Gallupians awaiting ‘Halo 3’
Gamers camp out to get latest video offering

By Leslie Wood
Staff writer

Michael Brodie sits wrapped in a blanket outside GameStop Monday morning while waiting for the midnight release of the new Xbox 360 game Halo 3. Brodie was holding a place in line for his cousin Wallace Kaye who had been outside the store since Friday, but needed to attend school Monday. [Photo by Daniel Zollinger/Independent]

GALLUP — Devout gamers braved the brisk fall winds to buy the first available copies of “Halo 3.”

Some were draped in blankets while seated on spare sofa cushions, while others perfected their gaming skills at a make-shift, portable video game station outside the GameStop at the Dollar Tree Plaza.

Kyle Platero, 22, had been camped outside the business since Friday to ensure a prime position in line.

“We’re so excited, we’ve been here since Friday,” Platero said as he negotiated a hand-held video game controller. “ ... We all beat the rush.”

Platero along with friend, David Jones, have been rotating shifts in line to allow one another time for only the essentials — sleep and work.

But on Monday, both had to temporarily give up the latter to devote all of their attention to obtaining the first copies of the game that has garnered somewhat of a cult-following. In fact, “Halo 3’s” release is comparable to the release of the popular Harry Potter series for some video game enthusiasts.

“Halo 3” is the final installment in the Halo trilogy that first captured gamers’ hearts several years ago. And as of midnight, the game was released and available to the public.

Platero described the premise of the game as a struggle between the Master Chief and an alien race that is trying to take over the world. The game is exclusive to XBox360.

Gamestop manager Anthony Garcia said 750 local residents reserved copies of the popular game prior to its release. He expects to have about 300 additional games available for walk-up sales.

Garcia has devised a complex plan to cater to the masses of people who were expected to converge at the location early this morning, which includes a ticket system for those who have already paid for the game.

Garcia said the games are stored in the back room and are ready for release.

“You can’t even walk through my back room because of all the boxes,” he said.

Garcia said he got a preview of “Halo 3” during a convention in Las Vegas.

“It’s kind of like a drug, you become addicted,” he said.

Three “Halo 3” versions are now available. They include a regular version, limited edition and legendary edition. The legendary version comes with miniature replica of Master Chief’s helmet, a black stand to hold the three games and additional “snazzy” features, Platero said.

“It’s a lot of fun to play with a group,” he said.

Jordan Arthur, of Whitewater Road, set up his camp site early Monday morning.

“It’s really fun to play with a lot of people,” Arthur said of the game. “ ... It draws you in.”