Hey friendos,
After getting my hands on with the multiplayer beta, I thought I would share my thoughts on my experience with it. Keep in mind that I share MY thoughts and opinions not anyone else.
When I first loaded the forum page, I unfortuneatly saw a lot of negative topic names which leads me to believe that people do not understand BETA. I know full well that it is not the finished game, all I wish to do give feedback about my experience with the beta in a respectful and professional way. Those who cannot respect what I do can leave.
Anyways, lets begin.
I want to start with the MAPS. We got Truth and Empire, I won’t run through every nook and cranny of them, I’ll let the community map analysts do that. Both maps, however, run very smoothly and seem to be even enough for both teams to operate. Truth is the more symmetrical and I have noticed that the majority of players will use the outer portion of the map, mainly because they don’t wish to get shot in open space, unless they risk going for the sword: Prophets Bane. Empire, which is asymmetrical in environment, is still symmetrical overall. All parts offer enough cover so not be picked off by snipers or DMRs too quickly.
Next is the more controversial; the AIMING MECHANICS. It is controversial because every single Halo game has the same mechanic and Halo 5 is the first change. I actually ended up liking the new aiming system, once I got used to it, it felt natural. Natural in the sense that it felt similar to other games, i.e. Destiny, CoD, Battlefield. I personally welcome this system because it allows me to use certain weapons more often then I would in previous games. I will explain.
WEAPONS. Continuing, the Assault Rifle is an example of a weapon that I would use more often rather that trade it out for a better one. The rate of fire and power felt as should be for this type of gun, but in previous games I was not able to give off sufficient damage for more that 5 or 6 meters. The holo aiming mechanic changes that, I am able to get clean kills for about 2 to 3 times that amount; given a steady finger. (it should be said that you cannot aim while being shot and hit, you must re aim) The Pistol is similar, the game removes its scope and adds in the holo aiming as well. This allows you to see outside the gun rather an enclosed circle or using the visor to aim. The rate of fire is faster that in previous titles, but its welcomed for it is a pistol and pistols do that. Power is okay, but perhaps be improved upon. The DMR feels overall really good. RoF is faster than in H4, which is good. The Battle Rifle was my least favorite. 3 round burst with poor overall penetration. It took a full clip to kill someone, minus maybe 2 misses, from about the span of Truth. The SMG is completely different than from H2 and ODST, both feel and looks. The RoF and power has vastly increased and it aesthetically looks more technical than it probably should be. But I can’t complain about results, at close range it dominates. The “Power weapons” are the same as before, but are the reason why certain teams win. The Prophets Bane is a variant of the regular energy sword and is scary to see, especially when someone is gunning for you, er swording for you?? All jokes aside, it proves to do what it does lunge and kill, with an even range. The Sniper Rifle is another story. I have always hated the double stick click to zoom in previous games, because I always over-click and I go right back into it. The left trigger zoom fixes that, going in and out of zoom is very simple and I like it. However, I am not sure if there is a second zoom like before, I didn’t bother to try. Moving around and aiming with it is much easier. I don’t go for head shots, unless on opportunity, I wait for some damage then shoot for a kill.
Next up is Basic Mechanics. Everything takes getting used to, for every new game you play. H5 is no exception. The aiming mechanic was one of the new features and there are plenty more. Sprinting is the same, no matter how you look at it. The only difference is the visual; you see jet packs boosting another player when they sprint and you see the air streaking across you face as you run. There is a slide to cover in this game and it helps when you need to get in/out quick, of line of fire…
Of course you have to remember, very few other games use this functionality. Equivalent to it would a “air thrust” if you run and jump into the air, you can quickly shift directions with this function and it helps on occasion. You can also use it on the ground as well. A thought would be to extend the distance you travel when using it, or to hold the button down for longer distance. The “air break” is something I am not very fond of. If you aim in the air, you’re jet pack holds you up there for a bit. I tried this and ended up being a flying target than anything else. I always quickly died when I did it, so I would suggest removing the hold and let gravity do its thing even while aiming. Being able to climb over stuff is an interesting function. It allows for the position of weapons or grenades to be placed in certain spots or for people to get from point A to point B much faster rather than going around. I have noticed there is a tiny delay when doing this. I sometimes end up pushing the button twice because if it.
The intro and outro are also new. The intro looks cool because it allows player to see the customization that others have done to their spartans. The outro on the other hand just looks corny to say the least. Maybe something a bit more professional? OR maybe make it even more super corny and add some custom poses that players can equip and show off. Just a thought…
Lastly, the in game voices you hear are very cool and useful. Much like in Battlefield or CoD, Spartans call out kills, deaths, assist, locations and other junk which is very nice. Definitely would like to see more.
Overall great beta, I hope there is more stuff coming.
Keep up the good work 343.
VA Whisper
P.S.
Also I have gameplay vids check 'em out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MrryVD-ra4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5wXyq-9xMc