War Games: Difference between revisions
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{{Era|Post|RW}} | {{Era|Post|RW}} | ||
[[File:H5 - Beta Red vs Blue.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Blue and Red Teams in competitive War Games.]] | [[File:H5 - Beta Red vs Blue.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Blue and Red Teams in competitive War Games.]] | ||
'''War Games''' is | '''War Games''' is an advanced [[UNSC]] combat training simulation most prominently used to train [[SPARTAN programs|Spartans]].<ref name="Grim">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/canon-fodder-3-21-15-marching-on/bbac6734-f6bb-449e-8c79-0098a02c7884/posts?page=2#post23 '''Halo Waypoint''': '''Canon Fodder 3-21-15 thread''']</ref> | ||
== Overview == | == Overview == | ||
War Games training facilities, which are known to be located aboard {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} and [[Anvil Station]], use a combination of [[Holography|holographic]] projectors, millions of pneumatic risers,<ref name="fieldguide">[http://halo.bungie.org/misc/ExpertZone_Halo4_Guide.pdf '''Halo.Bungie.Org''', ''Halo 4 Field Guide'']</ref> props, and simulated sensory information fed through a [[neural interface]] to generate realistic environments in which combat simulations are initiated.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-beta-late-than-never '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Beta Late Than Never'']</ref> Most of these environments are recreated from either detailed scans, partial records or remote survey data of actual locations around the galaxy, although artistic flourishes may be applied at the simulation designers' discretion. Examples of such conceits include the anachronistic use of given starship, vehicle or emblem designs sometimes encountered in War Games simulations.<ref name="Catalog">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/halo-5-truth/7c25c1e2-29a4-4ef9-bf84-f9912215a0a0/posts?page=1#post17 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Halo 5 Truth'']</ref> | |||
[[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTAN-IV]] fireteams routinely train in the War Games simulator to hone their strength and skills. Upon reaching a [[Rank (Halo 4)|Spartan rank]] of level 50, they are given the option to enlist in a [[specialization]] in their field of choice, should they wish, they may also apply for multiple specialist rankings.<ref>'''[[Halo 4 Limited Edition]]''', ''[[Infinity Briefing Packet|UNSC ''Infinity'' briefing packet]]''</ref> The [[ANVIL initiative]] indicates a number of very select joint training engagements between SPARTAN-IVs and [[Sangheili]] of [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s [[Swords of Sanghelios]] aboard [[Anvil Station]].<ref name="Have S'moa">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-have-s-moa '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: 2-20-15'']</ref> War Games simulations are not exclusively competitive; in some scenarios the participants train against AI-controlled Covenant enemies.<ref name="HE1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue 1]]''</ref> | |||
[[Jeff Steitzer|A dedicated AI]] manages the War Games simulator and acts as the games' announcer. [[Sarah Palmer]], the commander of the ship's Spartan contingent, has a low opinion of the AI.<ref name="HE1"/> | |||
== As a multiplayer mode == | == As a multiplayer mode == | ||
War Games was introduced in ''[[Halo 4]]'' as the in-universe framing device for the game's [[multiplayer]]<ref name="first look">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6UL63Zo-uo&feature=player_embedded '''YouTube''': ''Making Halo 4: First Look'']</ref> and is featured in a similar fashion in the subsequent ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' and ''[[Halo Online]]''. All competitive multiplayer in the ''Halo'' games can be considered to be part of a War Games simulation from a fictional standpoint, although the particulars of the timeframes and settings of the pre-''Halo 4'' games' multiplayer modes are not as strictly defined.<ref name="Grim"/> | |||
===''Halo 4''=== | |||
[[File:H4-InfinityMode-CareerWelcome.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Introduction to Spartan career in War Games in ''[[Halo 4]]''.]] | [[File:H4-InfinityMode-CareerWelcome.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Introduction to Spartan career in War Games in ''[[Halo 4]]''.]] | ||
{{quote|This unparalleled, revolutionary battle simulation is where Spartans go to hone their skills in competitive combat.|Halo Waypoint.}} | {{quote|This unparalleled, revolutionary battle simulation is where Spartans go to hone their skills in competitive combat.|Halo Waypoint.}} | ||
Unlike previous multiplayer modes, War Games is tied with an in-universe explanation, introduced for the first time. In this case the SPARTAN-IVs (controlled by the players) are training in the ''Infinity''<nowiki />'s combat simulation deck by fighting each other to stay constantly battle-ready. The player progression system is more extensive, allowing players to choose between various modifications which have an effect on gameplay, in addition to aesthetic [[armor permutations]] similar to the prior games.<ref name="Official Site">[http://halo.xbox.com/halo4#!halo-evolved/gameplay/31afe32b-0e07-45c0-9424-3adc6e1eadca '''Halo 4 Official Site:''' ''GAMEPLAY'']</ref> Players are able to customize their [[loadout]]s,<ref>[http://www.gamefront.com/halo-4-demo-report/2/ '''Gamefront.com''': ''Halo 4 Demo Report'']</ref> being able to choose between various [[armor abilities]] as well as new customizable features, known as [[Support Upgrades]] and [[Tactical Packages]]. Multiplayer gameplay is more fast-paced than in the prior games. Weapon pickups on maps are marked on the player's [[heads-up display]]<ref name="venture">[http://venturebeat.com/2012/03/05/11-things-learned-about-halo-4/ '''Venturebeat.com''': ''11 new things we’ve learned about Halo 4 (with video)'']</ref>, and players are able to call in ordnance drops, containing power-ups or weapons, during matches.<ref name="Official Site"/> Power-ups available in Infinity Slayer include [[Overshield]], [[Damage Boost]], and [[Speed Boost]].<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/07/06/The-Halo-Bulletin-7612.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 7.6.12'']</ref> | Unlike previous multiplayer modes, ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s War Games is tied with an in-universe explanation, introduced for the first time. In this case the SPARTAN-IVs (controlled by the players) are training in the ''Infinity''<nowiki />'s combat simulation deck by fighting each other to stay constantly battle-ready. The player progression system is more extensive, allowing players to choose between various modifications which have an effect on gameplay, in addition to aesthetic [[armor permutations]] similar to the prior games.<ref name="Official Site">[http://halo.xbox.com/halo4#!halo-evolved/gameplay/31afe32b-0e07-45c0-9424-3adc6e1eadca '''Halo 4 Official Site:''' ''GAMEPLAY'']</ref> Players are able to customize their [[loadout]]s,<ref>[http://www.gamefront.com/halo-4-demo-report/2/ '''Gamefront.com''': ''Halo 4 Demo Report'']</ref> being able to choose between various [[armor abilities]] as well as new customizable features, known as [[Support Upgrades]] and [[Tactical Packages]]. Multiplayer gameplay is more fast-paced than in the prior games. Weapon pickups on maps are marked on the player's [[heads-up display]]<ref name="venture">[http://venturebeat.com/2012/03/05/11-things-learned-about-halo-4/ '''Venturebeat.com''': ''11 new things we’ve learned about Halo 4 (with video)'']</ref>, and players are able to call in ordnance drops, containing power-ups or weapons, during matches.<ref name="Official Site"/> Power-ups available in Infinity Slayer include [[Overshield]], [[Damage Boost]], and [[Speed Boost]].<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/07/06/The-Halo-Bulletin-7612.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 7.6.12'']</ref> | ||
=== Gametypes === | === Gametypes === | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
As its name suggests the War Games most likely take their name from the [[Wikipedia:Military exercise|21st-century counterpart]]. The War Games of the 21st-century is a war simulation program to evaluate, train and to simulate actual war situation. | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
Revision as of 08:12, March 27, 2015
War Games is an advanced UNSC combat training simulation most prominently used to train Spartans.[1]
Overview
War Games training facilities, which are known to be located aboard UNSC Infinity and Anvil Station, use a combination of holographic projectors, millions of pneumatic risers,[2] props, and simulated sensory information fed through a neural interface to generate realistic environments in which combat simulations are initiated.[3] Most of these environments are recreated from either detailed scans, partial records or remote survey data of actual locations around the galaxy, although artistic flourishes may be applied at the simulation designers' discretion. Examples of such conceits include the anachronistic use of given starship, vehicle or emblem designs sometimes encountered in War Games simulations.[4]
SPARTAN-IV fireteams routinely train in the War Games simulator to hone their strength and skills. Upon reaching a Spartan rank of level 50, they are given the option to enlist in a specialization in their field of choice, should they wish, they may also apply for multiple specialist rankings.[5] The ANVIL initiative indicates a number of very select joint training engagements between SPARTAN-IVs and Sangheili of Arbiter Thel 'Vadam's Swords of Sanghelios aboard Anvil Station.[6] War Games simulations are not exclusively competitive; in some scenarios the participants train against AI-controlled Covenant enemies.[7]
A dedicated AI manages the War Games simulator and acts as the games' announcer. Sarah Palmer, the commander of the ship's Spartan contingent, has a low opinion of the AI.[7]
As a multiplayer mode
War Games was introduced in Halo 4 as the in-universe framing device for the game's multiplayer[8] and is featured in a similar fashion in the subsequent Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Online. All competitive multiplayer in the Halo games can be considered to be part of a War Games simulation from a fictional standpoint, although the particulars of the timeframes and settings of the pre-Halo 4 games' multiplayer modes are not as strictly defined.[1]
Halo 4
- "This unparalleled, revolutionary battle simulation is where Spartans go to hone their skills in competitive combat."
- — Halo Waypoint.
Unlike previous multiplayer modes, Halo 4's War Games is tied with an in-universe explanation, introduced for the first time. In this case the SPARTAN-IVs (controlled by the players) are training in the Infinity's combat simulation deck by fighting each other to stay constantly battle-ready. The player progression system is more extensive, allowing players to choose between various modifications which have an effect on gameplay, in addition to aesthetic armor permutations similar to the prior games.[9] Players are able to customize their loadouts,[10] being able to choose between various armor abilities as well as new customizable features, known as Support Upgrades and Tactical Packages. Multiplayer gameplay is more fast-paced than in the prior games. Weapon pickups on maps are marked on the player's heads-up display[11], and players are able to call in ordnance drops, containing power-ups or weapons, during matches.[9] Power-ups available in Infinity Slayer include Overshield, Damage Boost, and Speed Boost.[12]
Gametypes
The following is a list of gametypes which are known to be included in War Games.
- Infinity Slayer
- Capture the Flag
- Grifball
- Oddball
- Regicide
- Flood
- Dominion
- King of the Hill
- Team Slayer Pro
- Big Team Infinity Slayer
- Extraction
- Ricochet
- Breakout
- Strongholds
Trivia
As its name suggests the War Games most likely take their name from the 21st-century counterpart. The War Games of the 21st-century is a war simulation program to evaluate, train and to simulate actual war situation.
Gallery
An early concept art of a War Games map.
Another early concept art for a multiplayer map.
SPARTAN-IVs participating in a game of Capture the Flag on Exile.
A SPARTAN-IV hijacking a Ghost on Vortex.
Sarah Palmer participating in a game of Invasion.
Commander Palmer and Fireteam Jackknife inside the simulation deck.
SPARTAN-IVs on Red Team win a match on Truth in War Games in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.
An animation of Blue Team winning a match on Eden in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.
List of appearances
- Halo 4 (First appearance)
- Spartan Ops (Mentioned only)
- Halo: Escalation
- Halo 5: Guardians
- Halo Online
Sources
- ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder 3-21-15 thread
- ^ Halo.Bungie.Org, Halo 4 Field Guide
- ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Beta Late Than Never
- ^ Halo Waypoint: Halo 5 Truth
- ^ Halo 4 Limited Edition, UNSC Infinity briefing packet
- ^ Halo Waypoint - Canon Fodder: 2-20-15
- ^ a b Halo: Escalation, Issue 1
- ^ YouTube: Making Halo 4: First Look
- ^ a b Halo 4 Official Site: GAMEPLAY
- ^ Gamefront.com: Halo 4 Demo Report
- ^ Venturebeat.com: 11 new things we’ve learned about Halo 4 (with video)
- ^ Halo Waypoint: The Halo Bulletin: 7.6.12
