So, I was actually going to make a “real” blog entry about my findings so far with the Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta, but since I was in the “Friends and Family” program, I got it five days earlier than most. Because of that, I got asked tons of questions, and I even was asked an impromptu interview by my friend Jason (some of you may be more familiar with the name Nofirefrog). It is this interview which explores most of my thoughts about the beta, so I’m reproducing it here (with minor edits for grammar, etc.). Questions by Jason are in bold, while replies are in italics.
How’s the beta?
It’s nice.
That’s succinct…
ROFL. I don’t know how to explain it, really. It’s… uh… Halo?
Is there too much to think about? Like all the new stuff? An FPS shouldn’t be too complicated.
Basically, I think it’s fairly close to Halo 2, but with minor game play tweaks (like the new equipments). And a major graphics update.
Sweet
And the control scheme is about the same, but different. (ed’s note: Almost everything is the same except picking up and reloading weapons, and deploying the new equipment.)
Have you stared at water like Frankie suggested?
The water effects are pretty sweet.
Cool. Do the benefits of the man cannon outweigh the risk of a sniper going at you?
I was sniped out at least once while “man cannonnering.”
But is it worth the risk?
Hrm… I haven’t played enough to give a definite answer.
OK. Does the spartan laser dominate maps? Is it too powerful?
The spartan laser is pretty strong, but it’s kinda hard to aim, and you have to charge it for a while.
So you think its effectively balanced?
Mmhmm.
Good deal. Whats your favorite power up?
Probably the bubble shield.
Have you played with it, or did you just try to use it effectively?
Both. Also, at the bases on snowbound, there are shields protecting the doors.
I have seen these.
Which would make CTF/etc much “harder.” I like ‘em though.
Speaking of CTF, the flag does not bounce, right?
I haven’t played a CTF, yet.
:/ You slayer nub.
I have played VIP and Territories. And regular slayer.
Still a slayer nub, just a directed one. Anyway, back to power ups. Did you find anything cool with the bubble shield?
Like what kind of “cool”?
That’s up to you, but have you seen if it gets boosted upward with say a portable grav lift, or the man cannon…?
I’ve yet to see if that occurs, so… no comment
Maybe you should do that, and get back to us. You didn’t play much H1 did you?
I’ve played it on PC. But very little on Xbox.
Right. Death Island ftw! So, what are you impressions of the pistol?
There is no pistol in the beta, or if there is, it’s very well hidden.
Favorite weapon?
I like the AR (ed’s note: Assault Rifle). I actually take that back. I like the beat down the best. It’s much more “balanced”, I guess. Much more to what you would think a 7-ton spartan would be able to do.
Is that dreaded lunge gone?
There is some lunge, but it’s basically gone.
That seems nice. I’m assuming there is still no fall damage?
Nope. (ed’s note: But it has been discovered that there are “fall timers” that cause an auto death if you’re in the air for too long. This is to prevent people from superbouncing during matchmaking.)
You mentioned the AR, is it the more go to weapon? Or does the BR still hold that spot? Or some other weapon?
For long range, I think the BR is still a good weapon, but when you’re closer-to-medium range, I think the AR takes the cake.
Well said. In regards to the BR, have you tried to see if you can still perform those MLG moves… the BXR, double shot, etc?
No BXR. I think I tried Double Shot, and it didn’t work either. At least not in terms of Halo 2 workings.
But possibly some other way that remains to be seen… Who knows?
What was your favorite Halo 2 MP map, and what is your favorite beta map?
Halo 2 -> You’re putting me on the spot, cause I can never remember names… erm… the smallish-covenent-looking one with the grav lift, and and “outside” area
Halo 3 -> I think I like Snowbound the best
Gemini?
Possibly.
With tree and the phrophet?
Mmhmm.
That’s it. Just to get some scale, can you compare the size of the 3 beta maps to some H2 maps… I can help with H2 names if you need them.
Valhala is probably the biggest of the three maps, but it’s definitely not as big as Coag (ed’s note: Coagulation)
Either that, or the Chief can walk faster.
That might have been my next question.. ;)
I’d say Valhalla is roughly the size of Relic. But not islandish :P
OK, good. Snowbound?
On the smaller side of medium. Umm…
Slightly larger than turf?
Maybe about the size of Desolation.
OK, that would make sense. And Higher Ground?
Higher Ground is on the larger side of Medium. Mmm… Making me think hard about the sizes of H2 maps :P
Yup, making you earn that F&F. (ed’s note: F&F = Friends and Family program.)
Tombstone size, maybe.
OK. Any shout outs you want to say?
Depends on where this is going ¬_¬
LOL? ;)
Well, basically, I’d forget to name people, and then they’d be all mad, and be like, “W(hy)TF didn’t you mention me, I’m awesome!” and I’d be like “OHSHI-”, so basically I’m going to cop out, and say “Sup everyone!”
That works. Do you have any last thoughts you would like to share about the beta? And is there anything you think the guys who will soon be playing just have to see/do/experience?
Hrm… Firing out of the man cannon is a must. Also, VIP is a really fun game type that you should play at least once. Eh… the spartan laser is fun to get a kill with. Also, the best new medal to get is the “Kill from the Grave” one. (ed’s note: You get this medal when you kill someone after you’ve died, usually with a grenade.) It’s so satisfying. :D
I’ve seen that one, it looks 1337. And lastly, what is your favorite part of the beta thus far?
I definitely like the new weapons. They seem much more “balanced” than what we’ve seen in H1/H2 in my opinion. Also, the rankings are pretty awesome. The graphics update is pretty amazing as well.
Thanks for sharing your time and thoughts with me, and putting up with my absurdity. <3 Galador!
No problem
So there you have it. My thoughts on the beta so far, as questioned by Jason/Nofirefrog.