I had this huge post typed out explaining my theory and reasoning and everything you would expect from a legit idea thread but I had a few drinks and “somehow” the whole thing got erased or something along those lines, so I’ll just go ahead and cut to the chase like I probably just should have done in the first place. Basically you’re getting a TL;DR minus the TL.
I believe Halo 5 Guardians will feature to some extent, possibly majorly squad based shooter mechanics akin to the vintage Star Wars Republic Commando and the classic Rainbow Six series. Because:
-despite the touted ability to play as two characters throughout the story (chief and Locke) the development team seems to want to convey that regardless of who you are, you will have your respective 4 man team to back you up. Why would that be worth iterating to us, the player, if it wasn’t a major gameplay mechanic.
-one of the tag lines of Halo 5 is “the next generation of Halo combat.” While obviously referring to bringing the halo series to next-Gen platforms, I believe this is also a nod to new mechanics that we’ve never seen in the series before, but always really hoped for.
-it makes perfect sense canonically with the introduction of blue team. In the books, master chief has a remarkable ability to command the team as if it an extension of his own body- why do this justice and let the player experience it first hand?
Think about it: The d-Pad was free of controls the multiplayer beta… Maybe there is a reason for that.
That’s all I’ve got for now. Discuss.
Works for me. Republic Commando was a great tactical shooter, so I have no problem if I get to fight alongside a squad of AI Spartans.
Oh I would love, love, LOVE that. I’ve been wanting a Republic Commando-style Halo game for a very long time now.
Honestly, I wouldn’t mind.
So what happens when you’re playing co-op? Lose the ability to command whichever Spartan your friends are playing as? Do they get to control anyone?
Repubblic Commando was great!
If it would work. My biggest gripe would be that having all 4 spartans together through the whole story puts some serious limitations on storytelling.
And as it was mentioned, it would be pretty redundant addition when playing co-op.
Sounds good…as long as the AI’s didn’t go to the same driving school as Kat.
I like it. I almost always play with a team when I play MP anyways.
Would make it a bit less personal not playing as mainly as Chief 
> 2533274796974117;1:
> I had this huge post typed out explaining my theory and reasoning and everything you would expect from a legit idea thread but I had a few drinks and “somehow” the whole thing got erased or something along those lines, so I’ll just go ahead and cut to the chase like I probably just should have done in the first place. Basically you’re getting a TL;DR minus the TL.
>
> I believe Halo 5 Guardians will feature to some extent, possibly majorly squad based shooter mechanics akin to the vintage Star Wars Republic Commando and the classic Rainbow Six series. Because:
> -despite the touted ability to play as two characters throughout the story (chief and Locke) the development team seems to want to convey that regardless of who you are, you will have your respective 4 man team to back you up. Why would that be worth iterating to us, the player, if it wasn’t a major gameplay mechanic.
> -one of the tag lines of Halo 5 is “the next generation of Halo combat.” While obviously referring to bringing the halo series to next-Gen platforms, I believe this is also a nod to new mechanics that we’ve never seen in the series before, but always really hoped for.
> -it makes perfect sense canonically with the introduction of blue team. In the books, master chief has a remarkable ability to command the team as if it an extension of his own body- why do this justice and let the player experience it first hand?
>
> Think about it: The d-Pad was free of controls the multiplayer beta… Maybe there is a reason for that.
>
> That’s all I’ve got for now. Discuss.
Actually, the D-Pad was used to change the grenade type.
I doubt there will be mechanics revolving around squad-based gameplay; but from a story perspective, I have a feeling you’re right.
As of late there’s been theories as to the big forerunner machines being Guardians; however, I believe that the term Guardians applies to Chief and his merry band of misadventurers out galavanting to save the galaxy. (Him, Locke, Arbiter, and I summise that there will be a forth party–My guess is someone from Blue Team at this point).