Examiner

Microsoft is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Halo next week with the release of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary by throwing midnight launch parties at Microsoft Stores across the United States that includes swag, food, a tournament, and a $25 gift card.

Starting at 10 p.m. local time on Monday, Nov. 14, 13 U.S. Microsoft Stores will welcome fans to relive the original Halo experience by facing off against fellow attendees in classic, 16-player Red vs. Blue matches while fueled with free Monster Energy drinks, pizza and friendly competition. The first 100 fans in line at each store will receive special “Halo” swag, including a “Halo: Anniversary” poster, a Red or Blue team identifier and more, and everyone who participates in a launch event tournament will have a chance to win a limited-edition “Halo: Anniversary” Xbox 360 console skin and other special prizes.

Additionally, the first 100 fans who purchase “Halo: Anniversary” will receive a limited-edition Grunt plushie, and customers who preorder the game at Microsoft Stores will receive a $25 gift card for future purchases. Not a bad trade off for a game that costs $39.99.

Fans in select cities will also have a chance to meet developers from 343 Industries and Certain Affinity, as well as the creators of “Red vs. Blue” from Rooster Teeth. The full list of participating Microsoft Stores and special appearances is below:

• Atlanta, Georgia (Lenox Square Mall)
• Bellevue, Washington (Bellevue Square Mall)
• Bloomington, Minnesota (Mall of America)
• Costa Mesa, California (South Coast Plaza)
• Houston, Texas (Houston Galleria) - Special appearance by Certain Affinity developers and the creators of “Red vs. Blue” from Rooster Teeth
• Lone Tree, Colorado (Park Meadows Mall)
• Los Angeles, California (Westfield Century City) - Special appearance by “Halo” franchise development director Frank O’Connor and the 343 team
• Mission Viejo, California (The Shops at Mission Viejo)
• Oak Brook, Illinois (Oakbrook Center)
• San Diego, California (Fashion Valley Mall)
• Santa Clara, California (Westfield Valley Fair)
• Scottsdale, Arizona (Scottsdale Fashion Square)
• Seattle, Washington (University Village) - Special appearance by “Halo: Anniversary” executive producer Dan Ayoub, community manager BS Angel and the 343 team

The events will run from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. local time, and fans can RSVP on Facebook for the nearest location by visiting:  https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=213190708749654.

http://www.examiner.com/console-gaming-in-national/halo-anniversary-gets-midnight-launch-party-at-microsoft-stores-25-gift-card

awesome indeed, such a great game deserves this kind of support and love.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050SYY5E/ref=s9_hps_bw_g63_ir04?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_r=1MQVQDDBSFSXCCN9KQBX&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1287791662&pf_rd_i=468642

Still don't see the point of this release, but more power to the fans buying it.

Wow that's amazing. Guess i'm going to have to pre-order the game at the Microsoft Store in the Mall of America nearby!

Too bad no one from 343 studios is coming to the Minnesota Microsoft Store.

They're too busy programming Halo 4.

Los Angeles, California (Westfield Century City) - Special appearance by “Halo” franchise development director Frank O’Connor and the 343 team

Seattle, Washington (University Village) - Special appearance by “Halo: Anniversary” executive producer Dan Ayoub, 

It's a suburb of Chicago.

Times like this I hate that I live in New York!