This Tech-Preview has been so much fun, I don’t care that it’s just one map, I don’t care that we’re only fighting bots, HALO IS RETURNING TO FORM!!!
Honestly, I can’t remember that last time I was THIS excited for a new Halo game and now that 343 has invited users to join in the develop, via hands-on experience and feedback, it feels like I’m part of what’s going to make this game amazing.
That being said this is what I’ve experience after playing for only 4 hours:
The main menu is easy to navigate and shows you basically every thing you need to know right off the rack (pun intended) about moving about the game; from game modes, to settings, it’s difficult to miss anything you want to jump into or need to adjust.
Customization is going to be SO DOPE when the full game comes out, the armor looks spiffy, and you can mix and match in your own unique way even just in this preview, same goes for the gun skins, it really gives you a sense of “This is my rifle, there are many like it, but THIS one…is mine.”
The AIs are a fun little companion, I thought Circ was going to get annoying but that’s my AI of choice, I found myself WANTING to hear that AI after playing with the others for a few matches, BUTLR is a close second for the “Do try to breathe quietly” line. Honestly, I wish I could see the AI at some point through the match, maybe in the HUD when you’re shields are down, or when you make a big play, they can pop with an appropriate expression (ie, Virgil).
Graphically, the game is outstanding. I have everything running on LOW (due to Framerate issues) but it doesn’t look “LOW” at all. There’s not much to say about the graphics, it’s a “you gotta see this” kinda of thing. It looks so dope and clean.
Sound plays a BIG part in multiplayer, knowing where your enemy is before they pop up on the radar is important for playing your best, the Dynamic range of audio really stands out. You don’t just hear footsteps, you hear how far they are, if they’re advancing or retreat, if it’s just one or more enemies, which helps in situations where you might be outnumbered, even against bots you don’t want to get caught alone…more on that later. 'Nades are Loud or “not so loud” depending on how close you are to them. You hear the spikes bouncing around the room, and that always exciting plasma charge moments before detonation has never sounded good.
-I did run into an issue where the audio was very muffled when I would spawn in the game, rather than loading in from the start. It made it difficult to hear ANYTHING outside of Spartan Chatter and gun fire, it would even muffle enemy gun fire, and I didn’t even realize I was being shot at until my shields were down, I’ll be reporting that ASAP.
-Game Modes-
BOT Slayer: DO NOT SLEEP ON THESE BOTS. At one point I heard, “Lost the Lead” and thought “well, that’s not good.” As I continued to progress noticed how the BOTS adapted. They are becoming increasingly more difficult and it’s not like the reset after you close the game and come back. They will pick up where they left off and it is legitimate practice for anyone wanting to git gud at Halo. They will have their occasional derpy moments, especially when you and a teammate are firing at one target. Also, I found it funny that sometimes they would stop and stand still when I used the Needler, I don’t know if it’s in their programming but it’s like them saying “welp, I guess I’ll die.”
Academy: Let me just say, if AIMLAB don’t got me…Halo Academy got me. In regards to helping users get familiar with various weapons and their uses, the Academy also helps with aiming specifically the 3rd challenge for each gun. AIs would move about the area in random patterns, and even crouch when testing the Sniper Rifle. It’s a great way to warm up before a match, although, nothing replaces Live Fire.
While I’m on the topic of guns, the weapons have a really nice feel to them.
“Ol’ Reliable” (AR) is still mowing down shields and helping you close those clutch kills in pressure situations. Remember: SHORT CONTROLLED BURSTS
The Pistol, aka the Sidekick, is not my favorite, I replace it when I can, but it has helped me out a jam a handful of times.
The BR feels great and I don’t care what people say about the power it may be lacking. Honestly, it’s about putting shots on target, with any gun you choose to use.
The Commando (DMR) is such a great weapon, it’s automatic, but you can really nail those headshots with that thing. It’s quite powerful, although, not as powerful as it sounds. It’s got an intimidating pound to it, but the damage doesn’t seem to match the sound of it. (Not a big deal)
The Sniper, what can I say? “See the Dot, Take the Shot.”
The Skewer is difficult for me, I can’t hit the broadside of a barn with that thing! BUT! When I did manage to land a few, a very satisfying one shot kill was the reward. This is definitely going to be something n00bs will want patched cuz it’s “broken” or “OP” (which they probably only think because they can’t use it well enough to land a shot). 343…don’t patch it. Make’em cry.
The Bulldog, the shotty, I would say it’s not as powerful as shotties we’re use to in Halo, but at close range that doesn’t matter. The Bulldog is reliable in the CQC and still comes through to kill when you follow it up with a bash.
Pulse Carbine is dope “Elite BR” you can really rack up the kills once you get a sense of how the projectiles engage with the target. The more distance between you and your enemy the more you’ll have to lead the shots to compensate.
The Heatwave is going to make a big impact when the game drops. I prefer the vertical setting for individual targets, but when my team and I were in a skirmish with the BOTS, switched to horizontal and started shooting all of them AT ONCE and together with the team, we MELTED them…literally! You’ll have to land a few shots to incinerate your opponent but it’ll come in clutch in those team fights!
I’m going to leave it there for now. I’ll post again later about the equipment and the like later.
Hope everyone has a blessed day, hope y’all are enjoying the preview and I’ll see you out there.
Keep it Clean