I’m using this to start another trend here. “In My Opinion” will be popping up here when I want to give you guys my opinion. You care. Don’t lie.

This IMO is coming to you on a special day and is brought to you by 343i; Climbing in your playlists and snatching your Reticule Bloom up… It was lame… Don’t laugh.
Today is the 343rd day of the year, which is very special to 343 Industries. I do hope you see the correlation…

So, despite the fact that I told Sick that I would not play CE until she was ready… and her not having the time to do so, I took to the Anniversary Maps in Reach. From seeing that they included Headlong, I was SO excited. It is quite a bit fun to run through this map to see what has been improved on, but that was CRUSHED oh so painfully by the fact that you DIE in three shots. Yes. That pistol with the zoom… and its power is back from CE Multiplayer. It is awesome that they put the Original Magnum and its 3-shot magic crap in the game as an option, but I DO NOT want it.

When these maps are fully integrated into matchmaking without the Magnum, THAT’S when I’ll be happy to play them.

I came here to tell you my opinion on the maps themselves, not the crap that came with them… so…

• High Noon/Hang’Em High- I absolutely HATED the remake of this map for Halo 2. HATED IT! Know why?… the long range “I keeeel you” from EveryWhere. Yes the stupid Battle Rifle from across the map. Of course, now we have the CE Magnum, which is NO better. BUT, this remake has added tunnels connecting the upper and lower areas to the towers. It makes it a tad bit easier to sneak around. There’s still the “Boom, Pow, Dead” thing if you don’t sneak from tombstone to tombstone, but I learned how to do that in Halo 2…

  Let’s just say that I will no longer be dreading this map in Matchmaking.

• Ridgeline/Timberland- I NEVER had the opportunity to touch this map until now. This was the first map I ran around in Custom Games when I DL’d this Map Pack. I was like, “Meh.” I wasn’t impressed with the layout. It just seemed…. Meh. But, when I got the opportunity to play this map in Big Team, my outlook on it changed, BIG TIME. There isn’t too many Big Team maps that I can say that I “love”, but this one just made that list.
• Solitary/Prisoner- I played the original map once… and a fan re-creation of it, but I was unimpressed. This is a vertical map. There are four floors, and NO space to run. Smallest. Map. EVER. It’s like the upscaled volume of L-shaped Tetraminos laid on its side and stacked four high. I do not like this one. I can say they added a bit to make it better, but I can see this being the unpopular kid that no one wants to play with. Add Jet-Packs and forget having fun.
• Penance/Damnation- This map will definitely get the most play-time out of me. It is fun as a Slayer map, as well as Objective-based matches. This is the ONLY instance where I’d prefer the Objective. Yeah, I said that. This map’s improvements have made it easier to traverse and more balanced. It still may be a pain to get in on a team that holds the Objective room, but it now has more routing options. I will choose this map 90% of the time when playing Team based Objective games.
• Breakneck/Headlong- Headlong is my all-time favorite Big Team map, and a playlist with this and Ridgeline/Timberland in it just straight wins. This map will always have the most hectic battles on it. Not once have I played this map and been bored. And Sniping? OH, so much fun. I have nothing but kind words for Breakneck.
• Battle Creek/Beaver Creek- This is THE most pain in the ass map I have ever played. Don’t get me wrong, it is probably the most balanced for Slayer AND Objective types, but it’s still a PITA. It’s a love/hate thing. We all love this map, but then we hate it when we’re done with it. Either we’ve played it until we’re sick of it, or the other team stomps us so hard we look at it in disgust. Though, Battle/Beaver Creek can give you some of the most fun matches as well. Again, balanced. Zen-like almost.

Along with these Multiplayer PvP maps, 343 has included another FireFight map. This one is different, though. You actually have the ability to play with AI controlled Allies. Freaking Awesome.

• Installation: 04 With the addition of AI allies, this FireFight map may actually create a bit of Nostalgia straight out of playing Halo:CE. That’s if you’re playing alone, of course. Now if you have a team of SPARTANS going in, you won’t get the Marines’ help. I think every FireFight that takes place on this map will be dominated by the Warthog. From playing HALO:CE over and over… and over again in the past, it’s just muscle memory at this point.

343 has impressed me every step of the way with their “Remakes.” They’ve definitely raised the bar on what we should see in remakes in the future. We can’t forget Certain Affinity, they deserve much of the credit as well. These maps are much more vibrant, better balanced, and a decent improvement on those from the past. I did not find ONE alteration I did not like. But if you DON’T like the aesthetic changes, they’ve also given the HD version of the original maps as well. Of course, certain things HAD to be changed to fit the Reach engine. Don’t bitch. You got the maps.

We’re gonna do something else here. For those of you who did not get Halo:CEA or purchase this awesome map pack, We’re going to give you a chance to win these maps right here!

Anniversary Map Pack Contest:

I’ve linked each map’s Heading with a Gameplay/Flythrough video. Take a look at each one and share with us which map you think has had the best makeover. You could also share which map you are most interested to get down and dirty in.

This contest is reserved for those who do NOT have the maps yet.
We will choose a random winner on Monday, Dec. 13th at 10pm EST. You have until then to comment. Your comment MUST have the content requested.

Good Luck! And Happy 343rd day of the Year!

Those who have seen me tweet about the “Uncharted 3 BETA” codes may be a bit confused. I know I was.

Here’s the scoop.

Over the Weekend, I received a code from Klout for the Uncharted 3 Multiplayer DEMO, plus a link that would produce three more codes. Klout gave me the word BETA in the description, so I thought it was for the BETA.

I tweeted… and tweeted…. and TWEETED.

Got hardly a response. So I looked up the info on the BETA. It was available in June/July area and was already over. So I apologized.

Aaaaand, I’m gonna have to apologize again. So there IS something going on now. It is the Multiplayer DEMO codes that are being given out. Now, if you are involved in Klout, this is one of their Perks that are available right now. If you are not using Klout, you should be. Here is some information and their site. This Perk is through a partnership with Subway, as I’ve shown you above. You can also visit your nearest Subway Sandwich shop to find out more.

But for now, I’ll give you a glimpse of Single player gameplay that has been shown on Jimmy Fallon…

As stated, This game comes out on 11/1/11. But, you could get into the Multiplayer DEMO with a code from Klout or your participating Subway Sandwich Shop. There’s only 5 Days left, so get to it. Also, Follow @SubwayFreshBuzz for more info.

Although, you might have a chance RIGHT NOW! and get a head start over the weekend. The link below is good for three codes. But You MUST have a Klout account, an Influence in Playstation and score over 40.
If you have Klout, then you get it. If you don’t understand, visit the links above. -Note: Code Link is on First come, First Serve Basis for Eligible candidates-

Uncharted 3 Klout DEMO codes
-Please Leave a comment below letting us know who got the three codes-

If you are not eligible for the codes above, then Eat Fresh; You might find yourself in Drake’s Deception. Also, I will be giving out two codes later today on @MatchMadeInHalo. Tweet this with the “Tweet” button in the top left of this Post to better your odds of winning!

And the AMMIH PAX 2011 Swag Giveaway winner IS….

Yes, the awesome person that gets ALL THIS…

*Drumroll*….

Wait for it…

No really…

NUMBER 14!!

Wait, who is that?…

James “The Major”!
Congratulations, Man! You have just won “All That Swag”!

For chances to win more free sh… stuff… Bookmark Us, Follow @MatchMadeInHalo on Twitter, and Like our Facebook page for future updates on when this stuff goes down! Also, Don’t forget to tell your friends! (We like friends, too…)

We ran around like crazy (I’m lying. Psycho did all the running) on Day 3 grabbing swag for you! Entering to win is easy. Read the full post to find out how and what you’ll win. Good luck!

Prize:

The Wearable Stuff

• Rift Shirt (Size:XL)
• NicoNico Shirt (Size: L)
• Taitale Studios Shirt (Size:L)
• Coveted Skyrim Hat (One Size Fits All)
• Payday: The Heist Mask (One Size Fits All)
• Dance Central 2 Scarf (It’s a scarf)

All That Swag

In addition to above Swag:

• D & D Crown
• Wakfu Drawstring Bag
• Rise of Nightmares Decal
• World of Tanks Client Disc
• Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Key ring
• FireFall Inflatable Noise Maker
• Magic: The Gathering Ferocity Expansion Deck
• Eve Online Mousepad
• Heroes VI Art Card
• Orcs Must Die Comic
• Dead Island Comic
• Penny Arcade: The Game Promo Card
• 2 Magnets
• 2 Pins

Some Video Game codes (PC):

• Perfect World Games Bonus
• WildStar BETA Signup
• Bloodline Champions Starter Code
• Tribes in game Head Flair (Exclusive to PAX)
• D & D Insider Promo Code
• Steam Code for “Magicka”
• League of Legends Champion code for “Sivir”
• Spiral Knights Bombhead Mask (Exclusive to PAX)

Then there’s the HALO stuff!:

• Halo Fest Name Tag
• Halo CE Mega Blocks SPARTAN
• 2 Legendary Emblem Temporary Tattoos
• Code for Cortana, Prop for your Avatar

To enter: Leave a comment on this post with the words “Shwiggity Shwag” and tell us what PAX game you’re most looking forward to playing.

Skyrim Vandal

Contest Ends: October 13th, 2011 at 9PM EST

1 Winner will be chosen using random.org and announced on Friday October 14th, 2011

Note: If you attended PAX Prime this year please refrain from entering this contest. Thanks!

Some of you may already be familiar with Marissa’s Bunny: An Infantile Spasms Awareness Blog. Last year Hawty McBloggy hosted “The Fundfax Fairraiser” in an effort to raise money and help Marissa’s family during their difficult fight with Infantile Spasms.

Marissa’s dad, Mike (an avid Halo fan) has informed us he’s holding a contest and giving away a brand new limited edition Halo:Reach console. There are several ways to enter and some will score you more chances to win.

Although donations are not required, they are of course always welcome. Marissa’s surgery will add $28,000 after insurance to the already crippling costs they’ve had to deal with in two and a half years of fighting. They’ve been able to raise $11,413.70 towards the surgery but they still have a long way to go. Please donate if you can. A little goes a long way.

Entries close on October 27th at Noon Eastern Standard Time, so hurry up and get over there! Good Luck!

Ok. I have to admit, I was only moderately impressed when I saw the image of this Bioshock Big Daddy Wood Carving. It wasn’t until after I watched the video that I became HIGHLY impressed. Not only did this guy carve a life size wooden replica of Bioshock’s Big Daddy, but he did it with a freakin’ chainsaw. Now how’s that for awesome?

We’re so impressed we’ve decided to give out some Little Sister Figurines to the first 10 people that reply to this post. Make sure you include some form of contact information If you’d actually like to receive your prize.

via [TehAwesome.net]

First off we’d like to thank everyone who entered. All entrants showcased and highlighted our love in unique ways which made choosing winners difficult for us. One of the submissions was sadly disqualified for using Photoshop. Even still, we enjoyed the screenshot so much we felt it at least deserved a mention. And now, without further ado, we present you our Screenshot Sunday: Anniversary Contest Winners.

Honorable Mention:

“Love at first FIGHT” by cALi Re4ction on 1.15.2010

Runner Up Winners:

“wed” by PEKACHU on 01.16.2010

“117″ by DTA MoonDawg on 01.16.2010

Grand Prize Winner!:

“Sunset” by Venom Kitetsu on 01.15.2010

Want to be included in our next Screenshot Sunday?
Send an email to Screenshots@AMatchMadeInHalo.com with a link to your image or fileshare on Bungie.net

So folks, our 1-year Anniversary is right around the corner…yeah I know, quick wasn’t it? Anyway, We would like you to help us celebrate it! Here’s the deal. We are hosting a Screenshot Contest. I think this is going to be fun… Theme = “A Match Made In Halo’s 1st Anniversary,” of course. We want you to forge a creative ScreenShot of your choice. Use Hearts, our Gamertags, Wedding date, AMMIH logo, or whatever might visually represent A Match Made In Halo. Most importantly, BE CREATIVE!

We will choose one Grand Prize winner and two Runner Ups. Winners will receive AMMIH swag and memorabilia from the wedding!

Email your submissions to Screenshots@AMatchMadeInHalo.com

Deadline will be 11:59pm EST Saturday the 16th.

Winners will be announced on our big day, “1/17″

Grand Prize winner will receive:

• AMMIH Handmade 1 1/4″ Pin
• AMMIH Handmade Bookmark
• Limited Edition Save-the-Date
• Limited Edition AMMIH Wedding Invitation
• Limited Edition Wedding Favor (Blue sphere Plasma Grenade “looking” Candle)
• Limited Edition Custom(Personalized) Thank You Card
• Autographed Wedding Photo
• 1 Year of Xbox Live Gold Membership

Runner Up (2) will receive:

• AMMIH Handmade 1 1/4″ Pin
• AMMIH Handmade Bookmark
• PAX 2009 XBox-360 Avatar Shirt
• Personalized Thank You Card
• 1600 MS Points

Well, there you have it… Year one coming to a close, I still can’t believe it myself. But it’s here and there’s no denying it. Let’s see how fast the next one shows up!

So get crackin’…make us proud! I cannot WAIT to see what you guys come up with! Good Luck, and let the Forge be with you…

We’d like to thank all those that participated in last Wednesday’s PAX Swag contest. Stay on the look out as we hope to bring you more fun, prize filled contests in the future.

Our winner is….Sean Fitzgerald (sean) from San Jose, CA.
Congratulations sean! You won!!!

We’ll be shipping out your package at the end of the week. Thanks again for participating. We hope you enjoy your prize!

Sincerely,
Sick & Psycho

I’ve been toying with the idea of doing a weekly blog giveaway for quite sometime. Sadly, we never actually had anything to give away until now. I’m hoping this will change as Psycho and I attend more events. But anyway… lets get this thing rolling, shall we?

The Prize:
Toy Soldiers T-shirt: Large
Pack of Brutal Legend Decals
Brutal Legend Zipper Pull
Brutal Legend Patch
Master Chief Dogtag
Halo 3: ODST Superintendent Pins
Dragon Age Blow-up Sword
Scrap Metal Toy Car
The Saboteur Pin
Shaiya PC Demo
Frobots PC Demo
PAX Avatar Shirt (Generously donated by RogueDarkJedi. Codes will be emailed to winner.)

The Rules:
1. You must register (with a valid email address) and leave a comment answering one of the 3 following (two part) questions:

• Assuming you already own a copy of ODST, when you finally got home and tore open the package, did you play Campaign or Firefight first? Why?
• If you DON’T already own ODST, are you planning on getting it? What will you play first?
• If you have no intentions on buying ODST tell us why?

2. You have until 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday October 6th, 2009 to leave your comment.
3. A winner will be randomly selected from those that left comments.
4. The winner will be announced in next Wednesday’s blog post.

Good Luck to everyone!