Halo has always been a Arena Shooter. Why do we compare one Halo to the others with Game Play Machanics? They all are virtually the samewith the only exceptions being Halo Wars, Halo Reach, Halo 4, Halo Spartan Assault/Strike, Halo Wars 2. Its very simple to explain with these many similarities. Halo Combat Evolved as game play shows its defiantly a arena shooter. Each player in all gametypes start out with the same weapons and both had a equal mobility no matter how you cut it. The weapons all had unique attributes depending on the situation you place yourself in they also work to the players mobility. If you want a Plasma Rifle or you want a Power Weapon like a Sniper, Rocket launcher or even a Shotgun you travel to where the said weapon is at. Players on the opposite team might want to do the same so you both equally travel to where to find the weapon. Sounds fair and it should be that way. Halo Combat Evolved maps where mostly Symmetrical and I can say without a doubt 99% of the maps where this way. No one had a advantage but only skill and knowledge of the maps which makes the difference of each game you play.
Halo CE fairness points
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Starting Weapons Same - Mobility Same - Maps mostly Symmetrical - Players are equalHalo 2 has a slight difference but mostly the exact same as Halo Combat Evolved. Each player starts out with the same weapon either its a SMG and Pistol or a Battle Rifle with Pistol/SMG. The only exception would be infection making its debut. Players movement was exactly the same and weapons where matched to fit the mobility. The only difference is Button Combos for many situations. BXR as a good example with many others other, Halo CE had the backpack reload thats about it to what I remember. Maps where also pretty Symmetrical just like Halo CE. They were basically 99% symmetrical.
Halo 2 fairness points -
Starting Weapons Same - Mobility Same - Maps mostly Symmetrical - Players are equalHalo 3 is basically the same as Halo 1-2. The only additions was equipment pickups and the ability to use them in situations you deem fit. Mobility in all areas was fair. Nothing you can do a enemy player can’t do as well. Maps where mostly Symmetrical. Again almost all maps along with DLC maps where made Symmetrical. Starting weapons in almost all gametypes where the same. Infection as the only exception. Weapons matched with players mobility.
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Starting Weapons Same - Mobility same - Maps mostly Symmetrical - Players are equal Halo 5 Guardians legit same thing can be said with this game compared to Halo 1-3. Players start majority of all the games off with the same weapons. Assault Rifle and Pistol, Battle Rifle and Pistol in most arena playlists the exceptions being Fiesta and Infection Playlists. Sprint and other mobility options where opened up but the thing is each player has access to these options making it fair. You can sprint and the enemy can sprint. Weapons where also leveled to the players mobility so it fits with the fast movements. Maps where majority Symmetrical like Halo 1-3 again a 99% symmetrical maps.
Halo 5 Guardians -
Staring Weapons Same - Mobility same - Maps mostly Symmetrical - Players equalWhy compare games that are practically the same in all manner of speaking. The only difference is art perspective and narrative but the story keeps going. The issues with comparing games like Halo Wars, Halo Reach, Halo 4, Halo Spartan Assault/Strike, Halo Wars 2 is that the formula is drastically changed. Halo Wars and Halo Wars 2 are RTS games duh and Halo Spartan Assault/Strike is a twin stick Shooter again duh. Halo Reach and Halo 4 have Loadouts either pre-set or customized meaning players aren’t equal either in player to player interaction. You can have a armor lock which stops Combat on a dime or have promethian vision getting the jump on enemys through walls and floors making Combat unfair.
I would add Halo 2 Anniversary but its in a odd spot because it hits all the Golden areas of Halo 1-3/5 but it has loadouts which either has no significance or a lot of significance.
Let me know if you agree or disagree. Also let me say again this is just a pure layout comparison of Arena base halo games where the difference is almost nonexistent.