Halo Reach Beta Review?!?!

First off, I'm a a diehard Halo fanboy.  I will admit it.  Though I will tell you I don't want to buy this game at retail, I probly will.  Though I say I don't like things about it, I'll learn to cope.  Though I say so and so sucks, they probly do. ;)

[b]Likes:[/b]

I really like the new armor abilities, they are growing on me.  My favorite is the camo.  I've learned to crouch walk with it, and also to toggle it on and off every now and again to check the radar blips.  Armor lock is for nubs.  The jetpack sucks right now with the current control scheme. Sprint is ok.  I don't like it all that well, I honestly think everyone should have sprint as a default ability, and perhaps limit the AA uses to maybe 2 per life, and maybe give one back once you hit a spree or something.

Magnum:  Is epic.  I like that you can skillfully 5 shot someone from cross map.  I prefer this over the DMR at long range.  I can't really see the DMR crosshairs (On a 50" hdtv mind you)

DMR: has + and -.  The +'s are, it's accurate.

Needle rifle/carbine-Best weapon in the game IMHO

Sniper- The one time I had it, I got a no scope.  Not very much skill with this weapon AT ALL.

Bloom effect:  I like the way that this is sort of an every shot active reload type thing, adds a bit more to the learning curve.  But once you've got it...you've got it.

[b]Dislikes:[/b]

bloom.  LOL I know I said I liked it, but as is with the reticule transparency...IT BLOWS.  I love the idea of it, but the execution was an epic fail.  I have no idea what type resolution bungie plays at, but on my 1080p it is invisible on all 3 maps.

The new covy laser thing-this is the ultimate noob weapon.  If you like it, odds are you can't 4 shot BR in H3.  I tried using it, and it's teh ghey.  Others use it and dominate.  don't get it?

Control scheme-Bungie is the leader in a lot of areas, so why not break away and give mappable buttons.  I'll give up armor permutations for the ability to custom map my control scheme.

Split Screen- I would imagine that at least 90% of the people who play competitive online MP no longer use old tube TV's.  Why would you STILL cut off the sides of the screen?  I don't care if it's a different FOV, at least stretch the picture to full screen, it's not that noticable to stretch from 4:3 to 19:9 anyways.  DO EET BUNGIE!!!

Invis audio dropping-  this is lame.  What's the point of being invis if you for one can't check radar while it's active and two can't hear a damn thing?  I tell you what, it really makes people using headsets dislike that AA.

Sword/Hammer- was the Hammer in Halo CE?  I don't remember it.  WTF is it doing in reach?  Sword/hammer lunging is WAAAAY unbalanced.  Yet again this game caters to noobs to help them play well.

Party privacy-I don't like having to scroll to set a party to invite only.  Lame bungie.

Party joining- I think if someone is searching for a game, you shouldn't have to wait to join them, just join the search party.  Lame.  Didn't they promise us that anyways?

All in all, I'll buy the game...but will still love my H3.