I didn’t get invited to test Halo Infinite. My brother did.
Last night, he let me try it out. Here is my view of the weapons:
Assault Rifle: Feels good to look at and fire. The zoom was not that far, which helps define the weapon as a close/mid range weapon. Feels a bit under-powered, or the bloom made my shots miss. I consider it a viable, fun weapon and used it in my multiplayer match.
Sidekick: The design reminds me of a Glock, and I had a terrible opinion of it when I first saw it in the first reveal trailer. After giving it a shot, I ended up enjoying it! The bloom took a bit to get use to, but feels very powerful. I consider it a clean up weapon and used it in my multiplayer match.
Pulse Carbine: Feels like a mix between the Storm Rifle and the BR. The shots are slow, but track. Felt good to hold and shoot, but not lethal. I consider it a viable utility weapon and used it in my multiplayer match.
Battle Rifle: This weapon feels good to hold. I wish it would sound like Halo 2. It feels balanced, especially with the four burst kill. I consider it a viable mid-range weapon, but couldn’t find it in my multiplayer match. Would try it though.
Commando: I truly think when someone can handle the ADS recoil, they are a force to be reckoned with. This precision AR is not something to trifle with. Feels powerful, but the ADS recoil rivals that of the SMG in Halo 2. The recoil helps make this gun balanced, but for how long? I consider it a competitive close-mid range weapon, and have used it in the Sidekick’s stead in my multiplayer match.
Needler: The weapon feels and fires good. It seems to take a nearly absurd number of needles for the supercombine. The tracking and speed of the needles is indeed much more balanced and avoidable. Something about the gun feels off. I think it may be the firing sound (Sounds like the auto, but modified somewhat). I consider it a viable suppression weapon, and did try it out in my multiplayer match.
Plasma Pistol: Feels puny and sounds good. The damage isn’t lethal, but its to be expected. The gun just feels useless except for the overcharge. I consider it an entirely utility weapon, and I only used it as such in my multiplayer match.
Sniper Rifle: As I put it in a YouTube comment section: Love the gun, Love the sound (Very powerful indeed), Love the zoom, Hate the look. It feels like your Spartan is trying to hold it as far away from themselves as possible. I consider it a viable mid-long range weapon and would need to practice more with it (couldn’t find it on my multiplayer match).
Rocket Launcher: This weapon is large and feels like it can pack a punch. Blast radius may be a bit large. I consider it a viable anti-vehicle and crowd control weapon, and would use it (never found it in my multiplayer match).
Heatwave: Big and laser-y. You can change how the gun shoots with the zoom button. I tried this out and enjoyed it. Had a problem where I kept reloading (or venting IMO) then firing to go back into reloading. Feels like the Scattershot if it pointed up and took awhile to reload. I consider it an all-round weapon and would like to try it out in matchmaking.
Ravager: Looks big, sounds powerful. Definite need to move back and forth for greater hit chance. I didn’t know this going in, and missed most of my shots in the mid-range. The pool helps with strafers and those taking cover. I personally hate the weapon’s need to dolly. I consider it a viable utility weapon and would use it sparingly or out of desperation. Could not find it on my multiplayer match.
Skewer: Large and powerful spike sniper. Hip firing felt more accurate than scoping. It arcs like the Ravager, so take your time to practice the aim on it. Love the power and instant kill, even on body. It should not have much ammo. Tie that with the long reload and you have a balanced weapon. I consider it viable anti-air weapon, and would like to try it out in multiplayer.
My view of the ODST bot match:
It was a challenging, but fair match, considering I just started. I played carefully and got my brother a 3.0 K/D (12/4, not including assists). The bots definitely acted like a moderately skilled player. I enjoyed it.
When the round started, I began looking for the Pulse Carbine. I traded my Assault Rifle for it. I began exploring the compound that reminds me of a Halo 5 map with sand in an exposed structure. I remember getting a couple kills with it. I also picked up some spike grenades. Good backup grenades. I remember fighting a bot that took cover, so I lobed some grenades. I think I got one. I remember at some point, I picked up the plasma pistol to noob combo the bots. Not as effective as you may think. My favorite thing to do with the puny gun is what I call the “Noob Smack” (overcharge, then melee). It’s fast and effective in normal PvP.
During the match, I traded my Sidekick (which I enjoyed using) for the Commando. It felt good to fire it, though my aim was “sporadic” (my brother’s words; he isn’t entirely wrong). I remember taking a high ground and shooting down. I checked the ramp and the door for enemies. After shooting some, one bot did come towards the ramp. We traded rounds and nades. Good reaction from the bot (retreated).
I also struggled with the melee (getting use to the button layout). Bots helped me get use to it. Failed two melee fights, but snapped a few backs (Back Snap LOL).
Overall, I enjoyed the little time I had with the game and look forward to some fixes with the UI, loading, and some clipping and customization changing errors. I don’t like how the home screen reminds me of Fortnite. Keep it up 343!