I just wanted to quickly address a common argument I see on these forums with increasing frequency - that whatever 343 or Bungie is doing “isn’t Halo.” The argument goes something like this: “[insert maligned feature here] is ruining this game. Its not Halo anymore with this feature.”
I don’t mean to antagonize, but that argument is utter nonsense. Every iteration of Halo has been Halo. It might not be a Halo you like, but please do not take your preconceived notion of what Halo should be and claim that it is the essence of Halo, and that anything that strays from it is not Halo. This argument closes discussion on the merits. Instead of categorically claiming that only one form of gameplay “is Halo,” argue for the features you want or don’t want with reasons, not conclusions.
And to address the merits of the “purist” argument - every iteration of Halo has made additions to the gameplay. Halo seems so simple by comparison now because it was the grandfather of console shooters - its basic set of features did make large additions to FPS gameplay in general. Halo 2 introduced dual wielding and the almighty BR. Halo 3 introduced equipment. Halo Reach introduced load outs and AAs. And now Halo 4 looks to expand and improve on the class idea. But the drift towards a class-based multiplayer does not make this game less “Halo.” Halo doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Gamers expect class-based online multiplayer, largely because it is improvement over straight vanilla deathmatches. Classes enhance gameplay by encouraging teamwork and opening up new possibilities (whether it is implemented properly is a different question altogether). Just because classes weren’t around in earlier Halos does not mean they can’t become part of Halo. And, for those who really are in love with the old ways, not only has Halo given the biggest variety of playlists (i.e. Reach had a great Classic playlist), but you can always hop on XBConnect and play some Halo CE if you want.
As I said before, the whole belief is a fallacy. The whole argument is a weak rhetoric that is ineffective in proving a valid, well thought out point! Who’s to say Halo 4 isn’t Halo? Halo can be many things to many people.
Also to add that despite the changes (not all of them i so sure about btw) that if you are good at Halo, you’ll be good in Halo 4. It’s not that hard to adjust to a new game. Sure you’ll need to learn new things and gameplay mechanics but since when is learning a bad thing?
I think the fear steams from the fact that no one wants a Reach 2.0 with good ideas poorly thrown in without regards to balance. At the same time though, Halo 4 has to be Halo 4. Worts and all.
What i noticed is that (and yes i am a vet saying this) is that a lot of older players just want simplicity. Remove all the pointless chaff like Campaign (okay i am kidding here but i wouldn’t be surprised someone would want it gone), Dual Wielding, Armor Abilities, bloom, Armor customization and go back to static weapon timers and bad spawn systems (yes the spawning for Halo hasn’t been the best) with glitch combos and 3 shot kill pistols. Making the graphics better but keeping the game the same would please this group.
Ironically enough, it would end up like COD; no innovation and the only difference would be that it is not an annual release. Sure Halo would sell but it would become irrelevant fast if it didn’t mix things up. 343 isn’t Bungie so i doubt that IMO, Halo 4 will be another meh experience.
However, keeping game modes that are closer to traditional Halo while using features with Halo 4 (not that personal accordance drop though; that’s for IS) would be fine. You can’t replicate the same experience with a different game engine and this is what i think a lot of people need to get over. It’s still going to be Halo 4 regardless of what the settings you use. You still have to use the game’s maps (which i hope, are leagues above the trash that was the Reach launch maps), weapons, graphics, and physics. It’s still going to be Halo 4 and while different, it will be Halo. It’s just not what you are used to.
I honestly think that Halo 4 will be a new Halo game and not simply a re hash of what we’ve played before. Still similar in some ways, but new in many more. I just pray to the great Moa we don’t get things that slow down kill times and make the game extremely frustrating to play. Not so sure about Pro Vision or Hardlight (w/that Firepower mod) though, i hope things are balanced for the final.
Oh and ranking system would good too. No not progression systems based on playing time by itself. Ranked. Playlists.
So whatever 343 does, as long as they slap the title “Halo” on it, is Halo? I’m fine with changes, but I’m not ok with the core gameplay of Halo being completely changed (in no way hyas 343 done that yet).
Shoot, I just want a good, team-based ranking system.
As long as it “feels” like halo, then it is halo.
People get stuck in a rut. Like myself personally Halo 3 was one of my favorite Halo multiplayer experiences. Especially in accordance to the maps lol. So we get used to things and when change hits us we gripe and complain until we ACTUALLY play it lol
Technically speaking whatever the Devs. say is Halo is Halo.I mean they own it so they can craft it however they want lol.
As long as a Sniper Rifle, Battle Rifle, Pistol, AR, and Shotgun are present… It’s Halo
Can I haz Noob Combo Halo 2 Style back now?