As was foretold, we've added advertisements to the forums! If you have questions, or if you encounter any bugs, please visit this thread: https://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/240191/forum-advertisement-faq-and-reports-thread/
We're funding a new Acquisitions Incorporated series on Kickstarter right now! Check it out at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pennyarcade/acquisitions-incorporated-the-series-2

[HALO] is dead.

18182848687100

Posts

  • sPider817sPider817 Registered User, ClubPA regular
    cB557 wrote: »
    I have a clip of me on a game of Invasion: Spire. It's the third phase, I grab the snipes, and the enemy Banshee all of a sudden somes around the corner, hugging the ground for some reason. I sprint into a man cannon, and the Banshee follows me up. I drop three rounds into it on the way up, and when I land, I figure I need to keep moving because the banshee is right behind me, so I jump off the edge, dropping my last round into the banshee on the way down, killing it. And I hadn't really looked before I leaped, so I figure I'm a goner, but then I get lucky and hit one of the lifts. It was awesome.
    I love those "action movie" moments. It's why I prefer shooters to all other genres.

    Battlenet: s314der#1279 XBL: s314der YouTube
    Twitch Wed-Sun, 2-5pm CST
  • cB557cB557 voOOP Registered User regular
    I personally wouldn't go that far, largely because I'd feel like a meathead if I did. (not to say that you are, just that I'd feel like I was one) But yeah, it feels great when you pull off something insane that you figured would get you killed. The closer to death you are at the end the better. But I also want a game with a good story. I'm fairly confident that 343 has gameplay down, but I'll probably wait until I can hear whether the story is better before I get 5.

  • sPider817sPider817 Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited September 2013
    Was on Waterworks on Halo 2, having a Banshee dogfight in the middle. I bailed from my Banshee and jacked the enemy's, booting him into the abyss. After the match, he sent me a message saying "That was some John Woo shit!". Made my night.
    Damn I miss playing Halo/any MP with a consistent crew.

    sPider817 on
    Battlenet: s314der#1279 XBL: s314der YouTube
    Twitch Wed-Sun, 2-5pm CST
    jerichotwofourcB557JusticeforPlutochiasaur11chasm
  • cB557cB557 voOOP Registered User regular
    There was another game of invasion on Spire, before I actually got good at the game. We were Elites, and it was the last phase. The core was near the capture point, and we were bunkered up in the rocks. The enemy team had the Banshee, of course, and were slaughtering any of us who left the drop shield. I find a grenade launcher on the ground, grab it, and EMP that Banshee. It drops out of the sky, off the cliff, and hits the hard kill.
    But yeah, your thing, that's officially cooler than anything I have.

  • cB557cB557 voOOP Registered User regular
    So, anyone hit CSR 50 on anything yet?

  • jerichotwofourjerichotwofour The artist formally known as S043. Registered User regular
    sPider817 wrote: »
    Was on Waterworks on Halo 2, having a Banshee dogfight in the middle. I bailed from my Banshee and jacked the enemy's, booting him into the abyss. After the match, he sent me a message saying "That was some John Woo shit!". Made my night.
    Damn I miss playing Halo/any MP with a consistent crew.

    I didn't realize that these forums had a "Bro?" option but if this isn't the post to use it on then god damn it I don't know what is.

    PSN: ZeroFourThree (PS3, PS4) | XBL: JerichoTwoFour (360, XB1)
    sPider817
  • cB557cB557 voOOP Registered User regular
    Yeah, they added it recently. I second that bro?.
    You got any good stories?

  • FyreWulffFyreWulff YouRegistered User, ClubPA regular
    Been playing Reach the past couple of days. Good times.

    Lots of skullfaces and armor effects these days, though. I swear every other game is half inheritors

  • cB557cB557 voOOP Registered User regular
    edited September 2013
    I seem to be at just that sweet spot of skill in Reach that the game seems to always match me with a team of incompetent players as my team against people probably a little worse than me but much better than the rest of my team.

    cB557 on
  • ArteenArteen Adept ValeRegistered User regular
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmwaOVX6m84
    Apparently theater mode works just fine in campaign, and 343i just chose not to enable it. Bah!

  • JusticeforPlutoJusticeforPluto Registered User regular
    Man, I did some epic shit in the Halo 3 campaign with my friends. I remember never being able to save the clip.

  • FyreWulffFyreWulff YouRegistered User, ClubPA regular
    Arteen wrote: »
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmwaOVX6m84
    Apparently theater mode works just fine in campaign, and 343i just chose not to enable it. Bah!

    It was cut and disabled due to showstopping bugs in the feature, and they cannot re-enable it.


    Also, Halo 3 is free on the 16th

  • FyreWulffFyreWulff YouRegistered User, ClubPA regular
    Halo 3 is free right now! I've made a thread for it. Anyone that needs help with Halo 3 should be pointed to there, and I'll help you.

    http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/183710/halo-3-there-and-back-again-free-on-live-for-gold-users-right-now

  • LCDXXLCDXX A flask of wood and glass Terre Haute, INRegistered User, ClubPA regular
    I'm just gonna cross-post this from the Hall - I hope that's kosher, but I thought some of the Old Bees might appreciate the update.
    LCDXX wrote: »
    FyreWulff wrote: »
    LCDXX, you are legally required to provide us with an updated progression pic of your kid with the Master Chief action figure
    I realize this is, like, 8 months overdue, @FyreWulff, but better late than never.

    Many of you old timers may recall 9 years ago that my wife and I were faced with tragedy that ultimately gave way to nothing less than a miracle. Since that time lightning has managed to strike twice for my infertile wife has she has since given us yet another miracle. Thankfully, history did not repeat itself and she managed to carry near full-term.

    I present Simon Otto and the Master Chief 9 years later as of November 6, 2013. And introducing little Ezra Nolan, age 16 months.

    image.jpg

    And for reference, here is the original pic of Simon at 4 weeks old having reached 1 pound, 14 ounces...
    DSC01409.jpg


    XBL: LCDXX | PSN: LCDXX | Steam: LCDXX
    SivrajNocrenjerichotwofourFyreWulffmightyspacepope
  • ArteenArteen Adept ValeRegistered User regular
    Well, that was the longest, most exhausting match of Halo Wars I've ever played. Just a few minutes shy of 4 hours. Unfortunately we lost, but it was a great match regardless. The highlight for me was when my team chopped their 3-star scarab in half with an energy wall.

    I'd love to see another Halo Wars. It might be simple compared to standard RTS's, but it's so much fun. <3

  • ArteenArteen Adept ValeRegistered User regular
    Spartan Assault came out for the Xbox One on the 23rd. I'll crosspost what I said in the holiday thread.
    Arteen wrote:
    I played through Spartan Assault and it's pretty fun, but $15 is asking too much for it. Even $10 would be a bit steep for what you get. The free-to-play-esque trappings (e.g. spending XP to buy one time use powerups) are disappointing, and the lack of co-op in the main campaign is a bummer. There is co-op, but it's in a separate mode that's only five missions total.

    As a huge Halo fan, I enjoyed it enough to not mind the price. The core gameplay is well-done and it looks and feels like a Halo game. You can carry a pair of weapons, throw grenades, use melee attacks, use a variety of armor abilities, man turrets, drive vehicles, and hijack. There are even a few skulls. The weapons all perform as you'd expect, as do the vehicles.

    There's a number of nods to previous (non-H4) games. There's dual-wieldable SMGs and focus rifles, wolverines, grizzly tanks, brutes, drones, Halo Wars style turrets and more. There are a few unexpected misses, such as a lack of warthogs or hunters, but the surprising amount of references to Halo Wars and other games more than makes up for it.

    I can't really recommend the game for the current price, but it's fun.

  • cB557cB557 voOOP Registered User regular
    Did they not get rid of the free to play stuff for the Xbox version?

  • KroenenKroenen Registered User regular
    cB557 wrote: »
    Did they not get rid of the free to play stuff for the Xbox version?

    Nope, its still there. I'm so sad I bought this. It should be $5 with this FTP crap. Also, online only co-op? For a top-down shooter? I know its a port of a tablet game, but still...

  • syndalissyndalis Getting Classy On the WallRegistered User, Loves Apple Products regular
    Kroenen wrote: »
    cB557 wrote: »
    Did they not get rid of the free to play stuff for the Xbox version?

    Nope, its still there. I'm so sad I bought this. It should be $5 with this FTP crap. Also, online only co-op? For a top-down shooter? I know its a port of a tablet game, but still...

    This is a title that is only 15 bucks because there is a dearth of other software on the system at the moment, and it gets people like me to buy in because there will be nothing new to play for another month.

    SW-4158-3990-6116
    Let's play Mario Kart or something...
  • NocrenNocren Lt Futz, Back in Action North CarolinaRegistered User regular
    Anyone wanna play some Halo 4?

    I've still never completed campaign, but I've got $10 and I kinda want the armor pack, but I'd like to actually play the game more then an hour a month

    newSig.jpg
  • cB557cB557 voOOP Registered User regular
    I could get you in on this one forum's next game night if you'd like.

  • tastydonutstastydonuts Registered User regular
    Kroenen wrote: »
    cB557 wrote: »
    Did they not get rid of the free to play stuff for the Xbox version?

    Nope, its still there. I'm so sad I bought this. It should be $5 with this FTP crap. Also, online only co-op? For a top-down shooter? I know its a port of a tablet game, but still...

    So... I haven't completed the original version yet, but I got gold stars on many of the levels and I haven't done a single microtransaction. Why is the FTP stuff even a problem in this particular game, especially given you can just as easily buy the power ups using the in-game currency, should you choose to do so.

    “I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
  • syndalissyndalis Getting Classy On the WallRegistered User, Loves Apple Products regular
    Kroenen wrote: »
    cB557 wrote: »
    Did they not get rid of the free to play stuff for the Xbox version?

    Nope, its still there. I'm so sad I bought this. It should be $5 with this FTP crap. Also, online only co-op? For a top-down shooter? I know its a port of a tablet game, but still...

    So... I haven't completed the original version yet, but I got gold stars on many of the levels and I haven't done a single microtransaction. Why is the FTP stuff even a problem in this particular game, especially given you can just as easily buy the power ups using the in-game currency, should you choose to do so.

    There has yet to be an xbox one game that NEEDS the micro transactions to be enjoyable, but there have been a few games with the option, and people are worried that it's a foot in the door for eventual "pay to win" format stuff hitting the platform.

    I think it's going to go the other way, and micro transactions like this are going to be reduced in the coming years, because the pushback has been so loud on the console platform.

    What works for free-99c games does not work for 15-60 dollar games. Should be obvious.

    SW-4158-3990-6116
    Let's play Mario Kart or something...
  • Local H JayLocal H Jay Registered User regular
    wow I was slightly interested in spartan assault but no local co-op? nevermind then...

    Xbox - Local H Jay
    PS - Local_H_Jay
    Sub me on Youtube
    And Twitch
  • tastydonutstastydonuts Registered User regular
    edited December 2013
    syndalis wrote: »
    Kroenen wrote: »
    cB557 wrote: »
    Did they not get rid of the free to play stuff for the Xbox version?

    Nope, its still there. I'm so sad I bought this. It should be $5 with this FTP crap. Also, online only co-op? For a top-down shooter? I know its a port of a tablet game, but still...

    So... I haven't completed the original version yet, but I got gold stars on many of the levels and I haven't done a single microtransaction. Why is the FTP stuff even a problem in this particular game, especially given you can just as easily buy the power ups using the in-game currency, should you choose to do so.

    There has yet to be an xbox one game that NEEDS the micro transactions to be enjoyable, but there have been a few games with the option, and people are worried that it's a foot in the door for eventual "pay to win" format stuff hitting the platform.

    I think it's going to go the other way, and micro transactions like this are going to be reduced in the coming years, because the pushback has been so loud on the console platform.

    What works for free-99c games does not work for 15-60 dollar games. Should be obvious.

    Eh, "because it doesn't need it" is a really weak answer to my question, and the fear-mongering of "pay to win becoming the norm" is pretty tired too. Microtransactions, much like DLC back in the day, is the scary new thing... and they're here to stay. Poorly implemented MTs won't be supported or their games won't be bought, just like with DLC. There's already many articles out there on how to properly implement and design MTs into a game model as well.

    While "free-99c" and "15-60" dollar games mean the same thing to me, the original Halo Spartan Assault was a "premium" priced title for the platform at 6.99, and people whined about the game having micros in it back then too, so yeah.

    tastydonuts on
    “I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
  • ArteenArteen Adept ValeRegistered User regular
    Even without real money transactions, exchanging earned credits for one-time-use powerups is a mechanic I don't like to see in any game. Especially since all of those powerups require credits to use. If I want to use the rocket launcher ever, that's 2000 credits for a single mission. And that's a lot of credits. If I accidentally die during the mission, those credits just go down the drain. It also means that these cool weapons and armor abilities aren't integrated into the missions in any interesting way (or at all).

    If the game wasn't designed around player-unfriendly mechanics like that, we probably would've gotten a better game.

    shoeboxjeddy
  • tastydonutstastydonuts Registered User regular
    Arteen wrote: »
    Even without real money transactions, exchanging earned credits for one-time-use powerups is a mechanic I don't like to see in any game. Especially since all of those powerups require credits to use. If I want to use the rocket launcher ever, that's 2000 credits for a single mission. And that's a lot of credits. If I accidentally die during the mission, those credits just go down the drain. It also means that these cool weapons and armor abilities aren't integrated into the missions in any interesting way (or at all).

    If the game wasn't designed around player-unfriendly mechanics like that, we probably would've gotten a better game.

    So, unless they changed it on the console, if you die on a mission and you've purchased a power-up you still have it active when you retry at the retry or quit prompt. You're also not charged another N xp/credits for that usage. Are you stating that you've died on the console version after using a power-up and lost it?

    The argument that those weapons aren't integrated into the game is pretty true though. You don't need the extra stuff to get through any of the missions, though they do make it much easier to gold star them.

    “I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
  • ArteenArteen Adept ValeRegistered User regular
    I did not know that. I assumed it was like other games that use that sort of system, where dying means I wasted my cash (Mass Effect 3 MP, for example). That's not terrible. Regardless, 1000+ XP for a single use weapon is asking a lot, given that I managed <8000XP playing through all 30 missions the first time through.

    I find the whole system needlessly stressful, unfriendly, and a waste of time. Even ignoring the loadout system entirely, it's a fun game, but it feels like it could've been a better one.

  • tastydonutstastydonuts Registered User regular
    Hmm. I can't really argue much of what you're saying since it's more the product of your experience/preference. I mean, I regularly ran gold games in ME3 MP both with and without the use of consumables, and never ran into a failure that I could say would have been avoided had I popped consumable X prior to the start of the round. A missile/medigel or two, definitely, but that was more misplaced faith in my teammates, which is acceptable to me since the alternative was playing full-effort all the time, which tends to be not as fun.

    That said, the only time I really used consumables in Spartan Assault was to want greatly increase the odds of getting the gold medal on a stage, and even then it's not a guarantee. But I do understand where you're coming from on this a lot better now, thanks. :P

    “I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
  • syndalissyndalis Getting Classy On the WallRegistered User, Loves Apple Products regular
    You can add skulls to ramp up the payout, and then power ups to increase your ability to earn points....

    I'm guessing that's a way to do this?

    SW-4158-3990-6116
    Let's play Mario Kart or something...
  • tastydonutstastydonuts Registered User regular
    Yeah, I play every stage with"hollow" on, for example

    “I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
  • FyreWulffFyreWulff YouRegistered User, ClubPA regular
    I can't wait until I have to pay 5$ to turn Mythic on for each Halo 5 mission run

  • DarkPrimusDarkPrimus Registered User regular
    edited December 2013
    FyreWulff wrote: »
    I can't wait until I have to pay 5$ to turn Mythic on for each Halo 5 mission run

    Implying you're going to buy Halo 5? :P

    (Did you ever get those other mega-analysis posts on H4 done?)

    DarkPrimus on
    usnTyq4.jpg
    Gamertag: PrimusD | Rock Band DLC | GW:OttW - arrcd | WLD - Thortar
  • FyreWulffFyreWulff YouRegistered User, ClubPA regular
    They're not coming as posts anymore. I'm completely burned out on the entire concept of Halo and having anything to do with it.

    I'm so discontent with 343 at this point that I wish I could be erased from the history books as ever having been a Cartographer.

  • AvalonGuardAvalonGuard Registered User regular
    You're entitled to your opinion, especially having been a part of the community in such a way, but I don't really understand where the animosity comes from. Did I miss something? If you don't wish to elaborate I understand, I'm just curious about it.

  • shoeboxjeddyshoeboxjeddy Registered User regular
    syndalis wrote: »
    Kroenen wrote: »
    cB557 wrote: »
    Did they not get rid of the free to play stuff for the Xbox version?

    Nope, its still there. I'm so sad I bought this. It should be $5 with this FTP crap. Also, online only co-op? For a top-down shooter? I know its a port of a tablet game, but still...

    So... I haven't completed the original version yet, but I got gold stars on many of the levels and I haven't done a single microtransaction. Why is the FTP stuff even a problem in this particular game, especially given you can just as easily buy the power ups using the in-game currency, should you choose to do so.

    There has yet to be an xbox one game that NEEDS the micro transactions to be enjoyable, but there have been a few games with the option, and people are worried that it's a foot in the door for eventual "pay to win" format stuff hitting the platform.

    I think it's going to go the other way, and micro transactions like this are going to be reduced in the coming years, because the pushback has been so loud on the console platform.

    What works for free-99c games does not work for 15-60 dollar games. Should be obvious.

    Eh, "because it doesn't need it" is a really weak answer to my question, and the fear-mongering of "pay to win becoming the norm" is pretty tired too. Microtransactions, much like DLC back in the day, is the scary new thing... and they're here to stay. Poorly implemented MTs won't be supported or their games won't be bought, just like with DLC. There's already many articles out there on how to properly implement and design MTs into a game model as well.

    While "free-99c" and "15-60" dollar games mean the same thing to me, the original Halo Spartan Assault was a "premium" priced title for the platform at 6.99, and people whined about the game having micros in it back then too, so yeah.

    Strongly disagree. I think microtransactions in paid games is the new online pass. The shit they pull to see how much they can get away with... until eventually they note that the pushback and badwill they're getting is much more substantial than the handful of cash they pick up from these practices. If Spartan Assault was free, then loading it up with microtransactions would be expected, if annoying. Charging "regular for a downloaded game" and then saying "but please feel free to pay us forever" is really terrible strategy when the game isn't even getting good buzz to begin with.

  • tastydonutstastydonuts Registered User regular
    edited December 2013
    syndalis wrote: »
    Kroenen wrote: »
    cB557 wrote: »
    Did they not get rid of the free to play stuff for the Xbox version?

    Nope, its still there. I'm so sad I bought this. It should be $5 with this FTP crap. Also, online only co-op? For a top-down shooter? I know its a port of a tablet game, but still...

    So... I haven't completed the original version yet, but I got gold stars on many of the levels and I haven't done a single microtransaction. Why is the FTP stuff even a problem in this particular game, especially given you can just as easily buy the power ups using the in-game currency, should you choose to do so.

    There has yet to be an xbox one game that NEEDS the micro transactions to be enjoyable, but there have been a few games with the option, and people are worried that it's a foot in the door for eventual "pay to win" format stuff hitting the platform.

    I think it's going to go the other way, and micro transactions like this are going to be reduced in the coming years, because the pushback has been so loud on the console platform.

    What works for free-99c games does not work for 15-60 dollar games. Should be obvious.

    Eh, "because it doesn't need it" is a really weak answer to my question, and the fear-mongering of "pay to win becoming the norm" is pretty tired too. Microtransactions, much like DLC back in the day, is the scary new thing... and they're here to stay. Poorly implemented MTs won't be supported or their games won't be bought, just like with DLC. There's already many articles out there on how to properly implement and design MTs into a game model as well.

    While "free-99c" and "15-60" dollar games mean the same thing to me, the original Halo Spartan Assault was a "premium" priced title for the platform at 6.99, and people whined about the game having micros in it back then too, so yeah.

    Strongly disagree. I think microtransactions in paid games is the new online pass. The shit they pull to see how much they can get away with... until eventually they note that the pushback and badwill they're getting is much more substantial than the handful of cash they pick up from these practices. If Spartan Assault was free, then loading it up with microtransactions would be expected, if annoying. Charging "regular for a downloaded game" and then saying "but please feel free to pay us forever" is really terrible strategy when the game isn't even getting good buzz to begin with.

    Whether or not a developer/publisher that makes a game should get money/have the opportunity to get money from future sales of their product isn't a subject that I'm willing to discuss, especially post the xbox one drm "discussions," so I'm not touching that part of your post. Sorry.

    The bad buzz that I recall from the original launch of this game that I recall was, as follows:

    1) A PC Game that's not on Steam?
    2) A PC Game that you have to buy from the Micro$oft Marketplace?
    3) A PC Game that requires Windows 8?
    4) A PC Halo game that's not a "proper" sequel but "top-down tablet bullshit"?
    5) A PC Halo game that's not a port of Halo 3, ODST, Reach or 4?
    6) SPARTAN PALMER?

    then...

    7) Microtransactions?

    What I'm saying is there were a large amount of complaints about the game with their own unique baggages to boot before micros even became an issue.

    That said the microtransactions in this game are for items which can be freely attained via XP, and aren't necessary to get through the game.

    tastydonuts on
    “I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
  • NocrenNocren Lt Futz, Back in Action North CarolinaRegistered User regular
    You're entitled to your opinion, especially having been a part of the community in such a way, but I don't really understand where the animosity comes from. Did I miss something? If you don't wish to elaborate I understand, I'm just curious about it.

    No to put words in Fyre's mouth but I think it's more of 343's attitude towards the cartography community. Where Bungie embraced them 343 has really done anything.

    newSig.jpg
  • DarkPrimusDarkPrimus Registered User regular
    343 has used Community Cartographers as unpaid QA. Not exaggerating.

    usnTyq4.jpg
    Gamertag: PrimusD | Rock Band DLC | GW:OttW - arrcd | WLD - Thortar
  • tastydonutstastydonuts Registered User regular
    edited December 2013
    The impact is they started using us Community Cartographers as free Certain Affinity employees and not as community liasons and content promoters.

    I went from having tons of fun working with Bungie on Reach and 343 on Halo (initially) to end up burning out from the limited feedback impact any Cartographer had, to just being used to test content CA/343 already had, and having the Community Cartographer name attached to things we didn't even work on.

    In the early days, I was able to do stuff like get Affinity into matchmaking, work with other cartographers to convince Bungie to remove a certain armor ability, and send distilled HBO/GAF feedback that ended up in a certain gametype function getting added.

    In the middle of it, I was paying for Live Gold out of my pocket just so we could get Reach updated.

    At the end of it, I was fixing 343's disc maps up so that people couldn't escape from them or exploit them. There wasn't even time given to promote or work on original content. I was doing what paid employees should be doing. I ended up burning out like Chief in the intro of Halo 3.

    For the type work you and other Cartographers are doing Tashi, you should be getting a paycheck. Plain and simple.

    RE Halo 4 and what happened 1 year later:

    From NeoGaf thread

    Full NeoGaf Thread

    It's kind of already out there, but I can remove this post if you want, Fyre.

    tastydonuts on
    “I used to draw, hard to admit that I used to draw...”
This discussion has been closed.