(Not sure if a similar forum has been made, TLDR at bottom)
1:Halo Infinite needs to have most of its content at launch, a good launch is important for first impressions especially for the newer audience
This cannot be stressed enough, look, I understand that the current events occurring in the world is significantly making progress for 343 very difficult but the community cannot have a bare bone Halo 5 launch. The 10 year live service shouldn’t be an excuse to not have most of the content nor should it be a source to be relied on after 5 years (Well maybe 3, as it took 1-2 years to make the slip space engine). If you have too delay the game in further do it, as Miyamoto once said- “A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad.” Furthermore, 343/MS/All the other game studios working on halo Infinite should try to be maximizing the amount of resources they have. One issue that Halo 5 had at launch was when it implemented warzone the features around that game mode, such as REQ packs took a lot of resources that could not be applied to other areas of the game at launch (The variant weapons for example). Of course, 343 later implemented the variant weapons and vehicles into Halo 5’s Forge later on launch but most of the damage has already been done. Halo Reach reused parts of their campaign for firefight with a few changes here and there, reusing map content shouldn’t be relied on but it’s better than nothing.
2: Halo Infinite should feel like its own unique game
I believe 343 already has the idea but I rather be safe than sorry. Halo Infinite shouldn’t try to feel like a COD, Titanfall, or Battlefield it should be it’s own thing. This concept does not only apply to people that liked Bungie Halo’s, People that prefer 343’s Halo’s , but also to the newer audience that MS/343 is trying to attract. If Halo Infinite has similar mechanics to try and capture some of the COD audience for example, what is going cause those fans to abandon their games, community, etc if it already feels like a game they’ve had way more attachment too? Not saying 343/MS would do something like this but it’s just an example. Returning to classic mechanics or not is a time for another debate but Infinite should feel unique to the current games while still being a good game. Now, don’t mistake this as taking trends from something like a game mode. Unlike a base mechanic, a game mode will only affect’s one part of the game (depending on the resources) not the whole entire game itself. The mode firefight, which was based off the trend of horde modes was received pretty well from the Halo community
3:A better reward system, a mix of merit and RNG.
Now I wont’ lie, a microtransaction system has its benefits such as free DLC but I don’t believe that doesn’t mean 343 doesn’t have the opportunity for more rewarding systems of achievements. Which is why I suggest a mix of tiny bit of merit into halo into the micro transactions system. I understand that a merit system will have to be monetized in order to not encourage players to play the game in a harmful way but the benefits imo would be worth it.
Benefits:
-Help the Halo community, you as the player may be more likely to search up a video on how to get this piece of armor. You may interact with your friends to earn the challenge, content creators may upload youtube videos about the challenge etc.
-Not only that but these pieces of armor shows the player identity, people recognize that piece of armor and they know the hard work the player had to go through. You may have an armor piece that is earned by getting a longshot kill with a sniper in campaign and that helps depict what type of player you are.
-Helps the longevity of the game and make the cosmetics you work for, more rewarding and have more meaning.
How can a merit system be implemented without nullifying the importance of microtranscations?
Personally, I think that’s up for you guys to decide but I do have some ideas, not perfect but it’s something. Only SOME pieces of armor will be only be able to unlocked through merit, about 10%-20% of the total customization. Luke The Notable also had the idea of having variants be unlocked through micro transactions but to actually wear them you had to unlock the base piece armor through a challenge or credit system. It inclines players to perform the challenge and still make the RNG and merit system meaningful however, it does hurt the casual players. (Variants can actually make a noticeable difference an example is if you added the skull from Emilie’s visor).
I have a forum going a bit more into detail if you’re intrested:https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/29568daf8cd14083bd1b70a810bf3581/topics/why-a-merit-reward-system-is-important/7f7ebd4e-31f3-41ee-bae1-e83feb7a4615/posts?page=1
4:Avoiding the weapon redundancy cycle, Quality>Quantity
A game can implement a lot of new weapons but if those new weapons aren’t much different from the old weapons what’s the point? Instead make one good gun, the player doesn’t need 3 different type of Battle rifles for example, just make one good battle rifle. And although that may seem like weapon variety is being smaller you have a less complicated and better weapon sandbox.
5: Exploring/objectives in the campaign should feel rewarding or play a part in the story. It can have the linear open world objectives but that mechanic should not be relied on.
(Will add on later)
TLDR:
Most of the content should be at launch and 343 should maximize their resources
Halo infinite should feel like its own unique game
An improved reward system with a mix of merit and RNG
Avoiding the weapon redundancy cycle
Exploring/objectives should play a part in the story or be rewarding
That’s all for now, of course there’s a lot more that Halo Infinite could need which I am planning to add later into the forums. Now, what do you think Halo infinite needs? Not want but needs.