Hype – Halo: Reach

I have to admit, after playing ODST I wasn’t real thrilled about Halo: Reach. In fact, you could say that I was a bit skeptical about it capturing the Halo essence and reinjecting us with some insane multiplayer fun. Part of my skepticism was due to some gripes I had with Halo 3. Namely the changes Bungie kept making with each Halo title starting with the original game. Things like weapon changes to apparently balance matches up – and yes I am ticked that I can’t choose to play with the scoped pistol from Halo 1. What makes Halo great is the level of choice it gives to players when playing online with friends, so why did Bungie take away my choices? I know I need to get over this, especially since Halo 3 added some amazing weapons and features. They did however take away other features that made Halo Halo in my opinion – one of them being the ability to break the game. What I mean is, there were certain exploits that allowed players more freedom of movement. No, I am not talking about getting out of the level. I am talking about allowing players the means to get on top of certain structures and buildings, instead of magically sliding off of them as in Halo 3. Again, to me that was all apart of the fun of Halo and so long as players can see you and you can see them – what’s the harm in it? Gamers like to “break the game” in ways like this, which is why I think Infinity Ward wisely allows players to get on top of roofs and other structures – because they know the value it adds to the multiplayer experience in empowering players.

Anyways, that’s why I slowly become a Halo cynic though I never became a Halo hater like some. This is all changing for me. After reading Game Informer’s recent article on Halo: Reach, I began to think that Bungie was coming back to their senses and realizing what made Halo an incredible game. Personally, I think they began to lose sight of this. My skepticism was further relieved after viewing Bungie’s video documentary on IGN. But today, after seeing their new multiplayer trailer for Halo: Reach, I am convinced that Halo will return as king of online multiplayer games (see video below). I already knew of the return of the scoped pistol from Halo 1 (here’s hoping it’s just as powerful), but now we finally get what Bungie has teased us in the past about – jet packs! This is the latest surprise and a huge one in my opinion. Other known surprises about Halo: Reach include: new weapons and vehicles, new contextual melee kills, and armor upgrades replacing equipment giving players certain abilities like speed and invisibility. As far as the story itself, most already know that the story of Halo: Reach is a prequel and tells the tale of a group of Spartans from Noble Team. Look for more details as new information is released.

Screenshot showing Jet Packs in Multiplayer

There are a few reservations I still have about Bungie’s balancing decisions and the color palette used in the game itself, but Halo: Reach just got placed on my must-have pile for Fall 2010 games. Those who have purchased Halo: ODST get access to play the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta starting May 3, 2010. I guess I am going to have to go buy ODST instead of renting it. Darn you Microsoft! You knew all along that I would have to eventually buy ODST.

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