Support NeoGAF

[Deadly Cyclone]

typically identifying a problem and how it could be fixed is a way to "help make it better" but no one who has any say in the design process posts, or ever will post here so any criticism of the game is just as relevant as the glowing endorsements that the other half of the thread spits out

seriously, it's okay if you like the game or don't take issue with things the other people take issue with! they're not trying to ruin your game or your fun!

I know this!

Just gets a bit old with the same 10 comments that clearly are just made to poke at 343 and have no intention to help the game. Tough to read the thread sometime and get good conversation when there are pages of "Halo 4 sucks" "Lazy 343" etc. Just my two cents.

 

[Louis Wu]

Heh, except no one was IP-banned. We're regular the targets of DDoS attacks and their particular method of getting info was tripping our automated systems. We simply gave them a better solution for getting that info without appearing to be nefarious in nature.

IP-banned, blocked by automated systems... you're right, I don't know the details, but the end result is the same.

(Glad it got worked out. Firestream is nothing but an asset for 343.)

That makes no sense. They still got a statistic but a lower statistic cause they were banned from getting the statistics?

How does it make no sense? Halocharts were compiling those numbers by sampling playlist populations every 15 minutes, and it's clear that maximums come in the evening, US time, which is a point at which they were blocked from collecting info. So their 'max' for the day was actually recorded at a time when (for the past week) roughly half the real max was online.

 

[willow ve]

Got some footage of this from a game last night

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfMDQuR1j0k

You have got to be fucking kidding with that. Add it to the glitch/fix pile.

 

[enzo_gt]

Anyone got a link to that image of the XP distribution for Spartan Ranks with all the charts and tables and stuff?

 

[orznge]

Of course you're going to back up your passive aggressive statement with some insightful industry analysis or insider 343/MS information.

lol yeah, my criticisms that are quite frankly very grounded when considering Contemporary First Person Shooter design over the last decade make way less sense than someone's optimism in the form of made-up feelings that they decided exist in real life, in the brains of the developers of their favorite game

 

[BlueScrote]

good games Monster, Agro, and Franklin. Sorry I'm terrible.

 

[orznge]

Hey, everyone! Get a load of the sarcastic guy! He says that Halo 5, is going to share most of it's design elements with the preceding four games! What a load of shit!

 

[Tashi]

I wonder what's in the works. Looking forward to getting all the tiny details.

 

[Trey]

lol yeah, my criticisms that are quite frankly very grounded when considering Contemporary First Person Shooter design over the last decade make way less sense than someone's optimism in the form of made-up feelings that they decided exist in real life, in the brains of the developers of their favorite game

So you're trying to say a developer's work on the post release content of an earlier game of theirs will have little to no bearing on their upcoming project?

edit: I suppose you are.

 

[Fracas]

Really excited for the bulletin. I'm guessing Double Team/FFA will be announced here.

 

[Noricart]

Really excited for the bulletin. I'm guessing Double Team/FFA will be announced here.

Meh. Won't be double team for me without ranks.

 

[orznge]

attention please use this template if someone takes issue with any element of Halo 5 once information about it is released

Excuse me? You aren't qualified to comment on the design of Halo. Halo 5 isn't even out yet. And in addition, [accuse of bad personality trait], and you're not a member of the gaming industry, and you're not a 343/MS insider, so pretty much you're wrong.

 

[Ozzy Onya A2Z]

Hey, everyone! Get a load of the sarcastic guy! He says that Halo 5, is going to share most of it's design elements with the preceding four games! What a load of shit!

Personally I am expecting a next generation console release with a brand new engine including visual style, AI and a shit-ton of other features I've posted many times about e.g. forever removing bullet sponges and cheap campaign tricks.

In terms of multiplayer I'm also expecting highly increased physics in regards to interactive elements, perhaps co-op AI, persistent universe and simple things like not dying when behind an indestructible wall or floor etc. I'd also like to see the BF3 server style become a premium option for XBL & Halo 5 or dedicated servers with full region support.

The cutscenes to me should be close to the bar for visual performance but next generation and Halo 5 is high time we rid ourselves of hardware and engine limitations moreover than just graphical prowess.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

I can't believe people want doubles in halo 4. These maps are way too big for that, aren't they?

 

[Trey]

attention please use this template if someone takes issue with any element of Halo 5 once information about it is released

Excuse me? You aren't qualified to comment on the design of Halo. Halo 5 isn't even out yet. And in addition, [accuse of bad personality trait], and you're not a member of the gaming industry, and you're not a 343/MS insider, so pretty much you're wrong.

You're confusing the issue. I asked you to provide some insight to overcome my apparent delusion. So far, you don't seem up to the task.

 

[orznge]

Personally I am expecting a next generation console release with a brand new engine including visual style, AI and a shit-ton of other features I've posted many times about e.g. forever removing bullet sponges and cheap campaign tricks.

In terms of multiplayer I'm also expecting highly increased physics in regards to interactive elements, perhaps co-op AI, persistent universe and simple things like not dying when behind an indestructible wall or floor etc. I'd also like to see the BF3 server style become a premium option for XBL & Halo 5 or dedicated servers with full region support.

The cutscenes to me should be close to the bar for visual performance but next generation and Halo 5 is high time we rid ourselves of hardware and engine limitations moreover than just graphical prowess.

I'm expecting the ability to be able to go from strafing one direction to the opposite direction quickly enough to cause a competent playe*busts out laughing*

 

[Fracas]

Is this a meltdown?

 

[ViewtifulJC]

No, this is:

 

[Sissel]

I can't believe people want doubles in halo 4. These maps are way too big for that, aren't they?

definitely too big.

 

[Fotos]

This thread is making me depressed.

 

[Fracas]

can't unsee penis rock

 

[orznge]

You're confusing the issue. I asked you to provide some insight to overcome my apparent delusion. So far, you don't seem up to the task.

oh, okay, because I'm not sure what element of any Halo game's post-launch support has given the end-user any kind of information that they could use to infer what kind of noble passionate reinvigorated desire was going to be poured into the next Halo game

like what, exactly, caused you to believe that the 343 designers made a conscious decision to make a "safe" game, and what caused you to believe that they weren't passionate about this game? and what caused you to believe that the aforementioned passion is going to be reinvigorated while they're developing the next game, Halo 5?

but I mean you "win" no matter what, since this is 343's "first" game lol

 

[Ozzy Onya A2Z]

I'm expecting the ability to be able to go from strafing one direction to the opposite direction quickly enough to cause a competent playe*busts out laughing*

Connection quality permitting I don't really have an issue using strafe effectively in Halo 4, even in 1v1 DMR battles in close-mid ranges. Then again I'm rarely in the open and use pop in/out cover a lot.

can't unsee penis rock

*snickers for more than the appropriate time.

 

[willow ve]

Really excited for the bulletin. I'm guessing Double Team/FFA will be announced here.

Um.

I can't believe people want doubles in halo 4. These maps are way too big for that, aren't they?

This.

I spend a good portion of every 4v4 game just sprinting around trying to find where the hell the other team is. I can't imagine 2v2...

 

[Devolution]

This thread is making me depressed.

The game depresses me. I mean I can't fault people for what they want out of Halo but this game isn't Halo to me. =/.

 

[DeadNames]

This thread is making me depressed.

I'm beyond depressed at this point.

 

[Tashi]

I think you guys will be surprised at how 2v2 plays.

 

[wwm0nkey]

This thread is making me depressed.

If you like Halo 4 then just move the the Halo OT where people seem to enjoy the game.

 

[Ozzy Onya A2Z]

The game depresses me. I mean I can't fault people for what they want out of Halo but this game isn't Halo to me. =/.

Personally I've never understood these comments that it's NOT Halo. What does that even mean? It's so varied and subjective I guess it's a case by case basis.

 

[Redford]

If they throw in a FFA playlist that would be enough to drag me back in.

can't unsee penis rock

You saw it too huh? Who done it?

Personally I've never understood these comments that it's NOT Halo. What does that even mean? It's so varied and subjective I guess it's a case by case basis.

I dunno, it's partly the presentation and partly the fact that it's so individualistic now.

 

[orznge]

Personally I've never understood these comments that it's NOT Halo. What does that even mean? It's so varied and subjective I guess it's a case by case basis.

people have described precisely what they mean by that in previous HaloGAF threads (and maybe this one? I don't know and I'm not searching)

 

[User 73932]

can't unsee penis rock

I always hang out around there. Now I know why.

 

[Ozzy Onya A2Z]

people have described precisely what they mean by that in previous HaloGAF threads (and maybe this one? I don't know and I'm not searching)

You missed my point on that one mate.

 

[wwm0nkey]

Personally I've never understood these comments that it's NOT Halo. What does that even mean? It's so varied and subjective I guess it's a case by case basis.

Halo is different for a lot of people and that is probably its greatest weakness. Some people play it for competitive reasons, some play for fun and some people just play to fuck around with mini-games now.

I personally never got into the competitive nature of Halo but I do see how some of the changes are off putting to those who do like that stuff. I however do not agree with it not "feeling" like Halo, this game is very much Halo at its core.

 

[orznge]

You missed my point on that one mate.

was it sarcasm or what idk, because in general, in this thread, there's a fair amount of unified talking points that "this game isn't Halo" revolves around

 

[FyreWulff]

Just had a decent 8 win streak in Dominion. Cool gametype, even though I'm not sure exactly what all contributes to score at the moment.

 

[Fotos]

I don't know why everyone saying it is not Halo. Halo Reach was not Halo. My friends and I would play Halo 3 all the time but when Reach came out we stopped playing it. The first day Halo 4 came out everyone of my friends were playing it and loved it way more than Reach. I love this game too. I haven't been this addicted to a Halo game since Halo 3. Sure it has its flaws like any other game but they are very minor. Halo 4 is great.

 

[Plywood]

I think you guys will be surprised at how 2v2 plays.

No, I think you will.

 

[Trey]

oh, okay, because I'm not sure what element of any Halo game's post-launch support has given the end-user any kind of information that they could use to infer what kind of noble passionate reinvigorated desire was going to be poured into the next Halo game

like what, exactly, caused you to believe that the 343 designers made a conscious decision to make a "safe" game, and what caused you to believe that they weren't passionate about this game? and what caused you to believe that the aforementioned passion is going to be reinvigorated while they're developing the next game, Halo 5?

but I mean you "win" no matter what, since this is 343's "first" game lol

I'm interested because post release shows what kind of feedback 343 took heed of, and this will show in the playlist management, Spops episodes and TUs forthcoming. If they meet certain playerbase's suggestions, it will give me some inkling of their mindset going into Halo 5. Certainly, I can be wrong, but it costs me nothing since I will know what kind of game Halo 5 will be long before I buy it.

There is nothing to win; only in your rationalization of my words am I some 343 fanboy.

 

[Devolution]

Personally I've never understood these comments that it's NOT Halo. What does that even mean? It's so varied and subjective I guess it's a case by case basis.

For me what set Halo apart from other FPSes is becoming more and more narrow in terms of multi. I don't care how much exterior paint is on the thing. At its core the philosophy to me is so far removed what multi used to be it's pointless for me to engage it any longer as a Halo game. I can have fun and wreck people but I'm seldom reminded of previous games. It's a stranger wearing your SO's suit.

 

[orznge]

I don't know why everyone saying it is not Halo. Halo Reach was not Halo. My friends and I would play Halo 3 all the time but when Reach came out we stopped playing it. The first day Halo 4 came out everyone of my friends were playing it and loved it way more than Reach. I love this game too. I haven't been this addicted to a Halo game since Halo 3. Sure it has its flaws like any other game but they are very minor. Halo 4 is great.

Halo Reach was Halo

they're all Halo, they're just not all necessarily a good Halo

 

[xxjuicesxx]

Well maybe if they just listened to the top 10 comments and fixed them they would have a game people didn't have to constantly bitch about?

 

[Tashi]

No, I think you will.

I already played it lol. I don't think map size will be that big of an issue

 

[Ozzy Onya A2Z]

was it sarcasm or what idk, because in general, in this thread, there's a fair amount of unified talking points that "this game isn't Halo" revolves around

That's just it, there is no one answer for all players so it feels like Halo. You can make one player or even an entire sub-community happy only to piss off the other etc.

Over time I'm sure we'll see more variety in the playlists and settings which will account for a good percentage of the varied and personal reasons players say "it's not Halo". There isn't a magic formula for that for all players. Further 343i had to streamline the launch and settings, Reach then the TU was just a massive junk pile at the end of the day. Too manyn settings and variations you couldn't change between playlists and have your A game on without some adjustments.

343i are doing the right things by mostly unifying the playlists and settings which has probably lead to more "it's not Halo" than expected but I'd prefer this and they get to release fresh playlists and settings to keep the population coming back and looking for bulletins to see what changes are inbound etc.

Well maybe if they just listened to the top 10 comments and fixed them they would have a game people didn't have to constantly bitch about?

People will always bitch, the silent majority FTW.

 

[orznge]

That's just it, there is no one answer for all players so it feels like Halo. You can make one player or even an entire sub-community happy only to piss off the other etc.

Over time I'm sure we'll see more variety in the playlists and settings which will account for a good percentage of the varied and personal reasons players say "it's not Halo". There isn't a magic formula for that for all players.

Further 343i had to streamline the launch and settings, Reach then the TU was just a massive junk pile at the end of the day. Too manyn settings and variations you couldn't change between playlists and have your A game on without some adjustments.

343i are doing the right things by mostly unifying the playlists and settings which has probably lead to more "it's not Halo" than expected but I'd prefer this and they get to release fresh playlists and settings to keep the population coming back and looking for bulletins to see what changes are inbound etc.

ask 10 people in this thread why an entry in the Halo series "wasn't Halo to them" and I guarantee that there will be more overlap between their opinions than you imagined

 

[Booties]

because it would have sold less copies without a doubt

I love this. It's absolutely true. Especially with a blops2 release in the same week.

 

[m23]

Thruster pack, so good. Saves my ass many times each match, most under-rated AA in the game.

 

[FyreWulff]

Also the awarding/announcing isn't very consistent in Dominion. I'll bust down shields, and it seems like one out of 10 times it'll actually say SHIELD DESTROYED, or rarely will say BREACH! when I grenade one out.

It's also a tad interesting on Meltdown.. Bravo is entirely exposed in the bottom middle

 

[Ken]

Yay SR 43. New armor. Oh wait this is the same armor I had day 1 from Amazon.

 

[Ozzy Onya A2Z]

ask 10 people in this thread why an entry in the Halo series "wasn't Halo to them" and I guarantee that there will be more overlap between their opinions than you imagined

That may be true but you're still looking at less than approx. 10% of the actual Halo gamers and purchasers. Take approx. 3.5 million games sold in the first day or two then look at the total number of registered users on the Waypoint forums (approx. 350,000). You can see why forums aren't the best input for developers.

Forums are also a venting place and I personally think the younger generations feel more entitlement than gamers of old used to as well. Beyond that you also have very similar mindsets amongst passionate Halo FPS players who then get on the forums to chat/follow a game.

A very different cross section to those that play without ever going to the forums etc.