- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
If the pistol were to return in Halo 3, it shouldn't have any changes done.
People that say it was "too strong"...are the same people that say the noob combo is balanced.
The pistol was great if you knew how to use it. Each weapon played a part. The Assault Rifle served several purposes, one being that it worked like a dream against vehicles, it was also good at close range, AND it served as a good companion to the pistol. Not to mention it held over 600 rounds.
The plasma rifle was also a close range weapon, but was even better if you used it against an escaping flag carrier on foot, because the plasma had a freezing effect.
The plasma pistol had less tracking than the Halo 2 plasma pistol, and it also had a special ability: it coud remove a shield no matter what. You could remove someone's overshield if they were in a tank, so the plasma pistol was very useful, and it is factual that it required more skill than the halo 2 plasma pistol.
The flamethrower in Halo PC was not only a good close range weapon, but you could spin around and damage any enemies around you, and the burning effect depleted their health even after they escaped. A grenade would be a finishing touch.
The rocket launcher was great against vehicles, and great at close range. It took the most skill at long range, and was great against groups of enemies.
The shotgun was undoubtedly the best at close ranges, and was great as a surprise weapon.
The sniper rifle excelled at long range.
The fuel rod cannon was weaker than the rocket launcher, yet it could easily arc over hills.
The needler was good if you stood out of the way and let the needles track the enemy. It was great at medmium range.
And rthe pistol. The pistol excelled at medium-long range, and killed in three head shots, or 5 body shots. Before anyone says "omg three shots is too strong," let me tell you, the pistol is difficult to aim. Harder to aim than with the BR. The pistol was also not that great against vehicles.
There you have it; at close range, the shotgun, flamethrower, fuel rod gun, rocket launcher, plasma rifle, and assault rifle are better than the pistol. At medium range, the needler, fuel rod cannon, or another pistol would be good against the pistol. Maybe even a plasma pistol. At long range, the sniper rifle is the best.
Balanced? Yes. The Halo 1 pistol is fine.
[Edited on 7/5/2006]