VlaudTheImpaler
tl;dr
**Update** Here is the Uservoice link for my idea. https://xbox.uservoice.com/forums/2...ake-2-halo-games-like-what-ms-does-with-forza.
A little warning, this is not your average post, it is going to be a longer read than normal and I will not cheapen my time and effort with a TLDR. If you do not read it please refrain from participating in this thread.
Now, before I dive in let me tell you a little about myself and Halo.
Halo is in my blood. I grew up with it. Halo CE played a huge motivating factor in my brother and I completing our studies while we were in school as kids even If it was just so that we could play more Halo. Halo served as an much needed escape from a crappy life of split parents, poverty, broken hearts and abuse. Summer break Halo LAN parties (like actual parties with girls and stuff ;p) where a weekly occurrence and kept me out of a lot of trouble that I know I would have gotten myself into otherwise (because I still managed to do so). Heck, my bachelor party was a short trip to the beach and then a long Halo LAN party after.
My honey moon was cut a bit short due to a booking error a day before the midnight release of Halo 4 so my wife actually gladly suggested we go to it because she had reserved a copy for me. We arrived late because we stopped and bought a couple boxes of bottled water to hand out to those standing in line. I was at the back of the line of at least a hundred people but everyone was so grateful, including the store, that they gave me the first copy and ended up giving me one of the Halo props that weren't included in the raffle. Everyone cheered. < A good feeling that.
Halo has been such a huge part of my life that, as I look back, I can't help but think I wouldn't be the same person that I am today without it. Halo is a part of me, a part of my Legacy. I am sure I am not the only one. What is your #HaloLegacy™?
Whew! Now that we have dispensed with the formalities, lets get on with it!
First off, let me just say that I am not the video game fixing messiah. I am not perfect and I know this won't please everyone. I know that I could be way off the mark but I hope that I'm at least at a place where you can see it. Regardless, I would like your input.
Also, If any developers at 343i happen to read this, as an artist I know full well what it means to take something and make it yours. This post isn't meant to step on your toes or even admonish you for mistakes of the past, rather it's meant as a test for a pulse for what is hopefully a good idea even if it needs work. It would seem that lately you and MS as a whole have been listening to the consumers more and more so if this passes the test as it where, it could at least be food for though.
The Problem,
As I see it the problem, or problems rather, are several fold. Several million fold that is. This is because, no matter how many times I ask people from random strangers to Gaffers and friends the answer can almost always be boiled down to "a departure from the formula" and it would seem that the fans don't want this. Now I say "seem" because I then proceed to ask them what they are playing now... "Titanfall" He says. "COD" she says. "Battlefeild" They say. Without flipping fail. And so naturally I reply, "But I thought you said you didn't like those things?" To which they reply, "Well, um, err, Halo should stay the same!" Wellthereitis.gif
It would seem that the fans don't want Halo to change and yet, in stead of playing the Halo that they like, they are playing games that implement the same things that they berate Halo for trying. The statistics
seem to show this as well.
Don't worry, I'm not going to try to sit here and try to dissect why this is and insult anyone by telling them how they feel on the interweb. Person to person that would be a different story.
However, what I will do is sympathize. Yup. Even though I fall into the boat that is ok with Halos' Combat Evolving
along with its universe, I also used to be a pretty good Halo player. I understand what halo was. A simple yet complex fair and balanced game of skill and I loved it. Still do.
Yet, I must confess, I did something unspeakable. I fell into the COD trap. For the first two years I had a blast! Why, you might ask? Simple, It was something new. It was fresh. However COD too soon fell to the exact sameness syndrome that Halo had for me.
I then bounced between almost every shooter out there until one day I realized that none of them, not a single flipping one was ever going to give me what I had with Halo. Yet at the same time to this day I shamefully put more hours into shooters that aren't what made me who I am today. This is in large part due to how toxic the community has become and a want for new shiny things and at the same time the same old gameplay that I have loved my whole life. Which leads me to...
The Idea,
Halo Legacy Series™!
What I propose is something akin to what MS does with the Forza series. One after the other MS produces A Forza numbered series which is a sim racer and then Horizon which is more arcade. Both of these games play very differently yet appease different crowds while at the same time strengthening the Forza community because they know their preferences are going to be met so there is much less room for stink to be made. Heck I would even go so far as to say that most Horizon fans probably also buy the numbered series and vice versa if for nothing but a nice change of pace.
So, for Halo, keep 343i on the main series and give them the freedom to evolve in both single and multiplayer. Now create a new studio specifically tailored to make a Classic style Halo for the Legacy™ Halo fans but do it in the style of sports. (See concept art above and below) Yep, I said sports
. Simillar to Fifa, Madden and so on with all the sporty bells and whistles. Think teams, leagues, armor decals as seen in the concept art and so on.
Sounds like it would be simple, however there is plenty of room to be really creative without messing with gameplay. Get the gameplay to where Legacy™ players are satisfied and then polish. I mean polish like never before. With the gameplay mechanics staying the same and not having to constantly write code for it you could make an amazing graphical showcase. I mean really get down to the details like lighting, netcode, reflections, armor/environmental wear and tear, armor/environmental damage, helmet visors shattering like in the concept art.
Halo Legacy series™ would leave the campaign stuff to the main Halo games and so would cost less which is a bonus. Delivery method could be implemented in several ways but I will just touch on my personal preference which I will dub "KIF" style or Killer Instinct Fanservice style."
With the "KIF" style of delivery we would be getting new MP maps, armor types and so on, on a steady basis. I don't want to give a length of time because I have no clue how long it would take to make one, with KI we get a character about every month because they always have several characters in different stages of development so that they can hit that monthly deadline. I'm just guessing this could also be an option for Legacy™ MP maps.
However, the real strength of the "KIF" style of delivery IMO is the speed at which the developers can react to the needs of the playerbase. Is a new map unbalanced in some way? It's probably more likely to be fixed in a respectable amount of time with "KIF."
The vision,
Now, "why sports" you might ask? Well because A. It would be huge for and work perfectly with Esports. Just think about it, it can be argued that Halo is what it is today because of it's faithful followers in the MP crowd many of whom are Esports fans and B. There is one other huge problem that I didn't mention previously. A logical disconnect between MP and what a Spartan should be able to do. Also, what the first episode of RED vs BLUE said, "What are we doing in this valley?"
I understand that now the excuse is "War Games" but still even then, or especially then, you would want to be less handicapped than what is in classic Halo MP. Anyhow, I will proceed to most likely botch an attempt at drawing a correlation between real life and a video game and how to hopefully make things a little more logical while at the same time keep everyone happy.
Halo, Titanfall, Battlefield, COD. All of these games have two things in common. War is one of them. Earlier I explained what Halo was "A simple yet complex fair and balanced game of skill." Now, war is some of those things but fair and balanced it is most definitely not. Do you know what IS fair and balanced or at least tries to be? Yep, sports.
In a sports like setting there is much, much less room for logical disconnect in a game that is as handicapped as classic Halo and things would actually start to make sense because sports have rules and all of the handicaps could just be explained away by, "Well, those are the rules." Halo Legacy Series™ would also fit perfectly well inside the Halo world itself.
That other thing that these games have in common is even more logical disconnect in the form of nonsense. The worst being In COD, Battlefield and Titanfall when I am out of my mech, I am playing as a human bullet sponge that doesn't slow a beat when shot in the leg or anywhere for that matter, can still sprint forever, walk on walls and so on.
On the flip side you have Halo where you are supposed to be this extremely BA genetically enhanced and mechanically augmented supersoldier that should be able to do all sorts of amazing things including the ability to sprint at high speeds. It's weird because in Halo logically we should get all of the things we see in those other games and then some but instead we get a slow lumbering hunk of metal that is strong enough to lift a flipping warthog with one hand yet people lose their bowels when they get a hint of a Spartan crashing through walls and into banshees in a video when by all rights he should be able to.
The Hope.
The good thing is that I think Halo has a stronger chance to just make sense than all those other shooters, but not as it is now. At this moment you have the very vocal die hard fans. Then you have one much larger crowd in my opinion who likes the CODs and Battlefields, they just aren't as vocal because well, they are busy playing CODs and Battlefields.
Both of these groups of fans are vying for the only thing they can and that is the only Halo that is being made ATM. Now, MS wants to please both of these groups but guess which group they want to please more? The less vocal but larger group that they know for a fact is there because they can see the player counts for those games and they want the money. Still the die hards cannot just be abandoned because they are what keeps the train going if mistakes are made, *cough* MCC *cough.* Sadly in the end these groups end up hating each other and creating a toxic community and a confused game. A games community is like soil to a plant. A plant will thrive or wither according to it's soil and so will a game with it's community.
This is where the two separate Halo games come in and save the day! Give the classic die hard fans what they want with a very high budget Halo Legacy Series™ tailored specially for them and also appease both MS and the larger crowd that want a change by letting the main Halos' Combat Evolve into the greatness that it's been struggling for like Mothra from it's cocoon instead of it being prodded back in by the Biollante that the community has become.
As a bonus, I think that a healthy portion of each of these groups would buy both of the games. Both would want something shiny and new. Legacy™ players in particular would at least want to continue the fight in the new campaigns. If happy enough many main series players would also buy Halo Legacy Series™ just to support a game franchise they love. Everyone wins! People stop arguing with eachother because everyone for the most part is appeased. The soil is fertile! Balance is restored! There is peace in the universe!...
The Fools Errand?
So, what do you think Gaf? Have I fallen under a spell? Did I just waste an entire day pouring out my heart and soul for nothing? Am I delusional? Is the community to toxic to unify behind an idea to stop the tug of war that is tearing Halo apart? Or could this actually work? What would you change? Most importantly, what would it take for you to rally behind an idea like this?
I think Halo needs this or something like it. Trying to appease both sides just isn't working. At least this way both sides get something they want instead of the inevitable rift that is coming when one side wins over the other, and it will.
I think that the ground work is already there for all of this. Both the MCC MP and some of the game modes that were shown in the Halo 5 beta is a start for a Legacy™ like system. All that's left now is for the community to get behind it.
Lastly, If you didn't like any of the ideas here and think that I'm crazy, I'm not going to tell you what to do, but please remember that I am human. If I offended anyone, I apologize, I assure you it was not my intent. I also put a lot of heart and soul into this post.
A little warning, this is not your average post, it is going to be a longer read than normal and I will not cheapen my time and effort with a TLDR. If you do not read it please refrain from participating in this thread.
Now, before I dive in let me tell you a little about myself and Halo.
This may get a little corny so be sure to have your butter ready.
My honey moon was cut a bit short due to a booking error a day before the midnight release of Halo 4 so my wife actually gladly suggested we go to it because she had reserved a copy for me. We arrived late because we stopped and bought a couple boxes of bottled water to hand out to those standing in line. I was at the back of the line of at least a hundred people but everyone was so grateful, including the store, that they gave me the first copy and ended up giving me one of the Halo props that weren't included in the raffle. Everyone cheered. < A good feeling that.
Halo has been such a huge part of my life that, as I look back, I can't help but think I wouldn't be the same person that I am today without it. Halo is a part of me, a part of my Legacy. I am sure I am not the only one. What is your #HaloLegacy™?
Whew! Now that we have dispensed with the formalities, lets get on with it!
First off, let me just say that I am not the video game fixing messiah. I am not perfect and I know this won't please everyone. I know that I could be way off the mark but I hope that I'm at least at a place where you can see it. Regardless, I would like your input.
Also, If any developers at 343i happen to read this, as an artist I know full well what it means to take something and make it yours. This post isn't meant to step on your toes or even admonish you for mistakes of the past, rather it's meant as a test for a pulse for what is hopefully a good idea even if it needs work. It would seem that lately you and MS as a whole have been listening to the consumers more and more so if this passes the test as it where, it could at least be food for though.
The Problem,
As I see it the problem, or problems rather, are several fold. Several million fold that is. This is because, no matter how many times I ask people from random strangers to Gaffers and friends the answer can almost always be boiled down to "a departure from the formula" and it would seem that the fans don't want this. Now I say "seem" because I then proceed to ask them what they are playing now... "Titanfall" He says. "COD" she says. "Battlefeild" They say. Without flipping fail. And so naturally I reply, "But I thought you said you didn't like those things?" To which they reply, "Well, um, err, Halo should stay the same!" Wellthereitis.gif
It would seem that the fans don't want Halo to change and yet, in stead of playing the Halo that they like, they are playing games that implement the same things that they berate Halo for trying. The statistics
(If that is your thing, it personally isn't mine)
Don't worry, I'm not going to try to sit here and try to dissect why this is and insult anyone by telling them how they feel on the interweb. Person to person that would be a different story.
However, what I will do is sympathize. Yup. Even though I fall into the boat that is ok with Halos' Combat Evolving
(Hehe)
Yet, I must confess, I did something unspeakable. I fell into the COD trap. For the first two years I had a blast! Why, you might ask? Simple, It was something new. It was fresh. However COD too soon fell to the exact sameness syndrome that Halo had for me.
I then bounced between almost every shooter out there until one day I realized that none of them, not a single flipping one was ever going to give me what I had with Halo. Yet at the same time to this day I shamefully put more hours into shooters that aren't what made me who I am today. This is in large part due to how toxic the community has become and a want for new shiny things and at the same time the same old gameplay that I have loved my whole life. Which leads me to...
The Idea,
Halo Legacy Series™!
What I propose is something akin to what MS does with the Forza series. One after the other MS produces A Forza numbered series which is a sim racer and then Horizon which is more arcade. Both of these games play very differently yet appease different crowds while at the same time strengthening the Forza community because they know their preferences are going to be met so there is much less room for stink to be made. Heck I would even go so far as to say that most Horizon fans probably also buy the numbered series and vice versa if for nothing but a nice change of pace.
So, for Halo, keep 343i on the main series and give them the freedom to evolve in both single and multiplayer. Now create a new studio specifically tailored to make a Classic style Halo for the Legacy™ Halo fans but do it in the style of sports. (See concept art above and below) Yep, I said sports
(Was on a team that placed third in nationals in basketball and I still can't stand most real sports)
Sounds like it would be simple, however there is plenty of room to be really creative without messing with gameplay. Get the gameplay to where Legacy™ players are satisfied and then polish. I mean polish like never before. With the gameplay mechanics staying the same and not having to constantly write code for it you could make an amazing graphical showcase. I mean really get down to the details like lighting, netcode, reflections, armor/environmental wear and tear, armor/environmental damage, helmet visors shattering like in the concept art.
Halo Legacy series™ would leave the campaign stuff to the main Halo games and so would cost less which is a bonus. Delivery method could be implemented in several ways but I will just touch on my personal preference which I will dub "KIF" style or Killer Instinct Fanservice style."
With the "KIF" style of delivery we would be getting new MP maps, armor types and so on, on a steady basis. I don't want to give a length of time because I have no clue how long it would take to make one, with KI we get a character about every month because they always have several characters in different stages of development so that they can hit that monthly deadline. I'm just guessing this could also be an option for Legacy™ MP maps.
However, the real strength of the "KIF" style of delivery IMO is the speed at which the developers can react to the needs of the playerbase. Is a new map unbalanced in some way? It's probably more likely to be fixed in a respectable amount of time with "KIF."
The vision,
Now, "why sports" you might ask? Well because A. It would be huge for and work perfectly with Esports. Just think about it, it can be argued that Halo is what it is today because of it's faithful followers in the MP crowd many of whom are Esports fans and B. There is one other huge problem that I didn't mention previously. A logical disconnect between MP and what a Spartan should be able to do. Also, what the first episode of RED vs BLUE said, "What are we doing in this valley?"
I understand that now the excuse is "War Games" but still even then, or especially then, you would want to be less handicapped than what is in classic Halo MP. Anyhow, I will proceed to most likely botch an attempt at drawing a correlation between real life and a video game and how to hopefully make things a little more logical while at the same time keep everyone happy.
Halo, Titanfall, Battlefield, COD. All of these games have two things in common. War is one of them. Earlier I explained what Halo was "A simple yet complex fair and balanced game of skill." Now, war is some of those things but fair and balanced it is most definitely not. Do you know what IS fair and balanced or at least tries to be? Yep, sports.
In a sports like setting there is much, much less room for logical disconnect in a game that is as handicapped as classic Halo and things would actually start to make sense because sports have rules and all of the handicaps could just be explained away by, "Well, those are the rules." Halo Legacy Series™ would also fit perfectly well inside the Halo world itself.
That other thing that these games have in common is even more logical disconnect in the form of nonsense. The worst being In COD, Battlefield and Titanfall when I am out of my mech, I am playing as a human bullet sponge that doesn't slow a beat when shot in the leg or anywhere for that matter, can still sprint forever, walk on walls and so on.
On the flip side you have Halo where you are supposed to be this extremely BA genetically enhanced and mechanically augmented supersoldier that should be able to do all sorts of amazing things including the ability to sprint at high speeds. It's weird because in Halo logically we should get all of the things we see in those other games and then some but instead we get a slow lumbering hunk of metal that is strong enough to lift a flipping warthog with one hand yet people lose their bowels when they get a hint of a Spartan crashing through walls and into banshees in a video when by all rights he should be able to.
The Hope.
The good thing is that I think Halo has a stronger chance to just make sense than all those other shooters, but not as it is now. At this moment you have the very vocal die hard fans. Then you have one much larger crowd in my opinion who likes the CODs and Battlefields, they just aren't as vocal because well, they are busy playing CODs and Battlefields.
Both of these groups of fans are vying for the only thing they can and that is the only Halo that is being made ATM. Now, MS wants to please both of these groups but guess which group they want to please more? The less vocal but larger group that they know for a fact is there because they can see the player counts for those games and they want the money. Still the die hards cannot just be abandoned because they are what keeps the train going if mistakes are made, *cough* MCC *cough.* Sadly in the end these groups end up hating each other and creating a toxic community and a confused game. A games community is like soil to a plant. A plant will thrive or wither according to it's soil and so will a game with it's community.
This is where the two separate Halo games come in and save the day!
Give the classic die hard fans what they want with a very high budget Halo Legacy Series™ tailored specially for them and also appease both MS and the larger crowd that want a change by letting the main Halos' Combat Evolve into the greatness that it's been struggling for like Mothra from it's cocoon instead of it being prodded back in by the Biollante that the community has become.As a bonus, I think that a healthy portion of each of these groups would buy both of the games. Both would want something shiny and new. Legacy™ players in particular would at least want to continue the fight in the new campaigns. If happy enough many main series players would also buy Halo Legacy Series™ just to support a game franchise they love. Everyone wins! People stop arguing with eachother because everyone for the most part is appeased. The soil is fertile! Balance is restored! There is peace in the universe!...
The Fools Errand?
So, what do you think Gaf? Have I fallen under a spell? Did I just waste an entire day pouring out my heart and soul for nothing? Am I delusional? Is the community to toxic to unify behind an idea to stop the tug of war that is tearing Halo apart? Or could this actually work? What would you change? Most importantly, what would it take for you to rally behind an idea like this?
I think Halo needs this or something like it. Trying to appease both sides just isn't working. At least this way both sides get something they want instead of the inevitable rift that is coming when one side wins over the other, and it will.
I think that the ground work is already there for all of this. Both the MCC MP and some of the game modes that were shown in the Halo 5 beta is a start for a Legacy™ like system. All that's left now is for the community to get behind it.
Lastly, If you didn't like any of the ideas here and think that I'm crazy, I'm not going to tell you what to do, but please remember that I am human. If I offended anyone, I apologize, I assure you it was not my intent. I also put a lot of heart and soul into this post.
And a seriously embarrassing amount of time.
