In order for Halo infinite to appeal to both new and old players and regain is relevancy there needs to be an effort to retain halo’s established identity while incorporating elements from the 343 era.
From my point of view the three most necessary areas to be considered are:
1.) Art Style/graphics
2.) Movement mechanics and gameplay
3.) Campaign/story mode
1.) The 343 era brought along a lot of changes to the art style not liked by a majority of players. For example some generally disliked changes are the “thuggish and clunky” look of the elites, changing of pre-existing weapons such as the rocket launcher in halo 5 and shotgun in halo 4/5, and changes to spartan mjolnir armor. The bungie era of games set an established look for enemies, weapons, and vehicles that are easily identifiable as being from halo whereas some of the new 343 designs are not as iconic or identifiable. I don’t suggest that any old art pieces should be copied straight into halo infinite because they’re “Nostalgic” or “iconic” but certain defining characteristics for weapons, enemies, locations, and vehicles should be identified and maintained in the newer games. for example the blue LED’s on the shotgun are a defining characteristic of the halo shotgun, snd this could be easily implemented and crossed with the 343 design of the shotgun. There are innumerable instances where this idea could be applied and I think this balance/cross of artsyle is perfectly implemented in the halo 2 anniversary multiplayer.
2.) There are fans of completely classic movement and advanced movement. I tend to lean towards the side of classic movement. “classic” halo required knowledge of the sandbox, the environment/map, and the use of different weapons the kill enemies in different engagements. Halo’s sandbox and map design along with its movement awarded good decision making and discouraged bad decision making. Halo requires a lot of thought and conscious decision making in game and I think most of the new movement mechanics eliminate this tactical nature of the game. For example you can sprint away from engagements and spartan charge around corners, and holding certain controlling positions on the map is no longer as important. That being said the boosting ability is the least game altering and I think would be a great addition to halo infinite. My ideal formala would be to remove sprint, spartan charge, ground pound, hover, clamber, and “ads”. I know ADS technically doesn’t alter gameplay but the old animation for zoom should return as it is more halo-esque. however the base movement speed of the spartans/elites should be increased, jump height increased, and allow for boosting and sliding. I feel as though this would cater to both sides of the fanbase and make for the return of the old halo gameplay which is proven to work. i.e.) don’t destroy the framework bungie has laid down, and don’t completely throw the baby away with the bathwater with what 343 has done for the game.
3.) As for the campaign, learn from the predecessors (halos 1,2,3,reach,wars,odst) and learn from yourself (Halo 4). I feel as if halo 5 was the only time halo really dropped the ball in the campaign department. That being said, identify elements of he story that make halo, halo and add on to it.
There are too many things to cover in one post but let me know what you think. I am advocating for change, but not Total overhaul. I want what bungie has created to be respected and what 343 has created to be respected too.
MIX BOTH ERAS, DON’T ELIMINATE ONE OR THE OTHER.