Could not possibly disagree more with the bolded. I would be more open to these changes if it was easier to go back to classic version. If I hated Diablo 3 it would not affect me whatsoever because I could just as easily go back to Diablo 2 and have the game I want. Can't really do that with Halo 2.
Yeah, well, shit happens. Which is why i have this attitude, when it comes to multiplayer. Since all MP games are going to die, i'd rather have them to try something new and make changes. I don't get attached to MP games, that won't end well.
I'd stick to Halo 3 if it were still supported, if it still had enough players to find matches that are lag-free and matchmaking wouldn't take ages.
This said, i really hope Halo 4 customization allows re-creating old experiences, neither Halo 3 or Reach really allowed this... this way some part of the old MP games still lives, best of the both worlds. As long as it ain't a mess like Reach/Anniversary...
We've seen with Reach how it could go awry, but the thing is if Halo 4 ends up being another strike I think the series is truly fucked. Equipment rarely gave subtle tweaks to battles and instead added wild sways in either being super destructive or super defensive. AAs went off the deep end in that regard and brought us to where we are here. I think merely piling on mechanics isn't the best approach.
Never said equipment were perfect.. you're right they changed things a bit too drastically. Still, i think i'd rather have them than be without.
Change for the sake of change, probably the worst thing to do for sequels. It would be nice like you said if there were some visible indicators to what their ability is. If Reach gave everyone using armour lock an awkwardly fastened bicycle helmet on their head I think things would've been much more tolerable from the start.
I'm not sure if i'd buy a game if it didn't have any changes to it's predecessor, mere graphics update and new campaign/story (depending on genre) may not cut it. There has to be change to sell the sequel (one must never forget video games are business). Of course it is always better to change something that is broken or weak, but change can be merely re-building a broken feature into something that works (and once a series runs out of those, one needs to add new features, and sometimes fixing things is not really enough).
Armor abilities being tied to how your armor looks might be a good idea, ie EVA armor=Thruster pack, HAZOP is something etc... this would mean no armor customization but it is something i'd be willing to sacrifice to easily identify what the enemy has.
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