Bungie: Brute Shot, Needler much improved for Halo 3
- April 03, 2007 17:00 PM PST
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We recently chatted with Bungie.net's content producer, Frank O' Connor, with some big questions about Halo 3. Here's a partial transcript; check the April issue of GamePro for more details!
Single-player Questions
Including the Arbiter as a playable character was a controversial move in Halo 2. Is it possible Halo 3 will include another playable character besides M.C.?
Of course it's possible. Anything's possible. But I think that aspect of the game will be pretty interesting, maybe even newsworthy.
What kinds of changes have been made to enemy A.I.?
The most visible difference when you play will be the sheer number of characters you fight. Battling teeming hordes of bad guys in huge, complex arenas will be one of the most defining characteristics of the game. How they behave and how they fight will probably cement those memories. We've built on the strengths of the last two games, fixed and improved some of the "old" characters, and innovated completely in some instances. Encounters -- single battles against packs and individuals, are going to define campaign.
Does the returning Assault Rifle replace the SMG altogether? Does it function as a close-range weapon, or does it feature any long-distance capabilities? If so, is it intended to replace the Battle Rifle as well?
SMGs are still there, tweaked slightly, but not dramatically. The purpose of the AR is to fill a void, or rather, a vital role. A weapon that is not only useful to spawn with, but is flexible and powerful enough that you might stick with it rather than favoring another type of weapon. The proof of that pudding is that AR-only games of Slayer are absolutely fun and satisfying. That weapon will be honed to a glossy sheen by launch, but bluntly, it's about perfect right now. That of course is an opinion, but believe me, it's balanced by knowing what our audience wants.
How will grenades work? Will M.C. be able to carry four of each grenade -- 4 x 4 = 16, correct? -- or will players have to choose which to carry?
Players will have plentiful grenade options. More on that soon. But grenades have an added layer of strategy this time around. Picking role-specific nades is important, but silkily natural.
What can you tell us about the "Spiker" weapon? Is it a precision-based weapon? Does it replace the Brute Shot?
The Brute Spike Rifle will be revealed in more detail soon. It can be dual-wielded by the Chief and can be thought of, loosely, as a Brute version of the SMG - albeit nastier in tone. The Brute Shot is being tuned for great justice in Halo 3 and is almost certain to return.
What changes have been made to the Needler? Does it still have the "instant death" attack?
The Needler has gone through significant changes. I'll call them improvements. The instant death attack - filling your opponent with a certain number of consecutive crystal-shards - is being tuned. But yes, it will still assplode your face.
Multiplayer Questions
Will there be any significant changes from Halo 2's matchmaking system? Are you leaning towards a more server browser-based structure, ala Gears of War and Vegas?
We are still building the core game around matchmaking, but we will give players more options and greater flexibility this time around. Although this has its drawbacks, I think that most Live players appreciate the way Halo 2 matchmaking works, and will enjoy the improvements vastly.
Will we see any returning favorite multiplayer maps from Halo 2? Would you mind naming some you're considering? (please say Lockout, please say Lockout...)
You won't see anything identical, but you might see something familiar.
Are any online Co-Op plans in the works? What about other online modes?
What is a co-op? We'll do our best to make the online experience a blast.
Lastly, any word on when the online beta is schedule to go live? How will this process work? Any word on how large the file may be?
The file will be exactly 873.46 megs and...I'm kidding. Still being figured out, but we'll keep you posted.
