Halo 4

[RoXer]

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/deGwykkr2z8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[RoXer]

E3 2011: Halo 4 Announced

Microsoft announced this morning that it will release Halo 4 (http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/110/110563.html) holiday 2012 for Xbox 360.

Microsoft made the announcement via a cinematic trailer at the end of its 2011 E3 press conference. Halo 4 marks the first proper Halo title created outside of creator Bungie, who signed off the series with 2010's Halo: Reach. Instead, Halo 4 will be the first major release from 343 Industries (http://games.ign.com/objects/022/022085.html), Microsoft's internal Halo studio.

343i currently operates Halo Waypoint, a central hub for Halo content on Xbox Live. 343i also coordinated with developers Certain Affinity for Halo: Reach's Defiant Map Pack, and is working with Saber Interactive and Certain Affinity on this year's Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved using the Halo: Reach engine slated for this November.

President of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, Don Mattrick, described the game as the "beginning of a new trilogy" in the franchise, signaling a return to the narrative of the Master Chief, who last appeared in 2007's Halo 3.

Halo 4 releases holiday 2012.

[Kalyx triaD]

- Chief attached something to his magnum. Weapon attachments in?
- Chief had a jet pack. Bit of a retcon but I dig it.

[G]

plz add 360 to the title, i came in here thinking it was multiplatform

[LoDownM]

Cortana looked different or am I crazy?

[Kalyx triaD]

Yeah, she does get adjusted every game.

[James Steele]

Glad to see they aren't going to completely go overboard with Halo after its peak.

[Kalyx triaD]

Yeah, pretty straight forward releases. I wish 343 Industries luck!

[Fignuts]

Does this mean we won't be seeing the same 5 enemies from all the other games?

Cause that would be super.

[Kalyx triaD]

That thing in space doesn't look Covenant or Forerunner, so I'm guessing Chief faces a new galactic threat.

[Extreme Angle]

I marked out for this...

[Emperor Smeat]

Halo 4 might end up being a bit different than expected after Microsoft hired some new designers for 343 Studios to work on the project. Some of the new designers have key experience regarding the Killzone and Metroid Prime series.

Two people they hired were the Lead Designer who was also the Lead Level Designer for Killzone 3 and the Senior Designer from Retro Studios who worked on Metroid Prime 2 and 3 along with Donkey Kong Country Returns. Another person was hired to bring in the "Nintendo" philosophy in terms of game innovation and design.

http://vicariousgames.blogspot.com/2011/07/killzone-metroid-designers-working-on.html

[Fignuts]

Hopefully this nintendo person isn't from the zelda department, or we'll just get the same game every year with updated visuals.

[Fignuts]

Oh wait, that's the first 3 halo games.

[Requiem]

Wouldn't we just get a greener Master Chief? I'm sure Navi would make a great Cortana.

[loopydate]

"HEY! LISTEN!"

[Emperor Smeat]

The Halo 4 beta is expected to be included with the Halo Combat Evolved Remake game coming later this year and would be under the "Extras" menu for the game.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0GlWSmrpzvA/TizyJiIJqfI/AAAAAAAAACM/TSIWVKXZJRg/s1600/cea+menu+3.jpg
http://gamrconnect.vgchartz.com/thread.php?id=132287
http://gamekyo.com/groupnews_article19975.html

[Kalyx triaD]

That sort of thing works well. Hope they don't tie it to some silly preorder deal, though I'd probably preorder anyway since businesses pretend Halo sells out at launch (hasn't since Halo 3).

"It's right there on the shelf, give me that one!"

[Joe Kerr]

Will be odd to not have the arbiter in multiplayer. Kinda think covenant will have something to do with the game otherwise they would be taking half the vehicles and weapons out of the game.

[Kalyx triaD]

I'm assuming Forerunner tech will be opposite humans this time.

[Extreme Angle]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HkOfyY2gWJ8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Kalyx triaD]

Nice, the maps seem Halo 3-ish, which is good. Love the soft jabs at Bungie concerning maps made from scratch instead of taking them from campaign. The art direction on the new armor (Chief and Spartan 4s) still seems wonky to me. The final HUD should be interesting if they're serious about the 'feel like a jet HUD' thing.

Noticing that mecha prop in that multiplayer map... I wonder what kind of vehicles they have in store...

[Emperor Smeat]

Unlike Halo 3 and Reach (not sure if 2 ever had one), there will not be a multiplayer beta for Halo 4 according to 343 Studios.

Their reasoning is they feel the multiplayer will be good enough on its own and instead want to spend the extra time being focused on polishing up the rest of the game for its Fall 2012 release date.

http://www.screwattack.com/news/there-will-be-no-multiplayer-beta-halo-4

[Kalyx triaD]

They're going to have extended testing within the studio they say. Halo 2 didn't have a beta.

So long as it works launch week, what with the crazy shit that went down with other FPS games during launch week. I hope glaring glitches can be found as they're very annoying. Little things can be fixed after the fact.

[Kalyx triaD]

Gameinformer's cover story this month is Halo 4. If anybody can snag a copy and put up a list of key points that would be cool. If not I guess I'll give it a try.

[Kalyx triaD]

There's been some new details released from 343 Industries' Halo 4 (found in the newest issue of Game Informer). Here's a rundown, and what I (http://kalyxtriad.wordpress.com/2012/04/08/halo-4-details-emerge-quick-opinions/) think of them:


Spartan Points: Like the credits in Reach, you earn these points in multiplayer and use them for transactions. You can get new armor pieces, but more interesting is getting new Armor Abilities. This brings Halo closer to modern FPS systems, as ongoing play rewards with better gear. I'm fine with this, since I'm used to the grind of all these shooters by now.
Infinity: This is the name of Halo 4's multiplayer mode, which will likely be played as it's own brand as far as stat tracking is concerned. Wouldn't be surprised if it had it's own title screen. With this new title, I wonder if it means Spartan Points can not be earned in single player/co-op, as credits were in Reach.
Spartan Ops: A new co-op mode that essentially replaces Firefight. This mode is to rival campaign, and will have new episodes months after release. I like this idea, though I'll miss the arcadey nature of Firefight. Watch kiddies consider this a rip on Call of Duty's Spec Ops due to the name. Note: Halo 4's campaign is still co-op ready, so if one happens to prefer the main story with their friends, they can do that. I love options to death.
Red vs Blue: An explanation as to why red spartans fight blue ones finally comes to light; it's a training program for the Spartan 4s. Obvious really. They battle in a giant hologram field akin to the Danger Room, which explains how they fight in different locations. This doesn't really change anything in the grand scheme of things, but now we know. I wonder what the deal for multi-team matches where other colors are used, or am I being anal? :-()
Default Sprint: Sprinting is now a default ability of all players. Saw this coming. I dig it.
Armor Abilities Return: The Armor Abilities from Reach make their return, including Camo, Jetpack, and Hologram (YES). New to the gang is X-Ray vision, which let's you see thru- well you know. Betting X-Ray mode will cut off your radar for balance reasons. Also betting campers will be pissed at the newest initiative to make their lives a living hell.
No More Elites: Perhaps Scarlett Witch got pissed at those dinosaurs because they are gone gone gone as an option to use. I can care less, as I never enjoyed the bastards. Bye dinosaurs.
Custom Loadouts: Unlike how Reach regulated loadouts according to map and gametype, you can now edit your own and take it on your quests for pwnage. You choose your primary and secondary weapons (gonna assume power weapons will not be selectable), Armor Ability, and grenade types. And on that, it seems there's more than frag and plasma grenades now (2 more). I wonder is Spike Grenades make a return. I like this, because it's a natural evolution of loadouts and more inline with what I expect of shooters today. I hated having to locate Plasma Grenades when they really weren't any more lethal than frags.
Regicide: I don't know if this is a new Free For All rule or a separate game mode, but basically the leading scorer has a bounty on his head that increases with each kill. I guess you get more Spartan Points for slaying this mass murderer, similar to a feature in Red Dead Redemption. It's possible the bonus is actually match points, but I doubt it (as it would truly make it a new mode of play). I need more information, but I dig it so far.
Distraction Medal: Apparently there's a new medal for distracting a player who gets killed by a teammate. I would love to know how the game can decipher whether you really did that tactically or not. It might end up like the melee medal, something that happens so often I wouldn't deem it worthy of acquiring a medal for. Sure you should know how many time you whacked somebody in a game for interest, but a medal? And really... most kills in any FPS game is due to a player focused on somebody else. A FFA game will give out Distraction Medals like they're made of grass.
Drop Pod Weapons: Weapons no longer start in the map, but randomly(?) drop throughout the match. This is to mix up players who time their power weapon spawns. This is sketchy, since Halo is all about map control and keeping taps on certain weapon spawns paramount. This makes me think power weapons (like the Sword, Rocket Launcher, etc) will be available for Loadouts. Not to mention how this sort of thing would look in an indoors map, I'm just aesthetically minded like that. Hopefully this isn't random and it does have a cycle or logic to it, but if it does and players figure it out anyway - the change is moot. Not digging it.
Instant Respawn: When you die you can immediately rejoin the match with a button press. This will speed things up, but I'm sure there's many reasons why respawn time is important for an FPS match. Namely objective games where putting a player out for a few seconds is a key bonus for slaying him. This feature may be gametype specific, but we have to wait and see. half and half on this.
Joining Games: You can now join games in progress, which means the joy of joining a game moments before it ends has arrived to the Halo series. Perhaps you can see how far a long a game has gone, as with Reach's queue screen, and see if it's worth arriving to. What this really does is facilitate the Spartan Point grind in that you may not care for seeing a match start to end so long as you 'scored some money' anyway you can when you join. This does alleviate uneven teams from quitters/disconnects, but I figured Halo typically had enough games going at a given moment that one doesn't need to join games in progress to get some action. Maybe I'm being too hard on this otherwise standard feature, and in the end it won't mean too much. It may also help people squad up for lobbies.


I will find this issue of Game Informer and see there's anything I can add to these details, sorry for the third party account. So far I like what I hear, and the things I don't like will probably blow over once the full game is in my hands. I love Halo and hope 343 Industries nails their first try (of a planned trilogy).

[Wehttam]

the same things you are iffy on coincide with mine.

the drop pod weapons could make for some very uneven games if that's how they are gonna roll for the whole multiplayer experience. plus, the metagame of weapon battles are great.

i can just instant respawn being used by dipshit randoms and costing me games. i am iffy on this instead of fully against it

joining games is mehhh. i can just see jumping into a 45-20 game and the like. hopefully it will be an option you can select.

everything else sounds nice. but they may be making some rough changes to multiplayer. hopefully they put out enough beforehand to quell my fears.

x-ray i am up in the air with. could be great. could be shot down by invisibility. may not even be the best choice in armor ability.

new medals: who gives a shit? maybe it is time they have a fun or two to get. first strike is always a top medal, even though it isn't that much of an achievement. not a big deal to me.

[Extreme Angle]

When's it due out?

[Kalyx triaD]

This Fall, I think.

[Emperor Smeat]

Based on some details, this should be the last game to feature Cortana and apparently she's now considering as a "mortal"-like being.

Most noteworthy is the story arch for longtime companion Cortana will be coming to a close. AIs apparently have short life spans and Master Chief will have to help her cope with the fact that she will die soon.

Also confirmed is episodic DLC content is being planned to be released each week for the co-op but will be free.

http://www.screwattack.com/news/halo-4-cover-story-reveals-new-multiplayer-and-cortana%E2%80%99s-mortality

[Swiss Ultimate]

AIs have short life-spans? Bullshit.

[G]

AIs have short life-spans? Bullshit.

Time to file complaints with the FCC and BBB. :y:

[Kalyx triaD]

This news of her impending death was common knowledge for Halo fans, or at least the ones who are versed with the universe.

More than likely she will be 'saved' somehow and uploaded to some android body so Chief could finally rail her.

[RoXer]

I made this thread?

[Swiss Ultimate]

This news of her impending death was common knowledge for Halo fans, or at least the ones who are versed with the universe.

More than likely she will be 'saved' somehow and uploaded to some android body so Chief could finally rail her.

This.

[Kalyx triaD]

I made this thread?

Yeah.

[Fignuts]

More than likely she will be 'saved' somehow and uploaded to some android body so Chief could finally rail her.


Which will come off as very silly, no matter how it's portrayed.

[Kalyx triaD]

Super soldier battles aliens with hot sounding female AI/girlfriend in a series of battles that leads to partnering up with the initial enemies, facing off against zombie-fungus things, blowing up a few ring worlds, eventually meeting a giant plant thing.

Cortana acquiring a tangible body for romantic/side-kick services would not surprise me at this point.

[Kalyx triaD]

Not knocking Halo's canon, but I don't hold too many things sacred with videgame stories.

[Swiss Ultimate]

As long as Mario can jump and Link keeps getting called Zelda I'll be happy.

[Emperor Smeat]

Release date will be November 6 and more details and footage will be shown on tonight's episode of Conan O'Brien show because a member from 343 Industries is a guest tonight.

http://www.screwattack.com/news/halo-4-has-been-dated

[Extreme Angle]

This makes me milk
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2012/04/halo4concept02.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2012/04/halo4concept16.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2012/04/halo4concept10.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2012/04/halo4concept07.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2012/04/halo4concept05.jpg

[LoDownM]

Not really feeling the look of the armor for the multiplayer.

[Kalyx triaD]

Yeah... Just yeah.

[Extreme Angle]

Not really feeling the look of the armor for the multiplayer.

Really? I think it's really nice, they'll obviously have the original Halo armours too.

[G]

Have they ever added new enemies units. Feels like it's been the same main 3 for every Halo.

[Kalyx triaD]

No.

[Emperor Smeat]

Limited Edition revealed along with its cover with the real benefit being access to future maps for free and a small advantage over regular users in multiplayer.

The Limited Edition is available to pre-order now and retails at $99.99. It includes the following:

War Games Map Pack Access

* The competitive multiplayer modes of Halo 4 are known as War Games. The Limited Edition includes access to nine maps—three future competitive multiplayer map packs, each including three locations—available for download post-launch on Xbox LIVE. Yes, you read that correctly—you get nine maps in the form of future DLC with the purchase of the Halo 4 Limited Edition. Score!

Specializations

* Everyone will have access to select Specializations, but those that purchase the Halo 4 Limited Edition will receive the ability to unlock six Specializations early, which will be available at launch on Xbox LIVE. You can use them—one at a time—to achieve higher ranks in your Spartan career. In addition to gaining access to new ranks, Specializations unlock new customization options. We’ll be releasing more information about Specializations at E3, so expect additional details about this particular feature then.

UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet

* The UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet includes a Spartan armor customization schematic, information about UNSC weapons, an introduction to the massive ship UNSC Infinity, and insight into what it means to be one of humanity’s finest warriors: The Spartan-IVs. Story lovers will especially enjoy this in-fiction offering that provides a glimpse into the indoctrination of Spartans aboard the Infinity.

Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn Special Edition

* The Special Edition of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn is a 90-minute extended version of the live-action digital series which will take fans back to the terrifying beginning of the Human/Covenant war, when the Master Chief inspired a young cadet who would eventually become a leader aboard the UNSC’s greatest vessel ever: the UNSC Infinity.

* Digital content also includes in-fiction bonus content that expands the characters and stories of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, special featurette Bringing Gaming into Reality, and a behind the scenes look at the making of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.

Bonus digital content through Xbox LIVE

* The Limited Edition includes the following bonus digital content through Xbox LIVE: unique in-game Spartan-IV armor skin, unique in-game weapon skin for the Assault Rifle, an exclusive in-game emblem, Xbox LIVE Avatar prop, and Xbox LIVE Avatar Spartan IV armor set.

http://www.egmnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Halo-4-Limited.jpg
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/halo-4-limited-edition-announced/


Also revealed is the game will introduce a new playable main character with Master Chief being playable for the majority of the game. Also revealed is for 5 weeks in a row, a new episodic co-op mission will be released for free.

The latest issue of Official Xbox Magazine reveals that a new hero will be playable in the game, but Master Chief remains the main focal point of the story. At some point during the campaign the Chief will encounter the UNSC Infinity, the largest ship in the human fleet. A new game mode called UNSC Infinity is available in the game’s main menu and selecting it begins a sub-campaign where you will control Spartan-IV aboard the Infinity.

Each week a new CGI episode will be released featuring five co-op missions for you to complete. The mode is free for all that purchase the game new, however buy a used copy and you’ll have to stump up the extra cash for access. A brief description of Spartan-IV can be found below:

“Your Spartan-IV will be a persistent character you take into all battles on board the Infinity, co-op, team, and free-for-all. Spartan-on-Spartan battles have been moved into the Infinity’s Combat Deck, where a war-games simulator is used for training. And the improvements you make to him (or her) won’t just be cosmetic. Following the trends established in Halo: Reach, your Spartan will unlock game-altering combat options.”
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/halo-4s-new-hero-revealed/

[Tb1]

Cover art:

http://images.vg247.com/current//2012/05/20120515halo4_full_1.jpg

[LoDownM]

Has 343 said anything about Forge World or their own version of it yet? Haven't been following info on the game to much. Gonna be a huge let down for me if it's not in the game/similar to Halo 3's forge.

[Kalyx triaD]

They said Forge in back, but did not give details on whether they improved or at least kept all of Reach's upgrades.

[Emperor Smeat]

New screenshot of Cortana and a mix of 4 other screens were released.

http://www.egmnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Halo-4-41.jpg

http://www.egmnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Halo-4-51.jpg

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/new-halo-4-screenshots/

[Kalyx triaD]

It seems 343 wants to joke about the quality of leaked vids. Make no mistake, though, this footage is legit.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BPhhb1gidPg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Emperor Smeat]

Based on leaks from the beta, a few new things could have been revealed.

Its mostly just new loadouts, perks, armor abilities, and the possibility some Covenant vehicles retuning for the game.

http://www.screwattack.com/news/leaked-halo-4-beta-screenshots-show-new-multiplayer-features

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QWWzhpjS62I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Fignuts]

Weapons seem like they have more "weight" to them.

[Kalyx triaD]

Armor Abilities:

- Promethean Vision: Something like Batman's Detective Vision and x-ray, it highlights enemies through walls.

- Thruster Pack: A teleport move that thrusts you forward or back a few meters. Get your nightcrawler on.

- Tactical Shield: A shield you hold Captain America style that protects you and whoever's behind you. Likely the replacement for Armor Lock but we'll see.

Assassinations:

- There are new assassination animations that look pretty brutal. You can also do them from the front now. One move was a fucking spear to the ground followed by a knife kill.

Killstreak Rewards:

- After a certain number of points, you can choose via dpad from a number of power weapons that drop on to the map.

[Extreme Angle]

Excited.

[Emperor Smeat]

Lots more comparisons of Halo 4 with the Metroid series since according to Destructoid even the soundtrack shown off so far has a Metroid-like feel to it and its mostly due to the mysterious nature of the Promethians for the game similar to the Chozo in the Prime series.
http://www.destructoid.com/e3-halo-4-soundtrack-sounds-a-lot-like-metroid-229035.phtml

[Kalyx triaD]

Good, very good.

[LoDownM]

So, is it safe to say that Halo fanboys don't approve of the word "killstreak" in Halo?

[Kalyx triaD]

I haven't been in any dedicated forums but I imagine they would be displeased.

I'm mostly okay with how they handled it. I can tell you right now this game will harder to play.

[Emperor Smeat]

Wouldn't be the first time Halo has "borrowed" something from Call of Duty considering Reach used a sprint feature similar to CoD and class-type system for multiplayer.

Don't remember if ODST had any influences from other games besides Gears of War 2 for the Firefight mode.

[Kalyx triaD]

Sprint, classes, and survival modes are not native to CoD or Gears.

[Kalyx triaD]

Forerunner Shotgun "Scattershot":

http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-21/art/halo4-forerunner-scattershot.jpg

New Covenant Carbine "Storm Rifle":

http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-21/art/halo4-covenant-storm-rifle.jpg

Sticky Grenade Launcher:

http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-21/art/halo4-unsc-sticky-detonator.jpg

[MikeyMike]

I know it's MLG so it might put some of you guys off but it's full match gameplay none the less. Enjoy.
http://tv.majorleaguegaming.com/playlists/109-halo-4-exclusive-look?page=1

[Kalyx triaD]

Yeah fuck MLG but this is some good stuff here.

[Fignuts]

Drawing comparisons to Metroid Prime isn't a bad thing, as Prime is fucking amazing.

[Emperor Smeat]

Some new details were leaked from surverys sent by Microsoft.

Listen up folks, it’s time to put on your Master Chief helmet (or at least put that little one on your cat) and get excited, because a ton of new Halo 4 information has been revealed via a quiz on Microsoft’s ExpertZone website...

The slides confirm that Halo 4 will include 10 new weapons. Two of these were revealed at E3 earlier this month, The Light Rifle is a Forerunner weapon carried by Promethean Knights, and the Scattershot, also a Forerunner weapon, is used for close-range combat.

Two new vehicles are also being added to the game, however their identity is being kept a secret for now. Also mentioned is ”improved support to create, organize and track groups,” could this hint at clan support? The game will include 10 multiplayer maps at launch, and DLC is expected to add more.

Halo 4‘s DLC TV episode-style Spartan Ops mode will contain 50 missions per season, five missions every week for a total of 10 weeks. Each block of missions will be introduced by a high quality cinematic, according to the quiz, and season one will be completely free. ”How many games give you free DLC for 10 weeks?” it asks, before stating that the missions combined offer up to 12 hours of either single-player or co-op gameplay. ”It’s like getting two campaigns with one game!”
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/brand-new-halo-4-details-10-new-weapons-50-episodic-missions-plus-more/

[Kalyx triaD]

If Clans are back that would be cool.

Would love to see new vehicles, and for that matter new big maps.

[Emperor Smeat]

Halo 4 is going to pull a "Reach" and limit playable access to the game for Xbox 360 4GB and Arcade owners.

The game has a mandatory 8GB install required to play the multiplayer but wasn't specified if it will allow partial access for those without space (ex. campaign only like Reach).

Even the Spec Ops mode will be locked unless a new HDD or USB drive is used to create the space. 8GB is also the minimum for Spec Ops and will rise once the DLC packs start arrive after the game is released.

http://www.destructoid.com/microsoft-halo-4-requires-a-hdd-think-about-installing-230627.phtml

[LoDownM]

Some forge details finally, thank you RTX



Players can jump into map without any load, including dynamic lighting.
Objects give name and details on geometry when grabbed.
Bridges and other repeating objects are now built in a fraction of the time through duplication.
You can also easily duplicate objects (via down on d-pad) and can connect objects via a magnetized grid.
You can now lock objects in place.
All Forge objects look closer to the form in multiplayer maps.
Player trait zone can be created which dictate player speed, gravity, damage absorption and other Spartan traits in a defined area. Example: A player makes a jump that he couldn't before he adjusted the gravity and speed traits.
There still will be no undo/redo features due to networking issues



http://www.destructoid.com/rtx-halo-4-forge-details-unveiled-230900.phtml

Videos: http://www.destructoid.com/rtx-exclusive-footage-of-halo-4-s-revamped-forge-230910.phtml

[Kalyx triaD]

Very nice.

[Extreme Angle]

Can't wait!

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oGzMFV32fTE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Emperor Smeat]

Limited Edition was accidentally leaked by Microsoft's product page but an official announcement will be occurring soon.

* Exclusive design: Limited-edition, one-of-a-kind console was custom designed by the Halo 4 developer, 343 Industries, and Xbox 360
* Two custom Halo 4 wireless controllers: High-performance controllers boast a range of up to 30 feet and come with a rotating D-pad and blue LED lights
* Halo 4 Standard Edition game: Begin the Halo Reclaimer saga right out of the box
* Exclusive sounds: Hear actual Halo 4 in-game sound effects when console is turned on and when the eject button is pushed
* Largest hard drive available: The 320-GB hard drive offers more space for game add-ons and downloadable content, and more memory to store all of your entertainment
* Custom downloadable content: Receive a code to download Halo 4 content from Xbox LIVE, including unique armor skin, unique weapon skin, unique emblem, matching avatar armor, and unique avatar prop
* Black Xbox 360 headset: Chat with friends on Xbox LIVE, or team up and jump in with multiplayer gameplay


http://www.egmnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Halo4-console2.png
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/limited-edition-halo-4-xbox-360-incoming/

[Kalyx triaD]

Never understood this 'light-up' controller thing.

[LoDownM]

I assume it means they changed the colors of the LEDs around the "home button." Like the design.

[Kalyx triaD]

All Human Weapons:

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

Very awesome sex great.

[Kalyx triaD]

I discuss the weapons shown in my latest blog update (http://kalyxtriad.wordpress.com/2012/08/09/halo-4-all-human-weapons/). So you don't have to click (as anyone not name Kalyx doesn't get the shit I do for shilling his site/page/blog/whatever), here's the bulk of it here:

Assault Rifle: It would not be Halo without this iconic little bullet sprayer. Seems to work like it always did, a close-mid range weapon best used spraying and running for that good old melee kill. I always loved that it showed you how many bullets you have in your clip. Never mind that the game’s HUD does that, the gun will show you! I don’t think I’ve ever looked at that counter to gauge when to reload. Ever. Looks cool, though.

Magnum: We all know what the question of this thing will be: Is this… the pistol, or a pistol? Well the vid seems to show off head shots so I imagine it’s on par with the TU Magnum in Halo Reach (343 did the TU patch for Reach). It has a nice balance in Reach without being absolutely stupid like in CE. I mean, if people are going to converge on one weapon…

Battle Rifle: The Battle Rifle is back, baby! The old work horse of Halo 3 returns seemingly unchanged and just as accurate and reliable as it’s always been. The burst fire shots make this a go-to for almost every imaginable encounter (save for extreme close or long range combat… or running into a Wraith). But this brings to mind an interesting issue with the USNC sandbox…

Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR): …The DMR is still in Halo! So… we have two rifles that have proved to be the common weapons for variable threats. It’ll be interesting to see which rifle comes out as the community’s main. Of course, the DMR is more or less the Halo 2/3 version of the Covenant Carbine, and it came down to personal preference in which rifle to choose. I think it will come down to preference again.

Rocket Launcher: Well… It blows you up. Shoot at their feet. Watch for splash damage. It now leaves a sniper rifle-like smoke trail behind the projectile. There you go.

Shotgun: Something about this weapon makes me wanna say “Get some!” whenever it kills somebody. I don’t know if it had a damage boost, but I’m noticing it is offing people in one shot from quite a distance. Perhaps we’re seeing guys get wasted after their shields are depleted. We’ll see this November.

Sniper Rifle: That thing is loud. They are not playing around with audio this time, and the sniper rifle really shows this off. There’s an interesting icon through the scope screen that shows your range (upper-right). This would help in leading your shots, but I’d think Halo 4 is using hit-scan because Halo Reach did. Interesting.

Sticky Detonator: This spiritual successor to the grenade launcher is a favorite of mine so far, mostly because I loved the GL. This one is remote detonated (where the GL had a killswitch), and even has a way to tell you people are in proximity of the grenade. The applications for objective games are obvious, especially with vehicles.

Saw: Hello! A light machine gun in a Halo game. I can dig that. The thing with LMGs are their clip and accuracy; and I can tell you the Saw has a clip of 72 shots based on the footage, and the recoil is way too damn good. It’s accuracy looked better than the Assault Rifle, which is terrifying. Seriously I didn’t see any kick at all, it just… sprayed death. This may be a replacement for the dismounted HMG for suppressive/cover fire, at least for infantry combat. Short of running to a vehicle, I see very little reason to spray with anything else with this monster around. We’ll see if its balanced for the sandbox.

Spartan Laser: Get your Scott Sommers on with this vehicle killer. Ya know people would say the drawback is the charge time before the shot, but aside from that being an obvious balance requirement, I kind of like that buildup before completely obliterating whoever I’m aiming at. But alas, there may be something even stronger than this godly device…

Rail Gun: Okay wow. This seems to be the infantry counter-point to the Spartan Laser. It doesn’t seem strong enough to waste a vehicle, but it downs an enemy in one shot with – and I’m guessing because the footage was fast, a quarter charge time of the SL’s charge. That’s pretty crazy. It has a similar effect to a Gauss Warthog’s cannon, except you’re walking around with it. This could be a game changer for sure.

[Emperor Smeat]

343 Studios reveals the class specifications at Gamescom with just the first two available at launch and the rest added in at a later date.

* Wetworks: Wetworks users get protection against the wall-penetrating Promethean Vision Armor Ability. You’ll still show up on the HUD of a player using it, but you’ll be a slightly more inconspicuous outline rather than a big red blur. Also, you’ll get a bit of sound dampening when you sprint.
* Pioneer: A good standby if you’re looking to rank up fast – this Spec generates extra XP for any action you take while you’ve got it equipped.
* Engineer: As an Engineer, you’ll be alerted to incoming weapon drops a couple of seconds ahead of other players, increasing the odds that you’ll get their first. If you’re close enough, the HUD will point the way with a GPS arrow.
* Tracker: Damn near killed yourself reaching a drop, only to find that it’s stuffed with underpowered guns? As a Tracker, you’ll have one chance to re-roll the contents.
* Rogue: Players of SWAT in Halo: Reach should prioritise this one – its Stability perk reduces scope wobble while zoomed. I dread to think of what DMR diehards will achieve with the thing.
* Stalker: A class for those who hold grudges. The Nemesis armor mod generates an icon of the last person who killed you, and also tracks those who’ve attacked you.
* Pathfinder: Only the biggest guns will do? Sign up as a Pathfinder for reduced cooldown on vehicle weapons, and easier carrying of emplaced guns.
* Operator: The Wheelman mod grants your ride a little extra resistance against EMPS. It also lets makes vehicle health recharge a bit faster. Fortunately, this latter bonus can’t be stacked.

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/gamescom-2012-halo-4-class-specializations-detailed/

[Kalyx triaD]

I like what it takes to get there.

[Emperor Smeat]

Achievements list was recently leaked. Majority are the generic beat a level or standard stuff found in every game but several are spoilers.

Apparently the Lone Wolf achievement is worth less in Halo 4 than in Reach which might be a possible indicator of how tough or not Halo 4 will be compared to past games.

Dawn: Complete Mission 1 on any difficulty – 10 points
Requiem: Complete Mission 2 on any difficulty – 10 points
Forerunner: Complete Mission 3 on any difficulty – 10 points
Infinity: Complete Mission 4 on any difficulty – 10 points
Reclaimer: Complete Mission 5 on any difficulty – 10 points
Shutdown: Complete Mission 6 on any difficulty – 10 points
Composer: Complete Mission 7 on any difficulty – 10 points
Midnight: Complete Mission 8 on any difficulty – 10 points
Wake up John: Complete the Campaign on Normal or harder – 20 points
I Need a Hero: Complete the Campaign on Heroic or harder – 40 points
The Legend of 117: Complete the Campaign on Legendary difficulty – 70 points
Lone Wolf Legend: Complete the Campaign solo on Legendary difficulty – 90 points
Skullduggery: Complete any Campaign mission with 3 or more Skulls on Heroic or harder – 15 points
Bropocalypse: Complete any Campaign mission co-operatively on Heroic or harder – 10 points
Bromageddon: Complete the Campaign co-operatively on Heroic or harder – 40 points
Contact the Domain: Find a Terminal in the Campaign – 10 points
Terminus: Find all of the Terminals in the Campaign – 50 points
Digging up the Past: In Mission 1, find and access Chief’s record – 20 points
Midnight Launch: In Mission 2, get significant air in the Warthog at midnight – 20 points
This is my Rifle, this is my Gun: In Mission 3, carry a UNSC weapon all the way through on Heroic or harder – 20 points
Bros to the Close: Make it through Mission 4 without one preventable Marine death on Heroic or harder – 20 points
Mortardom: In Mission 5, hijack a Wraith and use it to kill at least four enemy Wraiths on Heroic or harder – 20 points
Explore the Floor: In Mission 6, trick or force a Hunter to fall to his demise – 20 points
Give Him the Stick: In Mission 7 in solo Campaign, take out both Hunters using only the Sticky Detonator – 20 points
Chief, Smash!: In Mission 8, kill 3 Crawlers in one hit with the Gravity Hammer – 20 points
Not Some Recruit Anymore: Rank up your Spartan-IV to SR-5 – 15 points
Movin’ on Up: Rank up your Spartan-IV to SR-20 – 30 points
I <3 Red vs Blue: Win 5 War Games matchmaking matches – 10 points
The Dongblainer: Win 20 War Games matchmaking matches – 30 points
Operation Completion: Complete a Spartan Ops Mission on any difficulty – 15 points
A Legendary Episode: Complete all chapters in Spartan Ops Episode 1 on Legendary difficulty – 40 points
Dedicated to Crimson: Complete all chapters in the first 5 episodes of Spartan Ops on any difficulty – 80 points
Crimson Alone: Complete a Spartan Ops chapter solo on Legendary – 20 points
Roses vs Violets: Find one of the RvB Easter Eggs in Spartan Ops – 20 points
Rescue Ranger: Save at least one Marine in Chapter 3 of Episode 2 of Spartan Ops on Heroic or harder – 20 points
Knight in White Assassination: Assassinate a Knight in any Spartan Ops mission – 20 points
What Power Outage?: Complete Chapter 4, Episode 5 of Spartan Ops without losing a generator on Heroic or harder – 20 points
No Easy Way Out: In Ch 1, Ep 5 of Spartan Ops survive all enemy waves during the defense on Normal or harder – 20 points
The Challenged: Complete a Challenge – 10 points
The Challenger: Complete 25 Challenges – 20 points
Armorer: Change your Spartan’s armor in the Spartan Armor card – 5 points
Badge: Change your Emblem in the Spartan ID card – 5 points
PWND: Change your Service Tag in the Spartan ID card – 5 points
What a Poser!: Change your Spartan’s pose in the Spartan ID card – 5 points
The Cartographer: Create and save a Custom Map in Forge – 5 points
Game Changer: Create and save a Custom Game type in War Games – 5 points
Snapshot!: Save a Screenshot from the Theater – 5 points
The Director: Save a Film Clip from the Theater – 5 points
Sharing is Caring: Upload a File to your File Share – 5 points


http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/halo-4-achievement-list-revealed/

[Emperor Smeat]

According to 343 Studios, concerns about the game being short isn't an issue since while the game has fewer missions than previous Halo games, they are a lot longer.

To put it in perspective, Spartan Ops mode alone is longer than Halo ODST was.

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/343-industries-halo-4-spartan-ops-is-bigger-than-halo-3-odst/

[Kalyx triaD]

I don't think how long a Halo campaign is would be a concern to Halo players. Campaign is a very secondary thing with this series.

[Fignuts]

I'm sure they still care, though.

Campaign has always come first for me in Halo.

[Fignuts]

Also Kalyx, I hope you are playing the campaign for the transformers games, despite your aversion to single-player. I just finished War For Cybertron, and it was one of the most epic, enjoyable experiences I've had this generation.

[Kalyx triaD]

I loved WfC's single player, it was a fanboy's fucking dream. I here FoC is even more epic, so as a fan of the franchise I will check it out.

I'm kinda bummed we couldn't enjoy WfC together, with coop out of FoC.

[Fignuts]

From what I've read though, lack of co-op in FoC is because of more individuality between the playable transformers.

My one big complaint about WfC was that the characters didn't really play all that differently from one another, outside of comparing flying alts with ground. So that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3l2FRY7Q7m4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Extreme Angle]

OH MY GOD!

Previous videos haven't really make me want to play Halo if i'm honest, like I thought they were cool, but it didn't make me want to jump on Halo straight away.
This however... FLAGSASSINATION!

[Kalyx triaD]

Did you notice the flag guy had a pistol out? Nice.

[Extreme Angle]

No I didn't :eek:. Not sure what I think of that...

[Kalyx triaD]

Should be cool, assuming you still have a speed debuff while holding the flag.

[Kalyx triaD]

New Ball Mechanics:

Oddball/Griffball: Ball can be passed (just like grenades). Good throws and catches gives you extra points (credits not gametype points). This changes these modes a lot.

New ball assassination, a nice uppercut.

Griffball: Sword kills will strip the ball from the holder, essentially a steal.

Griffball: No more explosions, Griffball is its own mode now, not an Assault gametype.

[Kalyx triaD]

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

[alvarado52]

Kalyx, are you gonna get this video game?

[Kalyx triaD]

Fuck yes. I was gonna call it when I heard Bungie moved on but what 343 is doing so far is very interesting (though in some cases hazardous to the Halo experience). Halo has a simplicity to its actual gameplay and they're adding a lot of mechanics to it that raises eyebrows. If it falls apart I move on, but I'm down for this experiment.

[Emperor Smeat]

Images of the Prometheans and their weapons were released recently with 8 new enemies and 7 weapons in the batch.

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Halo-4-enemies-4.jpg

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Halo-4-weapons-6.jpg

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/halo-4-promethean-weapons-and-enemies-revealed/

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/anHZ0ajscIw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Emperor Smeat]

GiantBomb posted up some impressions about the game's early campaign and basically they were happy but had some concerns.

They liked how the prologue did a good job showing what happened between the end of Halo 3 and the start of Halo 4.

They did have some concerns over the large number of CoD-like scripted moments early on and the game itself doesn't seem to really start until the third mission since that is when the Forerunners and Promethean stuff gets introduced.

http://www.giantbomb.com/news/the-skinny-on-halo-4s-campaign/4382/


Dominion Mode was also revealed today.
A brand new multiplayer mode for Halo 4 has been revealed titled Dominion mode, it appears to share some characteristics with Battlefield’s Conquest mode.

Dominion sees teams vying for control of three territories on a map to score points. The interesting part comes when one team controls all three, at this point the game enters sudden death initiating a countdown, if the losing team doesn’t capture at least one of the points back before the timer runs out then the game ends.

Another interesting feature is that if you hold one territory for a while it will become upgraded over time granting access to vehicles, turrets, and shields to help you protect the base.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/halo-4-multiplayer-dominion-mode-revealed-first-screens/

[Wehttam]

it's not really that new. it's pretty much territories/3 plots, which have already been around. shit, the upgrade stuff is almost out of invasion slayer

[Kalyx triaD]

Yeah it's a mix of older ideas. I like it, though. Much better than Regicide.

[Wehttam]

yea, not seeing myself as a huge fan of that either.

[Kalyx triaD]

It's funny that with the new weapons, art style, loadouts and all that jazz; the one thing for me is, "YOU CAN THROW THE FUCKING ODDBALL, THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING."

[Wehttam]

i like it because assault games on the bigger maps rarely ever finished in time or with people scoring. tons more crazy ass mayhem and tactics. plus, the defender role will take on much more importance. don't know how i feel about it in grifball, though i don't play that much at all.

kinda worried about no beta. feel like i am going to have to deal with exploits being used for 2 weeks until an update is released.

i can't wait and just play campaign/spartan-ops/firefight for a whole 2 WEEKS

[Kalyx triaD]

No Firefight in this game, Spartan Ops killed it. :(

[Wehttam]

i will make my own firefight

[Kalyx triaD]

How?

[Wehttam]

get 3 xboxes and 12 controllers. tape the forward and fire buttons down on 11 of them and then go apeshit.

[Kalyx triaD]

Ambitious.

[Wehttam]

with all the music controllers i have acquired, i will only need 2 controllers and 1 more xbox to make this possible

gonna begin a kickstarter

[Kalyx triaD]

Do it!

[Emperor Smeat]

Several stuff was announced or shown off for the game.

First is the game is finished and currently getting certified in order to enter the mass production phase (gold status).

Second was several new screens showing off the Flood, Metal Gear Solid-like mechs, and both campaign and Spartan Ops modes.

Finally a new multiplayer mode called "Flood" was revealed and explained.
The mode is called “Flood” and supports up to 10 players online. The match starts with two Spartans being infected by The Flood making them super-fast and deadly, and their only goal is to infect the rest of the players, last one left wins. You can check out some screenshots from the mode and of the newly announced Complex map below.

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/halo-4-1.png

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/halo-4-10.png

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/halo-4-17.png

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/halo-4-campaign-and-multiplayer-screenshots-feature-giant-mechs-spartans-and-the-flood/
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/the-flood-return-in-halo-4-in-a-brand-new-multiplayer-mode/

[Kalyx triaD]

Like Griffball, Infected is pretty much expanded. I did it, and using the Flood makes a lot of sense.

They better stop teasing me about that mecha...

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/snCG2GOHSoI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Extreme Angle]

Got to play this at Eurogamer, I was in love... Weird boost thing when you press RB, but it's pretty neat, throws people off when your jumping about.
Had a game of 'King' or something, free for all.
Battle Rifle was amazing. Slayed all the casual gamers, jumped up with my arms raised when I won, but just got funny looks...
It was amazing.

[Wehttam]

i guess i will also play with some tpww guys this time around


unless you are a twat

[Extreme Angle]

Matthew.

[Kalyx triaD]

Big TPWW meets are actually rare for Halo. You can trust that I will be on, even if my current Live presence is low.

[Wehttam]

Matthew.yea?

kalyx: well i know you will play and tb1 is a regular halo guy. i have other options since i'm so popular. but it would be a nice time if we can get a group of 4-6 together.

[Kalyx triaD]

Noticing that mecha prop in that multiplayer map... I wonder what kind of vehicles they have in store...

http://download.halowaypoint.com/content/waypoint/assets/images/75f01295b6754d95afef48587c64ce2e/2821859-web_preview.png

This is the Halo 3 map Valhalla (now known as "Ragnarok"). You probably don't care because THERE'S A FUCKING MECH IN THE PICTURE. As I speculated, new vehicle is a mech.

YouTube embed when I find a good one.

This game pretty much wins as far as I'm concerned.

[Requiem]

Decided I will be purchasing this instead of black ops. Although I may Goozex Borderlands when I finish and use that to pick up Black Ops for essentially an 'even trade'.

[Requiem]

http://i.minus.com/iXLdZ6in1ews1.gif

http://i.minus.com/iX7u0R3XZ6S5A.gif

[Requiem]

Aaaaand video

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JsP_GtIA1cs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Kalyx triaD]

Mecha Teabag. Nothing will ever be the same.

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lOJ5lqXXtpU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[alvarado52]

So I just saw on Kotaku that the game got leaked, which I thought seemed too soon but sure enoug , it's on the usual sites.

[Kalyx triaD]

I can wait. Perhaps we'll get some decent vids showing multiplayer.

[Emperor Smeat]

Microsoft is going hard after everyone who's been showing the leaked stuff although they did confirm the game is a 2-disc game.

The second disc is mostly if the game isn't installed and only for multiplayer but once a game install is done, its no longer needed.

http://www.screwattack.com/news/microsoft-teaming-law-enforcement-investigate-halo-4-leak

[Kalyx triaD]

Only vid you need to see really.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/208TEufPSVA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Requiem]

Can't wait for this game. Been playing Reach again and getting excited for it.

[Extreme Angle]

Same. Reach is dishing out huge Cr bonuses too!

[Tb1]

So is anyone watching Forward Unto Dawn? Loving this series so far.

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BfJVgXBfSH8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/K56gSEJ6IGc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WbBYG77VeCE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Clip from the next episode coming out Friday.

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/arcEMNznui0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Emperor Smeat]

Microsoft announces there will be a Season Pass for Halo 4 and its called the "War Games" Pass.

The pass costs $25 which will allow a 15% savings on the first 3 DLC packs planned for the game along with two bonus in-game helmets and an exclusive "Falcon" in-game emblem as part of the deal.

Anyone who purchases the limited edition of the game automatically gets the pass for free.

Crimson Map Pack (December release timeframe)
* Maps: Wreckage, Harvest, Shatter
* Description: Witness the chaos of a clash of civilizations in Wreckage, with its blend of claustrophobic spaces and dangerous exposures and venture into the human colony environs of Harvest, and explore a human foray on an alien moon in Shatter.

Majestic Map Pack (February release timeframe)
* Maps: Landfall, Monolith, Skyline
* Description: Landfall’s emphasis is on infantry battles against a glittering ocean on a distant world, while Monolith exposes you to the naked vacuum of space – and the firepower of opposing teams, and Skyline’s distinctly industrial feel provides new challenges in somewhat familiar, but occasionally confined spaces.

Castle Map Pack (April release timeframe)
* Maps: Daybreak, Outcast, Perdition
* Description: Daybreak is set in a military facility against the backdrop of an idyllic mountain range, while Outcast plunges you into the warrens, canyons and arches of an alien edifice, and Perdition takes players into the heart of an urban sprawl, with tactical speed and situational awareness its key features.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/microsoft-announces-halo-4-war-games-season-pass/

[Tb1]

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CBwQ3F_Tye4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Tb1]

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0enMjIJH0_k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Tb1]

Oh yeah, and

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GO376G4tbGM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Kalyx triaD]

I've seen enough. I will quietly wait for the 6th.

[LoDownM]

Who wants to know how it ends?






Obviously joking, won't spoil anything for anyone.

[Kalyx triaD]

This is honestly the first where I'm not so uptight about the campaign, by that doesn't get all open about it. I'm mildly interested, but I can't help but feel the campaign magic just eroded over time for the series. A drawback from CE having such a memorable story.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

After the excellent Halo ads from previous years, the new one was pretty dull.

[Kalyx triaD]

http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/Halo4Guide

[M-A-G]

I've actually held off on Halo for almost 2 months so playing this one is going to be quite a treat. I'm not all too concerned with the multiplayer as it is what it is but the campaign actually sounds interesting. Playing it at RTX was enough to make up my mind about pre-ordering it; only the second game I've ever done so.

[D Mac]

Holy shit IGN gave this a 9.8

[Extreme Angle]

After seeing the reviews I am very fucking excited!

[Requiem]

Yeah, IGN video review, the guy said it is not only the best xbox game of 2012, but possibly the best game of the year period. Damn, really wanna play.

[alvarado52]

I think it's hilarious that you guys are putting so much stock in a IGN review. IGN.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

DToid gave it a 10.

Out of 42 reviews on MetaCritic, the lowest it gets is an 8.

[D Mac]

I've never really liked Halo. (Call of Duty fanboy) But I will seriously give this a try.

[Kalyx triaD]

I think it's hilarious that you guys are putting so much stock in a IGN review. IGN.

Yeah, I'm gonna love the game and it looks fucking awesome but I can't take IGN seriously about any game reviews.

[Emperor Smeat]

The IGN review also mentioned a pretty large and important chunk of the game's story never gets explained in the game unless you read all the terminals. Unlike past Halo games, the terminals in Halo 4 don't act as a side story or as filler.

[Kalyx triaD]

So I have to find the damn things. Great.

Like Reach I probably won't touch campaign for nearly a year.

[alvarado52]

I have little doubt that it's a great game, I just give little stock to IGNs opinion.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Halo 4 players who make sexist or discriminatory comments while playing the game on Xbox Live will receive a lifetime ban as punishment, according to an interview with the game's creators on Gamespot. While discrimination has always been frowned upon and punishable by temporary or permanent bans from the service, the creators behind Halo 4 seem determined to squelch this kind of harassment with a zero-tolerance policy.

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/11/good-riddance-halo-4-creators-threaten-permabans-for-sexist-comments/

Really hope they follow through with this. An XBox Live with less morons? Please!

[Kalyx triaD]

This may be overly simple, but my approach is whenever a site has a crazy amount of exclusives previews (as IGN has had with Halo 4), I may as well not expect an objective review. No review is fully objective, they're written by people with tastes and such, but with all the coverage IGN had - their word is totally paid for.

So the structure for me is 'Great previews, skip review', and 'lack of coverage, honest review'.

[Kalyx triaD]

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/11/good-riddance-halo-4-creators-threaten-permabans-for-sexist-comments/

Really hope they follow through with this. An XBox Live with less morons? Please!

Will they use a report system over the XBL complaint system? How will they detect and enforce this?

While I like stances like this, the first thing on my mind is whether or not it can be abused.

[MikeyMike]

So hyped for this game now, the 6th can't come around fast enough!

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JnG4D8WLnsY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Kalyx triaD]

What playlists are going to be available at launch? - SensoryFour34

Infinity Slayer – 4 v. 4
The newly introduced Infinity Slayer variant allows Spartans to earn points during the course of a match, which can eventually be leveraged to call in ordnance from overhead. Ordnance drops within Infinity Slayer consist of three selectable but randomly generated weapons or power-ups, the latter of which can alter a Spartan’s speed, shielding or ability to issue damage.

Big Team Infinity Slayer – 8 v. 8
Same as above, in an 8 v. 8 setting

Dominion – 6 v. 6
Teams are pitted against each other to capture, fortify and resupply bases to win. After infiltrating a base, a player can capture it for their team, whether it is a neutral base or a base previously claimed by the enemy. When a team has held a base for long enough, it will automatically fortify, defending itself with turret emplacements and energy shields. Holding a base earns teams points for each resupply, and provides teams with heavy ordnance drops and vehicles each supply cycle.

Regicide – 6-player FFA
The Spartan in first place is the King. As the King racks up kills, their bounty increases, thereby increasing the points other Spartans gain from killing the King. All other Spartans’ heads-up displays and motion sensors give away the King’s location at all times during the match, aggressively focusing combat wherever the point leader happens to be.

Flood – 10 players
Within this War Games simulation, the deadly parasite has returned – a group of Spartans have been transformed into incredibly fast and deadly Flood combat forms. As the Flood, players are forced to destroy uninfected Spartans, converting them into Flood combat form allies. As an uninfected Spartan, the player’s goal is to survive the seemingly never-ending Flood onslaught, staving off transformation into the parasite.

Capture the Flag – 5 v. 5
Played with up to four teams, each of which has their own Flag. The goal of each team is to steal an enemy team’s Flag, while protecting their own. Once a team has grabbed a Flag, they must return it to their own capture point to score. Flag carriers are only able to use a Magnum or the Flag itself as a weapon.

Oddball – 5 v. 5
With up to eight teams in combat, the goal of the War Games simulation called Oddball is to hold onto the ball the longest. While holding the ball, a player or team will gain points, but the player holding the ball is unable to defend themselves with their weapon. Players are also able throw the ball or use it as a weapon for close-range melee attacks.

King of the Hill – 5 v. 5
Reminiscent of schoolyard skirmishes, the War Games competition known as King of the Hill pits up to eight teams against each other in a struggle to hold a specific territory. While this is a classic game type, its most recent iteration offers a variety of new scoring methods, including a focus on individual performance in addition to the team’s collective effort.

Team Slayer Pro – 4 v. 4
This playlist features the following settings: No Radar, 3 Loadouts (DMR, AR or BR with 1 grenade and Resupply Tactical Package), Player Movement Speed, Reload Speed and Weapon Swap Speed set to 110%, Friendly Fire ON, Score to win Round 60 Kills, No Map Loadouts, and No Custom Loadouts.

Will be rocking CTF, BTB, and Dominion the most.

[Wehttam]

pretty stoked

been keeping myself off the news front for the most part.

[Tb1]

Buying this at midnight and never sleeping. Add me, some of you bastards "Franklin Mirth"

[Tb1]

Wehttam and I are going to be killing children in high frequency

[Kalyx triaD]

Should be on that night or the day after.

[Emperor Smeat]

343 Studios hints they are working on bringing Campaign Theater Mode and Clan support as part of the post-launch plans for Halo 4.

Of the two, getting Campaign Theater Mode to work correctly has been their biggest problem so far.

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/halo-4-could-get-campaign-theater-mode-clan-support-post-launch/

[Wehttam]

might drive by around midnight and see how the line is. prolly gonna get it tuesday morning though

[Kalyx triaD]

Took two tries for Bungie to get theater to work for campaign, must be tough.

[Kalyx triaD]

might drive by around midnight and see how the line is. prolly gonna get it tuesday morning though

Depending on the retailer, they may give your copy to highest bidder. Be careful and ask questions.

[Extreme Angle]

I'll be on at midnight. GMT. Campaign though, like a boss... Well... A Chief. :cool:

[Wehttam]

Depending on the retailer, they may give your copy to highest bidder. Be careful and ask questions.

haha what? i have never had a problem like this

[alvarado52]

Dude its Halo...you'll find a copy at every place resembling an electronic store

[Miotch]

This will be delivered to me while at work tomorrow, and it will make finishing my work day and then going to the gym very difficult.

[Tb1]

Fuck those of you on the east coast that are going to get the game now, fuck

[Tb1]

\it will make finishing my work day and then going to the gym very difficult.

ain't gotta lie to kick it buddy

[Wehttam]

Fuck those of you on the east coast that are going to get the game now, fuck:cool:

[Kalyx triaD]

So gonna be on in 30mins.

[Tb1]

In line, got another 20 minutes. If you're playing it now, die

[Kalyx triaD]

Awesome, but the god damn grind...

[Kalyx triaD]

- The HUD is very busy, gets pretty convoluted playing splitscreen (we had three guys on one TV).
- On splitscreen, very happy that all the playlists accept 4 guys on one box.
- Battle Rifle > DMR. That is how I feel.
- Dominion is fun.
- Love the new radar.
- Not a fan of having to level up just to see what you can buy or how you can get items. I rather not know how I can get my EOD helmet (my helmet since Halo 3) at a later level, showing that I could have achieved the requirement much earlier.
- Banshee flies like shit now, but that could be 'filling out the shoe' feelings.
- Maps are wonderful, great flow and plenty of flank routes.
- Ghost feels much better.

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GM82Lv0FU50" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Yeah, this game wins.

[El Fangel]

Kalyx, I trust your opinion more then most when it comes to gaming. Roxers as well if he bought this (Haven't checked thread).

What are your opinions on the game and multiplayer?

Is multiplayer full of high pitched prepubescents?

[Kalyx triaD]

This is XBL so of course a bunch of foul mouthed rugrats are on, particularly with Halo. Unavoidable, keep the mute button close.

Multiplayer is faster and flows differently than past Halos. It's less about map control and more... think on your feet. There's little to control unless you're playing Dominion (my fave gametype so far). It feels more like Call of Duty in that you can play for self and keep your killstrea- Ordinance Drops used well. The spawning system reflects this in that you don't spawn with your team nearly as much, you come back in the middle of nowhere but whatever because you may have an OD waiting.

I often defended Reach when people made strange comparisons to CoD when I explained at length the difference between under the hood perks and actual abilities. Well this time there are elements that are very much CoD inspired. You have one (and eventually two) under the hood modifiers and that's on top of your Armor Ability. With your custom loadout, your spartan will play how you want him to. I'm not 100% on this change as it takes away from the simplicity of the Halo experience, and you can't possibly react to an enemy correctly (and it'll only get worse after people unlock more stuff).

It still feels like Halo, though. Weapons and vehicles perform as they should mostly. But you have a strong CoD background so I'm thinking it has just enough of its DNA to attract you while making you appreciate how Halo is, even if the metagame can't be reasoned with so early.

I foresee a lot of complete ass-raping shut outs once a team of friends party up with their own loadouts set up well enough. This is a big reason I'm not too cool with 'DBZ' level progression, newbs will get put off very quickly when matched with monsters. Like... after a month. After an hour of games I made a basic BR loadout with a Plasma Pistol and Sticky Grenades, Thruster Pack (4-way dash), and infinite sprint - just those little preferences changes my luck. I can only imagine when I get everything I need for my playstyle.

So like I told my bro, Wicked B1s0n, if you can get it cheap give it a try. This to me is a polarizing Halo experience that isn't nearly as accessible as past Halos or what 343 was trying to make it. It's hardcore out of the box.

[Kalyx triaD]

Bear in mind I was looking for any major fuck up for me to be done with the franchise since I heard Bungie wasn't doing it. 343 did enough to speak to my interests in the franchise while adding interesting twists to gameplay. I understand they were backed into a corner against Halo 3's multiplayer and Reach's campaign. I think they did a great job for a first effort.

[Kalyx triaD]

And unlike Reach, I have no issues with the maps so far. They all flow well.

[El Fangel]

I think I will wait on more feedback about this and BlackOps before I make a decision.

[Kalyx triaD]

Or get both.

[Kalyx triaD]

I mean, you're totally getting Blops 2.

[Fignuts]

Is forge still in this?

[Requiem]

Yeah, forge is much upgraded and nicer.

Just got to play my first game alone. Played at a friend's earlier but it was kinda laggy and split screen does the thing with black bars on the sides.

Totally rocked my first game of regicide just now though. +20 k/d with 5:38 as the king. 2 triple kills.

Gonna play the SHIT outta this. Love it already.

[Extreme Angle]

Single player is the best Halo since Combat Evolved. Mainly because they've followed the same formula...
This is worth the money for the single player alone IMO, only on level 4, playing on solo legendary. It is fucking rough!

[Requiem]

Our extended group (8-12 people) are going to be trying a 4v4 system link this weekend. Hoooooping the draw distance thing was fixed. Tried it with 4 controllers on a single screen and it appeared to have been fixed, but there were issues with graphical/input slowdown that I'm not sure about.

[Kalyx triaD]

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

So generic, but give me time.

[El Fangel]

I mean, you're totally getting Blops 2.

More then likely, but if I was hearing enough bad things about Blops, I would get Halo and it seems a good alternative.

Single player is the best Halo since Combat Evolved. Mainly because they've followed the same formula...
This is worth the money for the single player alone IMO, only on level 4, playing on solo legendary. It is fucking rough!

Damn. Anyone else think this?

[alvarado52]

Damn. Anyone else think this?

yes

[Tb1]

Game is incredible

[Kalyx triaD]

Nice to know no matter what year, what FPS game, or how far out of the way developers go to make sure people know how to play objective games... THEY WILL ALWAYS DO SOMETHING OTHER THAN PLAY THE FUCKING GAME CORRECTLY. Frustrating CTF and Dominion games earlier.

And oh hey, it's Khuntry:

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

After a month or so we should have our armor the way we want them to be. I'm gonna hold my 3rd annual Halo Photo-Shoot* then, so doll yourselves up. All pics will go here.

*Custom FFA game with all vehicles and perhaps stage props built in Forge and then we all dick around and kill each other, set up stunts, pose, and whatever else. Afterward I go to theater and capture the best moments from the best angles.

Some of you may remember I took Forge fairly seriously in Halo 3 and Reach. Well I didn't dive into this one quite yet, but you can be sure that I will have updated versions of The Hill (reboot), Holdoff (remake), and Air Raid (major reboot). Boosh Ball will not return, but a new sport using the throwing mechanic is likely. There was also this crazy map I created called The Box, which was literally a small, shockingly balanced box map, that will return for sure. Excited as hell.

[Requiem]

Either I am amazing at this game, or everyone else really sucks. I have been absolutely demolishing people.

Best game is 32 and 2 in an infinity team slayer..

I pretty much can't lose Regicides. Once I got used to it, I won like 4 in a row earlier by just completely smashing face.

[Kalyx triaD]

Having a hard time adjusting to idiot team members. Need a squad, tired of rolling the dice.

[El Fangel]

Got it. Be on in a bit :)

[Kalyx triaD]

Oh wow. You're life's gonna get complicated next Tues.

[Extreme Angle]

Yup, full of noobs right now... I fucking slay.

[Emperor Smeat]

Microsoft and 343 Studios backed down from their earlier promise of making sexism harassment an automatic case for permanent bannings.

Microsoft got around the issue by saying its always been against their terms of service and people can still be banned but it won't be a top priority compared to other things that generate bans.

http://www.screwattack.com/news/halo-4%E2%80%99s-development-team-will-not-put-sexism-xbox-live

[Kalyx triaD]

Doesn't sound like 343 is backing as this is a case of Microsoft saying "Hold on, assholes pay money, too."

[El Fangel]

Was so frustrated by it I was ready to return it and get BlOps. Then Requiem told me about the fishstick layout and I went on a 6 kill streak with the scattershot.

Still awful but improving.

Only complaint is the weapon respawn times and the difficulty with the sniper zoom due to my layout. Otherwise fun as I imagined.

[Kalyx triaD]

Dude don't even worry about weapon respawns that shit is damn near random. Focus on your loadout and ordinance streaks. Adjust for what you get on your choices and put yourself in a position to use one of them.

[El Fangel]

Do you get access to more weapons as time goes on? How do you determine ordinance streaks? Are they random?

Is it just me or is the assault rifle all but useless and lastly, can you get a sniper rifle for your loadout?

[Kalyx triaD]

No power weapons for loadouts, just ordinance drops, which are partially random depending on the map. Your 'roll' will become familiar on certain maps. AR is actually the best it's been since Halo 1. You can't determine your streak options but there is a perk that let's you re-roll down the line.

[El Fangel]

Bored with this already.

Having 7 primary weapons to choose from really has hindered my enjoyment. Feels like I choose between the Battle Rifle, Battle Rifle, Battle Rifle or Battle Rifle. Don't really find any other weapons that much fun and the few times I manage to get a shotgun or sniper during a match is far outweighed by the fact I cannot actually set either as a primary.

Probably going to put this up on Kijiji for $60 and either get BlOps 2 or preorder GTA5.

Really not doing it for me, unless someone confirms you unlock more options later I don't see me keeping it. Which is sad since they have everything else right from what I can see.

That and the lack of dual wield.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Bored with this already.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NuTVQAco4l4/TcF1BUAunVI/AAAAAAAAATI/5JxnEYdKJjg/s1600/shrugging_man.jpg

THAT'S OUR FANGEL

[El Fangel]

The maps, respawn and flow of play is vastly superior to CoD but the variety in loadouts is severely lacking for me. Doesn't seem to matter what I use, I will always head towards whatever power weapon shows up because I know if I don't they will.

[El Fangel]

And I have never really been a Halo fan to be frank, just had a few people tell me multiplayer was good and I agree it is good though I don't think its for me.

From having a look, There seems to be such a lack of customization for loadouts.

7 primary, 3 secondary and 3 grenades. The abilities and such are what I suppose makes the loadouts but most are useless or uninteresting to me. The weapons are so static and vanilla as well it is really offputting. If you could combine CoDs weapon customization with the amazing multiplayer then I would be content with this.

Feel like I can't play any specific style at all with such limited choices.

[Wehttam]

lol you want to start with power weapons.

sounds like you bought halo and were hoping for call of duty. amazing

[Requiem]

You're treating it like every other typical shooter you've played. It's not.

It's actually far more streamlined and skill-based than your average Call of Duty game. Hearing someone complain about these features is lol because it's like.. "Dude, it's Halo. It's never even been -THIS- detailed." There didn't even used to BE loadouts like this. It was.. you start the game with assault rifle/pistol unless you're playing 'pro', in which case you might get a DMR or BR.

Halo is a game where everyone is kept on relatively the same level playing field. Everyone has the same weapons to choose from and the same opportunities to get better ones while playing. The weapons are distinctly different enough to be their own weapon and serve their own purpose, but similar enough so that no one weapon just completely outclasses all the others and gives an unfair advantage.

Armor abilities add a little variation to it, and.. once again, those didn't even exist until Halo: Reach. The perks and support abilities also didn't exist until this game.

[Requiem]

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JnG4D8WLnsY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This is an example of why Halo is fantastic. It has such a fast paced style of gameplay, and is far more skill-based. Rather than just 'who can land the first shot', it's 'who can land all their shots faster and more precisely'. Getting Triple Kills and Overkills. Or when you get your first Killtacular. So much more of a feat than other games.

The thing I like about Halo is that I experience far fewer 'bullshit' deaths. It's usually something legit, like a lot of things just happening around me and maybe I didn't pay enough attention. There's less 'running behind a wall and still dying because of lag' deaths and those sorts of things. The game is just more technically sound than most other shooters.

[Fignuts]

Fallen Angel have you ever played any shooters besides COD?

Because before COD, Halo is what all shooters used to be like. In fact, that's kind of why I don't really play it. I played so much god damn Unreal Tournament, that to this day, I'm still burned out on that kind of gameplay.

[Wehttam]

Feel like I can't play any specific style at all with such limited choices.

aka i can't always snipe or have the shotgun.

[El Fangel]

Fallen Angel have you ever played any shooters besides COD?

Because before COD, Halo is what all shooters used to be like. In fact, that's kind of why I don't really play it. I played so much god damn Unreal Tournament, that to this day, I'm still burned out on that kind of gameplay.

You hit the nail on the head.

Prior to CoD4, I had not played any FPS game online. I had figured out how to host huge LAN games of Doom, Doom 2, Quake, Quake 2 and Unreal Tournament in our high school comp lab but otherwise the only FPS I played was Medal of Honor at friends places and playing Halo 1 and 2 occasionally splitscreen at my cousins where he beat me savagely. I played the campaigns of both however and enjoyed them but never multiplayer online.

I think due to playing CoD exclusively and creating loadouts and styles for certain maps and moods it created a different view of shooters for me, inversely proportionate to what Unreal Tournament did to you.

And I think you gentlemen have me wrong, I think its an excellent game and am very impressed by it but the concept is so foreign to me now its difficult to get used to.

[El Fangel]

aka i can't always snipe or have the shotgun.

Yes, thank you for clarifying my obviously vague post.

[LoDownM]

I actually wanna play this online, but lack the funds for a second non-modded 360, the game and xbox live...

[Kalyx triaD]

Wow. Good luck with Blops 2, then.

BTW, I'm online full time after a slight delay. Will be playing nightly so join or invite me whatever. I don't play Slayer Pro, though. Boring.

I have three loadouts that work for me;

All Around:
- BR
- Plasma Pistol
- Thruster
- Infinite Sprint
- Ammo

Killusion:
- Assault Rifle
- Pistol
- Hologram
- not important
- also not important

Lil Buddy:
- Suppressor
- Bolt Shot
- Sentry
- Quick AA Refill

[Wehttam]

Yes, thank you for clarifying my obviously vague post.

sorry that you were already going into the game hoping it was CoD and then 'get bored' of it the moment you realize it isn't. i'd figure since this game was called halo and not call of duty would be a hint that they may be quite different.



And I think you gentlemen have me wrong, I think its an excellent game and am very impressed by it but the concept is so foreign to me now its difficult to get used to.lol

[El Fangel]

You guys seem to be quite interested in this and having peeps to play with is what I want. Might keep it I dunno.

[El Fangel]

sorry that you were already going into the game hoping it was CoD and then 'get bored' of it the moment you realize it isn't. i'd figure since this game was called halo and not call of duty would be a hint that they may be quite different.

lol

Yeah. I wasn't expecting CoD but I miss dual wielding :(

[Wehttam]

there isn't much you could dual wield anyway. plasma pistol maybe? regular pistol is mad powerful, needler is a power weapon now it seems.

this is the best halo mp experiences i have had yet

[El Fangel]

Needler + Magnum was my go to.

[Wehttam]

but that would never happen in this game. or even last game. it was known that there wouldn't be dual wielding.

[LoDownM]

Was never a fan of dual wielding in Halo 2. Haven't missed it at all playing Reach or this in campaign/playing with friends in local games.

[El Fangel]

but that would never happen in this game. or even last game. it was known that there wouldn't be dual wielding.

I haven't played any Halo since Halo 2 and didn't follow this until the last few pages when I was considering buying it. I suppose I like like a whiner and Ill agree I probably am when you all got what you expected.

Was never a fan of dual wielding in Halo 2. Haven't missed it at all playing Reach or this in campaign/playing with friends in local games.

I only do because it added to the style you wanted. More often then not I ran either Dual Needlers or a Needler/Magnum combo and was content with that and a shotgun.

Also what happened to that brute weapon with the huge blade?

[Kalyx triaD]

My advice; don't follow games from the last few pages. All of your gripes are details well reported months ago. Don't make random buys, get to know a game well before you drop dollar. Save yourself the trouble.

And the Hammer is still in there.

[LoDownM]

The brutes are all dead/aren't part of the Covenant anymore. /shrug

[El Fangel]

My advice; don't follow games from the last few pages. All of your gripes are details well reported months ago. Don't make random buys, get to know a game well before you drop dollar. Save yourself the trouble.

And the Hammer is still in there.

1) Heard all good things
2) Wanted a new FPS
3) Not CoD

Brute Shot I think it was called.


The brutes are all dead/aren't part of the Covenant anymore. /shrug

:(

[Emperor Smeat]

Makes sense since their fate was doomed considering the Elites went on a revenge tour as payback against the Brutes for getting kicked out of the Covenant during Halo 3.

[Kalyx triaD]

Brute Shot is long gone, there's a new (better) weapon for that, unless you really liked the blade.

Halo is not about letting people start matches with instakill machines and letting everybody race to the bottom (which is tantamount to UMvC3). It's about finding the best weapon for the best situation (more along the lines SSF4, less touch of death and more thinking). Power weapons that 'drop' or come from ordinance turn the tide slightly, but you can't depend on having a sniper rifle from the jump.

What Halo 4 did was introduce loadouts while still respecting Halo's sandbox. It also has at least three versions to Halo's main metalgame; close range, uber-long range, and grenades. Extremes in the first three categories have to be earned through mad dashes (initial drops) and ordinance gain, other than that you have to maximize your role in those play styles.

Personally, I prefer this style to CoD. I won't go as far as to say that CoD is braindead, I simply find this more rewarding. As said there's less bullshit deaths and even bullshit wins. I feel like I used the sandbox to my advantage. If a player blasts me with a rocket launcher or snipes me; he did something to earn it beforehand. The game is played in between actual shots, if you get me.

But yeah you could also just be having adjustment issues. You shouldn't write Halo off after a few moments of play (I peeped your stats). Try to get a feel for the metagame, you may like it. Or not. Do as you please.

[El Fangel]

Brute Shot is long gone, there's a new (better) weapon for that, unless you really liked the blade.

I DID.

Halo is not about letting people start matches with instakill machines and letting everybody race to the bottom (which is tantamount to UMvC3). It's about finding the best weapon for the best situation (more along the lines SSF4, less touch of death and more thinking). Power weapons that 'drop' or come from ordinance turn the tide slightly, but you can't depend on having a sniper rifle from the jump.

I DO. THAT IS THE ISSUE HAHA.

What Halo 4 did was introduce loadouts while still respecting Halo's sandbox. It also has at least three versions to Halo's main metalgame; close range, uber-long range, and grenades. Extremes in the first three categories have to be earned through mad dashes (initial drops) and ordinance gain, other than that you have to maximize your role in those play styles.

I WAS SCARED OF THE DROP AT FIRST SINCE IT EXPLODED.

Personally, I prefer this style to CoD. I won't go as far as to say that CoD is braindead, I simply find this more rewarding. As said there's less bullshit deaths and even bullshit wins. I feel like I used the sandbox to my advantage. If a player blasts me with a rocket launcher or snipes me; he did something to earn it beforehand. The game is played in between actual shots, if you get me.

YEP.

But yeah you could also just be having adjustment issues. You shouldn't write Halo off after a few moments of play (I peeped your stats). Try to get a feel for the metagame, you may like it. Or not. Do as you please.

I WOULD NOT PUT FAITH INTO THOSE STATS, I AM FAR FROM AWFUL BUT THOSE FIRST THREE OR FOUR MATCHES I WENT 5-96

[Fryza]

I'm really liking this game.

I get how the primary weapon choices are lacking, but in all honesty, starting the game with even a shotgun could be a gamebreaker, especially if everyone does. Or if everyone starts with shotty/sniper. No thank you.

The vehicles still bother me, but that's more of players getting in them and turning it into a NASCAR sim with special guest appearance by guns. But that's why Forge is there to turn of vehicle (and some weapon) spawns, so party.

I really like the scattershot though. Nice touch. Waiting to hit twenty-four (I think) for the Overkill perk (two primary weapons). Haven't touched the abilities, not my thing.

Game plays really well though.

[Kalyx triaD]

I have Overkill but I don't know... I like pistols. Just made an X-Ray Vision class and will be testing it out shortly. It's almost moot, though, since people forgot how to crouch walk to hide themselves, and this game has the best radar ever... well at least as far as Halo is concerned.

[El Fangel]

Wait...what? Crouch walk bypasses Radar?

[alvarado52]

Jesus Fangel really? That's been the case since Halo 2...maybe even the first (didn'toplay multi)

[Wehttam]

I have Overkill but I don't know... I like pistols. Just made an X-Ray Vision class and will be testing it out shortly. It's almost moot, though, since people forgot how to crouch walk to hide themselves, and this game has the best radar ever... well at least as far as Halo is concerned.

thought the radar was a much shorter range (which makes sense since the 'normal' radar is a one of those add-on things). still throws me off a bit. not enough to give myself that radar ability.

wish i were you, i see mad people crouching except on big team.

really enjoying this too. sticky detonator, incineration cannon and the binary rifle are nasty. love them. too much ragnarok right now, but i expect that with the mech and familiarity with the map.

the vision ability is nice, but i feel like getting off of it for the maps i am not keen on sniping on, the red aura/alert it gives off isn't helpful up close and makes it almost worthless. i could see how it could be used to fake people out, but that is too risky a play for me. i think i am gonna start rocking the shield a bit.

[LoDownM]

Jesus Fangel really? That's been the case since Halo 2...maybe even the first (didn'toplay multi)

It was in the first.

[alvarado52]

Yeah, never played 1 multi. I just remember crouching being my default play style. Crouching around dual wielding a magnum and smg, stalking muhfuckas.

[Kalyx triaD]

Tell you what FAngel, I'll put matches in my File Share that showcases me doing cool things with my loadouts. Some may be boring as I'm real big on defense and standing my ground. Also got a bitchin double kill using a hammer and a last second thruster dodge. Hopefully I can render it but the waypoint site doesn't seem to have that up.

[El Fangel]

What I think you should do is accept my friend request and play some matches with me tbh.

[Kalyx triaD]

That too.

[Kalyx triaD]

Will be on with Khuntry later tonight.

[El Fangel]

I have to work early, 8pm EST tomorrow works though.

[Kalyx triaD]

Cool.

[Kalyx triaD]

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

[Kalyx triaD]

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

Hate it, but at least I know now I can get my helmet at lvl45.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

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.