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[Woorloog]

I admit there's some stuff i don't like (no Firefight? no Elites in MP, X-Ray vision?, instant respawns?) but otherwise, good stuff, i think.
Random power weapons spawns are okay as long as power weapons themselves are not very powerful like Reach's.
Armor abilities are fine as long as they're properly balanced and done this time. Jet Pack should be more like Jump Pack, no invulnerability AAs... I still would take equipment over these.
I trust 343 will make sure Spartan points won't be for buying advantage, higher level players should not have inherent advantages over lower level players like in COD or Battlefield 3.

 

[Blue Ninja]

Sleeping (and sobering) on the news hasn't made it any better. If that is the future of Halo multiplayer I'll probably touch it even less than I did Reach.

Still waiting for some campaign news, though.

 

[def sim]

Thanks guys, this looks great.

 

[the anime man]

Yeah, having second thoughts about getting this game now. Halo's probably my favorite game franchise so to see all this CoD stuff in 4... no thanks.

Of course I need to hear more but so far it's not looking good for me.

 

[WJD]

Can't find this photobucket account but I'm assuming it all but confirms that the previous info is true? Shame

I think the only possible redeeming features of it are probably the Spartan Ops thing and maybe the 'Join Anytime'.

Need clarification before I make an actual opinion though.

 

[Tha Robbertster]

Alright, went to bad a bit to early tonight apperently

The Good:
-Spartan ops sounds awesome. From what I'm getting, it kinda sounds like the mode I envisioned a few weeks ago. Maybe there will be some firefight missions in it.
-Graphics look great
-Being able to spawn with BR/DMR/AR?carbine would end the AR/BR bitching

The Bad:
-Random weapon spawns. Really? That's horrible
-Press X to spawn directly? Sounds a lot like CoD to me....
-Jet Pack and active camo returning as armor abilities

Not liking the sound of these things. I'll try to keep my hopes up until we get some clarification from 343.

 

[VivaciousJazzy]

I have now played with the worst teammates I have ever experienced.

My and my friend carried this hard while getting rocketed and AR'd by our teammates the whole time.

 

[Woorloog]

I have now played with the worst teammates I have ever experienced.

https://p.twimg.com/Ap3xNnBCAAAwFcv.jpg[IMG]

My and my friend carried this hard while getting rocketed and AR'd by our teammates the whole time.[/QUOTE]

Reminds me of when me and my friend won togheter vs 4-6 guys. Our team quit, we stuck to playing and won the fucking match. And it was CTF (in Halo 3).

 

[Bornstellar]

Crossposting here.

• Story starts 4.5 years after the events of Halo 3
• Will address issues of rampancy
• Inside of helmet visible at screen corners.
• 720p + FXAA
• Entirely new antagonist (hmmmm)
• Spartan OPs represents away missions from the Infinity
• Spartan OPs NOT PAYED, all episodes come with the game
• 5 (!?) missions per cinematic/week
• Several months of content

The article does contain some small first-mission/intro spoilers as well as a few others, so be warned.

HYPE GET!

 

[Rickenslacker]

With the way Spartan Ops is described it makes me wonder how it'll work for the people who don't connect their 360 online. Specifically about how new missions are gradually unlocked over the passing months.

 

[Tha Robbertster]

So who's going to play some Halo 3 today? I'm free for almost the entire day and I could really use some distraction from the recent news

 

[Arnie]

Singleplayer sounds interesting, Spartan OPs sound really cool, especially the fiction behind it all. However, and this is the killer for me, the multiplayer sounds terrible.

I've read the entire thing through and each and every change they've implemented is drawing from inspiration outside of a Halo game. When 343 kept reiterating their love for the franchise, and that the people were hired because they understood the franchise, I have to laugh. They clearly haven't understood what made the games tick for me and my friends who adored 2 and 3.

Honestly this is worse than I could've ever imagined, especially after all the things Frank has said about conserving what makes Halo, Halo.

Loadouts? Are you fucking kidding me. Unlockable perks? Jesus fucking christ. Instant spawning? Good job getting that extermination, means jack shit. Random weapon spawns? Holy Moses, this really isn't Halo anymore.

My hype has been slashed to shreds with a single cover story.

And just as a last clarifier, I didn't want to be so harsh and blunt, because it's clear 343 have worked hard on this game, and Frank's a top guy who's great at how he liases with the community. But this news is so bad that I'm having a hard time holding back.

 

[Lifejumper]

I think the Press X to respawn and random weapon drops are only for the new mode. Seems most likely.

 

[Blue Ninja]

Okay, read the article.

The way they were referring to the (still freakin' unknown) main antagonist of the game, it led me to think that maybe they're referring to something akin to the Sentinels in Ghosts of Onyx. Those could combine to become different, become stronger, and the Halo 4 enemies are described as doing something similar.

Spartan Ops sounds like an interesting concept. It might be able to keep me playing for a while, if the game plays well.

I'll reserve judgment on multiplayer for now. From what I've read, though, I don't like the direction they're going in at all. It sounds... Well, bad.

 

[TS x Massacre]

Singleplayer sounds interesting, Spartan OPs sound really cool, especially the fiction behind it all. However, and this is the killer for me, the multiplayer sounds terrible.

I've read the entire thing through and each and every change they've implemented is drawing from inspiration outside of a Halo game. When 343 kept reiterating their love for the franchise, and that the people were hired because they understood the franchise, I have to laugh. They clearly haven't understood what made the games tick for me and my friends who adored 2 and 3.

Honestly this is worse than I could've ever imagined, especially after all the things Frank has said about conserving what makes Halo, Halo.

Loadouts? Are you fucking kidding me. Unlockable perks? Jesus fucking christ. Instant spawning? Good job getting that extermination, means jack shit. Random weapon spawns? Holy Moses, this really isn't Halo anymore.

My hype has been slashed to shreds with a single cover story.

And just as a last clarifier, I didn't want to be so harsh and blunt, because it's clear 343 have worked hard on this game, and Frank's a top guy who's great at how he liases with the community. But this news is so bad that I'm having a hard time holding back.

It's alright, im in the same boat, really waiting on the podcast for some clarification here so i dont rush over to gamestop and cancel my preorder now. I've been playing since CE and loved every Halo game, i wouldn't be here if my love for the franchise said otherwise.. however from this news, I must quote the Angry Video Game Nerd:

"It sucking fucks, it fucking sucks, it fucking blows, it's a piece of shit... and I don't like it."

 

[S1kkZ]

just finished the part about the single-player. sounds fantastic but i am really worried about the "interactive story" moments. sounds like a beefed up quicktime event or the horrible stuff in metroid other m/ninja gaiden 3.

frankie, please comment on this.

 

[Slightly Live]

A "Covenant" armada? A Dyson shell around a planet.

I feel weak at the knees. Hold me! <3

 

[Kuroyume]

Loadouts are great.... At least for weapons. I'm tired of some clueless playlist guy spawning everyone with ARs on BTB maps. This change is long overdue. Let people pick their weapons. One hit kill weapons can stick as pick ups but everything else should be fair game.

The thing that bugs me in the article regarding the campaign is that we'll be fighting the Covenant again. I'm sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo tired of that already.

 

[Arnie]

It's alright, im in the same boat, really waiting on the podcast for some clarification here so i dont rush over to gamestop and cancel my preorder now. I've been playing since CE and loved every Halo game, i wouldn't be here if my love for the franchise said otherwise.. however from this news, I must quote the Angry Video Game Nerd:

"It sucking fucks, it fucking sucks, it fucking blows, it's a piece of shit... and I don't like it."

You say that, but I remember back in the day when the Bungie podcast made bloom sound fucking incredible. When Luke and Urk would back and forth about how it increased the skill gap, and gave us this spiel about how it improved Halo. At the end of the day, Bungie and 343i are just trying to sell us on the ideas they've implemented; come the time of that podcast I'm sure they'll make all these changes sound great, and dandy, and Halo.

But then I'll stick the game in come launch and it's just not. It's not a sequel to Halo 3. It's some hybrid between Halo and every other shooter that's on the market nowadays. They've caved in. They've made a game where you select your weapon and grenade types before the game, where you choose your perks, as well as unlock them as you play.

There's nothing in this article for people who play Halo like a sport. Who want a semblance of balance. Who enjoy the challenge of controlling that power weapon on the map. Who like that players are on an even keel, so skill really means something and decides each fight. Players who're desperate to win as a team because the game takes each win into account and ranks them accordingly (the article didn't mention a skill based system, but I'd be willing to wager that the stupid military ranks are the predominant system. yawn)That Halo fan has been hung out to dry. And it's a huge shame.

 

[Shadders]

The article has left me feeling a lot better than the tidbits we got last night. Spartan Ops sounds fantastic and the campaign stuff left me slack jawed.

Still concerns over instant respawns, X-ray eyes and random weapon drops, but fortunately all that stuff sounds easy enough for them to turn off when they realise what terrible mistakes they've made.

 

[WJD]

At least single player doesn't sound ruined.

 

[JonCha]

I think people trust Frankie more than Bungie, because he seems to get Halo.

The big question for me is how they're going to balance everything. I'm not against ANYTHING per se, as long as it's balanced. E.g., how are they going to sort camo out as an armour ability? It got abused in Reach by snipers. Having camo as a pick-up meant once it's gone, it's gone.

And instant respawns ... well, I don't know. Playing CTF and wiping out their whole team, so you can get the flag and run it back while they're respawning, is why Halo is great when working in teams. Instant respawns shit on this completely, unless they're playlist specific. If they're in playlists such as BTB, but not Team Slayer, I'll be okay with it.

Right now, we've read some lines of text. We've seen no footage, we've not listened to a podcast. My policy is sceptical until seen in official footage.

 

[Rickenslacker]

I have to restrain myself from ranting every time someone posts positively about the random weapon spawning (as we know it) on the gaming side saying it adds skill because you have to adapt to the changes. Just typin' out a long rebuttal about it and hit delete right after. I just can't deal with it.

 

[S1kkZ]

relax guys. dont get to upset about the mp changes, wait for the podcast. i would be surprised if you mp guys dont get "classic" playlists.

 

[VivaciousJazzy]

Single player sounds amazing but its not where I will spend most of my time.

So after a great majority of the halo community was unhappy about going the COD direction they dive in further...makes sense.

I know these things most likely can be changed in custom games but what frustrates me is I'm going to be playing settings that would be so different I probably wont even be playing the same game...

and spartan points? WTF why not just stick with credits.

 

[KidA Seven]

Edit: Thanks bros

 

[RedSparrows]

relax guys. dont get to upset about the mp changes, wait for the podcast. i would be surprised if you mp guys dont get "classic" playlists.

Splitting player base !=fun.

Could I get a PM too? Ta.

 

[Shadders]

relax guys. dont get to upset about the mp changes, wait for the podcast. i would be surprised if you mp guys dont get "classic" playlists.

Yeah to me this sounds like new things they've added to the sandbox that can be tweaked based on gametype and playlist it's not things that will be in every game.

 

[Tha Robbertster]

I really hope we'll get a ranked playlist in Halo 4 with classic Halo spawns, for weapons and players. No loadouts or perks, just you and your BR fighting against players with exactly the same things you have. No join in progress stuff.

They can put all the new crap in social, just make ranked the classic Halo experience.

On a positive note: Campaign and Spartan Ops sound amazing, although the grunts look kinda weird

 

[S1kkZ]

what i dont understand: they are introducing random weapon drops to eliminate the advantage that longtime players have (that know where the power weapons are). but isnt it stupid to introduce a level system with perks/upgrades/unlockable better weapons that rewards longtime players and gives them an even bigger advantage?

 

[KidA Seven]

what i dont understand: they are introducing random weapon drops to eliminate the advantage that longtime players have (that know where the power weapons are). but isnt it stupid to introduce a level system with perks/upgrades/unlockable better weapons that rewards longtime players and gives them an even bigger advantage?

Correct.

 

[Gabotron ES]

Just woke up, anything new?

 

[Gabotron ES]

My inbox is hungry, FEED IT! plz

 

[Arnie]

Halo is about everyone being of equal ability, with skill deciding the winner. Everyone spawns with the same gear and fights for what's located around the map. This way map control often decides who prospers.

Such basic principles that 343 have thrown away.

 

[dragonelite]

i posted this in the GI thread could this work for loadout and AA/perks

So it seems like you can choose your AA now i hope that you have to collect a power module to use those AA. Part Reach where you choose your AA/Equipement and Halo 3 where you need to pick up a power module.

Not sure what would work the best.
1)Pick up power module and player can use it at will until the power module is depleted.
Used for BubbleShield or EMP like halo 3 you throw the AA on the ground with the power
module powering it.

2)Once you pick up a power module your AA will activate and runs out when module is
depleted this is outside of the players control. Overshield and camo AA these are time
based.

3)Or just completely user controlled so you can power on and off Overshield and camo at will
and dont know if this will work for BubbleShield and Camo.

The random power weapon spawn not sure how i feel about it hope it is not in all playlist.

 

[Striker]

Halo is about everyone being of equal ability, with skill deciding the winner. Everyone spawns with the same gear and fights for what's located around the map. This way map control often decides who prospers.

Such basic principles that 343 have thrown away.

The more I think about the random weapon spawn system, the more I think it's kind of like Invasion's Spartan Skirmish. But really, how balanced is having random weapon spawns on a symmetrical map? Is it suppose to be fair one team will likely get a Rocket Launcher or a Sniper Rifle, and the other does not, only because of the random idea behind it? Also, how about realizing the spawns may also be featured in Objective based games. That's great, right? But hey with this new one, Regicide, we not even have much CTF and Assault games. All about da SLAYERZ!

Hopefully things like Camo and Jetpack are map restricted this time, unlike what Bungie delivered.

 

[StalkerUKCG]

My inbox is hungry, FEED IT! plz

dammit thats not a pm

 

[Arnie]

The more I think about the random weapon spawn system, the more I think it's kind of like Invasion's Spartan Skirmish. But really, how balanced is having random weapon spawns on a symmetrical map? Is it suppose to be fair one team will likely get a Rocket Launcher or a Sniper Rifle, and the other does not, only because of the random idea behind it? Urgh, so terrible.

Hopefully things like Camo and Jetpack are map restricted this time, unlike what Bungie delivered.

It's a decision that actively reduces the skill gap and takes away from the importance of map control. Unarguably. I can't see any positives for it's inclusion outside of helping really new players get into the game, which seems remarkably ignorant to your fanbase that understands how Halo plays and are left playing the game 3 months after launch when all these new players have abandoned Halo for Call of Duty. Which they will do. Even if they can earn Spartan points to unlock perks in Halo.

 

[bobs...onGaf]

Ye're all going to buy the game anyway. May aswell have a smile on your face when you do

Its HaloGaf, we will all buy the game day one and play it till it makes us feel physically sick, just because it has Halo in the title. We will hate the game and ourselves for doing so though.


Holy crap I have a lot to catch up on, hopefully by the time I read through the last 10 pages what I just wrote wont even be an issue. Did Frankie save us yet?

EDIT: No he did not.

 

[TheOddOne]

Yeah to me this sounds like new things they've added to the sandbox that can be tweaked based on gametype and playlist it's not things that will be in every game.

Looking at how much options they gave us during their Reach days, I am inclinded to be a little more optimistic.

 

[Woorloog]

Re-reading of the additions...
My biggest gripe: Random power weapon spawns and instant respawns. Everything else i can deal with even if i don't like it, as long as the stuff is balanced. Spartan points and stuff bought for them specifically needs to be balanced, long time players cannot, should not have advantage here.

Random power weapons don't tighten the skill gap, they screw it up. Randomness does force people to adapt but so does map control. The enemy has power power weapons but is out in open, or the enemy doesn't have them but is at defensive positions, such situations require ability to adapt already. And that works far better than random weapons anyway, unless the spawn system favors weaker team, anytime the stronger team gets a power weapon or two, they proceed to slaughter the weaker team. If the weaker team is favored, WHAT THE FUCK?
Besides, noobs and veterans should never be matched togheter anyway. Let vets compete for map control, let noobs to learn how to compete for map control.

Instant respawns... Why? Why why why? If i were a game desinger, i would change things in sequels for sake of change but even i'd stick to some things, like respawn times. I cannot fathom any justfication for this. Speeding up the gameplay? Reducing spawn time to 3 second from 5 would do that adequately, as if it were needed.
Oh and is there force spawn or not? If not, i can see AFKers simply staying unspawned.

 

[TheOddOne]

^^ My only gripes too Woorloog.

 

[ElzarTheBam]

Single player looks amazing.

 

[zap]

Reading all the article, Spartan Ops has me really excited.

New levels every week for "several months"?? included in the base Halo 4 package (not paid DLC)? That is an amazing way to keep campaign alive and keep players coming back for more - especially the ones usually only playing for the story.

I know it's unlikely, but I REALLY hope that the unlocks and loadouts etc are only for Spartan Ops... But it looks like it applies to competitive multi :|

I would be OK with choosing out of three combinations of starting weapons: AR+Pistol, BR+Pistol, DMR+Pistol - that would cater to both casuals and core crowds, while being relatively balanced.

The armor abilities v2 are what I am mainly worried about. I know 343 has been seeing responses to Reach, so I gotta assume that they are tweaking them to work better, be less frustrating and more balanced. However, I can't see a situation where something like Camo would be unoffensive. Jetpack could be a short boost jump, hologram wouldn't be too bad - Forerunner vision just sounds odd and not 'Halo' - Gotham City Imposters has a similar feature which is kinda cool, but also really frustrating and potentially unbalanced as well.

 

[Tha Robbertster]

Re-reading of the additions...
My biggest gripe: Random power weapon spawns and instant respawns. Everything else i can deal with even if i don't like it, as long as the stuff is balanced. Spartan points and stuff bought for them specifically needs to be balanced, long time players cannot, should not have advantage here.

Random power weapons don't tighten the skill gap, they screw it up. Randomness does force people to adapt but so does map control. The enemy has power power weapons but is out in open, or the enemy doesn't have them but is at defensive positions, such situations require ability to adapt already. And that works far better than random weapons anyway, unless the spawn system favors weaker team, anytime the stronger team gets a power weapon or two, they proceed to slaughter the weaker team. If the weaker team is favored, WHAT THE FUCK?
Besides, noobs and veterans should never be matched togheter anyway. Let vets compete for map control, let noobs to learn how to compete for map control.

Instant respawns... Why? Why why why? If i were a game desinger, i would change things in sequels for sake of change but even i'd stick to some things, like respawn times. I cannot fathom any justfication for this. Speeding up the gameplay? Reducing spawn time to 3 second from 5 would do that adequately, as if it were needed.
Oh and is there force spawn or not? If not, i can see AFKers simply staying unspawned.

This. Experienced players should only play against experienced players. If 343 would actually make this happen, the whole random power weapon spawn thing shouldn't even have to happen according to their logic.

 

[Gui_PT]

I don't know how I should feel about the multiplayer

I'm going to need a build of the game to decide. Who should I PM my e-mail to?

 

[Poker Face]

Single player look's amazing.

Really glad to hear this. I see that the whole article has leaked so I'll be reading in a little bit.

 

[Striker]

I have only seen the red Elite, and bits of Cortana. She looked turrible in that shot, do not like. The Elite looked really good, though. Taking how they're not in MP anymore, I should assume they'll be badasses in the single player. Or I hope.

I'll just check out the rest more when the mag comes in.

 

[Trey]

So the nightmare is real.

At least change the names of these things, my god. I'm not ready for a Spartan prefix world.

 

[wwm0nkey]

Read it all and I am hyped as hell for this game.

SP sounds amazing and can't wait to play
Spartan Ops sounds great and I dont even care that FF is gone
After some time to sleep on it I think the MP will turn out just fine, though I understand complaints from MLG players.



Bring on the Forge reveal!