- Oddley765
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- Elder Legendary Member
I wrote a similar thread about the level of immersion, interactivity, graphics, characters etc when comparing Halo 3, Reach and MW2.
I agree that Reach has to at least hit the standard of MW2 and has enough potential to exceed even that standard.
The amount of descruction in MW2 is about perfect, cars explode, trees catch fire, boxes break up but buildings pretty much remain intact. In addition bullets shoot through doors and wooden pallets etc. MW2's level and balance of interactivity and desctruction is perfect. Reach should definitely use this as their gauge.
Although textures when at extreme close ranges in MW2 show their true colours the implementation of which textures and detail to use where and when really helps the gameplay immersion. Halo 3 character procedural textures are superior but the implementation of textures regarding the sheer array and level of objects in MW2 easily trump Halo 3 in regard to immersion and suspension of disbelief through graphics and more importantly character motions.
At points you have to double take looking at characters and textures to really appreciate them. The level of motion capture in MW2 is outstanding, if there is keyframing in there is seems only to clean up the motion capture and vehicle movement etc.
The AI callouts are the best and most useful in any game to date. Squad mates not only keep you on track but call out enemy contact and positions relative to the dynamically changing environment, characters and even weapons they carry. This is top notch and if the leaked Reach screen shots are true with squad mate health bars this should certainly be a top priority over at Bungie Reach HQ.
Another point of immersion was the mission with the nuke and the EMP scale of impact on weapon scopes, environment lighting, impact of enemy engagements, evironment damage and particle effects etc. This was top notch immersion and gameplay interest.
Reach should keep the easily identifable enemies vs teammates that is trademark Halo but some toning down of this would be a solid change for the better. Please not to the extent of MW2, yes it is more realistic and adds to the confusion of war but I prefer the instant recognition of Bungie's design choice.
Audio, no real change required here. Marty does AAA grade work and the level of interactivity and range of sounds is astounding in both games. However, I would like Bungie to take some notes from MW2 with regard to their mission and gameplay interaction with audio. Sound alters from flash bangs, grenades and weather with dynamic effects at different ranges etc. This would be a welcome addition and highly effective for multiplayer too.
Please Please Please for the love of Halo do not bring back the red visor from ODST or the blood effect from MW2 as you take damage. It is just plain annoying to not be able to see. I understand this is to highlight how you are less effective and 'blinded from damage' but this should be toned down by at least 50%. Gamers want to see what their doing, particularly when they're taking damage and close to death.
Realism, similar to how an actor just has that X factor, MW2 has that realism factor in spades. Any shortcomings are forgiven because you are just so sucked into the game. Reach simply has to make a move away from the toy story style multiplayer and get 'real gritty' like MW2 but while like boring grey/brown shaded GOW2 either.
[Edited on 11.11.2009 3:41 PM PST]