another. | ||
File:H2E3_Wallpaper_StandTall.jpg|"Stand Tall" wallpaper. | File:H2E3_Wallpaper_StandTall.jpg|"Stand Tall" wallpaper. | ||
File:H2E3_Wallpaper_GhostChase.jpg|"Ghost Chase" wallpaper. | File:H2E3_Wallpaper_GhostChase.jpg|"Ghost Chase" wallpaper. | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp86KNbeCA8 | *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp86KNbeCA8 343 Industries stream playing the demo] | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
