> So it seems that Sangheili will indeed not be playable in Halo 4 Matchmaking due to a ‘canonical matchmaking experience’. I will refrain from stating my opinion on the idea of attempting to make Matchmaking canonical, but the opportunity to have Elites playable is still not forever erased. There is no doubt that this thread has been noticed by at least a few 343 Industries employees. It is the top thread in the Halo 4 Forum, and was mentioned in one of the Q&A Updates. Unfortunately, we have lost the first battle. Elites will not be playable in Multiplayer on the original Halo 4 shipping disc. However there is still time for 343 Industries to listen to their fans.
>
> It may be possible to include elite player models in future Downloadable Content, depending on the layout of the Halo 4 engine. If this is not possible, do not lose faith. If 343 Industries wants to be known as one of the few developers that listens to their fans, they will most certainly incorporate elites as playable characters in Halo 5 & 6. With this being the most popular thread on this forum and holding that title, it seems to be one favor that the fans are wishing to see fulfilled. I comprehend that 343 Industries wanted to make this “their Halo” and not “Bungie’s Halo”, and I respect that philosophy, but this does not mean that all core elements should be pushed to the wayside. This is one core element of Halo Matchmaking that should never be pushed to the wayside.
>
>
> Jaime Griesemer: “I’d much rather experiment and do something surprising, and not have everybody appreciate it, than just turn the crank and do another alien war movie with a space marine”
>
> This is a quote from Jamie Griesemer regarding the criticism that the Arbiter’s missions in Halo 2 received. So 343 Industries wisely took the information from the fans about this and created the “Spartan Identity” for Halo 4. Unfortunately the Sangheili population has grown much larger since Halo 2. My identity in Halo, and many others, is an elite. It is not going to be a pleasant experience having to change my identity for Halo 4, but if we stick it out, we may be rewarded.
>
>
> Below is the original post written on March 5th, 2012 containing many reasons why the Sangheili community has grown and the importance of their inclusion.
>
>
>
> -ORIGINAL POST-
>
> Without jumping to conclusions, I understand that Sangheili have neither been confirmed or denied for the Multiplayer of Halo 4, but I would like to present my explanation for why it is imperative Elites make a return, much more dignified than the limitations of Reach.
>
> It is no doubt the Elite community within Halo is small, but having been involved with it for 6 and half years now, I am astounded at it’s growth. As more Halo media like The Return, Halo: Cole Protocol, and Halo: Glasslands makes it’s way to the gamer, the more compelled the gamer is to prefer playing as an Elite over a Spartan. Especially when the media makes reference to things found on a game level, such as Thel 'Vadam or the Revenant. Although that sounds like a very basic and broad way to explain this, after speaking with the populous of newly converted “Elite players”, this is the general reason I get for this exponential growth. To make this point, I ask you to look around, and in nearly every thread you will see at least one or two users with Elite or Covenant avatars.
>
> 343i, I would like you to recognize that we are here collectively, and we deserve the respect and catered opinions just as much as the Spartan fanbase. Although extreme, I know players who actually will not buy Halo 4 if they are not available in Matchmaking, and I cannot say I blame them. What would Halo be without Covenant Weapons/Vehicles as well? Energy Swords, Needlers, and Wraiths are all iconic symbols of what makes Halo, Halo.
>
> The limitations of playing as an Elite in Halo Reach are indeed disheartening. Going back to the Halo 3 method of playing as an elite during regular Matchmaking can be the solution. Not only does that add to the customization, but it can also be explained canonically. I understand that 343i is in the process of delivering a canonical explanation for the Red and Blue Spartans fighting each other. The relationship between Humans and Sangheili can be used to add Elites into this mix. Since the UNSC and the Sangheili are allied, having them use human weapons is anything but non-canon. Or if you would like to take the reverse side of the coin, ONI is supplying the Servants of Abiding Truth with weaponry, which is human as well. This can easily be weaved into the plot without creating a mess.
>
> I understand the game is very far into the development stage, I do not know for sure, but judging by the newest ViDoc, I believe it isn’t too late to give the Elite fanbase a voice. We’re here, we shouldn’t be neglected, and if we are, I can assure you that 343i will lose a great deal of supporters.
>
>
>
>
>
> > Please Sign (Thank This Post) If You Agree.
well i trust 343 to do wuts right and i know for a lot of you this is devastating but what if 343 does something great to overrule that you cant play as an elite then we will be basking in their glory and say “why did we ever doubt you.” thats my take on this discussion. Peace.
