9 Things I Learned From the Halo: Reach Beta
By Jared Newman
In a few hours, someone at Microsoft will press a button and open the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta to millions of rabid fans. If you’ve got a copy of Halo 3: ODST, you should be able to access the beta by late morning Pacific time, early afternoon Eastern time and early evening GMT. I got a head start over the weekend through an early access code provided by Microsoft (and so did a few of you through our contest), and while I don’t think a beta needs a full review, I’ve got some thoughts on the Halo: Reach beta and what it means for the full version of the game due this fall:
1. Armor powers represent Halo: Reach’s most notable change from previous games. They let you bring one special ability to battle, such as a jet pack or Active Camo, and may be tied to specific weapons loadouts, though not in any of the games I played. They’re great until you realize everyone else has them, too.
2. Predictions: Armor Lock will become the choice of skilled players who learn to deflect grenade traps and power weapons. Noobs will be identified by their jet packs, but they’re too fun not to use. When in doubt, the rest of us will just turn invisible.
3. Being a Scout lets you run faster in short bursts, which is only useful when fleeing a losing battle or chasing someone who stole your flag. It is the most depressing special ability ever made.
4. Social settings, which let you define what kind of people you want to play with, don’t work yet, hopefully because the sample size is too small in the “Friends and Family” beta. I reserve the right to change my opinion when the floodgates open to thousands of whiners, potty mouths and people who despise teamwork.
5. Veto power is replaced by the choice of a few different game types at the start of each map. Surprisingly, a lot of variety came up in the voting process, but I fear the masses will soon kill Crazy King and Juggernaut in favor of nothing but Team Slayer.
6. Needle Rifle: I liked it better the first time, when it was called the Covenant Carbine. Designated Marksman Rifle: I liked it better the first time, when it was called the pistol from Halo: Combat Evolved. The current pistol: It zooms again. I still don’t like it.
7. Dual-wielding is not missed for the most part. But I do pine for those rare occasions where the SMG/Plasma Rifle would totally catch your Battle Rifle-wielding opponent off-guard.
8. The Halo: Reach Beta still feels like Halo, an experience that was already well-refined the last time around. That means you can keep playing Halo 3 and not feel like you’re missing much, but it won’t stop you from trying to level up and unlock as many armor decorations as possible before the beta ends on May 19.
9. Like any good appetizer, the Halo: Reach beta runs the risk of spoiling the meal. There’s something to be said for waiting until the fall and experiencing the whole game. At least that’s what folks who don’t own Halo 3: ODST can tell themselves.
Monday, May 3, 2010 4:38PM
God damn what a pessimist.
Monday, May 3, 2010 10:00PM
an arrogant pessimist at that. "The current pistol: It zooms again. I still don’t like it." Most other reviewers (and me) are raving about the pistol's power – it straight up owns the Assault Rifle, even at close range, if you're even remotely competent. I think the writer has a lot more things to learn than 9.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 12:07AM
And he said the Scout amor ability was a waste of a special ability, in my opinion it is pretty much better than the rest!!! Try using that with a sword or a hammer….or even a shotgun…talk about scary, seing a sword player run at you then slice you in half!!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 12:08AM
"Being a Scout lets you run faster in short bursts, which is only useful when fleeing a losing battle or chasing someone who stole your flag. It is the most depressing special ability ever made." It is *amazing* for running up behind someone who's not watching their radar and chopping them in the back.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 12:10AM
Same old game. Halo is dead.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 12:10AM
the game sucks, the controls dont line up with any previous halo game, 1 star in my book so far, it takes too many hit to kill and all the load outs suck, maybe a customizer is coming i don;t know. as is its a boring multiplayer not any where near the level of play that 3 was.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 12:31AM
Anything worth commenting on for people who haven't played Halo before but are considering it with this upcoming game? These points, while interesting, are very 'insiderish' (i.e., designed for pre-existing fans). I recognize this comes with the territory of reading a pre-beta review, but would still be interested in a post that was directed toward a slightly wider audience…
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 12:31AM
"Armor Lock will become the choice of skilled players" maybe you should consult any MLG player (AKA players who have skill and play competitively) playing the game. Armor lock is for noobs and scout is the obviously superior load-out if you have any sense. I don't intend to come off angry, but you invalidated any part of your opinion when you said "The current pistol: It zooms again. I still don’t like it.". Don't like the pistol? GTFOH.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 12:32AM
scout is the most depressing kit ever made? you even said its useful for catching the guy taking your flag. that makes it extremely important in capture the flag. what about running quickly to the power weapons before anyone else? key in slayer. id say scout is as useful as any other one
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 12:34AM
gravity needs to be reduced, simply not being able to make jumps has seriously taken away from the game. Also, beat down needs to be improved, the fact that it takes two attempts is outrageous.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 12:54AM
Here's a hint… it's the internet. If you don't like it… go away.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 1:05AM
This is some really shitty journalism.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 2:49AM
This has already been said but it needs to be said again.
SAME OLD GAME, HALO IS DEAD
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 9:03PM
There are several things wrong with this little post. I understand that this can be an opinion but you couldn’t be more far off of what Halo: Reach presents with the beta. All armor abilities are useful in their own way, but I still find myself not using active camo. Sprint is one of the most important. It is extremely easy to take cover from a firefight, like you said, but there is so much more use to it. At the beginning of a match, if I use sprint, I can easily get the first power weapon and dominate the opposing team, all from being able to run, and in any game on where I play defense I am able to set up a good position to take down the enemies trying to complete their objective, all by simply running. Jetpack can be used creatively to avoid obstacles, thus leading to an easy way towards power weapons on the map, and with some creativity, you can annihilate in CTF by using the jetpack and throwing the flag over obstacles. Armor lock is a great thing to use in any heated situation, and I always love using it as something to fall back on.
Recoil was added to the mix to avoid spamming, and is a much need add-on, adding balance to every weapon, so close range weapons work in close range, and long range weapons only work well in long range. Of course you’ll like the Halo: CE pistol, because it was way to overpowered! It’s a lot tougher to win a game with just a DMR in slayer than it was in Halo 3 to win with just a BR. It’s all about adding BALANCE and FAIRNESS.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 4:09AM
I really like the new weapons I have used so far. The new battle rifle is pretty sweet. So is the Needler Rifle.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 4:10AM
Wtf? Armor? Are you serious? Scout gets you out of situations rather than getting pummeled by grenades as soon as you come out to he armor. Someone needs to play more.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 6:17AM
Scout is actually extremely useful (and fun) when combined with a gravity hammer.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 12:11AM
oh noes he's pointing out things he doesn't like ;( PESSIMIST! Stfu.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 7:31AM
dont you think that its depressing to see a pistol "straight up own the Assault Rifle"?
why should a pistol be more powerful than the assault rifle. I think its stupid anyway. the pistol should be an emergency back up to when you run out of ammo on your primary. it shouldnt be seen as a main thing to use.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 12:38AM
To play Halo with fresh eyes? I envy you. Like any multiplayer game, you'll die a lot at first, and then improve. But in Halo you'll probably wonder what the fuss is about. Then you'll stick with it and discover why people go nuts over this game.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 11:45AM
After reading this I've come to the conclusion that this guy must suck at Halo Reach. He disses sprint, says he doesn't like the magnum, doesn't see the difference between the needle rifle and the carbine and basically says that sprint is useless.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 11:52AM
Yeah I have to agree with the majority of comments here. Your critique of the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta is extremely pessimistic. It is just a beta and bungie's #1 priority is testing very specific systems that are still in the process of finalizing, tweaking, etc. I think the end result is going to be way more than what we're experiencing in the Beta.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 2:19PM
If that's how you feel maybe you should probably stick to the Call of Duty or Bad Company series of games where pistols truly are are secondary backup weapons. This is a fast-paced arcade-style FPS.
Friday, May 7, 2010 1:58AM
You sir, are an idiot because armor lock is the most nooby thing I have ever encountered in a game. That's just an exaggeration but it lets unskilled players hide in their little shield because they know they suck and need to try to save themselves. It's one of the only things I don't like about the Reach beta. lmfao and jet pack is not nooby whatsoever I don't know what's up you're ass but you should seriously try and get it out.
Saturday, May 8, 2010 2:32AM
huh..i like the tips
Monday, May 10, 2010 2:49AM
Okay, let's get started.
1: Armour abilities are great until you realise everyone else has them? Well that's surprising, I thought Bungie would give ONE MAN the ability to use these four armour abilities and no one else.
2: First of all, Armour Lock is rarely used in a skillful encounter… in fact, I use someone going into Armour Lock as my advantage. And as to the deflection of grenades and power weapons…that's all fine, as soon as you come out and the entire team is waiting for you. Secondly, Jetpacks are only used by noobs? Really? Yes, I can see that the ability to fly from the bottom of Swordbase to the top to intercept a flag carrier is the noobiest thing I've ever seen. Not to mention the ability to quickly access other areas of the map that would require about a minute's travel, and I could say so many other things, but I will only say this one: Bungie has designed these levels with the Jetpack in mind, Sir. Think about it.
3: Are you a Beta Tester, or a 'Use something in the game once and then hold a completely biased opinion' Tester? The Sprint ability is very useful, thank you very much; it's just situational. Not only is it great for covering a lot of ground during games such as King of the Hill, Headhunter, CTF, Stockpile and Invasion, if you Sprint at a person who is rushing you with a sword, their aim goes off. Also, if you have a Sword or Gravity Hammer, your Sprint ability gives you about 300% more reach for your rush ability.
6: You liked the Covenant Carbine better than the Needle Rifle? Yes, the Covenant Carbine totally not only had a tight aim but a Supercombine effect. Oh, and I don't remember my Pistol in Halo 1 have High Impact rounds. Also, the you don't like the Pistol? I think you should join the ranks of all these noobs you keep looking down your nose at. The Pistol is OP, my friend. In close range it beats the DMR and the AR. In medium range it beats the AR. At far range it matches the DMR and Needle Rifle. If any other normal weapon in the Beta was more OP, that would BE the Needle Rifle.
8: I disagree that Halo 3 is a lot similar to Reach. Sure, the Halo franchise is hated by many simply for the fact that it doesn't change much, but I believe Reach is different. The class and matchmaking is more reminiscent of Modern Warfare (to its benefit) and Invasion gametypes remind me fondly of my favourite Battlefield games. I think that, if I do go back to Halo 3 to play online, I would feel limited.
9: "The Halo Reach Beta risks spoling the meal." Are you kidding me? It's a Beta. Pracitcally a closed Beta. The game isn't even FINISHED yet, and you think that this testing period is going to ruin people's opinions of it? Well, good, I hope it does. People who take the value of the BETA as the value of the entire game shouldn't even be testing if they don't understand what a Beta is.
Just thought I'd give you my two cents
Monday, May 10, 2010 3:15AM
Thanks for the polite and reasoned response. Just one thing: I don't
think the beta will ruin people's opinions of the game, just the
delight you might get from playing the compete package with fresh
eyes. Another way to look at it: McDonalds never tastes the same after
you've worked there.
Monday, May 10, 2010 6:14AM
The author seems like a noob.
Yes the game isn't perfect, but I don't know how you can "fear the masses" killing off spam-fests such as Crazy King and Juggernaut. That's a good thing.
Sunday, May 16, 2010 3:31PM
wow… your complain bout everythin shut up..
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 4:54AM
When I first read this review, the part about your opinion of the scout class really baffled me. Are you kidding dude? Have you ever played Modern Warfare? Going from that game to halo3, you are left feeling Really limited due to the fact that in halo3 you cannot run at all. Mw2 spoiled me by giving me the ability to be able to sprint when a situation gets pretty nasty. The scout class is def one of the MAIN reasons I will be buying reach. Also your review is very poorly opinionated as a whole and while you may be an exceptional writer, I think it would be advantageous for you to think on par with the masses or find a new job.