About 8-10 months ago I had an idea that I think would help improve cooperative and competitive multiplayer. Before I begin, I want those who have not played Portal 2 co-op to watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfvJQiZ8eS4
You’ll notice in the video the player can give visual commands to the other player to help increase cooperation. Having completed Portal 2 co-op three times myself, I know how useful the commands can really be. I feel something similar to this can be introduced into Halo 4. These commands will give players without a mic cooperate better with the team. And perhaps those without mics to more accurately communicate with their team. Let’s run through a little scenario to better understand what I’m talking about. Let’s say you’ve spotted an enemy player across map. You most likely won’t be able to kill the player, so after tapping one of the buttons on the d-pad you place a symbol or something on the area your reticle was pointed at. People on your team would be able to see on their HUDs an arrow pointing to the location you painted.
There’s a few advantages to this system that I a can see:
- Cooperation with people without mics.
- Cooperation with players who speak different languages.
- More accurate callouts for competitive players.
Now you may argue that people will abuse this system by spamming the command. That is true, some people will spam the command. However, there’s an easy way to fix such a problem. You would “mute” them. Similar to what you’d do if you were playing with a loud player. That’s that, the problem is dealt with.
I tried pitching the idea before, but nobody paid attention. If you see any blatant flaws please do tell.
Well, however much I like this idea, we pretty much ran out of buttons. D:
> Well, however much I like this idea, we pretty much ran out of buttons. D:
The down button on the D-Pad is free.
> > Well, however much I like this idea, we pretty much ran out of buttons. D:
>
> The down button on the D-Pad is free.
Yes, but the Switch Grenades and Select Ordnance controls interfere, so I’m assuming it’ll be used for one of them.
> > Well, however much I like this idea, we pretty much ran out of buttons. D:
>
> The down button on the D-Pad is free.
but what if someone wanted to say “shoot that” but instead the teammate sees it as “walk there”
> Well, however much I like this idea, we pretty much ran out of buttons. D:
This.
I really like the idea, could even give a different prompt to try and outline the path the enemy team is taking the flag.
As long as it doesn’t achieve more than talking on a mic does it’s fine.
> > Well, however much I like this idea, we pretty much ran out of buttons. D:
>
> This.
>
> I really like the idea, could even give a different prompt to try and outline the path the enemy team is taking the flag.
>
> As long as it doesn’t achieve more than talking on a mic does it’s fine.
That seems more like the GRFS system which i liked but it was really underused
> > > Well, however much I like this idea, we pretty much ran out of buttons. D:
> >
> > The down button on the D-Pad is free.
>
> but what if someone wanted to say “shoot that” but instead the teammate sees it as “walk there”
Hold down for “walk there”, double tap for “shoot that”. Or press down and a HUD prompt appears same place ordinance would, with the same layout, but now shows the directions as different prompts. So to say “shoot that” I would press down then up (Also would disappear after 2 sec if not used).
> Well, however much I like this idea, we pretty much ran out of buttons. D:
Maybe for the next-gen console controllers then…
> > > Well, however much I like this idea, we pretty much ran out of buttons. D:
> >
> > The down button on the D-Pad is free.
>
> but what if someone wanted to say “shoot that” but instead the teammate sees it as “walk there”
I imagine it would be sort of like Portal 2, you hold down the down button on the D-Pad and use the thumbsticks to choose which command you want.
> > > Well, however much I like this idea, we pretty much ran out of buttons. D:
> >
> > The down button on the D-Pad is free.
>
> Yes, but the Switch Grenades and Select Ordnance controls interfere, so I’m assuming it’ll be used for one of them.
Does the ordnance controls already temporarily suspend your ability to switch grenades until you choose the ordnance you want? It would be the same idea for using the pointer system thingy. Until you choose your ordnance, you just can’t use the callout.
It’s an interesting idea, but it poses a number of problems. As Daedalos said, buttons are very, very limited in Halo 4. Someone mentioned that the down arrow on the D-pad was available, yet how would one successfully issue a variety of commands from a singular button?
You could argue that when you push down on the D-pad, it could bring up a sub-menu of which you use the arrow keys to choose a command again, and the reticle to point in the direction you wish you command to be. However, this brings up another problem, would you lose your mobility while navigating the sub-menu? What if you accidentally hit the wrong button and send an incorrect message to your teammates?
Also, with at least eight players in most playlists, this system would become so abused that no-one would use it, not to mention the commands are another thing to worry about in an already-crowded HUD.
This system worked well in Portal 2 because it was limited to two individuals, who were both in a very confined area rather an open battlefield with multiple players, weapons, vehicles, and obstacles. Again, it’s an interesting idea on paper, but not necessarily if implemented.
> It’s an interesting idea, but it poses a number of problems. As Daedalos said, buttons are very, very limited in Halo 4. Someone mentioned that the down arrow on the D-pad was available, yet how would one successfully issue a variety of commands from a singular button?
>
> You could argue that when you push down on the D-pad, it could bring up a sub-menu of which you use the arrow keys to choose a command again, and the reticle to point in the direction you wish you command to be. However, this brings up another problem, would you lose your mobility while navigating the sub-menu? What if you accidentally hit the wrong button and send an incorrect message to your teammates?
>
> Also, with at least eight players in most playlists, this system would become so abused that no-one would use it, not to mention the commands are another thing to worry about in an already-crowded HUD.
>
> This system worked well in Portal 2 because it was limited to two individuals, who were both in a very confined area rather an open battlefield with multiple players, weapons, vehicles, and obstacles. Again, it’s an interesting idea on paper, but not necessarily if implemented.
Using the down to open the sub menu and left, right and up to prompt means that the player wouldn’t lose any actual mobility options. If they got shot they would still be able to move away without having to close the menu. Also this keeps the amount of commands to a minimum, with only three spots available.
Make so that it can only be used in competitive 4v4 playlists?
I agree it would become to much in BTB, but at that stage communication between randoms is already useless.
> > > Well, however much I like this idea, we pretty much ran out of buttons. D:
> >
> > The down button on the D-Pad is free.
>
> Yes, but the Switch Grenades and Select Ordnance controls interfere, so I’m assuming it’ll be used for one of them.
The longer I read suggestions on the forum, the more I am glad to have an Onza. This idea would work well with campaign. Most of my friends don’t even know what to do with me explaining it. Yay intelligence! 
> It’s an interesting idea, but it poses a number of problems. As Daedalos said, buttons are very, very limited in Halo 4. Someone mentioned that the down arrow on the D-pad was available, yet how would one successfully issue a variety of commands from a singular button?
>
> You could argue that when you push down on the D-pad, it could bring up a sub-menu of which you use the arrow keys to choose a command again, and the reticle to point in the direction you wish you command to be. However, this brings up another problem, would you lose your mobility while navigating the sub-menu? What if you accidentally hit the wrong button and send an incorrect message to your teammates?
>
> Also, with at least eight players in most playlists, this system would become so abused that no-one would use it, not to mention the commands are another thing to worry about in an already-crowded HUD.
>
> This system worked well in Portal 2 because it was limited to two individuals, who were both in a very confined area rather an open battlefield with multiple players, weapons, vehicles, and obstacles. Again, it’s an interesting idea on paper, but not necessarily if implemented.
The idea is that you be quick about using the the commands especially so if you’re trying to point out an enemy player. Also, the menu should only stay open so long you hold D-Pad down. If you need to mobilize quickly you’ll just have to sacrifice your ability to command and let off the button. This type of system isn’t going to be perfect enough to throw away your microphone, but it should aid those without one.
As far as larger games and a crowded HUD goes, I’m not convinced it will be a problem. If it seems like a nuisance in games with more players, then I propose it should be playlist specific. The most it’ll take up of the HUD is when you are actually selecting the command, and after that it should be like an objective marker. Something that isn’t going to disrupt the way you play.