So after participating in the Tech Flight for Halo Infinite there’s a number of things that I want to point out and provide feedback for from a competitive player standpoint as well as someone who has been playing Halo for well over 10 years.
Bot Slayer Impressions
For the bot slayer, there’s been a few things that I’ve noticed that should be addressed especially if this is a game mode intended for getting players used to gunplay and movement while also familiarizing players with the maps.
The Bots are Both the Smartest and Dumbest I’ve Seen
What I mean by this is that the bots from ODST slayer were bots that played somewhat like players. They would move to specific parts of the map to take objectives while also moving as a team in order to fight players in a PVE style. Additionally, their aim was sharp enough to feel like a real threat, while not being too overpowered to the extent that it feels like they’re cheating.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the positives I’ve seen:
- Their aim is accurate without it feeling like they’re cheating. - Map rotation is done rather well and simulates actual movement during a high-level competitive match with how one side will hold a part of the map while the other tries to take it back. - They focus on the power items that appear on the map which is important when getting used to slayer and other game modes.That said, the bots are also lacking in the aspect of providing a challenge to players who are familiar with Halo. From issues such as the bots breaking engagement when losing line of sight of the player, not utilizing grenades when the player takes cover behind a wall, and bots not picking up weapons on the map, the bots don’t create enough of a challenge to players other than being target practice.
Here’s a breakdown of the negatives I’ve seen:
- Bots will break an engagement if line of sight is broken. They won’t attempt to push for a weakened player nor will they attempt to throw a grenade around the corner or behind the cover that the player is using. - The bots will not pick up weapons on the map whatsoever which results in them getting absolutely slaughtered in matches. Players will pick up weapons on the map which results in a severe lack of firepower from the bots in engagements. - While aim is accurate most of the time, there are times where the bot behavior becomes “erratic”. They will just stop moving, aim straight up in the air or at the ground and then fire, or get stuck on walls if pushed off their normal course. - They are also too predictable. While it’s good that they simulate high level play with rotations, they are incapable of adapting to the players or providing some sort of randomness that can be found in campaign. They can be found in the same spots at a semi regular interval based off where they spawn and when, and there are often times where they focus on getting to a specific point on the map rather than engaging in firefights when its clear they should engage from their point.All in all, the Bot Slayer is a good way of introducing people to Halo Multiplayer, especially if this can result in playing alone to complete challenges or to help players get familiar with the maps at their own pace. That being said, there is some work that needs to be done in regards to how intelligent they are and their general behavior.