Editing Halo 2 E3 demo
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|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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}} | }} | ||
{{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/YouTube|Id=mixer|Qp86KNbeCA8|The Moa Archive (UncookedMoa)|Halo 2 E3 2003 Demo Stream from 343 + Never Before Seen Alphas/Betas (1080p 60 FPS)|D=06|M=07|Y=2024}}}} | {{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/YouTube|Id=mixer|Qp86KNbeCA8|The Moa Archive (UncookedMoa)|Halo 2 E3 2003 Demo Stream from 343 + Never Before Seen Alphas/Betas (1080p 60 FPS)|D=06|M=07|Y=2024}}}} | ||
The '''''Halo 2'' E3 Demo''' was | The '''''Halo 2'' E3 Demo''' was a real-time demonstration of early plans for ''[[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/YouTube|Id=yt cairo|xcSk8Rx_JTo|UPLYNXED|Halo 2 Anniversary - Cairo Station Campaign Gameplay and...|Time=810|D=06|M=07|Y=2024}} | ||
Between [[2022]] and [[2024]], the mission was recovered and worked on by [[343 Industries]] and the [[Digsite]] community modding team with the goal of restoring the level to full functionality for play within the ''Halo 2'' component of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.{{Ref/Site|Id=CRF|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/cutting-room-floor|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Cutting Room Floor|D=06|M=07|Y=2024}} The updated build was first showcased at the VKMT community modding showcase in 2022 in early form,{{Ref/YouTube|Id=VKMT|57DoNDDp3r8|Digsite Crew|Digsite Reveal - VKMT Showcase 2022|D=06|M=10|Y=2022}} before being formally unveiled at the Halo World Championships 2024, and | Between [[2022]] and [[2024]], the mission was recovered and worked on by [[343 Industries]] and the [[Digsite]] community modding team with the goal of restoring the level to full functionality for play within the ''Halo 2'' component of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.{{Ref/Site|Id=CRF|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/cutting-room-floor|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Cutting Room Floor|D=06|M=07|Y=2024}} The updated build was first showcased at the VKMT community modding showcase in 2022 in early form,{{Ref/YouTube|Id=VKMT|57DoNDDp3r8|Digsite Crew|Digsite Reveal - VKMT Showcase 2022|D=06|M=10|Y=2022}} before being formally unveiled at the Halo World Championships 2024, and is set to be released as free downloadable mod on the [[Steam]] Workshop on November 9, 2024, to mark ''Halo 2''{{'}}s 20th anniversary.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=HWC|Xo57pHb2y74|HALO|Community Stage at Halo World Championship 2024 - Day 2|Time=18831|D=06|M=10|Y=2024}} | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
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The work on actually restoring the demo level was overseen by General_101, with Ken Peters and [[Sean Cooper]] providing assistance from 343's end by looking into the internal archives and source depots for assets and files. At the outset, the team only had a few source BSPs and scenery objects to work with, but eventually were able to reverse-engineer the actual compiled builds to examine the original assets in conjunction with the new finds from internal archives. This included finding original animation source files, though many weren't compatible with the modern engine.{{Ref/Reuse|CRF}} In addition, due to the Digsite modding team not having a license to use Impersonator, a software used for generating lip-sync animations for dialogue, they had to recreate all of the lip sync animations by hand. Overall, the remastered demo has used as many of the original [[tag]]s, audio, and assets as were possible - with assets continuously updated throughout the production process as even better iterations of the original dev files were uncovered.{{Ref/Reuse|HWC}} However, some of these were modernised. For example, in the original demo, every single NPC had their own tag - these were updated to use the setup found in modern ''Halo 2''.{{Ref/Reuse|CRF}} | The work on actually restoring the demo level was overseen by General_101, with Ken Peters and [[Sean Cooper]] providing assistance from 343's end by looking into the internal archives and source depots for assets and files. At the outset, the team only had a few source BSPs and scenery objects to work with, but eventually were able to reverse-engineer the actual compiled builds to examine the original assets in conjunction with the new finds from internal archives. This included finding original animation source files, though many weren't compatible with the modern engine.{{Ref/Reuse|CRF}} In addition, due to the Digsite modding team not having a license to use Impersonator, a software used for generating lip-sync animations for dialogue, they had to recreate all of the lip sync animations by hand. Overall, the remastered demo has used as many of the original [[tag]]s, audio, and assets as were possible - with assets continuously updated throughout the production process as even better iterations of the original dev files were uncovered.{{Ref/Reuse|HWC}} However, some of these were modernised. For example, in the original demo, every single NPC had their own tag - these were updated to use the setup found in modern ''Halo 2''.{{Ref/Reuse|CRF}} | ||
The updated demo also has [[waypoint]] markers added above plot-critical NPCs and objectives; due to the intended highly linear scope of the demo, it is not immediately intuitive what direction a player should go. These were added in by the Digsite team to help unfamiliar players navigate the level without going off-script or breaking the scenario.{{Ref/Reuse|HWC | The updated demo also has [[waypoint]] markers added above plot-critical NPCs and objectives; due to the intended highly linear scope of the demo, it is not immediately intuitive what direction a player should go. These were added in by the Digsite team to help unfamiliar players navigate the level without going off-script or breaking the scenario.{{Ref/Reuse|HWC}} | ||
In addition to the E3 demo level itself, several maps made using the same assets at around the same time of ''Halo 2''{{'}}s development have been made available for download in MCC as a level scenario for ''Halo 2'' and as raw geometry to use in the ''[[Halo 2 Editing Kit]]''. | In addition to the E3 demo level itself, several maps made using the same assets at around the same time of ''Halo 2''{{'}}s development have been made available for download in MCC as a level scenario for ''Halo 2'' and as raw geometry to use in the ''[[Halo 2 Editing Kit]]''. | ||
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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 [[Kez'katu-pattern Phantom|Phantom]] is open and the troops disperse like on a [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelican]] | * The back of the [[Kez'katu-pattern 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 | |||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
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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 general purpose machine gun]]. | File:H2E3_John117_Turret.jpg|John-117 manning an [[M247 general purpose machine gun]]. | ||
File: | File:H2E3_Standoff.jpg|John-117 facing down two SpecOps Elites. | ||
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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*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57DoNDDp3r8 2022 VKMT Showcase Digsite trailer, featuring an early version of the remastered E3 demo] | *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57DoNDDp3r8 2022 VKMT Showcase Digsite trailer, featuring an early version of the remastered E3 demo] | ||
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo57pHb2y74&t=18831s Halo World Championships 2024 livestream featuring Digsite, Alphamoon, the Halo 2 E3 Demo, and the Digsite remaster] | *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo57pHb2y74&t=18831s Halo World Championships 2024 livestream featuring Digsite, Alphamoon, the Halo 2 E3 Demo, and the Digsite remaster] | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== |