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In case you didn't know, that's rough Latin meaning "return of the mighty warriors" =).
With Halo: Reach comes new opportunities to improve and update the enemy AI. However, this time I mean the Elites.
Elites
The granddaddy of all Halo enemies should be making a return to Halo again, this time as actual enemies. Elites are the de-facto commanders of the Covenant military and should act as such. When in command of lower-class Covenant, they should be using tactics.
In the command of: Grunts
Grunts are cannon fodder and will be treated as such. Elites will send Grunts out into the front lines to weaken players. Expect them to employ tactics like suicide bombing and sneak attacks to kill you.
In the command of: Jackals
Jackals are higher ranking than Grunts, but not by much. Even so, Elites will enforce phalanx maneuvers with the Jackals that would reflect similar defensive tactics used by the ancient Greeks.
In the command of: Hunters
While Elites have never been seen leading hunters in the Halo games, expect that to change. Hunters will be sent in by Elites to rush at you and to act as shields to protect the Elite commander.
In command of: *Engineers
Engineers have not been confirmed as enemies, but if they do appear, I expect them to be used only as shield recovery units by Elites. This will make taking down the enemy harder with their constantly replenishing shields.
Elite Attack Behavior
When you come face to face with Elites, you better prepare for the fight of your life. They will come after you with everything they have. Armed with whatever they have in the Covenant projectile armament, you will be in a hail of return fire. They will dual wield, they will bash you, and they will use cover. Got a wall? Elites will stand beside it and occasionally pop out to pelt you with plasma, needles, or grenades. Got a small barrier? Expect them to crouch behind it, maybe push it to get closer to you.
Vehicular combat is also a big specialty of the Elites. No matter what they use, you won't be safe. They will dive-bomb, blast, and move in groups with Banshees. Inside Wraiths, they may take you out from a distance with their pinpoint accuracy and if they miss, keep moving. Ghost patrols will be common so either sneak by or plow throw with a Scorpion or anti-vehicular weapons., you'll need it.
Bu if they have an Energy Sword, it is another ballgame. They will hack, they will slash, they will trust, and Lord have mercy they will dual wield swords. With their stamina and agility, they will be a challenge for even the most seasoned Halo veteran.
Elite Defensive Behavior
Besides using cover, Elites can be expected to use their own allies or your comrades shields. Killing a Grunt held captive is easy. but can you do it to a fellow human? Only time will tell. Either way, they will continue their attack. They may even pick up dead Jackal shields to add to their already impressive personal shields.
Elite Ranks
Regular Ranks
Minor/ Major/Ultra
Specialist Ranks
Stealth/Ranger
Honor Guard
Sangheili Honor Guardsman/Honor Guard Ultra
Special Operations
Spec-Ops/Spec-Ops Officer
Zealots
Field Master
All in all, this is just speculation and how I want Elites to act in Halo: Reach. However, what do you think? Would this bring Elites back to their former glory?