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[electricpirate]

So with all this talk of Red Spartans now have a reason to fight Blue Spartans, and mentions of tighter integration into campaign, it seems we have a pretty good reason to believe that we are probably looking at spartan vs. spartan combat at some point in the campaign? I'd guess ONI rival factions or a human civil war perhaps?

 

[op_ivy]

Imagine MLG national championships where the last game is a slayer at 49-49 and one of the players is by rockets when it randomly spawns and gets a kill from it. They would win literally because of luck. That doesn't bode well in the competitive scene.

i get it, its a change. halo has been about controlling areas of maps with power weapons. it would add in another factor to the game that takes some of that control away.

but i still think the game could be just as competitive with this change. i'm also quite sure if this is in the works, it'll be an option that can be modified for purists that want halo dialed in 100%.

 

[ncsuDuncan]

I don't know. Maybe you could ask him on HBO, where he can reply to you?

Asks on HBO.
RC Master gets defensive.
Drama.

Asks on NeoGAF.
Gets a straight answer from one of the many HBO people that post here.
Moves on.

Are you going to send RC Master the link? "Oooh, someone on NeoGAF is talking about you!"

 

[Gui_PT]

Hey guys, did we get any ne...

 

[erpg]

One of the key parts of competitive halo is timing and controlling power weapon spawns. If they randomize it, they just noobified it.

Adapting to new high-risk situations is not a 'noobified' thing.

 

[Demoncarnotaur]

Ah indeed.

Oh and here is a bigger version of that pic.

Damn, every time I see that I am wowed. I really hope we can see more striking shots like that, Wraparound worries me as it has that Grey, forerunner look, albeit pretty.

So with all this talk of Red Spartans now have a reason to fight Blue Spartans, and mentions of tighter integration into campaign, it seems we have a pretty good reason to believe that we are probably looking at spartan vs. spartan combat at some point in the campaign? I'd guess ONI rival factions or a human civil war perhaps?

Thats what went through my mind.

 

[Plywood]

H4 nanomachines Logo:

 

[Louis Wu]

Are you going to send RC Master the link? "Oooh, someone on NeoGAF is talking about you!"

Nah, someone else already did that. (Even used that tone of voice, amazingly enough.)

 

[RebornYeti]

Is there going to be an option for DOF in theater mode?

I love photography in real life, but the lack of creative control in theater mode has always held back my enjoyment of the screenshot functionality (a little bit). But knowing that i could explore the forerunner environments with a great DSLR...now THAT is pretty exciting to me.

If they take cues from the Forza and GT5 photo mode, I will be extremely happy.

 

[Franklinator]

Just noticed the scoreboard has a meter that fills up like the other games, excluding Reach

edit: nevermind, this was already posted forever ago

 

[J-Roderton]

So with all this talk of Red Spartans now have a reason to fight Blue Spartans, and mentions of tighter integration into campaign, it seems we have a pretty good reason to believe that we are probably looking at spartan vs. spartan combat at some point in the campaign? I'd guess ONI rival factions or a human civil war perhaps?

I was really surprised by that part about Red v Blue.

Well they did say we would fight a "new enemy." I can't imagine other Spartans being the main enemy, of course, but I could see that being a possible piece of the story.

 

[Arnie]

HaloGAF loves it. Frankie should be happy.

I think there's a definite level of caution to be had, especially after the whole Reach debacle, but in general it looked great. Certain rumblings from the previews have me slightly dubious however, and I think a balanced discourse is better than a one sided one.

I'm sure 343 would rather read a page of pro's and con's, rather than simply one of either; that way they know there's still things that need addressing, tweaking and that certain concerns need ironing out. The good thing is 343 have shown the upmost care in this so far, so I have full confidence in them going forward.

Successful day for them. Can't wait to see more.

 

[Zeouterlimits]

H4 nanomachines Logo:

Thank you, was going to ask for this.

 

[Risen]

i dont know about that. randomness is in plenty of competition and it certainly, even in this case, wouldnt hand out "wins and loses". it would change the way a game is played out on a map, but it may also make it so that more of a map is used for battle rather then key areas. this is all theoretical for the time being, but people should be more open to change is all.

I agree about people being open to change... I am when it comes to many things. One may find randomness in competition, but if randomness is intentionally added to competition, the outcome in terms of wins and losses is almost meaningless.

Obviously we have no idea how such a thing is to be implemented, I'm simply saying I don't like the core idea. I'm not a fan of anything that takes me out of the equation and inserts a game element. Static weapon spawns and times are a solid base for competition. Dynamic weapon spawns and times, even if tracked in the HUD mean a team can luck into a power weapon (or out of) and that be the deciding factor of the game.

Again for a game type... that's cool and perhaps fun, but if that's a core element to multi-player, it's not for me.

I really am excited for what I've seen so far. I'm hyped about Devo's initial impression. I'm even excited to see how 343 will balance "perks" (for lack of a better term). I'm loving what they (David/Frankie) are saying in the interview questions and on the forums.

 

[Blue Ninja]

So the Reapers invade the Halo universe, indoctrinate Parangosky and attack the Shield World the Chief is on, bringing Parangosky's indoctrinated Spartan IV's with her.

Yep, there we have it.

I find it to be an improvement from Reach's armor. I felt like they really screwed up how spartans looked in reach.

I kinda liked the look in Reach. It wasn't perfect, the whole 'mix-match' look didn't really do anything for me, but the standard armor looked pretty nice.

 

[op_ivy]

H4 nanomachines Logo:

lol, thanks

 

[El_Chino]

Just imagine how Halo 5 would look like with next-gen tech.

 

[bobs...onGaf]

HaloGAF loves it. Frankie should be happy.

Theres a lot to be excited about for sure, but I dont think its fair to say 'HaloGaf loves it', Its probably fairer to say 'HaloGaf hardly knows anything about it, but first signs look good.'.

Im super excited about some aspects, and I can already see areas that I may take issues with, but really need to see actual gameplay which isnt just 2 second clips to judge the game.

 

[zethren]

Just imagine how Halo 5 would look like with next-gen tech.

We are at least 6-7 months away from getting Halo 4, and finally getting some new info. I'd rather not start salivating at the thought of what's possible in Halo 5 just yet...Don't think my hype could take it.

 

[Zeouterlimits]

Its probably fairer to say 'HaloGaf hardly knows anything about it, but first signs look good.'.

Well said!

 

[thezerofire]

Theres a lot to be excited about for sure, but I dont think its fair to say 'HaloGaf loves it', Its probably fairer to say 'HaloGaf hardly knows anything about it, but first signs look good.'.

Im super excited about some aspects, and I can already see areas that I may take issues with, but really need to see actual gameplay which isnt just 2 second clips to judge the game.

Personally, what I've seen so far has me really excited. Fast movement and precision weapons? Right up my alley.

 

[The Librarian]

That Venturebeat article, specifically the first page, has me scared shitless.

Honestly the footage gets me so excited but the things we're hearing in addition to that are doing the opposite.


Same.

And the idea of different base traits based on armour pieces is chilling also.

My reaction to what we've been shown so far is decidedly mixed. I'll go into more detail later on when things have calmed down, but to summarize: I'm liking a lot of what I'm seeing, but just as much, if not more so, I am not liking what I'm seeing.

Now, I can't pass judgment on what 343 has in store for this perk system or whatever, but from Reach's experience, I think we can all assume the following. The more abilities we have in the game, the harder it is to balance, and the harder a game is to balance, the harder it is to support a game post release. An example of this would be jetpack on Isolation – it breaks the flow of the map, and there are multiple playlists where you get jetpack on Reflection. From 343's support of Reach, it seems they are either unwilling – or unable – to give the game the kind of finesse it needs to meet their ambitions. Not all maps are the same; they can't be treated equally, and the more you have in the game, the harder it is to balance for each map.

With the news released today, it seems (can't confirm this yet) 343 is moving beyond that "start everyone on equal footing" philosophy of Halo that set it apart from the juggernauts of today. Halo was unique among the CoDs and the Battlfields in that it doesn't need sprint, it doesn't need weapon customization, it doesn't need that points system. It was uniquely Halo, and it stood out. I'm really worried about Halo losing its "individuality" so to speak with the type of changes we're hearing (not seeing, but hearing).

I hope I'm not being unfair to the game or anyone working on it. My apologies to Frankie or David if I am. I want to like Halo 4, and I'm trying to decouple my want for another "Halo 3" from my want for a new Halo.

 

[VivaciousJazzy]

Adapting to new high-risk situations is not a 'noobified' thing.

It comes down to randomness. Randomness does NOT belong in a competitive environment period. There's no argument about it.

 

[Sai-kun]

H4 nanomachines Logo:

God, this is so damn sexy.

 

[ZalinKrow]

Theres a lot to be excited about for sure, but I dont think its fair to say 'HaloGaf loves it', Its probably fairer to say 'HaloGaf hardly knows anything about it, but first signs look good.'.

bobs99 hates it. Frankie should be sad.

 

[Arnie]

I don't buy into the argument that random weapon spawns (be it both positions or the weapons themselves) would be good for Halo.

Maps are designed around areas of control, and central to this are the power weapons. Take The Pit as a case study: Long Hall and Green Box are both key to controlling the map, and incentiving these spaces. Fighting over them is what makes the map so fun. Imagine if Rockets suddenly and arbitrarily spawned in Sword, that'd change the map so drastically and to what end?

Any experience gained through previous play sessions would mostly go out of the window as all the play would change to the other half of the map. What would usually be a route to flank would become a central hub of action. This, I feel, also undermines the map makers original intentions.

And something I hope 343 take into account is the use of colour and light. I remember reading the dissection of The Pit and I find the use of light and colour to have players instantly recognise their position fascinating. It's a criticism I had of Reach, that everything was dull coloured and muddy, and navigating the map was never clear or distinct.

 

[Ken]

It comes down to randomness. Randomness does NOT belong in a competitive environment period. There's no argument about it.

I'm going to agree with Jazzy.

 

[zap]

My reaction to what we've been shown so far is decidedly mixed. I'll go into more detail later on when things have calmed down, but to summarize: I'm liking a lot of what I'm seeing, but just as much, if not more so, I am not liking what I'm seeing.

Now, I can't pass judgment on what 343 has in store for this perk system or whatever, but from Reach's experience, I think we can all assume the following. The more abilities we have in the game, the harder it is to balance, and the harder a game is to balance, the harder it is to support a game post release. An example of this would be jetpack on Isolation – it breaks the flow of the map, and there are multiple playlists where you get jetpack on Isolation. From 343's support of Reach, it seems they are either unwilling – or unable – to give the game the kind of finesse it needs to meet their ambitions. Not all maps are the same; they can't be treated equally, and the more you have in the game, the harder it is to balance for each map.

With the news released today, it seems (can't confirm this yet) 343 is moving beyond that "start everyone on equal footing" philosophy of Halo that set it apart from the juggernauts of today. Halo was unique among the CoDs and the Battlfields in that it doesn't need sprint, it doesn't need weapon customization, it doesn't need that points system. It was uniquely Halo, and it stood out. I'm really worried about Halo losing its "individuality" so to speak with the type of changes we're hearing (not seeing, but hearing).

I hope I'm not being unfair to the game or anyone working on it. My apologies to Frankie or David if I am. I want to like Halo 4, and I'm trying to decouple my want for another "Halo 3" and my want for a new Halo.

Isolation? You mean Asylum?

I agree on pretty much all points. Cautiously optimistic though.

 

[The Librarian]

Typo. I meant reflection.

 

[Tunavi]

Reveal was worth the wait.

So ready for this game.

 

[bobs...onGaf]

So with all this talk of Red Spartans now have a reason to fight Blue Spartans, and mentions of tighter integration into campaign, it seems we have a pretty good reason to believe that we are probably looking at spartan vs. spartan combat at some point in the campaign? I'd guess ONI rival factions or a human civil war perhaps?

I would be more willing to bet its some kind of training program more than anything, that would work really well as a framework.

 

[zap]

From the Gaming side thread:

It's not going to cock up the basics, don't worry. Better?

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=35738284&postcount=139

I want to believe, David!

 

[Arnie]

My reaction to what we've been shown so far is decidedly mixed. I'll go into more detail later on when things have calmed down, but to summarize: I'm liking a lot of what I'm seeing, but just as much, if not more so, I am not liking what I'm seeing.

Now, I can't pass judgment on what 343 has in store for this perk system or whatever, but from Reach's experience, I think we can all assume the following. The more abilities we have in the game, the harder it is to balance, and the harder a game is to balance, the harder it is to support a game post release. An example of this would be jetpack on Isolation – it breaks the flow of the map, and there are multiple playlists where you get jetpack on Reflection. From 343's support of Reach, it seems they are either unwilling – or unable – to give the game the kind of finesse it needs to meet their ambitions. Not all maps are the same; they can't be treated equally, and the more you have in the game, the harder it is to balance for each map.

With the news released today, it seems (can't confirm this yet) 343 is moving beyond that "start everyone on equal footing" philosophy of Halo that set it apart from the juggernauts of today. Halo was unique among the CoDs and the Battlfields in that it doesn't need sprint, it doesn't need weapon customization, it doesn't need that points system. It was uniquely Halo, and it stood out. I'm really worried about Halo losing its "individuality" so to speak with the type of changes we're hearing (not seeing, but hearing).

I hope I'm not being unfair to the game or anyone working on it. My apologies to Frankie or David if I am. I want to like Halo 4, and I'm trying to decouple my want for another "Halo 3" and my want for a new Halo.

I've not read Primordium, and I can't remember Cryptum that well, but if I could I'd make some witty remark about you being an AI linked into my thoughts, because what you just wrote tallies exactly with how I feel.

 

[Devolution]

Okay back for a while. Here's stuff I recall seeing:

~ a bit of multiplayer action
~ map walkthroughs (the forerunner one, wrap around and I forgot the name of the other)
~ new lighting effects
~ the BR in action
~ faster base speed, higher jump height, strafing!
~ different/newer UI elements
~ no bloom on the BR but I wouldn't go as far as to say it's gone since I didn't see any other weapons and Frankie was quick on the ball to say the BR doesn't replace anything, it's merely back into the fray
~ not just see but I got to hear the spartan in motion

Also the only embargo stuff I felt like breaking was informing the masses of seeing stuff in general, not the actual content itself. I didn't want to tell haloGAF shit and cheapen how I felt watching the ViDoc by mentioning anything I witnessed in there or was told by Frankie/David. I actually got kind of pissy at the screen leaks since people got to see the BR early, which hopefully didn't take away from seeing it in the ViDoc too much. The only time I actually felt the real need (not just trolling) to step away from a thread was last night in the gaming section when some posters (not HaloGAF) were talking straight out of their ass. I don't know how devs deal with that bullshit.

 

[Plywood]

Well I think I've scraped out everything I can from the vid, I'll leave it to the Veterans™ to give us a frame-by-frame analysis.

 

[CyReN]

I don't know how devs deal with that bullshit.

seriously though thanks again for the info, every tidbit being said now is getting me even more pumped, almost forgot ME3 comes out tonight..

 

[zethren]

The only time I actually felt the real need (not just trolling) to step away from a thread was last night in the gaming section when some posters (not HaloGAF) were talking straight out of their ass. I don't know how devs deal with that bullshit.

Haters gonna hate. At the end of the day, it seems like they (343, or devs in general) are super proud of their own work and millions of people love what they do. Knowing that has to be gratifying enough to look past the vocal minority of internet asshats.

 

[bobs...onGaf]

bobs99 hates it. Frankie should be sad.

Bobs thinks Dax hit the nail on the head. Including the part where he said that his opinion is subjective based on how little we know.

At the moment to me there are things that stick out as being incredible, and things that stick out as being potential issues. The biggest problem I have right now in analysing any of that is that we have a 4 minuite video which shows very little actual gameplay. A lot of what we know has come from people talking.

Im not going to rely on journalists for Halo information, once information goes through that wringer its skewed and tainted. I will wait until I actually see the gameplay properly to judge it.

Personally, what I've seen so far has me really excited. Fast movement and precision weapons? Right up my alley.

Yup I did like the look of the movement, and the BR! I am really hyped seeing that stuff. In the grand scheme of things though we know so little, how do nades behave? Are there actually perks? I will withold judgment on the game until we see what the multiplayer is actually like.

 

[Demoncarnotaur]

Is that a Plasma Pistol on his hip?

Looks similar.

 

[op_ivy]

Okay back for a while. Here's stuff I recall seeing:

~ a bit of multiplayer action
~ map walkthroughs (the forerunner one, wrap around and I forgot the name of the other)
~ new lighting effects
~ the BR in action
~ faster base speed, higher jump height, strafing!
~ different/newer UI elements
~ no bloom on the BR but I wouldn't go as far as to say it's gone since I didn't see any other weapons and Frankie was quick on the ball to say the BR doesn't replace anything, it's merely back into the fray
~ not just see but I got to hear the spartan in motion

Also the only embargo stuff I felt like breaking was informing the masses of seeing stuff in general, not the actual content itself. I didn't want to tell haloGAF shit and cheapen how I felt watching the ViDoc by mentioning anything I witnessed in there or was told by Frankie/David. I actually got kind of pissy at the screen leaks since people got to see the BR early, which hopefully didn't take away from seeing it in the ViDoc too much. The only time I actually felt the real need (not just trolling) to step away from a thread was last night in the gaming section when some posters (not HaloGAF) were talking straight out of their ass. I don't know how devs deal with that bullshit.

thanks devo.

are you able to shed any light on random weapon respawn timers and spawning locations?

did you see weapon locations in the new HUD?

Was there any sort of indication of how much sprinting a spartan could do?

 

[Hitmonchan107]

My reaction to what we've been shown so far is decidedly mixed. I'll go into more detail later on when things have calmed down, but to summarize: I'm liking a lot of what I'm seeing, but just as much, if not more so, I am not liking what I'm seeing.

Now, I can't pass judgment on what 343 has in store for this perk system or whatever, but from Reach's experience, I think we can all assume the following. The more abilities we have in the game, the harder it is to balance, and the harder a game is to balance, the harder it is to support a game post release. An example of this would be jetpack on Isolation – it breaks the flow of the map, and there are multiple playlists where you get jetpack on Reflection. From 343's support of Reach, it seems they are either unwilling – or unable – to give the game the kind of finesse it needs to meet their ambitions. Not all maps are the same; they can't be treated equally, and the more you have in the game, the harder it is to balance for each map.

With the news released today, it seems (can't confirm this yet) 343 is moving beyond that "start everyone on equal footing" philosophy of Halo that set it apart from the juggernauts of today. Halo was unique among the CoDs and the Battlfields in that it doesn't need sprint, it doesn't need weapon customization, it doesn't need that points system. It was uniquely Halo, and it stood out. I'm really worried about Halo losing its "individuality" so to speak with the type of changes we're hearing (not seeing, but hearing).

I hope I'm not being unfair to the game or anyone working on it. My apologies to Frankie or David if I am. I want to like Halo 4, and I'm trying to decouple my want for another "Halo 3" and my want for a new Halo.

From what I've read, it sounds like 343 is catering to both the Reach-style of gameplay and the Halo 2/3-style of gameplay. I'm assuming when you go to multiplayer, the hoppers will be divided between Loadout, Classic, (OMG revolutionary game mode) and Community (race playlists, Action Sack, Grifball, possibly MLG).

 

[Zeouterlimits]

I don't know how devs deal with that bullshit.

I guess they try to rise above it. Try to keep in mind that these are people posting on a popular video game forum.

Think about how Sage must have to deal with all the abuse he gets.

 

[ZalinKrow]

Bobs thinks Dax hit the nail on the head. Including the part where he said that his opinion is subjective based on how little we know.

I was only kidding, if that wasn't obvious I definitely agree. Although I am definitely pretty damn hyped to see more I'm generally easy-going enough when it comes to what makes the cut and what doesn't. Nothing has really bothered me about what's been shown so far either. I just can't wait to find out more! I could watch some of those gifs all day.

 

[Devolution]

thanks devo.

are you able to shed any light on random weapon respawn timers and spawning locations?

did you see weapon locations in the new HUD?

Was there any sort of indication of how much sprinting a spartan could do?

I just saw blue circles with weapons in them but there was no further detail beyond that other than 343 taking a new look at "timers" in game. Unless someone was told something more specific, that's all I got.

 

[erpg]

It comes down to randomness. Randomness does NOT belong in a competitive environment period. There's no argument about it.

Really? Because actually interesting and popular competitive games such as DOTA (damage ranges, abilities) and Starcraft 2 (burrow speed, creep crawl) have randomized elements and damage ranges. And watching people scramble to adapt to a situation like a sniper spawn makes for a much better (and understandable) spectator element than coach timers.

So there's one no argument.

 

[Demoncarnotaur]

Okay back for a while. Here's stuff I recall seeing:

~ a bit of multiplayer action
~ map walkthroughs (the forerunner one, wrap around and I forgot the name of the other)
~ new lighting effects
~ the BR in action
~ faster base speed, higher jump height, strafing!
~ different/newer UI elements
~ no bloom on the BR but I wouldn't go as far as to say it's gone since I didn't see any other weapons and Frankie was quick on the ball to say the BR doesn't replace anything, it's merely back into the fray
~ not just see but I got to hear the spartan in motion

Also the only embargo stuff I felt like breaking was informing the masses of seeing stuff in general, not the actual content itself. I didn't want to tell haloGAF shit and cheapen how I felt watching the ViDoc by mentioning anything I witnessed in there or was told by Frankie/David. I actually got kind of pissy at the screen leaks since people got to see the BR early, which hopefully didn't take away from seeing it in the ViDoc too much. The only time I actually felt the real need (not just trolling) to step away from a thread was last night in the gaming section when some posters (not HaloGAF) were talking straight out of their ass. I don't know how devs deal with that bullshit.

-Did you see the BR zoomed in? If so, how did it look?
-Visually, does Wraparound stand out more than the usual Forerunner map? (Texture detail, environment effects, etc)
-Do you know if Assassinations are in or out?
-Did you see grenades in action?
-How did the game look visually in your opinion compared to past titles?

 

[op_ivy]

Really? Because actually interesting and popular competitive games such as DOTA (damage ranges, abilities) and Starcraft 2 (burrow speed, creep crawl) have randomized elements and damage ranges. And watching people scramble to adapt to a situation like a sniper spawn makes for a much better (and understandable) spectator element than coach timers.

So there's one no argument.

yeah, i think it could definitely make things more exciting at the very least

-Did you see the BR zoomed in? If so, how did it look?
-Visually, does Wraparound stand out more than the usual Forerunner map? (Texture detail, environment effects, etc)
-Do you know if Assassinations are in or out?
-Did you see grenades in action?
-How did the game look visually in your opinion compared to past titles?

assassinations are in

 

[i nerini del buio]

just woke up and I saw this

awww cuuute, herpaderp you back again!
I missed you <3

 

[bobs...onGaf]

I was only kidding, if that wasn't obvious I definitely agree. Although I am definitely pretty damn hyped to see more I'm generally easy-going enough when it comes to what makes the cut and what doesn't. Nothing has really bothered me about what's been shown so far either. I just can't wait to find out more! I could watch some of those gifs all day.

Oh yeah of course, but im not going to pass up the opportunity to refer to myself in third person!

Im personally more anxious for Halo 4 news today than I was yesterday. We see Halo 4, but we dont really see Halo 4. I want to know more about the gameplay mechanics damn it!

 

[heckfu]

Really? Because actually interesting and popular competitive games such as DOTA (damage ranges, abilities) and Starcraft 2 (burrow speed, creep crawl) have randomized elements and damage ranges. And watching people scramble to adapt to a situation like a sniper spawn makes for a much better (and understandable) spectator element than coach timers.

So there's one no argument.

I tend to agree with you that the randomization does add to the competitiveness. That's also coming from a non MLG player. As frank said earlier about reach playlists, Jazzy, I'm sure they will have their own say as weapon timing seems to be a huge cornerstone of professional play.