- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Posted by: Scipio
Ok, I'll throw in my 2 cents, since I'm on a board-spamming spree. I have my doubts that there'll be a day/night cycle on maps, because that would be a lot of trouble. If I remember, I think I read somewhere where some of the shadow is just painted on instead of cast by a light source. Having an active light source casting shadows at all times would certainly be a not-completely-necessary strain on our Xbox's processor.
However, I am completely in favor of being able to choose the weather and time conditions of each outdoor map. Adding factors like rain, fog, snow, cloudy dawn lighting or midnight-darkness would add incredible replay value to each map. Adjusting intesnsity of the factors would almost be a must. After all, there's a big difference in a light drizzle and visor-blurring downpour.
On that note, visor effects should be thrown in with the weather.
Well, while I did guess it could possibly be a hearty strain on the Xbox, only Bungie knows exactly how much for sure (hope they see this thread). If they didn't custom build their engine to handle such a dynamic, then yes, it more than likely would be too strenuous for the system to handle (Hey, Perfect Dark on N64 did it).
Also, I don't know if I agree with people on the whole multiple visor idea, that would cross roads too closely with Metroid Prime for me-Halo has a very distincitive style wich would be perverted by the constant switching of thermal, night vision or "I can see your rocket ship underpants" visors. I like the idea of trying to improvise with the disadvantage/advantage of darkness. Adapt or die as they say. Besides, what would be the point if everyone had night vision to help them see? Might as well play during the day :P (unless you just like the idea of witnessing blazing firefights behind the illuminous tint of neon-green).
A weather changing idea definitely does seem a little too farfetched (though it could be quite cool). I can't see current generation systems being able to handle a 16 player deathmatch during a midnight downpour. Maybe Xbox 2. Besides rain though, I could'nt see any other weather effects being conducive to gameplay. Same goes for a "change of day settings" option. Besides night and day, I can't see how others would be constructive towards gameplay. Though I could imagine watching a player come over a hill with a sunset/sunrise behind him before aerating his brain with a sniper rifle would not only be hella cool, but would evoke some kind of serene euphoria.
-Xplicit
(Yeah........*sighs*)