- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Posted by: PLU x Scar
Posted by: XxCubanLegendxX
the BR isnt cheap at all, only the power weapons (sword, rockets, etc...) and NC are cheap. even though i find BxR, BxB, Double Shooting, and all those glitches are cheap, the BR actually requires skill.
Nothing in Halo 2 is cheap, the game is balanced when configured correctly. There are plenty of ways to combat every weapon and combination of weapons.
Let's start with the BR. It is the most balanced weapon in the game. Great medium range, and decent long and short range. It is the core of the balance in Halo 2. To combat the BR from short range you can use the Sword, Shotgun, or a dual wield. These three weapons/combinations were meant for short range combat, and are poor in long and medium range combat. A BR can take any of these down easily at medium range. But, try taking down a plasma rifle/SMG combo from close range with a BR. Chances are you won't be able to if the players are of roughly equal skill level. From long range, the Sniper is able to defeat the BR quite easily, again assuming roughly equal skill levels. A sniper can be defeated much the same as a BR can be defeated. The BR is "overpowered" when only one or two players have one, and the game is set up with SMG spawns. Many of you are complaining that there are too many BRs on most maps, but, in fact, this is exactly the opposite of the problem. There are too few BRs on most maps to actively combat someone with a BR. Ascension, Midship and Lockout are prime examples of this problem. With more BR spawns on the map it would be easier for you to get one when your opponent has one.
Examining the rest of the power weapons (Rockets and The Combo) also shows that the game is balanced and not cheap. The Rockets are a fast kill and are fairly easy to use, but they have limited ammo and generally don't perform well past short-medium range. The best way to get past rockets are to either snipe the rocket holder, catch him by surprise, or keep your distance and BR him. The Combo is generally considered to be the cheapest part of the game from my experience, but the biggest drawback of The Combo is the fact that it takes two weapon slots to use. This gives a devastating medium range attack and a pretty good close range attack (plasma then beatdown), but is very poor long range. It also gives away your position from the glow, and if the plasma misses you will most likely be behind in the firefight and unable to catch up (equal skill assumed).
The key to everything in Halo 2 is knowledge. With the right knowledge of the weapons and levels it is possible to overcome most scenarios. Much of this also depends on the configuration of the gametype, however. With SMG starts on certain levels (Ascension) it is very difficult to come back from a defecit when the other team knows how to control the map. With a BR start on the same level, it is much more balanced and harder to control the level. It is still useful to pick up an SMG even with a BR start. If you plan on being in a short range scenario then a dual wield is your best friend other than a short range power weapon. An SMG is also much more effective at taking a Banshee down. Certain weapons are meant to give an advantage to the player using them, but most of the time it can be countered with the correct knowledge. Halo 2 is much more about knowledge, situational weapon choice and teamwork than it is about any particular weapon being cheap and overpowered. Without the BR or Carbine in Halo 2 the game would have no good medium range weapon, and the power weapons would truly be overpowered. If Halo 2 were a one-dimensional game there would only be one type of weapon. By having the duals, the BR/Carbine, and the power weapons Halo 2 becomes a highly complex game of quick decision making. Taking anything out would result in a worse game that was unbalanced and boring.
Also, on a side note, the button glitches (BXR, doubleshot, double melee, etc.) are not intended portions of the game and can make it slightly unfair when an expert uses them, but they are here to stay in Halo 2 and also have ways to counter them (but more difficult). I use them to my advantage, but would prefer if they were not in the game.
Well put. I Agree. [/thread]