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[GhaleonEB]

No, the difference between you and me is my knowledge of Halo 3's playlists far eclipses yours. I don't expect Shishka to exclusively listen to my complaints or those of any other internet jamoke. My issue is the pathetic, if not downright confusing changes that are implemented.

Sorry but adding "a snipe playlist" isn't a goddamn positive when Halo 2 had one and it still took over a year after launch for Shishka to put it in. ActionSack took 2 years to make its Halo 3 debut. I'm not going to regurgitate my complaints here because the people reading this post probably share my complaints. The playlists could not possibly be more stale than they are now. Until Shishka starts playing the game I guess I should lower my expectations.

Nah. It's that your posts read like the rantings of someone with a superiority complex and a chip on his shoulder, and you think all Halo players are like you and like the same things. When you do make good points they're easy to ignore because they're delivered with such vitriol and contempt. I talk about Shishka - and people in general - as if they are actual human beings. You rant like the very worst of the internet. If you're anything like the content of your posts in person, you'd be exceptionally unpleasant to be around.

It's the little things that need changed, really.

I agree. Which is what I said in the post I linked to, among other places. And yeah, it's Halo. And yes, the playlist evolution has been a gradual one. But I do think the way the changes have been in the direction of player requests have something to do with its longevity. Of course, I'm just speculating. It could also be if Shishka took all of juices suggestions commands we'll all be leet playas and loving it by now.

But I doubt it.

 

[Stormtrooper30]

I wasn't thinking about it that way. I know they've been there since they started working on Halo 3, so 2005, but for some reason I was only looking to 2008 since this year isn't done yet.

Besides, I did say "at least," so I wasn't wrong.:lol

Haha, I didn't even see that 3 years/2004 thing. Thanks Wu (and Dax) for clearing up when Bungie relocated. I don't know why, but I can clearly see the WWU where bungie moved it's offices. I just assumed that it was somewhat recently (I guess my memory is better than I previously believed).

As for DLC implementation, Halo 2's system had it down perfectly. Release maps and then make em free in a few months. This time around something very bad has happened. Either Microsoft or Bungie (or both) have gotten greedy and want moar monies. Whose descision it actually was is impossible to tell. But knowing Bungie most here (including me) would say that it was Microsoft's call

Spoiler

but we will never know for sure

 

[NullPointer]

At least ODST is coming out soon so there is almost no pressure on us to buy the extra DLC maps.

Its funny - I had zero hype for Halo-2-but-still-no-elites-nya-nya-nya ODST until I saw that demo/walkthrough video. Wow does Firefight look like a good time. Its renewed my faith in Halo and got me playing some more Halo 3 for kicks. And kudos to Bungie for upping the quality of their cinematics. Well done.

Spoiler

I still want to fight elites

 

[Stormtrooper30]

Spoiler

I still want to fight elites

Don't we all? I miss good ole Halo CE.

Firefight looks freaking awesome. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

 

[Mr Vociferous]

Spoiler

I still want to fight elites

Things to do:

1. Evade the Covenant patrols searching for you
2. Head for higher ground
3. Search for other lifeboats
4. Stay with the survivors
5. Protect the human survivors
6. Wait for an evac dropship to arrive
7. Search for the three additional groups of human survivors

 

[NullPointer]

Things to do:

1. Evade the Covenant patrols searching for you
2. Head for higher ground
3. Search for other lifeboats
4. Stay with the survivors
5. Protect the human survivors
6. Wait for an evac dropship to arrive
7. Search for the three additional groups of human survivors

Good times

 

[Striker]

Halo was an awesome level. It's in my top three from Halo: CE with Two Betrayals and Truth & Reconciliation.

 

[Domino Theory]

KevinRo, founding member of the Microsoft Defense Force

Domino Theory, Vice President.

 

[Stormtrooper30]

Things to do:

1. Evade the Covenant patrols searching for you
2. Head for higher ground
3. Search for other lifeboats
4. Stay with the survivors
5. Protect the human survivors
6. Wait for an evac dropship to arrive
7. Search for the three additional groups of human survivors

One of the the best Halo levels ever designed and one of my favorites. The non-linearability (made up word) of it makes it a refresher to play even till this day. I wish there were more Halo levels like that.

 

[soldat7]

Direct your whining at Microsoft, not Bungie.

Bungie is providing plenty of options for those without the maps while ensuring a good experience for those that bought them. Finally.

 

[The Librarian]

Things to do:

1. Evade the Covenant patrols searching for you
2. Head for higher ground
3. Search for other lifeboats
4. Stay with the survivors
5. Protect the human survivors
6. Wait for an evac dropship to arrive
7. Search for the three additional groups of human survivors

That sounds like a damn good level. Bungie should make something like that sometime...

Oh wait.

 

[Nutter]

So I was playing MLG with a 50 (me) a 48 and a level 1, no experience in the Playlist. We lost 2 games and went up to a level 2. Still no experience. It was really weird.

That is because TrueSkill never expected that level 1 to win.
So it is doing what needed to do. Moving him to his level.

 

[EazyB]

That's really what it comes down to. The only model I know of that could work is to keep all matchmaking content free, which has the dual benefits of keeping your community together while also keeping the game fresh. Free DLC drives people to buy the game and brings back old players that have taken a break. We all know this. The trick is how to get paid cash monies for the effort.

To that problem, I'd advise selling new campaign content, or customizations. Anything that doesn't have an adverse effect on the online community as a whole. With this kind of DLC any price works. Sell recon armor for 2000 points for all anyone cares. The hardcore will buy it if they want it - and that acts to subsidize development on free maps that keep matchmaking going for everybody without these kinds of hassles.

I really like your idea of using unobtrusive DLC to supplement the costs of essential DLC. I really doubt it'd completely cover the cost of maps and such but it could help. Perhaps it could be used to maintain the Halo 2 style of distribution (if the change wasn't just a product of greed). Have a map pack come out at around $10 alongside a DLC playlist or two and then around two months later make the maps free. I'm sure there'd still be plenty of fans who'd buy the maps for this short sneak peak and while the sales wouldn't be nearly as good as they would be otherwise, the sales of campaign or cosmetic MP content could cover it.

But knowing Bungie most here (including me) would say that it was Microsoft's call

Spoiler

but we will never know for sure

Once Reach is out of the way and we've all been man-handled by its content distribution Bungie will have the reigns. That's when we'll know who's behind it. It'll be their own IP so they'll be in a much better position to call the shots. If they decide to have MS publish it, and MS has the power to control the distribution again, it'd only be Bungie's fault for choosing to go with MS again when they're fully aware of how MS handles things.

But yeah, that's the one thing really bumming me out about Reach. People may argue who's to blame concerning Halo 3 DLC, but most agree that the situation is less than ideal. With the same players acting in what seems to be the same situation. There is almost no reason the situation will be different than it has been with Halo 3.

Spoiler

2012 believe

 

[Domino Theory]

But yeah, that's the one thing really bumming me out about Reach. People may argue who's to blame concerning Halo 3 DLC, but most agree that the situation is less than ideal. With the same players acting in what seems to be the same situation. There is almost no reason the situation will be different than it has been with Halo 3.

Spoiler

2012 believe

But Reach won't have a Halo: Reach: ODST equivalent that'll include all of Reach's DLC maps that give gamers a reason to purchase it thinking "so I could just get Halo: Reach: ODST which will give me all the maps that I need to play all of MM".

Honestly, ODST seems to be the reason MM is the way it is. Hardcore gamers will have purchased the DLC packs the day they hit XBLM so they're totally fine with all of MM being DLC required. The lesser hardcore, more casual Halo player will look at ODST and say "I get all Halo 3 maps which is awesome since I'll need them to play most of the playlists as well as a new campaign and Horde mode!!"

Reach's MM should be different, and for the better at that as Bungie will have learned from their actions (be it right or wrong; it's all a matter of opinion from one's perspective) with Halo 3's online infrastructure.

Spoiler

Talking about Reach's DLC maps already...:lol Oh well, I'll be there day one to help some folks out with Reach DLC as I did with all of Halo 3's premium DLC

 

[EazyB]

But Reach won't have a Halo: Reach: ODST equivalent that'll include all of Reach's DLC maps that give gamers a reason to purchase it thinking "so I could just get Halo: Reach: ODST which will give me all the maps that I need to play all of MM".

Honestly, ODST seems to be the reason MM is the way it is. Hardcore gamers will have purchased the DLC packs the day they hit XBLM so they're totally fine with all of MM being DLC required. The lesser hardcore, more casual Halo player will look at ODST and say "I get all Halo 3 maps which is awesome since I'll need them to play most of the playlists as well as a new campaign and Horde mode!!"

Don't undermine MS's ability to "incentivize" it's consumers with various packages. If Reach is MS's last chance to really cash in on Bungie's efforts. Halo Wars 2

Spoiler

(won't exist as MS killed Ensemble but place any MS product in its place)

bundled with the Valhalla remake for Reach.


And here's a pic of the old cinema building. Never been there myself nor know how much of this area was bought.

Found some info here that says the following about the Galleria:

BELLEVUE GALLERIA
US $49,000,000

Participated in arranging construction financing and structured financing for Bellevue Galleria, a 140,000 s.f., three-storey entertainment and retail complex, Bellevue, Washington, U.S.A.

 

[Captain Blood]

Make all the maps required for all matchmaking playlists so I can play what I payed for kthx

Spoiler

Balancing out all the bitching from the MDF

 

[Domino Theory]

And here's a pic of the old cinema building. Never been there myself nor know how much of this area was bought.

Holy shit. I can't wait until people who drive by the building to think "oh man is that a new AMC theater? Football stadium?"

"It's a video game studio."

"..wat."

And I can't believe I missed such an awesome part of the latest podcast in which they say ODST and FireFight will be at Comic-Con. I'm only a few hour drive from San Diego... Voltron and Ray, we might have to plunge and go play me some FF.

 

[Popeck]

Hall of Bungie is still quite small compared to Blizzard's campus, which is massive, 240,000 square-feet. Also, I think they should have something like this added to the new studio:

May be the warthog Weta made?

 

[xxjuicesxx]

Its like yea if you wanted to play it theres always Mythic Playlist, which is now more or less Social Team DLC. Where you will get a DLC map EVERY SINGLE TIME YOU ENTER THE PLAYLIST. So everything else should have it integrated but NOT required.

So enjoy your new shitty maps, and your shitty forged maps that are shitty sand and shitty metal forged maps.

Epilogue + Snowbound + Isolation Defense Force 4 Lyfe!

 

[backflip10019]

Epilogue + Snowbound + Isolation Defense Force 4 Lyfe!

You like Snowbound? Can't agree with that.

 

[GM Bullfrog]

You like Snowbound? Can't agree with that.

Maybe he meant Boundless?

 

[Arnie]

Maybe he meant Boundless?

Any form of Snowbound is herecy. The map unbelieveably gets even worse when playing Swat. Nothing like spawning on some open snow whilst guys at higher ground ping you from multiple angles. Also, remove Pluraility from existence, the map is so one sided it hurts. I understand you tried to tweak it by adding the teleporters but they surprisingly decrease the maps fun factor even more by stranding a player on a random block of stone, fusion coils piled by his feet with only an open abyss to fall into. It's just a shit map.

 

[Louis Wu]

Seattle Times Followup Article - Harold Ryan Interview

I thought this was a great read. You wanna see where Bungie's headed, check it out.

 

[GM Bullfrog]

Seattle Times Followup Article - Harold Ryan Interview

I thought this was a great read. You wanna see where Bungie's headed, check it out.

Great read indeed.

 

[CrazedArabMan]

Seattle Times Followup Article - Harold Ryan Interview

I thought this was a great read. You wanna see where Bungie's headed, check it out.

Yeah, really good article, my only concern is that I want Natal to have nothing if only a very little part of my Halo games. I don't want it to be used with controlling your character or any gameplay mechanic. Scrolling menu's is fine though just keep it out of my gameplay.

 

[Slightly Live]

Awesome article, great to know they already have playable builds of Reach.

 

[GM Bullfrog]

Yeah, really good article, my only concern is that I want Natal to have nothing if only a very little part of my Halo games. I don't want it to be used with controlling your character or any gameplay mechanic. Scrolling menu's is fine though just keep it out of my gameplay.

I don't think we have to worry about that.

 

[Kuroyume]

It sounds like Reach is very close to the other Halo games. That's kind of disappointing.

 

[NullPointer]

It sounds like Reach is very close to the other Halo games. That's kind of disappointing.

I dunno. Got a different vibe from the article myself.

My bet is that ODST is a test platform for some of their ideas in Reach. So I'd expect more open world and/or non-linear design, and more team-based/co-op mechanics.

But its really anybody's guess.

 

[The Librarian]

Seattle Times Followup Article - Harold Ryan Interview

I thought this was a great read. You wanna see where Bungie's headed, check it out.

Thanks for this, Wu. You're right: awesome read. I wonder when they're gonna move... Guess we'll here about it in a What's Update.

 

[goldenpp72]

I dunno. Got a different vibe from the article myself.

My bet is that ODST is a test platform for some of their ideas in Reach. So I'd expect more open world and/or non-linear design, and more team-based/co-op mechanics.

But its really anybody's guess.

As a fan of halo, im tired of the series not changing much and would be happy with something drastically different (but still an fps)

Hope reach gives me this experience.

 

[NorrenRadd]

It sounds like Reach is very close to the other Halo games. That's incredibly exciting.

Fixed that for yah. I very much enjoyed the first few games and I am pumped for Reach. I am also interested in ODST and the different game mechanics they possess. I see the two games as a little bit of something for everyone.

 

[GhaleonEB]

I dunno. Got a different vibe from the article myself.

My bet is that ODST is a test platform for some of their ideas in Reach. So I'd expect more open world and/or non-linear design, and more team-based/co-op mechanics.

But its really anybody's guess.

I think that's the case as well. It was hinted at when Ryan said the best elements of each Halo game get pulled into the next, and that applies to ODST. It was also mentioned in the last podcast that ODST has some design elements that Bungie is going to expand on in their next games. I'm really hoping the open world element is one of them.

 

[GM Bullfrog]

Thanks for this, Wu. You're right: awesome read. I wonder when they're gonna move... Guess we'll here about it in a What's Update.

In the previous article I had linked it said January.

 

[Blueblur1]

*still hopes Reach is different from the rest of the series*

if it were a class-based FPS I would never play another multiplayer FPS ever again

 

[Striker]

It sounds like Reach is very close to the other Halo games. That's kind of disappointing.

Hopefully a different form of changing playlists or gamestypes in MM.

 

[GM Bullfrog]

Urk, Luke or Shishka

Can you let us know what time the Bungie vs The World playlist goes live?

Anyeone else

What time to the normal 7 on 7th playlists go live? I haven't played in one in a long time.

 

[Louis Wu]

What time to the normal 7 on 7th playlists go live? I haven't played in one in a long time.

The Double XP weekends go live at 11 am PST, but the 7 on the 7th might go live at midnight - I can't honestly remember. (It's one of those two, though.)

 

[xxjuicesxx]

Yea I meant Boundless. Um but its fucking way better than the map in the skybox on Sandbox that has the middle jumps and gets you up to a sort of RING like shaped thing where you can spawn kill to no extent, then theres like teleporters that take you so far out into this stupid platform of death.

Its got like 2 BR's where your team spawn in whats a shitty excuse for a base, the team that loses the initial battle (usually in the middle) lose their BR's pretty much permanently.

That map is so fucking broken its not even funny, I almost lost to like field majors or some shit on it. Kids who were clearly MUCH worse.

 

[GM Bullfrog]

The Double XP weekends go live at 11 am PST, but the 7 on the 7th might go live at midnight - I can't honestly remember. (It's one of those two, though.)

Cool. So I guess my day will be starting at 3 AM EST

@ Juices - I don't care for that map either. I have only played it FFA, and it feels way to cramped. That is if we are talking about the same map.

 

[Striker]

Yea I meant Boundless. Um but its fucking way better than the map in the skybox on Sandbox that has the middle jumps and gets you up to a sort of RING like shaped thing where you can spawn kill to no extent, then theres like teleporters that take you so far out into this stupid platform of death.

Its got like 2 BR's where your team spawn in whats a shitty excuse for a base, the team that loses the initial battle (usually in the middle) lose their BR's pretty much permanently.

That map is so fucking broken its not even funny, I almost lost to like field majors or some shit on it. Kids who were clearly MUCH worse.

Need moar customs on 4v4 maps. My map I've only gotten to play against guys even lower than me, and it wasn't close.

http://www.bungie.net/Online/Halo3UserContentDetails.aspx?h3fileid=78271694

I'll play something tonight if you guys are on.

Also, Boundless is pretty good... Snowbound and its shield doors can hit the road.

 

[EazyB]

*still hopes Reach is different from the rest of the series*

if it were a class-based FPS I would never play another multiplayer FPS ever again

As much as I hope Reach's MP is a serious departure from previous projects I really doubt that it's the case. If I had to guess I'd say Reach is close enough in direction that we'll see remakes of old Halo maps in it. Hopefully they'll go overboard with the SP changes though.

I fear that I'll get Halo MP fatigue like much of those that played a shit load of Halo 2. But every time I think of how "samey" it could be I also think of everything they could improve and add to the existing model that could make it a much better experience. Making an entirely new MP component is a safer bet when it comes to freshness but there's still a lot of potential to be tapped.

 

[Arnie]

Yea I meant Boundless. Um but its fucking way better than the map in the skybox on Sandbox that has the middle jumps and gets you up to a sort of RING like shaped thing where you can spawn kill to no extent, then theres like teleporters that take you so far out into this stupid platform of death.

Its got like 2 BR's where your team spawn in whats a shitty excuse for a base, the team that loses the initial battle (usually in the middle) lose their BR's pretty much permanently.

That map is so fucking broken its not even funny, I almost lost to like field majors or some shit on it. Kids who were clearly MUCH worse.

Yes that map is titled Plurality and I also believe it should be purged from matchmaking, it may sound cliche but it just isn't "fair". One team, irrelevant of skill can just dominate the floating centre ring, pinning the opposition back in their base. Bungie have since worsened the problem by adding deathtraps in the form of teleporters to the team getting thoroughly butt plugged at spawn. The teleporters take you to an arbitrary platform dangling in the middle of the sky surrounded by fusion coils and 100 ft drops. Here is my original rant.

Also, remove Pluraility from existence, the map is so one sided it hurts. I understand you tried to tweak it by adding the teleporters but they surprisingly decrease the maps fun factor even more by stranding a player on a random block of stone, fusion coils piled by his feet with only an open abyss to fall into. It's just a shit map.

 

[Sai-kun]

*still hopes Reach is different from the rest of the series*

if it were a class-based FPS I would never play another multiplayer FPS ever again

team fortress halo pleasssseee

 

[xxjuicesxx]

Yes that map is titled Plurality and I also believe it should be purged from matchmaking, it may sound cliche but it just isn't "fair". One team, irrelevant of skill can just dominate the floating centre ring, pinning the opposition back in their base. Bungie have since worsened the problem by adding deathtraps in the form of teleporters to the team getting thoroughly butt plugged at spawn. The teleporters take you to an arbitrary platform dangling in the middle of the sky surrounded by fusion coils and 100 ft drops. Here is my original rant.

Yea, also the entire map wouldn't be completely awful if Team Slayer was switched to BR/AR where you'd spawn and could possibly fight BACK. But in the Team Slayer they have now you just get completely dominated with weapon and map control and theres almost nothing you can do. I managed to wait until they CAME into the base and get a brute shot beatdown and stole his BR.

Theres another sandbox map too thats almost just as bad, the one where you rush to the middle through through a hole to grab an OS and land on ROCKETS.... REALLY?! (at LEAST make it a custom powerup so when grabbed if they are actually getting fired upon it just gets BURNED instead) This allows it so the first person to grab OS doesn't get the OS if hes just rushing to it. And the spawns are atrocious, I've seen so many good players spawn kill and get triples on that map, I've even seen an overkill on it in Team Doubles. Spawns are either straight ahead out in the open and you get shot a few times before getting behind a rock in which an average player can finish you off with a nade, or you spawn to the left and right behind ramps, and its completely easy to guess. Don't know the name of that either but that map should be edited or removed. I THINK it might be called vessel.

In fact a lot of Halo's problems could be fixed by AR/BR starts, just like how Squad Battle works. What is so wrong with this fucking idea BUNGIE!? Goddamn.

 

[A Penguin]

How B.U.N.G.L.E. are you?
http://nikon.bungie.org/misc/bungle_test.html
52% for me: Flaming guitar ninja.

 

[Mad Max]

7%
Br Scrub

D:

 

[Spasm]

75% B.U.N.G.L.E.
Extreme Flaming Ninja

 

[GM Bullfrog]

Edit only 52% ... I had total splatters at first not just Mongoose ones.

 

[Domino Theory]

69% BUNGLE.