Multiplayer Revealed

[Null Parameter]

The beta test for Halo: Reach is set to begin on May 3 for owners of Halo 3: ODST. Until today, Bungie has been tight-lipped about new features and improvements coming to Reach's multiplayer game, releasing only one multiplayer trailer (http://www.shackvideo.com/?id=17441). Yesterday, I spoke with the team at Bungie for a preview of some of the new features for Halo: Reach's multiplayer offering, including Active Roster, Queue-Joining, and the extremely exciting "Arena" system.

http://www.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Screenshot/14167/14167_4ba267aee56f0_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=14167&game_id=7592#152073)http://www.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Screenshot/13813/13813_4b74a333ec0f3_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=13813&game_id=7592#148643)
Halo: Reach's new UI and a shot from singleplayer.
Now, I've played a good amount (http://www.bungie.net/Stats/Halo3/Default.aspx?player=empathe360) of Halo 3 and Bungie's plans for Reach have me extremely excited. What follows will be pretty in-depth and assume some knowledge of Halo 3's multiplayer, but I'll try to explain things in as much detail as possible. New Features:



Active Roster - This is a throwback to Halo 2. When you boot up Reach, right at the main menu or lobby, you'll see a list of what your Xbox Live friends are doing within Reach. You'll get detailed information about any friends playing Reach including who they are partied with, what game they are in (plus score and remaining time), and more.

http://www.shacknews.com/extras/spotart/matchmaking.jpg (http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=14167&game_id=7592#152072)


Basically, Bungie wants to make it so that you do not have to utilize the Xbox Live Guide to find out what your buddies are doing in Reach. Queue-Joining - In Halo 3, it was difficult to join friends that were already playing in a match. You had to wait until they were finished. If you started a game while you waited, they would then have to wait for you. Instead of going back and forth, Reach will support queue-joining. Simply put, Reach will automatically join up as soon as your friends are joinable.
Improved Voting System - Halo: Reach will utilize a new voting system, which Bungie described as "Veto 2.0". Each playlist will provide players with four options. The first will be a combination of map and gametype, much like you would see in Halo 3. The other three options will offer players additional choices to vote on. Thankfully, you'll know up front what your four options are so you no longer have to risk voting down a favored map, but unfavored gametype and getting an unfavored combination.

http://www.shacknews.com/extras/spotart/veto.jpg (http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=14167&game_id=7592#152073)


Behind-the-scenes, a lot of work has been done to give more flexibility to the playlist designers. A designer could, for example, ensure that the first choice is always Team Slayer on a set of 3 popular maps, but offer different gametypes in the additional choices. Arena Playlists - Possibly the largest change coming in Halo: Reach is the Arena. This is a Slayer and Team Slayer set of playlists entirely geared toward the hardcore. If that wasn't enough, players will be rated and placed into skill divisions in month-long seasons.
The rating system is smart enough to realize that kills aren't the other determining factor behind skill. This is especially true for team games where assists play a huge roll. Similarly, players that have a greater kill/death ratio (had more kills than deaths) will rank higher than players that die as much as they kill.
The divisions are Onyx, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Steel. It is possible to move up or down within a single season. To qualify for ranking, players will have to play a certain number of games a day to gain a "Daily Ranking", which will be an average of a player's best games from the day. To get a divisional ranking and compete in a season, players will need a certain number of Daily Rankings.

http://www.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Screenshot/13813/13813_4b74a33abeffc_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=13813&game_id=7592&id=148645)http://www.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Screenshot/13813/13813_4b74a337c1fdc_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=13813&game_id=7592&id=148644)


Casual gametypes will not appear in Arena playlists. You won't be seeing Rocket Race or Fiesta here. Even though Arena is geared toward top-level players, it should help less skilled players avoid being matched up against people they have no chance of winning against.
Ranked and Social Combined - Since the hardcore will be in the Arena, Bungie doesn't want to further splinter the community. In Halo 3, Ranked and Social playlists served two different purposes. Ranked games were generally of a higher quality, while social games were more casual.
In Reach, the playlists will be smart enough to put you and your party in the proper match based upon how many players you have. Say you're looking for a game in a four-on-four playlist. If you bring four people, Reach will attempt to match your team against another group of four at a similar skill level. If you go in with more than four, it will properly split your party across the teams and fill in the blanks with additional players.
Streamlined Party-Up - After a Halo 3 match, players were presented with the option to "Party Up" and merge lobbies with all willing players. In Reach, it will be an opt-out system. After a match, players will be kept together and it will automatically roll into looking for the next match. The system is flexible enough to allow Bungie to determine, per playlist, whether to keep a team together and find a new set of opponents or keep an entire game together and move onto the next map.

http://www.shacknews.com/extras/spotart/party.jpg (http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=14167&game_id=7592#152074)




Matchmaking Connection Options - The options for finding games in matchmaking will be more open to the player, if they so choose. If you only ever want to play in games with a good connection, that can be set in the options. If you only ever want to play against players of a similar skill, that can be set. The same goes for finding players that speak to same language. Social Settings - In addition to these connection options, players can rate themselves along four axes to add another layer of criteria to the matchmaking. These won't trump anything else, but it will help Bungie build better teams. Players will define their playstyle in the following four categories:

Teamwork - Team Player vs. Lone Wolf
Motivation - Winning vs. Having Fun
Chattiness - Chatty vs. Quiet
Tone - Polite vs. Rowdy





http://www.shacknews.com/extras/spotart/social.jpg (http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=14167&game_id=7592#152075)


This allows Bungie, for example, to try and build a team of chatty, polite, team-playing, winners in serious playlists.

These new features are a huge part of Halo: Reach and should help foster a better community than Halo 3 or Halo 2. Personally, I'm extremely excited about the Arena system. I've been having a lot of fun in the StarCraft II beta test with Blizzard's Leagues & Ladders system. Arena is the same concept. It should also help alleviate the epidemic of smurfing (creating new Xbox Live accounts) to give maxed out players something to do in Halo 3. Instead of starting over, destroying noobs and reclimbing the skill charts, these top-level players will be encouraged to play season-after-season in the Arena and be meaningfully compared to each other. It's a system that has been a long-time-coming to a first-person shooter.
Look for more coverage on Halo: Reach from Shacknews soon and get ready for the beta, which begins on May 3rd. The full game will be released exclusively for the Xbox 360 this fall. See you online!


[Source (http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62865)]

[Prod]

Thank you, that was interesting and helpful.

Edit: In the pictures it says maximum players:16 This could end the arguments which where put forward before about increased player numbers.

Double Edit: It says press (Y) to select network. Does this suggest dedicated servers?

[Null Parameter]

In the pictures it says maximum players:16 This could end the arguments which where put forward before about increased player numbers.Or that could be what that party has set as a maximum.

It says press (Y) to select network. Does this suggest dedicated servers?That's an option that's available now. You can change the network between XBL, LAN and Local.

[PsychoBucket]

Edit: In the pictures it says maximum players:16 This could end the arguments which where put forward before about increased player numbers.


They probably won't have more then 16, but that could have been for a specific playlist.

[Prod]

That's an option that's available now. You can change the network between XBL, LAN and Local.

I wondered if it could be like the L4D2 method where you choose either to have local host or dedicated server, along with the usual.

[Null Parameter]

Is it just me, or does "Invasion" Feel alot like "Conquest"? I think Bungie should give credit where credit is due...
We know nothing about Invasion, at all, besides what people were able to guess about from one video, so no, it doesn't.

Not to mention that that has nothing to do with this article.

[InnerSandman13]

So now we know 2 maps. Powerhouse and Sword Base. :D

[Canadians360]

That's an option that's available now. You can change the network between XBL, LAN and Local.

So lets just hope the party leader doesnt press the wrong button, or hope they give us a prompt first.

I will miss that handy press Y for friends list though.

[MNM1245]

I think they'll change Sword Bases name to something else. I like all these new features but I am not a huge fan of the active roster matchmaking lobby. Having like my friends list all divided up like that looks kinda bulky. I hope you can press Y to close the friends tab. I don't know what it is but I just think it looks too bulky. idk probably just a dumb pet peeve. I'm sure I'll get over it after a week of Reach.

Also what is that 104 cR in the last screenshot? Is cR the new EXP or something?

[Boston]

Wow. Just wow. Null I hope all of that is correct, and you hit it all on target. I love the idea of the Arena system, and seasons and whatnot sound great! Thank you for posting this!

[Tim]

So lets just hope the party leader doesnt press the wrong button, or hope they give us a prompt first.

I will miss that handy press Y for friends list though.

If it's suppose to Mirror Halo 2's friends list then it's actually going to be better.

[Null Parameter]

Also what is that 104 cR in the last screenshot? Is cR the new EXP or something?
I saw that too, and that was the same conclusion I came to.

[Cerity Insighed]

This new Arena system is exciting me.... I might finally get interested in competative playlists.




Now they just have to confirm forge, dammit.

[MNM1245]

New info in depth on the arena for you hardcore freaks :P http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62873

[fireskull66325]

Now they just have to confirm forge, dammit.

They did a while ago. "Full feature parody" with Halo 3. AKA- Forge too.

[Joe is Outside]

I roflmao'd when I saw Chatness: Chatty and Urkstore's emblem

[MNM1245]

Totally off topic but I'm reading the bungie update. THOUSANDS OF CUSTOM CONTENT instead of the 100 limit in Halo 3. I think that just says Forge will be in it.

[Coyote1023]

That also means the primary experience will likely be primarily Spartan vs. Spartan, will sometimes feature Elite vs. Elite, and seldom (or never) will it intertwine the two. The differences between the two species character models and unique health, shield, and speed attributes are significant enough to call into question whether or not the mixture could ever be considered fair.

Yep, it is now proven, Elites and Spartans will have different health, shields, and speeds.

[l33tmeerkatslol]

I don't know how that will work. Can you still choose whether you want to be an Elite or Spartan in a regular game? Having different health than an enemy is major, I don't like it. Loadouts are enough, now different health too?

[Coyote1023]

I don't know how that will work. Can you still choose whether you want to be an Elite or Spartan in a regular game? Having different health than an enemy is major, I don't like it. Loadouts are enough, now different health too?

primary experience will likely be primarily Spartan vs. Spartan, will sometimes feature Elite vs. Elite, and seldom (or never) will it intertwine the two.

It is probably a game option. I doubt you can pick a race yourself, it is probably built into the game options.

[MNM1245]

"primary experience will likely be primarily Spartan vs. Spartan, will sometimes feature Elite vs. Elite, and seldom (or never) will it intertwine the two."


That is what it said in the update about The Arena I believe. I don't think it said anywhere that it would be the same in all other playlists. I think that in the beginning of the game you choose to be Spartan or Elite. They talked about how Ranked and Social are together. I think if you end up in a match there will be a screen like Call of Duty's screen in a private match where you pick Op For or Navy Seals or Auto Assign. This screen comes up that says Spartan and Elite in a list and on the right side it will show a player model of each when you select them on the list (And possibly give you the ability to customize them quickly if you want to change how they look. You wouldn't have to recustomize each game though to your preference. Only if you wanted to make a change.) If you're in a Ranked game you can only select Spartan or Elite and the one that you can't select is not choosable. If you're in a social game you can select either one of the two. Once you pick though you can't change that game. And this would not determine your team just your player model.

That is how I would do it down to the menus lol

I think that sounds about right? Would anyone disagree?

[PsychoBucket]

That is what it said in the update about The Arena I believe. I don't think it said anywhere that it would be the same in all other playlists. I think that in the beginning of the game you choose to be Spartan or Elite. They talked about how Ranked and Social are together. I think if you end up in a match there will be a screen like Call of Duty's screen in a private match where you pick Op For or Navy Seals or Auto Assign. This screen comes up that says Spartan and Elite in a list and on the right side it will show a player model of each when you select them on the list (And possibly give you the ability to customize them quickly if you want to change how they look. You wouldn't have to recustomize each game though to your preference. Only if you wanted to make a change.) If you're in a Ranked game you can only select Spartan or Elite and the one that you can't select is not choosable. If you're in a social game you can select either one of the two. Once you pick though you can't change that game. And this would not determine your team just your player model.

That is how I would do it down to the menus lol

I think that sounds about right? Would anyone disagree?

I hope they are going to let you set both your spartan and elite with armor/colors, and then when you are required to be one of them it will be set. They will probably have the option in custom games to force spartan/elite for each team.

[GodlyPerfection]

First of all Invasion is not like conquest. Invasion is a descriptor for a style of game. There are screenshots of Invasion and Invasion slayer. Most assume that it is Spartan vs Elite. Spartan is the standard model that will be used. Elite will be gametype based. This is to keep it fair when playing against other players competitively. Elites will only be used when it makes sense. I assume you will be able to select what your elite options are as well as your spartan options are since the armor permutations available are also based on the character you are using. Only spartans have access to jetpacks and only elites have access to the roll dodge.

As for being able to pick throughout all of the gametypes, this will most likely not be an option. Invasion I can see working like this. People are split into two teams. One team is offense (elites) the other is defense (spartans). Then it switches every round. However it may not be this way since there is an Invasion slayer. MNM I highly doubt that they will give you a screen like that... that is not the way Bungie develops. If there is a selection of model it will be much more intuitive and streamlined than the COD system. Something possibly similar to switching teams.

And don't worry l33t, Bungie isn't stupid. They will only allow differentiation between character models when it makes since. Just straight slayer would not allow you to select between models. That goes against their design philosophy. Though I can see them allowing only elites alongside only spartans.

[MNM1245]

Dayum. AZN knows his shit. lol nice

[Zackj191]

Spartans vs Spartans is different than Elites vs Elites. Those are separate gametypes. Spartans vs Elites is a gametype style.

[Time Glitch]

Arena will be a great place for all the uber-competitive freaks to get their srsfaices and tryhard pants on. I, for one, hope that they don't even touch the normal playlists.

I know that social won't exist anymore, but I think all the MLG kids will play the Arena anyway. I'll be back in the normal playlists, enjoying the game and having fun, you know, like a game is supposed to be.

Oh also, depending on what they're doing with forge, I'll be totally up in that =P.

(But I might give the Arena a try...Just a peek...)

[DimmestBread]

Arena will be a great place for all the uber-competitive freaks to get their srsfaices and tryhard pants on. I, for one, hope that they don't even touch the normal playlists.

I know that social won't exist anymore, but I think all the MLG kids will play the Arena anyway. I'll be back in the normal playlists, enjoying the game and having fun, you know, like a game is supposed to be.

Oh also, depending on what they're doing with forge, I'll be totally up in that =P.

(But I might give the Arena a try...Just a peek...)

You can have fun and enjoy the game while being competitive.

I really hope they change the name from "sword base" to something else.

[MNM1245]

I think they will. I mean really Sword Base? No way it's staying that.

[wiggums]

I don't even see myself playing matchmaking in reach.

Ever.

[Zackj191]

I don't even see myself playing matchmaking in reach.

Ever.


Boohoo let's all cry about how Pros can go play in their own playlists while we play normal playlists without them.

[MNM1245]

I don't even see myself playing matchmaking in reach.

Ever.

WTF WHY?!

[MNM1245]

So I was listening to this new Bungie Podcast. Some interesting info.

-Elites are much bigger targets but have more shields and health
-Armor abilities can be turned off as an option
-Executions, assassinations and melees
--Executions are holding the melee button I assume and you will do a very awesome looking melee(Stabbing shown in the trailers)
--Assassinations are like Halo 3 just a back smack I guess
--Melee is the normal bash to the face
-Falling damage is back and it sounds like it might be a gametype option that can be raised or lowered...idk
-The DMR and Magnum both take 5 shots to kill a shielded spartan. Elites take 1 more round. Differences are fire rate and accuracy
-You get stunned when you hit the ground after a large enough fall

They talk about making maps and how the use something similar to Forge but it isn't forge. I don't know how to explain but it sounds like a hint that Forge is in.

There was quite a bit of info but I can't remember. But it is a podcast worth listening to for sure.

[DimmestBread]

So I was listening to this new Bungie Podcast. Some interesting info.

-Elites are much bigger targets but have more shields and health
-Armor abilities can be turned off as an option
-Executions, assassinations and melees
--Executions are holding the melee button I assume and you will do a very awesome looking melee(Stabbing shown in the trailers)
--Assassinations are like Halo 3 just a back smack I guess
--Melee is the normal bash to the face
-Falling damage is back and it sounds like it might be a gametype option that can be raised or lowered...idk
-The DMR and Magnum both take 5 shots to kill a shielded spartan. Elites take 1 more round. Differences are fire rate and accuracy.

They talk about making maps and how the use something similar to Forge but it isn't forge. I don't know how to explain but it sounds like a hint that Forge is in.

There was quite a bit of info but I can't remember. But it is a podcast worth listening to for sure.

Some nice info although some repetitive, like elites have more health, there are assassinations and beatdowns and the elaborate kill thing and forge being in. I'm liking the fact fall damage is back though.

[MNM1245]

I'm liking the fact fall damage is back though.

Apparently the fall damage is very very little though. Like falling from max jet pack height will not do very much.

Oh and another thing I remembered them saying was that you get stunned for a second after hitting the ground hard from a jetpack fall or another high drop. That's cool.

[Coyote1023]

Apparently the fall damage is very very little though. Like falling from max jet pack height will not do very much.

Oh and another thing I remembered them saying was that you get stunned for a second after hitting the ground hard from a jetpack fall or another high drop. That's cool.

Makes sense, kinda like brutes in Halo 3. That will also make jetpacks take skill, if you spend over half your fuel in flight, you could fall to your death :o

[MNM1245]

I don't know if anyones noticed how I always hear about this new info first. It's cause Twitter is freaking beast.

http://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/03/31/exclusive-interview-on-the-halo-reach-sandbox.aspx
interview about reach.

DON'T READ THE REST OF THE POST IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS AND ARE READING THE ARTICLE YOURSELF!







They talk about a bunch of new stuff including the new covenant weapon called the Focus Rifle. I think it's the covenant sentinel laser thing from the trailer.

Edit: They say that this focus rifle gun won't be included in loadouts or anything because it is a semi power weapon. Does this mean you can pick weapons?!

Edit2: Grenade launcher feature sounds sick. You can manually detonate a grenade by holding the trigger and it detonates when you let go!!!

Edit3: I just keep reading on and I get the grenade launcher can be included in loadouts?! Apparantly it's not much of a power weapon... and apparantly you can pick guns for loadouts.

Edit 4: New weapon, Plasma Repeater. Covenant version of the AR. As it overheats rate of fire slows but accuracy increases? Cool.

Edit 5: Shield and health are seperate. Like if you have a sniper that does 20 points of damage and the guy has 10 points of shield and 5 points of health you can't to 10 take the shield out and 10 on his health. You need to take the shield out and then the health is still unaffected. Read the article if you don't understand.

Edit 6: No new vehicles in the beta. We have to wait till fall to get a seat in the falcon and the other secret vehicles. The two people being interviewed favourite vehicle is something still secret. It must be some good stuff.

EDIT 7: LOADOUTS LET YOU PICK FROM A SET OF WEAPONS AND ARMOR ABILITIES! Oh boy. Check the Bungie Reach forums. The fucking apocalypse has begun. (Read next edit)

EDIT 8: Oh wait wait just one minute. No CUSTOM LOADOUTS. Bungie gives you a handful of default loadouts depending on the gametype/map. Ok that isn't too bad. In Custom games you can pick the loadouts for yourself.

Edit 9: Everything is unlocked right away other than armor upgrades which are purely visual. Not all armor abilities and weapons will be available on each class though.

Edit 10:
http://gameinformer.com/resized-image.ashx/__size/610x0/__key/CommunityServer.Blogs.Components.WeblogFiles/00.00.00.00.09/0410.Ability_2D00_Armor_2D00_Lock.jpg
"Armor Lock is a newly announced ability reminiscent of the old bubble shield

HAMRICK: An ability that we haven’t talked about yet is Armor Lock. It’s kind of a throwback to the old school bubble shield but you always have it on your person and it’s intended to keep you safe. It’s kind of like a block. If your opponent closes on you with a shotgun or is about to land a melee blow or run you over with a vehicle, you can engage Armor Lock and become temporarily invulnerable. You can’t move, aim, or shoot. You’re stuck there, but you can’t be killed. You can do that up to three times on one charge or you can do one sustained lock for a few seconds."

Armor lock also has a knockback and EMP effect.

Edit 11: Evade is available for Elites. You can roll around and stuff. It also sheds a lock-on when it's active.(Lock-On? Is that radar or something new?)

Edit 12: Active Camo decreases energy faster if you're moving faster. Also the faster you move the more visible you are. Also you have a radar jamming effect to nearby enemies.

Edit 13: These few parts really make it sound fairly balanced

"
MERRILL: All of the abilities really change the feel of a fight! Some have different impacts depending on the situation you’re going into. This is one of the reasons load-outs are interesting because you can switch it up. As the game changes, you can change your ability accordingly. Currently there is no one thing that everyone is taking. It ebbs and flows a lot over the course of a match.

HAMRICK: Yeah I can use Sprint and a sword to come at you like a freight train or I could use Sprint to run away from you when you’re coming at me with a sword.

MERRILL: And then I would use Armor Lock on him as he’s about to hit me with the sword and stun him and then come out and unload my shotgun."

Edit 14: Done. WANT MORE!

[cory21]

I find choosing your own class interesting. Maybe Bungie will make certain classes for individual maps. The Plasma Repeater looks awesome, although i hope they still keep the Plasma Rifle in the game. Also, I saw pics of the Laser, is it still in?...

[Letol]

Loadouts sound retarded, though I'm probably completely biased due to Modern Warfare 2. Plus, there goes traditionally completely and absolutely balanced Halo. Waiting for the beta so I can see how everything is going to work out, Bungie always tends to surprise me. Come to think of it, I didn't like the idea of equipment in Halo 3 when they first announced it...

What've we got now, 1 month until the beta and the destruction of our doubts?

[MNM1245]

I find choosing your own class interesting. Maybe Bungie will make certain classes for individual maps. The Plasma Repeater looks awesome, although i hope they still keep the Plasma Rifle in the game. Also, I saw pics of the Laser, is it still in?...

Not choosing your own class really. Choosing one of Bungies presets. And yes they said the Laser is still in and basically unchanged gameplay wise.


Loadouts sound retarded, though I'm probably completely biased due to Modern Warfare 2. Plus, there goes traditionally completely and absolutely balanced Halo. Waiting for the beta so I can see how everything is going to work out, Bungie always tends to surprise me. Come to think of it, I didn't like the idea of equipment in Halo 3 when they first announced it...

What've we got now, 1 month until the beta and the destruction of our doubts?

I think that total Custom loadouts was dumb but the idea of pre chosen loadouts for each map sounds fine to me. Not like Bungie is going to put like the rocket with a sniper as a loadout. I think that they're really going to limit what guns are in loadouts too so that none are overpowered.

Think about it though Letol. Imagine playing Battlefield Bad Company 2 just like today and each of us (You, Sideways, and I) was one class. I was a medic, you were an Engineer, and Sideways was an Assault. We all work together as a team. This is what Bungie is going for and I think that this class based system is really going to help provoke more teamwork from players that search the "Playing to Win" social setting.

Bungie is good at balancing and it seems like they put a lot of effort into it. I'm sure they'll even include a playlist called like "Old School" for people like you to relive Halo 3's glory days where there is only one loadout to pick.

Overall Letol I think that Bungie is going to be making the classes very balanced so that even if one class has the sniper or something not everyone is going to snipe because then you'll get owned by another class. You need to have all your classes working together to be an effective team. I think that after using classes the portfolio that each player gets over his playing career will be assigned a specific class for competitive play. So like if my Service Record says I'm a support player I might be handling the DMR or the Focus Rifle class and staying back but not too far. Just far enough so I can be helping the front line players with the AR's or Shotguns get the kills. The fact that you get awarded for not just kills but also assists will help people be more supportive of each other and I think it will eliminate people that go Lone Wolf and run out alone. People will get their specific roles and they'll use them effectively as a team together.

Ok am I spelling loadout wrong? Everytime it is underlined by Firefox.

[Letol]

Yeah, I figure they'll get it right, which is exactly why I said that May 3rd would also be the destruction of my doubts lol.

[MNM1245]

Yeah, I figure they'll get it right, which is exactly why I said that May 3rd would also be the destruction of my doubts lol.

I'm thinking the Beta might be a little bit of overpowered classes and then they'll realize which of their default classes are overpowered and just change them.

I always enjoyed playing Forge maps with class selection like active camo, a sword, and a radar jammer as one class. That was fun so I can't imagine how great this could be.

[cory21]

Here's hoping for player-created loadouts in custom games.

[Coyote1023]

In matchmaking this is something Bungie will configure but in custom games, players will be able to define their own load-out options.

Matchmaking will be fine.

players will be able to define their own load-out options

This part leads me to assume that like Bungie in matchmaking, the creators of gametypes or maps can choose the loadouts.

[Null Parameter]

This part leads me to assume that like Bungie in matchmaking, the creators of gametypes or maps can choose the loadouts.
That was my assumption as well. And I'm sure they'll have an option to not have loadouts at all (which is actually the equivalent of people all starting with the same loadout, containing no armor ability).

[cory21]

Here some ideas I had for loadouts:

Airborne:
Weapon: Assault Rifle
Secondary: Magnum
AA: Jetpack

Assault:
Weapon: Assault Rifle
Secondary: Shotgun
AA: Lockdown

Marksman:
Primary: Assault Rifle
Secondary: DMR
AA: Sprint

Sentry:
Primary: Assault Rifle
Secondary: Grenade Launcher
AA: Sprint

Spec Ops Elite:
Primary: Plasma Repeater
Secondary: Plasma Pistol
AA: Active Camo

Honor Guard:
Primary: Needle Rifle
Secondary: Plasma Rifle
AA: Evade

That was fun.

[MNM1245]

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/108/1082381p1.html

5 page article on the Beta maps and gametypes and other stuff.

[Coyote1023]

IGN: Will the available loadout choices vary depending upon which map you play on or is it only limited to gametype?

Chris Carney: Currently loadout palettes are unique per game type and configurable by our designers, so there are no environment restrictions. Get ready for lift off!


BAM! Called it!

[MNM1245]

BAM! Called it!

Called what? We already knew that you could change loadouts for each gametype and stuff...lawl

[Coyote1023]

That it would be per gametype, not map.

[MNM1245]

That it would be per gametype, not map.

They said that in the last interview that I posted with Game Informer. They didn't say it but they said something like "But if you wanted a gametype to start with rockets loadouts you could do that"

[Null Parameter]

Beta Gametypes Article

Chances are, if you're the kind of person who downloads the Halo: Reach (http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=3171232) multiplayer beta right on May 3, you're going to notice something a bit quirkier. I'm not talking about the obvious changes that Reach brings to Halo (http://www.1up.com/do/search?term=Halo)'s multiplayer, such as Armor Abilities or melee assassinations. I'm talking about the fact that when you're not jumping into the usual Slayer or King of the Hill matches, you're suddenly playing new game modes like, "Headhunter" or "Invasion." With just a few weeks to go before the beta opens up to Halo 3: ODST (http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=3169382) owners, Bungie has finally detailed some of the new modes debuting in the beta. In a recent chat with multiplayer designers Lars Bakken and Derek Carroll, I note that some of these modes are not the kinds of things you'd see in a Halo title, and whether their existence is proof of a sort of, "let's go crazy by throwing all of these new modes' mental. Carroll replies, "I don't think we went crazy on purpose to go out with a bang, although we certainly are. We just said, 'okay, Slayer, CTF, King of the Hill, those are great, let's lock those up and put them aside. Now what else? What can we have?' And then came up with some fun stuff to do in the space."

(http://www.1up.com/do/media?cId=3171232&sec=IMAGES)http://www.1up.com/media?id=3804527&type=lg (http://www.1up.com/do/media?cId=3171232&sec=IMAGES)
Click the image above to check out all Halo: Reach screens.


Bakken describes the basic distribution of modes-to-maps with, "You'll see variety on Powerhouse or Sword Base because those are our 'Slayer maps' or our 'party game maps.' We can't say much about Boneyard or Invasion, and yea, Overlook is specifically for Generator Defense (or 'Network Test 1 Beta' as we call it)." With that in mind, here's a basic breakdown of the new modes that the Halo Reach multiplayer beta will be introducing.

Headhunter

The official Bungie description is, "a new 'party' game [...] where the goal is to collect and capture the most skulls." Basically, players drop a skull upon death, and you just want to scoop that skull and carry it to a designated skull deposit zone (that actually moves around the map). You can carry multiple skulls, but here's a warning: if you're killed before scoring, then you drop all the skulls you had. In fact, Carroll points out, "you have a nice navpoint over your head showing everyone in the game how many skulls you are carrying. When you have ten, then that actually shows up as a flashing star or VIP waypoint, to let everybody know you're the one guy to go after."
Though, unlike carrying the flag, Carroll points out, "there are no downsides to skull carrying other than the danger of dying and turning over your hard-earned loot to the enemy." In fact, you have full access to weapons and abilities while skull-slinging. Community Director Brian Jarrard provides a pro-tip with, "Sprint is super-useful for Headhunter -- it helps close that distance between your foot in the zone and scoring, versus dying just short of the goal and losing all of your skulls."

(http://www.1up.com/do/media?cId=3171232&sec=IMAGES)http://www.1up.com/media?id=3804528&type=lg (http://www.1up.com/do/media?cId=3171232&sec=IMAGES)
Click the image above to check out all Halo: Reach screens.


By default, Headhunter is a free-for-all affair, though Carroll says, "There is [also] a team version of Headhunter that allows for a bit more specialization: one guy can snipe and suppress, while his teammate scoops up skulls and sprints to the score zone."
When discussing Headhunter's genesis, Carroll quips, "So I technically wasn't around when Headhunter started on Reach, but there have been games like Headhunters in other first-person shooters and games, and this is just our spin on it." He concludes, "There's nothing quite like almost scoring 10 skulls and being struck down, and having to watch those skulls bounce away from your dead body."

Stockpile

This is, "another 'party' gametype that is sort of like Territories meets with Capture the Flag." That is, both teams are racing to capture four neutral flags that spawn on the map and successfully return them to their respective (and active) capture points. Carroll elaborates, "Stockpile flags appear randomly throughout the map at pre-set flag-spawn points. Experienced players will learn the ten or so spots they can appear in the Beta maps, but they won?t be able to predict which ones will be used at any given time."
It's worth noting that points aren't scored instantly once you drop a flag down. You actually have to have the flag at your capture point once a timed countdown has passed. Carroll notes, "Every 60 seconds, any flag inside the capture point will be scored for that team -- even ones being carried by enemies!" He further describes the time breakdown as, "The clock is always running, so in a ten minute game, it scores ten times. So it's the bottom of every minute. [...] There's definitely an ebb-and-flow, and a real spike in intensity and an, 'oh my God get the flag over there' type of feeling." Bakken further points out the time pressure by noting, "If you see the other team holding three flags and there's 30 seconds left, you better start sending a couple dudes over to at least get them out of the capture point when the time runs out."

(http://www.1up.com/do/media?cId=3171232&sec=IMAGES)http://www.1up.com/media?id=3804529&type=lg (http://www.1up.com/do/media?cId=3171232&sec=IMAGES) Click the image above to check out all Halo: Reach screens.


In terms of personal tactics and tips, Carroll jokes that his teammates who tend to be Slayer-players will be busy shooting each other while he himself serves as flagrunner; Bakken meanwhile plays more on the defensive side. Jarrard details a particularly handy tactic for defense players like Bakken: "Sometimes, depending on the map, I find pretty good success with either getting a shotgun, or a sword, and Armor Lock, and lurk on top of my flag spot. How you pair your weapons and Armor Abilities can radically affect how well your team scores or defends."


Generator Defense

This is where Halo Reach feels more distinct and objective-driven. In Bungie's words, this mode, "pits three Spartans against three Elites. The Elites are trying to destroy three generators before time runs out while the Spartans are trying to defend." When I point out that Elites are fast and tall foes with superior healing, Bakken replies, "Elites may be faster, bigger, and 'healthier' to use your words, but they are also easier to hit, and Spartans have the advantage of being in a pretty well defended position." He further points out that Generator Defense (or as Bungie calls it, "Network Test 1") always plays as, "two rounds of five minutes apiece," with teams switching from Spartans to Elites and vice-versus per round (so players can experience both perspectives). Of course, if the Elites destroy the generators in just three minutes, then the round ends.

(http://www.1up.com/do/media?cId=3171232&sec=IMAGES)http://www.1up.com/media?id=3804530&type=lg (http://www.1up.com/do/media?cId=3171232&sec=IMAGES)
Click the image above to check out all Halo: Reach screens.


Bakken continues, "This [mode] takes place exclusively on Overlook in the Beta. Defenders have the superior position at the top of a hill, with Attackers trying to claw their way up it." He then describes what happens when a match begins: "We call in a weapon drop where a Longsword flies over and drops off three random power weapons in different random locations on the map. Each weapon pod has a random chance of being a Spartan Laser, a Sniper rifle, or a Rocket Launcher. And those are evenly distributed around the map so that both Spartans and Elites have an equal access to them. So in the beginning, not only are the Spartans running to generators, but people are just running to get the power weapons." On the topic of what gear players will have, he further notes, "In general, the Loadouts are designed to be shared across multiple modes, but you'll definitely see some surprises in this [mode]. They are more in line with the final stage of an Invasion game, which means it?s pretty crazy from the beginning. Add in the [aforementioned] dynamic Weapon Drop, and you get some nice variety."
Besides the natural layout and whatever weapons get scrounged up, the Spartans on defense have an additional mechanic: the ability to lock down a generator. Bakken explains, "the act of locking down a generator is simple, because we wanted people to pick it up quickly. You walk up to an unlocked generator as a Spartan and press 'X' to lock it down (Elites obviously can't lock them down). The invulnerability lasts for approximately 30 seconds. It sounds like a long time, but when you have three different gennies on the map, and only five minutes to defend all of them... it gets intense. There's also a brief cool-down period when the lock expires before you can re-lock again, which creates some additional tension during that window of vulnerability."
When I ask about the small three-versus-three player count, Bakken replies, "It's [...] true Generator Defense is a little more intimate, but even with only six players on the map you'll see some intense fighting. Most of the action happens around the generators themselves, since they are the focal point of the gametype." I ask Bakken to describe a "typical match" to illustrate that last point, and he replies, "[Our strategy] constantly changes. Because it's three players on each team, and three generators, the first thing we tend to do is split up. Like one guy will go lock down a generator. But the moment one Spartan goes down, it becomes harder to hold onto anything. Sometimes, all three Elites will rush and attack one generator at a time, or they'll wait to exploit the cooldown of a locked generator. There's not a really good universal defense besides communicating with your team."

http://www.1up.com/media?id=3804531&type=lg (http://www.1up.com/do/media?cId=3171232&sec=IMAGES)
Click the image above to check out all Halo: Reach screens.


Invasion

This is the fourth and final game mode in the beta, and also the one that Bungie is still being tight-lipped about until we're a little closer to launch. Carroll's one-line quip is, "It's a vehicle-full frenzy!" In fact, this mode and its accompanying map (Boneyard) is the only map in the beta that features vehicles. "[It's] packed to the gills with vehicle combat," says Carroll, who continues with, "It's really big -- nice and spacious to drive around in. A little bit bigger than Sandtrap even." Other scant details about Invasion are that it's a six-versus-six match, and as mentioned earlier while describing the Loadouts for Generator Defense, it seems to be a multi-stage affair that will utilize some heavy firearms during the end.
And there you have it: the new multiplayer modes for Halo Reach that you can play for yourself during the beta. For you traditionalists, there are modes and variants such as Slayer, King of the Hill, one-flag CTF, and three-plot Territories (a purposeful return to Halo 2 (http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=2005815)-style Territories). Heck, there's even a Slayer Pro variant, where your only ability is Sprint, you don't have a motion tracker, and you start with either a Designated Marksman Rifle or a Needle Rifle.
As my time with Bungie winds down, I ask Jarrard how players will actually be seeing and jumping into these modes, and he answers, "There will be five different playlists active at different points during the public beta -- so not everything will be available day one. But as the beta progresses, more playlists will come online. You'll have Arena stuff, you'll have Free-for-All, you'll have Grab Bag which is a mix of different game types, and you'll have the Invasion and Network Test 1 playlists." The final schedule is up in the air, so you have an equal chance of either jumping into a Generator Defense or an Invasion match, depending on which one Bungie picks. Keep an eye out for more impressions of Halo Reach's multiplayer before it hits beta for everyone else on May 3.


[1UP (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=0&cId=3178811&p=)]

[cory21]

http://www.1up.com/media/03/8/0/4/lg/547.jpg

OMG, the assault rifle looks epic.

[Zak]

http://www.1up.com/media/03/8/0/4/lg/547.jpg

OMG, the assault rifle looks epic.

Where have you been? I don't mean to beat you down, but we've known about the new assault rifle for about 2 months now.

[Rifte]

it looks like a BAMF in that picture though D:

[MNM1245]

Ya I know I love the AR's look now. I can't wait for this beta either. Holy crap. I'm faking sick on the Monday so I can stay home and play this lol

I don't know how I feel about Stockpile. It sounds like interesting but not anything totally innovative...

[cory21]

Where have you been? I don't mean to beat you down, but we've known about the new assault rifle for about 2 months now.
...

I know what the Assault Rifle looks like, believe me, I've been following Reach.

What I mean is look how much more detailed it has become since that GI magazine:

http://www.1up.com/media/03/7/8/4/lg/935.jpghttp://www.1up.com/media/03/8/0/4/lg/547.jpg

[MNM1245]

So idk if anyone watched GTTV for the Halo: Reach info but damn. Invasion looks sweet. The maps are a bit larger than Sandtrap and are divided into three stages. Each team gets a vehicle bay and you can spawn on team mates, at the vehicle bay, or at another spawn point. So much like Rush in BFBC2 but I think that each section of the map will be the size of The Pit maybe? That would explain why the teams are only 6v6 cause you're not on the whole large map at once. I think the squad spawning will also keep the action fast paced and intense. It's one in the morning and I'm having problems remembering stuff. http://www.gametrailers.com/index.php?& said at the end of the show to go here for the videos but I don't think it will show up until West Coasters have finished watching this(4 AM EST) so check that in the morning for the footage. Oh ya on their site they have a countdown to 4 AM EST so ya you can wait or whatever.

[fireskull66325]

Phantom confirmed in one form or another in multiplayer.

http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu251/fireskull66325/Phantom.png

You are welcome :)

[Kenny M]

http://www.gametrailers.com/episode/gametrailers-tv/89?sd=1&ch=1

The GTTV thing for Reach. Might have to skip around to skip the other games but omg epic. just EPIC.

[GodlyPerfection]

Just finished watching the reach part... I'm going to have to go back through it to pick it apart a bit. But yes, kenny OMGWTF epic. Heading back to bed. Night peepz... we shall converse in the morning.

[Boston]

Just watched the Reach part...I gotta say it looks so awesome right now! So I still don't have the best idea of what Invasion is.

What do you get to choose what part of the maps you spawn at and it is more squad based?

[Null Parameter]

Just watched the Reach part...I gotta say it looks so awesome right now! So I still don't have the best idea of what Invasion is.

What do you get to choose what part of the maps you spawn at and it is more squad based?
Both, kinda.

[Bartoge]

Just watched the Reach part...I gotta say it looks so awesome right now! So I still don't have the best idea of what Invasion is.

What do you get to choose what part of the maps you spawn at and it is more squad based?

It looks like Reach is a 6v6 Spartans vs Elites territory gametype with a focus on team work and vehicles. It also seems to resemble gold rush in a way where instead of the crates you have to destroy you just capture territories. In addition there might be like several sets of territories and when each set is captured a new set is opened meaning more of the map is available for play.

[Rifte]

It's still halo. You can't spawn on people who are currently in combat.

[Tim]

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/3923/comparison.png

This comparison makes Halo 3 so god damn old.

Also the shield lock looks badass:

http://i41.tinypic.com/23lyrza.jpg

[cory21]

Bunch of screenshots:
Covenant B, Covenant C, and Your team? (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV123.png)
Plasma Effects look amazing (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV127.png)
Vault opened, steal the core (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV129.png)
Camo ability (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV130.png)
Massive overhead view (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV136.png)
Human classes (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV143.png)
Current Spawn position (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV144.png)
Covenant classes (missing one) (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV147.png)
Covenant Chaingun? (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV157.png)
Armor Lock (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV40.png)
AR sparks (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV6.png)
Push on the Refinery! Unlock the core! (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV75.png)
Elite Execution (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV8.png)
Armor Lock (again) (http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/Naamloos.png)

[MNM1245]

Let me help you out with those :) Some have white borders. Ask cory not me.


1.Covenant B, Covenant C, and Your team?
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV123.png

2.Plasma Effects look amazing
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV127.png

3.Vault opened, steal the core
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV129.png

4.Camo ability
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV130.png

5.Massive overhead view
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV136.png

6.Human classes
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV143.png

7.Current Spawn position
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV144.png

8.Covenant classes (missing one)
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV147.png

9.Covenant Chaingun?
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV157.png

10.Armor Lock
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV40.png

11.AR sparks
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV6.png

12.Push on the Refinery! Unlock the core!
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV75.png

13.Elite Execution
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/HaloReachGTTV8.png

14.Armor Lock (again)
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m346/Alienvsbon/Naamloos.png



My opinions:

Notice how there is Invasion and Invasion Slayer. I think Invasion has you capturing points much like Rush in Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and unlocking new areas but Invasion Slayer has new areas unlocked at timed events.

Pic 6. Notice how you pick spawn areas with the D Pad. I hope you can still view team mates after death. I always loved that feature.

Pic 7. Is that barrier possibly a one way door so that enemies can't come in and spawn kill the spawn hive? Also now that you can pick a spawn location can you still place spawn points in Forge? Is this what placing a spawn area thing does now? Interesting to think about.

Pic 9. Probably not a Covie chaingun that is like on a class. Probably a ripped off turret.

Pic 10. The tanks lights make me wonder if by building an enclosed box in Forge it will actually be pitch black like it should. I hope so. Placing lighting on maps could make for such stealthy gameplay. Especially if you can turn gamertags over enemies and red crosshairs off in Gametype settings(Basically Cold Blooded Pro from MW2 lol) With all that stuff lurking in the shadows would be so FUN! I love stealth and the idea of this just makes me so excited.

Pic 11, Notice the symbol there is like a Care Package or something. What does that mean? It's invasion slayer. Notice how his team mate above has the same symbol over his head. I think that you might see peoples emblems inside that circle or something but idk...maybe an ammo resupply point?

Pic 14. Notice how it says Territory captured but the gametype is Invasion Slayer. Slaying is your primary objective but you can capture territories to make the map a larger playing field?

[cory21]

MNM, I posted links so the pictures didn't cover the whole page. Also, the pics weren't mine, I found them on a random B.net post that had 150+ pics, and just picked out a few that were interesting.

Thanks for trying to help though...

[MNM1245]

Could you link the post for me. And I know I'd rather scroll past images than click each link and I think most others would as well. So ya could you link that post if you can find it.

[Rifte]

ohai
(http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=43041564)

[MNM1245]

"During the preview, they also revealed that the Forge editor mode will be included in Halo: Reach but will not be available in the beta."

From Here (http://gameinformer.com/games/halo_reach/b/xbox360/archive/2010/04/21/halo-reach-multiplayer-beta-hands-on-preview.aspx) Third page first paragraph.

So in case anyone was still wondering.

[Time Glitch]

I am too excited for this. Someone needs to slap me or something.

[Null Parameter]

YouTube- Halo Reach - Carnage Carnivale ViDoc

~5:40

"We have what we call the 'Party Games'. We have Race, we have Oddball, we have King of the Hill."

"We have Race"

"Race"

OMG! Base racing gametype?!

[Boston]

Holy fuck Null thank you for posting that. Fucking EPIC I cannot wait any longer for Reach!!!

[MNM1245]

What like 10 days now? This next week is going to be brutally long. I can already tell.

[Null Parameter]

Viddler.com - Halo: Reach Pre-Beta -- Customizing Armor - Uploaded by Joystiq@@AMEPARAM@@http://www.viddler.com/player/e02080c2/@@AMEPARAM@@e02080c2/

Viddler.com - Halo: Reach Pre-Beta -- Controls & Theater Mode - Uploaded by Joystiq@@AMEPARAM@@http://www.viddler.com/player/ebc473c5/@@AMEPARAM@@ebc473c5/

Viddler.com - Halo: Reach Pre-Beta -- Abilities & Arsenal - Uploaded by Joystiq@@AMEPARAM@@http://www.viddler.com/player/b07f1587/@@AMEPARAM@@b07f1587/

Viddler.com - Halo: Reach Pre-Beta -- Comparing Halo - Uploaded by Joystiq@@AMEPARAM@@http://www.viddler.com/player/2c787a79/@@AMEPARAM@@2c787a79/

Viddler.com - Halo: Reach Pre-Beta -- Map: 'Boneyard' - Uploaded by Joystiq@@AMEPARAM@@http://www.viddler.com/player/d2d83b7b/@@AMEPARAM@@d2d83b7b/

Viddler.com - Halo: Reach Pre-Beta -- Map: 'Powerhouse' - Uploaded by Joystiq@@AMEPARAM@@http://www.viddler.com/player/6076a3f9/@@AMEPARAM@@6076a3f9/

Viddler.com - Halo: Reach Pre-Beta -- Map: 'Sword Base' - Uploaded by Joystiq@@AMEPARAM@@http://www.viddler.com/player/274c658b/@@AMEPARAM@@274c658b/

[Kenny M]

^ Epic Null. Epic.