So far in our quest for Halo Reach knowledge we've learned a few key things. There will be different classes, types of gameplay (including stealth), and new weapons. Of course, all of this takes place in a world full of Spartans and Spartan technology, so we want to know how these things work in a practical setting. GeneralGames.ca had a hands on preview recently where they played the multiplayer mode and got to try out some of these phenomenal changes in the Halo universe. Are these things to look forward to? I'd say so.
When firing up this Halo Reach test run, Justin Amirkhani of GeneralGames.ca noticed a few things. The most important, he notes, is the way you enter the battlefield.
"The biggest change in the game is the addition of an equipment/powers system that lets players choose their weapons loadout before they enter the battlefield; no more flailing around the map looking for your favourite gun."
He only had the opportunity to play a few of the maps available in the final game, but things are already looking really nice. New weapons on these maps also helps, but what of additional gameplay elements. Ever since the first Halo, my friends and I have said there needs to be a "run faster" button for those moments of panic. Well, Halo Reach delivers a speed boost, stealth ability, and Jetpacks. That's right, Jetpacks.
"Each of the powers makes every player bring a very different attitude to their playstyle. As the media members played and got comfortable with the new abilities there were definitely attachments made and many conceded they had favourites already. What makes this so groundbreaking for Halo is that it shakes up the game in a way few expected; Jetpack adds verticality while Sprint adds new lateral dynamics."
Halo Reach is also using a level up system when working with your Spartan. Earn points to spend on new equipment, adding a feel of yourself into your Halo model. We really hope Halo Reach's character customization goes beyond the multiplayer mode into the campaign, as previous customization only applied to your versus mode spartan. It should also be noted that the Elites have made a comeback to Reach and it could be an interesting dynamic to change up your Elites armor as well.
While we focus more on the co-op aspect of the game, and look forward to learning more how these jetpacks, sprint ability, and camo work in the campaign - we are also moderately interested in the new multiplayer modes that come with Halo Reach.
"Microsoft gave us a run with the standard Halo fare, Capture the Flag, Oddball and Deathmatch variants but also introduced Headhunter, by far the runaway hit of the night. Headhunter charges players with the task of collecting rolling skulls from their dead enemies and hoarding them in to moving “baskets”. Until players reach one of the collection points they’re stuck carrying all of the skulls they’d earned, creating an incredibly risk/reward dynamic."