Bungie will be throwing in some free exploration elements into the Halo equation in the upcoming Halo 3: ODST. In an interview with the Seattle Times, Bungie also revealed that they've added in some mystery-solving elements as well.

Whether or not you agree with Microsoft and Bungie's decision to turn Halo 3: ODST into a full-priced release, it's definitely resonating with a lot of Halo fans, as indicated by this earlier report. For those who want to make sure that they get a copy on day one, Microsoft has put together a promo that lets those who pre-order at participating retailers play as the tough-as-nails series stalwart Sgt. Avery Junior Johnson in the game's multiplayer Firefight mode.

Nielsen has released its post-E3 purchase intent charts, and coming out on the top spot is Bungie's Halo 3: ODST, getting a rating of 53% interest from surveyed gamers. In total, twelve games garnered more than 30% in purchase intent, which is defined by Nielsen as "definitely or probably interested in buying the title." Check out the top 12 in the full article.

Last week's rumor of two new Xbox 360 bundles are confirmed today by an official press release. Microsoft has announced the Halo 3 and Fable II bundles, both of which are touting the coveted Game of the Year tag on them. Release details in the full article.

The Covenant is hurting bad. 10 billion kills. In 565 days. That's 17,500,000 Covenant felled daily since Halo 3 launched in September 25th of 2007 (North America). Because of this achievement, Bungie is giving all you Earth soldiers a huge pat on the back for a job very well done. Group hugs all around!

Well, hello, there. Offers like this definitely does not come by often from Microsoft. For a change, we're hearing of an offer for Xbox Live Silver members, and it's one that you certainly wouldn't want to miss, especially if you're a Halo 3 fan. In celebration of the Mythic Map Pack release, Microsoft is treating Silver members to FREE Halo 3 multiplayer ALL weekend!

There's a new Halo 3 Mythic trailer that am sure all you fans out there would want to check out, and it comes right in time for the launch of the much-awaited Mythic Map Pack on the Xbox Live Marketplace. There's a new theme in town, too. Details after the jump.

Erm.. so maybe it IS over, after all. Just a couple of days ago, we reported on Bungie making a statement that Halo 3 content will still be worked on by the studio for probably another two years. Today we found out there actually are "no plans" for that new content that Allan Murray talked about previously.

It ain't over till it's over. Two years after the release of the Xbox 360 blockbuster Halo 3, Bungie Software isn't done working on it. Allan Murray said at the ongoing GDC, "Halo 3 took two and half years to make, and we're still working on it." And it appears that by the time they do finish with the game, you'd have earned yourself a full college degree already.

Cheapskates rejoice, Microsoft is adding three of its grade A games to its "Classics" collection - also known as the collection of "it's cheaper now" games. Halo 3, Mass Effect, and Project Gotham Racing 4 are each now available for GBP 19.99 (US$ 28) in the EMEA region.