I have been playing Halo since almost day 1. I got an original Xbox and a duke controller with Halo shortly after the launch of it. I got Halo 2 launch day and set up Xbox Live. I got Halo 3, ODST, Reach, and 4 all on launch day. (I skipped 5 due to irl commitments).
Halo 2 gave us something awesome, a system to work towards to show that we were highly skilled players. Halo 3 improved on that brining in EXP to show our dedication and our skill level. Halo Reach improved on that even more by allowing us to progress our ranks by any means available, whether that be by MP, SP, or Fireteam. Halo 4 continued that progression idea as did Halo 5 from what I have heard. But Halo Infinite? No it does a 180 and completely gets rid of it.
Battlepass
The battlepass system in a nutshell I think is a great idea and I am perfectly fine with them trying to make a few extra dollars. The store where they straight sell items is what I believe where they went wrong and will ultimately have the game die out… These items should have been implemented into a progression based system not tied into the battle pass.
Halo has been about customization since Halo 3. Earning that armor set you had been grinding out was the greatest feeling ever. As it stands the battlepass feels mandatory to get even remotely good looking cosmetics. A battlepass should NEVER feel that way. It should be there so you can get more items if you want. But with the vast majority of items either being on the shop or battlepass you have to choose one or the other.
Lack of Ranks and Progression
We have a ranked system again yay I am excited to grind out the max skill ranks. But as someone with -Yoink!- the lack of any progression outside of the battlepass really really disheartens me. One of the main reasons why myself and a bunch of others buy the yearly COD or BF every few years is not only for the gameplay, but for the progression. We like to see our ranks go up, unlock new camos and weapons. It is a euphoric trigger in our brains.
Destiny and Destiny 2 have some banging MP, but they have 0 progression system. This essentially has killed it for myself and a lot of players outside a game or two every few weeks. Sure the most important thing is to have a solid foundation of good gameplay, but after nearly 15 years of XP ranked systems on various games to launch a MP experience without one is such a slap in the face. Especially when that game has Halo in the title.
I can’t understand where this disconnect with the developers and players is. If it is the higher ups wanting to milk the game with a cash shop and battlepass only progression. Or if it is a clear lack of understanding. Something needs to change.
To have a Halo game and not see a rank next to your name is a stab in the back to all the fans who have followed the franchise from Bungie’s hands to yours. Gone are the days of grinding your rank as fast as possible and showing off to randoms or friends. Gone are the days of a feeling of accomplishment by unlocking that cool set of armor.
It just really sucks and makes me sad.