Editing Halo 3

{{Title|''Halo 3''}}

{{Status|RealWorld}}

{{Game infobox

|name= ''Halo 3''

|image= [[File:Halo3coverart.JPG|300px]]

|developer= [[Bungie|Bungie LLC.]]

|publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]]

|engine=[[Blam engine]]

|writer=[[Joseph Staten]]

|platform= [[Xbox 360]]<br>[[Xbox One]]<br>PC

|releasedate= September 25, 2007 {{C|United States}}<br>

September 26, 2007 {{C|United Kingdom}}<br>

September 27, 2007 {{C|Japan}}<br>

|genre= [[First-person shooter]]

|modes= [[Campaign|Campaign Mode]], [[Cooperative Play|Co-Op]], [[Multiplayer]], [[Forge]], [[Theater]]

|rating=[[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]]: Mature (M) for Blood and Gore, Mild Language, and Violence<br>

[[Wikipedia:Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]]: (D) Ages 17 and up<br>

[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+ (Europe only)<br>

[[Wikipedia:British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]]: 15 (UK only)<br>

[[Wikipedia:Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle|USK]]: 18 (Germany only)<br>

[[Wikipedia:Australian Classification Board|ACB]]: Mature (M) for Moderate Science Fiction Violence

{{Quote|Finish the fight.|''Halo 3'' tagline.}}

'''''Halo 3''''' is a [[first-person shooter]] video game developed by [[Bungie|Bungie Studios]] and published by [[Microsoft]]. It is a sequel to ''[[Halo 2]]'' and concludes the original ''Halo'' trilogy. ''Halo 3'' was released on [[2007 (real world)|September 25, 2007]] in Australia, Brazil, India, New Zealand, North America, and Singapore; September 26, 2007 in Europe; and September 27, 2007 in Japan all exclusively for the [[Xbox 360]].

The game is rated "M" for Mature for blood, gore, violence, and mild language by the [[wikipedia:Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]. Europe's PEGI rating system gave the game a "16+" rating, and it is rated "15" by the BBFC for the UK release. The OFLC rated it "M" for the Australia and New Zealand release, although the New Zealand Classification Office later changed the rating to "R16" on December 1, 2017. Japan's [[wikipedia:Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]] rating system gave this game a "D" rating.

 

 

== Synopsis ==

=== Characters and setting ===

''Halo 3'' spans over three different settings, starting with the [[East African Protectorate]] on [[Earth]], then to the [[Forerunner]]s' [[Installation 00|Ark installation]], and finally on Halo [[Installation 08]]. The game continues the [[John-117|Master Chief]]'s efforts in stopping the Covenant from activating the [[Halo Array|Halo rings]]. The [[Covenant]] has become embroiled in a [[Great Schism|civil war]], with the [[Sangheili|Elites]] [[Fleet of Retribution|allied]] with humanity against the main body of the hegemony, now led solely by the [[Prophet of Truth]]. Meanwhile, the [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] have taken the [[Elites]]' place as field commanders in the [[Covenant military]].

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The duo escapes from the Citadel via an access tunnel near the elevator they used earlier. John-117 then experiences a hallucination of Cortana and follows the figure to a control panel. He then activates the panel, finally learning Cortana's plan: the Ark is manufacturing a [[Installation 08|replacement Halo]] after the destruction of the previous one. Knowing that the threat of the Flood is undeniably apocalyptic, and that the new ring is unconnected to the rest of the Array, John-117 decides he will activate the new Halo. Needing an Index in order to fire the ring, SPARTAN-117 journeys into the crashed High Charity to retrieve Cortana, keeping his [[High Charity (level)|promise]] and knowing that she still has the Index she acquired from the original [[Installation 04]]. Once retrieved, Cortana instructs the Spartan to overload ''High Charity''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s engines in order to destroy the Gravemind. Thel 'Vadam arrives via Banshee to assist the Spartan in fighting the Flood. The two escape from ''High Charity'' before it explodes using a damaged but still flyable Pelican.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The campaign in ''Halo 3'' consists of ten levels which tell the story of the final days of [[human]]ity and the [[Fleet of Retribution|Sangheili's]] conflict with the Prophet of Truth's Covenant forces.

#[[Crow's Nest]] - ''"Clear the base, whatever it takes."''

#[[Tsavo Highway]] - ''"Mount up. Get to [[Voi]]."''

#[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]] - ''"Search the waste for the [[Cartographer]]."''

#[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]] - ''"Breach the barrier. Stop [[Prophet of Truth|Truth]]."''

#[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]] - ''"Light [[Installation 08|the ring]]. Destroy the Flood."''

=== Multiplayer ===

A total of 24 multiplayer maps are available in ''Halo 3''. As of [[2021 (real world)|2021]], three additional maps were added to ''Halo 3'' in ''The Master Chief Collection'' from the cancelled ''[[Halo Online]]'' - bringing the total map count for this version of ''Halo 3'' up to 27.

*[[Construct]]

*[[Guardian (map)|Guardian]]

*[[Valhalla]]

{{Main|Heroic Map Pack}}

<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the ''Halo 3'' page-->

*[[Foundry]]

*[[Rat's Nest]]

*[[Standoff]]

{{Main|Legendary Map Pack}}

<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the halo 3 page-->

*[[Avalanche]]

*[[Blackout]]

*[[Ghost Town]]

{{col-2}}

{{Main|Cold Storage}}

Cold Storage is downloadable through Xbox Live Marketplace for free and is the seventh downloadable map for ''Halo 3''. It was released on 07/07/08, Bungie Day, as a free gift to the entire ''Halo 3'' community around the world.

<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the halo 3 page-->

*[[Assembly]]

*[[Orbital]]

*[[Sandbox]]

*[[Citadel]]

*[[Heretic]]

*[[Longshore]]

====''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''-exclusive====

*[[Edge]]

*[[Icebox]]

*[[Waterfall]]

{{col-end}}

The service tag is how players can be identified quickly on the battlefield, instead of the long names and complex number combinations which are not suitable for battle situations that require quick tactical orders or communication. The service tag is comprised of a letter followed by two numbers. A few examples of service tags are K90, C27, A12, S86, D17, and D21.

Certain service tags are disallowed, and entering them will yield the error message "This Service Tag is currently in use by the UNSC." Generally, tags that identify ''Halo'' characters, trademarks, or offensive words are disallowed. Such tags include: "[[John-117|I17]]", "[[Wikipedia:Nintendo 64|N64]]", "[[Wikipedia:Playstation 2|P52]]", "[[Wiktionary:Ass|A55]]", "[[Wiktionary:Poo|P00]]", "[[Wikipedia:Jew|J00]]", "[[Wikipedia:Fag (slang)|F49]]", "A23", and "[[Wikipedia:Teat|T17]]". "O00" is blocked due to its usage in [[Temporary Profile]]s. Anything ending in 00 is blocked.

According to Bungie, as of March 14 the most used Service Tags by players of ''Halo 3'' are, in descending order, ''[[Wikipedia:James Bond|O07]]'', ''[[wikipedia:M16 rifle|M16]]'' , ''I69'', ''P26'', ''[[Sadie's Story|S80]]'', ''N99'', ''[[Wikipedia:F/A-18 Hornet|F18]]'', ''[[Wikipedia:Water|H20]]'', ''I87'', and ''[[Wiktionary:Die|D13]]''.{{Citation needed}}

There are two player models which players can choose from, the standard [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN]] model or an [[Sangheili|Elite]] model. Each model has several armor permutations which can be combined. All armor permutations do not have any effects on gameplay.

An Emblem is a highly customizable image that appears on the right arm of a Spartan and the back of an Elite during multiplayer matches, they are there to give a player an identity for themselves. ''Halo 3'' introduces several new emblems for the player to use along with new backgrounds to further customize that emblem.  

==== Colors ====

==Appearances==

===Original ''Halo 3''===

''For subjects that appear in the terminals, see [[Terminal (Halo 3)#Appearances|here]].''

'''[[Human]]'''

*[[John-117]]

*[[Avery Johnson]]

*[[Miranda Keyes]]

*[[Terrence Hood]]

*[[Hocus]] {{1st}}

*[[Reynolds]] {{1st}}

*[[Marcus Stacker]]

*[[Chips Dubbo]]

'''[[Sangheili]]'''

*[[Thel 'Vadam]]

*[[Rtas 'Vadum]]

*[[N'tho 'Sraom]] {{1st}}

*[[Usze 'Taham]] {{1st}}

'''[[San'Shyuum]]'''

*[[Prophet of Truth]]

'''[[Jiralhanae]]'''

*[[Cethegus]] {{1st}}

*[[Tartarus]] {{Mo}}

'''[[Unggoy]]'''

*[[Flipyap]] {{Fm}}

'''[[Flood]]'''

*[[Gravemind]]

'''[[Artificial intelligence]]'''

*[[Cortana]]

*[[343 Guilty Spark]]

**[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]]

**[[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War Chieftain]]

**[[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor]]

**[[Kig-Yar Minor|Minor]]

**[[Mgalekgolo]]

**[[Yanme'e Minor|Minor]]

*[[Flood]]

**[[Pod infector]]

**[[Flood combat form]]

**[[Flood carrier form]]

**[[Flood pure form]] {{1st}}

***[[Flood stalker form]] {{1st}}

***[[Flood ranged form]] {{1st}}

***[[Flood tank form]] {{1st}}

**[[Smart AI]]

***[[Guardian Sentinel]] {{1st}} {{C|Hologram only}}

**[[Forerunner Fleet Command]] {{Fm}}

*[[UEG]]

**[[UNSC]]

***[[UNSC Marine Corps]]

****[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s

****[[Seventh Fleet]] {{1st}}

*****[[SPARTAN-II program]]

****[[ONI Recon 111]] {{1st}}

|title-4=Locations|

**[[Sanctum of the Hierarchs]]

**[[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]]

*****[[Crow's Nest (location)|Crow's Nest]] {{1st}}

*****[[New Mombasa]] {{Mo}}

***[[Sector 331]] {{Fm}}

|title-5=Events|

**[[Battle of Installation 05]] {{Mo}}

**[[Battle for Earth]]

**[[Battle of Installation 00]] {{1st}}

***[[Battle of the Citadel]]

*[[Great Schism]]

*[[Raid on High Charity]] {{1st}}

*[[Raid on Installation 08]] {{1st}}

*[[Voi Memorial]] {{1st}}

|title-6=Weapons|

====UNSC====

*[[LAU-65D/SGM-151 missile pod]] {{1st}}

*[[M247T machine gun]]

*[[M6C/SOCOM]] {{MCCo}}

*[[MA5C assault rifle]]

*[[Anvil-II air-to-surface missile]]

*[[M370 autocannon]]

*[[Machine-linked autocannon#M9109 ASW/AC 50mm|M9109 ASW/AC 50mm]]

*[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]

*[[Point-defense gun]]

**[[M870 Rampart point defense gun]]

*[[Surface-to-air missile launcher]] {{1st}}

*[[Improvised UNSC bomb]] {{1st}} {{C|Story-specific use only}}

*[[Class-2 directed energy cannon]]

*[[Fuel rod cannon]]

*[[Class-1 directed energy cannon#Light plasma cannon (Prowler)|Light plasma cannon]]

*[[Energy sword]]

**[[Type-1 energy sword]]

*[[Orgudam Workshop firebomb]] {{1st}}

*[[Spike cannon]]

*[[Plasma mortar#Type-26 35cm Directed-Energy Mortar|Type-26 Directed-Energy Mortar]]

*[[Shade]]

**[[Type-33 needler]]

*[[Fuel rod gun]]

*[[Carbine]]

*[[Plasma cannon]]

*{{Pattern|Shuku|sentry turret}} {{1st}}

*[[Energy projector]]

*[[Focus cannon]]

*[[Heavy plasma cannon]]

*[[Plasma cannon (starship)|Plasma cannon]]

*[[Pulse laser turret]]

*{{Pattern|Skar'wa|Mantis}} {{1st}}

====Forerunner====

==== UNSC ====

*[[AV-14 Hornet]]

*[[M12 Warthog]]

**[[M12 Chaingun Warthog]]

**[[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]]

**[[M831 Troop Transport]]

**[[M12 Warthog#Other models|M864 Arctic]] {{1st}}

*[[M274 Mongoose]]

*[[M313 Elephant]] {{1st}}

**E-2073 46833-S {{1st}}

*[[M808C Scorpion]]

==== Covenant ====

*[[Chopper]]

**[[Barukaza Workshop Chopper]] {{1st}}

*[[Banshee]]

**{{Pattern|Irdnekt|Banshee}} {{1st}}

*[[Ghost]]

**{{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}

*[[Wraith]]

**{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}

*[[Qavardu Workshop Prowler]] {{1st}}

*{{Pattern|Kerel|assault carrier}}

**''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' {{1st}}

**''[[Indulgence of Conviction]]'' {{1st}}

**{{Pattern|Udka|Assault Carapace}}

*[[High Charity]]

*[[Seraph]]

**{{Pattern|Kai|seraph}}

*[[Scarab]]

*[[Wraith]]

**{{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith}} {{1st}}

*[[Phantom]]

====Forerunner====

*[[Keyship]]

**[[Forerunner Dreadnought]]

|title-8=Technology and equipment|

*[[Power drain|Power Drain]] {{1st}}

*[[TR/9 Antipersonnel Mine|Trip Mine]] {{1st}}

;[[Power-up]]s

*[[Active Camouflage]]

*[[Custom Powerup]] {{1st}}

*[[Overshield]]

***[[ROGUE-class Mjolnir|Rogue]] {{1st}}

***[[CQB-class Mjolnir|CQB]] {{1st}}

***[[EOD-class Mjolnir|EOD]] {{1st}}

***[[SECURITY-class Mjolnir|Security]] {{1st}}

*[[Unggoy combat harness]]

*[[Identification friend or foe]]

**[[UNSC Navy Service Uniform]]

|title-9=Miscellaneous|

*[[49-6-39]] {{Fm}}

*[[Equipment Control Key Code]] {{Fm}}

*[[Remote Network Control]] {{Fm}}

*[[Sangheili (language)]]

*[[Standard Issue Personel - Mobile Field Bunk]] {{1st}}

*[[UNSC site operation security initiatives]] {{Fm}}

===''Halo: The Master Chief Collection only''===

{{Main|Halo: The Master Chief Collection}}

Following the release of ''Halo 3'' onto the PC version of ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'', more story elements have appeared, a number of which are carried over from ''[[Halo Online]]''.

{{/Appearances/MCC}}

== Development ==

=== Design ===

{{Expand-section}}

=== Engine ===

{{Main|Halo 3 Engine}}

The unnamed '''''Halo 3'' Engine'''<ref name="igntrailer">[http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/706/706251p1.html '''E3 2006''': ''Halo 3 Trailer Impressions'']</ref> is the game engine developed for and implemented in ''Halo 3'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''. Its unique features include advanced graphics technologies such as [[wikipedia:High Dynamic Range|high dynamic range]], global lighting, and [[wikipedia:Depth of field|depth of field]] effects within cutscenes.<ref>[http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158071 '''1 Up''': ''Bungie Says Halo 3 Graphics are Coming Together'']</ref>

=== Audio ===

''Halo 3'' utilises Waves audio plugin which allows audio to be processed in real time as the game engine generates the audio calls.<ref name="waves">[https://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=12878 '''Bungie.net''': ''Waves Audio Plug-ins in Halo 3'']</ref>

== Matchmaking ==

Matchmaking is where people can play with and against each other through a specially designed search system and multiple playlists. In matchmaking, [[Experience Points|EXP]] and [[Skill (Halo 3)|Skill]] can be earned to raise ranks. Also, on some maps like "Guardian" and "Narrows", various equipment such as the [[Flare]] and [[Radar jammer|Radar Jammer]] have been removed due to balance changes.

=== Playlists ===

=== Veto ===

The Veto system is a new addition to ''Halo 3''. In a game, after the map and game type loads for each player, a 10 seconds countdown starts. If the majority of players in the match decide to veto, by pressing the (X) button, before the countdown ends, a different map and gametype from the playlist will be selected to be played on.  

=== Ranks ===

{{Main|1=Rank (Halo 3)|l1=Rank}}

The ranking system is based on real military ranks. To progress in rank, players must earn the required amount of EXP. For [[Commissioned officer|Officer]] ranks, players must also reach a certain skill level in a ranked playlist. If a player earns a certain amount of experience, but does not reach the required skill level to reach the next officer rank, they will instead be promoted to a higher grade of their current rank (For example, A [[Major]] who earns 200 [[Experience Points|EXP]] but does not have a skill level of 35 will be promoted to Major, Grade 2 upon earning 300 EXP).

== Modes ==

=== Custom games ===

{{Main|Custom game}}

==== Standard gametypes ====

==== Custom gametypes ====

=== Forge ===

Forge is an "object editor" that can be used to edit multiplayer maps. It does not allow as much freedom to edit/make maps as a PC map editor, such as the ''[[Halo Custom Edition|Halo: Custom Edition]]'' and ''[[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|''Halo 2'' for Windows Vista]]'' editing kits. Players can, however, edit objects, spawn points, weapons, teleporters and properties of objects on the map, etc. While in a forge map, players may start editing maps by press up on the D pad; when a player goes into edit mode they take on the appearance of a Forerunner Monitor similar to 343 Guilty Spark. The player now obtains the ability to spawn weapons, vehicles and objects in-game, as well as move and adjust them. New DLC maps like Sandbox and Foundry will allow a player to make their own map using the amount of objects included in the map. While the forge may not allow as much freedom as other map editors, it makes it easier for a player to make a map with "simple" objects.

=== Theater ===

==== Films ====

Saved Films allow a player to view any game, campaign or multiplayer, from any angle. It uses game data to re-create the games, which makes file sizes very small (5 MB for a 15-minute multiplayer match). In the film, players can either watch themselves play through an entire mission or match, or use a bird's eye view to see the bigger scope of how the match or mission plays. Players can go anywhere they want, within the limitations of invisible barriers, so that players cannot fly as high as possible or go very far from their character. In multiplayer matches, players can fast forward or rewind the film so that players can relive the parts you missed. Campaign films cannot be rewound for technical reasons. Only the previous 25 games will be saved under the recent films category on the Xbox 360 console. Older films will be deleted.

==== Clips ====

==== Screenshots ====

== Soundtrack ==

The ''Halo 3: Original Soundtrack'' was composed by [[Martin O'Donnell]] with the help of [[Michael Salvatori]] and was released on November 20, 2007. It is a two-disc set featuring all the music heard in-game, in order of appearance.

== Marketing promotions ==

=== Viral Campaigns ===

==== Beta and Epsilon ====

==== Iris ====

==== Believe ====

Believe was the marketing slogan and campaign for ''Halo 3'' developed by both Bungie Studios and Microsoft. The word "Believe" appears to be honoring the legacy of SPARTAN-117, citing him as a hero of humanity whose brave actions inspired other servicemen of the United Nations Space Command during the final days of the Human-Covenant War. It has been noted that the Believe trailers took place about 50 years after ''Halo 3''{{'}}s storyline.

=== Trailers ===

==== Announcement trailer ====

''Halo 3'' was officially announced via a cinematic trailer rendered in real-time, on May 9, 2006 during the Microsoft press conference. The reveal utilized real-game assets, fiction and locations. The trailer shows John-117 walking through wreckage of the [[New Mombasa]] space elevator with Cortana appearing at several intervals. He then stops at the edge of a cliff where the Covenant forces are hovering over a [[Forerunner]] [[Portal at Voi|structure]].  The trailer ends with the structure opening and firing a beam of light.

==== Starry Night ====

The Starry Night trailer was released on December 4, 2006 during Monday Night Football on ESPN. It shows two children staring at the stars talking about whether there is life out there in the universe, before switching to a dazed [[John-117|Master Chief]] recovering from some form of blast. Once back on his feet, he picks up his helmet and then uses a [[Bubble Shield]] to defend himself from an incoming [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith]]'s plasma mortar. He then quickly charges forward, eventually jumping over a cliff into a swarm of [[Covenant Empire|Covenant Loyalists]]. It is speculated, yet left to interpretation, that the two children are [[John-117]] and [[Kelly-087]] when they were young.

==== ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute? ====

The Et Tu Brute ViDoc was released before the end of 2006 and was a behind-the-scenes look at the development of ''Halo 3'', specifically focusing on the Brutes in ''Halo 3''. This 7:03 min clip interviews various Bungie employees about the Brutes, their development and flaws in ''Halo 2'', and how they were expanded upon in ''Halo 3''.

==== ViDoc: Is Quisnam Protero Damno! ====

==== ViDoc: Cinema Paradiso ====

==== E3 2007 Trailer ====

Revealed at the end of Microsoft's E3 press conference on July 11 this trailer was the final trailer to show off the actual game itself and unlike the previous trailers, the ''Halo 3'' E3 2007 trailer focused on showing various gameplay and cinematic clips. While the trailer did little to further knowledge about the ''Halo 3'' plot, it confirmed many speculations about the game, the least of which was that the Arbiter and the [[John-117|Master Chief]] will fight alongside one another in the game.  

==== Halo: Landfall ====

=== Merchandise and Promotions ===

{{Halo 3 editions}}

The launch of ''Halo 3'' also coincided with the release of various games, action figures, collectibles and marketing promotions. This included a Halo 3 Spartan Edition Controller and [[Halo 3 Covenant Edition Controller]] that features ''Halo 3'' themed artwork from renowned artist Todd McFarlane. The controllers included a Master Chief figurine. While previous ''Halo'' action figure series were produced by [[Joyride Studios]] the studios closure in 2007 allowed Todd McFarlane's [[McFarlane Toys]] to release ''Halo 3'' Action Figures. On September 18, 2007 Wizkids released the [[Halo ActionClix]] collection. The tabletop game features miniature characters and vehicles from the ''Halo'' universe. Microsoft also collaborated with Pepsi-Cola to release the first promotional soft drink for a video game. [[Mountain Dew Game Fuel]] was a soda which was released on August 13, 2007 and was available for 12 weeks to promote the launch of ''Halo 3''. 7-Eleven sold a Slurpee version of the drink along with several collectible cups. On September 16, 2007 Microsoft released a ''Halo 3'' edition of the Xbox 360. The console includes various ''Halo 3'' themed items including a ''Halo 3'' headset, and special exclusive gamer pics and themes only available to those who purchase the console.  As part of the ''Halo 3'' marketing assault Microsoft also released a Halo Trilogy-themed [[Halo 3 Zune|Zune media player]]. It features Halo content in many media formats including exclusive artwork from the trilogy and a special [[Red vs Blue]] PSA. Master Replicas also released ornament [[Halo 3 Scale Replica Weapons|Halo 3 scale replica weapons]]. [[Wikipedia:Burger King|Burger King]] also announced a ''Halo 3'' Promotion from a Microsoft press release on August 9, 2007, the promotion which started September 24  including limited edition FRYPODS and 42 oz drink cups featuring Halo designs and characters on food wrappings. Pontiac produced a special [[wikipedia:Pontiac G6|Pontiac G6]] GXP Street Edition, outfitted with a ''Halo 3'' styled paint job. It was part of a sweepstakes hosted by [[wikipedia:Best Buy|Best Buy]], called the ''Best Buy Play & Win Sweepstakes''.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12761 '''Bungie.net''': ''Best Buy’s Golden Gift to Halo Players'']</ref>

 

== Release and reception ==

{{Halo 3 reviews}}

''Halo 3'' was called the most sought-after video game of 2007,<ref>[http://www.vita.mn/story.php?id=12329421 '''Vita.mn''': Video games: ''Halo effect'']</ref><ref>[http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/14463/Master-Chief-Immortalized-in-Wax-at-Madame-Tussauds/ '''Team Xbox by IGN''': ''Master Chief Immortalized in Wax at Madame Tussauds'']</ref> and one of the most hyped video games of all time.<ref name="pittsburgh">[http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_529167.html '''Pittsburgh Tribune-Review''': ''Halo 3 gamers brave midnight openings'']</ref><ref>[http://www.totallygn.com/2009/06/12/halo-3/ '''Totally IGN''': ''Halo 3'']</ref><ref>[http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/halo_s_new_heights_keep_gamers_up_at_night_06-18-2008_09_52_07.html '''Beaumont Enterprise''': ''Halo's new heights keep gamers up at night'']</ref>

Prior to its launch, ''Halo 3'' was expected to be one of the biggest entertainment events of the year,<ref>[http://www.daytondailynews.com/e/content/oh/story/entertainment/2007/09/24/ddn092507lifehalo.html '''Dayton Daily News''': '''Halo 3' drops the hammer'']</ref> and among the biggest entertainment releases of all time.<ref>[http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/may07/05-15Halo3LaunchPR.mspx '''Microsoft News Center''': ''“Halo 3” to Make Entertainment History on Sept. 25'']</ref><ref>[http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=130125&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1055079&highlight= '''GameStop''': ''Hollywood and GameStop Roll out the Red Carpet for Halo 3 Launch'']</ref><ref>[http://www.ioltechnology.co.za/article_page.php?iSectionId=2887&iArticleId=4061398 '''IOL Techonology''': ''Halo 3 vying with movie blockbusters'']</ref><ref>[http://www.dailystar.co.uk/posts/view/16187/Halo-3/ '''Daily Star''': ''Simply The Best 7 Days A Week: Game On: Halo 3'']</ref> Additionally, ''Halo 3'' was expected to stir the sales of the Xbox 360 console<ref>[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-9783413-17.html '''CNET News''': ''Why 'Halo 3' will decide the Xbox 360's fate'']</ref><ref>[http://www.ioltechnology.co.za/article_page.php?iSectionId=2887&iArticleId=5020969 '''IOL Technology''': ''Microsoft's 'Halo 3' launches amid spectacle'']</ref> - being a "killer application".<ref>[http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/life/stories/2007/09/25/1_HALO25_--_home_entertainme.AR0_ART_09-25-07_D3_C580JGG.html '''The Columbus Dispatch''': ''All hail Halo 3'']</ref><ref>[http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20070925-9999-1n25halo.html '''SignOnSanDiego''': ''Microsoft pins Xbox 360 hopes on 'Halo 3' sales'']</ref> The craziness of the ''Halo 3'' launch was compared to the madness of the iPhone, Harry Potter books and Star Wars movies releases.{{Ref/Reuse|pittsburgh}}

As with its predecessors, ''Halo 3'' was considered a very successful, record-breaking game. With 1.7 million preorders in the U.S, few expected it not to break any records. 24 hours after release, however ''Halo 3'' had generated a record-breaking $170 million in the U.S, beating the $155 million that Microsoft was expecting. Although Microsoft never released a 24-hour sales figure, it is estimated to have sold in the region of 2.4 - 2.5 million copies within 24 hours of availability in the U.S. - approximately 1.8 million units after 8 hours - with that number increasing to 3.3 million units, 12 days after release. Within 24 hours, over 1.1 million gamers had played ''Halo 3'' on Xbox Live. One week after release, over 2.7 million players - nearly one-third of the total Xbox LIVE members at that time - had played it on Xbox Live. As of November 17, 2008, ''Halo 3'' had reportedly sold 8.8 million copies worldwide.

== ''Halo 3: ODST'' ==

== Trivia ==

*At precisely 6:36pm PST on the 28th of February 2009, in a three-minute and nineteen second game of Infection on Foundry, four players participated in ''Halo 3'''s one billionth match.<ref name="billionth">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=CGHV33KGD2R9D3W9V4QY7MF9Q '''Bungie.net''': ''One BILLION Served'']</ref> In comparison, ''[[Halo 2]]'' has to date only had 800 million games played.

*The original ''Halo 3'' before the Auto-Update 2 patch contained 49 [[Achievement]]s, which is a seven reference [[Seven|7]]x7=49, and these together are worth 1000 [[Gamerscore]].

*''Halo 3'' multi-player was shown at the Penny Arcade Expo as the final round of the Omegathon and showed the level [[Guardian (map)|Guardian]] before its release date.

*''Halo 3'' has been referenced in [[List of outside references to the Halo series|various examples of outside media]]. Footage of ''Halo 3'' can be seen in an episode of [[wikipedia:Sarah Connor Chronicles|The Sarah Connor Chronicles]] and [[wikipedia:Glee (TV series)|Glee]] as well as in the feature film [[Wikipedia: Jumper (film)|Jumper]], [[Wikipedia:Bride Wars|Bride Wars]], [[Wikipedia:Knight Rider (2008 film)|Knight Rider]], and [[Wikipedia:|CSI: Miami]], although in Jumper and CSI, an original Xbox controller is used. Also, ''Halo 3'' game play is featured in music videos for the songs <nowiki>'</nowiki>''[[Wikipedia:Beggin'#Other cover versions|Beggin]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki> by [[Wikipedia:Madcon|Madcon]] and <nowiki>'</nowiki>''[[Wikipedia:Riverside (song)|Riverside]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki> by [[Wikipedia:Sidney Samson|Sidney Samson]]. In addition, in the movie [[Wikipedia: Eagle Eye|Eagle Eye]], the two main characters venture into a Circuit City, where they receive shocking news. In the background before they enter a room, one can see a ''Halo 3'' promotional poster behind them. This poster can also be seen in the background in ''[[Wikipedia:The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008 film)|The Day the Earth Stood Still]]''.

*As of 1 March 2009, the total amount of online [[Matchmaking]] time accounted to 2,023,153,340,764 seconds, equal to 64,109 years of playtime.{{Ref/Reuse|billionth}}

*Players who played this game with their current LIVE account will unlock the ''Halo 3'' [[Nameplates|Visual Flair]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.

 

 

 

 

File:Val ext3.jpg|The map Valhalla.

<gallery>

File:Halo3 manual 1.jpg|Proposed cover art for the ''Halo 3'' manual featuring John-117 in a group of Marines.

File:Halo3 manual 2.jpg|Proposed cover art for the ''Halo 3'' manual featuring John-117 standing in front of a Pelican.

File:Halo3 manual 3.jpg|Proposed cover art for the ''Halo 3'' manual featuring John-117 and Cortana.

File:Halo3 manual 4.jpg|Proposed cover art for the ''Halo 3'' manual featuring John-117 and the Arbiter fighting together.

</gallery>

File:H3 Promotional Chief image.jpg|Image of [[John-117]] used in several Halo 3 promotional works.

File:H3 EGMCover.jpg|Artwork of three [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-II]]s featured on the cover of [[Wikipedia:Electronic Gaming Monthly|Electronic Gaming Monthly]].

File:H3 EGMCoverAlt.jpg|A recolored version of the previous artwork.

File:H3 Concept OXMCover.jpg|Concept of a ''Halo 3''-themed cover for the ''[[Wikipedia:Official Xbox Magazine|Official Xbox Magazine]]''.

==Notes ==

{{Ref/Notes}}

== Sources ==

==See also==

*[[Halo 3 credits|Halo 3 Credits]]

*[[Halo 3: The Official Strategy Guide]]

[[Category:Canon]]

[[Category:Bungie games]]