Forge additions in Halo 4? (realistic)

Games Other Halo
1

Over the years, forge has grown to be a great part of the Halo games.

The addition of completely forge-made maps and the ease of sharing (among other things) has added a tremendous longevity to halo, espescially Halo: Reach.

Halo 4 will undoubtedly have its own version, but will it be bigger, smaller, the same or way different?

This thread is to post and comment on ideas for changes/additions to Forge mode in Halo 4. A lot of people have already posted great ideas in their own posts, but this is an attempt to gather several.
In the coming weeks, I’ll try to collect the ideas that get the most positive feedback here in the initial post, but first, I’ll start with my own wants/wishes:

1:Object Skins!
Forge items need skins. The initial batch of forge items to create maps with was/is awesome, but after a while, it gets kind of boring to look at the same repeating textures. The addition of skin sets for most/every item would do a lot to diversify the looks of maps people make, and allow creative souls to be even more creative. Alternatively, the option of customely shading building blocks with color, could do a lot.

2: Moveable objects/buttons.
Everything in forge is static, exept for relatively small crates that can bounce around when you shoot them. On in-game levels, you have moving elevators. Add the ability to set two or more positions for an object, and let us choose how long it takes the object of moving/cycling between the two positions.

With an added delay control, and trigger ability (object moves once, or starts/stops cycle every time a button is pressed) that the forger can link to a button or similar,
forgers can create moving platforms, elevators, snazzy looking doors in multiplayer levels, and levels that change topography over time (Slowly removing barriers throughout a round until a level becomes a warthog - and sniper-heaven, for instance)

3: Level browsing picture.
When we browse levels, we don’t want to download the level first to see it. Let the level start picture become the preview picture (or even let the preview cycle up to four images from a level) instead of just looking at the same forge world image every time. To download, load and start up every level with a funny name gets boring fast. Yes, the rating system works a lot, but browsing by pictures is really, really helpful.

4: Weapon options: When placing a weapon, the weapon mechanics can’t be fiddled with for balance. That is understandable. But. Adding effects on a weapon like the color of a rocket’s smoke trail, the glow of an assault rifle’s flame, the color of the weapon itself and so on, would probably add a lot for when the normal gamemodes just doesn’t seem interesting one day. Added variety is added longevity.

5: More lights! This has a lot to do with my first suggestion, the skins. Forgers are extremely creative with their limited light budget in Halo Reach, but it only goes so far. Colored lights (or even adding darkness) helps a forger create maps with distinctive, recognizeable zones, so that spawning players immediately know where they are. When a map is fully modeled, it can be very frustrating to have to add physical objects to it for the spawning player to recognize, when it can interfer with the physical layout.

So guys, what do you think about these suggestions, and what kind of suggestions do you have of your own? Remember, try to think realistically :slight_smile:

2

Cool ideas! I think they should add a button channel system where when you activate a button, it triggers an action on the same channel.

also make text signs and cctv systems!

3

Great Post. My only hope is that there is a forge in Halo 4. I WILL protest by not buying the game if they do not have our beloved map creator. I agree with all the ideas you had in your post. I would like to see grouping items, copy & paste, and even an erase tool (to make holes in floors and walls), and scaling item size. You mentions custom texturing, but I think painting would also be helpful.

4

Thanks for the encouragement, p0llution.

Yeah, i agree that painting would be helpful. I didn’t mean that we should be able to make our own textures, but to be able to at least switch between four sets, would be a very welcome addition.

Mattuiop767: a button channel system is absolutely something i want to see in Halo 4.

Setting items to appear/move if any buttin on channel 1 is pressed, or if a zone with a channel is entered by any player (automatic sliding doors).

–

Bots?

I don’t know enough about the AI in Halo to properly justify this. I’ve seen stuff that indicates that the enemies in Halo have a basic AI, and in addition to that, they are “instructed” about how to behave in the specific area they are positioned. I don’t know whether the base AI actually handles pathfinding by itself either, which could make adding bots to custom maps a near impossible task… but…

IF the enemies in Halo 4 has a relatively functioning self-automated system, like it seems that the multiplayer bots in COD: Black Ops may have, then two very exiting options present itself:

1: The most basic option, adding Slayer Bots.
If at all possible, it could be a welcome addition to test out levels without having to fill lobbies yourself.

2: The advanced option: Enemy placing, with spawn triggers.
Imagine the option of making a 4-player level in forge, just as you would a normal multiplayer level, with these additions:
Check point, Enemy spawns, Enemy spawn triggers, Level end zone.
Suddenly, the challenge maps of reach gets a whole new dimention, where forgers can create levels for singleplayer and co-op complete with enemy placement! Not only would players have the single player campaign, but additional missions made by fellow players, giving a new stream of content on top of everything that’s already there!

I know that last one can be a stretch, but it’s been something i wanted since the level editor of Far Cry on the original xbox.

5

i’d like more vehicles to work with

and also, stationary ground versions of warthog turrets like ODST

6

I agree with all these ideas, especially the shadow light. That’s genius. If don’t mind I’d like to add to your list:

Autoturrets/Guardians: Something that truly infuriated me in Halo: Reach was lazy, abusive and pointless use of the Soft Kill boundary. I hope they aren’t even an option in Halo 4, because they killed so many maps. I would like, in its replacement, the ability to add many Guardians to serve as the boundary for maps if a simple wall or ledge will not suffice. They should come in landmine and turret forms and have options such as sensitivity. Then, a boundary-like zone can be paired to each Guardian through channels.

These could also be used as turrets for protecting player bases from camping. The turret could be set to target certain color teams, whatever team isn’t occupying (spawning in) a set zone, or everybody (to be a Guardian). They could even have their amount of health set to allow them to be destroyed. These would be a great gameplay enhancer for boundaries, map design, puzzle maps (imagine the Portal 2 puzzles that could be used), machinimas, and a number of things we couldn’t even predict right now.

Destructible Environments: These should be added for primarily Objective, Invasion, and Infection gametypes. I mostly mean that we should be able to create doors, windows (glass), fences, bridges, etc. that can be destroyed. For Infection, this would be a great step-up from pallets being used for everything destructible.

For VIP, the defenders could be holed up inside a saferoom trying to keep away the attackers with turrets, who are trying to break through the door to come in and kill the VIP. For Invasion, this would mean that if the bomb was being camped, the team could work together and shoot/nade the crap out of a door to the next zone and break it down. This would let teams on the defense destroy bridges as their attackers ran/drove over them. It could create an entire gametype where the defenders have no health or weapons and the attackers are invincible with Energy Swords and the defenders must trick the attackers into falling into traps.

7

I STILL say there should be a real map creator in Halo 4, like Far Cry 2’s but better.

8

I personally was brought into the halo universe kicking and screaming after protesting the franchise for many years. The reason was Forge. Period. That’s it. The premise of creating something new and interesting inside of the game,an experience that isn’t just blowing someone’s melon off. That made delve in head first. And I feel like after being given the gift of Forge World if they take it away from me and other loyal fans I don’t think I could cope. No Halo 4 for me. No Forge,No purchase.

Great thread.

9

Undo button.

10

I totaly want choice number 3.

3: Level browsing picture.
When we browse levels, we don’t want to download the level first to see it. Let the level start picture become the preview picture (or even let the preview cycle up to four images from a level) instead of just looking at the same forge world image every time. To download, load and start up every level with a funny name gets boring fast. Yes, the rating system works a lot, but browsing by pictures is really, really helpful.

I was about to post regaridng this, but you already have. This would make it much easeir to fnd the map you wwant.

11

> I agree with all these ideas, especially the shadow light. That’s genius. If don’t mind I’d like to add to your list:
>
>
> Autoturrets/Guardians: Something that truly infuriated me in Halo: Reach was lazy, abusive and pointless use of the Soft Kill boundary. I hope they aren’t even an option in Halo 4, because they killed so many maps. I would like, in its replacement, the ability to add many Guardians to serve as the boundary for maps if a simple wall or ledge will not suffice. They should come in landmine and turret forms and have options such as sensitivity. Then, a boundary-like zone can be paired to each Guardian through channels.

The Soft Kill Zones, I think are a great idear. But they were implemented badly in some maps.

You should be able to get on any roof, if it is located in the play space. Smoe Firefight Maps, area of a Map is a Soft Kill, but 5 meters away another area which give you higher access is not. I don’t get this.

Powerhouse for example, you can’t get on top of the Powerhouse, but it would be possible, but Invisible wall stops you.

I want to have full access to a Map, and only the boundary of the map is blocked. Sure you can resrtict the hieght of the map. But please allow us to get to all areas of the map. This can be fun when you are bored and want to play customs.

12

I agree with eveything you have said.

I also would like it that you could set timers for items to dissapear.

This be great for Monster Trucks Map and Race Maps. As the maps gets smaller and smaller. Making it harder.

So many more things can be done to Forge.

Skins is a really good idea, because all the Forge World Maps, are great maps, but you do get bored looking at them.

A snow skin, forest skin, desert skin, etc etc would be great.

13

Good thread! And I’ve thought that number one would be an amazing addition to forge for a while. Hell give us Reach’s forge with a pallet swapping option, I wouldn’t mind. Every object could have, say 4 different Skins, Forerunner Metal (Think current forge world) Forerunner Stone (Sandbox), UNSC , and Covenant.Also having several special peices for each theme would help too, Like rounded covenant corners, More angular forerunner decorative pieces, and some prefabricated buildings like the medical tent on Turf from Halo 2. Think about it, most of the complaints about Reach’s forge system is the abundance of grey, being able to choose the theme of the map of combine a few themes into one would give an unlimited variety in the maps we would see.
It would also be beneficial to give the grid object itself the skins along with a few extras, Like say a simple Grass and Concrete theme, That way it will solve so many problems with one move such as flooring. And you can make the grid section of it, only appear in forge as it did in Halo 3

As for some new objects I’d like to see some more natural objects, such as some prefabricated caves and hills, Like the Blood Gulch Cave or the Valhalla center hill, or even original designs. And I’d also like to see a small planter box with some plants and flowers in it, That part alone would be a HUGE addition! Think of all that it alone could bring to the current maps made in reach.

Also more scenery stuff, Pallets, crates, Barrels, Dumpsters. All of em! I mean why do we get them on every single other map but not on Forge World? That needs to be fixed for Halo 4.

14

A hill creator! the ability to flatten, raise, and/or lower terrain would be sick!
Trees would be nice.
The ability to give objects motion, such as moving platforms.
Firefight map creator.
Spawning animals such as Guta.
and low gravity zones.

15

I would also add terrain textures to the list as well as more destructible objects. Can you imagine building a map of destructible buildings and watching the carnage that unfolds.

16

All I ask is for NO FORGE WORLD. Maybe 2 or 3 small to medium sized maps like forge world where you can edit everything, but not one big one like they did in reach. The theme got boring and bland very quickly.

17

> All I ask is for NO FORGE WORLD. Maybe 2 or 3 small to medium sized maps like forge world where you can edit everything, but not one big one like they did in reach. The theme got boring and bland very quickly.

Agreed. If they added all the things in this thread then the amount of variety would keep everything fresh and new over a very long period.

18

> Over the years, forge has grown to be a great part of the Halo games.
>
> The addition of completely forge-made maps and the ease of sharing (among other things) has added a tremendous longevity to halo, espescially Halo: Reach.
>
> Halo 4 will undoubtedly have its own version, but will it be bigger, smaller, the same or way different?
>
> This thread is to post and comment on ideas for changes/additions to Forge mode in Halo 4. A lot of people have already posted great ideas in their own posts, but this is an attempt to gather several.
> In the coming weeks, I’ll try to collect the ideas that get the most positive feedback here in the initial post, but first, I’ll start with my own wants/wishes:
>
> -----
>
> 1:Object Skins!
> Forge items need skins. The initial batch of forge items to create maps with was/is awesome, but after a while, it gets kind of boring to look at the same repeating textures. The addition of skin sets for most/every item would do a lot to diversify the looks of maps people make, and allow creative souls to be even more creative. Alternatively, the option of customely shading building blocks with color, could do a lot.
>
> 2: Moveable objects/buttons.
> Everything in forge is static, exept for relatively small crates that can bounce around when you shoot them. On in-game levels, you have moving elevators. Add the ability to set two or more positions for an object, and let us choose how long it takes the object of moving/cycling between the two positions.
>
> With an added delay control, and trigger ability (object moves once, or starts/stops cycle every time a button is pressed) that the forger can link to a button or similar,
> forgers can create moving platforms, elevators, snazzy looking doors in multiplayer levels, and levels that change topography over time (Slowly removing barriers throughout a round until a level becomes a warthog - and sniper-heaven, for instance)
>
> 3: Level browsing picture.
> When we browse levels, we don’t want to download the level first to see it. Let the level start picture become the preview picture (or even let the preview cycle up to four images from a level) instead of just looking at the same forge world image every time. To download, load and start up every level with a funny name gets boring fast. Yes, the rating system works a lot, but browsing by pictures is really, really helpful.
>
> 4: Weapon options: When placing a weapon, the weapon mechanics can’t be fiddled with for balance. That is understandable. But. Adding effects on a weapon like the color of a rocket’s smoke trail, the glow of an assault rifle’s flame, the color of the weapon itself and so on, would probably add a lot for when the normal gamemodes just doesn’t seem interesting one day. Added variety is added longevity.
>
> 5: More lights! This has a lot to do with my first suggestion, the skins. Forgers are extremely creative with their limited light budget in Halo Reach, but it only goes so far. Colored lights (or even adding darkness) helps a forger create maps with distinctive, recognizeable zones, so that spawning players immediately know where they are. When a map is fully modeled, it can be very frustrating to have to add physical objects to it for the spawning player to recognize, when it can interfer with the physical layout.
>
> —
>
> So guys, what do you think about these suggestions, and what kind of suggestions do you have of your own? Remember, try to think realistically :slight_smile:

although basically all of these ideas have been said before (please look through the forums first next time), they are still good ideas.

19

As everyone seems to think that weather effects in forge is impossible, I read an article on Halo wiki that bungie was creating a weather effect in Halo Reach for forge, but had to cut it half way through the process. So I’m going to have to go with weather effects. I like your idea with skins, and above all I just want to see another nice ol’ big forgeworld!

20

> Hi!
>
> I once posted a thread about this, some of the features you mentioned are in it.
>
> <mark>Link</mark>