In light of the news surrounding Infinite, I’d like to present my take. First and foremost, I’d like to preface this in the context of a Halo player since Halo 2 (who yes still is absolutely god awful at multiplayer) and also enjoyed aspects of the 343 games, as well as thoroughly enjoyed Halo Wars 1 & 2.
Let me start with the good:
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The return of the classic art-style - The campaign gameplay (visuals aside), it genuinely looked fun and a reasonable compromise between classic and more modern movement mechanics. - Like the grappling hook (though it needs to be a pickup in multiplayer to avoid a jetpack-like breaking the map kinda thing). Like it the interaction it has with the sandbox though maybe it needs a longer recharge to make it more of a risk-reward.Nick picks (though rectifiable):
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Visual fidelity - I won’t go into details as there are numerous posts on the topic already but in summary, this ranges from the lighting “washing out textures” to textures for lack of a better word “looking flat”. - The shield effect on recharge and the hit markers - turn these into accessibility options or as a toggle. However, I believe grenade hit markers should not exist in any shape or form as they turn grenades into like little seeker drones for checking if enemies are in a room. - The HUD - I get they’re going for a more ODST style vibe which is somewhat fitting given the open-world elements. It would, however, be nice particularly for multiplayer to have the classic HUD with weapons on top as an option in settings. For PC (given this is the first Halo game to be properly developed for PC), maybe allow us to drag HUD elements around (kinda fits lore as well). If you have played a game like Arma 3 or an MMO, you know what I mean. - Helmet edges - these weren’t in the demo but I liked them when they were added to Halo 4 and returned to 5 for campaign. Obviously, not everyone likes them so make it an option (like in Star Wars Republic Commando) - Sprint - personally neutral though I lean slightly to the removal camp in that it doesn’t really do much for Halo gameplay (there are other ways to speed up gameplay - a higher base movement a la Doom). Maybe have it as a custom games option and also a “throwback playlist” in the rotation where it’s classic movement only. It should also be limited like it was in 4 and Reach so it’s more of a resource to be managed (sprint only when you really need to).The Ugly:
Now, this is where my main issues with the games come. To summarise, the lack of openness and communication. While the MCC team has largely excelled in this regard and in fact kinda shows us what we would want from Halo Infinite (if there is a season/battle pass, I think MCC has the least annoying implementation), the Infinite team, on the other hand, has barely told us anything about the game.
Whenever we do get news, it seems to be more negative than positive.
The removal of classic weapons.
I can get behind the sidekick since the magnum’s kinda been different in every Halo game though I miss the large trigger guard on the sidekick and it needs more lights to fit the art style of the rest of the game (say what you will about Halo 5, the gunfighter magnum and all the weapons fit the art style of that game imo). The removal of the classic shotgun (which is mechanically different) is kinda inexcusable particularly for infection as the reload-interrupt-fire mechanic is gone.
The Elephant in the Room - The Coatings
There is barely any information on 343 about this system (other than they said they will explain it in more detail soon). As far as I and a great many others are concerned, it looks like you are selling colours (I am sceptical to call it a feature since its so basic, that has been in the game since 2001!).
I was recently watching Greenskulls’ video with HiddenXperia and a reasonable compromise that was put forward - especially if the armour coatings don’t overlap (in the sense that the colour on each armour part is unique) - is once a coating is unlocked, it can be applied to a part of the armour rather than the entire thing. This is a reasonable compromise for keeping the partners (the cookies, toys etc. ) happy and the fanbase satisfied, although primary and secondary colours should never have been removed.
Likewise, allow us to have customisable emblems (or if you’re set on having them monetised), at least allow us to mix and match to create some individuality.
From the customisation standpoint, Infinite’s system had such great potential, giving what we wanted for so long - Reach customisation but expanded only for these to be essentially specified by a dev such that although the system itself may have more possibilities, these are not accessible by the player directly.
In conclusion, I want to be excited about this game but given the state of the gaming world and 343’s silence, I’m not entirely hopeful.
Sorry for the long post, curious to know what everyone else thinks (in a civilised manner if at all possible)
TL;DR: There are aspects of Infinite which I like from a gameplay perspective but the monetisation has me worried along with the removal of classic weapons, namely pump-action shotgun. Other minor nick picks like shield effect should be made as an option (see above).
TL;DR (for 343 Infinite Team): Start communicating more. Let us know what is happening. Look at the current MCC team for how it should be done.
EDIT: Sorry for any grammar and spelling mistakes in advance.