- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
This is a totally awesome idea, but first of all why would people object to it because, from what I've picked up on the forums is that most people only want simple limited controls over the AI. For example, you're in the hog and there's a rocket guy that you want to pick up but there's a wraith bearing down on you, and this guy is busy trying to kill a grunt "you, get in"! Or just a simple you, go over there type command ( whilst the chief flanks).
SO IF YOU DONT LIKE THE IDEA DONT USE IT. I
It would not change the gameplay at all, covenant still would kick the soldiers' asses, and it would still be up to the chief to wipe out most of them. Though it could change the way you play the game to a squad based shooter in one respect - it would be to enticing to order around a couple of guys with rocks and snipes - the solution: no unlimited ammo for AI. It just seems stupid to me that the best soldier we've got would not give out an order or two. Bungie could even (and they should) have this as a gameplay option - the people who want it can turn it on, those who dont can turn it off - now come on guys you cannot argue with that one. When it's off the AI is self-determinent, when it's on they are a bit less self-determinent and will look to the chief for leadership and help.
In FPSs most of the main characters never speak except for in cut scenes. Delvelopers say they do this to increase the immersion of the game, to pull you in, you are the character. Fair enough, personally I'd love to hear the chief say covenent scum after you just ripped a shotgun hole through a brute's chest. No doubt Bungie have made the chief silent for the same reason. I think that having d pad commands would have the same effect of taking you out of the headspace of the game. But with the voice commands, you are commanding them, you are the character. This too could be optional - four available voice commands for any situation - that coud be dpad commands if you wanted them to be.
One thing I havn't mentioned, so apparently voice command recognition sucks, technology has come along way in the past few years and the 360 has a better mic, it would have to be alot better now wouldn't it? And has for having to prounounce words exactly, fine by me, other people could use the dpad.
Sure this hasn't been in halo before, but undoubtably Bungie is trying to make the best game ever, this could just add an extra layer of goodness.