Microsoft will kick off events at multiple locations around the country on Monday to celebrate the pending launch of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary for Xbox 360. Festivities kick off next Monday at 13 Microsoft Stores nationwide. Starting at 10 p.m. local time on Monday, Nov. 14, 13 U.S. Microsoft Stores will welcome fans to celebrate the original Halo experience by facing off against fellow attendees in classic, 16-player Red vs. Blue matches while consuming 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. 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 Microsoft Store in McLean, Virginia (Tysons Corner Center) will not be opened until Nov. 17, so there will not be a “Halo: Anniversary” launch event at that location. 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:
Facebook
. Beyond the Microsoft Store festivities, thousands of retail stores worldwide are stocking their shelves in preparation for the arrival of “Halo: Anniversary” on Nov. 15.
Created in celebration of the 10th anniversary of one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history, “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” is a spectacularly remastered version of the original “Halo” campaign, packaged with some of the most memorable multiplayer maps in “Halo” history. With a bounty of new features, including cooperative play over Xbox LIVE, six reimagined multiplayer maps and one new Firefight mission, a Classic graphics mode, Achievements, innovative Kinect and 3-D support, and new challenges and story to uncover, “Halo: Anniversary” is a must-have experience for veteran Spartans and new fans alike.
