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Subject: Ways to improve weapon balance in Halo: Reach

Posted by: Duardo
I'd love to be a 10 year old and tell my mom I'm going on an adventure out into the world catching Pokemon, with her full support. Never mind the fact that there are rapists, criminals, and murders out there, or the fact that I may get killed by a Pokemon.

Luckily I have Pikachu.

I have a few ideas on how to improve weapon balance in Halo: Reach, here is my list, and if you want you can add your own lists aswell.

1. Remove Duel wielding: This is something that didn't work in Halo 2 well, and it still doesn't work well in Halo 3. Not only is it mostly a useless feature, but it also is responsible for making weapons like the plasma Pistol, Plasma rifle and SMG useless in almost every situation. The Halo 3 Needler is proof enough of that fact.

2. Increase Sword Lunge: As it currently stands the Shotgun in halo 3 definitely beats the Energy sword, what was once a feared weapon in the hands of any experience player is now reduced to just a large glow stick that doesn't have much lunge range. The limited Battery though can stay.

3. Remove Sword Clash: This is just obvious, it does not work well at all, especially online.

4. Remove Boarding stun effect: In Halo 2 boarding vehicles never always gave you an advantage, the enemy could just board you back. Unfortunately Bungie went overboard on balancing this (pun intended) and made it an automatic death sentence for being boarded. Losing your shields and some of your health is one thing, but not being able to move is just overkill.

5. Increase splash damage with Rocket Launcher: This one is pretty obvious, the Rocket Launcher just does not do the necessary damage it should be doing, instead of taking out enemies standing right beside the blast they only lose their shields.

6: Bring back the Beta Tripmine: Anyone who played the Halo 3 Beta can agree with this one, the Tripmein in the final game is useless in all maps except for Rats Nest, while I agree on the removal of the magnet aspect of the original tripmine, I think the Tripmine should still ahve the overall stopping power of the original.

7: Bring back the Halo 2 Scorpion Tank: The Halo 1 and Halo 3 Scorpion tanks are too inaccurate and IMO to fast. The Halo 3 tank at times doesn't even register shots from thr main cannon. So I would like to see the Scorpion Tank return to it's Halo 2 glory.

8. Bring back fall damage in some form: While I don't entirely agree with fall damage it could be sued to balance the multiplayer in some aspects. For example you don't lose any health from jumping from the airlift tower down to the elbow in Blackout but you may lose some of your shielding. However if you jump from the top floor of Construct all the way to the middle or bottom floor you lose both your shields and some health. You would never die from fall damage (unless boarded by a Banshee or Hornet at certain heights), however you would be left vulnerable.


I will update my list overtime.



[Edited on 06.24.2009 8:18 AM PDT]

  • 06.23.2009 10:02 PM PDT
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1. Scrap all gameplay mechanics and make a new game.

see what happens.

  • 06.23.2009 10:08 PM PDT

Check out the group, Planet Reach and talk about Bungie's next game without the annoyance of the public forum. Oh and it's nice there too.

You thought you had lag, it took Jesus 3 days to re-spawn.

I actually have no arguments to any of that. All sound like good ideas to me. One thing, would the end of dual wielding mean an increase in power of now dual wieldable weapons or their removal all together?

  • 06.23.2009 10:10 PM PDT

Posted by: Duardo
I'd love to be a 10 year old and tell my mom I'm going on an adventure out into the world catching Pokemon, with her full support. Never mind the fact that there are rapists, criminals, and murders out there, or the fact that I may get killed by a Pokemon.

Luckily I have Pikachu.

Posted by: Another one
I actually have no arguments to any of that. All sound like good ideas to me. One thing, would the end of dual wielding mean an increase in power of now dual wieldable weapons or their removal all together?
Those weapons would definitly remain, but like the Halo 3 Needler they would be usefull on their own.

  • 06.23.2009 10:13 PM PDT

Check out the group, Planet Reach and talk about Bungie's next game without the annoyance of the public forum. Oh and it's nice there too.

You thought you had lag, it took Jesus 3 days to re-spawn.

Posted by: The BS Police
Posted by: Another one
I actually have no arguments to any of that. All sound like good ideas to me. One thing, would the end of dual wielding mean an increase in power of now dual wieldable weapons or their removal all together?
Those weapons would definitly remain, but like the Halo 3 Needler they would be usefull on their own.


In that case, I'm all for it so far. An SMG similar to the ODST one would be awesome in MM. (Maybe without the scope)

  • 06.23.2009 10:15 PM PDT

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1. Agreed (Spiker could become more like a Carbine, remove the SMG)

2. Only if the Halo 1 Shotgun returns (with a much slower ROF, and 6 rounds/magazine)

3. Agreed.

4. Agreed. Though I think Fall Damage should return, so you would be stunned when boarded in a Banshee from high height, unless you crouched at the right time.

5.Agreed, I would like it somewhere between Halo 2's and Halo 3's radius... and the rocket speed should be as quick as Halo 1's.

6. Agreed, but I would like equipment removed, so maybe the trip mine could take up a weapon slot (and possibly have more power than in the Beta?)

  • 06.24.2009 7:59 AM PDT

My beat downs turn into burns.

The Tank needs to be stronger I shoot right next a guy and hes like o dis you didn't kill me fool then he runs up and jacks me. Also the tank needs to be faster and allow people to ride on the tanks like in the campaign

  • 06.24.2009 8:04 AM PDT

I agree with everything except 1 and 3.

  • 06.24.2009 8:10 AM PDT
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Posted by: Hothand3000
The Tank needs to be stronger I shoot right next a guy and hes like o dis you didn't kill me fool then he runs up and jacks me. Also the tank needs to be faster and allow people to ride on the tanks like in the campaign
Which tank? The scorpion is overpowered and the Wraith is underpowered.

  • 06.24.2009 8:10 AM PDT
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I don't agree with three, the sword clash makes sword versus sword fair.

I agree with six but I'd rather just see equipment removed.

  • 06.24.2009 8:19 AM PDT

Posted by: Duardo
I'd love to be a 10 year old and tell my mom I'm going on an adventure out into the world catching Pokemon, with her full support. Never mind the fact that there are rapists, criminals, and murders out there, or the fact that I may get killed by a Pokemon.

Luckily I have Pikachu.

Posted by: Bullet _ Sponge
I don't agree with three, the sword clash makes sword versus sword fair.
No it doesn't, if it was fair it would be an auto beatdown for both players. The Sword Clash is too random and doesn't make for good gameplay.

  • 06.24.2009 8:24 AM PDT
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Posted by: The BS Police
Posted by: Bullet _ Sponge
I don't agree with three, the sword clash makes sword versus sword fair.
No it doesn't, if it was fair it would be an auto beatdown for both players. The Sword Clash is too random and doesn't make for good gameplay.
Random? When both players swing the swords clash. Melees are faster than lunges and you can move around to dodge swings. It is more fair than both or one person just dying. I never had troubles with the clash system, except for the times I clash 7 times just to get shot in the back .


[Edited on 06.24.2009 8:33 AM PDT]

  • 06.24.2009 8:32 AM PDT

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The Halo REACH Script (post thoughts in thread)

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With dual wielding removed, I feel that plasma stun should return, but this time only on headshots, so it wouldn't be overpowered.

And all auto weapons should be weak on body and limb shots, but have a 2x or 3x damage bonus for headshots, so that the game won't be so much about spray-n-pray.

[Edited on 06.24.2009 8:34 AM PDT]

  • 06.24.2009 8:33 AM PDT

Posted by: Duardo
I'd love to be a 10 year old and tell my mom I'm going on an adventure out into the world catching Pokemon, with her full support. Never mind the fact that there are rapists, criminals, and murders out there, or the fact that I may get killed by a Pokemon.

Luckily I have Pikachu.

Posted by: Bullet _ Sponge
Posted by: The BS Police
Posted by: Bullet _ Sponge
I don't agree with three, the sword clash makes sword versus sword fair.
No it doesn't, if it was fair it would be an auto beatdown for both players. The Sword Clash is too random and doesn't make for good gameplay.
Random? When both players swing the swords clash. Melees are faster than lunges and you can move around to dodge swings. It is more fair than both or one person just dying. I never had troubles with the clash system, except for the times I clash 7 times just to get shot in the back .
Clashing is always biased to who is host or who has bumper jumper. Moving rarely helps because at times you end up lunging forward, missing the guy and then he proceeds to assassinate you.

It's random and there is no clear working strategy to win a Sword Clash other than being host, being lucky, or having Bumper Jumper. That is why it should work just the same as the current beatdown system, if two sword users lunge at each other at the same time, they should both die.

  • 06.24.2009 8:37 AM PDT
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Posted by: The BS Police
Clashing is always biased to who is host or who has bumper jumper. Moving rarely helps because at times you end up lunging forward, missing the guy and then he proceeds to assassinate you.

It's random and there is no clear working strategy to win a Sword Clash other than being host, being lucky, or having Bumper Jumper. That is why it should work just the same as the current beatdown system, if two sword users lunge at each other at the same time, they should both die.


Actually I know a few strategies that allow you to win everytime so its not random, although they are rather complicated. Even if it is slightly easier to win as host its still better then both of them just dieing. Every aspect of the game is slightly determined by host advantage from time to time.

Posted by: MLG Cheehwawa
With dual wielding removed, I feel that plasma stun should return, but this time only on headshots, so it wouldn't be overpowered.

And all auto weapons should be weak on body and limb shots, but have a 2x or 3x damage bonus for headshots, so that the game won't be so much about spray-n-pray.
I'd love to see Halo Reach more about headshots and less about spraying with you auto-aim, good idea.

[Edited on 06.24.2009 8:43 AM PDT]

  • 06.24.2009 8:41 AM PDT
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Halo 3 is for noobs. Gg NoRe.

Make a new game with new weapons. I better not see the battle rifle in Reach.

I'm tired of Halo 2.5

Make a real Halo 3...

  • 06.24.2009 8:49 AM PDT

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Posted by: SiKe X
Make a new game with new weapons. I better not see the battle rifle in Reach.

I'm tired of Halo 2.5

Make a real Halo 3...
Split the BR's functions (long range supression, midrange accuracy) between two weapons. Assault Rifle and Pistol.

MA5K Assault Rifle
45 rounds/magazine
15 rounds/second ROF
30 bodyshots/10 headshots to kill
max. effective range: 50 meters (pulsed), 10 meters (automatic)
max. range: 250 meters (bullet disappears)
2x scope

M6D Pistol
12 rounds/magazine
15 rounds/second ROF
10 bodyshots/5 headshots to kill
max. effective range: 80 meters (single shot), 50 meters (automatic)
max. range: 120 meters (bullet disappears)
2x scope

  • 06.24.2009 8:59 AM PDT
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Halo 3 is for noobs. Gg NoRe.

Posted by: MLG Cheehwawa
Posted by: SiKe X
Make a new game with new weapons. I better not see the battle rifle in Reach.

I'm tired of Halo 2.5

Make a real Halo 3...
Split the BR's functions (long range supression, midrange accuracy) between two weapons. Assault Rifle and Pistol.

MA5K Assault Rifle
45 rounds/magazine
15 rounds/second ROF
30 bodyshots/10 headshots to kill
max. effective range: 50 meters (pulsed), 10 meters (automatic)
max. range: 250 meters (bullet disappears)
2x scope

M6D Pistol
12 rounds/magazine
15 rounds/second ROF
10 bodyshots/5 headshots to kill
max. effective range: 80 meters (single shot), 50 meters (automatic)
max. range: 120 meters (bullet disappears)
2x scope


That sounds good.

  • 06.24.2009 9:06 AM PDT
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Honestly, I don't really like most of your ideas. I never played the beta so I can't comment on the tripmine, and I want the return of fall damage in some form, but other than that I pretty much disagree

  • 06.24.2009 9:10 AM PDT

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I agree With Bullet_sponge sword clashes are completely fair. Dual wielding should NOT be removed all though it is true mostly unuseful in multiplayer this option can help players during Duals and during campaign. And plus its fun to just spray people while duel-wielding. :)

  • 06.24.2009 9:19 AM PDT

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Posted by: PeRf3cT SaNiTy
I agree With Bullet_sponge sword clashes are completely fair. Dual wielding should NOT be removed all though it is true mostly unuseful in multiplayer this option can help players during Duals and during campaign.
Have you ever played Halo 1? You remove dual wielding, all weapons become worth using on their own, so you don't need to pick up a second one to deal out damage. Why have two half guns when you could have one gun which is as strong as two put together (and thus as strong as the other single-wield weapons, like the AR or BR or Sniper).

And plus its fun to just spray people while duel-wielding. :)I disagree because I dislike gimmicks...

[Edited on 06.24.2009 9:26 AM PDT]

  • 06.24.2009 9:25 AM PDT

1. Keep dual wielding. The SMG would be useless otherwise (unless we got the ODST version).
2. Agreed.
3. ARE YOU NUTS? Removing this would make the sword into a double-beatdown machine. The clash was put in to make swordfights more interesting, and I think Bungie was successful in trying to do that. Name any other shooter with half-decent sword mechanics.
4. Agreed.
5. The rocket launcher is already a stupidly powerful weapon. It is still possible to get triple kills with one shot.
6. Yeah, the tripmine sucks.
7. The H2 tank was really hard to beat. The H3 tank requires two people to operate the same way. Fix the issues with the main cannon and the tank is fine.
8. I disagree, sort of. Jumping off of construct is the only way to get down (other than the one ramp and the support beams), and tactical jumps like these create escape routes that cause unexpected situations. Jumping out of a hornet/banshee from the top of the map, however, should cause some damage.

  • 06.24.2009 9:47 AM PDT

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Posted by: ADRENALYNE 13
1. Keep dual wielding. The SMG would be useless otherwise (unless we got the ODST version).
Well... then remove the SMG.

5. The rocket launcher is already a stupidly powerful weapon. It is still possible to get triple kills with one shot.But there are many times when you should get the triple, but you don't get it because it's essentially a re-skinned boomshot from Gears of War... I shot a hog with the Rocket yesterday, hit the driver square in the face and killed him, but the gunner remained 2 shot and proceeded to kill me. Don't let that happen in REACH.

8. I disagree, sort of. Jumping off of construct is the only way to get down (other than the one ramp and the support beams), and tactical jumps like these create escape routes that cause unexpected situations. Jumping out of a hornet/banshee from the top of the map, however, should cause some damage.They could build maps differently, or you could aim for sloped surfaces (you land on asloped surface in H1, you took no fall damage unless you were falling from an obscenely high height)

  • 06.24.2009 9:53 AM PDT

To MLG Cheehwawa:

1. Why would you remove the SMG? Why? It's not just the SMG though. The plasma rifle, spiker, and pistol would also suck. Unless you bring back our old friend, the halo 1 pistol.
5. Agreed.
8. Hmm... They'd have to experiment with that one.

  • 06.24.2009 9:58 AM PDT

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