Multiplayer



Multiplayer, as the term is generally used, refers to the ability of most games for more than one person to play in an instance at a time, usually in a competitive manner but also sometimes cooperatively. Multiplayer in the Halo games has been a core element to the design of the game, and a large part of the success of the Halo franchise revolves around the controls and functions of its multiplayer systems.

In Halo: Combat Evolved, Multiplayer was limited to split screen only. It did not offer online play over Xbox Live. Connecting up to four Xbox consoles together for System Link play is still an option.

In Halo PC, players could create and join servers over the internet, but there was no official standard rank system or function that allowed players to compete in an organized way.

In Halo 2 players can battle online via Xbox Live, either by creating a custom game or using Bungie's matchmaking service to join a variety of set playlists or a random game.

Halo 2 on Xbox Live using a ranking system based on levels. You have a level for each playlist you play in. The playlists are separated based on ranked and unranked. Unranked playlists do not count toward your ranking, ranked playlists do.

In Halo 3, Bungie enhanced it's multiplayer service. The user interface for matchmaking is revamped allowing for a smoother, more integrated play through. Players still retain the same options they have had in the previous games; system link, co-op, and online. Halo 3 uses a new ranking system based on Experience points and Rank points. A player may move independently through each system, with Experience points being gained in ranked or social play, whereas Rank points are only gained in ranked play.

Profiles


The updated profile creator in Halo 3 gives players a host of different options to change and tweak to their multiplayer avatar. These options include Armor Permutations for the left and right shoulders, the helmet, and the chest piece. Different armor permutations must be unlocked by gaining achievements, completing the campaign, or grabbing all the skulls. Players also can tweak the color settings of their character, with options for primary color, secondary color, and armor detail.

You have more options to customize your player emblem as well. A list of symbols are given, with the ability to toggle part of it on or off, and now there is a background to choose from. In addition, you have three color settings for your emblem as well; primary, secondary, and background. You can also choose which character model you wish to play as, the UNSC Spartan or the Covenant Elite. Finally, you must choose a call-sign, designated by one letter and two numbers so that players may easily recognize you on the battlefield.

Medals
At the end of a game, medals and awards are given out to the players. Not all of the players will get awards, as there are many different kinds of awards requiring different skills. Halo 3 features nearly double the amount of medals for the player to receive. The new ones include medals such as "Sword Spree" where the player must get five sword kills without dying, or the "Incinerator" where you must kill an enemy with a firebomb grenade or flamethrower. These new medals enhance the gameplay, and give players more incentive to grab weapons they might not normally touch.

Related Links

 * Xbox Live