Hello folks, I apologize for my absence last week which in turn left Yoyo with not quite enough material for a full, three course update. Truth be told there were actually a few things I had to mention last week but at this point I've totally forgotten! Never you mind that though because this is the future and we've got plenty to talk about this update!
Promotions
Psychoduck is having his face plastered all over our front page; first, loyal from the Testers Guild and now his recent feature of Cargo Port. This man is a right, homegrown celebrity and to tell you the truth I don't even think we were the ones to grow him. You have plenty to congratulate this fine gentleman on.
Guilds
Moving on to everyone's favorite section we have news from the Testers Guild. Yes, as always the Testers Guild would love for me to let you know that their doors are always open and you are most certainly welcome to join their merry ranks. If that doesn't float your boat, but you happen to have a map near completion then drop on over and ask them to help you out. The Testers Guild is always ready to test your maps promptly and effectively. Check out the TG today!
Hubs
Review hubs to be specific. Everybody's second favorite section, back as always by popular demand, has some stuff to talk about. No, it's nothing new (other than this cycle's reviews), but the Review Hub wants you! Yes, if you feel like you've got what it takes to join their ranks and tear some maps up then head on over and enlist today. Want to do some background reading first? Well then check out their latest reviews below.
The Generators : 6.9 Oli The G
Summit: 7.7 - Organite
Equilibrium : 5.7/10 - MickRaider
The Venetian : 7.7/10 - PacMonster1
Fridays
I don't even need to tell you how much people love reading this one. However, this weeks reminder comes with a bit of extra "real" news. Never fear though, you won't find it in this section. I do still have to remind you all of our upcoming TGIF this Friday, as well as the sign ups for said TGIF this Tuesday. Furthermore, if you would like to host then it would be in your best interest to fill out the form below and send it off to What's a Scope and let him know your intentions. Trust me, it would most certainly be in your best interests to host.
[HOST'S PARTY NAME]
Host's Gamertag: [HOST'S GAMERTAG]
Start Time: [0:00pm EST]
End Time: [0:00pm EST]
Rules: [PARTY RULES]
Schedule:
[PARTY SCHEDULE]
Contests
Yes, sadly for those who did not finish in time our 2v2 Throwdown forge contest has come to a close. Alas, there is some good news. As the Throwdown forge was handled by Mr. Shad0w Viper and not moi, judging has actually been going along much, much more promptly. As we speak, maps are being rigorously tested and crushed; along with the hopes and dreams of many a forger. The good news you say? Well, the results should be posted soon, very soon. Shameless sponsor plug!
http://www.astrogaming.com/
Oh and one more thing: our friends at Astro Gaming are planning to make this whole tournament experience worth your while. So forge a map, enter the tournament and win sweet gear from Astro Gaming. Why don't you go drool over their audio systems?
The Real News
Remember a really, really long time ago when we announced the changes to the loyal system that there would be a third way to reach loyal in the near future? Well, welcome to the (not so) near future! I'm sure the keeners have already put 2 and 2 together and discovered that the new loyal rank does indeed have much to do with TGIF. In fact, we've taken your feedback to heart on this one. You said you wanted better recaps? Well, we are here to serve and so we have created the third loyal rank to meet all you TGIF/Recap needs! Welcome to (I think) Customs Lobby Loyal:
Customs Lobby Loyals must:
Host four consecutive TGIFs (that's back to back for a grand total of four TGIFs spanning eight weeks)
Party hard each TGIF for a minimum of two hours
Submit a recap of their TGIF, which consists of:
A two paragraph write up
A minimum of two pictures from their TGIF
At least three download links of the maps they've played
In order to retain their loyal they must continue to host TGIFs every two weeks.
For the full story on the new road to loyal make sure to check out What's A Scopes TGIF sign up thread this Tuesday.
Features
Well, Artisan actually. I'll cut to the chase here and give you the low down: it's now only required a member achieve two features, rather than the previous three. Why? Well, we just really like the color green. Sorry about the delay Grim, we'll get you in the promotions next week when you're actually the right color. Oh, happy belated birthday as well.
Maps
But not our maps. Or Bungie's for that matter. I'm certain you are all aware but this coming Tuesday drops a new set of maps to wet you appetites for fresh Halo: Reach content. A new 4v4 offering with a gorgeous backdrop, a BTB map that looks to be the new king and for those of who you have an affinity to Firefight; a map to replace the precious Lost Platoon. All in all if you aren't excited for the Defiant Map Pack, you should be. March 15th, 2011.
Misc
While it may have missed its mention last update, SecretSchnitzel and some others over at MLG have been putting together a competitive league of community map variants with custom settings. Truthfully, the best way to find out about it is to read all about it in the spoiler below.
The Community Forge League
The league is a competitive ladder based on friendly rivalries in which teams of four duke it out in a series of games on user submitted maps. Features a monthly rotation of 11 maps for play on specific game types, submitted by the community itself. Game play is based upon highly competitive setting that favor DMR play, includes increased speed and jump height and a broad selection of balanced weapons. The league is by forgers for forgers, however, is highly appealing to competitive gamers of all backgrounds. The staff prioritizes being easily approachable and strongly involved with its community.
YouTube - Community League Map Montage
The Settings
4v4 Settings
All Games Weapon
Primary Weapon DMR
Secondary Weapon None
Melee Modifier 75%
Starting Equipment Sprint
Player Speed 110%
Jump Height 110%
Player Gravity 150%
Motion Tracker Mode Off
Spartan Loadout 1, Name Marksman
Spartan Loadout 1, Primary Weapon DMR
Spartan Loadout 1, Equipment Sprint, 1 grenade
Spartan Loadout 2, Name Warden
Spartan Loadout 2, Primary Weapon Needle Rifle
Spartan Loadout 2, Equipment Sprint, 1 grenade
Spartan Loadout 3, Name Noble 3
Spartan Loadout 3, Primary Weapon Magnum
Spartan Loadout 3, Equipment Sprint, 2 grenades
Spartan Loadouts 4-5 Hidden
Suicide Penalty None
Betrayal Penalty None
Respawn Traits, Equipment Usage Disabled
Team Changing Not Allowed
CL Team Slayer v2.0
Score to Win 50
Teams Enabled
Time Limit 15 Minutes
CL CTF 5 v2.0
Score to Win 5
Flag Return Time Instant
Flag Reset Time 15 Seconds
Flag Carrier Cooldown Disabled
Time Limit 15 Minutes
Sudden Death 2 Minutes
Respawn Time 10 Seconds
Flag Carrier Traits, Damage Modifier 75%
CL CTF 3 v2.0
Flag Return Time 3 seconds
Flag Reset Time 15 Seconds
Flag at Home No
Flag Carrier Cooldown Disabled
Time Limit 15 Minutes
Sudden Death 2 Minutes
Respawn Time 10 Seconds
Flag Carrier Traits, Damage Modifier 75%
CL Assault 3 v2.0
Sides Neutral
Bomb Arm Time 3 Seconds
Bomb Fuse Time 15 Seconds
Bomb Disarm Time 5 Seconds
Reset on Disarm Disabled
Time Limit 15 Minutes
Sudden Death Disabled
Respawn Time 10 Seconds
Bomb Carrier Traits, Damage Modifier 75%
Cooldown Traits, Weapon Pickup Unchanged
Cooldown Traits, Movement Unchanged
CL Oddball v2.0
Score to Win 250
Time 10:00
Teams Enabled
Respawn Time 10 Seconds
Ball Carrier Traits, Damage Modifier 75%
CL Territories v2.0
Score to Win Unlimited
Style Symmetric
Number of Territories 3 Territories
Capture Time 5 Seconds
Number of Rounds 1
Time Limit 10 Minutes
Sudden Death Disabled
Respawn Time 10 Seconds
Tettitory Traits, Equipment Usage Unchanged
The Maps:
1. Veridian Slayer
2. Void Slayer
3. Noble Creek Slayer
4. Neogenesis Slayer
5. Derezzed KotH
6. Channel 3-flag Narrows
7. Sanctuary 3-flag Pit
8. Displacement 5-flag
9. Retroactive 3-bomb
10. Preserve Ball
11. Serenity Territories
How the League Works:
Signing-Up
1. Each teams captain will sign up in the respective seasons thread. This person will be considered the point of contact for all results, rulings, and information, unless another captain is specified.
2. Teams may have up to 6 players. Each of these players is eligible to play in any of the league games. (Max 4 per game)
3. Team Name required
4. Each players gamertag that they will be using for competition is required. Other gamertags used when playing in games will result in disqualification.
Competing
1. Each team will initially be placed in a round-robin with 3 other teams. These matches will be best of 5, and will play through all 11 maps.
2. There will be one round-robin a week, and each team will be required to play all three other teams.
3. These round-robins will be used to determine seeding for the elimination bracket at the end of the month. Wins, Kills, Flag/Bomb Caps, Time will be used as tie-breakers respectively.
4. Elimination bracket will be double-elimination unless determined otherwise by competing teams.
Setting Up a Match
1. Matches will be announced every Monday for round-robin. Your team must complete the match by 11:59 PM Sunday to avoid disqualification.
2. All match times can be privately coordinated, however, they need to be posted to the season thread for verification.
3. Matches must use the gametypes specified, or the results will be considered invalid.
4. Elimination matches will take place on the final week of the month. These will be best of 5 matches with best of 11 series for second meetings.
Reporting Results
1. After a match, both captains need to email the result with links of the games to results@mlgforge.com.
Map Rotation:
Every month there will be a poll listing all maps for that months playlist. Members are encouraged to vote for the three maps they would like to see replaced. The majority may not always be removed however as the staff reserves the right to make the final decision on the matter. Members are also encouraged to submit maps for consideration in future seasons. The staff will choose three maps every month to work into the playlist.
Our Standards
We look for maps that exemplify superior design qualities. Maps must promote movement, offer long lines of sight, provide adequate cover and lack frame rate issues entirely. Maps should be designed to favor one particular game type above all others, however, should play a minimum of three game types well. Any map submitted may be altered by league staff to reduce frame rate, improve spawns or alter weapon load outs.
Join the Action!
Head on over to MLG Forge and sign up today for the inaugural season. Season one kicks off March First and runs through the entirety of March.
Questions
Yoyo doesn't like questions. He gets nervous when people get too nosey. Something to hide? I think so. Regardless, we have old questions to answer and new ones to ask. If you don't remember last update (that I wrote) I asked what you were doing for your Valentines Day. While there were a ton of exceptional answers, one combination stuck out to me personally:
School, then dentist.
Looks like someone's getting drilled ;-)
This week's question is one of utmost significance. While I do appreciate humor, do keep it in good tastes.
-If you could do one thing to help the quake victims in Japan, what would it be?
Goodbyes
Well guys, I hope you enjoyed the read. While not every update can be completely earth shattering we do try to keep you interested in the front page with every article. Let us know if you've got any ideas. See ya in two, boys.