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Multiplayer: Difference between revisions
Took the H2A MP paragraphs from that article and slid it into here, as it works. Added new information and more relevant, or improved images.
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Each ''Halo'' [[first-person shooter]] allows players to create [[Wikipedia:User profile|profiles]], which are used to store information about players. ''Halo'' profiles store both a player's game settings and some customized visual details to distinguish the player. In ''Halo'' games made for Xbox Live, profiles are bound to gamertags; all gameplay is conducted with a profile, and players without gamertags are granted [[temporary profile]]s for the duration of their session. | Each ''Halo'' [[first-person shooter]] allows players to create [[Wikipedia:User profile|profiles]], which are used to store information about players. ''Halo'' profiles store both a player's game settings and some customized visual details to distinguish the player. In ''Halo'' games made for Xbox Live, profiles are bound to gamertags; all gameplay is conducted with a profile, and players without gamertags are granted [[temporary profile]]s for the duration of their session. | ||
The profile creator in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' was very basic. Players had the ability to create a unique name, customize their armor color, and change the game controls and settings. Halo PC's settings were more intricate, including various sound and video settings as well as the ability to create custom control schemes (as opposed to picking preset control schemes). | The profile creator in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' was very basic. Players had the ability to create a unique name, customize their armor color, and change the game controls and settings. ''Halo PC's'' settings were more intricate, including various sound and video settings as well as the ability to create custom control schemes (as opposed to picking preset control schemes). | ||
With the addition of online multiplayer through Xbox LIVE, the profile creator in ''Halo 2'' was redesigned and altered. ''Halo 2'' introduced additional armor colors and the ability for a player to use two colors for their armor. Major additions included the ability to play as a [[Sangheili]] in multiplayer and the additions were notable for allowing players to identify teammates at a glance—a sharp contrast to the unmarked waypoints shown in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. | With the addition of online multiplayer through Xbox LIVE, the profile creator in ''Halo 2'' was redesigned and altered. ''Halo 2'' introduced additional armor colors and the ability for a player to use two colors for their armor. Major additions included the ability to play as a [[Sangheili]] in multiplayer and the additions were notable for allowing players to identify teammates at a glance—a sharp contrast to the unmarked waypoints shown in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. | ||
The updated profile creator in ''[[Halo 3]]'' kept those settings and added more. Players could create a Service Tag consisting of a letter and two numbers; Service Tags are now shown over waypoints instead of Emblems. Additional Emblem designs, colors, and features were added. [[Bungie]] also added a gender option, which changes the player's voice. The most notable addition, however, was the [[Armor Permutations]], which allows players to change the models used for their helmets, | The updated profile creator in ''[[Halo 3]]'' kept those settings and added more. Players could create a Service Tag consisting of a letter and two numbers; Service Tags are now shown over waypoints instead of Emblems. Additional Emblem designs, colors, and features were added. [[Bungie]] also added a gender option, which changes the player's voice. The most notable addition, however, was the [[Armor Permutations|armor permutations]], which allows players to change the models used for their helmets, shoulders, and chestplates. | ||
==''Halo: Combat Evolved''== | ==''Halo: Combat Evolved''== | ||
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===''Halo Custom Edition''=== | ===''Halo Custom Edition''=== | ||
''[[Halo Custom Edition]]'', a multiplayer-only expansion of Halo PC, allowed players to run [[Modding|user-created maps]] and gametypes online. Such maps could be created using the [[Halo Editing Kit]]. Amongst these maps were a number of ''[[Halo 2]]''-based maps, such as [[Zanzibar]]<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1153 '''Halo Custom Edition''': ''H2 Zanzibar Updated'']</ref> and [[Coagulation]].<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3108 '''Halo Custom Edition''': ''Z Coagulation H2 pb2'']</ref> In addition, there are a vast number of non-canon maps set in ''Halo''-inspired locations using only ''Halo'' assets, as well as many other maps which incorporate [[Tags|custom weapons, vehicles, locations, and player models]]. | ''[[Halo Custom Edition]]'', a multiplayer-only expansion of ''Halo PC'', allowed players to run [[Modding|user-created maps]] and gametypes online. Such maps could be created using the [[Halo Editing Kit]]. Amongst these maps were a number of ''[[Halo 2]]''-based maps, such as [[Zanzibar]]<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1153 '''Halo Custom Edition''': ''H2 Zanzibar Updated'']</ref> and [[Coagulation]].<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3108 '''Halo Custom Edition''': ''Z Coagulation H2 pb2'']</ref> In addition, there are a vast number of non-canon maps set in ''Halo''-inspired locations using only ''Halo'' assets, as well as many other maps which incorporate [[Tags|custom weapons, vehicles, locations, and player models]]. | ||
==''Halo 2''== | ==''Halo 2''== | ||
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==''Halo Wars''== | ==''Halo Wars''== | ||
[[File:HW | [[File:HW TheDocksBattle.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Multiplayer in ''Halo Wars''.]] | ||
{{main|Skirmish}} | {{main|Skirmish}} | ||
''[[Halo Wars]]'' allows players to battle in a variety of multiplayer arenas. Players can choose from three different commanders from both [[UNSC]] leaders ([[Captain Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant Forge]], or [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]]) and the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] leaders (the Arbiter [[Ripa 'Moramee]], the [[Brute Army Commander]], or the [[Prophet of Regret]]). | ''[[Halo Wars]]'' allows players to battle in a variety of multiplayer arenas. Players can choose from three different commanders from both [[UNSC]] leaders ([[Captain Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant Forge]], or [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]]) and the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] leaders (the Arbiter [[Ripa 'Moramee]], the [[Brute Army Commander]], or the [[Prophet of Regret]]). Each leader possesses various abilities and exclusive units, providing incentives for certain characters on certain maps, rather than being purely aesthetic. | ||
Multiplayer matches are limited to six players and may be organized in evenly-matched teams. Computer-controlled players may be used. ''Halo Wars'' also uses a ranking system similar to that of ''Halo 3'' aesthetically, but the ranks are assigned based on players' scores in completed games, acting as a method of progression over that of a measure of skill. The game uses a trueskill system to find matches, ranging from 1 to 50. | |||
The ''Halo Wars'' [[Strategic Options Pack|Strategic Options DLC pack]] gives players three more skirmish game modes to play for 800 Microsoft Points. The game types include [[Keepaway Mode|Keepaway]], [[Tug of War]], and Reinforcements. A DLC pack called the [[Historic Battle map pack]] introduced four new maps for the same price. | |||
{{Clear}} | |||
==''Halo 3: ODST''== | ==''Halo 3: ODST''== | ||
[[File:H3ODST Firefight Crater2.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Teamwork is essential in ''Halo 3: ODST''<nowiki />'s Firefight]] | [[File:H3ODST Firefight Crater2.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Teamwork is essential in ''Halo 3: ODST''<nowiki />'s Firefight]] | ||
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''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' features a new [[Firefight]] mode. In Firefight, up to four players fight against waves of [[Covenant]] forces and try to survive as long as possible with a set amount of lives, while the difficulty gradually increases by changing the currently active [[Halo 3 Skulls#List of Gold Skulls|Skulls]]. Firefight lacks any sort of matchmaking system or game browser; players must join lobbies through the [[Xbox Live]] guide (recent players with open parties, friends lists, invites), via System Link, or all play locally, on the same console. | ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' features a new [[Firefight]] mode. In Firefight, up to four players fight against waves of [[Covenant]] forces and try to survive as long as possible with a set amount of lives, while the difficulty gradually increases by changing the currently active [[Halo 3 Skulls#List of Gold Skulls|Skulls]]. Firefight lacks any sort of matchmaking system or game browser; players must join lobbies through the [[Xbox Live]] guide (recent players with open parties, friends lists, invites), via System Link, or all play locally, on the same console. | ||
''Halo 3: ODST'' also contains the [[Halo 3: Mythic]] disc, which is a multiplayer-only version of ''[[Halo 3]]''. | ''Halo 3: ODST'' also contains the ''[[Halo 3: Mythic]]'' disc, which is a multiplayer-only version of ''[[Halo 3]]''. | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==''Halo: Reach''== | ==''Halo: Reach''== | ||
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==''Halo 4''== | ==''Halo 4''== | ||
[[File: | [[File:H4-Wraparound-3.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Players take control of Spartan-IVs in ''Halo 4''.]] | ||
Referred to as ''Infinity'', the multiplayer component of ''[[Halo 4]]'' consists of ''[[War Games]]'', the competitive multiplayer mode, and ''[[Spartan Ops]]'', the episodic cooperative campaign. The multiplayer features a canon explanation why the red and blue teams compete with one another: the Spartans are actually training against each other in simulations aboard the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}. The player models are [[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTAN-IV]] soldiers with customizable armor.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6UL63Zo-uo&feature=player_embedded '''YouTube''': ''Making Halo 4: First Look'']</ref> | Referred to as ''Infinity'', the multiplayer component of ''[[Halo 4]]'' consists of ''[[War Games]]'', the competitive multiplayer mode, and ''[[Spartan Ops]]'', the episodic cooperative campaign. The multiplayer features a canon explanation why the red and blue teams compete with one another: the Spartans are actually training against each other in simulations aboard the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}. The player models are [[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTAN-IV]] soldiers with customizable armor.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6UL63Zo-uo&feature=player_embedded '''YouTube''': ''Making Halo 4: First Look'']</ref> | ||
Of the gametypes featured in ''Reach'', only Slayer, Oddball, Capture the Flag, and King of the Hill return. Infection has been replaced by a successor, [[Flood (gametype)|Flood]]. Four new gametypes make their debut: [[Dominion]], [[Regicide]], [[Extraction]], and [[Ricochet (gametype)|Ricochet]]. Although Assault is discontinued its progeny, [[Grifball]], returns as its own unique gametype, now with elements of Oddball incorporated in its mechanics. Ricochet in turn is also very similar to | Of the gametypes featured in ''Reach'', only Slayer, Oddball, Capture the Flag, and King of the Hill return. Infection has been replaced by a successor, [[Flood (gametype)|Flood]]. Four new gametypes make their debut: [[Dominion]], [[Regicide]], [[Extraction]], and [[Ricochet (gametype)|Ricochet]]. Although Assault is discontinued its progeny, [[Grifball]], returns as its own unique gametype, now with elements of Oddball incorporated in its mechanics. Ricochet in turn is also very similar to Assault. | ||
Matchmaking features a voting system similar to ''Reach''<nowiki />'s, however it no longer includes the "none of the above" option, and players cannot change their vote once they have placed it. The most significant change to matchmaking is that players can now join matches in progress. Players joining matchmaking may find themselves entering games already in progress; matches which have players leave or disconnect will have their numbers supplemented by new players. | Matchmaking features a voting system similar to ''Reach''<nowiki />'s, however it no longer includes the "none of the above" option, and players cannot change their vote once they have placed it. The most significant change to matchmaking is that players can now join matches in progress. Players joining matchmaking may find themselves entering games already in progress; matches which have players leave or disconnect will have their numbers supplemented by new players. | ||
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==''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''== | ==''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''== | ||
[[File:HTMCC Battle Creek.jpg|300px|thumb| | [[File:HTMCC Battle Creek.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.]] | ||
''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' allows players to play ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', ''Halo 2'', ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 4'', and ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' matchmaking and custom games. | ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' allows players to play ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', ''Halo 2'', ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 4'', and ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' matchmaking and custom games. The game features a unified user interface, allowing for the player to drop into a playlist featuring ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' through to ''Halo 4'', to find a game across the four title's maps and gametype setups. Playlists for individual games were also set up, and featured a [[Rank (Halo: The Master Chief Collection)|ranking]] system akin to ''Halo 2'', whereas ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 4's'' progression and ranking systems were dropped entirely. | ||
With the release of 2018's overhaul update for ''The Master Chief Collection'', a new matchmaking function called the "Match Composer" effectively replaced social playlists. The Match Composer allows the player to choose a game preset to search for games in, some of which include Slayer, Infection, or Objective. Conversely, the player can choose individual games, gametypes, and player counts to search for, meaning that rather than searching solely for ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' in a single playlist bound with multiple potentially unwanted gametypes, one could search for ''Anniversary'', and ''Halo 4'' specifically, while limiting the gametype selection to just Capture the Flag. | |||
Like earlier games' multiplayer customization includes [[nameplate]]s, service tags, [[armor permutations]] for both Spartans and Sangheili, and [[emblem]]s. New features to customization include clan tags and in-game avatars.<ref name="Teambeyond.net">[http://teambeyond.net/halo-the-master-chief-collection-customization/ '''Team Beyond.net''': ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection Customization'']</ref> Clan tags are 15 character tags seen on a player's nameplate, and avatar's function in the same vein as ''Halo 4's'' stances did, showcasing a character from the franchise. | |||
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''=== | ===''Halo 2: Anniversary''=== | ||
[[File:H2A | [[File:H2A-Lockdown-Icefall.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Players engaged in combat in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.]] | ||
''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' multiplayer is a highly modified version of the ''Halo 4'' multiplayer | ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' multiplayer is a highly modified version of the ''Halo 4'' experience, having been developed on the same engine. Large tweaks to the prior title were made, including the re-addition of descoping, and the removal of sprint and flinch. Six maps were remade for the game, and [[Certain Affinity]] president [[Max Hoberman]], one of the multiplayer design leads on the original ''Halo 2'', helped 343 Industries design and create the remastered multiplayer component.<ref name="SDCC panel">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUGrnvdo8Ok&list=UU7NCg0venpKJg3kuJojKlbQ&index=1 '''YouTube''': ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection Dev Panel - SDCC 2014'']</ref> Many of the added features in the remastered maps were proposed for the original game but ended up being cut; thus, 343 Industries considers the remastered component a "Director's Cut" of sorts.<ref name="RTX 2014">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1a1FzQ3bdQ '''YouTube''': ''RTX 2014 - 343 Industries panel'']</ref> | ||
The developers' stated goals for the remastered maps were to expand upon the core ''Halo 2'' experience, create the definitive version of each of the remastered maps, and to approach the remastering as more of an upgrade than a remake. Multiple aspects of the sandbox were tweaked to both improve and "modernize" the gameplay, although the goal is to remain faithful to the original experience. Some of these improvements include a boost to player speed, making the [[M6C magnum|magnum]] more powerful and the addition of the [[MA5D assault rifle|assault rifle]] as a mid-range weapon option, something the developers found lacking in the original.<ref name="RTX 2014"/> The [[M7S SMG|silenced SMG]] has also been added along with the newly introduced [[M274 Mongoose#M274-M Gungoose variant|M274-M Gungoose]].<ref name="RTX 2014"/> | |||
As an added feature, players are able to choose their weapon set upon spawning, similar to the [[loadout]] system in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''. According to Max Hoberman, this feature was originally designed for ''Halo 2'' but was ultimately cut. Hoberman hesitated to call the weapon sets "loadouts" and underscored that the system is designed to be more evenly balanced; e.g. [[Lockdown]]'s weapon sets include a choice between the [[M7 SMG|SMG]], [[plasma rifle]] and [[M6C magnum|magnum]]. The human weapon sets equip the player with two [[frag grenade]]s while the Covenant ones have the player spawn with [[plasma grenade]]s.<ref name="ign GTK">[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/10/24/get-to-know-halo-the-master-chief-collections-lockout-remake-lockdown-ign-first '''IGN.com''': ''Get to Know Halo: The Master Chief Collection's 'Lockout' Remake, 'Lockdown' – IGN First'']</ref> Ultimately, the game would mostly utilize an equal starts setup based around one weapon set. | |||
Though most of the map geometry—including "skill jumps"—remain intact, the remastered maps contain a number of gameplay tweaks (such as additional cover) along with new "dynamic features", some of which Max Hoberman proposed to be added in the original ''Halo 2''.<ref name="RTX 2014"/> These include the addition of a large energy shield in the center of [[Zenith]], the remake of [[Ascension (level)|Ascension]], which can be triggered by three panels across the map,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt-i0y35bxw/ '''YouTube:''' ''Halo 2 Ascension Anniversary Walkthrough'']</ref> and three stalactites which can be dropped on players on [[Lockdown]], the remake of [[Lockout]]. Most of these new features can be disabled via [[Forge]] for an experience closer to the original game.<ref name="PAX">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGn4YXXZyDo '''YouTube''': ''Halo and the Journey of the Master Chief- PAX Prime 2014'']</ref> | |||
Other additions to the remastered multiplayer include the name of the segment of the map that the player is currently in being displayed near the [[motion sensor]] as in ''Halo: Reach''. Gametypes such as [[Infection]], [[Race]], [[Ricochet (gametype)|Ricochet]] and [[Team SWAT]] have been added to the remastered multiplayer. | |||
{{Clear}} | |||
==''Halo 5: Guardians''== | ==''Halo 5: Guardians''== | ||
[[File: | [[File:H5-RvB-BacktoBack.jpg|300px|thumb|right|[[Arena]] in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.]] | ||
'' | Following in the footsteps of ''Halo 4'', ''Halo 5: Guardians'' multiplayer component consisted of Arena, consisting of 4v4 to 8v8 activities, and [[Warzone]], which are 12v12 games. Initially, only Slayer and Capture the Flag returned for ''Halo 5'', with many being left out upon the game's launch. Eventually, through the game's monthly updates, many gametypes, including ball-based gamemodes like Assault and Grifball returned, as did Infection, which was more in line with the original first two incarnations of the gametype, than ''Halo 4's'' Flood. | ||
''Guardians''' matchmaking system dropped the voting and veto system brought into the series by ''Reach'' and ''Halo 4'', and instead opted for an automatic queue, where the gametype and map are chosen by the game over the lobby. Join in progress has been removed for ranked gametypes, whereas social gametypes like Warzone and Warzone Assault feature it. | |||
343 Industries also refined the polarizing armor abilities, altering them from one-note abilities that varied by player, to a clearly defined set of abilities known as [[Spartan abilities]]. These include Thruster pack, Ground Pound, Spartan Charge, Clamber, Slide, Smart Scope, Stabilizer, and the returning Sprint ability. All of these abilities are native to every player, over being chosen individual traits. Additionally, loadouts were removed from the game in any capacity, with an emphasis being placed on ''Halo's'' traditional equal starts. | |||
In 2016, 343 Industries added a "Customs Browser" to ''Halo 5'', enabling users to set up and search for custom games with other players in a similar manner to ''The Master Chief Collection's'' then unimplemented Match Composer. | |||
{{Clear}} | |||
==''Halo Wars 2''== | ==''Halo Wars 2''== | ||
[[File:BanishedGameplayBetaFighting.jpeg|300px|thumb| | [[File:BanishedGameplayBetaFighting.jpeg|300px|thumb|right|Banished and UNSC forces clash in ''Halo Wars 2'' multiplayer.]] | ||
''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' multiplayer is largely similar to ''Halo Wars''' with a ranking system identical to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' | ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' multiplayer is largely similar to ''Halo Wars'', taking its predecessor's gameplay and refining it. Like ''Halo Wars'', leaders are able to be chosen prior to the game's start, with each character having distinct units and powers. ''Halo Wars 2'' takes this a step further with their leader power wheel, which is a selection of 10 powers that vary by leader, unlike ''Halo Wars'' which had only one distinct ability per leader. As more leaders were released in DLC packs, more powers became available over time. | ||
''Halo Wars 2'' features the same player count as the previous title, being a 1v1, 2v2 or 3v3 affair, with no free for all gametype present. | |||
The prior progression system of ''Halo Wars'' was revamped, featuring a new rank 1 to 100 setup. A rank based around performance does exist, with a ranking system identical to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' being in effect for many playlists within the game. | |||
{{Clear}} | |||
== Trivia == | == Trivia == | ||
*The maximum number of players that can play the original ''Halo | *The maximum number of players that can play the original ''Halo'' trilogy in multiplayer is 16. | ||
*In ''Halo 3'', Bungie offers a "[[Double EXP Weekend]]" playlist making it easier for players to level up during weekends. | *In ''Halo 3'', Bungie offers a "[[Double EXP Weekend]]" playlist making it easier for players to level up during weekends. | ||
*In ''Halo 3'', Bungie offers a "7 on the 7th" playlist dedicated to getting [[achievement]]s based on DLC maps around the [[Seven|7]]th of every month. | *In ''Halo 3'', Bungie offers a "7 on the 7th" playlist dedicated to getting [[achievement]]s based on DLC maps around the [[Seven|7]]th of every month. | ||