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Multiplayer: Difference between revisions

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The term '''"Multiplayer"''' generally refers to the ability of most video games allowing more than one person to play the game at the same time in a non-campaign setting. Multiplayer can consist of [[split-screen]], [[system link]], or [[Xbox Live]]. In the ''[[Halo]]'' games, multiplayer has been regarded as a core element to the game's design and a giant part of the success of the Halo franchise.
[[Image:A battle on snowbound.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Players in ''[[Halo 3]]'' fight on the map [[Snowbound (Level)|Snowbound]].]]
The term '''"Multiplayer"''' generally refers to the ability of most video games allowing more than one person to play the game at the same time in a non-[[campaign]] setting. Multiplayer can be conducted using [[split-screen]], [[system link]], or [[Xbox Live]]. In the ''[[Halo]]'' games, multiplayer has been regarded as a core element to the game's design and a giant part of the success of the ''Halo'' franchise.


[[Image:A battle on snowbound.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Players in ''[[Halo 3]]'' fight on the map [[Snowbound]].]]
== ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' ==
[[Image:Chiron.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Multiplayer action in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' on [[Chiron TL-34]]: two Blue Team players attack a Red Team player.]]
The multiplayer component of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''<nowiki/>'s Xbox version was limited to split-screen and System Link play (the latter of which required four consoles). Five core [[gametype]]s existed: [[Slayer]], [[Oddball]], [[Capture The Flag]] (CTF), [[King of the Hill]], and [[Race]]. Various stock variants with altered settings existed, and players could create their own.


==[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]==
Though the game did not support online multiplayer, network tunneling programs, such as [http://xbconnect.com/ XBConnect] and XLink Kai, could be used to coerce the game into running online. However, the game tends to freeze and stutter while it works to keep things synchronized; today's internet connection speeds come nowhere close to the 100 megabit connection that the game expects.
[[Image:Chiron.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Multiplayer action in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] on [[Chiron TL-34]]: 2 Blue Team players attack a Red Team player.]]
The multiplayer component of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' for the Xbox was limited to split screen and four [[Xbox]] consoles together for System Link play. Five core gametypes are available: [[Slayer]], [[Oddball]], [[Capture The Flag]] (CTF), [[King of the Hill]], and [[Race]], as well as a number of stock variants, and the ability for players to create their own gametype variants by tweaking a number of variables, such as player health, weapons on the map, and available vehicles. Players are able to play online via network tunneling programs such as "XBConnect" or "XLink Kai". However, the game tends to freeze and stutter while it works to keep things synchronized; today's internet connection speeds come nowhere close to the 100 megabit connection that the game expects.


===[[Halo PC]]===
=== Halo PC ===
The PC version has multiplayer over the internet and can have up to 16 players and custom game types. Players could also play on six maps that did not exist in the console version: [[Danger Canyon (Level)|Danger Canyon]], [[Death Island (Level)|Death Island]], [[Gephyrophobia (Level)|Gephyrophobia]], [[Ice Fields (Level)|Ice Fields]], [[Infinity (Level)|Infinity]], and [[Timberland (Level)|Timberland]]. It should also be noted that the [[Flamethrower]] weapon was available in the Halo: CE for PC. This was not available on the XBOX version or in Halo 2 but has made a second appearance (though modified) in Halo 3. The [[Fuel Rod Gun]] also became available for use in the PC version.
The [[Halo PC|PC version]] supports online multiplayer, and can run games with custom gametypes and up to sixteen players. Six additional maps were also added to the game: [[Danger Canyon (Level)|Danger Canyon]], [[Death Island (Level)|Death Island]], [[Gephyrophobia (Level)|Gephyrophobia]], [[Ice Fields (Level)|Ice Fields]], [[Infinity (Level)|Infinity]], and [[Timberland (Level)|Timberland]]. Two additional weapons -- the [[Flamethrower]] and the [[Fuel Rod Gun]] -- became usable in the PC version as well.


Players are able to host both listen servers and dedicated servers, and have other players join via a server browser provided by [[GameSpy]], as well as by entering the domain name or IP address of a server if it's known, and by a LAN browser. [[Halo PC]] multiplay has no stat tracking, set rules, global banlist, or cheat detection past what server administrators provide, making competitive organization not an easy task, and cheaters/grievers are an issue when server administrators are absent.
Players can host both listen servers and dedicated servers. A server browser, provided by [[GameSpy]], comes with the game, though players can also use a LAN browser to find servers. (Alternatively, the IP address or domain name of a server can be used directly.) Unfortunately, the game lacks any kind of stat tracking, rules, banlists, or cheat detection past what server administrators provide; this complicates competitive organization and the prevention of [[cheating]] and griefing.


===[[Halo: Custom Edition]]===
=== Halo Custom Edition ===
''[[Halo: Custom Edition]]'', a multiplayer-only expansion, implemented a network code, and of course, custom, user-made multiplayer maps created with the [[Halo Editing Kit]]. Amongst these maps were a number of [[Halo 2]]-based maps, such as [[Zanzibar (Level)|Zanzibar]]<ref>http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1153</ref> and [[Coagulation (Level)|Coagulation]]<ref>http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3108</ref>. Recently, there have been [[Halo 3]] ports in progress, such as [[The Pit (Level)|The Pit]]<ref>http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?t=12501</ref>. In addition, there are a vast number of non-canon maps set in Halo universe-inspired locations using only Halo assets, as well as many other maps which can incorporate custom weapons, vehicles, locations, and player characters.
[[Halo Custom Edition]], a multiplayer-only expansion, allowed players to run user-created maps. Such maps could be created using the [[Halo Editing Kit]]. Amongst these maps were a number of [[Halo 2]]-based maps, such as [[Zanzibar (Level)|Zanzibar]]<ref>http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1153</ref> and [[Coagulation (Level)|Coagulation]]<ref>http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3108</ref>. Recently, there have been [[Halo 3]] ports in progress, such as [[The Pit (Level)|The Pit]]<ref>http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?t=12501</ref>. In addition, there are a vast number of non-canon maps set in ''Halo'' universe-inspired locations using only ''Halo'' assets, as well as many other maps which can incorporate custom weapons, vehicles, locations, and player models.


===List of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' Gametypes===
== ''Halo 2'' ==
*[[Slayer]]
*[[Capture The Flag]]
*[[Oddball]]
*[[King of the Hill]]
*[[Race]]
 
==[[Halo 2]]==
[[Image:1206873175 All action.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Multiplayer action in ''[[Halo 2]]'' on [[Tombstone (Level)|Tombstone]]: An ongoing [[Free-For-All]] battle.]]
[[Image:1206873175 All action.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Multiplayer action in ''[[Halo 2]]'' on [[Tombstone (Level)|Tombstone]]: An ongoing [[Free-For-All]] battle.]]
Multiplayer was completely redesigned for ''Halo 2''. Built around the framework of Xbox LIVE, players now had more options available to play online. [[Matchmaking]] allowed players to search for games in a variety of different playlists, such as Team Objective, [[Team Doubles]], or [[Rumble Pit]]. Each playlist offers a number of unique gametypes from that list. Players could also create and host their own custom games, and invite other players and friends to join them. The lobby system was also introduced, allowing players in a party to stick together after games to continue playing or be taken to a different lobby.
''Halo 2''<nowiki/>'s multiplayer functionality was completely redesigned to work with Xbox Live. [[Matchmaking]] allowed players to search for games in a variety of different [[playlists]], such as Team Objective, [[Team Doubles]], and [[Rumble Pit]]. Players could also create and host their own [[custom games]], and could invite other players to join them. The lobby system was also introduced; each form of multiplayer was given a lobby, so that players in a party could stick together after a match.


Putting [[Microsoft]]'s [http://research.microsoft.com/mlp/apg/Details.aspx Trueskill] system to use, [[Bungie]] employed a ranking system that displayed a level (1-50) based on how well a player played in a particular playlist. [[Ranking]]s were for individual playlists, and players who would continually win games in a certain playlist would rank up in that playlist. Bungie also split their multiplayer component into two major categories; ranked and unranked. While the ranked playlists offered players a chance to display skill, the unranked playlists were more social, allowing guests, and did not track ranks. Thus, unranked games tended to be more relaxed.
Putting [[Microsoft]]'s [http://research.microsoft.com/mlp/apg/Details.aspx Trueskill] system to use, [[Bungie]] employed a ranking system that displayed a level (1-50) based on how well a player played in a particular playlist. [[Ranking]]s were for individual playlists, and players who would continually win games in a certain playlist would rank up in that playlist. Bungie also split their multiplayer component into two major categories; ranked and unranked. While the ranked playlists offered players a chance to display skill, the unranked playlists were more social and relaxed, and allowed guests.


''[[Halo 2]]'' introduced the concept of awarding [[medals]] to players for various accomplishments during a match, such as multikills and sprees, as well as kills caused by certain weapons or vehicles, and for completing objectives in objective-based games. Medals are shown on [[Bungie.net]]'s game viewers, and in the Postgame Carnage Report.
''Halo 2'' introduced the concept of awarding [[medals]] to players for various accomplishments during a match, such as multi-kills and sprees, as well as kills caused by certain weapons or vehicles. Medals are shown on [[Bungie.net]]'s game viewers and in the Postgame Carnage Report.


The [[Race]] gametype was removed due to a lack of popularity, and three new gametypes were introduced. An offshoot of [[Oddball]] called [[Juggernaut]], an offshoot of [[Capture the Flag]] called [[Assault]], and a whole new gametype called [[Territories]].
The Race gametype was removed due to a lack of popularity, and three new gametypes were introduced: [[Juggernaut]], [[Assault]], and [[Territories]].


===[[Halo 2 Vista]]===
=== Halo 2 Vista ===
''[[Halo 2 Vista]]'' utilized the ''Games for Windows LIVE'' service, but in a much different way than its Xbox counterpart. Rank-based [[Matchmaking]] was done away with, and, like its predecessor ''[[Halo PC]]'', ''[[Halo 2 Vista]]'' added a server browser and allowed players to join games in progress, as if the player had joined a custom game. Servers ran a mapcycle in the form of a playlist, where players would congregate in a lobby until the game starts, play the game, then go back to the lobby to review the Postgame Carnage Report and chat with other players until the next round started. LIVE Gold users could filter out servers not matching their interests, and quickly jump right into a game in progress by selecting a "Quick Match" option, by using a Matchmaking option to have the game find a Matchmaking-only server and more players to play with, or by hosting their own listen server.
[[Halo 2 Vista]] utilized the ''Games for Windows LIVE'' service, but in a much different way than its Xbox counterpart. Rank-based Matchmaking was done away with, and, like its predecessor, Halo PC, Halo 2 Vista added a server browser and allowed players to join games in progress. Servers ran a map cycle in the form of a playlist, where players would congregate in a lobby until the game starts, play the game, then go back to the lobby to review the Postgame Carnage Report and chat with other players until the next round started. LIVE Gold users could filter out servers not matching their interests, and quickly jump right into a game in progress by selecting a "Quick Match" option.


''[[Halo 2 Vista]]'' did not feature [[Tombstone (Level)|Tombstone]] or [[Desolation (Level)|Desolation]], but instead offered [[District (Level)|District]] and [[Uplift (Level)|Uplift]], as well as the Halo 2 Map Editor, which allowed players to create custom ''[[Halo 2 Vista]]'' maps.
Halo 2 Vista did not feature [[Tombstone (Level)|Tombstone]] or [[Desolation (Level)|Desolation]], instead offering [[District (Level)|District]] and [[Uplift (Level)|Uplift]], as well as the Halo 2 Map Editor, which allowed players to create custom Halo 2 Vista maps.


Since July 27, 2008, the Gold-only limitations were removed, and all LIVE subscribers, regardless of membership level, could use all aspects of [[Halo 2 Vista]] multiplayer without restriction. <ref>http://www.developmag.com/news/30211/Games-for-Windows-Live-now-free-to-developers</ref>
On July 27, 2008, the Gold-only limitations were removed, and all LIVE subscribers, regardless of membership level, could use all aspects of Halo 2 Vista multiplayer without restriction.<ref>http://www.developmag.com/news/30211/Games-for-Windows-Live-now-free-to-developers</ref>


===List of [[Halo 2]] Gametypes===
== ''Halo 3'' ==
*[[Slayer]]
*[[Capture the Flag]]
*[[Oddball]]
*[[Juggernaut]]
*[[King of the Hill]]
*[[Territories]]
*[[Assault]]
 
==[[Halo 3]]==
[[Image:1206663408_800px-Mongooseelephant-1-.jpg|thumb|[[Capture the Flag]] in [[Sandtrap]].]]
[[Image:1206663408_800px-Mongooseelephant-1-.jpg|thumb|[[Capture the Flag]] in [[Sandtrap]].]]
<br>
[[Image:58783113-Full.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Two [[Spartan-II]]s clash in close-quarters combat.]]
[[Image:58783113-Full.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Two [[Spartan-II]]s clash in close-quarters combat.]]
''[[Halo 3]]'' introduced many new features to its multiplayer experience. The most prominent feature was the ability to play the campaign [[Co-op|cooperatively]] online and via system link with 4 players. Unlike ''Halo 2''<nowiki/>'s local Co-op, where players control "clones" of the same character, each player in ''Halo 3'' is assigned control over [[Master Chief]], [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]], or [[Elites]] [[N'tho 'Sraom]] and [[Usze 'Taham]].


''[[Halo 3]]'' introduced many new features to its multiplayer experience. The most prominent feature was the ability to play the campaign [[Co-op|cooperatively]] online and via system link with 4 players, with the players 2, 3, and 4 taking on the role of the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]] and two other [[Elite]]s ([[N'tho 'Sraom]] and [[Usze 'Taham]]), instead of 2-player [[Co-op]] with a [[Master Chief]] or [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]] clone controlled by the other player.
Custom gametypes were given a whole new level of customization. Numerous settings, including a player's weight, were added. Spawn-time specific attributes could also be assigned; these attributes would last for a set number of seconds after a player spawns. This can be helpful for preventing [[Camping#Spawn camping|spawnkilling]]. Two new core gametypes, [[VIP]] and [[Infection]], were added.


Custom gametypes were given a whole new level of customization, with settings such as player gravity, and spawn-time specific attributes (e.g. spawnkill protection). Two new core gametypes, [[VIP]] and [[Infection]], were added.
[[Matchmaking]] was enhanced with many under-the-hood features to help get better player matches and reduce wait time. Two very useful features were added to the pre-game and post-game lobbies: in the former, players can vote to veto gametype-map combinations that nobody wanted to play; in the latter, players could "Party Up", so that groups of people who enjoyed the last game could stick together. The number of [[Medals|medal]] types increased drastically, including medals for killing sprees with certain weapons, the [[Linktacular Medal]] for getting matched with nothing but [[Bungie.net]] members, and the [[Steaktacular Medal]] for winning a [[Slayer]] game by more than 20 points.


[[Matchmaking]] was enhanced with many under-the-hood features to help get better player matches and reduced wait time. Two very useful features were added to the pregame and postgame lobbies: game Vetoes to get rid of games nobody wanted to play, and the "Party Up" feature, so groups of people who enjoyed that last game could stick together. The number of [[Medals|medal]] types to be attained increased drastically, including medals for killing sprees with certain weapons, the [[Linktacular Medal]] for getting matched with nothing but [[Bungie.net]] members, and the [[Steaktacular Medal]] for winning a [[Slayer]] game by more than 20 points.
Finally, custom games were enhanced with the addition of [[Forge]], a multiplayer map editor. Forge allowed players to manipulate [[Forge Objects|various objects]] in maps. Altered object configurations can be saved as ''map variants'' and uploaded to a player's [[File Share]]. [[Glitch]]es have been used to create particularly interesting map variants.
 
Finally, custom games were enhanced with the addition of [[Forge]], a multiplayer map editor. In [[Forge]], players can switch to and from a [[Monitor]] form on the fly to add, move, and remove objects such as weapons, vehicles, spawn points, and scenery props on the map. There is a budget set in each map for optimization purposes; each object in the map (except for netgame flags and spawn points) has a dollar value tied to it, and the map can only have so much in it. When you run out of money, you cannot place any more objects until you delete other objects. A glitch exists, however, that lets players bypass the budget and place as many items on the map as they want. The glitch requires you to put one of every object outside of the map.


===Multiplayer Beta===
===Multiplayer Beta===
The [[Halo 3 Beta|''Halo 3'' Public Beta]] consisted of [[Matchmaking]] multiplay on a small number of ranked and social playlists, though custom games were eventually broken into via a glitch. The three maps included in the beta were [[Valhalla (Level)|Valhalla]], [[High Ground (Level)|High Ground]], and [[Snowbound (Level)|Snowbound]]. Players were limited to only [[Mark VI(A) MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Mark VI]] armor permutations, but still could customize colors and emblems.
The [[Halo 3 Beta|''Halo 3'' public beta]] originally consisted of Matchmaking on a small number of ranked and social playlists, though custom games were eventually broken into using a glitch. The three maps included in the beta were [[Valhalla (Level)|Valhalla]], [[High Ground (Level)|High Ground]], and [[Snowbound (Level)|Snowbound]]. Players were limited to only [[Mark VI(A) MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Mark VI]] armor permutations, but still could customize colors and emblems.


The [[Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword|Energy Sword]] and [[M6G Personal Defense Weapon System|Magnum]] were absent from [[Matchmaking]] games (but found later in the gametype editor when custom games were found) in an attempt to surprise the faithful fans on ''[[Halo 3]]'' 's release, and the [[Trip Mine]] was much more powerful, able to cling to vehicles with a smaller, yet very lethal blast radius.
The [[Energy Sword]] and [[M6G Personal Defense Weapon System|Magnum]] were absent from Matchmaking games (but found later in the gametype editor when custom games were found) in an attempt to surprise the faithful fans on ''Halo 3''<nowiki/>'s release, and the [[Trip Mine]] was much more powerful, able to cling to vehicles with a smaller, yet very lethal blast radius.


===Ranking, EXP And Skill===
===Ranking, EXP, and Skill===
The ranking system introduced in ''[[Halo 2]]'' was redone in order to balance out [[Matchmaking]] even further. The [http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/trueskill/default.aspx Trueskill] system was still present on ranked [[playlists]], but a new "Experience (EXP)" stat was added to player profiles. Whenever a player plays a match entirely and is in a top position or on a winning team, the player gains 1 EXP. Players who enter a playlist, but disconnect or quit early lose 1 EXP for desertion. Players who end up in a losing position or team do not gain or lose EXP. In theory, this helps with player matching and balance by finding players who have been playing the game as much as you have based on their EXP level.
The ranking system introduced in ''Halo 2'' was redone in order to balance out Matchmaking even further. The [http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/trueskill/default.aspx Trueskill] system was still present on ranked playlists, but a new "Experience (EXP)" stat was added to player profiles. Whenever a player plays a match without quitting and is in a top position or on a winning team, the player gains 1 EXP. Players who enter a playlist, but disconnect or quit early lose 1 EXP for desertion. Players who end up in a losing position or team do not gain or lose EXP. In theory, this helps with player matching and balance by finding players who have been playing the game as much as you have based on their EXP level.


Auto Update 2, live on August 1, 2008, added another layer of EXP to even further balance out players. This time, EXP was tracked for each individual playlist, in addition to the player's [http://research.microsoft.com/mlp/apg/Details.aspx Trueskill] ranks and overall EXP. When in a [[Matchmaking]] [[playlist]], players' [http://research.microsoft.com/mlp/apg/Details.aspx Trueskill] ranks (if a ranked [[playlist]]) and [[playlist]]-specific EXP are shown. When in a custom game, or viewing a player's details or service record, overall EXP is shown.<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=14994</ref>
Auto Update 2, live on August 1, 2008, added another layer of EXP to even further balance out players. EXP is now tracked for each individual playlist, in addition to the player's Trueskill ranks and overall EXP. When in a Matchmaking playlist, players' [http://research.microsoft.com/mlp/apg/Details.aspx Trueskill] ranks (if a ranked playlist) and playlist-specific EXP are shown. When in a custom game, or viewing a player's details or service record, overall EXP is shown.<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=14994</ref>
 
===List of [[Halo 3]] Gametypes===
*[[Slayer]]
*[[Capture the Flag]]
*[[King of the Hill]]
*[[Oddball]]
*[[Assault]]
*[[Territories]]
*[[Juggernaut]]
*[[Infection]]
*[[VIP]]


==Profiles and Emblems==
==Profiles and Emblems==
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The updated profile creator in ''[[Halo 3]]'' kept those settings and added more. Players could create a Service Tag consisting of a letter and two numbers; Service Tags are now shown over waypoints instead of Emblems. Additional Emblem designs, colors, and features were added. The large amount of female gamers in ''Halo 2'' prompted Bungie{{fact}} to add a gender option, which changes the player's voice when killed. Most notable, however, was the addition of [[Armor Permutations]], which allow players to change the models used for their helmets, pauldrons, and chestplates.
The updated profile creator in ''[[Halo 3]]'' kept those settings and added more. Players could create a Service Tag consisting of a letter and two numbers; Service Tags are now shown over waypoints instead of Emblems. Additional Emblem designs, colors, and features were added. The large amount of female gamers in ''Halo 2'' prompted Bungie{{fact}} to add a gender option, which changes the player's voice when killed. Most notable, however, was the addition of [[Armor Permutations]], which allow players to change the models used for their helmets, pauldrons, and chestplates.


==[[Halo Wars]]==
== ''Halo Wars'' ==
Halo Wars allows you to play in a variety of multiplayer arenas. You can choose from 3 different commanders from both [[UNSC]] (i.e. Captain Cutter, Sergeant Forge, or Professor Anders) and the [[Covenant]] (i.e. Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee, Brute Army Commander, or The Prophet of Regret). You can play either 1v1, 2v2, or 3v3, on either [[Standard (Halo Wars)|Standard]] or [[Deathmatch (Halo Wars)|Deathmatch]] modes, with all human players or some human players. There is also a form of ranking system which is very similar to that in Halo 3 except that in Halo Wars, it's based on your score in completed [[matchmaking]] games meaning you not only get a little bit for a loss but also get more for a convincing victory than for a lucky break.
''[Halo Wars]]' allows players to battle in a variety of multiplayer arenas. Players can choose from 3 different commanders from both [[UNSC]] leaders (i.e. [[Captain Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant Forge]], or [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]]) and [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] leaders (i.e. Arbiter [[Ripa 'Moramee]], [[Brute Army Commander]], or The [[Prophet of Regret]]). Multiplayer matches are limited to six players and may be organized in evenly-matched teams or in free-for-all matches. Computer-controlled players may be used. ''Halo Wars'' also used a ranking system similar to that of ''Halo 3'', but the rankings were assigned based on players' scores in completed games.
 
The [[Halo Wars]] Strategic Options DLC pack gives players 3 more skirmish game modes to play for 800 microsoft points. The new game types include [[Keepaway Mode|Keepaway]], [[Tug of War]], and Reinforcements. Also there's a Map Pack DLC, called Historic Battle, for the same price and including 4 new maps.


== [[Halo 3: ODST]] ==
The ''Halo Wars'' Strategic Options DLC pack gives players 3 more skirmish game modes to play for 800 Microsoft Points. The new game types include [[Keepaway Mode|Keepaway]], [[Tug of War]], and Reinforcements. A Map Pack DLC called Historic Battle introduced 4 new maps for the same price.
''Main article: [[Firefight]]''


''Halo 3: ODST'' features a new co-operative based "[[Firefight]]" mode in lieu of the typical deathmatch versus modes in other ''Halo'' games. In Firefight, up to 4 players fight against waves of [[Covenant]] forces, and try to survive as long as possible with a set amount of lives, while the difficulty progressively increases by changing the currently active [[Halo 3 Skulls#List of Gold Skulls|Skulls]]. Firefight lacks any sort of matchmaking system or LIVE game browser; players must join lobbies though the XBox LIVE guide (recent players with open parties, friends lists, invites), via System Link, or all play locally, on the same XBox console.
== ''Halo 3: ODST'' ==
{{Main|Firefight}}
''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' features a new [[Firefight]] mode. In Firefight, up to four players fight against waves of [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] forces and try to survive as long as possible with a set amount of lives, while the difficulty progressively increases by changing the currently active [[Halo 3 Skulls#List of Gold Skulls|Skulls]]. Firefight lacks any sort of matchmaking system or game browser; players must join lobbies though the XBox Live guide (recent players with open parties, friends lists, invites), via System Link, or all play locally, on the same XBox console.


''ODST'' also contains the ''[[Halo 3: Mythic]]'' disc, which is a multiplayer-only version of ''Halo 3.''
''ODST'' also contains the [[Halo 3: Mythic]] disc, which is a multiplayer-only version of ''Halo 3''.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', when a guest is playing, their service tag is O00 even if they try and change it through the appearance options. Guests can only play in some lobbies.
*Guests in ''Halo 3'' cannot change the service tags used by their temporary profiles. The tags are always "O00".
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'''s match making multiplayer attempting to leave a team-based [[Xbox Live]] match will warn you that "Quitting is discouraged in the UNSC. Do you want to lose EXP as a penalty for desertion?"
*The maximum number of players that can play in all versions of ''Halo'' Multiplayer is 16.
*The maximum number of players that can play in all versions of ''[[Halo]]'' Multiplayer is 16, via System Link, Xbox Live, and Internet.
*In ''Halo 3'', Bungie offers a "[[Double EXP Weekend]]" playlist making it easier for players to level up during weekends.
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', Bungie offers a "[[Double EXP Weekend]]" [[playlist]] making it easier for players to level up during weekends ("weekend" here means between Thursday and Sunday).
*In ''Halo 3'', Bungie offers a "7 on 7 on the 7th" playlist dedicated to getting [[Achievement]]s based on [[DLC]] maps around the [[7]]th of every month.
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', Bungie offers a "7 on 7 on the 7th" [[playlist]] dedicated to getting [[Achievement]]s based on [[DLC]] maps around the 7th of every month. Obviously, this is a throwback to [[Bungie]]'s favorite number.


==Sources==
==Sources==

Revision as of 15:48, November 27, 2009

Template:Ratings

Players in Halo 3 fight on the map Snowbound.

The term "Multiplayer" generally refers to the ability of most video games allowing more than one person to play the game at the same time in a non-campaign setting. Multiplayer can be conducted using split-screen, system link, or Xbox Live. In the Halo games, multiplayer has been regarded as a core element to the game's design and a giant part of the success of the Halo franchise.

Halo: Combat Evolved

Multiplayer action in Halo: Combat Evolved on Chiron TL-34: two Blue Team players attack a Red Team player.

The multiplayer component of Halo: Combat Evolved's Xbox version was limited to split-screen and System Link play (the latter of which required four consoles). Five core gametypes existed: Slayer, Oddball, Capture The Flag (CTF), King of the Hill, and Race. Various stock variants with altered settings existed, and players could create their own.

Though the game did not support online multiplayer, network tunneling programs, such as XBConnect and XLink Kai, could be used to coerce the game into running online. However, the game tends to freeze and stutter while it works to keep things synchronized; today's internet connection speeds come nowhere close to the 100 megabit connection that the game expects.

Halo PC

The PC version supports online multiplayer, and can run games with custom gametypes and up to sixteen players. Six additional maps were also added to the game: Danger Canyon, Death Island, Gephyrophobia, Ice Fields, Infinity, and Timberland. Two additional weapons -- the Flamethrower and the Fuel Rod Gun -- became usable in the PC version as well.

Players can host both listen servers and dedicated servers. A server browser, provided by GameSpy, comes with the game, though players can also use a LAN browser to find servers. (Alternatively, the IP address or domain name of a server can be used directly.) Unfortunately, the game lacks any kind of stat tracking, rules, banlists, or cheat detection past what server administrators provide; this complicates competitive organization and the prevention of cheating and griefing.

Halo Custom Edition

Halo Custom Edition, a multiplayer-only expansion, allowed players to run user-created maps. Such maps could be created using the Halo Editing Kit. Amongst these maps were a number of Halo 2-based maps, such as Zanzibar[1] and Coagulation[2]. Recently, there have been Halo 3 ports in progress, such as The Pit[3]. In addition, there are a vast number of non-canon maps set in Halo universe-inspired locations using only Halo assets, as well as many other maps which can incorporate custom weapons, vehicles, locations, and player models.

Halo 2

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Multiplayer action in Halo 2 on Tombstone: An ongoing Free-For-All battle.

Halo 2's multiplayer functionality was completely redesigned to work with Xbox Live. Matchmaking allowed players to search for games in a variety of different playlists, such as Team Objective, Team Doubles, and Rumble Pit. Players could also create and host their own custom games, and could invite other players to join them. The lobby system was also introduced; each form of multiplayer was given a lobby, so that players in a party could stick together after a match.

Putting Microsoft's Trueskill system to use, Bungie employed a ranking system that displayed a level (1-50) based on how well a player played in a particular playlist. Rankings were for individual playlists, and players who would continually win games in a certain playlist would rank up in that playlist. Bungie also split their multiplayer component into two major categories; ranked and unranked. While the ranked playlists offered players a chance to display skill, the unranked playlists were more social and relaxed, and allowed guests.

Halo 2 introduced the concept of awarding medals to players for various accomplishments during a match, such as multi-kills and sprees, as well as kills caused by certain weapons or vehicles. Medals are shown on Bungie.net's game viewers and in the Postgame Carnage Report.

The Race gametype was removed due to a lack of popularity, and three new gametypes were introduced: Juggernaut, Assault, and Territories.

Halo 2 Vista

Halo 2 Vista utilized the Games for Windows LIVE service, but in a much different way than its Xbox counterpart. Rank-based Matchmaking was done away with, and, like its predecessor, Halo PC, Halo 2 Vista added a server browser and allowed players to join games in progress. Servers ran a map cycle in the form of a playlist, where players would congregate in a lobby until the game starts, play the game, then go back to the lobby to review the Postgame Carnage Report and chat with other players until the next round started. LIVE Gold users could filter out servers not matching their interests, and quickly jump right into a game in progress by selecting a "Quick Match" option.

Halo 2 Vista did not feature Tombstone or Desolation, instead offering District and Uplift, as well as the Halo 2 Map Editor, which allowed players to create custom Halo 2 Vista maps.

On July 27, 2008, the Gold-only limitations were removed, and all LIVE subscribers, regardless of membership level, could use all aspects of Halo 2 Vista multiplayer without restriction.[4]

Halo 3

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Two Spartan-IIs clash in close-quarters combat.

Halo 3 introduced many new features to its multiplayer experience. The most prominent feature was the ability to play the campaign cooperatively online and via system link with 4 players. Unlike Halo 2's local Co-op, where players control "clones" of the same character, each player in Halo 3 is assigned control over Master Chief, Arbiter, or Elites N'tho 'Sraom and Usze 'Taham.

Custom gametypes were given a whole new level of customization. Numerous settings, including a player's weight, were added. Spawn-time specific attributes could also be assigned; these attributes would last for a set number of seconds after a player spawns. This can be helpful for preventing spawnkilling. Two new core gametypes, VIP and Infection, were added.

Matchmaking was enhanced with many under-the-hood features to help get better player matches and reduce wait time. Two very useful features were added to the pre-game and post-game lobbies: in the former, players can vote to veto gametype-map combinations that nobody wanted to play; in the latter, players could "Party Up", so that groups of people who enjoyed the last game could stick together. The number of medal types increased drastically, including medals for killing sprees with certain weapons, the Linktacular Medal for getting matched with nothing but Bungie.net members, and the Steaktacular Medal for winning a Slayer game by more than 20 points.

Finally, custom games were enhanced with the addition of Forge, a multiplayer map editor. Forge allowed players to manipulate various objects in maps. Altered object configurations can be saved as map variants and uploaded to a player's File Share. Glitches have been used to create particularly interesting map variants.

Multiplayer Beta

The Halo 3 public beta originally consisted of Matchmaking on a small number of ranked and social playlists, though custom games were eventually broken into using a glitch. The three maps included in the beta were Valhalla, High Ground, and Snowbound. Players were limited to only Mark VI armor permutations, but still could customize colors and emblems.

The Energy Sword and Magnum were absent from Matchmaking games (but found later in the gametype editor when custom games were found) in an attempt to surprise the faithful fans on Halo 3's release, and the Trip Mine was much more powerful, able to cling to vehicles with a smaller, yet very lethal blast radius.

Ranking, EXP, and Skill

The ranking system introduced in Halo 2 was redone in order to balance out Matchmaking even further. The Trueskill system was still present on ranked playlists, but a new "Experience (EXP)" stat was added to player profiles. Whenever a player plays a match without quitting and is in a top position or on a winning team, the player gains 1 EXP. Players who enter a playlist, but disconnect or quit early lose 1 EXP for desertion. Players who end up in a losing position or team do not gain or lose EXP. In theory, this helps with player matching and balance by finding players who have been playing the game as much as you have based on their EXP level.

Auto Update 2, live on August 1, 2008, added another layer of EXP to even further balance out players. EXP is now tracked for each individual playlist, in addition to the player's Trueskill ranks and overall EXP. When in a Matchmaking playlist, players' Trueskill ranks (if a ranked playlist) and playlist-specific EXP are shown. When in a custom game, or viewing a player's details or service record, overall EXP is shown.[5]

Profiles and Emblems

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A Halo 3 armor permutation.
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A Halo 3 emblem.

Each Halo first-person shooter allows players to create profiles, which are used to store information about players. Halo profiles store both a player's game settings and some customized visual details to distinguish the player. In Halo 3, profiles are bound to gamertags; all gameplay is conducted with a profile, and players without gamertags are granted temporary profiles for the duration of their session.

The profile creator in Halo: Combat Evolved was very basic. Players had the ability to create a unique name, customize their armor color, and change the game controls and settings. Halo PC's settings were more intricate, including various sound and video settings as well as the ability to create custom control schemes (as opposed to picking preset control schemes).

With the addition of online multiplayer through Xbox LIVE, the profile creator in Halo 2 was redesigned and altered. Halo 2 kept the settings from its predecessor, but gained additional armor colors and the ability for a player to use two colors for their armor. Major additions included the ability to play as a Sangheili in multiplayer and the addition of Emblems. Emblems were notable for allowing one to identify a teammate at a glance -- a sharp contrast to the unmarked waypoints shown in Halo: Combat Evolved.

The updated profile creator in Halo 3 kept those settings and added more. Players could create a Service Tag consisting of a letter and two numbers; Service Tags are now shown over waypoints instead of Emblems. Additional Emblem designs, colors, and features were added. The large amount of female gamers in Halo 2 prompted BungieTemplate:Fact to add a gender option, which changes the player's voice when killed. Most notable, however, was the addition of Armor Permutations, which allow players to change the models used for their helmets, pauldrons, and chestplates.

Halo Wars

[Halo Wars]]' allows players to battle in a variety of multiplayer arenas. Players can choose from 3 different commanders from both UNSC leaders (i.e. Captain Cutter, Sergeant Forge, or Professor Anders) and Covenant leaders (i.e. Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee, Brute Army Commander, or The Prophet of Regret). Multiplayer matches are limited to six players and may be organized in evenly-matched teams or in free-for-all matches. Computer-controlled players may be used. Halo Wars also used a ranking system similar to that of Halo 3, but the rankings were assigned based on players' scores in completed games.

The Halo Wars Strategic Options DLC pack gives players 3 more skirmish game modes to play for 800 Microsoft Points. The new game types include Keepaway, Tug of War, and Reinforcements. A Map Pack DLC called Historic Battle introduced 4 new maps for the same price.

Halo 3: ODST

Main article: Firefight

Halo 3: ODST features a new Firefight mode. In Firefight, up to four players fight against waves of Covenant forces and try to survive as long as possible with a set amount of lives, while the difficulty progressively increases by changing the currently active Skulls. Firefight lacks any sort of matchmaking system or game browser; players must join lobbies though the XBox Live guide (recent players with open parties, friends lists, invites), via System Link, or all play locally, on the same XBox console.

ODST also contains the Halo 3: Mythic disc, which is a multiplayer-only version of Halo 3.

Trivia

  • Guests in Halo 3 cannot change the service tags used by their temporary profiles. The tags are always "O00".
  • The maximum number of players that can play in all versions of Halo Multiplayer is 16.
  • In Halo 3, Bungie offers a "Double EXP Weekend" playlist making it easier for players to level up during weekends.
  • In Halo 3, Bungie offers a "7 on 7 on the 7th" playlist dedicated to getting Achievements based on DLC maps around the 7th of every month.

Sources

Links

Internal

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