In just over a week's time, Microsoft will release what's quite possibly the biggest game release of the year, in Halo: Reach. If you've been anywhere near a TV recently, the chances are you'll have seen the adverts, which end with an ominous message to "Remember Reach".
In Halo: Reach, you and up to three friends can step into the role of Noble Team, a squad of genetically engineered men and women known as Spartans, who, along with a few hundred others, will attempt to defend the planet Reach against an alien invasion from the Covenant. Vastly outnumbered, and with their backs against the wall, Halo: Reach is an adrenaline fueled first person shooter, that tells the tale of the last brave Spartans, as they attempt to hold off the Covenant invasion for as long as they can, and give humanity a shot at survival.
Believe it or not, one of these behemoths is a woman. Any guesses? Answers on a postcard.
It's predicted to be one of the largest media events of the year, and Microsoft are planning on celebrating in style. Along with the release of several Halo: Reach branded limited edition controllers, headsets, and even a console, which have us salivating in anticipation, things kick off this week with the Halo: Reach premiere event, which takes place in central London, where the world's media and celebrities will show up, to take a look at the game for themselves.
For one lucky boy, however, it's going to be a very special night. 17 year old Halo fan, Lewis Chapman, has been chosen to lead a very special squad of Spartans into battle at the event. After undergoing an interview process which tested his knowledge of the Halo series, and his mental resolve as a commander, Lewis saw off over 800 other applicants to land himself the role. Leading a team which includes footballer Rio Ferdinand, R'n'B artist, Mr Hudson, T4 presenter, Jameela Jamil, ex-England Rugby star, Ben Cohen, and chief Halo geek, Gadget show presenter, Jason Bradbury, the 17 year old is apparently currently in training with his team, readying them for the big showdown this Thursday night. And, well, let's just say he sounds like he's quite looking forward to it. "I'm really excited that Xbox has given me this opportunity - Halo is my biggest passion and this is a dream come true. I would like to say to my new team members, 'Get practicing! You might be celebrities, but you better be good on the night!' I will do everything that I can, as their leader to beat the opposing team."
We want that hoodie.
Some people take things a bit too seriously.
The Halo: Reach "Blue Carpet" event will be followed by the big day itself, the Halo: Reach launch on September 14th, at which point you can expect to see stories across the news and media about the game's launch, along with several hundred person long queues forming outside your local game retailers.
When you come home with your shiny new copy of Halo: Reach, however, the fun isn't just limited to the game, as Xbox Live will be turned into an "Invasion Week" hub, with a range of promotions and offers taking over the Dashboard.
Running from September 14th through to September 20th, Microsoft will be launching brand new Halo: Reach avatar items (wa-hey(!)), videos, themes and practically every other thing you could ever dream of wanting to buy, to help you deck out your avatar, and your Xbox dashboard in Halo-related theming.
Along with the new Halo related stuff for sale, there'll also be a variety of competitions with amazing prizes, special promotions, and the chance for you to play Halo: Reach with Bungie, the developers of the game. And as if all this wasn't enough to encourage you to turn your 360 on, anyone who logs on during Invasion Week will be able to download the Halo: Reach Invasion Week theme for free.
But if you're not up to speed with this whole "Halo" thing, and you're not quite sure what all the fuss is about - don't worry. Having seen the game, and played it ourselves, we'll be writing up a Beginner's Guide to Halo: Reach, that'll tell you all you need to know about one of gaming's biggest franchises, and why it should appeal to you.
Stay tuned.
