- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Ash
First of all, each Spartan in my take on this idea would be able to use every type of weapon effectively with expertise in a particular weapon, being a little bit faster, slightly better shields/motion tracker, or just being good all around depending on which Spartan you chose. Choosing Linda, for instance, wouldn't mean you couldn't handle or get a kill with a shotgun, but rather (these aren't anything confirmed, I'm just saying stuff for the sake of argument) she would be a little bit slower with a slightly less health. Basically, that wouldn't mean 2 shots with the shotgun instead of one for a kill, but she'd be at a small disadvantage with maneuverability and life. Linda could balance this with better aim with the sniper rifle. Bascially, what I'm trying to say is that you could do anything with any character, but some characters are naturally more suited to a particular style, except for John who is the all-around average guy. The advantages with weapons or certain traits would be fairly minor to promote balance between the characters.
Another important thing to keep in mind, I believe all this should only be optional, so by no means would a player have to choose one specialty and be stuck with it. He or she could simply toggle this option off and play as a plain Spartan with no special abilities or weaknesses. This would go for cooperative and multiplayer.
[Edited on 6/4/2004 1:48:33 PM]