Halo 4

[Kalyx triaD]

Actually it is very easy to splatter anyone in this game. You don't need to be anywhere near top speed anymore. Gets annoying after a while. Perhaps they wanted the vehicles to be more dangerous.

[El Fangel]

They weren't already?

Had a few decent matches last night, a few even and two awful to end the night.

Had a quad kill with the BR and a totally badass moment where I stuck some fucker using Camo and a Rocket Launcher right in the face while invisible.

[Kalyx triaD]

No the vehicles needed a good start up before they would be dangerous, now a love tab will kill your ass. A ghost was moving sideways, average speed, and it fucking killed me. ATVs are terrifying now.

Just threw together a gametype called Trinity War where three teams are honor bound to a loadout dedicated to the three major races (Human, Covie, 4Runner). I adjusted the point streak to be a flat gain (no interest) and tried to make each loadout quasi-balanced as far as abilities and perks are concerned. Each loadout has its race's respective long range and short range rifles with their own grenades. Wanna give it a try if I can get at least 6 people in a party. If it works out I'll Forge a map dedicated to it. Again, this is just me throwing shit together.

[El Fangel]

Im down. Also, there was this ass who no matter what I simply could not kill. Mate is pumping an Assault Rifle into him and Im hitting with BR and he somehow manages to kill both of us with a Pulse Rifle.

Such bullshit sometimes.

[Requiem]

Added some clips to my File Share. Two lol clips and a pretty good full match (of which one of the clips came from).

Where do they show up? Is there anywhere on waypoint I can view my saved videos? I looked for a long time and couldn't find it.

[Fryza]

Need to stop running over team-mates. Probably running out of steam on it before I head back to TF2, but it's fun otherwise.

I'm a team car magnet in MP.

[El Fangel]

I think we could have some dominant CTF matches if you guys partied up and we had a known strategy.

[Kalyx triaD]

Where do they show up? Is there anywhere on waypoint I can view my saved videos? I looked for a long time and couldn't find it.

You're going to have to either access my File Share on Xbox (peeping my service record from friendslist) or searching it in the menu. The Waypoint site does not have File Share links for Halo 4 up yet. I asked a question in the official forums as to when/if they would go up.

Until then I tagged my clips with 'Kalyx' if you search it that way in the game.

I think we could have some dominant CTF matches if you guys partied up and we had a known strategy.

Yeah we need a big party for customs and grinding. I need a Dominion team who follows orders and offers suggestions. Me and Khuntry are starved for a set team.

[Fignuts]

Roommate bought this. Might get down with it.

[Kalyx triaD]

Cool. I'll catch you on. May have enough people for a TPWW Inv.

[Gonzo]

I haven't jumped into multiplayer yet but my tag is Primal Chaos 87. Feel free to add me and invite me if you see me on. Just let me know who you are.

I anticipate the multiplayer will be glorious. Halo has always been a favorite of mine, and I hate shooters, generally. I remember tricking our original XBOX over the internet to play the original Halo online.

[Fignuts]

Cool. I'll catch you on. May have enough people for a TPWW Inv.

Hopefully. Made a bunch of maps in Reach, but never had the oppurtunity to try them out.

[Kalyx triaD]

Now's the time.

[El Fangel]

You're going to have to either access my File Share on Xbox (peeping my service record from friendslist) or searching it in the menu. The Waypoint site does not have File Share links for Halo 4 up yet. I asked a question in the official forums as to when/if they would go up.

Until then I tagged my clips with 'Kalyx' if you search it that way in the game.



Yeah we need a big party for customs and grinding. I need a Dominion team who follows orders and offers suggestions. Me and Khuntry are starved for a set team.

Without blowing smoke up your ass, you are head and shoulders the best person on here to play shooters with for the simple fact you provide information which helps me stay alive and for someone who in CoD had Lifer/Juggernaut accolades more often then not I really appreciated it.

Now's the time.

The time is now!

[Gonzo]

Going to hop on momentarily, if you guys are playing send me an invite. My tag is a few posts above.

[El Fangel]

Will be on in 15.

Badwolf582

[El Fangel]

Sheer dominance in CTF. Excellent night gentlemen.

[Kalyx triaD]

We will destroy all enemies.

[Kalyx triaD]

The Waypoint site will have File Share and presumably rendered films up next month.

[El Fangel]

Had this boss kill last night, guy has our flag and is booting it across the map towards their base. We just capped so we don't want him to catch up.

I jump up on the ledge and he is this speck off in the distance. Line up the BR and fire four times "Runner down!!!"

And another, Kalyx has the ball and gets swarmed as Im defending him with my Hail of Bullets class (AR/Ammo/Camo/Resupply) and I pick up his grenades as four of them turn the corner. Completely screwed and open, I toss a plasma and the guy goes to melee me.

Triple kill :D

[El Fangel]

I look forward to Level 26 and being a despicable prick when I unlock Grenadier and Explosives.

[Kalyx triaD]

Yeah that will do damage.

I just want my EOD helmet. I feel incomplete in this game without it.

[Boondock Saint]

I'm down for joining a group that actually want to play as a team.

Haven't played Halo since 3 and the few multiplayers I've played in 4 so far I've been crap and quite rusty. But I'm confident my skills will return.

[Kalyx triaD]

We always play as a team.

[Boondock Saint]

I'm down

[Kalyx triaD]

Check out 'Good Match 2' in my File Share for some Xray usage.

[Tom Guycott]

I rarely drop in any team games. I usually always end up in a loose alliance of thrown together people, most of which are noobs, against a team that's either a Clan or people on the same box. Not saying I'm great, but that's perpetually unfair.

Maybe I can get on with some of youse guyse once in awhile.

[Kalyx triaD]

Well consider that joining live games most likely means people quit, so there's a good chance you're joining a losing fight. Best bet is to party up.

[El Fangel]

Had a bunch of good matches last night.

[Kalyx triaD]

I just want my damn helmet.

Gonna do some Forging. I have ideas.

[alvarado52]

Gonna jump on this later tonight, since i've finally been able to get gaming in while baby boy sleeps.

[Kalyx triaD]

Babies have legendary timing.

[alvarado52]

Yeah, it only required me to stay up until 5am lol

[Emperor Smeat]

343 Studios confirms every week will have the playlists being updated unlike with Reach where it was around once a month.

The "Free For All" playlist will arrive within the next few weeks but right now they are more concerned with getting the initial fixes and changes done first.

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/halo-4-to-get-weekly-playlist-updates-free-for-all-playlist-coming/

[El Fangel]

I like customizing the look, I really want custom rifle scopes though. Sort of like the reticle editor in BlOps, always thought that was a very nice unique thing for a shooter.

Would also be sweet if your loadout had your Emblem on them.

[Kalyx triaD]

Why?

[El Fangel]

Imagine a Purple Triad reticle Kalyx, Imagine yourself on a killstreak and watching them glow.

[El Fangel]

I dunno, I really enjoy the game but feel that my weapon never defines me because everyone else has the same one. Example, your War Machine Class is the first thing I think of when I think of you playing CoD.

[El Fangel]

I think I can make you understand by saying this.

When you played CoD, did you ever pick up someones gun and use and it and think "Hmm, Ill have to set up a class to try this out"?

[Kalyx triaD]

Not really, I like my own shit.

The color of what I aim with neither adds or subtracts for me. That takes customization to diva levels.

[Kalyx triaD]

I'm a simple guy, messing with my armor is enough. The color of my gun is fuck all to me.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Really wish Forge was part of Halo's SmartGlass offerings.

Kinda pissed off with SmartGlass in general as I can't bring up my stats as I play on my PC because it's not touch-capable. No fucking idea why that would matter for a stats screen I want on while I play.

[El Fangel]

I'm a simple guy, messing with my armor is enough. The color of my gun is fuck all to me.

I think it would be cool if your gun matched your armor. I know it's not likely to happen ever but id like it.

[Kalyx triaD]

With skins in this game it's more likely than you think.

[El Fangel]

Oh? Do explain and forgive my ignorance.

[Kalyx triaD]

There are weapons skins in the game, many from preoder bonuses but they will all drop with preset schemes. Coloring them yourself is the next logical step. As a patch or whatever, idk.

[El Fangel]

Damn that would be nice.

Also just found out from Requiem what the forge is. Goodbye sleep.

[Kalyx triaD]

You didn't know? Forge is awesome. Gonna do some great things with it.

[Fignuts]

Is there more than one fully customizable map, ala Forge World in reach?

[Kalyx triaD]

Three. A space one with some asteroid things, Ravine, and a basic square like Halo 3's Foundry. Neither as good as Forge World or even Halo 3's Sandbox, but enough.

[LoDownM]

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheHaloForgeEpidemic

Best forge channel.

Three. A space one with some asteroid things, Ravine, and a basic square like Halo 3's Foundry. Neither as good as Forge World or even Halo 3's Sandbox, but enough.

I know the info was out since July, but still really disappointed there was no Forge World 2 :(

[Kalyx triaD]

I've begun my reboot of my CQC map from Halo 3. While I can't recreate it from memory, I remember the inspirations and general ideas of it. It will be my first real dive into Forge and probably the most simple. Should be cool.

[El Fangel]

I am making a deathmatch map. Higher damage, no camo or armor abilities just grenades, primary and secondary plus vehicles.

[El Fangel]

Oh and sniper towers :D

[Wehttam]

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheHaloForgeEpidemic

Best forge channel.



I know the info was out since July, but still really disappointed there was no Forge World 2 :(
really all they needed to add to forge world was the ability to color walls, cause everything turned out to be the same boring color.

[Kalyx triaD]

snip

[Kalyx triaD]

Not too crazy about how CQC is turning out but as an initial effort on a new game I won't beat myself up about it. I don't think it'll flow as well as my Halo 3 version and ironically it may be too tight and 'close-quartered' to be fun. Still, it's an interesting construction of a symmetrical four-way indoor arena and it may get pretty crazy with the gametype I have in mind (4way team CQC). We'll see.

[El Fangel]

That is some sick shit right there. Cannot wait to get my helmet.

[Requiem]

My dude at the moment.

https://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/HC%20Pwnography/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=large

[El Fangel]

Just realized this...

WHERE THE FUCK ARE THE BULLETHOSES?!!!!

[Fignuts]

All you guys need now are some skirts and tiaras.

[El Fangel]

You calling me sexy?

[Kalyx triaD]

Just realized this...

WHERE THE FUCK ARE THE BULLETHOSES?!!!!

What do you mean?

[El Fangel]

Why are the SMGs gone. Was watching some Halo 2 videos and realized they are absent.

[Extreme Angle]

Went with Duel wielding...

[El Fangel]

:(

[LoDownM]

Don't really need it anymore anyway, the assault rifle doesn't suck ass anymore.

[Requiem]

So I have created a map for our bi-weekly halo parties at a friends where we engage in 4vs4's all night. Wish I had people to test a full game with though.

[alvarado52]

Is it your butthole?

[El Fangel]

Don't really need it anymore anyway, the assault rifle doesn't suck ass anymore.

I was wretched with it at first til I learned controlled bursts do fuck all at long range.


So I have created a map for our bi-weekly halo parties at a friends where we engage in 4vs4's all night. Wish I had people to test a full game with though.

I would but you are a dick.

Is it your butthole?

Yes.

[Kalyx triaD]

Why are the SMGs gone. Was watching some Halo 2 videos and realized they are absent.

Assault Rifle
Suppressor
Storm Rifle
Saw

[Kalyx triaD]

Thoughts on weapons:

UNSC:

Assault Rifle: Was the premier rushdown weapon but now with better accuracy and good damage, you can wipe out somebody merely by making sure they stay in your sight for most of the clip. Shooting in bursts sacrifices lethality for more of a support weapon, which is great for crowded skirmishes in Oddball, KotH, and Regiside.

Battle Rifle: Make no mistake this is the go-to long range rifle. Burst fire increases your kill so long as you aim upper body. Does well shooting from the hip, since burst fire gives you reasonable control while following targets. Up close you have just enough spray to do damage. Burst fire also regulates your recoil and accuracy for you, you just need to follow your target.

DMR: Reach's primary rifle is all about the accuracy bloom. The best shots must be timed and spaced out for maximum usage. Longer range than the BR but if you pull the trigger wildly you will waste your shots, your time, your position, your life. Please respect the sight bloom. A lot of posers going all DMR when they should be using the BR based on how they shoot. If you have a degree of control and have a confident position, go for it.

Pistol: Think of this as a baby DMR with better fire rate, though it also has a bloom you can use to maximize long range shots. You can dot snipers to get them off their groove and also go crazy at mid range hoping to score a head shot on a shieldless enemy. Has a scope for some Combat Evolved type justice, though not as nearly as strong. The accuracy (with paced pulls) and fire rate makes this a sleeper weapon that may catch on later down the line.

Spartan Laser: Significantly weakened since its debut in Halo 3, but still a decent vehicle rapist. Lead your shot while charging up and don't be ashamed to abandon the charge unless you're sure of the shot. Try not to impress yourself by using this against infantry. Yeah it feels good but you will either a) get BR/DMR'd right out of the charge or b) probably miss and let the enemy know you have a prize for them. Charge laser gives you away so make the shot and move on. I like to use this initially to take out vehicles and then get rid of it, as you're better off going anti-infantry after the fact.

Railgun: Spartan Laser's baby brother. Similar premise but for people and with a shorter charge time. It has a deceptively wide kill shot with splash damage that makes this more versatile than it seems. Pick off enemy supporters or fire into a crowd to make a difference in a battle. Use at midrange as an instant I win button, use it far range when you see a group. Looks and sounds really satisfying. Also does decent damage to vehicles.

Sniper Rifle: This, people, is a sleeper agent in the war against vehicles. I use it more on vehicles than people now, it fucking hurts. Otherwise it's your standard sniper rifle, four shots to make a kill and head shots seal the deal. But yeah, use this as an extra tool against vehicles, particularly against the banshee - with most pilots conditioned to dodge Spartan Laser lines.

Rocket Launcher: Yea it locks on to Banshees but let's be honest; you wanna blast a guy's feet with this. I don't blame you. Use this monster to settle scores and clear rooms. Don't waste it on Ghosts and Jeeps, and even Mantis'; the rocket is much to slow to promise a hit on those quick vehicles. Use that splash damage to end conversations with little commitment to accuracy or care. Pair with camouflage for lulz.

Sticky Grenade: A much better run and gun weapon than a trap weapon. Stick an enemy or just their area and pull right after, it's pretty good. It's kinda hardcore with one shot to a slow reload, but it's will net you kills or assists right away. Run with a crew when using this weapon, you may need assisting fire.

Shotgun: I suppose in order to differentiate this from the Scattershot, the damage as increased to hilarious levels. You don't even need the 'shotty-whack' anymore, close range is instakill. However, trying to use the old shot whack is nerfed as melee comes out much slower than before. Range seems to have got a buff, though, so this puppy is rabid.

Covie and Promethean weapons later.

[Kalyx triaD]

Complete Unlock List:

Armor Through Rank:

Recruit : Starting Armour
Warrior : Reach the Rank of SR-8
Air Assault : Reach the Rank of SR-11
Soldier : Reach the Rank of SR-15
Aviator : Reach the Rank of SR-17
Defender : Reach the Rank of SR-21
Recon : Reach the Rank of SR-26
EVA : Reach the Rank of SR-27
Warmaster : Reach the Rank of SR-37
Scout : Reach the Rank of SR-38
Orbital : Reach the Rank of SR-41
Infiltrator : Reach the Rank of SR-42
Hazop : Reach the Rank of SR-43
EOD : Reach the Rank of SR-45
Oceanic : Reach the Rank of SR-47
Enforcer : Reach the Rank of SR-50

Armor Through Commendations:

Mark VI : Legendary Commendation : Complete the campaign on Legendary (Solo or Co-op)
Commando : Dominion Victory Master
Gungnir : Slayer Victory Master
C.I.O. : Spartan Slayer Master
Ranger : Combat Opportunity Master
Venator : Assassin Master
Vanguard : Forerunner Enemy Mastery
Protector : UNSC Loadout Master
E.V.A. BRCH : Hail of Death Master
Infiltrator TRAC : Multikill Master
Defender CTRL : Bullet in the Brain Master
Soldier ZNTH : Spartan Spree Master
Recon Surge : Covenant Loadout Mastery
Warrior Matrix : Forerunner Loadout Mastery
Enforcer Tribal : Turret Mastery
Protector Drift : Weapon Mastery
Orbital AEON : Covenant Destroyer
Aviator Bond : Wheelman Mastery
Air Assault Verg : Vehicle Mastery
Soldier Zenith : Spartan Spree Mastery
Ranger STRK : Protector Mastery
EOD Shadow : Hail to the king Mastery
Vanguard Converge : Flag Victory Mastery
Scout APEX : Oddball Victory Mastery
Commando FRCT : Flood Victory Mastery
Contoured arms CHVR : Perfection Mastery
Recruit Legs Tiger : Exterminator Mastery
Twin-Plated AEON : Close Quarters Mastery
Contoured leg CHVR : Payback Mastery

Armor Through Preorder/Special Editions:

Raider : Halo Waypoint Classified Unlock
Strider : War Games Map Pass or Limited Edition Halo 4
Scanner : War Games Map Pass or Limited Edition Halo 4
Recruit PRIME : Limited Edition Halo 4
FOTUS : Limited Edition Halo Xbox
Hazop FRST : Pre-order bonus
Vernator Raptor : Pre-order bonus
Oceanic CIRCUIT : Pre-order bonus
C.I.O. WEB : Pre-order bonus
Gungnir Pulse : Pre-order bonus
Deadeye : Pre-order bonus
Locus : Pre-order bonus or Play Mountain Dew King of the Hill iPhone app game

Specialization Armor:

Wetwork: Faster assassinations, quieter footsteps and reduced visibility against Promethean vison
Pioneer: Advance quicker in rank
Engineer: HUD indicator for incoming ordinance.
Tracker: User can change ordinance options.
Rogue: Reduced flinch when being shot when scoped.
Stalker: Allows users to track down previous attacking enemies.
Pathfinder: Reduced turret cooldown and improved mobility when carrying.
Operator: Makes vehicles more durable.

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/304/b/7/all_halo_4_armor_by_sithvenator-d5jlcc1.png

Visor Colors:

Recruit (Blue) – Starting
Blindside (Dark Red) – Earn the Commendation Avenger Master
Cyan (Light Blue)- Earn the Commendation From the Brink Master
Frost (White) – Reach the Rank of SR-29
Legendary (Gold) – Complete the campaign on Legendary (Solo or Co-op)
Midnight (Black) – Reach the Rank of SR-46
Solar (Red) – Reach the Rank of SR-20
Verdant (Green) – Earn the Commendation Splatter Master
Sunspot (Purple & Blue) – Earn the Commendation Assistant Master

Additionally each Specialization unlocks a special visor, usually two-tone

Profile Poses:

Recruit – Starting
Heroic – Reach the Rank of SR-10
Assassin – Reach the Rank of SR-32
Last Stand – Reach the Rank of SR-50
Breach – Earn the Commendation UNSC Weapons Master
Standoff – Earn the Commendation Covenant Ordnance Mastery
Believe – Earn the Commendation Forerunner Ordnance Mastery
Assault – Earn the Commendation First Strike Master

http://halo4you.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/halo-4-stances.jpg

And there you go, happy hunting. You can check your progress for Commendations in the game.

[Gonzo]

I am currently the most badass looking.

[Tom Guycott]

Kalyx:

https://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/Kalyx%20triaD%20360/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=large

KHUNTRY:

https://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/KHUNTRY/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=large

Gonzo:

https://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/Primal%20Chaos%2087/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=large

Fallen Angel:

https://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/BadWolf582/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=large

There will be a proper photo shoot when the Waypoint site updates for linking files. I'm close to getting my old helmet. Work on CQC map is going... well. May have some bitchin clips/matches in my File Share later.

Wait, HTF are you posting your armor loadouts on here? How can I haz armor screnshoting?

[Tom Guycott]

Also, the Sticky Grenades are the business when paired with dexterity.

In fact, I'm in love with this and the SAW with said augment. They're murder on reload otherwise, and unless you're in a team game with people you know and trust to cover you while doing so, you're going to get plugged clapping that next bomb in. Haven't seen it in action with the explosives perk yet, but I'm too hooked on dex to even think about trying. It's pretty much in every one of my loadouts unless I'm trying to accomplish something in Spartan Ops where something else would help.

Also, on Haven, everyone enters the orgy for the scattershot right off and neglects this gem most of the time, and writes off the needler completely.

[Kalyx triaD]

Wait, HTF are you posting your armor loadouts on here? How can I haz armor screnshoting?

That's from the stat site, it doesn't upload screenshots yet. I can't wait because...

Finally got my helmet! My spartan is back!

Also, the Sticky Grenades are the business when paired with dexterity.

In fact, I'm in love with this and the SAW with said augment. They're murder on reload otherwise, and unless you're in a team game with people you know and trust to cover you while doing so, you're going to get plugged clapping that next bomb in. Haven't seen it in action with the explosives perk yet, but I'm too hooked on dex to even think about trying. It's pretty much in every one of my loadouts unless I'm trying to accomplish something in Spartan Ops where something else would help.

Also, on Haven, everyone enters the orgy for the scattershot right off and neglects this gem most of the time, and writes off the needler completely.

Saw is great. Explosives is nice because... spoiler...

they work on all explosives, including sticky grenade

[Kalyx triaD]

Interesting, the armor's linked here updates. My armor changed since I posted it and so did Khuntry's.

[Kalyx triaD]

https://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/Kalyx%20triaD%20360/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=largehttps://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/KHUNTRY/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=largehttps://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/Primal%20Chaos%2087/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=largehttps://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/BadWolf582/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=largehttps://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/Akira%20of%20Davion/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=large

Tom give me your GT so I can add it to the set. Like collecting action figures.

[Kalyx triaD]

Soon I will playtest my CQC map/gametype. Be ready for some experimental kill stuff

[Kalyx triaD]

Tom Guycott:

https://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/Akira%20of%20Davion/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=large

[El Fangel]

Kalyx loves it.

[Kalyx triaD]

I can't disagree with the color...

Made my eyes red, it works better than red visors on other helmets.

[El Fangel]

I have stark Gray on a white field.

[El Fangel]

I just wrecked shit. How do you upload videos?

[El Fangel]

Check my fileshare, I think my second kill may be my best forever.

[Kalyx triaD]

I will. Uploding vids are not in yet.

[El Fangel]

Oh my god I love that whole match.

[Kalyx triaD]

Fignuts:

https://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/Fignuts82/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=large

And CQC will be great after some final tweaks.

[Tom Guycott]

That sucks I couldn't jump in, Kalyx.

Everytime you sent an invite, it told me I couldn't join. Also, I couldn't just wander in as you were invite only and the lobby was locked.

[Kalyx triaD]

I changed it to friends but we'll see it works. It keeps up I'll just make it Open. Gonna put my CQC matches on my File Share later.

[alvarado52]

All those Spartans look the same to me...

[Kalyx triaD]

Racist.

[alvarado52]

:D so happy someone actually caught onto that.

[Tom Guycott]

I changed it to friends but we'll see it works. It keeps up I'll just make it Open. Gonna put my CQC matches on my File Share later.

Hopefully, I'll try again tomorrow (later today... whatever) if we happen to be on at the same time. I work nights, so I keep strange hours. I need to hit level 36 to unlock the Jolly Rodger so that I can fix my Spartan ID to the same thing I've rocked for Halo 3, ODST, and Reach:

http://www.bungie.net/Stats/emblem.ashx?s=90&0=18&1=21&2=18&3=2&fi=12&bi=3&fl=1&m=3
Ignore the purple crossbones, it was so they bled into the armor and weren't visible.

[Kalyx triaD]

Cool. I had the same triangle emblem since Halo 2, and the EOD armor since Halo 3 (baring ODST of course). These things you really get attached to.

[Kalyx triaD]

After a few play tests of my gametype/map "CQC", I can share some details.

- Small size symmetrical quadrant map. Tight hallways and corners with four shield door bases in each corner. Two main exits lead from the base to a relatively wide center, lit by a blinking yellow pillar (for both atmosphere and visual acclimation). Two bases are lit by their primary team's light (red and blue) to further give sense of location. A 'dumpster jump' provides an extra route if you dare spend time taking it.

- CQC Solo and Team variants have the same details aside from different spawn points. Up to four teams for each corner is set. Suggested player counts: Four teams (2-3 players each), Two teams (4-6 players each), Solo (4-6 players). This map cannot support full 16plyrs as the spawn points simply won't be there, and the map is too tight to add more.

- CQC offers 5 loadouts geared for, of course, close quarters combat. While each one is themed, they all share the same ability and perks: Thruster Pack (in a split second decision game, a quick dodge may be paramount), Dexterity (quick reload and swapping), and Shielding (quick recovery from battle). All loadouts also have the Pulse Grenade, as controlling space will give you an edge (a classic tenet of this gametype). Radar is adjusted to ten meters as the regular setting was more trouble than helpful.

- The CQC themed loadouts are: UNSC (Shotgun/AR), Promethean (Scattershot/Suppressor), Covenant (Sword/Storm Rifle), Beast Mode (Hammer/Saw), and Expert Mode (Boltshot/Needler). All themes provide a sure shot and a bullet spray of some kind. The layout of the map balances the classes since you more or less have to react in an instant regardless of what you have.

- In each base corner there will be random ordinance drops that appear every 45-80 seconds. The possible prizes offer two items from three categories; weapons (Sticky Grenade and Incineration Canon), buffs (Overshield and Damage Boost), and Abilities (Promethean Vision and Camouflage). The randomness adds an arcadey feel while remaining fair as it wouldn't be wise to camp the drop area. A drop icon disappearing is a dead give away to your position, so be careful.

Later tonight I hope to have a decent sized room to have a few Solo and Team CQC games. My XBL notification is off because it pisses me off during splitscreen games so if I don't message back immediately I apologize. My party setting is on Friends now so you should be able to join anytime.

See ya guys later. Special thanks to Figgy, FAngel, and Khuntry for helping me playtest this thing. Wish I could upload a picture but a small maze-like map (with a ceiling) probably wouldn't be photogenic, you have to play it for yourself.

[El Fangel]

Gents, This map of us is something even I can't complain about. Wonderfully thought out.

[Tom Guycott]

Interesting, the armor's linked here updates. My armor changed since I posted it and so did Khuntry's.

Huh. Went to confirm that by changing my visor color from red to frost. Sure does!

[Tom Guycott]

Cool. I had the same triangle emblem since Halo 2, and the EOD armor since Halo 3 (baring ODST of course). These things you really get attached to.

I never really kept consistent armor. Just go with whatever I dig at the time with a skew towards trying to be somewhat different. Only "mandatory" thing I try to do is to be asymetrical on the arms. I like a larger, clunky shoulder pad on the left and a smaller one on the right. I also try not to pick the same helmet most other people have. That's why I went with the Scout helm: 90% of what I've seen is either default, Warrior, or one of the two EVAs. Now I obviously like Emiele's style (see: facepaint on my avatar to the left), but so do too many other people. Also, a lot of folks are racking up the assassinations and grabbing the Venator. Nobody's rocking the scouter.

As far as the emblems go: on one hand, I kind of wish they were a bit more visable and customizable, but then again, I've played the first Black Ops to see how bad that could turn out. Way too many mocked up Klansmen and Swastikas for my liking.

[Boondock Saint]

Haven't had much time to play this since I got it, unfortunately. But played last night and finally felt as though I was getting my groove back and working off the rust (haven't played since Halo 3).

Gamertag - OKTUR

[Kalyx triaD]

I started the Operator Specialization. The perk that the Specializations offer must a take a slot from your usual set, so getting these things will eventually have you redo a class or two, and you should be well and happy with your classes by then. That kinda blows as I thought the perks would be latched on to your existing classes.

I don't see anything about the armor and logo I need but the visor color is pretty cool.

[Kalyx triaD]

Tom you don't 'suck'. there's just some habits you need to iron out. We need to squad up more often.

[Tom Guycott]

That's the thing though: I'm not really a" squad" person. I don't slice pies and all that jazz. I don't play Rainbow 6. I'm not a fan of Team Fortress (which is why I was personally upset about Brink). I like to run and gun and talk a little trash and have some smack talk sent back (within reason), and with a off-top lack of FFA, I've dropped into teams more often in Halo 4 than I would venture to guess any other Halo previous.

I know I suck because it isn't SFB to me. That, and as much as I love sniping in pretty much any game ever, I'm absolutely horrible at it in Halo for some reason.

[Kalyx triaD]

Well there's your role, less run and gun and more long range support for your team. Put camo together with infinite sprint for a spec ops type class apply your lone wolf style to a team.

[El Fangel]

That's the thing though: I'm not really a" squad" person. I don't slice pies and all that jazz. I don't play Rainbow 6. I'm not a fan of Team Fortress (which is why I was personally upset about Brink). I like to run and gun and talk a little trash and have some smack talk sent back (within reason), and with a off-top lack of FFA, I've dropped into teams more often in Halo 4 than I would venture to guess any other Halo previous.

I know I suck because it isn't SFB to me. That, and as much as I love sniping in pretty much any game ever, I'm absolutely horrible at it in Halo for some reason.

I snipe in pretty much every shooter I play. I am good at other styles but sniping is where I find my groove easily.

For you, use

DMR - Long range precision and medium range hipfire (low recoil)
Magnum - Short sniper rifle
Plasma - Learn how to hit peep with these
Active Camouflage
Armor Ability
Ammo

This allow you to sneak around and get a nice vantage point and hide as needs as well as having very accurate firearms with lots of ammo.

[Tom Guycott]

I snipe in pretty much every shooter I play. I am good at other styles but sniping is where I find my groove easily.

For you, use

DMR - Long range precision and medium range hipfire (low recoil)
Magnum - Short sniper rifle
Plasma - Learn how to hit peep with these
Active Camouflage
Armor Ability
Ammo

This allow you to sneak around and get a nice vantage point and hide as needs as well as having very accurate firearms with lots of ammo.

I didn't check the stats page (should have before posting), but I think I only have like 2 actual UNSC Sniper kills... both of which were hipfires because I was out of ammo for anything else and the rifle was the closest gun that didn't dissappear; a complaint because I don't dig the rapidly disappearing weaponry, especially when I have my "killstreak stick" aka the Shotgun. Even if I just died, I barely have time to run back to my corpse to get it again before it falls off the face of the planet, and I've gotten more of them from kill scavenging than from actual ordinance drops, which still isn't many.

I actually have a ghost class. Instead of the magnum, however, I picked the firepower perk and paired the DMR with the Covie Carbine. The extra ammo is packed in another longer ranged rifle with a faster fire rate. The DMR is boss, and short of the default/preorder weaponry, it was the first thing I unlocked.

What I was getting at with the sniping thing is that as proficient as I may be with popping headshots with the pistol and the DMR, I suck ass with the actual sniping tool. I'm better with the Beam rifle, and the Binary rules all, but they're both so rare to come by for me (ordanance on teams/random spawns on Regicide) that I barely ever get a chance to use them outside of campaign/spartan ops.

[Kalyx triaD]

I snipe when I need to. Way too boring for my taste. In fact I switch classes according to the situation often.

[Kalyx triaD]

Just finished the campaign by the way.

[El Fangel]

Sniping is horrendously boring in Halo I agree.

[Extreme Angle]

I beg to differ ;).
Haven't had much of a chance to play, because of uni work.
Finished campaign on legendary though.

Need to play with you guys...

[Tommy Gunn]

Got this with an Xbox bundle, but have never played a Halo game before, so last night I played a bit of Halo CE and will work my way up to the new one.

[Kalyx triaD]

Just play it, it's not Mass Effect.

[Kalyx triaD]

My best Halo Reach Forge map, Holdoff, is looking to be return in glorious form. I hope I can use the pieces economically enough. I think I'm about 45% done on the geometry. Spawns and weapon placement is another story.

[El Fangel]

Fucking hate the energy sword.

[alvarado52]

So, beat this on legendary solo, which I'm pretty proud of. The story was great, and i loved the focus on Cortana and Chief. After that I finally delved into multiplayer, which I scored first or second overall in every game.

The bar is definitely raised for the franchise.

[Kalyx triaD]

I trust we will team up soon. There's enough of us to playtest my creations soon.

[El Fangel]

I have a few days off coming up soon, see me online send me an invite.

[Fignuts]

I have bought the following games recently"

Black Ops II
Dishonored
WWE 13'
NBA 2k13
Dead Island
Need For Speed Most Wanted

I have had and have yet to play:
Arkham City
Rainbow Six Vegas
Sniper Ghost Warrior
Alien vs Predator

Plus new DLC for skyrim, and practicing Tekken Tag 2

All that means I am probably dropping this. Was alright, but there's just so many other things I'd rather invest my time in.

[El Fangel]

The gaming industry has given us more then we can handle.

[Emperor Smeat]

Some details and some leaks regarding DLC and map modes coming soon for the game.

343 Studios announce next week the "Free For All Throwback" playlist will be added to the game's multiplayer lists which also includes non-team versions of Oddball and King of the Hill modes.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/new-halo-4-multiplayer-modes-detailed-coming-next-week/


In terms of leaks, the release dates for upcoming DLC was accidentally uploaded on the German version of the Xbox 360 dashboard before being taken down quickly. All are map packs with the first arriving on December 10, each pack contains 3 maps, and are part of the War Games Pass.

The packs in question, initially spotted by a Halo Council forum user, are:

Crimson Map Pack – December 10
Majestic Map Pack – February 25
Castle Map Pack – April 1st

The details surfaced via an advert on the German Xbox 360 dashboard which led to the screen found below with the dates. All three DLC packs will be included in the Halo 4 War Games Pass for 2000 Microsoft Points.

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/halo-4-dlc-release-dates-leaked-on-german-dashboard/

[El Fangel]

Ill be on in a bit if anyone is around?

[Kalyx triaD]

Later on yes.

[Tom Guycott]

FINALLY 50!

So, now it's time to work on my Pioneer...

[Kalyx triaD]

Only choices I had were Operator and Wetworks. Finished Operator and halfway done with Wetworks. I hope the other options show up soon.

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/m1hJL8YJsqg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Emperor Smeat]

2 new multiplayer modes are on their way and should arrive once the Crimson map pack is released.

First is Extraction mode:
Over on official Halo website Halo Waypoint, news has come out that when the Crimson Map Pack hits on December 10th, it’ll be joined by a new gameplay type for all players: Extraction. Extraction will be available in Multiplayer Matching, and will be “a 5 vs. 5 objective-based game type where opposing Spartan teams are tasked with extracting assets from various sites around the map.”

The other is Team Regicide and its expected to replace the "Free-For-All" playlist once it arrives. SWAT will stay for at least another week.


“Team Regicide is an all-new game mode in Halo 4, and it is a much different experience from the FFA version,” the posting on Halo Waypoint notes. “The leading player from each team is crowned King and is worth a fixed 25 points to the other team; this makes protecting your King just as important as killing the enemy leader.”

Team Regicide will be playable on Haven, Adrift, Complex, Solace, and Abandon, and will feature the following:

“Several” medals
HUD
A unique announcer voice
Heavy teamwork-focused gameplay


Here are the settings for Team Regicide:

Teams: 4 vs. 4
Score to Win: 750
King Logic: Leading player [medal points] from each team
Regicide Points: 25 Fixed
Execution Points: 15
King Power-ups: Enabled
Time Limit: 12 Minutes



http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/halo-4-getting-new-extraction-mode-other-multiplayer-updates/

[Kalyx triaD]

After a nearly hour long game to 2000 points of spawn camping hilarity, my Ragnarok photoshoot map has been adjusted for mayhem and some semblance of balance. Vehicles are everywhere, spawns are all over the place, power weapons are grouped together (human outdoors, alien in the bases). There's a random teleport chain for the four major areas and a man canon chain as well. Buffs for speed, power, and health drop at random in the four main areas.

The gametype buffs your health a bit and highlights top killers. Personal ordinance is the only way to get a sniper rifle (static 70pts with no subsequent interest). Winning score is now a healthy 1000pts, with plenty of ways to get bonus point. I may increase the score, I don't know. It should be crazy.

When the fileshare goes up on Waypoint I will host these games to show off armor and crazy 'halo moments' on TPdub, Facebook, and my blog site. Service should be up this month according to Waypoint.

I got the Specialization code in my email for playing since launch and many of you should have as well, so check your email connected to your XBL account.

[El Fangel]

I was planning on trading Halo in for credit towards GTA5. I think I will keep it now.

And before you assholes jump on me saying that, its because I enjoy Black Ops more so due to customization.

[Kalyx triaD]

The photoshoot games will be well before GTAV comes around.

[Tom Guycott]

Only choices I had were Operator and Wetworks. Finished Operator and halfway done with Wetworks. I hope the other options show up soon.

Because I had the "big boy", all mine were revealed from jump.

I think the standard editions show two at a time... but pretty much anyone who has all of them revealed immediately went for Rogue if they didn't pick Operator or Wetworks anyway.

I'm more curious about the Fast Track ability I'll get for completing Pioneer that can feisably make all the others easier to attain. Plus, there is NOBODY rocking this helmet yet.

https://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/Akira%20of%20Davion/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=large

Makes me feel special.

[Requiem]

They added 'binary slayer' in custom games, and I really want to play it with a group of people.

[Kalyx triaD]

What is that? Like Team Snipers?

I actually need a group to playtest my Halo 4 rendition of Holdoff. Unlike Halo 2/3, I haven't been making new friends playing Halo. Mostly because I fucking despise these players.

[Requiem]

Played a 1v1 vs a friend earlier and it was fun.

Binary rifle primary
Sword secondary
Unlimited thrusters
Dunno about other bonuses

It was kind of ridiculous and fun at the same time.

[Wehttam]

edit: kept reading the thread.

ANYWAYZ

kinda dig team regicide, but i have found a lot of the time those who are the first king, kind just remain king. you just keep gaining medals and gain more points than anyone else when you kill. find it slightly irritating. wish it could be different. not even fun when i am the king the whole time.

[Kalyx triaD]

Essentially Snipers, I see. Probably crazy with a lot of people in a small area.

[Kalyx triaD]

don't know if you found out already, but if you played the game before nov. 20th, they send your xbox-connected email a message with a link to unlock all the specializations. some say it is still rolling out, but i have already got mine.

Yeah I got mine.

[Wehttam]

Essentially Snipers, I see. Probably crazy with a lot of people in a small area.but the binary will kinda make for less sneakier snipes, as the red shit when you zoom just gives you up. so it would require some quick zooming and stuff. kinda interested in it

[Kalyx triaD]

Anybody gonna hop on soon?

[Kalyx triaD]

I started on Stalker just so I can get the chest piece:

https://spartans.svc.halowaypoint.com/players/Kalyx%20triaD%20360/h4/spartans/fullbody?target=large

It was worth it, it has the right amount of bulk and flat surfaces to go with my helmet.

[Emperor Smeat]

Achievement list for the Crimson DLC map pack was revealed recently.

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/halo-4-achievements.jpg

The pack itself arrives on December 10 at the price of 800 MS Points.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/halo-4-crimson-map-pack-achievements-revealed/

[Requiem]

Damn, have already done most of those. Too bad they don't count already.

[Kalyx triaD]

Not leaked, it's been on the Waypoint site for days now.

[Wehttam]

yea got the season pass, so i will be on this some more

[Kalyx triaD]

Gonna fire up the game and I would like to build a party to test out two maps of mine.

[Wehttam]

Halo 4's episodic co-op campaign Spartan Ops will go on hiatus next week, concluding in January with the final five episodes of season one. Microsoft is also teaming up with Virgin gaming on the "Halo 4 Infinity Challenge," which has a V8-powered 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor (pictured), along with an appearance in a future Halo game, as its grand prize.

Those interested in participating in the Mountain Dew and Doritos presents, in association with Seven Eleven and Harvey's RV World, Halo 4 Infinity Challenge can register at www.halo4infinitychallenge.com. The tournament begins December 17 and will track War Games and Spartan Ops leaderboards, with over 2,800 prizes available. The qualifier phase will run until January 10.

After the qualifier section, players will be tiered into three groups, with the final phase taking place the week of January 12. Leaderboards will be reset at this time to award the top performers in each tier. No word yet if the new Ford F-150 handles like a Warthog.

We also asked Microsoft if there were any location restrictions on the contest: "The Halo 4 Infinity Challenge will be open to all consumers in all countries where Halo 4 is sold and Xbox LIVE is available, with the exceptions of the states of AZ, CT, MD, TN, & VT in the United States, and the province of Quebec in Canada."

yea im gonna win me some mega bloks

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yF3zAUwm2jc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yOjmau_bgR8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xfjlVHbya_s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Kalyx triaD]

Maps are better than I thought.

[Kalyx triaD]

There is no word on when the Halo 4 file-search/share will be up on Waypoint.com, let alone how they will handle rendered films for clips. They said December and I'm being very patient (I have more than enough clips to make a new YouTube montage (http://youtu.be/yHu8_JOoy4U)). I loved sharing shots in Halo 3 and Reach, and it must be said that these services were up and running from launch. Still; new studio, give them time to set up shop.

My Holdoff remake seems much too big for anything but BTB, which is a problem since getting that much people in a lobby is something I don't see myself doing for some time. I either have to start from scratch and make a smaller map, or deal with creating something that will not see very much gameplay. Ugh.

In the meantime, I have successfully recreated The Box, a very small literal box that started as a joke in Halo 3. It has a surprisingly good flow about it for instantaneous carnage.

- Small symmetrical arena for 2-6plyrs (6plyrs is pushing it).
- Spawns are outside of the box on platforms, you have ten seconds to enter the match. Use the time to scan the arena before diving in.
- A hut lies in the center, providing last cover or hosting intimate death meetings. Use the rooftop for a high vantage over enemies.
- The corners have window panels for slight cover while offering no actual obstructed view. Power weapons spawn in two of these corners, so keep them in mind. Above these particular corners are angled ceilings to make 'Nades fall upon enemies who camp too long for weapons.

Box Games:

- Box Battle: FFA slayer with regulated classes. Choose between Thruster, Hologram, and Xray classes to suit your approach (all have AR/1 grenade). Score the most kills within four rounds. Kills by yourself nets you the full 10pts, but if somebody assisted you, you both share the kill and each get 5pts (a scoring system that may spread to other gametypes).
- Box Brothers: Team slayer with regulated classes. The three choices of class return with two added support classes; Light Shield and Regeneration Field (with Pistol as primary). May reduce rounds to two.
- Box Hill: Solo King of the Hill with the same regulated classes.

Oddball gametype will come eventually. And speaking of KotH, my creation from Reach will certainly return for ultimate KotH battles. The old gimmick of the 'teleport lottery' will return, but I'm going for some interesting ideas for each floor. And it will be in space (Impact).

My Photo shoot map has been renamed War Land as it's a damn good map/gametype in itself. It's a wacky rendition of Ragnarok where just about anything can happen. I'll still use it for potential pics and clips, but it has certainly become it's own thing.

Catch ya online, and perhaps some of this stuff will go up on my Fileshare soon, idk.

[Kalyx triaD]

Started on the Pathfinder Specialization, mostly for the shoulders to complete my look but the perk sounds cool.

[Emperor Smeat]

Crimson map pack free right now to anyone who was part of the "14 Day, Buy and Play” promotion but had problems downloading the pack recently. The offer is available until December 18.

The pack has to be accessed from the in-game marketplace and not the dashboard or website.

http://www.screwattack.com/news/microsoft-spins-halo-4-crimson-map-pack-mix-%E2%80%9Cthank-you%E2%80%9D-customers

Also read some rumors or speculation that anyone who downloaded the pack when it was accidentally free on the Marketplace will be able to keep it but only until the 18th. After that it gets locked away presumably.

[Tom Guycott]

The best part about the above post was stumbling onto the news about Megaman x Street Fighter!

On topic: I'm hoping they don't screw up AGAIN by locking out people with LE's and Map Passes... they'd be back in the same boat they were in to begin with by having the content unavailable to those who had purchased it previously.

[LoDownM]

Just gonna leave this here.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/T-ZLJ9GOmdg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Kalyx triaD]

Had some hot Regicide matches with Tom today. I'm not a big fan of FFA Regicide but with my sentry I was pretty beast.

[Kalyx triaD]

Hours ago I had a BTB game on Exile where I spent the entire game in the Banshee. Didn't die and got 16 kills. It was a slaughter. No idea how they didn't take me out in all that time.

https://app.halowaypoint.com/en-us/Halo4/Kalyx%20triaD%20360/wargames/match-9cf40794bdd34e18

[Emperor Smeat]

Turns out the Crimson Map pack is causing another screwup with this time locking people out of the multiplayer and creating ban-like reports.

343 Studios investigating the problem and promise a solution soon.

"We are not permanently banning players for previewing or purchasing the Crimson Map Pack. We are currently investigating the recent reports of permanent matchmaking bans. We will provide further updates tomorrow. Thank you for your patience."
http://kotaku.com/5968946/halo-4-players-are-getting-banned-for-downloading-a-halo-4-map-pack

[Kalyx triaD]

Just started a thread series in the Halo forums promoting strategy discussion, learning, and teaching for Halo 4 players. I kicked off the first episode focusing on CTF, which includes my own ten commandments for it:

The Ten Commandments of CTF

Commit to the Role: There are two main roles in CTF; offense (with it's sub-activities) and defense (also with sub-activities). The dedicated role player will increase success for his team by eliminating the worst questions to ever utter in this gametype: "Who's supposed to be watching the flag?" and "Is their anybody trying to get their flag?" Choose your role and commit to it. Sub-roles can be discussed later on. A team of specialists will always beat a team of 'mercenaries' (doing whatever for personal scores).

Prioritize your Actions: Decision making is a sorely ignored concept in this community, and it shines in objective games like this. Making sure the flag stays home, or the enemy flag is pulled closer to your base, means bypassing personal vendettas, K/D, vehicle usage, and that sweet Assassination that requires you going out of your way to score. If it doesn't help defend or offend, you are doing your team a disservice (note that in certain cases, the aforementioned examples may in fact assist in the two main goals of CTF!).

Defense is Denial: Merely keeping the enemy from touching the flag is the basics of defensive CTF, just as important is denying the circumstances leading to such an event as well as denying elements that escalate things after the fact. Deny the enemy confidence in an route not being supervised. Deny them an escape vehicle (often what they rode in with). Deny them their cover fire when the flag is taken. This is a less obvious but very important facet of defensive CTF.

Offense is Stealth and Guile: Although there is a charm to riding in a jeep, three Spartans deep, guns and horn blazing. Probably won't get you a flag against a versed team, though. What will get you to touch the flag and more importantly away from their base is stealth and guile. Be silent, non-obvious, and fast. Avoid needless gun fights. This means, *gasp*, watching enemies walk past you and letting go of a potential stat-padding kill. Channel your inner Solid Snake, imitate Sam Fisher on his best days, be the ninja. You want the enemy's reaction to be, "How did they get in here?!"

Restart the Timer: When the flag is away from enemy base, this is when things get crazy. The enemy team (ideally) defend the flag as a full unit, making things difficult. The way to keep things in your favor is to put your health aside and touch that flag. You will die, but restarting the timer gives your team more time to mount a plan or put away the enemy (at this point the game is more along the line of 'proxy slayer'). Touch that flag and when you do, get it as far homeward as you can get. Every foot counts.

All Hands to Away Flag: When your flag is away nothing else matters, get to your flag and set a perimeter. The enemy scoring must not happen if you have the power to prevent it. Use anything and everything at your disposal and destroy anyone heading toward the flag. You do not want them to touch it. This even means abandoning an offensive run, IF getting the flag home takes more effort than the enemy needs to score themselves. Denying points, in a way, is more important than scoring. You will have another chance to capture the flag, you can never undo an enemy score.

You're a Target, But Not a Victim: You have the flag, and you may have to make a run rather than get a ride. Nowhere to hide in this version of CTF. Be the warrior. While not putting yourself in unnecessary danger, you can use your public awareness as a beacon, a trap. People will expect an especially aggressive Flag Carrier, even after the magnum upgrade. Lead enemies to close quarters where the flag is ultimate. Assist your teammates in covering you out in the open with pistol shots (though never ever walk opposite your base). Remain a dangerous member of your team.

Don't Idolize the Enemy Carrier: He has your flag, that's nice. You know what's more important? Potential rides and enemy cover fire. The Flag Carrier is slower, armed with a pistol, and always on the map. He isn't going anywhere far. What you need to deny (there's that term again) is what would make his job easier. Use his fears against him; there are places a Flag Carrier will run to habitually (small enclosed areas as if he's hiding), that's a better place to slay him than in the open - now the flag is in harder to get space for the enemies! Keep him in mind, but acknowledge denying the team doesn't mean killing him immediately.

Be the Driver: When your teammate has the flag, the dread of all enemy forces is the idea that his ride is either waiting or on its way. Nothing quite matches seeing a flag on a jeep or ATV coming home, because this is almost a sure score. Important as this is, you still must commit to your role. Let offense team handle this, unless you are certain the enemy has poured all their manpower into defending their flag (which means your flag is safe even unsupervised in this moment). A jeep or ATV driver meeting the Flag Carrier is very important.

When World's Collide, Look at the Big Picture: There are very tense times when the objectives offense and defense, for both teams, converge into an all out shoot-fest; this is when both flags or Flag Carriers are in close proximity. This is a time where hard decisions must be made, and right and wrong aren't so clear. The only real advice is to look at the big picture and keep the objective in focus. Is the whole team in this area, perhaps wait for their flag to respawn. Who's minding the vehicles? The power weapons? What can I deny the other team? What will benefit mine? Always have your eyes on the big picture.

[Kalyx triaD]

Will be making balance adjustments to the box.

[Emperor Smeat]

Microsoft currently banning anyone who is using the "Headless Spartan" mod for the game. While the mod itself doesn't change the game's hit boxes (headshots still kill), it does signal to Microsoft who is using modded Xbox 360s online which is still against their rules.

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/halo-4-microsoft-banning-headless-spartan-cheaters/

[Tom Guycott]

I hope 343 actually makes the armorless part an eventual option... looks pretty sick. Have a pro and con to it too. Give it something like a speed advantage, but an obvious inability to use armor abilities.

[Kalyx triaD]

I don't know about that.

[Kalyx triaD]

I just updated my File Share with tons of clips showing some awesome and funny moments. Enjoy.

[Immortal Moose]

Does anyone here play customs regularly? I hit the 70 level cap and am not currently eligible for the rest of the specializations yet, which is bullshit considering I bought the game and the War Games Pass not knowing this, and refuse to play anything but customs until my problem is remedied.

[Tom Guycott]

Didn't know there was a cap. I'm pushing 90, and the only reason I'm not there is that I've slowed down my Halo 4-ing significantly. Wish I could help.

[Kalyx triaD]

I'm on 99 and I don't have the map pass or LE version of the game. You need to talk to somebody.

But yeah, I love custom games and would be open to play them.

GT?

[El Fangel]

Might be getting rid of this for no other reason besides that I simply do not play it.

Then of course I'll want to play it.

[Kalyx triaD]

Play it safe. Play with me.

[Wehttam]

i don't see the point in not playing when you hit the level cap. it's not like leveling up takes forever anyway. i'll be hitting it in a week or 2 and it won't stop me at all. i am still gonna have fun playing the game.

[Kalyx triaD]

Yeah that seems like strange logic to me. There's people in the Halo forums who call it 'beating mutiplayer', which is one of the many signs that today's generation of gamer sucks ass in an objective sense.

[El Fangel]

Yeah that seems like strange logic to me. There's people in the Halo forums who call it 'beating mutiplayer', which is one of the many signs that today's generation of gamer sucks ass in an objective sense.

I like that last line figuratively and metaphorically.

[Kalyx triaD]

It was intentionally versatile.

[Requiem]

Kalyx, I tried looking up your maps in your fileshare (searched by gamertag) and there was nothing there. :(

We are trying to find maps for our monthly halo party where we do 4vs4 objective games.

I made one, and a friend made one. We've got another that we're likely going to modify to our style, but we're still trying to find some good, well balanced maps.

[Kalyx triaD]

I cleaned out my File Share during a time when I put a bunch of clips out. I since removed the clips but forgot to put my maps back.

Right now I have three maps, two are gimmicks that require specific gametypes, one requires playtesting with a decent sized group before I nail details and make more gametypes for it (Holdoff remake).

The Box: Way too damn small for any party larger than six players, sorry! Gametypes include FFA Slayer (Box Battle), Team Slayer (Box Brothers), and KotH (Box Hill). I'll add an Oddball variant soon.

Close Quartered Compound: Very small, tight arena map. Probably too small and tight, but it grew on us after the first playthroughs. Gametypes are FFA Slayer (CQC Solo) and Team Slayer (CQC Team).

Holdoff: On the other end of the spectrum is something I fear is too large. The size was perfect in Reach and I knew I wanted to make in slightly bigger here, but early playtests gave the impression that it may be too spacious. Granted we only played with four guys tops. So maybe you guys can have an extra map to check out as well as help playtest this thing. No gametypes, default Infinity Slayer and Team Slayer should work.

So you still interested?

[Requiem]

I could check out the last one and add some objectives for the way we play. We do primarily CTF (variants, 1 flag, 2 flag) and assault (now known as griffball in 4, since they removed actual bomb games). We do some oddball, but mostly CTF/Bomb games.

We don't mind large maps if they're not too cluttered. We used to play a lot of Sidewinder/Avalanche back in the day, along with Blood Gulch/Valhalla. We like really straight forward, symmetrical maps (unless doing a 1-flag variation, where we do like one-sided maps like High Ground from 3).

If you have a group and would like to check out my map, I'll add it to my fileshare. It's made for 4 vs 4, but it's small enough to be a 3vs3. Dunno how it would do 2vs2. I'd love for some people to playtest it other than our group to find problems and see how it flows. It's based on a map we used to play a lot in 3, but I altered it a bit to play better in 4 now that loadouts are different. Requires a custom gametype to work properly. I'm also considering making a dominion variant and I will for sure be making a bomb variant. I'll toss them both (game/gametype) up on my fileshare some time today and you should do the same and I'll check yours out. We're playing this friday, so I'm trying to have some things together by then.

XBL is HC Pwnography

[Kalyx triaD]

I'll upload Holdoff in a few.

[Requiem]

I'm not home right now but I'll check it out later tonight. Mine are up on fileshare so Feel free to give some feedback.

[Kalyx triaD]

Cool.

[Requiem]

Checked it out, but I think like you said, it might be a bit too big for a 4vs4. Did you set up the spawns with anti-spawn zones and all that, or do they just occur randomly?

The symmetry and design is nice, but it would definitely be best for 6vs6 and up I think. Our group would get lost easily as a lot of them are usually drinking and not everyone is as good as everyone else.

[Kalyx triaD]

I didn't get deep into the spawn points, I just set team spawns and some FFA throwaway placements for play testing. My big thing was how the size would be regarded.

Being a big map isn't a bad thing per se, it's just kinda rare for me to host a large custom party, large enough to keep Holdoff from feeling like an empty mall.

PS: I did download your map, but yet to explore it. I will today.

[Requiem]

Spawns are a pain in the ass. As is setting up objectives. I'm currently working on a map that will be primarily used for extraction, and also a neutral bomb game. But the extraction is a pain to set up. Finally got it working properly after a good hour of messing with it.

[Emperor Smeat]

According to early plans, Spartan Ops Episodes 6-8 should be arriving by January 21 with episode 6 and then once a week for the other two.

Week of 1/21

Spartan Ops Episode 6: Five new missions and an accompanying new CG cinematic.
“Forge Test” playlist (name not final): A rotational hopper featuring small Forge maps such as Relay. Help us test these maps by providing feedback and reporting bugs that will assist us in getting them ready for Matchmaking!
Specializations: Pioneer and Pathfinder Specializations unlocked for all players.

Week of 1/28

Spartan Ops Episode 7: Five new missions and an accompanying new CG cinematic.
Grifball playlist: A rotational hopper featuring everybody’s favorite virtual sport. Catch the disease!
Specializations: Engineer and Stalker Specializations unlocked for all players.

Week of 2/4

Spartan Ops Episode 8: Five new missions and an accompanying new CG cinematic.
Team Doubles playlist: A rotational hopper for those of you that like action of the 2 vs 2 variety.
Specializations: Rogue and Tracker Specializations unlocked for all players.

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/halo-4-spartan-ops-episodes-6-7-8-dated-but-not-finalized/

[Requiem]

So forge is decidedly a buggy piece of shit. There's this problem where when you save a map and load it later, EVERY SINGLE PIECE IN THE ENTIRE MAP is off by 1 degree in their coordinates. Loaded my map up and the yaw on every.. fucking.. piece.. was off by +1 or -1.

Went through and manually fixed everything. Saved twice, once under the same name and once under a new name. New name save had the same problem when loaded up. Old name save was fine. Hoping this doesn't keep happening.

[Kalyx triaD]

Oh fuck I hope they know about that and look into it. I would be furious. I take my Forging seriously.

[Requiem]

Especially after working on it for several hours straight, or several hours a day for a few days straight. Almost gave up on my map but I stuck it out.

Have a new one up on my fileshare now. It's not 100% complete, but it's playable (with its associated gametype). I am actually more happy with it than my first map, as this was 100% my idea and the old one was mostly based on the layout of an old map we used, with a few added/changed mechanics.

Although I am having a problem with custom loadouts not working entirely correct. My final loadout choice is defaulting to hologram instead of what I set it as.

The only thing I have left to do now is place more equipment and guns in the starting bases, and maybe some more around the map. So far it's pretty bare with just the objectives and a couple ordinance drops.

I also think the gametype can use some tweaking. Lower score to win, maybe lower respawn rate. Dunno, gonna have to play it tomorrow and decide what to do with it.

[Kalyx triaD]

Ah the playtest grind. A tricky part of the process.

[El Fangel]

I need to start using the forge.

[Kalyx triaD]

Not for faint of heart.

[El Fangel]

You should help me make one, you know your shit.

[Kalyx triaD]

Hop into one of the three main Forge maps and mess around. I'll join you and we can riff about what you wanna do.

[LoDownM]

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjtVM5VU7cBhOnJxnOr2DHrCDluukt1O-

Those guys are great at forge FA. Go watch and learn some stuff.

[El Fangel]

Will do. Also Kalyx, Ill be on in a bit.

[Kalyx triaD]

On NOW.

[El Fangel]

I will be on in 15

[Kalyx triaD]

Give me ten. Smoke break.

[Requiem]

Had Halo tonight and tested the maps. Ended up mostly just hanging out for the night though. Like 3 people at the last minute bailed so we had 3 vs 3's and one game at the end that I felt bad about.

Big B's Hole worked great after I modified the ordnance settings to be harder to get. (our first game was crazy, EVERYONE was getting ordnances and huge weapons). Mantis is a beast but can be taken out if people focus. Our team struggled in the first game but we swapped a guy and the next games went great. Was so balanced we were stalemated at 2-2 for a while.

Pillow fort, some people showed up who we weren't expecting and played this map. We did a 3 on 4 for this because we thought we could take them. Felt really bad though because it took them FOREVER to learn the map and the 2 guys on my team picked it up instantly and scored 12 points before they had 1. They finally got the hang of the map toward the end and it ended 15-5. We felt bad and even during the game were like "..I'm trying not to kill them as badly.." for a little bit. Didn't get a chance to play that map again but it worked really well. Easy to get around and the times were pretty good on the points. Gonna tweak a few things.

All in all I think it worked pretty well. Gonna play again in a few weeks and hopefully have a full 4v4 again.

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aJiSPaVVgrE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Also Griffball is up. Sprinting and throwing changes everything, but people are too stupid to adjust.

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NLycGF8_6P8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Kalyx triaD]

Well...

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h230/Kalyx_triaD/CraigslistShot_zps0b9149ac.jpg

File Sharing on Halo Waypoint is up, but it misses some key things I loved about it during the Reach and even Halo 3 era. So what I'll do is talk about two things you can't do:

- You can't easily embed pics on other websites. The image location address seems to also assume a download meaning you can't link the address and post pics as you did with Reach and Halo 3's photo uploads. The pic above is a Photobucket link, after I downloaded the file and uploaded it just to post it here. This is something people will not wanna do consistently.
- Film rendering does not return so I can't post vids like I did with Reach. That alone was pretty much a deal breaker and any film/clip you find on the site downloads to your 360, which makes me wonder why have the site feature at all when all those options (including search) is in the game menu. This also means no Halo 4 montages as I did with Reach.

So yeah File Share is up on the website and you get to do absolutely nothing remotely cool with it the game doesn't allow you to do quicker.

[Extreme Angle]

Wasn't a fan of Halo 4 tbh

[Kalyx triaD]

Cool.

[Extreme Angle]

How're you finding it?

[Kalyx triaD]

I like it, though I've been on Battlefield 3 of late. Certain creative elements are lacking, like bad Forge map (why can't we have Halo 3's Sandbox map?) and no carrier vehicle like the Hornet/Falcon severely hurts my own map ideas (no "Air Raid" sequel). Gameplay is nice old Halo, which I always like. Many multiplayer options remain for splitscreen, LAN, and online play.

4/5

[Kalyx triaD]

Honestly I hate the players, that's been repelling me lately.

[Extreme Angle]

Yeah, agree with you entirely. I'll keep it for LAN and splitscreen, but online can stay.

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AKp2o6UXDiE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

- TU3 addresses weapon balance and some AA readjustments.
- Forge Island map is free DLC, three flat islands with new forge pieces.
- Skill ranks added for people who like that.

[Kalyx triaD]

New maps came out. Didn't play them yet but they look good and big.

[El Fangel]

Who all sans Kalyx still plays? That's not meant as offensive by the way. Just wondering.

[Kalyx triaD]

Pwnography plays but nobody else from here far as I see.

[El Fangel]

Hmm, that would be enough to consider getting it again if you two were to play often enough. Been having regrets about getting rid of it now.

[Kalyx triaD]

I play this more often than Battlefield 3, don't know how regular he is but he certainly plays when I check my XBL list. Khuntry also plays regularly.

I need to meet more people to party up with like the old days to have a team and a customs party. This MADE Halo 2 and 3 for me and it hasn't really happened since. I didn't meet many people for Halo Reach despite some great maps I did and Halo 4 is looking the same.

[Requiem]

I don't really play anymore. I don't even have an active XBL account anymore so I really don't care much about this game at this point. Don't think I will be reactivating live any time soon. Several friends just switched over to PS3 pretty much permanently by the looks of it, so I don't see the point in spending the money on live now.

[El Fangel]

Yeah, that is my issue as well. I don't really want to pay for live anymore. I like the service but for the amount I would use it, it is not really worth it. Still think its a bit wrong that we get flooded with ads on our dashboard but still pay for the service. Can understand if that was silver or something.

Anywho, I MAY pick this up because I like playing shooters with a friend who is a good strategist, so I count Kalyx among the best I've played with.

It definitely warrants consideration. Like I said I regret it because there is somewhat a reward for time played over CoD. Definitely less frustrating as well.

[Kalyx triaD]

New maps are fun. And I'm trying to grow a customs group.

[El Fangel]

My cousin would likely play as well, he is rather good at Halo. Game feels more balanced than CoD as well.

[Kalyx triaD]

That was always true.

[El Fangel]

As I said before, if you could mix the point system and weapons of Black Ops 2 with Halos amazing multiplayer, you'd have a Goldeneye level of shooter. I didn't sell it because I didn't like it, just figured id get the money while it was still worth something and hadn't been played in two months.

[Kalyx triaD]

Battlefield point system is better than both.

[El Fangel]

Have never played it, what's the multiplayer like?

[Kalyx triaD]

A slower paced but much more epic military shooter than you're used to. Feels more like all out war than the skirmishes seen in CoD or Rainbow 6, but not nearly as whimsical as Halo.

As far as mechanics that promote and reward team play even incidentally, Battlefield got CoD and Halo by a fucking mile. You can top your leader while having the worst KD on your squad, simply by doing your job.

[El Fangel]

A slower paced but much more epic military shooter than you're used to. Feels more like all out war than the skirmishes seen in CoD or Rainbow 6, but not nearly as whimsical as Halo.

As far as mechanics that promote and reward team play even incidentally, Battlefield got CoD and Halo by a fucking mile. You can top your leader while having the worst KD on your squad, simply by doing your job.

You have this? I am wondering if I should give it a go since I never gave it a chance.

[Kalyx triaD]

Of fucking course I have B3. All the DLC released as well. I'm not on it as much as Halo or SFxT but that's only because I meet friends more often there. If I had a squad I'd be on as much as the Bad Company 2 days.

[El Fangel]

This is good news as a friend was selling it, I may look into it.

[Kalyx triaD]

New DLC pack brings back Halo 3's The Pit and a new map, as well new armor, weapon skins and a gametype:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/i7lISukiXAg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Nice.

[Extreme Angle]

The Pit :heart:

[El Fangel]

Regret getting rid of this, cousin invited me to huge multiplayer but don't have it anymore. Besides Kalyx, who else still plays?

[Kalyx triaD]

Never see any other TPWW guy on. Me and Khuntry rocked it randomly last night for some Team Doubles and had some fun. May put that back in our playlist on a regular.

[El Fangel]

Well if you are playing ill see about picking it up. Always enjoy fps with Kalyx.

[Kalyx triaD]

It'll be nice having a stable squad mate.

I know it's not your flavor but you gonna try the Battlefield 4 beta?

[El Fangel]

Well I had considered getting CoD BlOps if anyone was still playing it because I as strange as it sounds want to be able to relax on the couch with a certain one of my cats. Basically, if I am playing a shooter it lays behind my head and I can use the back of my head to rub its side. This cat is nasty and if you take your eyes off her for a sec, she'll scratch the shit out of your hand but she doesn't seem to mind this at all and I kinda miss doing that.

I may try the beta, it's free is it not? Actually, I respect your opinion in gaming enough that I will let you make the call on whether or not you think I should try it.

[Kalyx triaD]

The beta is free. It has some clipping and glitches but it's a beta not a demo. It mostly works fine and shows off the class balance and level transformation effects. Being Battlefield it's still more slower and methodical than CoD, so it's probably not gonna change your mind about the series.

But it's a free beta so a few games wouldn't kill your cat.

[Kalyx triaD]

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[Kalyx triaD]

snip

[Kalyx triaD]

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[Kalyx triaD]

snip

[Kalyx triaD]

snip

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oha7xiCpRVk?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Kalyx triaD]

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