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[Monocle]

I'm absolutely sure Bungie said the needle rifle has no homing capabilities. It was one of my big concerns about the weapon but they put that aspect to rest long ago. There's still a lot about the weapon that they haven't gone into detail about in either the BWU or podcast but I don't see why they'd be keeping that info from us now so maybe someone we'll get a DMR/magnum-esque breakdown from one of the Bungie guys.

Anyways, I never really saw the jetpack as a combat tool but instead something like sprint. With sprint you can't even shoot so the jetpack is already more combat-capable but I see it primarily as a way of opening up countless additional routes through a map. Imagine being able to throw down a grave lift whenever you wanted to in Halo 3. I'll toss some examples out: jumping right up to the top of default sandbox's bases, jumping over Highground's walls, from ground to laser or seawall on Last Resort, from ground to top base or top base to skybridge on Longshore. I could go on and on but hopefully now you can envision what uses the jetpack will have. Right now, not having touched Reach, I envision myself ignoring it in slayer games unless I need to flank a team that has a certain elevated spot locked down but it could be incredibly useful in objective games. Of course if you're careless with you flight path you can leave yourself open to caught without cover but that can be said about movement anywhere, only in this case you have to keep potential vertical lines of sight in mind.

I hope Bungie will give the needle rifle a proper write-up, too.

You know, I may have underestimated the implications of being able to use armor abilities repeatedly. Halo's gameplay dynamic is in for some fundamental changes that I probably won't begin to grasp until I've played the Beta for a while. Right now I'm locked into a combat-centric state of mind.

We'll see how things pan out. I don't know if I'll ever be rid of the wish to rain down hot lead from the sky, but maybe the jet pack will open up enough novel gameplay possibilities that I'll prefer Bungie's version to the one in my head.

 

[Roche]

I finally got my Halo 2 working by rubbing Toothpaste all over it, I remember reading somewhere that worked. :lol

 

[Ajemsuhgao]

I finally got my Halo 2 working by rubbing Toothpaste all over it, I remember reading somewhere that worked. :lol

I did this with brasso on my Gears disc after my 360 got moved while it was on. Worked fine for like 20 minutes.

 

[Roche]

I did this with brasso on my Gears disc after my 360 got moved while it was on. Worked fine for like 20 minutes.

I'll just have to hope it can last long enough for me to finish downloading the maps so that I can play one game.

 

[Silly.Mikey]

You ever think that maybe the maps names are stupid just so theres no SP spoilers in them? They are based on SP levels after all.

 

[NJ Shlice]

You ever think that maybe the maps names are stupid just so theres no SP spoilers in them? They are based on SP levels after all.

Sure. And the fact that all of the maps early names are stupid (see Moonbase Alpha)

 

[GhaleonEB]

Not really sure where this change in perception regarding the jetpack is coming from. Unless it really never crossed people's mind that soaring into the air could leave one without cover than nothing should have changed.

One thing I am confused about though, from this quote:

They already said the needle rifle doesn't have any homing capabilities so is Lars just saying that being without cover leaves one vulnerable to taking a whole bunch of needle rifle rounds and it's cool/memorable when you make them explode in the air? It just brings back the fact that I don't know much about that weapon. I know they covered the needle rifle quite bit but I'm still fuzzy on how it works exactly:
- will it blow on a shielded opponent or only after taking the shields down?
- how do the headshots factor into the weapon's damage and explosion?

You fellas remember?

It only super combines after the shields are down. There is no homing capability.

I'm guessing the Needle Rifle was mentioned alongside the Needler in being a potent weapon to use on jetpackin' fools because it will kill more quickly from any angle than the DMR or Magnum (ie: three shots to the body of an unshielded person vs. more for the others). Someone jetpacking over you would be at an angle that you couldn't headshot. Strip shields and fire three quick rounds with the Needle Rifle, and he asplodes.

I'm interested in how many shots it takes to drop shields with the Needle Rifle; would love to have that included in an Update.

Anyways, I never really saw the jetpack as a combat tool but instead something like sprint. With sprint you can't even shoot so the jetpack is already more combat-capable but I see it primarily as a way of opening up countless additional routes through a map. Imagine being able to throw down a grave lift whenever you wanted to in Halo 3. I'll toss some examples out: jumping right up to the top of default sandbox's bases, jumping over Highground's walls, from ground to laser or seawall on Last Resort, from ground to top base or top base to skybridge on Longshore. I could go on and on but hopefully now you can envision what uses the jetpack will have. Right now, not having touched Reach, I envision myself ignoring it in slayer games unless I need to flank a team that has a certain elevated spot locked down but it could be incredibly useful in objective games. Of course if you're careless with you flight path you can leave yourself open to caught without cover but that can be said about movement anywhere, only in this case you have to keep potential vertical lines of sight in mind.

That was my thought with the jetpack as well: it's a portable, reusable grav lift, not a device to rain death from above.

 

[squidhands]

I could go on and on but hopefully now you can envision what uses the jetpack will have. Right now, not having touched Reach, I envision myself ignoring it in slayer games unless I need to flank a team that has a certain elevated spot locked down but it could be incredibly useful in objective games. Of course if you're careless with you flight path you can leave yourself open to caught without cover but that can be said about movement anywhere, only in this case you have to keep potential vertical lines of sight in mind.

You could throw the shit out of the flag. One of the things I'm most interested in is how the Armor Abilities will work with holding objectives like a bomb or a flag. Sprint, jetpack, and even armor lock have the potential to be absolute beasts in objective games. Flying off with the flag to a safer elevation to run with it, hauling ass with the flag (assuming the flag carrier traits wont neutralize AA), armor lock in the last few seconds with an armed bomb. I can't wait to see how this is handled.

 

[RebornYeti]

I finally got my Halo 2 working by rubbing Toothpaste all over it, I remember reading somewhere that worked. :lol

Ha that's cool. A banana and Windex also works pretty well. It got my Bad Company disc working after I had accidentally switched my 360 from vertical to horizontal position. :lol

 

[NJ Shlice]

I was really looking at the Jetpack as the ability I could see myself using most, but knowing now that it's Loud, Slow, and you have to feather it on the way down really limits its effect.

 

[Schmitty]

I was really looking at the Jetpack as the ability I could see myself using most, but knowing now that it's Loud, Slow, and you have to feather it on the way down really limits its effect.

It really depends what situation you are in. In objective games, having someone with a jetpack with be very helpful, while in slayer, it may not help at all.

 

[chess]

It really depends what situation you are in. In objective games, having someone with a jetpack with be very helpful, while in slayer, it may not help at all.

I like the fact that if something isn't working you can change your loadout each death. You aren't married to the same load out the whole game. This is huge in objectives as what you need and when will constantly be changing depending on how the game is going.

 

[The Librarian]

Sure. And the fact that all of the maps early names are stupid (see Moonbase Alpha)

I thought Moonbase Alpha was a good name for a map.

 

[wwm0nkey]

I finally got my Halo 2 working by rubbing Toothpaste all over it, I remember reading somewhere that worked. :lol

Flushing it down the toilet works as well lol never did it to any of my games but my friend always used it as a last resort and it always worked. He never payed $2 to get it fixed down the street though for some reason.

 

[electricpirate]

I like the fact that if something isn't working you can change your loadout each death. You aren't married to the same load out the whole game. This is huge in objectives as what you need and when will constantly be changing depending on how the game is going.

Dear bungie UI people, please make sure switching loadouts on death is really quick process. Like, "asshole mute button quick." 3-5 button presses, in under two seconds to switch.

Thanks

 

[Kapura]

Peanutbutter works the best for me. My Gears of War disk got all scratched up. Toothpaste didn't work, but you rub some of the smooth nutty then wash thoroughly, and BAM! I was able to finish the campaign.

 

[wwm0nkey]

Peanutbutter works the best for me. My Gears of War disk got all scratched up. Toothpaste didn't work, but you rub some of the smooth nutty then wash thoroughly, and BAM! I was able to finish the campaign.

The crazy ways we fix our discs lol

Also only 5 more days till the end of Halo 2, did anyone read the message when you boot it up? Love Bungie's sense of humor

 

[Schmitty]

The crazy ways we fix our discs lol

Also only 5 more days till the end of Halo 2, did anyone read the message when you boot it up? Love Bungie's sense of humor

What does it say? I've got no working Xbox.

 

[Kibbles]

Ha that's cool. A banana and Windex also works pretty well. It got my Bad Company disc working after I had accidentally switched my 360 from vertical to horizontal position. :lol

A banana? I suppose I should expect so from a yeti .

I'm going to try some stuff on my disc. Probably not going to work, but it's worth a shot.

 

[Stinkles]

I thought Moonbase Alpha was a good name for a map.

Damn straight.

 

[wwm0nkey]

What does it say? I've got no working Xbox.

"Welcome to Halo 2's last week online! Did you know: Halo 3 is now out! And Halo 3: ODST! And pretty soon, ODST will let you into the Beta for Halo: Reach! Looks like you've got some catching up to do. But first, let's all party like its 2004"

Best message on Halo 2 ever.

 

[dilatedmuscle]

some SSAO would do wonders in Reach....

Anywho... am i the only one who is anxious to see the Glassed map/level? there is so much potential there!

I made a comment about ambient occlusion. I dont see any in the pics of these maps but im lookng at the "old" vidoc and some scenes clearly have ambient occlusion on characters. Im wondering if the images they showed us yesterday are the final graphics on the maps... Im not complaining, just saying....

Honestly, the gameplay in the vidoc is like a million times better looking then any of the screens they have shown lol I CANT WAIT WOOOOOOOO.

 

[GhaleonEB]

I knew Halo 2 going offline was going to cause some sadness. But causing you guys to smear Halo 2 discs with toothpaste, bananas and peanut butter in an effort to bring it back to life, I did not expect. :lol

I'd also suggest Nutella (to go with the peanut butter), plain yogurt, apple sauce and butter.

 

[wwm0nkey]

I knew Halo 2 going offline was going to cause some sadness. But causing you guys to smear Halo 2 discs with toothpaste, bananas and peanut butter in an effort to bring it back to life, I did not expect. :lol

I'd also suggest Nutella (to go with the peanut butter), plain yogurt, apple sauce and butter.

Well most of us did it as kids and it worked, why not do it again lol

 

[Major Williams]

I knew Halo 2 going offline was going to cause some sadness. But causing you guys to smear Halo 2 discs with toothpaste, bananas and peanut butter in an effort to bring it back to life, I did not expect. :lol

I'd also suggest Nutella (to go with the peanut butter), plain yogurt, apple sauce and butter.

:lol makin me hungry. I kept mine in the case, and the disc is still in pretty good shape. I'll have to re-DL the maps though. I don't have to pay for anything right?

 

[chess]

Dear bungie UI people, please make sure switching loadouts on death is really quick process. Like, "asshole mute button quick." 3-5 button presses, in under two seconds to switch.

Thanks

My guess is you keep your loadout you died with unless you choose one of the other three or so that will be subtly placed on your death screen for quick selection.

I think you are the only SG'er besides Septimus that actually understands and follows Halo anymore.

 

[squidhands]

Damn straight.
Space1999.jpg

Wow, I forgot that was Martin Landau. I loved that Eagle toy with a passion.

 

[Pennybags]

Well most of us did it as kids and it worked, why not do it again lol

Some of us flushed our discs in the toilet in vain efforts to resurrect them, so...

Spoiler

I don't want to try that again

 

[Dirtbag]

I knew Halo 2 going offline was going to cause some sadness. But causing you guys to smear Halo 2 discs with toothpaste, bananas and peanut butter in an effort to bring it back to life, I did not expect. :lol

I'd also suggest Nutella (to go with the peanut butter), plain yogurt, apple sauce and butter.

Nutella..... just hearing it out loud makes me want some.
Thanks jerk.

Well most of us did it as kids and it worked, why not do it again lol

Getting an old NES cartridge and system to work was an art form us O.G.'s take pride in.
I use to have the blow through the shirt technique, then I'd power on the system and pop the game up and down until it finally worked, then I'd stack another game into the slot on top of it to keep it pinned tight.

The glory days.

 

[Deputy Moonman]

Anyways, I never really saw the jetpack as a combat tool but instead something like sprint. With sprint you can't even shoot so the jetpack is already more combat-capable but I see it primarily as a way of opening up countless additional routes through a map. Imagine being able to throw down a grave lift whenever you wanted to in Halo 3. I'll toss some examples out: jumping right up to the top of default sandbox's bases, jumping over Highground's walls, from ground to laser or seawall on Last Resort, from ground to top base or top base to skybridge on Longshore. I could go on and on but hopefully now you can envision what uses the jetpack will have.

My thoughts exactly. The jetpack will still be useful. Even in combat, all you need is a jump on the player. Then the person on the ground has to play catch up. Additionally, depending on how they setup the loadouts, it could be a preferred loadout choice if the weapon combination assigned to it is what suits people.

 

[electricpirate]

My guess is you keep your loadout you died with unless you choose one of the other three or so that will be subtly placed on your death screen for quick selection.

I think you are the only SG'er besides Septimus that actually understands and follows Halo anymore.

That would be ideal.

Ps. Don't cross the streams!

 

[feel]

what

 

[wwm0nkey]

Nutella.....

Getting an old NES cartridge and system to work was an art form us O.G.'s take pride in.
I use to have the blow through the shirt technique, then I'd power on the system and pop the game up and down until it finally worked, then I'd stack another game into the slot on top of it to keep it pinned tight.

The glory days.

Those where the days :lol

 

[CrazedArabMan]

:lol

I can't believe some of the stuff you guys are trying to get your discs working again.

 

[wwm0nkey]

:lol

I can't believe some of the stuff you guys are trying to get your discs working again.

I dont blame them at all though lol I would pretty much be doing the same if my disc wasnt working :lol

 

[GhaleonEB]

Nutella..... just hearing it out loud makes me want some.
Thanks jerk.

I do what I can. I'm rather hungry right now myself.

The image that came to me reading this page was an insane asylum where, peering into the barred window, one could see someone sitting in their white padded room, rocking back and forth and caressing a Halo 2 disc with a banana, mumbling "turn back on...just one more game on Ivory Tower..."

The next cell, someone with a tube of toothpaste. The next, a jar of peanut butter. And so on. An entire wing devoted to housing and studying Severe Halo 2 Separation Denial, which manifests itself in the belief that by cleansing or nourishing the Halo 2 disc, its Live functionality can be restored.

juices, aptly, rubs it with an orange slice.

 

[squidhands]

You know, it is worth it to buy a cheap disk scratch removal kit. I got one for my H3 disk a long time ago and it's been well worth the low price. Save the peanut butter for your privates and your dog.

 

[Roche]

The solution was right in front of our eyes

 

[CrazedArabMan]

I dont blame them at all though lol I would pretty much be doing the same if my disc wasnt working :lol

True, at least you guys have a working xbox to play on also.

 

[wwm0nkey]

The solution was right in front of our eyes

Of course it was so obvious!

 

[dslgunstar]

I hope Bungie will give the needle rifle a proper write-up, too.

You know, I may have underestimated the implications of being able to use armor abilities repeatedly. Halo's gameplay dynamic is in for some fundamental changes that I probably won't begin to grasp until I've played the Beta for a while. Right now I'm locked into a combat-centric state of mind.

We'll see how things pan out. I don't know if I'll ever be rid of the wish to rain down hot lead from the sky, but maybe the jet pack will open up enough novel gameplay possibilities that I'll prefer Bungie's version to the one in my head.

You still can rain hot death down from above, there are plenty of scenes in the multiplayer trailer of people doing just that. It just probably wont be the best strategy for your KD or average life-span.

But yeah, the Jetpack looks like it will be suited for quick bursts of environmental navigation. Skipping the stairs to get to a 2nd or 3rd floor of a level for a power weapon or flag, letting you drop from HUGE distances only to stop yourself at the last minute (no fall damage), or just getting the drop on a skirmish when everybody is too focused on the fight to listen for the jetpack.

 

[Metalic Sand]

What day does Halo 2 go offline? I just dled all the maps.

 

[gibration]

What day does Halo 2 go offline? I just dled all the maps.

April 14th

 

[Warm Machine]

LOL, fucking PDZ 64 and CS have the most retarded "lights off" system ever. Going completely dark like PDZ and CS would fuck up the visual consistency of the environment. If Bungie actually wanted to pull off a "lights off" mechanic they would need to load twice the amount of baked textures for all environments affected, a waste of resources.

I don't think they bake anything for Halo Reach, unless it is AO maps and then they can still manipulate the lighting however they want.

 

[wwm0nkey]

Hey anyone here up for some Halo 2?

 

[Kibbles]

Been trying to find my H2 disc... then remembered I threw it away last time I tried the toothpaste trick and it didn't work. :lol

 

[Falagard]

I don't think they bake anything for Halo Reach, unless it is AO maps and then they can still manipulate the lighting however they want.

Wrong. Everything is baked lightmaps.

 

[AwesomeSyrup]

I'm disappointed nobody else keeps their copy of Halo 2 sitting on a pedestal out of harm's way. I guess I was just hoping I wasn't the only one who did weird things like that. <_<

 

[Slightly Live]

Can't find my copy of Halo 2 at the moment, going to need to check storage. =\

 

[Sanjuro]

The game is still available at most Best Buys as well for people looking to get in on the final week.

I'm playing much better in H2 than I have been in H3 and forgot how much I loved the maps in this game. I'm hoping a bunch of you guys can get on soon or tonight. I don't think I will be able to do tomorrow night.