I know this is going to be filed under “Nit picks” but I just want to make this point because I personally feel it’s important in regard to the “Halo identity” if you will.
But I really think some of the sound choices in the game in regard to weapons and vehicles aren’t just kind of tame, modern and average, but infact are kind of missing the point that sound design in video games isn’t there to just have a sound simply because things make sounds, so therefore duh.
But sound design in games has actually a lot to do with player information and identity, or specifically being able to identify what you’re being shot with and what you’re shooting.
Halo guns always had the benefit of being uniquely mixed. Even weapons that are pretty modern by all futuristic standards. Guns such as the assault rifle, battle rifle, smg, etc… basically any gas operated human weapon that uses bullets all had very distinct, yet grounded sound effects that distinguishes them from one another.
Something also very unique about halo’s weapon sandbox is the guns have the awesome intention of sounding really meaty and punchy. Traditionally in BUNGIE’S halo, weapons could be heard really well from second hand sources. Something even like Halo 3 had the benefit of muted gunfire cracks across the map.
In Halo infinite, I feel that I really don’t hear weapons being discharged at the sound level I’d like. Especially in regard to the BR and Sniper. Which are two weapons you ABSOLUTELY WANT TO KNOW WHEN THEY’RE IN PLAY and THAT THEY’RE BEING FIRED.
This has kind of been an issue with most of 343’s halo games. Secondhand weapon sounds just don’t give good enough indication of who’s using what and where as the original games did and I think the game is low-key suffering for that.
To top that off, in a more aesthetic level. The sound choices or more so CHANGES, and promptly UNNECESSARY changes are quite puzzling and dare I say pointless.
Why shouldn’t the warthog rev up and honk like it always has? It’s always had that distinct whine to it when it drove that was oh so satisfying. What’s the point in making it sound like just your average everyday pick up? It sort of takes me out of the immersion of the world that i’m in.
Imagine if they drastically changed the sound of a lightsaber igniting in star wars and that that became the standard for all lightsabers. Now I’m not saying the warthog is near as Iconic as a lightsaber, but in terms of Halo, it is for this world. And things like this are important for immersion and bringing people back to the setting they love.
Again, this isn’t near the game-breaking issue as something like desync or bullet reg. It’s just something to think about for the future. I think it’s pretty important for Halo. Because halo should look and sound like Halo. Not like everyday living.