So, for some hardcore Halo 3 weekend reading, head on over to Bungie's Weekly Update. [Bungie]

In his weekly update, Bungie's Frankie says some big things are coming this week. You've got the two new Halo 2 multiplayer maps, Desolation and Tombstone, for $4 hitting next week. Also, there will be a new auto-update for the game, new playlists and they will be resetting all rankings.

Frankie wraps up his update by talking about the new audio for Halo 3 and then closes with some very cryptic statements about "big news."

So yeah. Big changes coming. Big changes and big news. Next week is going to be significant. Until then, enjoy this potted history of Mister Chief's evolution.

It's hard to tell if Frankie is all excited about the Halo 2 maps, the update, the ranking reset, the audio or perhaps something he didn't mention. I guess we'll find out next week when it turns out the "big news" is a picture of another weapon. Brian Crecente

Bungie Weekly Update [Bungie]

In his weekly update, Frankie talks about the development of the user interface for the Halo 2 sequel. It sounds like it has gotten quite an overhaul. Most interesting, at least to me, is that you will now be able to change just about everything, from your avatars appearance to match and controller settings, while still in the lobby. Thank God. I hate it when I have to jump out of a game, or even out of Live, just to tweak a setting.

Frankie also says that the Halo Graphic Novel is done and goes on sale on July 19 for about $25. Brian Crecente

Bungie Weekly Update [Bungie]

Frankie is quickly becoming my favorite corporate shill. He provides all of the gooseflesh-producing tips and developer insight of a Major Nelson, but also hands over gems like yesterday's Waaah-mbulance post.

Apparently the Waaaaambulance is the thing you call when you've been caught cheating and banned. Frankie spent yesterday posting up some of the better bitching and whinning sent in by banned cheaters.

Some choice excerpts:

-" If none of these accusation are settle, you may be hearing from a lot of complaints. Some may be said by lawyers."

-"the only way they think I could have been banned permanently on my first ban is because I commited a Major Offense. I dont understand, I admit that I have had cheaters on my team, but Ive never cheated more then 8 times that I can remember, Not even close."

-"Can you guys at least just make the suspension for (name deleted) for like a month or two. I only want it to be a couple months because this is the third twelve month account that i have bought. It is killing me to keep using money for something that i can't trust."

-"Please! I'll destroy my mods. i'll snich on some people that r getting away with mods on matchmaking! Just PLEASE appeal my ban. i want to play matchmaking again. i want to be clean for the arrival of Halo 3! c'mon! i didn't know what i was getting into when i got mods from my friend"

—Brian Crecente

Waaahmbulance [Bungie]

Strike up the band, and sing along to everybody's favorite song: "Fake Halo 3 Screens." Gamer Andy turned up this polished phony menu screen that shows intriguing options like "Classic Mode." Bungie's Frankie debunked the image:

So wait Frankie, does that mean it's fake?

More Here [Gamer Andy]