Commentary / The Old Build
Change? We fear change...
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As with any game, Halo went through many stages of refinement and adjustment, tweaking things from physics properties to models and aesthetics. In my opinion, some of the most interesting (and often overlooked) changes occurred between a near final demonstration given at Bungie Fanfest 2001 and the release version. Many of the alterations have obviously been for the best, but several of them... well let's see: |
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For Marathon scholars, one of the most intersting bits comes right in the movies' beginning. At the level select screen, the level now referred to as "Halo" is called "Manufacturing Facility", but even more notable is that what is now called "The Silent Cartographer" is clearly marked "Blaspheme Quarantine". |
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The option to sit shotgun in the Pelican. |
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Choose wisely (the old pause menu). |
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Perhaps its just me, but grenades don't seem to toss live Elites like they used to... (Quicktime Movie, 748K) |
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Weapons:
The most apparent changes have occurred in the weapons department. The MA-5B
appears to be slightly less akin to wrestling a greased pig and carries a slightly more "smacky" firing sound (it could just be the recording).
Other than that, and a few features not yet implemented (the pistol's zoom screen for instance), the Covenant
weapons appear to have undergone the most dramatic modification in both appearance and utility.
As seen in the 2 clips below the plasma pistol and plasma rifle have switched roles. Here, the pistol is fully automatic, possesses no
overcharge function, has a greater range, and takes much longer to overheat. The rifle is merely semi-automatic,
but has what a appears to be a devastating overcharge blast.
The most unfortunate weapon transformation is certainly the Needler. Although there are moments when the Needler really pulls its weight
(in a secondary postion, back-up to another player, or in large open spaces)
for the most part it is an extremely mediocre weapon. Fun, but mediocre. Its abundance only adds insult to injury (you sure can't hold much ammo) and brings to mind the saying
"Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink". In this incarnation however it appears to be THE weapon to have. No pink tracers, fast flight,
quick detonation...
Voice:
Luckily, the voice acting went through a few drafts ...
Conclusions: What can you say. Our hypotheses were confirmed by our experimental results. Some changes were obviously merited. Others... Well, I'm not sure exactly why the Needler has had such a rollercoaster development; it's been great in the beta versions (before both H1 and H2) but little more than a decoration in-game... :(
FIN
Role Reversal
The plasma grenade and its much shorter fuse.
Crack crack, bang bang.
I haven't heard this sound yet during gameplay.
It occurs when the jeep is deposited after the successful beach assault. Perhaps it was deemed a little cheezy?
The release version does not include this additional objective. Its too bad as, among other things, I think it would have added a real sense of urgency to the level.
