I think 343i has taken Halo 5 in an interesting (mostly positive) direction. They have made some major changes to the Halo gameplay formula. The most obvious change is the introduction of Spartan Abilities. Here are my thoughts on each:
- Sprint - Sprint negatively impacts weapon balance and map design. I don’t like it.- Slide - Slide seems like a cool (and skillful) mechanic, but it’s tied to Sprint, which makes me like it less.- Spartan Charge - The Shoulder Charge has an interesting risk/reward dynamic and adds a new layer to melee combat. Again, tied to Sprint.- Clamber - Clambering looks cool, but it could easily be replaced by greater jump height. It also stops the player from shooting.- Thruster Pack - The Thruster Pack adds more skill to short- and long-range combat. However, it may weaken slow projectile weapons and grenades.- Smart Scope - Smart Scope looks cool and doesn’t have any gameplay impact, aside from slightly obscuring the player’s vision. I’m indifferent.- Ground Pound - Like the Spartan Charge, the Ground Pound is a powerful attack that leaves the player vulnerable. I like it.- Stabilizer - Again, this is a risk/reward mechanic. The player makes themselves more vulnerable in exchange for better aim and travel distance in the air. Players should have the option to tie Stabilizers to a different button.In summation, Sprint should be removed, which necessitates the reworking of Slide and Spartan Charge. Clamber should be replaced with higher jump height. Stabilizers should be bound to a different button.
Players should be able to choose which Spartan Abilities are enabled in Custom Games.
Halo 5 is probably going to be okay.