*Edit–Some context: I’ve been playing Halo since CE
For over a year now, every time I try to play H:I I just find myself infinitely frustrated, no pun intended. Sure the UI is slow and clunky, our customization options are limited to canned, developer determined, uninspired colors and symbols, and the menu music is eerie and annoying. But I’ve realized that these things are just salt in the existing wound.
The thing that actually drives me crazy is how the game plays. Movement is lightning quick; the top speed isn’t too fast, just how quickly you can accelerate and change directions. It allows players to fidget back and forth, and move just out of range as you go to melee. I am by no means a great player, but I used to be decent at Halo and would at least tie 90% of my engagements…I have never whiffed more on melees than when playing H:I, and while some of it may be me, most of it is the game, and it ruins the experience. The fact that the crouch shoot mechanic exists as a real strategy is a testament to this. The fact that the Ninja move exists as a MEDAL is evidence of this being an intentional, effectual modification of the gameplay.
My mind has to try to anticipate and react to all of the spasmatic movements of players. Maybe that’s just the result of kids these days seeking out these highly competitive, anxious energy games that keeps them on edge for hours. To me, this just isn’t fun, and after two hours on Season 3 I’m already about to throw in the towel.