Obviously, there are many video games on the market at this moment in time, and perhaps some have a more "Mungolian" feel than others. The question that arises is simple: why choose Halo 3 as the game of symbolic Mungolian versus Qu'arinchian conflict?
Well ... it's both easy and difficult to answer
Let's start with the game itself ...
As games, Halo 3 and Halo 3:ODST are exceptional: for a solo player they offer varying degrees of challenge according to ability (those of you already familiar with these games will know how great it is when you manage to complete a Campaign on Legendary difficulty), a great storyline (even if you haven't played the previous 2 Xbox Original games), and the ability to customize the game via scoring systems and Skull activation (a system that requires you to discover hidden skulls hidden throughout the game itself in Halo 3, and are available from the start in ODST). In short, even if you never play Halo 3 or ODST online, you're in for a good time. Put it another way: the idea of all the Halo games is a simple one, executed exceptionally well, and placed in a well-developed mythos that allows the development of great storylines. And us Mung Folk like a good yarn ...
However, it is in multiplayer modes that these games truly comes alive. Whether via system link or online play (not so much split screen - we all know that spilt screen leads to cheating, sooner or later!), Halo 3 is probably the best online multiplayer game of its kind. The ranking system is excellent, the user base is huge, and the systems that support the online experience are simple to use, and incredibly well implemented and effective. Likewise, ODST offers a nice Firefight feature, although not via matchmaking - but it's still a great way to play a game with a few friends.
Additionally, you can create content from within the games: little video clips of key moments in battle, screenshots (such as the one above, or battle maps such as the one below). Further customization is possible for those who wish to alter the layouts of maps or for those who wish to tweak the game styles. So here we have yet another reason for going Mung on Halo - it offers a kind of canvas for us to work from.
Another factor is the possibility to create a gamer community within Bungie.net. We have not - as of this writing - done this yet, but may do so in the near future (unless someone out there decides to go ahead and set it up!)
In short, Halo 3 offers a great deal to any community of gamers, even a bunch of lunatics like ourselves who wish to overlay our own little mythology.
For the Mungolian fan, this means that we can create a little community of gamers who are also fans of the music. Many hours of fun have been had playing Halo 3 here at the Mung Embassy and at Mungolian HQ while listening to We Gave It All Away ... Now We Are Taking It Back, and we decided that perhaps this was something that fans could also partake of.
For Mungolians, the sci-fi nature of Halo is also a key factor (which means it is more suitable than other great games, such as Call of Duty 4 or Left 4 Dead - both of which are fantastic, and their sequels seem set to be even better). And while mmorpgs may seem to be an ideal setting, they do not offer the quickfire possibilities of an hour or two with Halo. Another factor is the possibility for Xbox Live Silver memberships to partake in the experience outside of ranked matches. Which means that an Xbox Live Gold Membership is not mandatory to be a part of this either.
With all this is mind, we have created this little community section. We hope that you enjoy the concept and that you will join with us, and perhaps you too will be able to discover the pleasures of blending the music of Mung with these great games.
And by the way - we are most keen to have Mungolian fans aboard, so skill levels will not be a major factor in participation! So, if you've yet to earn your Graduate status or even your Recruit status, this will not be an issue: we're here to have fun (Sir Dhahii - i.e. me! - is a mere Lieutenant (Grade 2) at this point, with a Skill level of 10! And while it is unlikely that he will climb a great deal higher, he's very keen to continue playing)! Of course, if you are already a General (Grade 4), then so much the better!
Of course, for the real Halo-Head, you now have Halo Waypoint to give you more ambition to get those missing achievements chalked-up in your records. And it also is a bit of incentive to try Halo Wars if you haven't already (a great, though tough enough, little strategy game).
So, brave Knights, onward and upward for the preservation of the Mung way of life!
Sir Dhahii the Space Cabriola
PS: This video perhaps explains best "Why Halo?" Enjoy!
