I’m looking forward to a lot of changes in Halo 5, not the least of which being the chance for more even starts is great. I however, envision this as more along the lines of things like everyone having the same abilities and, one striking example, the same grenades at spawn. However, I don’t believe that this should include limiting our choice of weapon, especially considering when those weapons don’t typically have vast differences in each other, instead filling sub-niches within their class.
Taking a look at the Primary weapons in Halo 4, for example, we can see that for the most part, they are interchangeable. Some like the Light Rifle and the DMR are more suited for longer range combat, and others such as the carbine and the BR are better for mid range. With those you have the choice between the accuracy of the DMR and the power of the Light Rifle, and the choice of consistency with the BR over the disorienting fire rate of the Carbine. Turning to the Automatics, it’s simply a transition from accuracy to power as you go from the AR, the Storm Rifle, and the Suppressor.
These are all aspects of a players choice, ones which suit their play style more. These are choices that do not effect the competitive nature of a base playlist such as CTF or Team Slayer, where a little variety should be encouraged.
That being said, this does not hold true to the secondary weapons in Halo 4. The Magnum is fairly well rounded, but it’s counterparts carry significant advantages effecting gameplay. The plasma pistol, though being particularly ineffective at killing on it’s own, has the ability to stun vehicles. With this being a spawn weapon, and in conjunction with the option to spawn with plasma grenades, it severely weakens the effectiveness of vehicular combat. The PP ought to receive a damage buff for it’s primary fire, while simultaneously removing the EMP effect from the plasma overcharge ability and regulating that to a map spawn weapon (return of the Grenade Launcher anyone?) Its forerunner counterpart holds the infamous role of being the only starting weapon with the ability to get a 1sk with it’s secondary fire. This weapon I feel has no real place, especially considering that it is a secondary weapon. If anything should be done with it outside of dropping it altogether, remove it’s secondary fire and buff it’s primary, essentially making it a Halo 2 style pistol, trading power for speed. Then I think the weapons would be balanced enough to claim an even start within the secondary weapon option while still affording some choice to the player.
I would like to see the option for weapon choice stay in halo. I love my carbine, and I am proud of how well I do with it. I’d hate to not have the choice to select it were it in Halo 5.
I will say in closing though, that MLG style play should stay BR starts. That’s a different discussion though.