Halo 2 Anticipation Thread: Hype Vs. Reality

[Uli]

Ok, Bungie says the Beta is done and from what we have already seen at the last two E3 shows it all looks very very promising.

Nonetheless, there's a lot about Halo 2's anticipated qualities that still troubles me. And there are a lot of features of the game that still remain uncertain, respectively Bungie didn't confirm yet.

This thread should try to gather all the facts about possibly one of the greatest game sequels of all time but leave all the hype and speculation behind!

I start with a short list of features that better should be in the game but are either not officially confirmed yet or simply can't be because of the lack of testing or actual gameplay footage.

(1) Non-linear level structure (just think of the cartographer level) and overall quality gameplay?

From what we've seen in the singleplayer demo at E3 2K3 the map didn't leave much room for alternate routes, was heavily scripted and over too soon. This level would only make a great game prologue! So it remains highly questionable if Halo 2's singleplayer game can stand up or even surpass the established quality level design and gameplay of Halo.

(2) Commandable Marines/OSTs with better AI?

The ability to give a few simple commands to your supporting troops (like hold position, attack target, regroup, follow etc.) would make a great feature that i wished was already implemented in Halo! Also the Marines weren't of very much help on higher difficulty levels or simply couldn't stand long enough against the covenant.

(3) System link- and Xbox Live-coop gameplay?

Much speculation and unofficial statements about this possibly most wanted feature but still nothing officially confirmed yet (as far as I know)! A save function for coop games would also make very much sense!

(4) Tech specs: e.g. anamorphic 16:9 and progressive support?

Can't really think of Bungie failing at these features, so let's hope they get confirmed rather quick!

[Mr Ono]

My gut feeling is that this game will fall into the category "More of the same" and the muliplayer will have been done before (and better) on countless PC games over the last 5 years.

I'll still buy it though

[Brats]

Re the linear nature of the 2003 demo, I had the same worries, but Bungie later stated that that level was specifically created for E3 to show off some ideas they were playing around with (specifically the jumping onto vehicles, dual wielding and some new vehicles) and might not even make it to the final game. Although the demo was from a gameplay perspective, there was no HUD and as you say the whole thing was rather short and scripted.

My guess is we'll see some of that city in one of the levels, but it might not play like that. Can you imagine starting the next level surrounded by half a dozen plasma sword wielding elites?

[Uli]

Can you imagine starting the next level surrounded by half a dozen plasma sword wielding elites?

sure, that's what i would call fun! ;-)

too bad it's only a cutscene!

to be honest, i fear that Halo 2 will be mainstreamed easy -
at least on normal difficulty! hopefully a legendary mode will again provide some real challenge!

[nips]

Mainsteamed? Really?

I'm hoping for a more refined version of Halo tbfh. Simply a stronger single player, harder legendary mode. 10 more levels and extended multi-player is fine by me!

Some short scripted and most importantly fun sections like the one at E3-2k3 sound great, as long as they are dotted around to get the heart pumping

[demon9k]

In terms of level design I want more of the same along with city type settings, like in the E3 single player demo. To improve the game I think maybe a few commands to give to your marines but not to many, I don't want to be playing Raven Shield. Maybe like follow me and stay here, as simple as that. Also the marines need better AI. Was it not stated already theat enemies had better AI? I think this will prove enough of a challenge.

All the new weapons, vechicles and enemies are also going to be great fun too. Testing them all out, especially the sword in multi player. I hope you can't use it forever though cos it does seem a bit deadly, or at least give some sort of alternative weapon to fight back. Balanced weapons for a great multi player are key I think.

Xbox Live will make this title off the hook if the single player is as good as the first Halo. Also co-op over Xbox Live is a BIG BIG must!!! At the very least it must be playable over the xbox link cable.

Also full speed PAL and widescreen would be fantasic. I hate 4:3, stupid black borders or stretched faces

[mr_sockochris]

(1) Non-linear level structure (just think of the cartographer level) and overall quality gameplay?

From what we've seen in the singleplayer demo at E3 2K3 the map didn't leave much room for alternate routes, was heavily scripted and over too soon. This level would only make a great game prologue! So it remains highly questionable if Halo 2's singleplayer game can stand up or even surpass the established quality level design and gameplay of Halo.

I don't think that level would have been anywhere near as linear or straightforward had the player not been invincible. He was able to rush through the quickest route and finish the level in about 10mins. If you imagine it if he could have got hurt it would have taken him alot longer to get through the levels. The AI wasn't even in place for that demo, remember that bit near the end where the Brute just stands there waiting for MC to melee attack him?

[fishbowlhead]

The features that it simply must have are,
- Bots in multiplayer.
- Stats recording all of your progress in single player and Multiplayer.
- Total time.

For the love of god please let it have bots in multiplayer.

[nips]

Here, here. Bots are needed for us non-live losers.

[007]

Co-op on Live.

Per-lease.

[Smitty]

Another peice of good news: Halo 2 is going to be around FIVE TIMES as big (in physical size of the levels) as Halo.

A typical level will be around 3-4 times the size of Assault On The Control Room, with the use of vehicles being encouraged further.

http://nikon.bungie.org/pressscans/xboxgamer_0604/7.jpg

[PeteJ]

I think co-op on Live is a certainty, especially as Full Spectrum Warrior and Rainbow Six 3 featured it. Bungie are going all out for Live, so I think it'll have everything you want...

...appart from Bots, which I don't think will be included. I think they've already stated it won't have them.

I'd be happy with a simple update, just a few new single and multiplayer levels, anything new is a bonus (though I am slightly worried they'll mess up the balance with the Duel weapons). I'd also like to see a slight change in the Legendary difficulty, which I thought was slightly too easy to exploit (but very difficult otherwise). The AI was limited in certain situations.

Oh, better allied AI too - they die too quickly!

Worst thing about Halo 2 that we know of is the lack of Pistol, I really hope the replacement is good enough...

[Smitty]

I see what you're saying, but I don't think it will be a simple update. From everything i've read, Bungie seem to be doing their utmost to examine every single element of the game.

You can tell that they are not content to rest on their laurels and just knock out a sequal, they want us to be suitably impressed.

[dataDave]

I'll probably only play 1-player the once on legendary. I can't see it being that hard if Halo is anything to go by.

I more indepth multiplayer menu screen is required. With the option of saving player profiles that include all the pointless stats such as 'rounds fired' and 'km travelled' just like Perfect Dark.

Also, you should be able to lock the multiplayer menu to one pad as to stop 7 other drunken/stoned mates randomly pressing B to return to the main menu and starting the amped demo, with everyone shouting "Who were it this time?", "dick'ead!", "...rite, I'm pulling all your f**kin pads out". I swear, pissing around with the menus takes up at least 1/2 of our game time.

Lockable menus... Just like Perfect Dark.

Classic maps - Just like Perfect Dark. I expect to still play 'Hang 'em High', 'Rat Race' and 'Blood Gulch'. Blood Gulch would be ace with Banshees.

[dataDave]

Worst thing about Halo 2 that we know of is the lack of Pistol, I really hope the replacement is good enough...

Eh?

Lack of Pistol? Why have they taken out the best gun? That's idiocy!