Mercy; Best Visuals in the Series?

Games Halo 5: Guardians
1

Before I get the slew of replies, yes I know it’s technically a Halo 4 map, but I’m not referring to the layout (although it sure does play well like always).

I’m referring to Mercy being the most aesthetically pleasing map in Halo 5, quite possibly Halo in general. There have been countless great maps in Halo’s run, but I’m drawing a blank trying to remember the last time I looked at a map and was in such constant awe of the aesthetics. I’m NOT referring to the gameplay at all and I know that visuals don’t make a map great, but what do you guys think? Is Mercy the prettiest map in Halo?

2

I don’t know if I’ll ever get that map.

There are a few maps I still haven’t played and I think I’ve only had riptide once.

3

I think mercy is a beautiful map, plain and simple.

4

I love Guardian from Halo 3 aesthetic, and there was another rundown map from Halo 3 that was an old power plant. Those were my favorites.

5

Mercy is beautiful, and was much needed due to the lack of covenant themed arena maps. Would love one with a temple theme as well, like the ones in warzone :slight_smile:

6

> 2533274847563380;4:
> I love Guardian from Halo 3 aesthetic, and there was another rundown map from Halo 3 that was an old power plant. Those were my favorites.

Ghost Town maybe? That was my favorite in the Halo 3 days too.

7

Best visuals in the series? Maybe not quite.

Best visuals in Halo 5’s multiplayer? Definitely a top contender.

I think if Stasis had slightly better rendering on the distant portions of the station, no filter in matchmaking, and the engine had better, less splotchy sky/sun shadow rendering at a greater distance it would be nearly as cool. The rotating skybox complete with the shadows that follow it live in map is pretty cool in my opinion, even if the map isn’t great. I also think that the oversaturation of UNSC archetecture makes it feel more generic than it really is.

Mercy is a prime example of how map remixes should be. An impressive visual upgrade with substantial differences in core aesthetics and architectural design while retaining core layout and one or two key features of the map (like the forerunner structure hovering just outside the outer edge of the map in haven is now a revolving piece in what looks like a ceremonial/religious altar and is yet distinguishable in a way.

8

Mercy, torque and tyrant(kinda plain but beautiful IMO) are some awesome looking maps.

9

I think Haven looks much better compared to Mercy. Mercy looks way too much like a Locust stronghold to me.

10

I still prefer Haven, but definitely is a pretty looking map.

11

I actually agree. I think it’s the most beautiful and detailed map halo has ever had. I’m honestly really happy with 343 on this one.

12

It’s definitely up there. Halo 3 and especially Halo 4 have the best looking maps.

Just gonna drop off some pretty H4 screenshots here:

Look at that skybox.
And that one, too.
And that’s a Halo 3 map, but it sure looks pretty here.
And this background.

… and I’m realizing something: all these pretty Halo 4 maps had great skyboxes and backgrounds, Mercy is pretty through and through and all up in the action. You don’t have to go out of your way or look out in the distance to see the art, it’s all around you. But one thing’s for sure: 343 knows how to make 'em pretty. I just wish I still had my old Halo 3 screenshots. Guess I should go retake them in the MCC, huh?

13

I haven’t played on it, but Mercy looks very nice from what I’ve seen. Definitely a welcome break from the monotony of the generally similar looking UNSC-themed maps.

14

Oh, Mercy is absolutely gorgeous. Couldn’t agree more.

Not exactly a faithful remake however, and I can’t get it in slayer.

15

If only it played as well as it looks…

16

> 2535437652903765;13:
> I haven’t played on it, but Mercy looks very nice from what I’ve seen. Definitely a welcome break from the monotony of the generally similar looking UNSC-themed maps.

This is me as well.

If every map in Halo 5 looked as amazing as mercy, I think people might remember 1 or 2 maps a few years or so down the road. As it stands right now, IMO no Mao in halo really stands out to me, other then Mercy. Now if I feel it plays as well as it looks, I’ll remember it’s name for sure.

Halo biggest problem with maps is they all look so bland. Halo 3 had such a better variety of different maps look wise it was amazing. We need to get back to that.

17

> 2533274871854547;6:
> > 2533274847563380;4:
> > I love Guardian from Halo 3 aesthetic, and there was another rundown map from Halo 3 that was an old power plant. Those were my favorites.
>
>
> Ghost Town maybe? That was my favorite in the Halo 3 days too.

Yea! Ghost town, that map looked really nice.

18

From what I’ve seen, mercy looks like an amazing map, aestheticly and game play wise.

19

> 2533274883669557;12:
> It’s definitely up there. Halo 3 and especially Halo 4 have the best looking maps.
>
> Just gonna drop off some pretty H4 screenshots here:
>
> Look at that skybox.
> And that one, too.
> And that’s a Halo 3 map, but it sure looks pretty here.
> And this background.
>
> … and I’m realizing something: all these pretty Halo 4 maps had great skyboxes and backgrounds, Mercy is pretty through and through and all up in the action. You don’t have to go out of your way or look out in the distance to see the art, it’s all around you. But one thing’s for sure: 343 knows how to make 'em pretty. I just wish I still had my old Halo 3 screenshots. Guess I should go retake them in the MCC, huh?

Go for it, any reason to get people playing mcc is a good reason. lol It needs some tlc

20

BLOOD GULCH!!!