Just finished watching the introductory gameplay for Halo 5 and I thought that since I won’t be playing the Beta, I would provide 343 with a series of observations.
I am an inveterate Halo fan. From the first to the fourth, and everything in between, I’ve enjoyed the series as it ranks behind only Mass Effect among my favourite franchises. In ascending order, my opinion of the quality of Halo gameplay fluidity and potential ranges thus: vi. Halo: Reach; v. Halo: ODST; iv. Halo 4; iii. Halo; ii. Halo 2; i. Halo 3.
Of everything I saw during the brief instances of H5 gameplay we’ve been privy to, I tend to lean in a favourable direction towards your efforts. The Smart Scope system is modern and aesthetically cool, sprinting is a necessity (anyone who complains about that probably has horrendous hand-eye coordination, so continue to pay them no heed), the thruster packs are true to the lore and are a feature I thought was necessary upon reading about it in Halo: Fall of Reach (which is an admittedly surprisingly well-written novel, though I have not indulged in any other franchise efforts), and the world design looks cool even in its infancy. Excellent decisions in those regards. Well done!
What I do believe strongly hinders gameplay, however, are what would ultimately be two of this Halo’s most vital features: sound and that imbecilic ground punch. The sound design and consequent effects are childish. If 343 and Microsoft intend to market this towards violent kids, their sound selections are flawless. If they wish to build upon what I already wrote was a phenomenal evolutional foundation, it would be wise to make the sounds more similar to those found redesigned within Halo 2: Anniversary. Now, those are beyond impressive. The other issue I have is the plummeting punch. That simply needs to be scrapped ASAP. Its implementation seems to be disrespectful to those many who considered the shield lock to be a game-breaker in Reach (a game which was already hindered in many other ways).
It’s merely my opinion, though I hope you do take it into consideration because while I play these games for their campaign narratives (which have, sadly, worsened steadily since Halo 2; Reach’s notwithstanding) and the majority of your team’s concepts are exceptional, the two major flaws I consider to be paramount to this iteration’s gameplay and success would force me to conclude not to purchase your game.
“There is still time to stop the key from turning”, as it were, and I suppose the purpose of your Beta is exactly that. Thank you for your time as I know you are deeply ingrained with your fans’ culture.
PS
Whoever thought of releasing MCC on Remembrance Day needs a swift kick in the -Yoink-.