Hack 25. Customize the Zanzibar Signage

Alter the Zanzibar "NO SWIMMING" sign.

The Zanzibar beachfront features helpful signs that warn of sharks in the water. These signs usually read, "DANGER NO SWIMMING" (see Figure 3-8).

However, some Halo 2 fans discovered that the signs change if the Xbox system clock is set to specific dates. To try this, open the Xbox dashboard and go to the Settings page. Choose the Clock settings and change the month and day to 7. Seven is known to be a special number for Bungie Studios for example, their fan club is called "the 7th Column."

Start a game on the Zanzibar map and check the signs. In addition to an image of a bloodied dog's head, the sign will read, "ARE YOU FINDING LING LING'S HEAD?" (see Figure 3-9).

Figure 3-8. The usual No Swimming sign

Figure 3-9. Ling Ling sign

There are other combinations that clearly map to holidays. Change your date to January 1, and you will see the entertaining message "Baby Shark PETTING" (see Figure 3-10).

Halloween is also celebrated with its own sign. This one features an otherwise happy person getting bisected. Change your date to October 31 for the "CARNAGE ZONE" and December 25 for yet another version of the sign. We all know that Christmas is often a time for SOFFISH (read: I don't know what SOFFISH means), so the Bungie gang brings you a warning message. You'll have to try these last two out for yourself.

For more information about this wily and elusive fish, refer to this URL: http://www.bungie.net/Inside/soffish/Soffish.html.

In case you're worried about the hassle of resetting the date on your Xbox, fear not. If you use Xbox Live, the system will reset your clock when you sign in.

Figure 3-10. Baby Shark PETTING