Has anyone noticed that killing things in Halo 5 is off, or Halo 4? It doesn’t feel as interesting and shooting enemies feels like hitting a sack of hay. Your allies feel like robots and less like people than they did in Halo:Combat Evolved. Alas, no point in crying over spilt milk. So, I thought I’d add my opinion into the fold on how 343 Industries can improve them, both artistically and game-mechanic wise.
Human Allies
Marines: I think the best way is to deal with it would be to basically copy them from Halo 3, just add new models (Im talking about the face, not a Halo 4 redesign) and lines of dialogue. Seriously, do you remember any flaws that the Halo 3 marines and ODSTs had?
Spartan IVs: In this case, quality over quantity, In Halo 4 and 5 they were lackluster, I would say no more than three or four spartans at any time, they cannot remain as glorified ODST’s. I think if you gave them a damage and speed boost, it would compensate for the limits on AI. Artistically, Go to the Halo community on Halowaypoint, Youtube and Reddit, hold a competition for the best designs and say the top twenty-five make it into the campaign.
Other Allies: For example, the meridian colonists, 343 I’d say do whatever you want, and have their skill at fighting vary thus enforcing the idea these are ragtag groups trying to survive.
Note:Betrayal must be included as it adds to replay value to kill your allies when you get bored.
Covenant Enemies:
Elites: Halo 2 and CE nailed them, there is no need to change what has already been proven to be amazing and consistent. In terms of Art Style, I would say choose the Halo 2 Anniversary or Halo 3 style because both are widely welcomed throughout this fractured community. But what to do with the newer style? Well, I would use them too, because who wants to fight a female hinge-head? Honestly give it some thought, it might add to our understanding of how desperate the enemies of the Arbiter’s forces are, so desperate they have taken up to using their wives and sisters as soldiers. If they were used in defensive situations and other male elites may try to save them, it might create interesting scenarios , try elite kids too, it may bring up moral questions. Both art-styles are used while being canonically correct ,thus satisfying everyone (I hope).
Jackals:Same deal, Don’t meddle with what was perfected in Halo 3. I ask could you 343 Industries again use both styles, thus showing your not throwing out what was originally used. I know alot of classic fans would be more than happy if you just reused the H2A models.
Drones:I think just reintroduce them with updated graphics, no changes.
Brutes: Since both the Halo 3 and Halo Wars 2 brutes have both been well accepted by the community, I’d say use both, only the Halo 3 brutes would side with the elites(reusing armour).
Grunts: Again use both styles, however this time, there is a game-mechanic involved. The Older version are the smarter yet more cowardly grunts while the new version are the suicide grunts. Say for example, if I kill the grunt’s leader, the Bungie grunts retreat while the newer version rush you with grenades. Therefore, when Im playing and I see either of the two groups of grunts I know how to adapt my play style.
Hunters: I believe a halo 3 version flanks around and protects a Halo 5 version that can be killed by three shots to the back. The Halo 3 version, is just a Halo 3 version.
Fore-Runners
Crawlers:Get rid of them, they have no place, they’re just filler.
Knights: Leave them alone, except for a longer pause between disappearing and re-appearing with an indicator to where they will teleport.
Watchers: Turn these into a headshot kill enemy, they may throw grenades (not throw back), shoot, commanded by a soldier. Strafe you from the side. Remove floaty parts.They have a shield for 5 seconds which takes 35 seconds to re-charge.
Soldier: Commands four watchers from destroyable radio on the back, has small shields on elbows. Cannot teleport, may hi-jack and drive vehicles.Arrive via their watchers. As In their watchers fly him to destination.
Soldier captain: Controls all maneuvers on battlefield, uses splinter turret. Call for reinforcements. Kill him to stop them.
Sentinels: Need I say more?
And thats it, these are my ideas on how to make Halo’s AI great again. I understand not every idea is perfect , but maybe they’ll inspire to add new and better enemies or improve the older versions. Last of all, there needs be blood, them crying in pain and vows of vengeance from grunts.
Im not a pro at developing video games, I just thought Id try to help Halo make its way to the top again.Leave your suggestion on how to improve the AI below.