- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
There are 3 kinds of people:
1) People who love the games, and the story, and have read the books.
2) People who love the games, and the story, and have not read the books.
3) People who love the game, but don't give a rip about the story and just want to shoot stuff.
So, group 3 will probably not be confused by the addition of more Spartans as they just don't care. Group 1 will not be confused because they are way pumped and have read the books. Group 2 is all that needs to be taken care of, and really it's not that hard. A simple cut scene at the beginning of the game, or even a cut scene where Chief is standing alone, and 4 other Spartans step up next to him while we hear a voiceover that says "I thought I was the last... I was wrong" would suffice.
When I first saw the Prophets in Halo 2, I didn't freak out and say "ZOMFG WHO ARE THOSE GUYS?" I paid attention and used deductive reasoning to figure out that they were the hierarchs of the Covenant. Likewise, I deduced that the Arbiter was responsible for the Covenant fleet at Halo. I don't think people would be confused, so I've always found that to be a bad argument against more Spartans being included in Halo 3.
Now, as to whether or not it's good for the story- that's for Bungie to decide. Personally, I think confusion could easily be cleared via either a short or long cut scene. I doubt people will turn off the game in anger. I mean, heck, people hated the Arbiter but still played Halo 2.
Personally, I think the Spartans should only really be included in the game in a co-op function, as a side story that somewhat ties into the campaign.