I think the core gameplay is great, but the systems built around it have some issues:
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Shoulder armor should be unlocked together; most players use matching shoulders, and as a result have to wait until they unlock both. As a result, being rewarded the first shoulder is a non-reward.
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Progression is far too slow, and very discouraging. I’m not confident I will complete it any time soon despite playing for inhuman lengths of time.
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More gametypes are essential. I want Assault (including One Bomb), Infection, King of The Hill, and Swat to return soon. Some of these are easier to introduce than others but all of them add the essential variety that Halo has come to know. You (343) probably feel the need to create custom assets for these modes (like Infection’s green energy swords or player-models like in prior games) but that isn’t essential. The earlier games simply used recolored Spartans and regular Energy Swords on regular maps. Do that. Easy to implement and ensures parity across the experience. (Presumably recolors are unnecessary too, thanks to outlines).
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Playlist selection must be fleshed-out, too. I for one get pretty stressed-out from Objective modes, and only play them when I’m in the mood. Unfortunately I can’t do that without dedicated Slayer playlists. (It’s only fair that I admit the bot playlist helps with this issue.) Slayer and Objective, at least for Ranked, should have their own playlists. Additionally, Free-for-All should be pretty easy to add with what’s already here, so where is it?
Overall a fantastic experience, and I’m hopeful these issues get addressed. I don’t usually leave feedback, but I’m doing it this time because I’m hopeful my added voice will help improve things. Thanks 343, you’ve made my year and probably many to come!