Team Master Theory invited the TTL Gunslingers to the virtual battlefields of Halo 3 to participate in their version of the scientific method. The match was set. The maps were selected. The gametypes were chosen. The aim of this grand experiment was to see if they had game, and if it was good…

Tied the Leader knew little of this new clan making its way up the ranks of the Halo Nation. Their reputation carried with it the threat of fierce competition, having cultivated their roster from some of the more dangerous and combative corners of the Big Team Battle playlist. A match-up of 8 gamers versus 8 gamers was their poision. The Gunslingers took to Xbox Live to see if they had the proper antidote.

Game ONE: Multi-Flag on Valhalla. Outcome: The Gunslingers tie the leader.
…And the leader was Team Master Theory. This was our one shot at defending our namesake. MT ruled the center hill, and proved to be impalacable for the majority of the duration. An early capture of TTL’s flag put us on the offensive, with a compromised initiative. Only through repeated rushes, crashing onto the ramparts of their base, were we able to wear down their defense. In the final moments of the match, a lucky flag pull was marched home to even the score.

Game TWO: Multi-Flag on Sandtrap. Outcome: MT wins 2-0.
With the Albatross base in their favor, Master Theory pitched their Elephant at an impossible angle, stacked against their landing craft like a virtual wall that had to scaled in the interest of their banner of war. Waves upon waves of Gunslingers scaled their ramparts, only to have our quarry returned by diligent defenders. On our side of the map, agile Warthog teams dismantled our defenses.

Game THREE: Slayer on Standoff. Outcome: MT wins 101-67?
This was far from a Standoff. MT pulled away in the opening clash, and extended their lead with every passing moment. The Gunslingers fell into disarray, as our Warthog offensive was neutralized by laser blasts on every respawn. The killing circle closed in around our base, and grew tighter as the score reached its limit.

Of course, even in defeat, there were moments to savor. Team Master Theory was a passionate bunch – jovial even in their prosecution of a skillful victory. Hearing their cries of “Nooooooooooo…!” were welcome moments of respite from this mollywhomping, as Warthogs attempting to escape with our flag were smashed by Brute Shots. In the end, we found their game to be good – very good, in fact. Not because they won, but because they allowed us to retain our dignity in defeat. It was a pleasure to behold such a refined exhibition of teamwork. On this bout, theory was proven as fact.

Good Game, MT.