The title of the article is exactly what I’m asking.

Are you ready for the next iteration of Halo?

No, I do not mean the Master Chief collection. That isn’t an iteration per say though a new user interface will be nice, as well as updated graphics and some re-envisioned maps.

No, I’m talking about Halo 5 Guardians.

This new chapter in the Halo franchise seems to be bringing with it, a much different story than we’re used to having. I dare say even unexpected.

Many questions have been raised from what we know and do not know of Halo 5 Guards. (I’ll refer to now as H5G)

We know that we’re going to find out about Agent Lock in the Halo Nightfall series. Hopefully more than just his origins though. I’d like to at least get a basic understanding of why he’s interested in Master Chief.

During the trailer we see that he is studying Master Chief. For what purpose? Is it to learn Chief’s patterns or methods? Is it to use those patterns against him? Will Lock be hunting Master Chief? If so, is that to bring him back to humanity/UNSC/ONI? Or is it to kill him?

There has been mentioned that Chief is questioning the UNSC and it’s motives. Might Lock also be doing the same? If not from the beginning of H5G, then maybe at some turning point in the campaign.

The fact that we see Lock presumably with the Arbiter and on Sanghelios brings yet more questions.

So the question again: Are you ready for the next iteration of Halo? This next campaign is said to be much darker than any of the previous ones. What has changed for it to become that way? There are many more questions that can be asked, but for now, let’s ponder on those above.

In the meantime, let’s also look at multiplayer/matchmaking.

In several interviews, various 343 Industries personnel have stated there will not be armor abilities. However, they have said there will be Spartan abilities. So what exactly does that mean?

Allow me to take a stab at that. Armor abilities are a load out thing. Those are gone. But the abilities themselves may not be. Instead of being something you PICK to use, these Spartan abilities may (and I think likely) be abilities ALL Spartans will have. Meaning it will be a level playing field for all as everyone will have the same abilities.

Now what will those abilities be? There are clues in the trailer as I’ve mentioned before. I think Thrust will be one. Likely Sprint. Then there are those two new moves we saw in the trailer. The one I’ve deemed to be called a ‘power slide’ and the other a ‘power slam’. However, those might have been for cinematic effect. What else might we hope for as abilities that every Spartan is equipped with?

It’s pretty safe to say that many would very much welcome dual wielding back into Halo. As well, I think we could consider grenade pick-up as standard. (Why that was ever changed I don’t know. That still seems like a silly choice.)

That said above, it means we will likely see the demise or certain armor abilities for good, while others may become map pick-ups.

Let’s consider those then for a moment. What armor abilities are there in Halo 4? Will they make a return? Be suspended? Or make a return as a pick-up?
• Auto Sentry – I haven’t seen this heavily used in Halo 4. It’ does have it’s purpose though. Possible pick-up only
• Active Camo – For the love of all things Halo this better not be a Spartan ability. Map pick up, okay, so long as only ONE person at a time can have it.
• Thruster Pack – As said above, I think this will be a standard ability. If not then definitely a pick-up.
• Promethean Vision – Ok, THIS one has got to go! I know people that use it and even many of them say it’s a noob ability. IMO, it’s way too overpowered. Gone are many tactics used for so long in Halo. This need to be suspended, indefinitely. NO, not even a pick-up.
• Regen Field – This has been in Halo for awhile in some form or another. It should come back as a map pick-up.
• Jetpack – Okay, I have to say I’m biased FOR this ability as I LOVE jet packing around. However, I’m also cognizant of the fact that many do not like it’s use in Halo. I would be bummed if it were retired completely, so I’m hoping it will be a map pick-up. If only ONE person has it, then it won’t be completely over-powered.
• Hologram – Heh, I’ve been psyched out by this more times than In care to admit. Come on, admit it, you too… I can’t see this being retired. So a map pick-up it is.
• Hardlight Shield – Not as powerful as Armor Lock was, therefore not anywhere near as hated. I don’t mind when people use this as I usually just toss a grenade a little bit beyond them and have it do damage from behind. While I’d rather not see ANY Forerunner abilities (or weapons) come back, this would be one I’d be fine with as a map pick-up.

Now the thing is, with many of those above I think might be possible as map pick-ups, I hope that 343 does NOT put them all on each map. Rather, only one or two at most on a map. This will help reduce the variables by comparison that are rampant in Halo 4. As well, those on specific maps need to be considered wisely. In other words, no jet pack on a small enclosed map. No hologram on a big map. (Though I can hear the arguments for such.)

Auto sentry would be practically useless on a big map, unless it were for CTF for example where you would set it up to protect the flag.

Regen and Active Camo would be the most versatile as they could be use on just about any map. Considering their history in Halo, these are the ones I’d prefer to see the most, while the other ones used a bit more sparingly. Again though only ONE person at a time should have either of these abilities. As an example, think about Active Camo on Ragnarok. How many times have you been sniped on that map by an Active Camo user? (Or have you done this dastardly deed yourself, LOL)

All of those things need to be considered when placing abilities on specific maps. Not to mention power weapons. Which brings me to the next part.

No more Infinity drops please? Or rather if there are ranked and social playlists, these should not be rampant on maps. It’s frustrating as hell to see a whole other team have Overshield. Talk about OP power ups. This also goes for power weapons. For the love of gawd, there needs to be only ONE Rocket Launcher on a map at any given time. Sniper, maybe two, unless your playing the sniper playlist.

Okay, so how do the paragraphs answer my original question?

Well, they don’t specifically. But what they do manage to do is point to the direction many fans hope H5G goes in. It may seem like a step back from the evolution of Halo that happened in reach and then Halo 4. However, from the plethora of feedback both Bungie and 343 have received over the years, it’s pretty clear that long time fans do not want that sort of evolution in Halo.

Going back then to what was previously mentioned. Spartan Abilities. Instead of the armor abilities that have had many a fan in an uproar, will THIS be the proper evolution of Halo? Having a limited amount of abilities that are standard for all Spartans does level the playing field. There is a potential drawback though. When using these, button layout MUST be considered. Will Bumper Jumper users be able to use thrust for example?

Also, how will the Spartan abilities be activated. I’ve gone over that before saying that the D-pad is likely the next evolution as well. If we indeed have 4 Spartan Abilities, then by pressing on one of the 4 directions, you enable your spartan to use that ability. AND…you can change it on the fly as you desire or need to.

Yes, that adds some variability. However, since everyone has that same abilities, one would hope there wouldn’t be as much complaining about them. (Of course, that’s asking a hell of a lot from we Halo fans, who are known for not holding back on our complaints….LOL)

I’ll ask again then, are you ready for the next iteration? If what I’ve detailed above were to be how the game plays, would you be happy? Okay with? Irritated? or Appalled?

Whatever H5G will be, we know it WON’T be the same as classic Halo. AND it WON’T be the same as Reach or Halo 4 either.

Sound off below. I’d love to read your comments on this.

-Sal

So in amongst all of the excitement that was the Halo Master Chief Collection, there comes a tie bit that seems to have gone unnoticed. Until now. My friend and fellow gaming group member, HFFL Big Cheese, let me know that there Frank O’Conner has said there was a voice over easter egg in the trailer.

Check out the Halo 5 Guardians Beta trailer again. This time listen VERY closely starting at the 10 second mark. You’ll hear a Spartan yell, “Ready? Let’s move!”

The voice sounds VERY much like Nathan Fillion. He’s of course known for Firefly and Castle. However, he’s an AVID Halo fan as well. He’s had voice overs in several games, being featured prominently in Halo 3: ODST as a character. He also has the same role in a cameo within Reach.

Could it be that Nathan Fillion/ODST Buck will be in Halo 5 Guardians? AND that he’s become a Spartan? I’ve surmised for some time that if Spartan IVs are being taken from the rank and file of the UNSC and the comment of Buck being, “If he were any better, he’d be a Spartan” than Buck most definitely could now become a Spartan.

Has my (and I’m sure many of your) wishes become true?

Well, here’s another clue…

Hmm, now why would the acclaimed Mr. Fillion be at this year’s E3, I wonder? Yes, he might be involved with Destiny. However, his appearance with Dan Ayoub, Executive Producer with 343, just might present itself as a thing to come.

So how about it? Would you like to see Buck become a Spartan and be in Halo 5? Reply below. If you’re not yet a subscriber, then please do so, so you can reply to this an all other blog articles.

-Sal

Okay, I’ve had a little time to get some screenshots from the trailer to break it down a little for you good folks.

The sequence opens with this shot of an arena in space.
The lights come on.
The scoring screens light up. Will that happen in the game???
Below we see one of the Red’s gloves. Does that look armored to you? Partially. Seems more like a leather glove though.
So below we see one of the Blue’s reloading his weapon.
Not the emblem on his chest as seen below highlighted by a red circle. I wonder if this is an emblem you can pick?

The AR is back. You can tell by the ammo count on it. 

Note below that the same emblem seen on the chest is also on the helmet.
You can see it in the red circle on the right. Also note the number ‘8’ on his helmet.
An emblem on the Red’s helmet.
And a number ‘5’ as well. Recurring theme here.

Now at this point, I’m thinking this is just a base set of armor, much like the Warrior armor of Halo 4’s promotional trailers. This armor looks a lot like the Recruit armor of Halo 4.
Reds going to match up against Blues.
Again note the number ‘2’. Now on the shoulder. So are these uniform throughout? Will every Red team be 1-4 and Blue team 5-8? Or are those also emblems that we can choose? Curious.

The next few pics show the Reds being thrust into the arena via lifts.Will that be how we enter each map? Or is this just special for the trailer???

Now let’s looks at the “new” abilities shown in the trailer.

Below that looks very much like Thrust. You can tell by the blue jet streams coming from the Red’s back. That’s not new. Hmm?

Now below a Spartan was running the did a Power Slide to come to a top. So is this Sprint or a Power Slide? If it is a power slide, it doesn’t seem much like an ability. Then again, is will give you a moment of cover if you do it right, as seen above.

The next five are a sequence of what I’m dubbing a ‘Power Slam’. Yes, those blue jets are still there, but the action used by the Red is much different. It’s not lateral but vertical.

Love those particle effects above. Also note how the surrounding Blues go flying from the slam.Great stuff. I can’t wait to see these talked about more by 343. I’d like a clearer definition of what these abilities are and what their names are.

What is your take on them? Let me know by replying below.

-Sal

According to Frank O’Conner from a post on NeoGAF, he states the following:

Hmm, I know of several Halo fans that will be VERY happy to hear this. I hope Frank/343 expound upon what they mean by this. Or if this is just the straight up statement. No Armor Abilities.

Source link

-Sal

While we don’t get to see a LOT from H5G, there is still enough in there to extrapolate information. I’ll be posting another article breaking down the vid later. For now enjoy the trailer!

I’m LOVING it!!!

-Sal

I’ve likely asked this question before here. However, with E3 right around the corner, I figured I’d raise the question again.

So let’s consider what vehicles already exist in the Halo cannon that might be possible for Campign/Multiplayer (NOT huge ships mind you, just troop transports and smaller):

First up the Covenant craft:
• Ghost (you can be this will be back)
• Banshee (same here)
• Wraith (yep)
• Spectre Hmm, might be nice to see this one come back.
• Prowler Unlikely as 343 has gone away from Brutes.
• Chopper Read above…
• Space Banshee This would be an interesting prospect. Easier in the campaign. But what if there is a special aerial assault or space assault matchmaking playlist? (BTW, I’d LOVE to see that happen)
• Vampire See above
• Seraph See above also
• Shadow This Covie troop transport vehicle is very unlikely. If it were to show up, I’d imagine it to be in the campaign only.
• Phantom Again, I think campaign might be possible. I’d love to have this in customs though.
• Scarab Campaign? As something in a custom map? Maybe a stationary element on a map? One way or another, I’d love to see this back in Halo.
• Locust Essentially a smaller version of the Scarab. Hmm, this might be fun in matchmaking, or at least in customs.
• Revenant I really liked this vehicle. It would be a shame if it was only ever used in Reach.
• Anti-Air Wraith Campaign sure. I do not think it would make it to MM.

Those in mind above, would you like to see a NEW Covie vehicle?

On to the UNSC:
• Mongoose Of course
• Scorpion Yep
• Mantis Hmm, will it make a return? I hope so. At least in customs if not anywhere else.
• Warthog (Chain Gun, Rocket, Gauss) Yep to all three. The troop one however?
• Elephant This was SO much fun on Sandtrap back in Halo 3. Many times I’d steal the enemy’s Elephant and bring it back to my team’s Elephant for the quick and easy win.
• Hornet Another ship many of we fans would like to see back. Hopefully in MM or at least customs.
• Falcon This was a fun craft to pilot. Given that chronologically in the story it’s before the hornet, I wouldn’t count on it, but still, it would be awesome to have back, IMO. Make a version that pilots can shoot with too!
• Pelican Maybe in campaign again. If not pivotable in MM, then as a stationary element. Not like the damaged one on Vahalla/Ragnarok though. An upright one.
• Vulture This Halo Wars craft would be extremely fun to pilot. Campaign? Maybe. MM, nope, though I’d love to have it in customs even if it too were a stationary element.
• Grizzly A suped up version of the Scorpion with TWO barrels. Would be great for BTB!
• Cobra A two-pronged Gauss cannon that can convert to a more powerful united gauss cannon. This too would be a great BTB vehicle.
• Wolverine Man, I’d love to see this in the campaign. Not something likely to show up in MM though. Customs?
• Gremlin Not really a vehicle I think we’ll likely see in Halo again, except a Halo Wars 2, if made.
• Rhino This is a 6-tread super scorpion. Hells yeah, I’d like to see it in the game!
• Shortsword I’d definitely like to see this as a playable vehicle somewhere in Halo.
• Longsword This would be nice. Hmm, maybe as Chief’s ship in H5G?
• Broadsword It was fun in Halo 4, if underused. Wouldn’t mind seeing it back, especially if there dis that space battle map I’m hopping for!
• Sabre Another fun ship to pilot in. Sadly, I think it’s lost for good. So enjoy it in Reach…
• Mammoth This has just GOT to be in the next game! I wouldn’t expect it to be drivable, but dang, wouldn’t it make for a great base to protect? Imagine having two of these on the map, one blue, one red bases? CTF would be awesome! So too Bomb game types.
• Sparrowhawk Now this one needs to be known more in Halo. Those who played Halo Wars know this ship. It would be very fun in MM or at least customs!

Any NEW UNSC vehicle you’d like to see made?

How about some human civilian craft?
• Gold civilian Warthog Why not?
• Various tractor trailers?
• Forklift YES please!

Now here’s one more category that hasn’t even been touched… Forerunner. At the least, I’d like to see one ground and one aerial Forerunner ship. Mind you, these would be a little oversized for humans and even Spartans, but that could be scaled down to make fit for Spartans.

Okay folks, that’s a decent sized list. What of these would you like to see in Halo 5: Guardians?Which in Campaign? Multiplayer? Customs?

I’m of the mind that if we can’t have certain vehicles in matchmaking that we should be able to have them in customs. Man, the absolute fun that could be had with them. Not to mention LOADS of potential for fan-made vids!!!

-Sal

This has not been confirmed (or denied) by 343. So please take this with a huge grain of salt. The supposed insider has said they have played H5’s campaign and multiplayer.

If what they write is to be believe, then 343 is throwing everything but the kitchen sink into Halo 5.

Read on, potential spoilers. Again, THIS HAS NOT BEEN CONFIRMED. So do not take it as truth.

Click on each part to make BIGGER.

Source Link

Please folks, do NOT tout this as fact. Even Frank O’Conner himself is a bit POed at this “leak”. Does that mean it’s real? Until/unless 343 states it is or isn’t, take it as something fan made and NOT to be taken seriously.

-Sal

I did some more research into the concept art’s depiction. And I have found what has to be near definitive proof that we are seeing a scene from Sangheilios. Likely the Arbiter’s Keep.

Sangheilios is part of the Urs system. The Urs system is comprised of a white primary star of the same name. The other two stars orbit the primary one. Their names are Fied and Joori.

There are four planets within this system as well. One of which is Sangheilios. So there it is. The concept art is showing a scene from Sangheilios. The look of the buildings relative match those for the Vadam Keep.

Vadam Keep (the Arbiter’s keep) is built into the lower slopes of the Kolaar Mountain, with warrens running inside the mountain itself. If you’re not sure what warrens are, there are a couple of missions within Spartan Ops (latter half of the season) on a map by the name of Warrens. Check that out and you’ll have a much better understanding of what warrens are.

-Sal

Source Links
Urs
Fied
Joori
Vadam Keep