Juicy Halo 3 info discovered in GamePro mag

In the latest issue of GamePro (that's July 2007), more details about content coming into Bungie's Halo 3 was revealed inside the magazine. And what's more, they all come complete with pictures. Thanks to a friend of Go32111 over at the GameFAQ Forums, the world will be able to take a bite out of magazine Issue 226.

Unfortunately, the digital captures are pixelated and probably barely a megapixel in resolution at best, since the images were captured on an iffy web camera. Although the first reaction upon glaring on these images is a resounding "WOW!" we just wish that we had better images to give you (or the magazine issue to boot!).

Now what's interesting is that a few of the content revealed here was rumored some time ago over the official Halo modding forums. There's the speculated Radar Jammer and the rumored Chopper. Notably absent, however, is the presence of a Halo 3 version of the flamethrower.

Lo and behold the spoilers that await right past this paragraph. All content revealed below from here onwards are quoted straight from Go32111, who claims everything was quoted straight from the magazine itself. Images courtesy of Go32111 and his friend.

Weapons

• Magnum - The Magnum is much improved since Halo 2, dishing out slower, more punishing shots. But it's still not back to Halo 1 strength, as the clip currently carries just eight rounds and you can't zoom in. Still a nice, precise choice for dual-wield combos.
• Energy Sword - The infamous Sword gets two tweaks aimed at balancing its overwhelming power. One change is a brief weapon-switch delay. The second adjustment is more controversial: the Energy Sword now has an ammo meter that depletes with each attack, which keeps players from hoarding it indefinitely.

Vehicles

• Wraith - The lumbering Covenant Wraith returns with a new player-operated secondary turret. It's helpful for driving off boarding attempts.
• Brute Chopper - This ugly, jagged Brute Chopper looks like something Firefly's Reavers might drive into battle. Its twin cannons and heavy, blade-like chassis can pulverize lesser vehicles in a nanosecond.

Equipment

• Radar Jammer - Hurl this item into a fight and watch as chaos and confusion engulf friend and foe alike. The jammer scrambles the radar of all nearby players and triggers disco-like light flashes to further disorient your prey.

Maps

• Shrine - A UNSC battle cruiser looms menacingly over Shrine's sprawling sand dunes. Shrine is the largest map ever to appear in a Halo game, so Bungie put a key emphasis on vehicle-on-vehicle combat. Shrine has few ties to older Halo 2 maps, but its massive size recalls Relic.

• Epitaph - Epitaph is an arcane Forerunner cathedral-like structure that towers above the surrounding wasteland. The central killing floor is crisscrossed with elevated walkways, exterior hallways, and lifts. It's a spiritual successor to Halo 2 maps like Colossus, Gemini, and Midship.
• Last Resort - Zanzibar, one of Halo 2's most beloved maps, has been rebuilt and rechristened Last Resort for Halo 3. This industrial site is almost twice as big, with a less cluttered internal layout and more paths into the flag room.

• Secret Map - Bungie sneakily sent us two mysterious concept paintings labeled only as "Work in Progress Map." We see the icy motif and pray for a new Lockout, but only Bungie knows the truth.

Customization

• Create a Spartan - Tired of staring at Master Chief's ugly mug? Halo 3's online mode offers new armor permutations that allow players to customize their personas from head to toe. Will the Covenant Elite player models be eligible for similar upgrades? Only Bungie knows.

from X360 QJ.NET