I want to start by saying I think the multiplayer is great in this game. It is such a massive step up form Halo 5 and I want to actually invest time in it. To do so there are definitely improvements that could be implemented. So just to clarify this thread will mainly include criticism, but that does not mean I am complaining for the sake of it. I want to see the game become a great success. I am also aware that the multiplayer is still in beta and things may well change, and that 343 are in fact already working on changes as I type this.
Gameplay:
The gameplay is fantastic with the pace feeling right and the staple guns of the franchise feeling great. The assault rifle, battle rifle and rocket launcher are perfect. The integration of items such as grapple and boosters do not feeling overwhelming, but can be effectively utilised. The repulser and grapple as we know can also make for funny gameplay which is great. I know people have had issues with aiming, as did I. Would really recommend people follow theme radar guide, and failing that play with the controller settings themselves to improve this. It made a world of difference for me.
Battlepass:
I wanted to address this fairly early as it s definitely the elephant in the room. Have two gripes with this system. Primarily the levelling rate is far too slow. Not only this but the challenge completion system is a bad idea. By all means have challenges that grant xp, but do not have them as the primary source of levelling. I feel that fortnite and COD have these perfected to a tee, and It is a bad move trying to take this alternative approach. There should always be a constant rate of progression through the battle pass to keep the levelling interesting as the real hooks of the battle pass are at the end. The other negative effect is that players cannot play matches in a fun or smart way, but instead focus on objectives that are annoyingly specific. I believe a good comparison to this is unlocking camos in COD. Everyone hates playing in specific ways to unlock gold, but it is not a huge issue because it is just for a gun camo.
If any feedbacks taken from this thread, I really want it to be the rate of levelling in the seasons and the way in which you obtain it.
Customisation:
This is related the battle pass but also its own problem. Armour cores seemed like a good idea, having variation in customisation is perfect. However locking aesthetics to each one is completely reductive. After hours of playing I finally unlocked the Bryce visor, only to realise I couldn’t equip it to the mark V armour core. I am also aware that armour paint has the same problem. There really is no need for this lock, unless it is for a monetised incentive, which I’m sure we can all agree is wrong. A high level of customisation and a wide variety of different looks is a great hook to keep people playing. Please don’t handicap it.
Maps:
The maps are once again a huge improvement over Halo 5 and feel like a return to Halo 3 and Reach quality. For variations sake I feel there is definitely a need for more as the map count is pretty low. This is however something that I expect to come in the not too distant future so not a huge complaint.
Gamemodes:
There is definitely a lack of variation when It comes to game modes. Again 343 will obviously add more but I feel it definitely needs to be sooner than later. Oddball, Slayer, CTF, Strongholds and Stockpile are fun, but very vanilla. I am always surprised at the lack of innovative game modes in Halo titles launches, such as fiesta and infection.
Weapons:
As I previously mentioned the assault rifle, battle rifle and rocket launcher all feel great. The skewer and sniper are also fantastic. My issue is with other weapons that are supposed to feel more powerful than a starting weapon. Weapons like the bulldog shotgun, commando rifle, heatwave and ravager are good, but not amazing. They all have unique uses and gameplay which is great, but they just feel lacklustre and end up taking as much time to kill as a standard assault rifle. And the needler is just bad.
There are more areas to cover, but I feel these are my primary concerns, as it is with many others I have seen. Once again this game has the potential to be fantastic and have a long lifespan. I really want it to as I am sure every Halo fan does too.