Halo 4 - Forge Mode - Various Features

Games Other Halo
1

It’s a question we’ve been asking since Halo 3, will we see a terrain editor?

We discuss the pros and cons of having a terrain editing tool in Halo 4.

Pros -

  • Lower object count usage,
  • The ability to create a more natural base for building,
  • Better paths, better map coloring,
  • Build a more realistic setting, objects belong and do not feel out of place,

Cons-

  • Larger map files making loading times longer,
  • More Nav Mesh Issues possibly resulting in more snags and movement bugs,
  • Use of trees and Static Moving objects could affect preformance,

Object Scaling

Another predicted feature in Halo 4 forge is object scaling, we discuss the pros and cons.

…?

2

Object scaling and mirroring seems doable within forge’s restraints. A full terrain editor does not seem likely due to file sizes.

3

As nice as a terrain editor would be, I think implementing one would force 343 to lower our “budget” in Forge… otherwise issues like lag and loading times would come up.

4

Lag wouldn’t necessarily but a problem, and now that I think about it file sizes wouldn’t be that immense unless were talking about ridiculous poly counts on the terrain, it wouldn’t be anything comparable to FarCry map sizes, so I doubt there would be any loading issues.

The only thing that worries me is the possibility of Nav Mesh issues.

5

> As nice as a terrain editor would be, I think implementing one would force 343 to lower our “budget” in Forge… otherwise issues like lag and loading times would come up.

Make it so that you edit terrain in a separate spot and each hole you dig, or each mountain you make takes away from your budget. Then when you import that map into normal forge mode, you keep the rest of the budget that you already had from editing the terrain, and add weapons, buildings, etc.

I don’t care much for a terrain editor, I just want to put some trees down.