Tech Blog

[#1]

Tuesday can't come soon enough for millions of gamers around the world anxiously awaiting the release of Bungie's next big project, Halo: Reach.

The Microsoft Game Studios published game is expected to draw huge lines of gamers at Future Shop stores coast-to-coast as the retailer has already announced on their homepage that stores (excluding those in Quebec and Sudbury, ON) will be open at 11:59pm on Monday, September 13 for midnight madness events.  In addition, Toronto and Vancouver will each receive special launch events complete with awesome Halo: Reach prize pack give-aways and free gifts to the first 100 customers in line.  The Xbox Halo team will also be on-site, and they'll even let you play Reach before it launches.   These special launch parties will be happening at the Eglinton and Laird location in Toronto and the Landsdowne store in Richmond, BC.  All the info you need for the midnight openings and launch parties can be found on Future Shop's Halo: Reach page .

Okay so we know about the launch details, but what's going to be on sale?  Let me give you the run-down:

Halo: Reach (Regular Edition)

No description is really needed for this one.  It's a copy of Halo: Reach, arguably the most anticipated game of the entire year.

Halo: Reach (XBOX 360) - English
Halo: Reach (XBOX 360) - French
Price: $59.99

Halo: Reach (Limited Edition)

The Limited Edition is perfect for Halo fans who want some collectors items and don't want to deplete their bank account with the impressive Legendary Edition (described below).  It's essentially the recovered ONI "Black Box" that comes in the Legendary Edition, which includes the game disc, an exclusive set of Elite armour for use in multiplayer modes and an artefact bag containing Dr. Halsey's personal journal and other classified documents that unravels some long held mysteries of the Halo universe.

Halo Reach Limited Edition (XBOX 360)
Halo: Reach Limited Edition (XBOX 360) - French
$79.99

Halo: Reach (Legendary Edition)

Now this edition is certain for those people who want it all.  It contains the complete contents of the Limited Edition plus a whole bunch of sweet extras straight from the loving hands of Bungie.  The extra goodies include a 10 inch tall, 10 pound statue crafted by the talented team at McFarlane Toys and featuring all members of the Noble Team, the stars of Reach. There's also an exclusive flaming Spartan helmet for multiplayer, all contained in a cool looking UNSC-themed box.  Sure it's pricey, but geez that statue looks amazing.

Halo Reach Legendary Edition (XBOX 360)
Halo Reach Legendary (XBOX 360) - French
$149.99

As if that's not enough, Microsoft is also preparing some merchandise to coincide with the launch, including a limited edition 250GB Xbox 360 Reach bundle, a Reach Wireless Controller, and a Reach Headset.  The limited edition Xbox 360 Reach bundle features a silver design and comes with two of the Reach Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers, a copy of the game, a token for the Elite armour set for multiplayer, an episode of Halo Legends and the Reach Headset.  Looks to be a fantastic gift for Halo fans who are looking for a custom themed Xbox 360.  Here's all the links to the retail pages:

XBOX 360 250GB Halo Reach Console Bundle
$399.99

Microsoft Halo Reach Wireless Controller (XBOX 360)
$69.99

Microsoft Halo Reach Headset (XBOX 360)
$59.99

So...anyone planning on lining up at midnight?  I'll be at the Toronto launch event with bells and whistles on!

[#2]

I went for the Legendary edition.  Being a figure collector (I have all the Neca Gears of War figures), this was something I just had to leap at.  The quality of the statue, if sold on its own, would probably cost about the price difference between the Limited and Legendary editions, if not more.  I cannot wait to pick it up!

JB

[#3]

Would love to get your thoughts on the Legendary Edition after you unbox it JB!  I'm sticking with the regular edition but I was tempted this time to upgrade to a souped up version.

[#4]

Certainly!  If my wife doesn't run out and get it at midnight, then I'll be picking up my copy tomorrow morning after I get home from work.  I'm really looking forward to seeing it!

JB

[#5]

Just got home from work and just opened my Legendary edition.  It's as fantastic as I imagined it to be.  The articulation and detail on the statue is incredible!  And it's HUGE!  The box that the edition came in is almost the same size as the box a 360 console comes in.  There was a lot of work put into this edition, and I am VERY glad I spent the extra cash on getting this!

JB