When I arrived atMicrosoft’s International Community and Press Party, I knew I’d get at least two things — alcohol and finger food. I’m a simple man, and that’s enough for me, but nothing could have prepared me for this schwag I’d be presented with on the way in. This dark blue t-shirt depicts a slightly aggravated looking young woman, and to her right is something written in katakana … which I certainly don’t understand a lick of.

Luckily, I have a handy Japanese phrasebook, complete with a katakana script table. Slowly, but surely, I sounded it out and it reads: “Ko-ru-ta-na-o-su-ku-e.” I’m a clever guy — this must be Cortana from Bungie’sHaloseries, right?

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But why does she look so angry, and slightly like VH1’sRock of Love‘s rich brat turned wanna-be rocker,Lacey? And does anyone in Japan really care aboutHalo 3? With three days left in the Land of the Rising sun, you’re damned sure I’m going to find out.

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