| Host a Multiplayer Halo LAN Party
A guide by wyziwyg, Master Chief
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Are you tired of killing the same Covenant and Flood over and over again in Halo's single player game? Worn out the appeal of 2 to 4 player split-screen multiplayer? Does the idea of having 15 of your closest friends crowd into your home for the simple joy of killing one another repeatedly in the greatest Xbox game to date appeal to you? If so, you're ready to host your first Halo LAN party.
The Basics
Multiplayer SystemLink LAN games are one of the best features of Halo. They can be extremely fun for as few as two and as many as 16 players playing on 2-4 Xboxes. If you're fortunate enough to already own 4 TV's and 4 Xboxes, then all you need is a few extra copies of Halo and some willing participants with Controllers. Otherwise, expect to have your friends bring over their own televisions and Xboxes to match up 4 sets. Once that's arranged, network the systems together and you're ready to go.
The Gaming Rig
First, you'll need a 'Xbox Core Console USM'. Since you'll be playing multiplayer Halo, I recommend the 'XBOX Limited Edition Controller Pack'. If you already have a box, you'll need a copy of 'HALO'. You'll also need a few extra controllers - at least 4 per box if you're planning on big games. Choose from the classic look of the 'Xbox Controller S Black', match the scheme of the Halo bundle with a 'Xbox Controller S (Green)'. There's also a 'Xbox Controller S (Blue)' available, if that's, you know, your thing.
The Xbox comes with a composite A/V pack, but you should treat these mainly as back-up cables. You'll need a quality A/V pack to match your input type, preferably if the highest quality connection that you have available. The clarity of your picture can be a hindrance to your multiplayer game. In the same vein, if your setup beats out those of your opponents, it might just give you the edge you need. Picture quality is greatly improved by shielded, well-constructed A/V cables. If you have a television with Component Inputs, consider yourself lucky and spring for the 'Monster Cable XGL400 CVAA-10 AV Xbox to TV and Receiver Interconnect (10 FT)'. Monster Cable has a well-deserved reputation for making excellent cables. Likewise, try their 'Monster Cable XGL300 SV-10 AV S-Video Xbox to TV and Receiver Interconnect (10-Feet)' if S-Video is your best option. If you must use Composite inputs, go with the 'Advance AV Pack' and a 'Monster Cable MV2AV25-1M Monster Video 2/Interlink 250 A/V Connection Kit (RCA) 1 m. set (3.28 ft.)'. If you intend to use Coax, the 'Xb Rf Adapter', is available, but the picture quality would be dramatically better with any of the other A/V packs.
Networking
A basic 'Linksys BEFSR41 EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port 10/100 Switch' provides and easy, plug-and-play network with plenty of connections for 4 Xboxes. Each Box will need an RJ-45 Ethernet patch cable. For quality and color matching, go with the 'BELKIN High Performance Category 6 UTP Patch Cable 25' (Black) (A3L980-25-BK )' or 'BELKIN A3L980-50-BK High Performance Category 6 UTP Patch Cable ? 50' (Black)', depending on the distance you'll need between each system. Some groups play better CTF or TS games in separate rooms, others want to be within earshot to shout insults and enjoy more of a 'party' atmosphere. Keep in mind that your cables need only reach the router, which can be at a central location in the LAN venue.
If you would rather do away with the cables entirely, the 'Microsoft Wireless-G Xbox Adapter' coupled with a 'Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router' sets up a speedy 54Mbps 802.11g wireless network. The router's 4 wired ports also allow a convenient way to mix RJ-45 and wireless connections on the same network.
Game Setting
If you've got a space large enough, hosting all four systems in one room may be the way you want to go. You're the master of the house, and you deserve an 'All Italian leather seating black sofa and loveseat'. Of course, you'll want to keep a 'MAC Sports Prestige Series Deluxe Extra Large Chair' or 'MAC Sports Prestige Series Deluxe Infinite Recliner Lounger' for the slackers that don't have their own. And keep those visiting TV's at a playable level with an 'Adjustable-Height Molded Plastic Top Folding Table, 22in.-32in.H x 72in.W x 30in.D' or two...or three.
The noise level in a room of 16 people on 4 TV's can easily drown out the in-game sounds. While many players enjoy the banter, if you wish to keep out the surroundings, consider investing in a 'Sennheiser RS-65 Wireless RF Circumaural Headphones with SRS Surround Sound Processor (Black)'. Grab a 'Sennheiser HDR-65 Wireless Headphones for RS-64' or encourage your teammates to buy one for themselves. If you happen to have a stereo 1/8" miniplug jack on your TV, then the connection pack included with these phones will work for you out of the box. Otherwise, you'll need to connect the included RCA adaptor to the RCA Audio Out on your TV (if available) or pick up a 'Monster Cable A FRF-B Phonolink Gender-Change Adapter (Female-to-Female)' and plug them directly into the RCA Audio from the A/V Pack.
Also, a 'Danby Deluxe Compact Refrigerator (4.3cu.ft.)' full of your crew's beverage of choice is never a bad idea. If you intend to maintain your playing abilities, stay away from alcoholic beverages. Fill this mini-fridge with a 'Red Bull Energy Drink Sugar Free 24 Cans 8.3oz' or two for an all-night fragfest.
Moving/Storing Your Gear
Inevitably, your friends will tire of carrying their gear to your house, will want to host LAN games of their own, and will expect you to bring your own equipment. Sure, you could throw it all in a cardboard box in the backseat of your car, but this is the Internet! There's got to be a better way.
The 'Intec Xbox Pro Gamer's Case' is an excellent and stylish option. Plenty of room for controllers, cables, games, and the console itself. For your router, A/V equipment, remotes, or anything else you may want to bring along.
If extra TV's are needed, there's really no getting around the fact that moving a large, heavy, expensive is quite a chore. Suck it up, pack your aluminum-encased equipment in the trunk of your car, and get that TV there any way you can.
A Word on Televisions
For an even balance of portability, style, and overall quality, the 'Toshiba 27AF44 27" Flat MTS TV'. It packs both Component and S-Video inputs, and features a front mounted headphone jack for easy private listening. The flat screen is less visible to nearby enemy players, and the Pure Flat tube all but eliminates screen glare. The 'Toshiba 20AF44 20" FST Pure Flat Color TV with Stereo Sound' or 'Toshiba 32AF44 32" TV with FST PURE Flat Screen' are also great choices, although you may have a tough time moving the 32" in smaller vehicles.
Of course, if you have the means the 'Toshiba 32HL83P 32" TheaterWide LCD Flat-Panel TV with Desktop Stand' is obviously the weapon of choice, while the 'Toshiba 26HL83P 26" TheaterWide LCD Flat-Panel TV with Desktop Stand' offers a slightly smaller version of the same pristine monitor. Obviously, both of these TV's sport Composite and S-Video inputs and, at 62 and 46 lbs. respectively offer unmatched portability. You get what you pay for.
Closing...
You're ready. Round up the troops and get your game on. With the right equipment, you'll have no excuse but your own shoddy skills. But, for reading this far, I'll give you a tip that will really impress your friends (as if your new 'Toshiba 32HL83P 32" TheaterWide LCD Flat-Panel TV with Desktop Stand' won't be enough for that). Pick up a used copy of 'Moto GP' and get creative with your save game name. Whatever name you save as in Moto GP will become the name of your Xbox during setup for the System Link. |
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