343 Sparkast 4/17 (This is a MUST listen)
343 Sparkast 4/17 (This is a MUST listen)
The latest Sparkast is now available for your listening pleasure - [url=http://halo.xbox.com/Content/assets/en-us/Podcast/343Sparkast_012.mp3]HE...
I will attempt to summarize the content below, so look away if you do not want spoilers. I will basically list the talking points.
*Random weapon drops
A new weapon spawning system has been designed. The initial weapon drops at the beginning of the game will be the same allowing for those traditional rushes we are used to in Halo. The weapon indicators will be displayed indicating the weapon and location allowing teams to setup and prepare. The weapons will actually "drop" into the map like in Reach's FF Ordinance drops.
*Instant Respawn
Some modes will support immediate respawn, but NOT every gametype/playlist. You can opt to wait to respawn or immediately respawn. No immediate respawn in Objective.
*Loadouts
Allows players to craft a player to their own playstyle. You will have to unlock weapons to put in your loadout. The requirements for unlocking were not discussed.
*Weapons
A fair amount of talk about the balancing of weapons for their intended use. Example is that the DMR will best the BR at longer range encounters, but the BR is superior mid-range.
*Armor Abilities
Everyone will have Sprint. There were some interesting points about Sprint. There is a game mechanic that causes players to slow down if they are taking bullet damage. This reduces the occurrence/usefulness of the Sprint and Double Melee. This also works if you are trying to flee weapons fire in that you will Sprint a little bit slower vs. not being shot. Base jump and movement speed will be more comparable to Halo 3.
Forerunner Vision - compared to idea of Visor Mode from ODST but the range is fairly limited and kind of sweeps out from the origin (your Spartan), so there is a delayed response and an auditory sound when it's deployed other players can hear.
Armor Lock is GONE! 8)
*Sound effects
A fair amount of talk about the new weapons sounds. BTW, the Sniper Rifle sounds like a thunder clap from Mount Olympus... 8)
*Spartan Ops
If you are a fan of FF, they say you will LOVE Spartan Ops, but they don't talk much about it. BTW, you can unlock weapons and loadouts in Spartan Ops to level up your character then take that character into Multiplayer. This allows players to unlock weapons via both modes. This will be an ongoing experience that allows us to really invest in our characters via an actual CG series of episodes.
Honestly, if they can pull this off (and it sounds like a VERY ambitions project) - Spartan Ops sounds amazing.
Well, that's my quick summary. I would encourage people to listen to the podcast for clarification.
Thank you.
Nice summary too.
Wonder how long it will take to unlock the ability for a DMR/BR combo? This would be especially useful in BTB.
Total wild ass guess: you won't, unless it's a custom game. They're both going to be primary weapons. You have to pick whether or not you are to be more effective closer or farther away, depending on the map and gametype.
Well shit. Then I'm going to start complaining that custom loadouts aren't truly custom if I can't equip mixtures of startup weapons lol.
*brb, gonna bitch on 343 forums that I won't be able to create an AR/needler loadout.*
Very much lookin' forward to this mode.
The BR/DMR combo is possible, but as stated since both are "primary" weapons, you'll have to pick one up in-game.
I would hope the popular weapons like BR and DMR will unlock at early ranks. I really like the idea of being able to have a mid-range loadout and a long-range loadout. Gone are the days of spending time rushing for BRs in an AR start game. We'll just have Team Slayer and people will have their own starting weapons that will represent their style of play.
They already have oomph. They got more oomph when the shield bleed through was reintroduced. Hold trigger down, run at someone, then melee. Same as it's been since Halo 2, at least.
Part of it psychological anyway. If the Plasma Rifle sounds really deadly then maybe I'll only think it has oomph but still be happy.
So, you want an automatic shotgun. This is a good idea because...?
I like the AA12 personally...
No Dixon is right, we need the same gun to be superior above all others in every circumstance. It keeps everything totally balanced that way.
(Note the use of hyperbole.)
Hyperbole noted, kind sir. I think the AR/DMR/BR/Carbide/(weapon to be announced?) choice is going to mitigate that to some degree. It certainly should, to an extent.
Carbine.
I just couldn't let it continue.
Rowr. Mea culpa.
I want the beatdowns of early Halo 3. The ones where you sent the enemy flying across the map. Those were days filled with laughter.