The Art of Halo 3

The Art of Halo 3
Publication information
Publisher:	Prima Games
Publication date:	November 25, 2008
Media type:	Print (Hardcover)
Pages:	168 pages
ISBN:	0761560726, 978-0761560722

The Art of Halo 3 is a collection of concept art used for the production of Halo 3. It also includes a collection of commentary by numerous Bungie staff, and is written by Fernando Bueno. The book also includes a foreword by Marcus R. Lehto.

Content review

Like the previous art book, The Art of Halo 3 focuses on the artistic development aspects of Halo 3. The Art of Halo 3 provides an inside look behind ideas that changed over time. Ideas are shown as they evolved, from a series of sketches to storyboards, to their eventual final look. The book includes a wide variety of art seen during the Halo 3 marketing campaign, along with an inside look at vehicles, characters, environments concepts and items cut from the final game. For example:

• The very first piece of art shown is a colored sketch of a redux MJOLNIR Mark V. However, comparing certain elements from the sketch to the final cover art of Halo: The Cole Protocol, it can be assumed that, for the most part, the sketch seen at the beginning is the general look of the MJOLNIR Mark IV.
• The book reveals how a Halo is built and terraformed.
• The ordnance for each UNSC weapon is shown.
• It is stated, likely inaccurately, that the D77-TC Pelican troop bay is large enough to fit a modern day Abrams M1A1 Tank in it.
• Several other Flood Pure Forms were designed, including a Stealth form, and a concept of a Flood transport vehicle/creature was also created.
• The Guardian Sentinels are revealed and have a strong resemblance to the Compilers from Marathon.
• The Strato-Sentinel is revealed and explained.
• A seaborne UNSC Navy is revealed as well, including a concept of a 26th century aircraft carrier.
• Along with the cover art for Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, a full sketch of the SPI Armor is included.
• The book reveals seven armor permutations that didn't make it past the conceptual art stage. This includes a desert camo version, what appears to be an Orbital Drop version, and a variation of the Scout, Rogue, and Hayabusa armors.
• The book also includes a collection of environment concepts for the campaign and multiplayer levels of Halo 3.

Trivia

In late 2008 or early 2009, The Art of Halo 3 unknowingly went out of print making it an extremely rare collector's item. Online stores have an average low price of just over $200 with prices known to go well over $1000, however prices have reduced considerably in recent years.

Gallery

• Voi crater concept.jpg

  Cover art in high resolution.

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  Front and back covers.