343 revealed the Ghosts of Meridian REQs finally. Now that they are unblurred, let’s take a closer look at what exactly we are getting in this month’s update!

First, here is the full reveal:

Okay, let’s splice this down (oh and it should be noted that I was able to predict nearly all of these (with exception to the grenade upgrade called Grenadier):

Multiplayer Map

As you may have now seen here on HFFL, we are getting a map called Tyrant. It’s a Forerunner themed map where a Forerunner structure is in the midst of an asteroid belt. The map itself looks pretty cool. It’s been described as a sniper’s haven. To see more pics of this map, please go HERE and HERE.

Gravity Hammers
I really like the look of these. Different enough to have their own flair. The Corpse Maker is the lowest their of the variants. I especially like the red on this as red is my favorite color. Next is Grinder. Having the colors of McDonald’s aside, it’s pretty nifty, though doesn’t quite invoke the hammer of a Brute Chieftain. Tartarus’ Gavel is exquisite! This matches up nicely with Brute Chieftains we’ve seen in past Halo games. I do hope 343 gets around to making the “Fist of Rukt” as that was the hammer Tartarus is known for and was seen in Halo 2.

Suppressors

We see the same pattern here with all of the variant Forerunner weapons. Orange for the Uncommon then added Cyan for the Rare. I like them both! Would have been nice to get that one Suppressor skin from Halo 4 that had all the orange on it. That one was my favorite of the Suppressors.

Blue Steel
First the name. Blue Steel is a reference to police, though I don’t know if that was intentional by 343. The look of this skin set is fantastic! Definitely looks like it fits in Halo. I’m glad we didn’t get any crazy skins like pizza or fries from before…LOL.

Hannibal Vehicles

What more can I say about these that I haven’t already said. The look is pretty cool. These will be instantly recognizable on the battle field due to their cyan tipped ‘noses’. I’m looking forward to the power these are going to have, though with reduced armor, I’ll be hanging back from direct fights. Not to mention, I really don’t want to get boarded when using either of these.

Visor: Glacier

This visor reminds me of another one we already have. I think it’s Pendragon. Really nice deep blue hue to it.

Armor Sets

DynastHmm, I wonder why 343 didn’t just add the ‘y’ to the end of this and call it Dynasty. Perhaps it’s too close to Destiny?? In any event, I really like this armor. As I talked about during the partial reveal, this armor reminds me both of CQB from Halo 3 (helmet only) as well as a representation of Elite Storm armor in human form. I will likely be rocking this armor, though I’m not sure which variant.

Mark IV Gen1 Arcadia

Hmm, I’m not so much a fan of any of the armor variants that have the checkboxes on them. This one totally reminds me of a car racer’s uniform. Maybe that was what 343 wanted this to be. Just isn’t Halo to me though.

Mark V Alpha Reflex

Okay, now I DO like this armor. The added gold trim is quite nice. The placement of secondary colors makes some sense. I may rock this one for a bit too.

Assassinations

Fisticuffs looks too be like quite a pummeling from the spartan on top to the one below. I can’t wait to see this one in action. I’m still a big fan of “Kneedful Things” so it’s going to take an awesome assassination to top that one for me. Take A Look seems like it may be a little similar to Kneedful Things. Spartan head, meet knee! We will no doubt see these during the Live Stream on Tuesday! (4-5-16)

Grenade Mod

So I guess we need yet MORE or a larger area of splash damage? Yikes. Grenades in Halo 5 are pretty OP as it is. Get your close quarter kills in now before this goes live! Otherwise, you’re going to be the recipient of long range splash damage nades.

Stance: Pink Mist

Interesting. The Needler has been such a classic weapon of Halo. I’m glad to see it get a well deserved stance. However, I’d have preferred it to be in a more combat position. Still, I may wear this one for a bit.

Emblems

Okay, I’m okay with some of these and others not so much.
Sol: I used to wear this a lot in Halo 3. It’s a welcomed return for me.
Distraction: Okay, nice to have to go with the medal. I seem to get Distractions all the time…
Supercombine: LOL! I LOVE this one! Kinda reminds me of the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters. I will definitely wear this one!
Dog Pound: Hmm, it might be better that I don’t comment on this one. Pittsburgh Steelers fans know why. So do Cleveland Browns fans. ‘Nuff said.
Steaktacular: A great throwback to what still persists today. Now if only I could really get all those steak dinners Bungie and 343 owe me, LOL.
Money 8S: Not a fan of this at all. First, all I can dredge up about this is in reference to Call of Duty. Umm…I do NOT want CoD in my Halo, thank you very much. You will NOT see me wearing this one.

So there you have it. A complete breakdown of all the REQs we are getting with the Ghosts of Meridian Update. What do you think of them? Any opinions that differ from mine? Please feel free to reply below and let me know!

-Sal