- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Compared to Halo, the human Flood were vicious in Halo 2.
But I agree with what the topic creator said something about an "adrenaline rush" of fighting them or something like that. I think gameplay and enviroment has the most to do with it.
Enviroment-Less repetitive level map layouts make for better fighting experience. Map variation is important. The overall atmosphere and detail of your surroundings go well with the gameplay e.g. a mysterious Forerunner infrastructure with alot of weird devices that leaves you more to wonder than wondering where the next Flood will be at. For instance, if all the lights were removed, leaving a near pitch dark enviroment(not so much as another High Charity-where Flood are sparse)-it would do alot to add to the tense atmosphere(music will do too) not to mention you have to be on your guard never knowing where the enemy is coming from which makes it ideal for the Flood to stalk and ambush you in large numbers. Sometimes they don't always make obvious Flood screeches when sneaking up on you-just subtle moving sounds that leaves you whirl around to see where it is. Of course, the level design will have to accomodate that. I'm imaging you approaching a dim-lit doorway into the heart of darkness. A few steps forward, you hear Flood screeches. As you try to find the source, several Flood forms sprint at you with blinding speed(much faster than Halo or Halo 2) from the darkness ahead. And if you thought the sound came from behind you as well-you're right. Several more dropped out of a shaft right behind you...
Some people still think the Flood were boring to fight in Halo 2. I was thinking, what if, the Flood uses actual combat tactics. Holding two-handed weapons with both hands, throwing grenades, rolling/leaping to the side or another spot for a better position or to avoid a grenade, clinging to higher ground to take pot shots at you, firing from behind cover and ducking back again, more areas where they have artillery and heavy supression guns lying in wait(such as indoor corridors), a horde of Flood hiding waiting for you to come by suspecting nothing as they mob ambush you, surround you from all sides, strafe across, running battles, pursuing you in vehicles, sprinting even faster, leap at you out of nowhere or land right behind you (sometimes making little noise) to pulverize you before you can even react, general all around increased aggressiveness, all that good stuff. Of course, they'll still be those that rush you blindly or charge if you close in.
[Edited on 7/24/2006]