HaloArray.png
This is a featured article

Covenant comm node: Difference between revisions

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

mNo edit summary
m (Bot: Fixing redirects)
Line 3: Line 3:
{{Cleanup}}
{{Cleanup}}
[[File:Communications Array.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A Communication Node as seen in ''Halo 3''.]]
[[File:Communications Array.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A Communication Node as seen in ''Halo 3''.]]
[[Covenant]] '''Communication Nodes''' are mobile communication antennas used by the Covenant on the battlefield, used to connect to the [[Covenant battle network]].
[[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] '''Communication Nodes''' are mobile communication antennas used by the Covenant on the battlefield, used to connect to the [[Covenant battle network]].


== Appearance and function ==
== Appearance and function ==
Line 9: Line 9:


[[File:Uplink Crate.jpg|thumb|200px|A Comm Node in ''Halo PC'']]
[[File:Uplink Crate.jpg|thumb|200px|A Comm Node in ''Halo PC'']]
The comm node appears to be either a modified storage crate or a similar device based on the same framework. It stands approximately eight feet tall and the three antennae on top add about five feet of height. It has several fold out controls on it, but they are in the [[Covenant language]] and are completely useless to the player. It is notable however, that the screens on uplink crates usually contain readouts on a planetary surface, likely the nearby planet Threshold, and links to orbiting spacecraft. The uplink crate emits a loud, random chirping noise and static when active. Its dark purple color affords it no camouflage whatsoever, tending to make it stand out. The only exception to this rule is when they are located in the interiors of Covenant vessels for transport. In this event, they provide extremely good cover, often blending into the background.
The comm node appears to be either a modified storage crate or a similar device based on the same framework. It stands approximately eight feet tall and the three antennae on top add about five feet of height. It has several fold out controls on it, but they are in the [[Covenant languages|Covenant language]] and are completely useless to the player. It is notable however, that the screens on uplink crates usually contain readouts on a planetary surface, likely the nearby planet Threshold, and links to orbiting spacecraft. The uplink crate emits a loud, random chirping noise and static when active. Its dark purple color affords it no camouflage whatsoever, tending to make it stand out. The only exception to this rule is when they are located in the interiors of Covenant vessels for transport. In this event, they provide extremely good cover, often blending into the background.


In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the comm node is impervious to all forms of firepower or impact. They can be neither damaged nor moved, for which reason they make excellent cover. They are never seen knocked over or even tipped in any of the levels, suggesting the [[Flood]] are either capable of utilizing them, or cannot move their bulk.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level, ''[[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]]''</ref> However, the first possibility seems more likely, as Flood are able to effortlessly move heavy machinery, up to and including armored vehicles. Nonetheless, the [[John-117|Master Chief]], who can flip over an [[M12 LRV]], is unable to budge the nodes an inch, suggesting that they are either fixed to the ground in some way or far heavier than they look. Even a direct impact from the 90mm shell of a [[Scorpion Tank]] can not scratch the heavily engraved metal alloy that protects the machine. In fact, a [[Warthog]] may even flip over on impact with a crate, thus making them rather dangerous obstacles. It is also possible that this could just be game mechanics because the nodes could be modified [[Covenant supply case|supply cases]], which are also immobile. The objects are also considered scenery objects by the game, just as rocks and the like are, and are therefore made immobile by the game itself.
In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the comm node is impervious to all forms of firepower or impact. They can be neither damaged nor moved, for which reason they make excellent cover. They are never seen knocked over or even tipped in any of the levels, suggesting the [[The Flood|Flood]] are either capable of utilizing them, or cannot move their bulk.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level, ''[[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]]''</ref> However, the first possibility seems more likely, as Flood are able to effortlessly move heavy machinery, up to and including armored vehicles. Nonetheless, the [[John-117|Master Chief]], who can flip over an [[M12 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle|M12 LRV]], is unable to budge the nodes an inch, suggesting that they are either fixed to the ground in some way or far heavier than they look. Even a direct impact from the 90mm shell of a [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion Tank]] can not scratch the heavily engraved metal alloy that protects the machine. In fact, a [[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]] may even flip over on impact with a crate, thus making them rather dangerous obstacles. It is also possible that this could just be game mechanics because the nodes could be modified [[Covenant supply case|supply cases]], which are also immobile. The objects are also considered scenery objects by the game, just as rocks and the like are, and are therefore made immobile by the game itself.


==Changes between Halo games==
==Changes between Halo games==

Revision as of 23:31, May 14, 2011

Template:Ratings

Help.png
This article does not meet the wiki's general standards and/or standards on layouts. You can help by cleaning this article.
File:Communications Array.jpg
A Communication Node as seen in Halo 3.

Covenant Communication Nodes are mobile communication antennas used by the Covenant on the battlefield, used to connect to the Covenant battle network.

Appearance and function

It appears that the comm nodes have undergone a series of refits, seeing as how the shape, color, and height of the units vary between games. They most likely are similar to human technology, where when one model becomes outdated, another, more updated model takes its place. These differences between games is most probably because in different areas, different variants are utilized with varying distance and functionality belonging to the different models.

File:Uplink Crate.jpg
A Comm Node in Halo PC

The comm node appears to be either a modified storage crate or a similar device based on the same framework. It stands approximately eight feet tall and the three antennae on top add about five feet of height. It has several fold out controls on it, but they are in the Covenant language and are completely useless to the player. It is notable however, that the screens on uplink crates usually contain readouts on a planetary surface, likely the nearby planet Threshold, and links to orbiting spacecraft. The uplink crate emits a loud, random chirping noise and static when active. Its dark purple color affords it no camouflage whatsoever, tending to make it stand out. The only exception to this rule is when they are located in the interiors of Covenant vessels for transport. In this event, they provide extremely good cover, often blending into the background.

In Halo: Combat Evolved, the comm node is impervious to all forms of firepower or impact. They can be neither damaged nor moved, for which reason they make excellent cover. They are never seen knocked over or even tipped in any of the levels, suggesting the Flood are either capable of utilizing them, or cannot move their bulk.[1] However, the first possibility seems more likely, as Flood are able to effortlessly move heavy machinery, up to and including armored vehicles. Nonetheless, the Master Chief, who can flip over an M12 LRV, is unable to budge the nodes an inch, suggesting that they are either fixed to the ground in some way or far heavier than they look. Even a direct impact from the 90mm shell of a Scorpion Tank can not scratch the heavily engraved metal alloy that protects the machine. In fact, a Warthog may even flip over on impact with a crate, thus making them rather dangerous obstacles. It is also possible that this could just be game mechanics because the nodes could be modified supply cases, which are also immobile. The objects are also considered scenery objects by the game, just as rocks and the like are, and are therefore made immobile by the game itself.

Changes between Halo games

Halo: Combat Evolved

File:Mugshot.jpg
The controls on a Comm Node as seen in Halo PC

One type of communication node was seen on Alpha Halo, and greatly resembled a Covenant supply case with three antennae. Although extremely similar in appearance to the supply case, their sides appear to have folded outwards, producing a small screen and keyboard for the communication interface.

Halo 2

In Halo 2, they are similar to Covenant visual recording devices, but have large metal antennae protruding from the top of the casing. If the crate is functioning, the antenna will be encased in a purple energy field. However, if the player shoots the crate, the charge over the antenna will flicker and disappear.[2]

Halo 3

In Halo 3, the communication nodes were redesigned to have a more elegant shape. Again, they can be destroyed, in which case the bluish energy field will disappear. They now have a more rounded and updated look. It still has the same basic shape as the Halo 2 model, with a device at the bottom and antennae at the top. It is now seen more frequently.

Halo: Reach

File:Reach Comm Node.png
A larger communication node in Halo: Reach.

Two different varieties of communication nodes are featured in Halo: Reach. The default version is near-identical to the Halo 3 iteration, while the larger one has three vertical antennas covered in energy fields.

Trivia

  • The Halo: Combat Evolved communication nodes appear to be upside-down modified supply cases.
  • The comm will remain active if one of its leg has been break off, and can still be pick it up in Forge. To fully destroy it, one must break the tower off the base.
  • On the main body of the node, something resembling the Marathon symbol can clearly be seen.

Sources

  1. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level, 343 Guilty Spark
  2. ^ Halo 2, campaign level, Delta Halo