And name me one Halo game that hasn’t had it’s flaws.
Halo 1? The almighty CE that veterans beg 343 to return to? In terms of modern multiplayer balancing, the much favored pistol is the most unbalanced, overpowered weapon I ever remember. The only thing that comes close, in my mind, is the pre-patch dual 1887’s in Modern Warfare 2.
Halo 2 was the series’ debut on Xbox Live, and the game that most competitves want a return to. I had hardly any experience with Halo 2, as I didn’t have XBL-capable internet, but even Halo 2 had it’s drawbacks. I remember many people claiming it was rather common for a Rumble Pit match to devolve into “kill the guy with the Energy Sword”. Vehicle drivers and pilots cried foul at the lock-on Rocket Launcher. Foot soldiers claimed the dual SMG’s were nothing more than spray-n-pray. Lastly, I’m told that it was impossible to legitimately reach the top of the ranking system.
Halo 3? The game that set Xbox Live records for years? Yep. Flaws. Hardcore players denounced Equipment much akin to how they complained against Armor Abilities in Reach. The two most common wars were Battle Rifle users vs. Assault Rifle users, and the endless debate on the 1-50 Truskill system. Accounts being sold online were all too common, despite being against the Terms of Use. Large numbers of 50’s believed 49’s and below weren’t worthy to eat the dirt beneath their feet. MLG wannabe’s began spoiling the good name that the true pros had worked so hard creating for themselves. A good amount of SWAT players condemned those who played as Elites.
Halo ODST brought a new and much anticipated mode: Firefight, and with it, completed the 7 Vidmaster achievements to unlock the much revered Recon armor, which rustled the jimmies of some of the players who were awarded it by Bungie.
Halo Reach brought some of the most drastic changes the franchise has seen. It seemed to divide the community in two: those who adapted and continued to play the franchise they loved, and others fought hard against the casual-centric changes that had invaded. Armor Abilities were either shunned or embraced. Bloom was adapted to or raged against.
Halo 4 is not going to be perfect. I believe whether changes are made or not, people are going to complain against Armor Abilities, Loadouts, Sprint for everyone, CTF, and anything that even hints at favoring a casual player.
I have always been equal parts casual and competitive. I play for fun, yet try my hardest to win every game. So the extremists on both sides are what is worst for the community. Everyone who has had hands on time with Halo 4 has said it is very much still ‘Halo’. For once, for once, can we embrace the changes? Halo 4 is going to be the perfect blend of Halo 3 and Reach.
One thing absolutely has to work: Matchmaking.
New and less talented players should never encounter skilled ones. A system should be in place to help identify and prevent de-rankers and similar troublemakers so newbies and casuals never have a poor experience with hardcores wanting to lay the smackdown on some unsuspecting “BK’s”.
