Forum:Halo 5: Guardians (General)

MC Hood
Think this is necessary. So, why wear a hood if you have a energy-shielded titanium armor? Does this indicate the armor is malfunctioning and that Chief will be getting a new one, or is it simply for the reveal? Also, looks like ragged hood will be an armor permutation/skin addon... (joking of course) Finally, that E3 trailer still fails to impress me to get the always-online Xbone. — Ha  came  22:43, 10 June 2013 (EDT)
 * Well, sand is very bad for anything with moving parts, and even worse when it's blowing (like a sand blaster), so it's protection for the suit, which is already damaged. Alex T Snow (talk) 04:04, 11 June 2013 (EDT)

Well, if he has the suit, he's probably still part of the UNSC, since I doubt they'd still let him go running around with it if he's retired. And I doubt that the UNSC would send him anywhere that required the Mjonir without having it at least repaired, if not replaced. If the suit is fully operational, the energy shielding should take care of the sand well enough. I don't know why, but it seemed to me like it was more a kind of camouflage, if not to blend in, at least to conceal the fact that he's a Spartan II. Maybe I'm just dead wrong, though. --Weeping Angel (talk) 09:08, 11 June 2013 (EDT)

I heard the whole thing with Chief in a cloak was part of an inside joke between 343 and Bungie and was done to make the game look like Destiny. Not sure if any official sources have said that though so it may just be a fan theory.--Soul reaper (talk) 09:47, 11 June 2013 (EDT)


 * When I fist saw that, that was the impression I got - Destiny. But still I don't see no reason for it except to hide himself. But if he really wanted to do that, he could've used active camouflage. I just think they did that to make the trailer (or MC) look more dramatic. The "background" music however is forgettable and awfully "quiet". I guess that's because Neil didn't compose it.-- Killamint  [Comm |Files ] 15:59, 13 June 2013 (EDT)

I also found it strange, but I think it's likely just stylistic. He's mysterious; he's wandering; etc. The desert itself might be a metaphor for space, even if that's a real planet in the story. --Dragonc laws (talk ) 19:07, 13 June 2013 (EDT)
 * Good point. I just hope they don't copy Destiny with this release.-- Killamint  [Comm |Files ] 12:42, 14 June 2013 (EDT)

I'm racking my brain trying to remember where I saw the reference, but Frankie apparently stated on NeoGaf that the cloak was intended to conceal John's identity. I'll post the link when I find it again. - DJenser (talk) 12:41, 26 June 2013 (EDT)
 * Found it: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=62374146&postcount=493 - DJenser (talk) 12:51, 26 June 2013 (EDT)

New Machine to be revealed as the war sphinx?
when i saw the trailer, i noticed that this thing reminds a bit of a sphinx quoted in the books of greg bear, could it be that in this new halo they will show the true power of the forerunner? Also, its eyes are orange as the didact's army, could this mean that he really survived the epilogue of halo 4?


 * 1) The prevailing theory is that it's either a War Sphinx or a Seeker, so you're probably right. 2) Orange seems to be the default highlight color for Promethean technology. While the Didact may have survived - I hope he did - we don't know for sure. --Courage never dies. (talk) 19:29, 10 June 2013 (EDT)
 * If I'm not mistaken, war sphinxes are also Promethean technology. -- Xamikaze330  [Transmit |Files ] 19:51, 10 June 2013 (EDT)Xamikaze330


 * They are. Whatever the machine is, it's undoubtedly Promethean. What I meant to say is that the orange "eyes" don't indicate that the Didact is alive, as the OP suggested. --Courage never dies. (talk) 20:14, 10 June 2013 (EDT)


 * Shite. When I saw the machine-thingy, my mind immediately went to the Forunner Ships from Halo Wars haha. Also, it's just a preview. So it doesnt even matter if he's wearing a robe. Anywho, his visor was cracked. Also am I to assume that was Cortanas Chip? Maginot Sphere (talk) 09:54, 11 June 2013 (EDT)


 * Would definitely love to see these things in action in the next game.-- Killamint  [Comm |Files ] 15:59, 13 June 2013 (EDT)


 * Vulture vs. Lich vs. BirdShip! Alex T Snow (talk) 01:34, 16 June 2013 (EDT)

New Location?
I am fairly certain that we're back on the Ark. The sand dunes, for one (though that's very little to go off,) and the "planet" seen in the background are very reminiscent of those seen on the Ark. I don't believe we should list it before it's confirmed, but leave a discussion point open as more information flows in.Ocean Soul (talk) 22:23, 10 June 2013 (EDT)


 * I was thinking the same until I noticed the absence of the curved arms the original Ark has.— Ha  came  22:36, 10 June 2013 (EDT)


 * ...or Reach, post-glassing, bringing the holo chip back to Cortana's birthplace? The ragged mountains look like Reach and the land is certainly infertile. Plus Forerunner machinery was all over Reach. ScaleMaster117 (talk) 22:40, 10 June 2013 (EDT)


 * Oh god that would be so epic. Imagine if Master Chief found a 'final log' of sorts of Noble Six that revealed he had found some sort of 'weapon' or 'artifact' prior to his last stand. Would explain why he sort of seemed like he was content with dying, maybe he found something that made his life feel complete. Delivering Cortana was cool and all, and was pivotal to the war effort, but we don't exactly know what happened between then, and his post-credits scene at the ruins, and could be something of truly epic proportions. Maybe even a "fabrication compiler" of sorts that uploaded his consciousness into AI format (getting carried away here). Could also tie into the 14 dead Spartans lying around. Just speculation though nothing to get worked up about. --DC Ambrose (talk) 16:18, 27 September 2013 (EDT)


 * The Ark was the impression I got as well. The implied degree of damage it received varies each time it's mentioned, but I doubt it was actually destroyed, just very damaged, likely not able to make more rings. And it also looks like John is trying to get Cortana back, whether he knows if he can or not, or where she is at that point, we don't know, though. Since he spent half his dialogue in Halo 4 talking about it, he'll be trying to find Halsey for sure, and with what happened with her in Spartan Ops... well, John may be giving another badass "No, Sir" (or a few) to ONI in this one, and I doubt they'll take kindly to that. And whether he's on the run from ONI/UNSC, or they just won't help him, that sets the stage perfectly for Thel to come back and help his old friend out. Just some thoughts I've had so far. Alex T Snow (talk) 04:04, 11 June 2013 (EDT)


 * The absolute record...-- Killamint  [Comm |Files ] 07:55, 11 June 2013 (EDT)
 * @ Alex T Snow: Wow. You just blew my mind. 343 would be a fool not to use that plot. --Weeping Angel (talk) 09:12, 11 June 2013 (EDT)
 * I also agree. Might be Reach. I'd like to see that anyway. Maginot Sphere (talk) 09:55, 11 June 2013 (EDT)
 * I don't think it's Reach. At 0:46 of the trailer, John looks up and you see the sky with what appears to be a reddish planet/moon. Neither of Reach's two moons are red.-- 11:12, 11 June 2013 (EDT)
 * My money's on the Ark as well... That moon is the same color as the Foundry and the geography supports the theory. DJenser (talk) 13:03, 11 June 2013 (EDT)
 * Maybe both moons were also glassed by the Covenant, hence why they're red. Tuckerscreator (stalk ) 13:37, 11 June 2013 (EDT)
 * I somehow managed to completely forget about the Absolute Record. :/ The Ark would be a good place for something like that to be, and Halsey is the only person that knows about it, so yeah, that could be where he's headed. I also noticed watching it again that in addition to his visor being cracked, the armour itself is also very worn. And I'm not sure if the "Your journey begins" is a tagline for the game, or for the new console, so I'm not sure if that's something we can read into. Alex T Snow (talk) 17:59, 11 June 2013 (EDT)


 * That's why I said "absolute record" above. However I don't believe that the ark, reach, or any location we've already been to is the location to be in "Halo 5". I believe it's the Absolute record itself as a new location or a shield world/planet/installation as the set. Who knows. Sometimes things turn out to be different from the trailer in the actual release.-- Killamint  [Comm |Files ] 15:59, 13 June 2013 (EDT)


 * Maybe it's not even Five... i'm wishing for SO Season 2, cause the first one was painfully disappointing, narrativewise and gameplaywise. <font size="2.1"><font color="#black">k <font size="3.1"><font color="#696969">4  <font size="2.1"> karnage   20:39, 13 June 2013 (EDT)


 * The ending S1 may tie into Halo "5" since the main campaign of H4 didn't build up to another story for MC. It pretty muched ended there. Though, Halo "5" may explain what the chief was doing for the past six months before the Infinity returned to Requiem. If that's the case there will be a S2 for SO's but it'll continue to follow crimson's story and not MC's. Confusing really. We do need an explanation for why the UNSC waited 6 months before returning to Requiem. But yeah, Spartan Ops was bad both ways. The writing was terrible and someone described it as the "most mismanaged campaign" by the UNSC.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 12:42, 14 June 2013 (EDT)

If the trailer takes place in an established location, my guess is that it's set on Sanghelios. All the features are there: desert, rocky crags, at least one similarly barren moon, and abandoned Forerunner technology. I've been wanting to see the continuation (or aftermath) of the Sangheili civil war since it began in The Thursday War. There's been speculation that the Arbiter will be reintroduced in the second game of the trilogy, just as he was the first time around. If this really is the Elite homeworld, we might see Thel's return pretty soon. --Courage never dies. (talk) 11:02, 15 June 2013 (EDT)


 * Definitely looking forward to him coming back. Aside from being awesome, he's virtually the only person left John could consider a friend. Alex T Snow (talk) 01:34, 16 June 2013 (EDT)


 * They should have brought him back in Halo 4.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 09:52, 16 June 2013 (EDT)

It could be set on Installation 03 or a previously-unseen planet near it. The upper left part of the moon in the sky appears to have a chunk missing, just like the rocky planet that Installation 03 orbits. The planet is even the same color. We don't see a Halo's curve in the sky but that could be obscured by the clouds. --<font color="MidnightBlue">Jugus (<font color="Gray">Talk  | <font color="Gray">Contribs ) 17:31, 21 June 2013 (EDT)


 * Someone on youtube came up with a theory that that robot was Mendicant-Bias rising out of the desert on installation 00 where he was buried. Of course that robot's design is far from the Mendicant's description but who knows.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 20:59, 25 June 2013 (EDT)


 * On Halo Archive and here they created a very attractive theory. It links very well with prior fiction, and I would be disappointed if the sequel to Halo 4 didn't take the Ark up as the main location. The construct we see rising could be Mendicant Bias' guard or protection, if it weren't him himself. I'd love to see a continuation of MB's story, and I was a little disappointed by his lack of mention in 4. :P --<font color="#2E8B57">Tent <font color="#3CB371">acle <font color="#DAA520">Torn <font color="#B8860B">ado  13:41, 29 June 2013 (EDT)


 * Yeah, I also wanted Mendicant Bias to be mentioned in Halo 4, especially because of the last Terminal in H3, when he says things like he'll protect the Chief's path to the Portal, and he'd like his masters to see that he has changed, etc. I whish the Librarian had said that Mendicant Bias made sure that the Chief would reach Requiem, etc. because it's part of her plan... Too bad he's not mentioned at all. I also think that John returning to the Ark would be a good story, I hope Silentium's epilogue will be used this way. Imrane-117 (talk) 17:08, 29 June 2013 (EDT)
 * He wasn't the only one not mentioned. The Arbiter wasn't mentioned either.-- Killamint  [<font color="Gray">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 20:32, 29 June 2013 (EDT)
 * I was hoping that Mendy would be the Chief's new AI buddy, but I have a sinking feeling that it will more likely be Guilty Chakas...DJenser (talk) 13:13, 24 July 2013 (EDT)

Has anyone considered that this my be Kholo? Lets look at the facts. We know Kholo was glassed, which means the sand and molten metal show in the trailer could be a connection. We also know that there were Forunner ruins on Kholo, they were just buried by the glassing. Could this possibly be Kholo? We know that 343 is wanting to connect all of Halo cannon, from the books, the comics, to the games. I don't doubt the fact that it could be possibly at the Ark, but I figured I'd throw this out there for other people to consider. Siphon 117 20:42, 19 August 2013 (EDT)


 * Maybe but its not really a significant location for anything to happen. Of course they left some mystery as to what the humans were excavating on the planet but that's about it. Would be nice for 343i to finish that story.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 13:08, 12 September 2013 (EDT)

Improvements we want to see
As some of you may have noticed, I was a little disappointed with most of the things I saw that came out of Halo 4, with Spartan Ops being my overall biggest disappointment. With that in mind there are certain improvements I would like to see out of the next iteration. I would like to see the return of campaign theater & scoring. I wanna see more unique weaponry and better weapon sounds. There needs to be more variety - for example: in one of the SpOps missions, we are tasked with killing troops on the ground, yet another spartan squad gets to destroy a covie cruiser from the inside - why were they given a more fun mission? I would like all those COD features erased from the game and make way for more classic style Halo gameplay for multiplayer. I want more consistency - I didn't like the fact that the FUD, master chief, and covie species were redesigned. And finally I want better gameplay where QTE's no longer existed. There's more but I wanted to keep it brief. Anyone else have anything they want to see for the next Halo game.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 20:59, 25 June 2013 (EDT)

Let's also make it unhackable...
 * It's impossible to make something completely impervious to hacking.-- 12:07, 26 June 2013 (EDT)
 * What's wrong with hacking a game? It helps gamers find sweet new toys like the stasis rifle and bishop beam.-- Killamint  [<font color="Gray">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 13:10, 29 June 2013 (EDT)


 * Sangheili in multi-player. That is all I want. :D --<font color="#2E8B57">Tent <font color="#3CB371">acle <font color="#DAA520">Torn <font color="#B8860B">ado  13:41, 29 June 2013 (EDT)
 * I do miss this feature as it allowed for role-playing and made gameplay unique instead of the same-ole spartans vs. spartans.-- Killamint  [<font color="Gray">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 20:23, 29 June 2013 (EDT)

Improvements? Bring back the old multiplayer system where everything is unlocked from the very beginning. Offline players need some love too! — subtank   15:04, 29 June 2013 (EDT)
 * ^Definitely. I almost forgot about the offline features. Halo 4 was dominated with online "only" non-sense.-- Killamint  [<font color="Gray">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 20:23, 29 June 2013 (EDT)

Speaking for myself, toning down the glare would be nice. Some of the Forerunner-themed missions especially got near-blinding. There's stylisation, and there's occular pain.

Other than that, I would love to see more effective non-Covenant enemies. The Prometheans were a great idea, executed with mixed results. The Covenant were fine as always. I would also love to see some human enemies for a change - rogue UNSC perhaps, or even Insurrectionists allied to a Covenant remnant faction. I've always thought that real Innies were being led up to in the first level of Reach, which would result in a fakeout revealing the Covenant, but they were cut for time. Fighting a human faction hostile to the UNSC, perhaps even teaming up with them if the Covenant turn on them, would be great! And since Forerunner enemies are a given in this post-Didact universe, expanding the number of Sentinel types would be great, filling a niche vacated by the Drones and Jetpack Troopers perhaps.

I'd also love to see a better starfighter level, if they bring that gameplay back. The Saber was fantastic, but the Broadsword left me underwhelmed. I expected dogfighting, and what I got was a Death Star trench run without Darth Vader breathing down my neck. --  Qura 'Morhek   The Autocrat     of Morheka   06:56, 30 June 2013 (EDT)


 * You read my mind. I was hoping to fight the insurrectionist for the longest time. That would present some unique gameplay. Never know, they could be included in a new game as part of this new "saga" that 343i is planning - they might as well make it happen. But yeah, the Broadsword sequence was a lil lame, whenever I play that mission I skip the trench. They definitely should try to make better use of the Broadsword than a linear obstacle course. Speaking of that, I'm still wishing to see some more human energy weapons besides the Spartan laser. That was not fulfilled in Halo 4. Maybe the next Halo?


 * I remember someone joking about the lens flare in Halo 4. I didn't mind it honestly but it was distracting in the star trek film (not too bad though).-- Killamint  [<font color="Gray">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 13:22, 30 June 2013 (EDT)


 * I've got a few small, very specific, but very important improvements. Bring back the "none of the above" option and the ability to change your vote in matchmaking. Also, they need to make weapons and bodies stick around longer in Spartan Ops. All too often I would drop a weapon, turn around for two seconds and everything was gone. This was likely a result of fact that Halo 4 pushed the hardware to its limit, so removing bodies and weapons more quickly was necessary to prevent slowdown and lag in Spartan Ops - Xbox One won't have this problem. A critical change is to increase the amount of ammo you can carry in the campaign. They decreased the ammo capacity for a lot of the weapons to increase the incentive to use the Ammo support upgrade. But in campaign they used the default low limit, which was a huge pain in the ass. How many of us were forced to backtrack again and again for ammo because we could only carry 56 DMR rounds instead of 75? I'm not saying we need to go back up the 120 and 600 round limits of Combat Evolved, but Halo 4 showed just how easy it is to adjust those limits, so there's no reason why you couldn't carry more rounds in campaign with a smaller default threshold in multiplayer. Final suggestion: the terminals. I get that they're trying to get people to use Waypoint, but they need to allow people to watch the terminals in-game. I also wish they would allow you to go back and find and access them again after the first time. Even now, when I play through the old games, I like to go back and re-find, re-read, and re-watch old terminals and skulls. I've even created dummy profiles on my Xbox just so I could find the ODST audio logs again. --Emblem 1.jpg  Rusty - 112  Admin  comm 01:09, 7 July 2013 (EDT)


 * I second the ammo thing for sure. I never really had an issue carrying the guns I wanted through missions in previous games, but carrying the AR through all of Halo 4 is very challenging to do without running out. Alex T Snow (talk) 01:38, 8 July 2013 (EDT)


 * The issue with objects disappearing from a game is due to the limited memory space the Xbox 360 has. By the looks of it, Halo 4 graphics engine has pushed the console's RAM to its limit, and the only way to prevent the game from crashing is by quickly deleting/removing these objects left behind/not collected by the player. I'm sure the next Halo installment on the Xbox One wouldn't have this problem. Definitely agree about the issue of accessing additional media. — subtank   06:29, 8 July 2013 (EDT)


 * Agree 100% with Rusty. To be honest I don't think they should've maxed out the 360 to its limits. Takes away from gameplay/features (i.e. weapon pick-ups, campaign theater, etc...). Perhaps they should've kept the Reach graphics but improved it to get rid of the grainy texture problem that game had? IDK. 42 rounds for your DMR is just stupid - which is why I resorted to sequence breaking and skipping large chunks of the levels in order to get through them without using much ammo if any. As for the terminals, definitely should've been in-game. Seems like 343i was foricng players to have fun their way (which may explain why we still don't have a classic playlist for multiplayer).-- Killamint  [<font color="Gray">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 13:09, 8 July 2013 (EDT)


 * Have you tried Throwdown? It's the most faithful and competetive playlist. Unfortunately, you'll have to be pretty good to hold your own in it. It's mostly played by the really competetive players. Always use the DMR. This is craZboy557, signing off. 18:33, 25 July 2013 (EDT)


 * I never tried it but they have legendary slayer and that was pretty good.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 13:08, 12 September 2013 (EDT)

My wants are the usual: No sprint as an option, descope, lowered aim assist, especially magnetism. '''Ok, so maybe don't always use the DMR anymore. That two shot-melee is pretty good. This is craZboy557, signing off.''' 18:49, 15 September 2013 (EDT)

I'd like to see a return to the health system used in Halo: Reach. I thought that Bungie actually pulled that off pretty well. It would also make available new weapons that could shred through both a small amount of shield and health like Killamint said. @Qura Morhek: Bingo! i couldn't have said it better. --Weeping Angel (talk) 12:33, 27 September 2013 (EDT)


 * Definitely agree with you there. I hate the health system in Halo 4, mainly because your health isn't shown on the HUD which leaves you blind as to how much health you have after your shields have dropped. Hated it in Halo 2 and 3 as well.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 10:52, 12 October 2013 (EDT)

I was playing through Halo 4 again, for the first time in months, and I was surprised by my new impressions on the game. Time really gives you a fresh perspective, and what struck me was two things - firstly, the irritation when fighting exclusively Promethean enemies, and secondly, the weapon redundancy. You have so many weapons filling the same niches. Everything besides that still seems extremely solid, and when you're fighting the Covenant it's extremely fun. I'm not sure if 343i have fixed the weapon balancing multiplayer, but that would be a big must for me. My point about the lens flare still stands (it's ridiculous, especially on the Forerunner-styled levels). --  Qura 'Morhek   The Autocrat     of Morheka   18:52, 13 October 2013 (EDT)


 * I haven't played Halo 4 in weeks, maybe a month I guess (on GTA5 at this point). It died a lil w/ me. I also noticed the population dying even more. It used to average 30K+/- players, now it's starting to average 15-20K+/- players (source). Skulls in SpOps is not enough, they should be customizable (playing mythic w/ no catch, tilt, & black eye is no fun), and we still need scoring & theater. The weapon redundancy is very obvious especially with the reloading mechanic which is just ridiculous. The weapons should've been unique and battery powered but oh well. 343i did fix the weapon balancing in multiplayer but in my opinion they did too much. Some of the weapons needed only minor fixes. That 4-shot crap w/ the br is annoying. They nerfed the DMR too much, and they made some of the other weapons a lil too powerful. Getting 1-shot by the sniper rifle in the body (not the head) w/ full health and shields is too much. I can't help you w/ the lens flare lol.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 11:13, 14 October 2013 (EDT)

Can we have some kind of boat? I mean really, with all of the Covenant's anti-grav technology, there has got to a hovercraft somewhere. I just want to play on it. Come to think of it, I don't think Halo has ever had a water vehicle. And no, the Gondolas from Halo 2 do not count. Also, I'd like to see something like the elephants on Halo 3's Sandtrap map. At least some kind of more open map that featured vehicles more heavily. In gameplay, it should be similar to Hemorrhage, where you had lots of open space (enough for scorpions+Wraiths+Ghosts+Revenants+Mongooses), but not too open, as it had all of those nice hills. --Weeping Angel (talk) 15:52, 15 October 2013 (EDT)

Final Improvements List
I'm gonna go ahead and sum up everything that I think needs to be brought back/eliminated in the next game. This list is comprised of things in the above section, forums, youtube, waypoint, my personal opinion, and other gamers alike. This also counts features/items that may be carried over from Halo 4 to Halo "5". Missed anything? Add to the list in the proper section! Don't like something on the list, don't delete it! State your reason below the list.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 12:53, 17 October 2013 (EDT)


 * Oh, as a side note, I will be paying close attention to what has been applied from this list over to the next game and will conduct my own review (that's if I buy the game, I have yet to buy a XBOXONE - cost too much, waiting for the price to drop to like $350-$400).-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 13:02, 17 January 2014 (EST)

Comments
I got rid of the "put mammoth in MP" thing. With its size, invulnerability, and firepower, I fail to see how it could play well. '''Ok, so maybe don't always use the DMR anymore. That two shot-melee is pretty good. This is craZboy557, signing off.''' 12:06, 21 October 2013 (EDT)
 * Hey don't delete it, just comment about it. IMO I think it is workable. If the elephant was usable on a large size map like sandtrap than the mammoth should be too especially given the power of the next gen xboxone. They could make a map that's a lil bigger and maybe fit one mammoth on the map. The mini-mac could be unusable (like the falcon's gun in mp) and even though it's invulnerable you could simply board it. I honestly think it could make for fun and exciting gamplay. If not, make it drivable in campaign. Never know, the xbox one could really make this possible.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 09:00, 22 October 2013 (EDT)
 * Sorry, I assumed we were supposed to edit the list. I guess most things can be balanced. But I just have to think that the time you'd have to make for that to work well would likely take too long to be worthwhile. This is craZboy557, signing off. 20:59, 2 November 2013 (EDT)


 * Well time would be a factor given the release goal is 2014 (1 year) instead of 2016 (3 years).-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 07:04, 3 November 2013 (EST)

I wanted to make a discussion segment about that timeline. if you think this shouldn't be here, go ahead and delete it/reorganize iit. First of all, that was a great idea to create a list like this Killamint, thanks. I do have a few problems with it though:

I do think jetpack should be an armor ability. it gives map designers options for maps that could not exist without it. Take a map like sword base for instance. does it work without jetpack? well...yes, but that takes away so many strategies. also even in flatter maps, it gives you whole new opportunities for combating opponents. about the maps, let me propose something drastic here. what about 16 vs. 16? all the gametypes feel like little firefights to me. I'd like to see something more like a war! For that gametype your going to need 2 things: bigger maps, and different vehicles. About vehicles, the Mammoth may be a bit much, but I would definitely like to see something along the lines of either that or the Elephant. Of course, UNSC aerial vehicles are a must. I have long been waiting for more interactive maps. That's the one area where HALO has consistently faltered. I actually like starting with armor abilities. Bring back the Flashlight!! Seriously? Spartan IVs don't have a flashlight? I guess that's what you get when you sideline Halsey. I agree with you on the thruster pack, but I would add two things: it should go farther, and you should be able to aim it up. I didn't like the auto pickup, but I did like that you had to stick with the flag. Personally I would keep that. A little redundancy is O.K. It's just when everything is a verbatim copy that it gets annoying. I'm a little worried about putting more stuff on the HUD. I'd like to see all that stuff, sure, but I don't want it to get crowded. Also S.O. should be longer. Right now, it just feels like dead weight on Halo 4. Like an arm that needs to amputated and replaced with Firefight. Maybe instead of S.O. and firefight, you could have a normal 8v8 slayer game with a Prometheans as a 3 team. Then again, maybe that's just stupid. Those are my ideas, anyway. --Weeping Angel (talk) 21:12, 21 October 2013 (EDT)


 * Jetpacks break map flow and jetpackers themselves are annoying to deal with. If its in mp it should be restricted to social playlist or made a pick-up rather than a starting ability. However, they could have a map that's entirely based around jetpacking like the level new Alexandria where there was a platforming section that required the jetpack. That could offer an interesting change of pace and would be fair since everyone has a jetpack although it may get hectic & choatic in the game. I just don't agree with starting with armor abilities. Armor lock was annoying enough but then there's promethean vision. I think they should be pick-ups like equipment in H3 and have limited use to avoid spamming (which was a major problem with armor lock). If you do start with armor abilities it should be restricted to social playlist. Honestly I prefer smaller teams over big team battles but 16v16 is possible given the next gen xbox but it would definitely require a very large map. As for the mammoth, I just want to see it in mp at least on one map, perhaps it can be worked in with the 16v16 gametype you described. Whats wrong with having all that stuff displayed on the HUD? I don't believe it would cause any clutter - take a look at Reach's HUD, it was still clear. Compare that to MC's HUD in H4, it had less information but was more cluttered due to the helmet outlines and random lines & unreadable text. I'm not sure what you mean by "Prometheans as a 3 team." -- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 09:00, 22 October 2013 (EDT)


 * I see what you mean about jetpacks. the problem is that there are some maps where i think they actually make for smoother and more interesting gameplay. Going back to Reach again, the map Spire proved to me that jetpacks can help gameplay. Some maps however don't need jetpacks. on a map like pinnacle, I absolutely agree with you. they are both unnecessary, and detrimental to gameplay. Armor lock and Promethean vision are my two least favorite armor abilities. I found that in the campaign i was using Promethean vision as a flashlight. Remind me again why there was no flashlight? Active Camo should be a pickup, definitely. auto sentry was just lame. Regeneration field should also be a pickup. Hologram was alright. I'd be okay with leaving that as a starting ability since it doesn't really affect gameplay all that much. That leaves us with Jetpack, hard light shield, and thruster pack. Personally, I would keep the jetpack, but that's just me. Hard light shield was interesting, but I prefer bubble shield. One or the other though, we can't have both. likewise with thruster pack. I think you're right about the HUD. the Reach HUD was amazing. Halo 4's was just stupid. all those lines were just so annoying. referring to what I said about adding another team of Promethean NPCs, it would have to be done on a large map, comparable to Spire or Exile. I was thinking that you could just throw in some knights to break up the gameplay. I haven't really given much thought to that idea, so feel free to completely tear it to shreds. BTW, we totally need a Mammoth/Elephant.--Weeping Angel (talk) 22:43, 25 October 2013 (EDT)


 * I do like the jetpack, just not in mp. I hardly ever used it myself. But like I and you said, it can work fine on particular maps. I now know what you mean by NPC's. Basically have some "bots" in mp. I've been wishing for bots since the 1st Halo. So no, I'm not shredding that idea! Sometimes I'm not in the mood to play against human players. Sometimes I rather play "on my own time" on mp maps against bots, just for fun or for practice especially if I don't have any local players to play with. They could also be substitutes for players in mm and have adjusted difficulty tables (like if most of the players are good, the bot will be set to heroic). I think that would help with extending the longevity of the game.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 09:16, 26 October 2013 (EDT)

One more thing. Forge firefight! I want to be able to make a firefight map from a forgeworld environment, and set enemy spawn points, how they spawn (phantom, spirit, droppod,etc...), where the friendly players spawn, and where all the weapons are. I want everything about Firfight forgeable. --Weeping Angel (talk) 10:50, 26 October 2013 (EDT)


 * That's an excellent idea!! Definitely added it to the list.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 08:24, 27 October 2013 (EDT)


 * But how will that work with AI pathfinding?


 * Good question. You will have to ask Weeping Angel about that one...-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 17:38, 1 December 2013 (EST)

There are 3 more things that I'd like to say, but I'm not sure you can put these on any list. These are just broader goals that I'd like for 343i to shoot for.

The first is creativity. Bungie was incredibly creative with each of their games. the difference between the games in the original trilogy is astounding. Halo 4 felt more like a combination of Halo 3 and Reach. 343i needs to make a game that feels incredibly new and excitingly different. on a smaller scale, 343i added all of 5 new weapons to Halo 4: the sticky detonator, the SAW, the Railgun, the Pulse grenade, and the incineration cannon. Bungie added the target locator, the grenade launcher, the DMR, the needle rifle, the cuncussion rifle, the plasma repeater, the plasma launcher, the focus rifle, and the whole idea of armor abilities.

Secondly, Halo Reach had a certain grittiness to it. there was something so real about it. Halo 4 just seemed too pretty. And there's nothing wrong with pretty, but It looked kind of fake compared to Reach. Take a look at the pictures in the Halo: Reach and Halo 4 pages, and you can see what I mean. I want the next game to be stunningly real. That doesn't mean that can't be pretty. But I want to get a little dirty sometimes.

And the third thing is storytelling. Despite 343i's incessant talk about how Halo 4 will delve deeper into the Master Chief, I felt like Halo: Reach actually did a better job of describing the pain that he's been through. The way each of Noble 6's teammates were picked off, one by one, created a powerful analogy to what the Master Chief has been through.

Bungie hasn't just excelled at each of these elements in Halo: Reach. I used that as an example because it's the game that I'm the most familiar with. In each of the Bungie games, they showed unparalleled creativity, unbelievable art works, and incredible storytelling. If 343i can capture those three elements, I have confidence that they will create a stupendous game, whether or not they address each of our grievances listed on this page. It'll make me happy, at least. --Weeping Angel (talk) 15:52, 2 November 2013 (EDT)


 * Yeah I already mentioned weapon variety as being something that needs to be added to the game. Although I didn't find the incineration cannon to be anything special (IMO it's just a pretty looking rocket launcher). As for mission variety I added that to the list as I forgot about it. To be honest I think Halo 4 was overall better looking than Halo Reach but may have been too pretty as it compromised everything else (weapons despawning too fast). Yes they need better story telling so I added that to the list. Halo 4 did a good job of humanizing chief but it lacked in every other aspect such as the Didact being a weak antagonist and not much story telling outside of MC & Cortana. But yeah, it is safe to say that Halo 4 wasn't innovative in any way compared to the previous trilogy/saga. It was far more imitative and gave us nothing new.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 07:04, 3 November 2013 (EST)

I personally like a few things they did in Halo 4, but I'll go ahead and put my 2 cents in here. -First off, I love the jetpack. I'm one of the so called "Jet packers", but I personally see it as a good addition. And really, if you don't like the jetpack for being used against you, that's your problem. -I do agree with most of the weapon changes you suggested, especially with the Sentinel Beam. I really loved that weapon, and I hated that 343 didn't bring it back in 4. -I definitely want more aerial vehicles, especially the hornet. I also liked the falcon, but what I think would be a good idea, would be to have (maybe) a large, possible 16 on 16 style map (I think such a thing could be done on the Xbox One), with two large bases and a middle ground. Think of Blood gulch, but larger, and more air space. And add in both the Phantom, and the Pelican(Auto cannon only) To counter such powerful air vehicles, I would think we'd need the AA Wraith, the Wolverine, or maybe even the Vampire. Maybe even throw in some water based vehicles, and we'd have an epic map with which a massive battle could take place in. Just saying... -Agree on keeping the mantis. -I think a combination of armor abilities, and equipment would be nice. Have both armor abilities, like jet pack, sprint(don't particularly like it as standard), hard light shield (or something equal to it), invisibility, and other such abilities. Then, we could have equipment, such as the regenerator, bubble shield (invincible, preferably), power drain, flare, some kind of mine, and maybe some knew types, such as a deployable turret (like the sentry gun from Black Ops), a homing bomb thing, that could detonate and create a small portal that would suck in nearby players (like the vortex, which they were going to add in H3), and small drone that follows the player for say 30 seconds after being deployed. And have the armor abilities set to either RB or X, and have the equipment set to the D-pad. -Agree with bringing back Firefight. Spartan ops just didn't do it for me. -Maybe a Covenant mecha, of some sort? Think like a large, pilotable hunter, with its assault cannon, and shield. Also, maybe give the Mantis some form of limited flight (for some reason, the Mantis does indeed have what looks like thrusters on it, but they don't do anything). -Bring back the brutes, and their weapons and vehicles. Especially the Chopper. -BRING BACK DUEL WIELDING! Honestly, I really wanted this one in H4, but I'll still be hoping they bring it back in 5 (or whatever they call it.) -Promethean vehicles. Like a large, pilotable War Sphinx. Maybe single player only, but still. -SMG. That is all. -Have both the grenade launcher and stick detonator. However, give the grenade launcher slightly more power, and make the stick detonator slightly less powerful. -Flamethrower. A usable flame thrower. If not a flamethrower, a similar covenant weapon that spews hot, burning plasma at short range. Like a plasma cutter, but bigger, and more powerful. -Make the thruster pack actually useful. At least two burst, at least. And longer bursts. -Arbiter. Enough said. -Gatling Guns. Like the one in H3. Enough said. I could go on and on, but I think you guys get the general idea. Siphon 117 23:02, 12 November 2013 (EST)


 * Your a genius. --Weeping Angel (talk) 23:19, 12 November 2013 (EST)


 * I don’t necessarily “hate” the jetpack. It’s more along the lines of what is balanced and what isn’t. That’s like saying “if you don't like armor lock being used against you, that's your problem.” Things like the jet pack, armor lock, promethean vision, and the boltshot are unbalanced and annoying regardless of who uses them. They break the flow of gameplay (usually by slowing it down) and, in the case of the jetpack, map flow. There’s a reason why I said it shouldn’t be an item the player starts with but rather something that must be obtained on the map and have limited use. It’ll help keep players on the ground longer rather than spamming it, which would help balance gameplay. As for sprint, it’s going to be difficult to get rid of it now if we’re still playing as Spartan-IV, since the gen-II armor has a “built-in” sprint module. As for a particular playlist, it could be eliminated, but you have to hope 343i does that for us (which is unlikely since they have yet to do it in Halo 4, at least to my knowledge). Having both equipment and armor abilities at the same time might be a bit hectic (almost like having sprint and jetpack at the same time). Honestly, I’m not sure what to say about that. It could be balanced and help give some variety to gameplay. Giving the Mantis flight capability maybe over doing it but maybe restrict it to campaign. Dual wielding is a bit of a mixed bag. I would say in MP, restrict it to weapons like the magnum and plasma pistol, that aren’t that powerful on their own.


 * By the way, how come you never post your signature with four ~ ? I couldn’t tell who posted the comment at first.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 13:04, 14 November 2013 (EST)

See, I just gotta disagree with you on the jetpack. I thought it was actually enhanced gameplay. The deal with armor lock was that it a was completely unrealistic armor ability that was implemented terribly. Sure the jetpack needs some buffing, some adjustments, but I would hate to see it scrapped from armor abilities.

Same thing with built-in sprint; I rather like it.

On the rest of the stuff I pretty much agree with you, Killamint: armor abilities and equipment could be a little messy. In the end, though. it's all about how it's implemented. 343 could do a great job, and it could turn out to completely change the series. Or (the more likely version) it could be way too cluttered, and be a complete mess. I'm not sure I trust 343 that much. Flying Mantis? How about a jump? that would let it clear some annoying obstacles, without being overly much. Now, dual wielding is another thing that could go either well, or terribly. The thing that made it work in Halo 3 was that there was a whole class of weapons for dual wielding. There was the pistol, the plasma pistol, the SMG, the plasma rifle, the spiker, and the Mauler. That's 6 weapons that could be dual wielded. 343 would have to come up with a similar (please don't cut and paste those weapons) lineup of weapons to make dual wielding work. It's just not going to work the same with only a couple. --Weeping Angel (talk) 22:01, 14 November 2013 (EST)


 * Fine, I took jetpacks off the list as an armor ability to take out the game just to clarify things but I still don't agree that it enhances gameplay. Don't get me wrong, its fun to use and definitely fine in campaign but I just find it annoying when I'm shooting someone and on the verge of killing them but all of a sudden they "take off" mad high so now I have to point straight up, making it difficult for me to pull off the kill. But whatever. After playing Reach last week I've been learning how to deal with jetpackers (and armor-lockers) and I've won most if not all firefights against them (at least while they were in the air). Moving on, a "jump" ability for the Mantis seems more suitable than flight capability so I agree with you there. As for dual wielding, I think limiting the number of weapons that can be dual wielded is a good thing, especially when most other weapons are just fine by themselves...no need for spray-and-pray in the next game.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 06:31, 15 November 2013 (EST)

May I suggest scratching out the "removed" ideas instead of moving them off the list? That tells new readers what was on the list. Something else to add is more unique easter eggs! It adds replay value to the game, makes the game more exciting, and shows how much effort was put into the game. I loved the RvB radio in Spartan Ops, but there's barely anything in the campaign (Limited Edition wasn't original, and double rainbow doesn't feel like an easter egg and more like an addition to the environment). —  SPARTAN 331  10:56, 15 November 2013 (EST)


 * Actually that is a good idea to scratch them out but instead what I'll do is create a removed ideas list - I just wanna keep the list clean I guest. But the easter eggs, I totally forgot about! Halo 4's campaign easter eggs SUCKED (they were mostly weak weapon drops) and seemed too complicated to activate/find IMO. I'll definitely add that to the list!-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 12:38, 15 November 2013 (EST)


 * Easter Eggs! How could we have forgotten about that? definitely.
 * Wait, the Mammoth in MP is up for debate? I thought that was an AWESOME idea! You gotta at least have it for the 16v.16 battle. --Weeping Angel (talk) 23:12, 15 November 2013 (EST)


 * Yeah I'll go ahead and add that back. It is a great idea. I also added 16v16 to the list. Not sure if I would ever play that though if they made it - may be too chaotic for me lol.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 05:12, 16 November 2013 (EST)

I disagree with the removal of the Covenant Carbine. I personally find that its gameplay is different enough from the other marksmen rifles that it could be kept. I mean, it is a nice medium-ranged, single-shot rifle that has great rate of fire while having somewhat lacking magazine capacity to balance it out (Kills faster than the BR, but doesn't have the potential to kill as many people with a single magazine). I especially would like to keep it if there are going to be Spartans vs. Elites games, where it would make a counterpart to the BR while having the Needle Rifle a counterpart to the DMR.

Speaking about Spartans and Elites, I like how they were handled in Reach over 2 and 3. The Elites played a little differently than the Spartans did, had access to different weaponry, and were actually kind of fun. However, make their games more easily accessed than Reach: Like give make a Spartan vs. Elite or Elite only playlists.

As for the flamethrower, I would like to see it being like Killzone 2's: Has some range, but the napalm arcs. Let's face it, Halo 3's flamethrower was only slightly above useless. Missing Mandible (talk) 15:08, 19 November 2013 (EST)


 * The problem with the Covenant carbine is that its pretty much an alien DMR with the only "distinguishing" factors being that it fires faster, has 2x zoom, and has colorful ammo. Other than that its not that much different from the DMR in that it operates in the same manner - basically a single-shot pinpoint weapon that has to be reloaded. The Needle Rifle is more distinguishable since it can super-combine in targets making it more of a counterpart to the DMR than the covie carbine. Having both the needle rifle and carbine would be too redundant especially if we have the BR & DMR & LR IMO - five weapons that fill the same purpose and operate almost the same. The same can be said about the rocket launcher, fuel rod gun, and incinerator cannon - IMO they're all "rocket launchers", just with different colored ammo, firing rates, and slighly different power ratings. The fuel rod gun was distinguishable until they eliminated the arcing projectile thing it did in H1 in all subsequent Halo games.
 * As for Elites, I disagree with you. The Elites shouldn't play different from Spartans because it makes S vs. E games unbalanced. As someone said before me, the only difference they should have is slightly more health (due to they're larger size) and thats it. That would allow people to choose to play as Elites in ANY gametype. Plus, IMO, its fun to see different species going up against another in a free for all rather than the mundane Spartans vs. Elites, Elites vs. Elites, Spartans vs. Spartans - why not Spartans/Elites vs. Spartans/Elites? Plus Reach took away all the armor permuations making them less customizable. SO I rather have it like it was in Halo 2 & 3.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 12:44, 21 November 2013 (EST)


 * I think that the Fuel Rod Gun is a different beast from the rocket launcher. The bouncing projectiles mean you have to actually hit the target instead of shooting the ground and killing them with the splash. I'd definitely say they're both relevant within the same sandbox. This is craZboy557, signing off. 22:01, 27 November 2013 (EST)


 * I forgot about that bounce effect thing but even then the scattershot does the same thing and is still hardly different from the UNSC shotgun. I just think the least 343i needs to do is add the arc effect again which would add a lil challenge to using the weapon at the same time make it more distinct from the rocket launcher.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 10:16, 28 November 2013 (EST)


 * Yes, but as I said, the bouncing prevents the Fuel Rod from being used the same way as the rocket launcher. There already is a challenge with using the weapon, you have to land a direct hit with a non-hitscan weapon with one of the slower projectile speeds. I feel that the fuel rod plays significantly different from the rocket launcher. As opposed to the rocket launcher being to easily take out one or more target per shot with its splash damage, with only a few shots to be used, the Fuel Rod is to take out a target a shot with direct hits, and with several shots available. With its ability to take out targets faster, I feel like the FRG tends to play a bit more aggressively, while the rocket launcher, with the less shots available and the reliance on splash damage needing you to be sure a surface to shoot at is available, encourages defensive play. This is craZboy557, signing off. 12:40, 28 November 2013 (EST)


 * You convinced me, I got nothing else to say there. I still want the arc effect back though.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 11:02, 1 December 2013 (EST)


 * Eh, why not. This is craZboy557, signing off. 13:31, 1 December 2013 (EST)

Okay, this just needs to be said: BRING BACK INVASION. I think Elites should be a little different. I would say the should be bigger, walk faster, and have a more powerful melee attack. The better health is a good idea too. After all, aren't the elites described in the book as being more than a match for John? I agree, the Needle rifle and carbine are too similar. Halo: Reach worked well with just 2 medium-long range weapons. Weeping Angel (talk) 12:07, 22 November 2013 (EST)
 * Invasion was my favourite gametype in Halo: Reach. I'd love it if they brought it back in the next game. I'd rather have Invasion than Spartan Ops...-- 12:12, 22 November 2013 (EST)


 * I agree that Invasion should return. However, like I said above, Elites shouldn't be that much different, if different at all, from spartans, from a gameplay perspective. I think allowing them to have higher stats in most areas will cause in-balance in the game. Maybe a little more health to compensate for their larger size & covie weapons being generally weaker than human weapons. I was just fine when playing gears of war where the locust horde and cogs had the same stats but only differed aesthetically. Why not maintain the same thing in Halo? Also its best not to incorporate everything that was written in the books into gameplay - take a look at Halo 4 itself: they eliminated Elites entirely simply because the spartans fight on-board the Infinity in a simulation. Gamers who are only interested in the multiplayer won't give a rats-yoink!- about the story behind multiplayer. They're only interested in gameplay and if its missing, the complaints will start pouring in.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 09:58, 24 November 2013 (EST)

I went ahead and added another thing to the list. A youtube poster suggested we be able to play as other covie species in maybe separate playlist. An example would be grunt slayer where everyone plays as grunts. It would add some diversity and another challenge to the game rather than just playing as just spartans, which can be boring after a while. Also it may be possible to play as Brutes in any playlist since they can be considered equivalent to Spartans & Elites (similar stats) but not sure if players would like to play as them. Could also play as insurrectionist which would be interesting.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 10:30, 28 November 2013 (EST)

Alright, so two things: 1, I vote against bringing back dual wielding, and 2, can we put up weapon ideas? This is craZboy557, signing off. 12:42, 28 November 2013 (EST)


 * Duly noted. I moved dual wielding to the "up for debate" section. As for weapon ideas I created a "New Weapon/AA Ideas" section. Feel free to fill it up. I already placed some of my ideas.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 11:02, 1 December 2013 (EST)


 * Mine are up now as well. This is craZboy557, signing off. 13:31, 1 December 2013 (EST)

Now this is something that should be in the next game. The Quad-Walker has 2 plasma cannons and looks similar to the scarab walker. I wouldn't have an issue with it if it were implemented in the H5. I've been wanting to see UNSC reversed-engineered tech in the Halo games other than energy shields. I want to see some energy weapons other than the Spartan laser. So hopefully 343i gets to it.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 12:44, 16 January 2014 (EST)
 * Another ONI vehicle? There's no way 343 lets Mega Bloks just make up vehicles for no reason, especially not a whole new series of them. ONI as (somewhat) its own faction is looking more and more likely. That or an ONI-based side game. Also, the SMG definitely needs to come back. Aside from the hole left because of its absence, Halo 4 got the weapon sandbox perfect. Alex T Snow (talk) 21:25, 16 January 2014 (EST)


 * Added SMG's to the list. I agree though, there's no way Mega Bloks can just make up vehicles left & right. 343i has to have some direction with these toys. As for an ONI-based side game, I don't think so. Now the H4 weapon sandbox, balance-wise, its perfect. As for weapon types, no. It's too redundant. Just copy-pasted weapons across all factions. Basically no creativity whatsoever with the promethean weapons.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 13:02, 17 January 2014 (EST)


 * They are indeed a bit redundant. Equivalent but unique weapons would be better, Sniper Rifle/Focus Rifle instead of Sniper Rifle/Beam Rifle as an example. What I meant by "perfect" in this case is all the roles are filled (minus the SMG), not talking about uniqueness. For standard rifles you have a pair per role: two long, two mid-long, two mid-close, two one close, one human and one alien per class, but missing the SMG, that's my issue. Also because the SMG (functionally the Halo: CE AR) has been missing since ODST. Spartan Assault's use of stuff from all across the games is a good sign though, I always want to see more of that. 343 has been very good about making the Halo universe a very interconnected one, where the novels, comics, live action stuff, and all that are just as much a part of the story as the games; they're not a lower level of canon. That's something that I hope they continue. I suppose that's not a thing to improve, but I do feel its important. Alex T Snow (talk) 18:20, 17 January 2014 (EST)

Alright, I'm going to throw in my next two cents here. I personally want Dual Wielding back, as it gave the weapon's sandbox a little more variety in terms of combat. You could in Halo 3 feasibly pair up a Mauler or SMG with a Magnum, for the usual noob combo, or go full on dual Maulers for brutal CQC. For Halo 5, or whatever it's going to be called, I would like the SMG, Plasma Rifle, Needler, Magnum, Plasma Pistol, Bolt Shot, and maybe a brand new weapon. Now, I know that both the Needler and Bolt Shot are both really powerful, and can be spammed, but so can the rocket launcher. Anyway, I would also like to see the Brute weapons return, especially the Mauler and Bruteshot. As for other weapons, bring back the sentinel beam, and bring in a usable flame thrower. Vehicle related, I would like to see the Cobra, Wolverine, Locust, Vampire, Hornet, and the AA Wraith. For these kinds of vehicles, I would also like to see a huge, wide open map designed with large team based vehicular combat as the main focus. For that kind of thing, I would want at least 32 players maximum. It being on the next gen console, I don't see why they can't do that. For the competitive minded, Make the DMR with its 5 shot kill more accurate than the BR at longer range, and make the BR's spread greater the longer the range is. That way, the BR would be for more close-mid range combat, while the DMR will be for mid-long range combat. Also, make all none beam based weapons not hit scan, as bullets do actually take time to travel to their target. Make it like Halo 3 in that regard in my opinion. Next, we need a Covenant ground vehicle that can stand up to the Scorpion, let alone the Mantis. For that, I say we need the above mentioned Locust, or maybe a Mantis style Covenant mecha suit, like maybe a mecha version of a Hunter, but with shields. I would say more, but I'll cut it at that. Siphon 117 00:40, 25 January 2014 (EST)


 * Lol you already said dual wielding. I left it under "up for debate" due to balance reasons especially if you're talking about dual wielding Bolt Shots (i.e. overpowered x2). Added brute weapons and Halo wars vehicles to the list.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 12:34, 28 February 2014 (EST)

What if I told you...the Jetpack and Join in progress is fine the way it is? If anything join in progress needs to be fixed where it'll actually give your team more players even after the "beginning" of the match. I've had too many games where it's a manhunt for one player. I also like the custom classes with the exception of people spawning and then camping with Boltshot. Sith-venator Wavingstrider  ( Commlink ) 14:00, 28 February 2014 (EST)


 * This is going to be long. Don't get me wrong, the jetpack is fun to use but it breaks map flow. It's one thing if players aren't given jetpack from the beginning (or any other armor abilities for that matter) & are forced to cycle around the map for it, and had limited use (so it couldn't be spammed like armor-lock). I think that would help balance it out a lot better. Otherwise it would be just fine the way it is in a social playlist where its not as competitive. And that brings me to join-in-progress. It's the worst when you're thrown into a losing match and you have no idea where the players are, and those players might have power weapons locked down. It's not even fair for the winning team if their opponents switch in the middle of battle where you might wound up with greater skilled players. So I would restrict it to social playlist. As for a manhunt, usually the last player quits (unless he's brave). Although there was a time where it was just me & another player vs 4, and we still won (I have proof), but that depends on the skill of the players.


 * When it comes to custom classes, its a mixed bag for me. I absolutely agree with you about camping w/ Boltshots. The problem is that custom classes create "player preferred patterns" (I give credit to Dark Sangheili for this one). Players are given the right tools for ANY situation. Big team battle - just equip yourself w/ a plasma pistol & grenades against vehicles. Regular battle - just equip yourself w/ a DMR & Boltshot. And that was the main problem w/ Halo 4. Too many & unbalanced weapons that you could spawn with. It would've been better if it were limited to 2 primary weapon choices (can't say secondary because of the plasma pistol & boltshot), which would promote cycling around the map for better weapons. This is more competitive & fun IMO compared to being given the weapons. And choices of perks, grenades, & aa's, and tying these "unlockables" to rank made it unbalanced.-- Killamint  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 08:18, 1 March 2014 (EST)

Thoughts on the Reveal
Considering how much time has past, I'm very happy to see 343i reveal their latest project in more detail. I actually have high hopes for the game and I'm reconsidering purchasing the XboxOne (especially since they plan on reducing the price to $399 next month). I'm really digging the new box art. And I'm really digging the new armor (despite all the bad things I hate about the new GEN2 armor overall). It's very intЁeresting especially seeing the ONI insignia slapped on the armor. And I like the fact that the game has a subtitle. However, why do I get the feeling that the subtitle is kind of another Destiny reference? First we had MC's "cloak". Now the name of the game reflects the characters you play in Destiny (It caught me off guard just like how "Spartan Ops" did in regards to "Spec Ops"). IDK, just seemed kind of suspect. But nonetheless, I'm fine w/ the title. As for the box art, I have two theories in regards to the story, & I'll keep them brief. The top character could be MC wearing new armor w/ a reflection of his past self at the bottom. Or it could be a new character who has something to do with MC and we may be playing as him & as MC similar to how we played two roles in Halo 2. So those are just my thoughts on the new reveal. Opinions? Thoughts on the reveal? Post them here.-- Killamin7  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 12:51, 16 May 2014 (EDT)

The Sangheili statue in the released concept art is intriguing. If we do get to visit Sanghelios (as the atmosphere, architecture and two moons would suggest), you can only imagine my squeals of excitement. A renunciation of the antagonisation of the former-Covenant species—which has seemingly been a staple of newer media as of late—would be a welcome addition. Seeing an ONI main character will be most interesting, although kinda scary considering their massive power increase in the post-war era. The character above John is a new character, so it's definitely not John himself or any characters we already know—I'm placing my bets on a dual campaign, which would be a nice throwback to Halo 2. Overall, I can't say I'm too excited. I'm still kinda recovering from the awfulness of Kilo-Five and the disappointment of newer Escalation issues. :/ —<font color="#2E8B57">Tent <font color="#3CB371">acle <font color="#DAA520">Torn <font color="#B8860B">ado  13:17, 16 May 2014 (EDT)


 * Thanks for the update Tentacle. That eliminates my theory that MC is wearing that armor. Basically its a brand new character. I actually would like to see a brand new protagonist and wouldn't mind following two seperate story plots like in Halo 2, but I hope that it is executed properly. Not to say it wasn't done properly in Halo 2, but I found playing as the MC more appealing than the Arbiter for some reason. Kilo5 was definitely bland but I do like Escalation. The art w/ Escalation was my main issue, otherwise I like the story thus far. My fear with Escalation is when Brian Reed takes over :(. Spartan Ops and Initiation (according to everybody) were let-downs. So hopefully this guy doesn't screw up the remainder of the issues.-- Killamin7  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 16:57, 16 May 2014 (EDT)

@Killamin7: That armor is epic. I haven't been a huge fan of the Halo 4 Mjolnir, but this is actually quite beautiful. Anyone care to speculate on the general plot of Halo 5? Weeping Angel (talk) 13:31, 16 May 2014 (EDT)


 * If the concept art is any indication, I have a feeling we'll be visiting multiple settings, though I suppose that's a given for the series. Along with pretty much everyone else I think we'll be returning the the Ark at some point, while this piece suggests Venezia. The statue in the background of the newest image is holding an energy sword or twin-scythe: given the architecture and the environment, my money's on Sanghelios. While the Chief's Halo 4 duds are my favorite MJOLNIR variant ever, I hope he winds up with a new suit in the game proper. Frankly, given the way Escalation is developing he may not get the chance, but that suits me fine as long as the story provides a good justification for him to continue using it. -- Our vengeance is at hand. Gravemind.svg ( Talk to me. ) 13:58, 16 May 2014 (EDT)


 * "Dark Samus? It looks like the long-awaited Halo/Metroid crossover is coming to fruition."

- Braidenvl


 * Haha, I admit that is funny. Even the Promethean Knights were described as being enemies that looked like they belonged in the Metroid series. I still like the armor though, mainly because it looks better than some of the shitty armor contained in Halo 4's collection. Still, H4/H5 Mjolnir is too unlike Halo CE/2/3/Reach Mjolnir so it looks a lil complex or cartoonish majority of the time, rather than simple & straightforward. Anyway, I would definitely like to see fightable Insurrectionist in this game, whether it came down to the NCA or Venezia. And that new image definitely looks like Sanghelios, and visiting that place would be tight.-- Killamin7  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 16:57, 16 May 2014 (EDT)

Sorry to just jump in, but someone on Archive noticed a striking resemblance between the Sangheili concept art and the map High Ground, specifically if the map is looked at from behind the SAM launcher. If this does end up being the case, it's probably unlikely we'll be visiting it in the campaign. :( —<font color="#2E8B57">Tent <font color="#3CB371">acle <font color="#DAA520">Torn <font color="#B8860B">ado  14:57, 16 May 2014 (EDT)


 * We may be visiting it in campaign & multiplayer, just like Halo: Reach. Although people may have a huge disdain for that if we do. Who knows.-- Killamin7  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 16:57, 16 May 2014 (EDT)

I definitely think this character at the top is an ONI assassin/tracker/hunter that's going after a rogue Master Chief. The cloak makes sense when you're trying to conceal yourself. Why would Chief go rogue? Well, Halo 4 Spartan Ops points to that pretty heavily. After Halsey defected to Jul 'Mdama's side, and Chief didn't know Halsey was still alive this whole time until recently, it seems like a pretty apt assumption to make. Maybe you're playing this ONI hunter as well as Master Chief in a sort of Halo 2-esque campaign?-- Fluffy Emo Penguin ( ice quack! ) 20:01, 16 May 2014 (EDT)

@FluffyEmoPenguin: yes. yes. so much yes. That is just what I thought. --Weeping Angel (talk) 23:46, 16 May 2014 (EDT)


 * I'm placing my money on it being Fred, forced to hunt down his old friend/leader, John, who's gone rogue for a bit to try and find a way to bring Cortana back or rescue Halsey. So while John is fighting his way through Insurrectionists or Covenant, Fred is following his trail, trying to bring him in to answer for his actions. You can justify "new character" as "new to the games" if you have to. --  Qura 'Morhek   The Autocrat     of Morheka   01:01, 17 May 2014 (EDT)


 * I just read that the game's creative director is Tim Longo of Republic Commando fame. Not only is Republic Commando one of my absolute favorite Star Wars games, - and I've played a lot of them - it's probably the coolest squad-based FPS I've ever played. I know there are objectively better games in the genre, though in my opinion none of them can hold a candle to the atmosphere and tight pacing of RC. I wonder how many elements from that game will find their way into Halo 5. -- Our vengeance is at hand. Gravemind.svg ( Talk to me. ) 11:53, 18 May 2014 (EDT)


 * That's what I was thinking when the news broke. RC-style simple but elegant squad command system with Blue Team? With no vocal feedback most of the time, just acknowledgment lights flashing on your HUD? Yes please. I'm also glad about the switch in art direction. Kenneth Scott was always a poor fit for Halos visual style and while I consider Sparth's redesign of the Dawn as going too far, I'm more hopeful with him at the helm given his portfolio. Let's hope the cartoonishly ugly Covenant (and Forerunner!) designs were an unfortunate one-off occurrence. --<font color="MidnightBlue">Jugus' (<font color="Gray">Talk  | <font color="Gray">Contribs ) 12:51, 18 May 2014 (EDT)


 * That ONI tracker idea sounds very likely (whether it is or isn't Fred). With what's been happening with ONI, Halsey, and John, and all of their relationships to each other, this could be very interesting, and also an excellent mirror of Halo 2, not only in the split campaign, but also that the second character is after the first, until they meet up and the latter learns the truth about Chief, and then they team up. It's also looking even more likely that those REAP-X ONI vehicles will show up. Alex T Snow (talk) 20:53, 18 May 2014 (EDT)

I have to say, the font for the number "5" does not click with the "Halo" title. Feels out of place. Also, one needs to question why the UNSC has not fixed John's dented armour after the events of Halo 4. What happened to that ample supply of nanomachines on the Infinity? Also, the concept arts might be concepts for multiplayer play space rather than campaign play space. I'll reserve my comments about other stuff. :P — subtank   13:45, 19 May 2014 (EDT)


 * I guess 343i got the "4" right but not the "5". But honestly I'm not sure what to think of the font now that you mentioned it. Yeah those nanomachines were nothing more than an excuse to change MC's armor.-- Killamin7  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 09:01, 20 May 2014 (EDT)


 * Haha! Should've went with a Roman "V". High-V! — subtank   09:03, 20 May 2014 (EDT)


 * The nanomachines were an absurd idea from the start. They really come off as something they just threw in as an afterthought since they didn't want to outright retcon the classic Mk. VI out of risk of angering the fans, yet had no desire to devote time to having the Chief change his armor in the game. --<font color="MidnightBlue">Jugus (<font color="Gray">Talk  | <font color="Gray">Contribs ) 09:10, 20 May 2014 (EDT)


 * @subtank: a roman V would've look better! @Jugus: Exactly! 343i wasn't thinking from a logical perspective when they made Halo 4, the Kilo5 series, or Initiation. Why not have chief swap into some brand new armor? Why not leave the FuD the way it is and create a more fun/interactive mission from the start? Why not make the Kilo5 books into one book rather than padding the heck out of them? I was dumbfounded by the idea of "spartans w/ no armor". What about protection from weapons, especially plasma weapons?? I just hope we don't encounter anymore outrageous or unexplainable elements in Halo 5.-- Killamin7  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 09:26, 20 May 2014 (EDT)


 * Initiations "Spartans with no armor" idea is perhaps the most outrageous addition to the Halo canon in a while. It would be much easier to just stick a person's brain in a robot body than to augment a human body to the levels we see in Initiation (at least with the UNSC's tech level). It's something that works in a superhero comic but not a sci-fi universe with any pretense of realism. Which is why I'm sorta worried about Brian Reed taking over, as lead writer no less. There were parts of Spartan Ops I liked (and others I didn't), but Initiation was full of this sort of cringeworthy silliness. --<font color="MidnightBlue">Jugus' (<font color="Gray">Talk  | <font color="Gray">Contribs ) 09:49, 20 May 2014 (EDT)


 * Haha "..stick a person's brain in a robot body.." Kind of reminds me of Robocop. I noticed something in the descriptions for Escalation #8 & 9: "Halo® lead writer Brian Reed (Amazing Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel)". I think that says enough about where his writing style comes from. Even the cover for issue 9 kind of gives off this "superhero/supervillian" vibe. So yeah, for Halo 5 I'll be paying close attention to the plot - see if any thing that goes on in the game makes any sense from a "Halo" perspective. That includes "The next 72 hours."-- Killamin7  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 12:14, 20 May 2014 (EDT)

Halo: Escalation connections
Am I the only one who has connected the dots here? Halo: Escalation Issue 6 shows the UNSC Spirit of Fire drifting towards a Two-Star Planet in this image? Several concept art for Halo 5: Guardians shows what looks like Sanghelios, in a Two-Star System. There is also a page in Issue 6 of Halo: Escalation that shows a Flood Infection Form running across the surface of the Cryo-Bay on the UNSC Spirit of Fire, and the Cryo-Tubes are open. In the end credits of Halo Wars, Serina is heard saying "Captain, wake up. Something has happened.". 343 Industries had stated that Halo 5: Guardians will be one of the biggest entries plot-wise and technology-wise of all Halo Entries. Also, in the Halo 5 Trailer, that big-a** machine gets out of the ground, and the surrondings look like the ark. Here is my theory: The UNSC Spirit of Fire crashes on Sanghelios, launching a Flood Infestation, and Master Chief tries to find 05-032 Mendicant Bias in order to stop the flood. One of my supporting details is that in Halo 3, Cortana says that the Ark took "Heavy Damage", but was not destroyed. Maybe even the Covenant is trying to find him, as one of his Fragments became known as an "Oracle" but was destroyed. Maybe they learned about him, and maybe Jul 'Mdama plans to take a chance and try to lead the Flood to Earth and try and destroy Humanity using the Flood for his own amends. PLEASE comment, and thanks for reading. Cheers, 76.17.73.143 16:51, 1 June 2014 (EDT)


 * That's a bit much to conclude off a single image. If anything, this image concludes what I said earlier about there being a Halo wars 2 or some other game continuing the story of the SoF that may be revealed at E3. I don't see the SoF appearing in Halo 5, at most just a mention. As for Sanghelios, if the SoF was crash landing there, I'm sure the UNSC would've found out by now. Also it's already known that the Ark wasn't destroyed. So overall, I believe the ending of issue 6 may give birth to a new Halo game before Halo 5. That is something I'm counting on and hoping for.-- Killamin7  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 17:42, 1 June 2014 (EDT)
 * You guys already pointed out most of the hints and clues so far, though one thing that's extremely interesting is that the cryo pods are open and empty, and I doubt they would go to all this trouble just to bring back Cutter and Anders as flood. Anders could fill the UNSC scientist role vacated by Halsey, especially given their apparent history. Another Halo Wars would make a lot of sense too, not doing so would be kind of like not bringing back Thel in the next main game, especially when he was in Escalation. While I do love how interconnected all of the Halo universe's media is, I hope they don't go too drastic with the changes and revelations in Escalation, they've already killed of Paul DeMarco, put Hood in a wheelchair, infected the Spirit of Fire with flood, and it looks like we're getting the entire setup to Chief's next game, even apparently involving the Didact. Still nothing with the squad from ODST at all yet, though if they just bring them back just to kill (some of them) off, I'd rather they just not; it's pretty much the only Halo story where everyone doesn't die. Alex T Snow (talk) 18:48, 1 June 2014 (EDT)


 * Flaw - Sanghelios occupies a triple star system, not a binary one. I do think it's setting the Spirit of Fire's cast and characters up for a new story in the future, and I'm personally hoping for a Halo Wars 2. I really doubt, though, that they will feature in Halo 5 with the Master Chief. --  Qura 'Morhek   The Autocrat     of Morheka   19:12, 1 June 2014 (EDT)

Aw, I thought it was a binary system. Also, thanks for giving me that article on the Post-Battle Investigation on Installation 00. I didn't even know that had happened. Interesting. Maybe it was showing Sanghelios's Two Moons, cause I guess they are a little close to Sanghelios to be Suns. I'm sticking to my theory. I guess we'll see if I'm right in 5 Days, or for me 11 Days, cause that's when Gameinformer comes out. Cheers, 76.17.73.143 08:37, 4 June 2014 (EDT)

Also, how would they make another story about the SoF if the ship is Flood-Infested? And I got that theory from a lot more then just one or two images. Cheers, 76.17.73.143 08:40, 4 June 2014 (EDT)


 * There are two possibilities along w/ a third. First, the crew may be quarantined or boarded off away from the flood in the ship. Second, they may have abandoned ship. And finally, from what you said, they may be dead. But I highly doubt the last theory. Either way, the return of the flood is a story in itself. Everyone thought the flood was history after the battle of installation 00 but that is not the case. So..you're putting info you may receive out of a gameinformer mag above info you're receive from E3 (by extension 343I) which is 6 days before-hand?-- Killamin7  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 12:15, 4 June 2014 (EDT)

I hadn't considered those two theories. Also, Gameinformer not only gets info from E3, but also does interviews with the producers themselves and dwelves into the making of the game. I would rather wait 6 Days and get every ounce of detail then get the info early and not quite have the full story.


 * Understood ;).-- Killamin7  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 08:52, 7 June 2014 (EDT)

Do these two look suspiciously like Kelly and Fred to anyone else? Specifically their armour from The Package. Alex T Snow (talk) 17:36, 17 June 2014 (EDT)

Good point. There are four Spartans in the Photo. One of which is obviously Master Chief (I guess). The two on the left indeed look like an updated version of Kelly and Fred from the Package. But what about the guy in the Back Row on the Right? Any ideas? Anyways, here's the two images for comparison: Cheers, 76.17.73.143 16:41, 26 June 2014 (EDT)

Oops, sorry. I would recommend zooming out to about 10 in order to see the full 'The Package' Image. Much bigger than I thought they would. Cheers, 76.17.73.143 16:41, 26 June 2014 (EDT)


 * I'm guessing the Spartan wearing the Tracker variant is Linda, since that get-out would be pretty useful for a sniper. The one next to the Chief in the EVA would probably be Kelly, since she's been depicted in that recently, and the one in the back left would therefore be Fred in his old Mark VI helmet, probably updated. --  Qura 'Morhek   The Autocrat     of Morheka   03:17, 27 June 2014 (EDT)


 * It looks like "Linda"'s MA5 has the Prime skin on it. Alex T Snow (talk) 17:06, 28 June 2014 (EDT)


 * I'm not sure if "Linda's" armor is Tracker. The "eyes" seem to be more far apart like that of CIO. Sith-venator Wavingstrider Fett helmet.jpg ( Commlink ) 17:21, 28 June 2014 (EDT)

I hadn't thought about the Tracker Variant, hmph. Also, thanks to whoever corrected my images by making them smaller. I was actually coming on to replace the pictures with Links. You have my gratitude! Cheers, 76.17.73.143 14:17, 29 June 2014 (EDT)

Beta trailer
Here is the beta trailer in case someone has not seen it yet. - NightHammer (talk) 17:00, 9 June 2014 (EDT)


 * Those BR85's have no optics on their top rails, and Locke's has a reflex sight on it in the announcement picture. I'm wondering if we're going to see customizable weapon attachments. Alex T Snow (talk) 04:22, 10 June 2014 (EDT)


 * I won't mind it but at the same time I just hope it doesn't degrade itself to what we see in COD, mainly in regards to ADS (aim-down-sight). That is something I don't want to see. I don't mind FLIR scopes or night-vision or long distance scopes, or even scopes on automatic weapons. But that ADS is something that is unneeded in any Halo game.-- Killamin7  [<font color="Red">Comm |<font color="Black">Files ] 12:35, 10 June 2014 (EDT)


 * I agree, I hope the gunplay mechanics aren't drastically changed. My impression from what we've seen with H2A as well some stuff Frank was talking about in an E3 interview make me think they're using less artistic licence than CEA, and for the universe as a whole. It definitely doesn't looks like all the guns have changed for this though, the new model for the Halo 2 M7 has a rail mount just in front of the rear sight (they did a really nice job with the SMG, I really like it), but on the other hand, the MA5 and M6 are still the same as always: seemingly no way of mounting optics on the MA5, and the linked scope is still covering the front sight on the M6, making using the iron sights impossible (unless the scope in an attachment, however). Alex T Snow (talk) 23:21, 11 June 2014 (EDT)

I agree, I would hate for the ADS Mechanic to be introduced into Halo 5: Guardians. It would just kinda screw up the experience. Although it would be cool to have different kinds of sights for maybe different zoom levels or maybe even NV Scopes or maybe even like the target locator scope from Black Ops II, that would be awesome. Cheers, 76.17.73.143 15:09, 14 June 2014 (EDT)


 * Considering the entire point of the helmet-mounted display is that you don't need to manually align your sights with your eyes, implementing iron sights literally makes no sense. I can understand weapons being able to have iron sights, for warfighters who don't have that uplink, but not Spartans or ODSTs. I wouldn't mind limited gun customisation though, at least aesthetically - the skins from Halo 4 look nice, but I wouldn't mind things like different optics or even that 40mm grenade launcher we;ve heard tell about for the MA5. --  Qura 'Morhek   The Autocrat     of Morheka   20:19, 14 June 2014 (EDT)
 * I would think it would indeed be different zoom levels or specialized sights like night vision/IR. Suppressors, flashlights, and yes, grenade launchers would also be possible, but I doubt we'll see actual ADS. It would be kind of like the M7S's scope. I still find it very amusing that Red vs. Blue beat actual Halo canon to having the MA5's underslung launcher. Alex T Snow (talk) 17:33, 17 June 2014 (EDT)

Timeline and John
(Moved from talk page) Given that Thel's surname has the "ee" suffix, and that the entry is apparently for ONI targets, could it be that the very beginning is John accessing it sometime before the fall of Reach? Obviously the rest is really a trailer rather than literally what Chief is looking at, which makes this more possible. Then again, to counter my own suggestion, it's also possible it's all in the present, especially if the suffix is still formally/officially part of his name (in official records sense). If Thel really is in ONI's target list and Chief was to find that while looking for info on his friend (I really like that they officially used that word!) since getting back, that could have something to do with him leaving, what with that part of Escalation coming up, and the only real thing we know about Locke being that he doesn't entirely trust ONI and meets with Thel. This ended up being more Forum-y and less Talk Page-y than I had intended, though it is still relevant to the article info :/ Alex T Snow (talk) 02:01, 6 July 2014 (EDT)


 * It might be that the Chief is accessing files that he shouldn't. I've felt that 343i is getting ready for a massive shift for a while now, where John actually goes up against ONI, if not the whole UNSC - Halsey's been thoroughly alienated, though I doubt her goals for the preservation of humanity have changed even in the hands of Jul 'Mdama; Cortana, his moral compass, is no longer in play; his newfound confidence in defying bad orders from superior officers, starting in First Strike and culminating in Halo 4; and ONIs actions have been getting less justifiable as being in defence of humanity. It might be that the Chief has set out to save the Arbiter from an ONI assassination, and that it's this act which forces ONI to send Locke to bring him in.
 * I am also glad they're describing them as actual, genuine friends. I can't think of two less likely friendships - the supreme commander who glassed Reach, and the Spartan who cut through the Covenant like a hot knife through butter. But it's also one that, in this weird and crazy universe, I can see working out - a mutual, if grudging, respect between soldiers and a shared enemy in the Prophets and those Elites who refuse to lay down arms. On the other hand, I'm not sure what they're hinting with the Arbiter - that he's done things that will change our mind about the Arbiter? --  Qura 'Morhek   The Autocrat     of Morheka   06:42, 6 July 2014 (EDT)