It has been brought to my attention, by a laconically conversant bs angel, that I should place all my concerns, ideals, and/or feedback, regarding the Title Update, within the appropriate forum threads. Since I have already done so yet am still a bit concerned, I plan on being more aggressively vocal than I normally am. Please, forgive me if I repeat myself in various threads throughout these boards. I wish to reach a much broader range of members. Now, to reiterate what I already stated…
> I realize that this thread will become more relevant as we receive more information, but I felt the need to be a bit preemptive was in order…
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> > DesktopBarrel2:
> > 3. If you are not doing this already, try to emulate the rest of CE’s Sandbox as best as you can, that means buffing the AR to 16SK and PR(maybe even a stun effect)?, a faster shooting sniper and if possible less aim assist, more powerful shotgun,ect…
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> This quote is spot on. Let us not forget about the other weapons in Halo’s sandbox for the Classic version of Halo Reach. I would absolutely love to use the deadly 60 Round AR and my blinding/stunning Plasma Rifle during online multiplayer. Couple that with the ridiculous TSK Pistol, and we’ve almost got Halo: CE’s multiplayer back. Once done, we’ll need to work on a Halo 2 gametype variant. 
I do not wish to participate in a match where one weapon is king against an entire game sandbox. It does not matter to me how “skillful” the weapon may indeed be considered. I will always opt to participate in a more Tactical-style Gametype over that of an Arena-style Gametype within Halo’s multiplayer (browse pages 8 & 9 of the discussion between tsassi and myself for terminology assistance).
After asking around for some information regarding total sandbox balance and feel during HaloFest, I ran into Time Glitch and his thread. We conversed briefly within the thread and via PM. Here is what he had to say in regards to this topic:
> Good question.
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> The few times I used other weapons, or saw others being used, it seemed pretty balanced. I used the Needler a number of times, and it seems like they’ve upped the damage on that, as well as a slight boost on the AR. The Pistol’s RoF cap kept it from being the end-all weapon, especially at AR ranges. I could kill someone at AR range, but I had to get that perfect 3sk, no mistakes. I’ll be honest, a lot of people were using the Pistol and AR. That might have been because people were having so much fun with it though =)
This may be a small glimmer of light in regards to sandbox balance, but we cannot be too certain. Normally, I would nod my head and let all of these details slid on by. This time, however, I cannot participate in such a sheepish action. The Halo series means far too much to me. Personally, I miss participating in multiplayer experience I came to love. You better believe that I’m going to make absolutely certain I do everything I can to make the TU fun for all. Let’s continue to move forward.
> While I’m here, perhaps the controversy pertaining to vehicle health/damage and the DMR/Sniper should be addressed. Just a thought. If you, the Halo Community, haven’t done so already (I’m sure 343 has), take a look at the Title Update ideas in the two threads below. There is a lot of thoughtful information within.
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> Your “Top 5” for the Title Update
> Title Update Discussion
When it comes to Halo, I am, and will always be, a BTB Objective gamer at heart (Team Objective is a close second). I also enjoy participating in Team Slayer, Action Sack, Firefight, Multi-Team, and most ranked playlists (not the Arena) quite a bit. Halo Reach, unfortunately, took away almost everything I enjoyed within my favorite scene, BTB, of the Halo universe.
With the inclusion of additional damage on the DMR and Sniper, all vehicles (in some aspect) have become a ghost of the threat they once were. Gametypes with DMR spawns, ergo Arena-style Gametypes, are not helping to promote vehicle gameplay as one can surmise. Since vehicles are currently not addressed in the TU, what do you believe will happen with the addition of a TSK Pistol and/or DMR in Halo Reach? I see, reluctantly, vehicular gameplay becoming sidelined even more. I’ll explain my logic behind that conclusion at a later date, should it be required.
When it boils right down to it, I still have faith that 343 will address the entirety of the sandbox in order to make sure a healthy balance of our beloved Golden Triangle is upheld. They’ve been doing a great job so far. Contrary to what your minds may be piecing together at this point, that statement does not invalidate the need for this post. I created this just in case 343 has forgotten to take into account a couple other critical items in Reach.
I can imagine seeing the BTB and Objective experiences I had, up until the end of of Halo 3, finally enhanced and replicated in Halo Reach with the help of this Title Update. How well will that feeling return? That remains to be seen…so I ask you, the reader, what do you think? Will our sandbox become more dominated by DMR and TSK Pistol gametypes? Will we see any change in regards to the way vehicles are effected by weapons such as the DMR and Sniper Rifle, or will the TSK Pistol and altered bloom on the precision weapons make vehicles that much more undesirable?
-Always Hope