Halo 3 Forum
This topic has moved here: Subject: Halo 3 Levels and environments. Linear & refined or large and e...
  • Subject: Halo 3 Levels and environments. Linear & refined or large and e...
Subject: Halo 3 Levels and environments. Linear & refined or large and e...
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  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

A big problem I have with Halo 2, is that it took away my favourite part of Halo: the expansive, large scale levels such as Halo, Two Betrayals and (in reverse) Assault on the Control Room.

With Halo 2, Bungie decided to opt for a more pidgeon-holed game where exploration was limited. The best levels for me were undoubtedly those based on earth, but even then it only felt freeform in any way once I'd found out how to get onto rooftops! :)

Halo 2's levels are undoubtedly thought out (for the most part) as action is punctuated with very little 'empty space', whereas Halo CE consisted of a few areas where you travelled for quite a distance (e.g. halo) before finding the next place of action. Part of me can see why Bungie changed this for Halo 2, as it makes sense not to bore the player with lengthy expositional gameplay... or does it? You all remember the Halo 2 E3 demo where Chief and Co. drove around streets that seemed to go on forever, while dropships came down low to your warthog as Brute's jumped on the front and slapped out the driver! Now that's what I'm talking about! :)

So anyway, my post is about this contention:

Firstly, what are your thoughts on this? What levels do you prefer (in either game) and why?

Secondly: In Halo 3, the new technology will give Bungie the oppertunity to be a little more ambitious with the size and scale of levels. After the considered and linear pathways of Halo 2, will they really risk comprimising their heavily scripted set-pieces in favour of more unpredictable but massively diverse encounters (i.e. the Covenant/Flood/Chief war on the snow plaines of Two Betrayals).

Personally, I'm all for the latter, but I have a sick feeling at the pit of my stomach that tells me I'm hanging on to false hope.

What do you guys think?

Moderator Note: Please use this thread for Halo 3 campaign ideas.

[Edited on 5/24/2006 by dmbfan09]

  • 05.24.2006 4:30 AM PDT
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Yup bring back exploration

  • 05.24.2006 5:02 AM PDT