Halo 2 Multiplayer Beta
Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2011 11:27 pm
Hello all I have recently acquired a copy of the Halo 2 Beta and had plans for releasing it. Now the time has come. The way I decided to upload the files will make it easy to get an original copy, as well as getting a modified copy. Now because you can use both a Map Loader and a modified XBE file that will allow you to start an "Arranged Game," I thought It would be best to upload the beta as an empty archive with the exception of the Maps folder which contains the Default Variants and Fonts folder.
Differences between Loader and Cracked XBE...
First off, In my opinion, the cracked XBE is cooler than using the map loader, but there are disadvantages...
Disadvantages:
When you first start the beta you will notice text at the bottom saying "Uploading 0%" I really don't know what it's doing, but you will not be able to load a map until that goes away. Which takes about a minute or two. So pretty much map loading is a bit longer of a process. The other downside is that it requires 2 Xbox controllers. The reason being is because you need to "Sign" in to Xbox live using your player profile, make another controller join, leave using main controller, than rejoin using main controller, then leave using 2nd controller to have your name in the party list. (You can't actually load a game if there is not anyone in the party.)
Advantages:
You have 2 player support, full HUD, All weapon and vehicle spawns, and access to different game-types along with being able to set starting weapons and vehicles on map. You can also play as your user profile. And you get a start menu while in-game.
How to install:
First make a folder on your Xbox wherever you want (E:\Games, E:\DEVKIT\Tools, etc...)
Save and extract the Empty Beta archive and place the contents (should only contain a "Maps" folder) to your beta's directory.
Save one of the two XBE downloads below and place it in your beta's directory.
Save at least the Main Menu and Shared maps and place them your Beta/Maps directory.
Download any additional maps and place them into your Beta/Maps directory.
Downloads:
Empty Beta Archive
Original 'default.xbe'
Modified 'default.xbe'
Maps (Required):
Mainmenu
Shared
Maps (Optional):
Ivory Tower [Cyclotron]
Midship
Waterworks
Zanzibar
Lockout <-NEW
Map Loader:
Halo 2 Beta Scenario Launcher <-NEW
I was asked so here it is- Prerequisites to Play:
1. Either a softmodded XBOX or hardmodded (modchip, bios flash, etc.) XBOX.
2. If you can, try to get a working debug bois launcher. (Either MS version or the XIG)
3. You obviously need to ftp the files to the xbox, or make an XISO and burn to a CD. (It is small enough to fit on a CD.) If you need an XISO, I can hook you up.
Enjoy and Have Fun!
Special thanks to lucas93 - Cracking the XBE so that it can be played without debug communications.
Additional Notes:
If you want to change the blank text beneath BETA BUILD, you can type a 13 character limit at 5148188 in the XBE.
Differences between Loader and Cracked XBE...
First off, In my opinion, the cracked XBE is cooler than using the map loader, but there are disadvantages...
Disadvantages:
When you first start the beta you will notice text at the bottom saying "Uploading 0%" I really don't know what it's doing, but you will not be able to load a map until that goes away. Which takes about a minute or two. So pretty much map loading is a bit longer of a process. The other downside is that it requires 2 Xbox controllers. The reason being is because you need to "Sign" in to Xbox live using your player profile, make another controller join, leave using main controller, than rejoin using main controller, then leave using 2nd controller to have your name in the party list. (You can't actually load a game if there is not anyone in the party.)
Advantages:
You have 2 player support, full HUD, All weapon and vehicle spawns, and access to different game-types along with being able to set starting weapons and vehicles on map. You can also play as your user profile. And you get a start menu while in-game.
How to install:
First make a folder on your Xbox wherever you want (E:\Games, E:\DEVKIT\Tools, etc...)
Save and extract the Empty Beta archive and place the contents (should only contain a "Maps" folder) to your beta's directory.
Save one of the two XBE downloads below and place it in your beta's directory.
Save at least the Main Menu and Shared maps and place them your Beta/Maps directory.
Download any additional maps and place them into your Beta/Maps directory.
Downloads:
Empty Beta Archive
Original 'default.xbe'
Modified 'default.xbe'
Maps (Required):
Mainmenu
Shared
Maps (Optional):
Ivory Tower [Cyclotron]
Midship
Waterworks
Zanzibar
Lockout <-NEW
Map Loader:
Halo 2 Beta Scenario Launcher <-NEW
I was asked so here it is- Prerequisites to Play:
1. Either a softmodded XBOX or hardmodded (modchip, bios flash, etc.) XBOX.
2. If you can, try to get a working debug bois launcher. (Either MS version or the XIG)
3. You obviously need to ftp the files to the xbox, or make an XISO and burn to a CD. (It is small enough to fit on a CD.) If you need an XISO, I can hook you up.
Enjoy and Have Fun!
Special thanks to lucas93 - Cracking the XBE so that it can be played without debug communications.
Additional Notes:
If you want to change the blank text beneath BETA BUILD, you can type a 13 character limit at 5148188 in the XBE.