Some of the most solid gameplay I’ve ever had were in the multiplayer games of Halo CE and Halo 2. Even Halo 3 had it right gameplay wise. The reason was balance between the different abilities. When I look at the original trilogy’s gameplay, I see an equilateral triangle. In one corner, gunplay, the other melee, and in the final grenades. Those 3 aspects made for a perfect base for gameplay, and more importantly fun. Halo 3 added into the mix equipment, which was a small square shoved into the triangle, but it fit. In Reach however, Bungie enlarged the square, causing it not to fit. So the shape became lopsided. The triangle remained, but to one side lay the most important factor: armor abilities.
So what is the difference between AAs and Equipment? Both are game changing devices when used right. Equipment, you had one chance to do it right, and then it was done. They were relatively rare, and only one player could use one at a time. With AAs, you alter gameplay time after time, and always have a second chance. Plus everyone always has one. They became to large a factor, causing that ideal triangle to become lopsided and deformed.
In my opinion, AAs should be pickups at very most. Ideally go back to the Halo 3 system of equipment that are a 1 use deal. Halo is a shooter, not a flight, marathon, or bunker simulator. Melee and grenades play into it, but they are meant for certain occasions, not all the time. Starting AAs were the most game breaking change ever brought into Halo. Reach was fun in it’s own way, but I wouldn’t want to live through it again.
What are you trying to mean by that?
If those games you named are truly superior in gameplay play them and don’t complain about the next one. I do not want Halo 2.5, Halo 3.5 or Halo Reach.5. Give me a new experience. Not the old one. If you like the older gameplay play those games.
> If those games you named are truly superior in gameplay play them and don’t complain about the next one. I do not want Halo 2.5, Halo 3.5 or Halo Reach.5. Give me a new experience. Not the old one. If you like the older gameplay play those games.
Slight variations to gameplay are fine. However, if its going to retain the name Halo, I want it to be very similar to the core experience of the first 3. The original Halo has been loved by millions, and I don’t think it was for their charisma. If you want new gameplay, go to a different game.
Look at other successful series like Gears and Mass Effect. Since their beginning, they have tweaked the gameplay, but kept it mostly the same. When CoD4 became successful, they used the same formula for future CoD games with some tweaks here and there.
Actually it’s a square. Guns, melee, grenades, and power-ups (overshield, camo, equipment, and AA’s).
Completely forgot about power ups. They had the same roll as equipment though.
As for AAs: I don’t consider them in the same category as either of the above since they are re-usable.
> Actually it’s a square. Guns, melee, grenades, and power-ups (overshield, camo, equipment, and AA’s).
Movement speed, gravity, jump height.
Did I mention collision damage?
It’s more like a squid…
Oh and Dual wielding.
To me, Halo is all about strafing, shooting, energy shields, and teamwork. Add anything else you want, but keep those. I like options.
Oh, and headshots.