Before things had even begun, we'd already been reminded repeatedly that the Halo 3 beta is just that – a beta – and is therefore still a work-in-progress. We were then introduced to the game’s revised control scheme, which has in fact changed quite a bit since Halo 2. These changes are largely due to the loss of the white and black buttons from the original Xbox controllers, with the shoulder buttons now being used to control left and right-handed weapons individually. The left shoulder button is also used to select grenade type and to dual-wield, while the right button doubles up as a general purpose 'action' button. All of this means that the 'X' button has been freed up for use, for the all new 'equipment' which Bungie has introduced to this incarnation of the franchise. It took some time to get used to the new controls, but even in the somewhat brief hands-on time we had, it was clear that these changes mark a definite improvement over Halo 2.
Like Halo 2, the game supports up to 16 players at once.
To be brutally honest, the visuals were a little… Underwhelming. That’s not to say that Halo 3 is in anyway ugly – it is infact a very pretty game. One of the kiosks in the demo room had been set up using an Xbox 360 Elite, which was running at 1080p over HDMI, and the view was, put simply, stunning. A few things really stood out – many commented on the water effects, which were indeed beautiful. Water has a real sense of volume as it splashes about – something you may not appreciate until you see it in motion – and the foam which cascades over waterfalls is a nice touch. The bubble shield, too, looks impressive, and the textures are all crisp and high-resolution.
That said, the graphics are perhaps not quite the leap forward that many may be expecting. Perhaps this is an unfair comparison – after all, Halo 2 was itself no graphical slouch, meaning that comparisons may not be as compelling as in the case of other cross-generational franchises. The fact is, though, that Halo 3 looks much as you would expect Halo 2 to appear if it was given a graphical spit shine, and those who were perhaps anticipating a huge graphical step-up may be disappointed.
This pervading sense of familiarity also carries over into the gameplay. The beta is great fun, but it’s probably not going to bowl anyone over. Playing Halo 3 feels decidedly familiar to playing Halo 2 – whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on how much you enjoyed the original, and whether the new enhancements tweak your interest sufficiently to get you back into the franchise. And it's here that we get into the real meaty additions and changes which have been made to the standard Halo gameplay.
That bloke on the right must like Zelda.
First of all, the beta includes three new maps, showcasing snow-and sand-based environments, with each lending itself uniquely to different game modes and styles of teamwork. Existing weapons have been re-balanced, the assault rifle makes a return as the default weapon, and a number of new weapons are present. These new toys include a slow-firing but extremely powerful Spartan Laser, a portable missile launcher, and mounted gun turrets which can be picked up and carried about. A new vehicle, the Mongoose, is more or less a down-sized, faster take on the Warthog.
Perhaps the most significant addition is the new range of 'equipment' items, which includes the much-publicised 'bubble shield', among others. Like weaponry, equipment can be found conveniently lying around, and is activated using the 'X' button. For example, once the bubble shield is activated, a translucent forcefield appears around the player, through which individuals (including enemies) and vehicles may pass, but projectiles fired from weapons may not.
This adds an interesting twist to the gameplay mechanics, and will no doubt provide plenty of entertainment. For example, at one stage a sadistic individual stepped into my Bubble Shield, launched a missile at close range, and then stepped straight back out again, safe from the blast which was contained within the shield, and leaving me dead. Other 'equipment' included in the beta ranged from the Portable Grav Lift (which lifts individuals or vehicles into the air) to the Energy Drainer (which more or less kills anything within close proximity) to the Trip Mine (which does exactly what it says).
You're standing too close to that Warthog.
Everything we saw about the game was of a high standard; the gameplay has been enhanced, the graphics overhauled to HD, and some of the extra features (such as the ability to save a "film" of your match) are genuinely compelling. Halo 3 multiplayer, as it stands, isn’t exactly a huge leap beyond what was offered in previous titles, but then again, it’s not really meant to be. Most people will definitely have a lot of fun with the beta over the next three weeks, and even more when the final version lands later in the year.
Perhaps almost as interesting as the game itself, though, is the opportunity for fans to have a say in how the final product turns out. It seems unlikely that any major changes will take place between now and the end of the year, but Bungie will be able to use the beta to evaluate how well-balanced the various new additions and game modes turn out to be, and to refine the experience. At the demo we were encouraged, as indeed are all beta participants, to use Bungie’s website as a medium for communicating with the game’s developers and to let them know our feelings about the game – both positive and negative.
So, there you go Halo fans: this is your chance help make Halo 3 a better game. To do that, you’re just going to have to play as much of the beta as possible over the next three weeks. It’s hard work, but somebody’s gotta do it.
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