Assault cannon: Difference between revisions

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{{Ratings}}
{{Ratings}}
 
{{Rename|Assault cannon|As per the new naming system...}}
<center>''Looking for the closely related Covenant vehicle weapon, [[Fuel Rod Cannon]] or for the [[Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon|Fuel Rod Gun]]?''</center>
<center>''Looking for the closely related Covenant vehicle weapon, the [[Fuel Rod Cannon]], or for the [[Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon|Fuel Rod Gun]]?''</center>
{{Weapon
{{Weapon
| image=[[File:TLJ Assault Cannon.PNG]]
| image=[[File:TLJ Assault Cannon.PNG]]
Line 10: Line 10:
| type=Anti-Matériel/Personnel weapon
| type=Anti-Matériel/Personnel weapon
| cost=
| cost=
| size=It takes up half the right arm of the [[Mgalekgolo]]
| size=It takes up half the right arm of the [[Mgalekgolo]].
| damage per hit= Very High (depending on difficulty and proximity of target)
| damage per hit= Very High (depending on difficulty and proximity of target)
| magazine=
| magazine=
| maxammo=
| maxammo=
| fire= Individual bolts or continuous stream
| fire= Individual bolts or continuous stream
| ammotype=Incendiary Gel
| ammotype=Incendiary gel
| operation=
| operation=
| rate of fire=Continuous Fire or single bolts
| rate of fire=Continuous fire or single bolts
| accuracy=High
| accuracy=High
| range=Long
| range=Long
| era=[[23rd Age of Doubt]] - [[9th Age of Reclamation]]
| era=[[23rd Age of Doubt]] - [[9th Age of Reclamation]]
| counterpart=[[Rocket Launcher]], [[Brute Shot]], [[Gravity Cannon]]
| counterpart=[[Rocket Launcher]], [[Type-25 Grenade Launcher|Brute Shot]], [[Gravity Cannon]]
| counterwep=*Explosives
| counterwep=*Explosives
*Single Shot Bullet based Weapons
*Single Shot Bullet based Weapons
| affiliation=[[Covenant]]
| affiliation=[[Covenant Empire]], [[Covenant Loyalists]]
}}
}}


The '''Assault Cannon'''<ref name="multiple">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', page 267</ref><ref>'''''[[Halo Wars]]''' In-game Upgrade''</ref> is a variant of the standard [[Fuel Rod Gun]] utilized only by the [[Mgalekgolo]]. It has two variants, one of which is all but identical to the normal Gun, the other of which is closer to the vehicle [[Fuel Rod Cannon|variant]] and fires a continuous beam.
The '''Assault Cannon'''<ref name="multiple">'''''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''''', page 267</ref><ref>'''''[[Halo Wars]]''' In-game Upgrade''</ref> is a variant of the standard [[Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon|fuel rod gun]] utilized only by the [[Mgalekgolo]]. It has two variants, one of which is all but identical to the normal weapon, the other of which is closer to the vehicle [[Fuel Rod Cannon|variant]] and fires a continuous beam.


==Design Details==
==Design Details==
The weapon is incredibly heavy, making it suitable only for the Hunters, as no other races could carry such a massive load. The only known instances of it are fused directly to the Hunter's armor, located on the right "arm" of the colony, built into the [[Lekgolo]] that make up the limb. This makes the weapon impossible to be used by the player in any game.
The weapon is incredibly heavy, making it suitable only for the Hunters, as no other races could carry such a massive load. The only known instances of it are fused directly to the Hunter's armor, located on the right "arm" of the colony, built into the [[Lekgolo]] that make up the limb. This makes the weapon impossible to be used by the player in any game. It is unknown how the weapon is fired.


===Ammunition===
===Ammunition===
The ammunition it uses is tubes of radioactive incendiary gel<ref name="multiple" />, very similar to those fired by the standard Fuel Rod Gun. The gel can be fired in globs, as seen in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', and occasionally in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', which detonate on impact and have an arcing trajectory. The weapon can also fire the gel in a "beam", as seen in ''Halo 2'' and ''3''. It is presumed that the weapon itself can switch between these two modes by the [[Mgalekgolo]] using it. However, before firing, the weapon must be charged up. This "charge" makes it very obvious that the Hunter is attempting to shoot an enemy, and it also makes it fairly easy to dodge the cannon's blast for players in the Halo trilogy.
The weapon uses tubes of radioactive incendiary gel, very similar to those fired by the standard fuel rod gun, as ammunition.<ref name="multiple" /> The gel can be fired in globs, as seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', ''Halo Wars'', and occasionally in ''Halo 3: ODST'', which detonate on impact and have an arcing trajectory. The weapon can also fire the gel in a "beam", as seen in ''Halo 2'', ''Halo 3'', ''Halo Wars'', and ''Halo 3: ODST''. It is presumed that the weapon itself can switch between these two modes by the Mgalekgolo using it.{{Citation needed}} However, before firing, the weapon must be charged up. This "charge" makes it very obvious that the Hunter is attempting to shoot an enemy, and it also makes it fairly easy for players to dodge the cannon's blast.


In terms of gameplay, the Assault Cannon has changed in each version of Halo, in terms of operation and aesthetics, mostly to balance out the gameplay with other weapons. It is unknown how the Hunters make the beam fire, there may be a trigger inside the gun that they pull to fire the weapon or some type of neural link.
===Variations Between the Games===
In terms of gameplay, the assault cannon has changed with each installment, in terms of operation and aesthetics, mostly to balance gameplay.


===Variations Between the Halo Games===
In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', it was only able to fire single shots that were similar to fuel rod gun shots, and appeared to contain its gel supply in a "drum" mounted underneath the arm.
In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', it was only able to fire single shots that were similar to fuel rod shots, and appeared to contain its gel supply in a "drum" mounted underneath the arm.


In ''[[Halo 2]]'', there were minor changes to its appearance but the weapon fired a continuous stream rather than individual blasts while the "drum" reloaded and fired. Because it is a continuous beam this makes it possible to survive a hit from it on [[Legendary]] difficulty by only being hit by the beam for a small amount of time.
In ''[[Halo 2]]'', there were minor changes to its appearance but the weapon fired a continuous stream rather than individual blasts while the "drum" reloaded and fired. Because it is a continuous beam this makes it possible to survive a hit from it on [[Legendary]] difficulty by only being hit by the beam for a small amount of time.


In ''[[Halo 3]]'', the Assault Cannon is aesthetically very different, but operates much the same as it does in ''Halo 2''. The cannon in ''Halo 3'' can be cut off instantaneously if the target has gone to cover, which stops it from wasting ammunition. Also, the "claws" seem to have hinges, although they are never seen moving in gameplay. Plus, the beam is a bit faster, a lot more damaging, and can blow away movable cover, such as supply crates. They are also still extremely easy to avoid.
In ''[[Halo 3]]'', the assault cannon is aesthetically very different, but operates much the same as it does in ''Halo 2''. The cannon in ''Halo 3'' can be cut off instantaneously if the target has gone to cover, which stops it from wasting ammunition. Also, the "claws" seem to have hinges, although they are never seen moving in gameplay. Plus, the beam is a bit faster, a lot more damaging, and can blow away movable cover, such as supply crates. They are also still extremely easy to avoid.


In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', the Hunters appeared in two different forms in two different colors; the blue-armored Hunter, armed with an assault cannon that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel and a gold-armored Hunter, armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel which is similar to the weapon model featured in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', the Hunters appeared in two different forms in two different colors. This first is the traditional a blue-armored Hunter, armed with an assault cannon that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel. The other wears gold-colored armor and is armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel which is similar to the weapon model featured in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.


In [[Halo Wars]], the Hunters start with the mortar version of the Assault Cannon. Later in the game, the Hunters can be equipped with the Assault Beam for extra damage.<ref>'''''[[Halo Wars]]''' Instruction Manual''</ref>
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', the Hunters start with the mortar version of the assault cannon. Later in the game, the Hunters can be equipped with the beam version for extra damage.<ref>'''''[[Halo Wars]]''' Instruction Manual''</ref>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*When using the Bump Possession cheat in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to control a Hunter, holding left click down and repeatedly right clicking allows the controlled Hunter to rapidly fire its Assault Cannon without overheating. Whether this accelerated manner of attack is actually utilized at all in AI controlled opponents' behavioral patterns is unknown.
*When using the Bump Possession cheat in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to control a Hunter, holding left click down and repeatedly right clicking allows the controlled Hunter to rapidly fire its Assault Cannon without overheating. Whether this accelerated manner of attack is actually utilized at all in AI controlled opponents' behavioral patterns is unknown.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', Hunters will not continue to track you once the cannon has started to charge, making the Hunters inaccurate with moving targets. Strangely, Hunters will never hit a stationary target, meaning that the original Assault Cannon's recoil severely lowers the accuracy of the said cannon. You can use this to your advantage to avoid being injured by standing completely still and firing from that position.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', Hunters will not continue to track you once the cannon has started to charge, making the Hunters inaccurate with moving targets. Strangely, Hunters will never hit a stationary target, meaning that the original assault cannon's recoil severely lowers the accuracy of said cannon. The player can use this to his advantage to avoid being injured by standing completely still and firing from that position.
*In ''Halo 3'', if you look closely at a Hunter's Assault Cannon when it is charging up, green electricity protrudes from the three parts jutting out of the weapon and they form together to make the beam of energy. It is also possible this would create a type of small plasma mortar, and that something in the back of the weapon produces a type of gas to project it, similar to how a Flamethrower works where a small flame is projected by gas.
*In ''Halo 3'', green electricity protrudes from the three parts jutting out of the weapon and they form together to make the beam of energy when the weapon is charging. It is also possible this would create a type of small plasma mortar, and that something in the back of the weapon produces a type of gas to project it, similar to how a flamethrower works where a small flame is projected by gas.
*The ''Halo 3'' variant doesn't contain the "drum" like the previous Assault Cannons. Instead it has six tubes on the side of the gun which appear to house the incendiary liquid projectile.
*The ''Halo 3'' variant doesn't contain the "drum" like the previous assault cannons. Instead it has six tubes on the side of the gun which appear to house the incendiary liquid projectile.
*Some of the novels refer to the Assault Cannon as a Fuel Rod Gun/Cannon, while it is officially named in [[Halo: Contact Harvest]].
*Some of the novels refer to the assault cannon as a fuel rod gun/cannon, while it is officially named in ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''.
*The [[High Prophets]] use a modified, yellow version of the Assault Cannon, which is mounted on their [[Gravity Thrones]].
*In the CMT SP V2 a10 beta, in [[Halo Custom Edition]], it is possible to pick up an Assault Cannon and use it. The weapon runs on battery power, which is easily depleted.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery type="slideshow" position="center" widths="400px">
<gallery type="slideshow" position="center" widths="400px">
File:Mortar.jpg|A [[Mgalekgolo]] using its Assault Cannon in mortar form in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Mortar.jpg|An [[Mgalekgolo]] using its assault cannon in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:H2 hunter assaultcannon.jpg|A ''Halo 2''-era Assault Cannon.
File:H2 hunter assaultcannon.jpg|A ''Halo 2''-era assault cannon.
File:Fuel Rod Beam Cannon in Action.jpg|A [[Mgalekgolo]] using its Assault Cannon in ''Halo 3''.
File:Fuel Rod Beam Cannon in Action.jpg|An Mgalekgolo using its assault cannon in ''Halo 3''.
</gallery>
</gallery>



Revision as of 15:30, July 14, 2010

Template:Ratings Template:Rename

Looking for the closely related Covenant vehicle weapon, the Fuel Rod Cannon, or for the Fuel Rod Gun?

Template:Weapon

The Assault Cannon[1][2] is a variant of the standard fuel rod gun utilized only by the Mgalekgolo. It has two variants, one of which is all but identical to the normal weapon, the other of which is closer to the vehicle variant and fires a continuous beam.

Design Details

The weapon is incredibly heavy, making it suitable only for the Hunters, as no other races could carry such a massive load. The only known instances of it are fused directly to the Hunter's armor, located on the right "arm" of the colony, built into the Lekgolo that make up the limb. This makes the weapon impossible to be used by the player in any game. It is unknown how the weapon is fired.

Ammunition

The weapon uses tubes of radioactive incendiary gel, very similar to those fired by the standard fuel rod gun, as ammunition.[1] The gel can be fired in globs, as seen in Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo Wars, and occasionally in Halo 3: ODST, which detonate on impact and have an arcing trajectory. The weapon can also fire the gel in a "beam", as seen in Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo Wars, and Halo 3: ODST. It is presumed that the weapon itself can switch between these two modes by the Mgalekgolo using it.[citation needed] However, before firing, the weapon must be charged up. This "charge" makes it very obvious that the Hunter is attempting to shoot an enemy, and it also makes it fairly easy for players to dodge the cannon's blast.

Variations Between the Games

In terms of gameplay, the assault cannon has changed with each installment, in terms of operation and aesthetics, mostly to balance gameplay.

In Halo: Combat Evolved, it was only able to fire single shots that were similar to fuel rod gun shots, and appeared to contain its gel supply in a "drum" mounted underneath the arm.

In Halo 2, there were minor changes to its appearance but the weapon fired a continuous stream rather than individual blasts while the "drum" reloaded and fired. Because it is a continuous beam this makes it possible to survive a hit from it on Legendary difficulty by only being hit by the beam for a small amount of time.

In Halo 3, the assault cannon is aesthetically very different, but operates much the same as it does in Halo 2. The cannon in Halo 3 can be cut off instantaneously if the target has gone to cover, which stops it from wasting ammunition. Also, the "claws" seem to have hinges, although they are never seen moving in gameplay. Plus, the beam is a bit faster, a lot more damaging, and can blow away movable cover, such as supply crates. They are also still extremely easy to avoid.

In Halo 3: ODST, the Hunters appeared in two different forms in two different colors. This first is the traditional a blue-armored Hunter, armed with an assault cannon that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel. The other wears gold-colored armor and is armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel which is similar to the weapon model featured in Halo: Combat Evolved.

In Halo Wars, the Hunters start with the mortar version of the assault cannon. Later in the game, the Hunters can be equipped with the beam version for extra damage.[3]

Trivia

  • When using the Bump Possession cheat in Halo: Combat Evolved to control a Hunter, holding left click down and repeatedly right clicking allows the controlled Hunter to rapidly fire its Assault Cannon without overheating. Whether this accelerated manner of attack is actually utilized at all in AI controlled opponents' behavioral patterns is unknown.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, Hunters will not continue to track you once the cannon has started to charge, making the Hunters inaccurate with moving targets. Strangely, Hunters will never hit a stationary target, meaning that the original assault cannon's recoil severely lowers the accuracy of said cannon. The player can use this to his advantage to avoid being injured by standing completely still and firing from that position.
  • In Halo 3, green electricity protrudes from the three parts jutting out of the weapon and they form together to make the beam of energy when the weapon is charging. It is also possible this would create a type of small plasma mortar, and that something in the back of the weapon produces a type of gas to project it, similar to how a flamethrower works where a small flame is projected by gas.
  • The Halo 3 variant doesn't contain the "drum" like the previous assault cannons. Instead it has six tubes on the side of the gun which appear to house the incendiary liquid projectile.
  • Some of the novels refer to the assault cannon as a fuel rod gun/cannon, while it is officially named in Halo: Contact Harvest.

Gallery

Sources

  1. ^ a b Halo: Contact Harvest, page 267
  2. ^ Halo Wars In-game Upgrade
  3. ^ Halo Wars Instruction Manual

Related Pages

Template:Covenant Weapons