- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
That's why it would all be optional Warthog. You don't have to choose one speciality over the other. You could play as John, the all around guy, or turn off multiple characters for your multiplayer/co-op game. This way, those who strive for simplicity can have their old-skool Halo with a few new features and graphics, and at the same time anybody who wants to up the level of tactics in their gameplay has the option.
Also, having the choice of your favorite Spartan wouldn't necessarily harm the story. After all, they did survive and are with John-117 on board the Getteysburg heading for earth to defend it. Logically, the other Spartans would probably do something about a little problem called human extinction.Plus, we all know that the Spartans of Halo and of old weren't just famous for being good fighters, but also their steadfast loyalty and teamwork. The story would only make sense if John fought alongside his fellow super-soldiers. Also, working them in and out of the story wouldn't have to make big changes. Say if you are playing 2 person Coop with 'John' and 'Linda' then the others could be explained as "on another mission" or something to that effect. Extra players would also only make slight to no differences in cutscenes. Think Knights of the Old Republic. In that, your party which could be composed of any two others from a group of 9, simply stood in the background while your character talked (not a problem for Halo2 because cinematics will use the same character models from the main game) and they occasionally through in a comment or two which only occasionally changed the dialogue from the person speaking to your party. Heck, the Spartans are pretty quiet anyway so I don't think there'd be much talking to change.
The option would only add possibilities and would leave core gameplay intact.