It would appear I have been gone far too long.
Nonetheless, now that I have returned, I feel it my place as a Sangheili faithful to pass judgment upon the company who calls themselves 343 industries. For all intents and purposes, from my point of view.
When I heard the heart piercing news on that fateful day, when I heard of the fate Sangheili were to have within Halo 5, I was shattered. I tried many times to manifest a post that could effectively relay my feelings on this matter, only to fail again and again. I have spent the last month so emotionally compromised, my words have failed me.
But no more.
I stand once again in the presence of this community, a community that, despite the treachery of others, has stood strong and unmoved. I stand once again before you my Sangheili brethren to offer my words of encouragement. Bear with me, as I have much to say.
When it comes to Halo there are two things more important than any factor implemented within the game; Story and gameplay. These two should always take priority over anything else regardless. 343 Industries has promised that these two factors shall be the largest, most crucial part of Halo 5. They have promised us epic scale, epic worlds, and epic battles. From what has been shown to us at E3 and otherwise, this would appear to be true. When Frank O’Connor told us that playable Elites were cut due to a lack of resources and development time, I was at first incredibly frustrated, and so were many other Sangheili faithful. Believe me when I say I completely understand. Playable Elites should have been on the list of priorities. But perhaps it was just too much to handle. Had playable Elites been implemented, there is a chance that contributions to Halo 5’s story and gameplay may have suffered. Even BTB is being released post launch due to the incredibly ambitious nature of Halo 5. Keep in mind I’m only theorizing as to why something that is obviously very important to many Halo fans, something they had three years time to develop, is being overlooked.
I have also seen that many of you plan on foregoing purchase on this latest installment in the Halo franchise. Believe me when I say you have every right to do so. You are not any less of a Halo fan then those who refuse purchase because of the sprint mechanic, or splitscreen functionality. I chose not to buy Halo 4 initially, does that mean I hate Halo? Does that mean I’m not a true fan? No, it only means I did not see the installment as a worthy purchase. I still love Halo, and I still do. Do not heed the words of these naysayers who would destroy your morale. The fact that you’re still here only goes to show how much of a Halo fan you truly are.
And as for my plan?
I will purchase the standard edition of Halo 5. If the game’s story and gameplay deliver far beyond expectations, then I will forgive 343 of past transgressions. If however either one or both of the aforementioned is lacking and/or inadequate then my opinions of 343 will have not changed. I will dedicate no more of my time to Halo 5. Even so, without playable Elites in Halo 5’s multiplayer environment, I doubt the game will be able to hold me for more than a few weeks. Despite the current status of Sangheili inclusion with Halo 5’s multiplayer, some of you have shown me a great light at the end, albeit a fading one: the addition of playable Elites post launch via downloadable content. Not only is this option a probability, but it is also a possibility. I do not foresee the implementation of playable Elite DLC to be a harrowing or difficult task. Whether or not the DLC includes elaborate customization or armor sets, playability in all aspects of multiplayer, or a few gametypes/modes, it matters not to me. As long as I can take on the aspect of a glorious Sangheili warrior in Halo 5’s multiplayer nothing else matters.
In the mean time, I will continue to make contributions to this community, here and elsewhere. (As often as I can, when occasion permits.) Now is not the time to give in or give up. No, now is the time for us to show 343 industries that even in the face of despair and hopelessness, we continue fighting for what we believe in. Our efforts may be in vain, and we may not get the chance to play as a Sangheili in a long time, but it would be better to fail knowing we tried rather than knowing we hid.
