My thoughts on BTIS:
Dear 343i,
PART A
I have played a few BTIS games, OK, more than few, a few thousand. I love what you have done with BTIS! I would like to share my thoughts on a few things:
Game Modes:
There are a few threads calling for BT Objective and, I support the introduction of BT Objective into Halo 4. I note that you, 343i, have stated that you are working on that game mode, which is being tested, and when ready to release, you will let us all know. But, it is coming! Thank you!
Other threads are calling for a classic BTB.
I love BTIS as it is!
But, as BT Objective is on its way to War Games some time soon, I would like to state that my preference is to keep BTIS and BT Objective separate, that is, stand alone play lists.
Why?
Because I support your move to attach a CSR to all play lists. However, while I am excited to try for a CSR50 in Infinity Slayer and another in BTIS, I want to do so because of the Slayer game mode. I don’t want Slayer to be mixed with objectives because I’d rather try for a specific CSR50 for BT Objective.
If you decide to introduce a classic BTB mode, it should not be to replace BTIS but to stand alongside it. BTIS is the most popular play list. However, in terms of the CSR, BTB must not be mixed with BTIS in the voting options just as BTIS and BT Objective should not be mixed together. Enough people play Big Team to warrant three standalone play lists, i.e., BTIS, BTB and, BT Objective. You wouldn’t want to mix Infinity Slayer with Team Throwdown in the one play list and have them as the two modes to be voted for on the three maps given! Why should it be any different for BTIS and BTB (if it’s introduced)?
Vehicles:
First, let me say that I am not part of any team; I have no friends I play Halo with; nor do I use a MIC.
Secondly, I use both the Wheelman and Gunner mods and I do notice the difference when I am not using them. They do make a world of difference to what can be achieved when using a vehicle.
Thirdly, I never used any vehicle other than the Ghost in Halo Reach MM. I never had the opportunity to play Halo2/3 MM with vehicles. My experience then with vehicles has been with Halo 4. Therefore, I personally do not have anything to compare the current vehicles. However, I want to counter the many threads that debate about the poor state of vehicles in Halo 4. I will do so by referring to my stats.
5290 Wheelman;
Driven 7 random Gunners to Unfriggenblievables in the Gauss Hog;
Driven one random Gunner to 67 kills in the Gauss Hog;
Driven one Gunner to 8 kills in the LAAG (only driven the LAAG about a dozen times);
Achieved 6707 Vehicle kills;
Destroyed 5150 vehicles;
Achieved Untouchable in Gauss Hog;
Achieved Rampages in Scorpion;
Achieved Rampage in Banshee; and
Achieved Killing Frenzies in both the Ghost and Wraith.
Gauss Hog v LAAG
People in other threads have been calling for something to be done about the LAAG. They talk about its capabilities in past Halo games. I am unable to do such comparisons.
However, having driven 7 random gunners to Unfriggenblievables in the Halo 4 Gauss Hog and one of those Gunners to 67 kills on the one hand, but on the other, I have only been able to drive someone to 8 kills in the Halo 4 LAAG, does show that there is a serious problem with the LAAG. The Gauss Hog is being nerfed and, for good reason. Nevertheless, that does not mean that nothing should be done to actually improve the LAAG. The gap between the two and what can be achieved is very, very large. Being quite blunt, there is nothing wrong with my driving ability. Therefore, it has to be the actual LAAG itself at fault. Please fix this!
Scorpion
I have been in games where a Scorpion user has gone almost 50 kills. For myself, I have had a spree of 23. These results though are the exception rather than the norm. The majority of the time I barely squeak out a killing frenzy.
I find that the Scorpion, what should be the largest and strongest vehicle in Halo 4, can actually be taken out very easily and quickly. A PP shot and two stickies to take out this supposed beast of a vehicle, is simply quite wrong! 343i, you have done the right thing to nerf the Gauss Hog but seriously, something has to be done to actually improve the longevity of the Scorpions use, to a point where it can actually make it out of its little cave on Exile!
Yes, I can almost squeak out a Killing Frenzy and sometimes a Running Riot whenever I use the Scorpion but, for the vast majority of players, they don’t even get a kill before being taken out. I achieve what I do because I have had to develop methods and tactics that enable me to get at least the kills I do. Unfortunately, the majority of players have not worked out this and have a poor experience with this vehicle. Please fix this issue for them!
Banshee
I have a single Rampage in this vehicle on Ragnarok during a recent BTIS game and a handful of killing frenzies on that same map. I usually get a killing spree at the very least whenever I bother to use it. However, I do not like using it on Ragnarok and only hop in it on very rare occasions.
I have used the banshee about 30 times on Exile. I have had a handful of Running Riots and several more killing frenzies. I usually get no less than a Frenzy if I decide to use it.
In other threads, people speak about how stronger and dominant the banshee was in past Halo’s. I simply don’t know. But, what I have found for the Banshee is that it’s best to pick off lone enemy players, stay at high altitude, shot from a distance, anticipate where the enemy is heading and put the shot at a point at which the two will met, never use fancy tricks, and don’t splatter. I have no personal issue with the Banshee, either from a pilots view or from an enemies view when I need to take a Banshee out of play.
Ghost
I did use the Ghost in Halo Reach. The Halo 4 Ghost is left wanting. I just have to look at one and it simply falls apart in anticipation of what I might to do it! I find it very easy to destroy Halo 4 Ghosts. The most I have achieved in a Ghost is one single Killing Frenzy. However, that may just be me. I have been in plenty of games where others have achieved Running Riots. Therefore, despite the weakness of the Ghost, depending upon the tactics and skill of the user, it can be a useful killing machine.
What I do not like about the Ghost is this. In Halo Reach I could easily avoid the Ghost by jumping over it as it approached. In Halo 4, I die almost every single time when I attempt to avoid a Ghost by jumping up. Yet, in Halo 4, I can jump over a Hog and live, repeatedly! What is with that? Seriously, it should be the other way around! Please fix this!
Wraith
Again, I have only ever used the Halo 4 Wraith. I have squeaked out only three Killing Frenzies with it on Vortex. I’ve seen others go in the 40s with it so, again, it’s a skill issue. However, in my experience, I find the Wraith more easily destroyed than the Ghost! The Wraith is a tank! This shouldn’t be the case! Please fix this!
Mantis
I am lame with it and so will not even bother…