By offering a variety of rebalanced weapons and anti-vehicle artillery, an easy to use custom map editor called Forge, and additional options for the online community through Bungie.net, Halo 3 has expanded what we’ve come to expect from typical console multiplayer offerings.  We waited to post our thoughts a couple weeks after launch in order to get a sense of how the multiplayer experience was truly rolling out across Xbox Live. So, sharpen your Energy Swords and get ready for what awaits after you’ve finished the fight.

Rebalanced and Re-tuned

Despite innovations like matchmaking and dual wielding, there were a number of issues that hampered the Halo 2 multiplayer experience on Xbox Live.  The overpowered plasma pistol, the lack of different anti-vehicle artillery, and even the crap-tastic short range starting weapon (the SMG), were all exploited by the fan base.  The results often threw Halo 2’s seemingly balanced multiplayer game into complete disarray.

It’s evident Bungie wanted to address these issues with the release of Halo 3.  The plasma pistol no longer functions as a shield-disarming-homing-missile.  Sorry guys Also, vehicles can be dispatched in multiple ways using new specialized artillery like the Missile Pod and Spartan Laser. (I can hear the Dukes of Hazzard them song now!) Lastly, players are re-introduced to the redesigned medium range Assault Rifle (from Halo: Combat Evolved) as the default starting weapon. 

The focus here was definitely on re-establishing balance across Halo 3’s eleven multiplayer maps.  With a grand total of 22 weapons plus varying equipment types – deployable objects that can alter the course of a battle by providing cover…etc - players have a wider variety of quality armament choices than ever before resulting in a more rewarding experience for all – even several weeks after release. 

Forging Ahead

The original Halo: Combat Evolved gave players access to a variety of customizable options, encouraging them to build their own gametypes and experiences.  After the increased amount of custom options in Halo 2, it’s easy to be jaded and expect more of the same in Halo 3. Obviously, customizable games make their return in Halo 3, but the Forge adds a new level of depth to the formula that changes the way we integrate our custom creations.

Forge is a map editing tool that imbues players with god-like abilities in Halo 3 multiplayer.  Rather than just offering tools to build your own map (sorry kids, maybe Halo 4), Forge gives players the ability to tweak map settings by changing variables such as weapon placement, clip size, weapon respawn timers, and a multitude of options (all in real-time).  But don’t think you’re only limited to artillery specific changes.  The Forge can also allow the editing or addition of spawn locations for vehicles, teleporters (with total control of their destinations), and player respawn/rally points.  Every new item can be ‘purchased’ ,or integrated, into Forge using the X button. To keep a sense of order, and place some basic constraints on the Monty Haul experience that could result from such flexibility, each map comes with a limited ‘budget’ that serves to keep those eccentric level editors among you within system memory constraints (for those who think their level needs 40 Scorpion Tanks – you know who you are! ).

If you marry Forge to custom games, the possibilities are really endless.  Where custom games allowed players to set up specific match rules for player movement speed, shields, or even gravity, Forge complements the experience by providing a digital stomping ground tailor made to your preferred game type.  For example, let’s take a look at Bungie’s most recent Forge creation: Rocket Race. 

Being that Halo is an FPS it’s difficult to imagine that Forge could turn it into a kart racer, but it has.  Rocket Race is a custom game variant of the new mode called ‘Escort VIP’ - where teams guide their VIP to specific rally points on a map.  Using Forge on the vehicle-laden map named Sandtrap, the space was customized so each team (of two players) spawns in front of a vehicle with extra over-shields and infinite rocket ammo.  A custom game rule forbids VIP’s from driving; so players must work together to capture the most rally points on the map using a lot of rockets and some skillful maneuvering.  Rocket Race is chaotic and fun, but overall it’s indicative of the amazing possibilities available using Forge and the custom games system.

The Bounce Has Gone Into His Bungie.net

Halo 3 offers deeper community features using Bungie.net and ‘File Share.;  Bungie.net has integrated a new stat tracking system that tallies more than simple numbers like total career kills.  Through the site players can track kills with each individual weapon, all unlocked medals (awarded for notable in game accomplishments like Double Kills and etc), and even some of the campaign scoring features we mentioned last week.  Besides having the added bonus of being able to check your friend’s stats on your PC, you can also visit their file share and queue up to 8 items to download directly to your 360 the next time you boot up Halo 3. Suite! 
 

There are so many features to take into account within Halo 3 that listing them all here could easily turn this piece into a replacement for your product manual (and luckily you didn’t sign on for that).  Instead, know this: by addressing key issues in Halo 2 multiplayer, adding a multitude of weapons and equipment, expanding online integration with Bungie.net, and finally bringing the Forge online for the creative types, the developers at Bungie has succeeded in assembling an overwhelming feature list fit to satisfy even the most hardcore multiplayer junkie.
 

Halo 3 is truly a remarkable add to any 360 library and is packed with hours of enjoyment for console gamers (sorry hardcore PC shooter fans, there is nothing for you here – go buy a 360! ).  Taking into account the entire offering, Halo 3 delivers a stellar experience, both online and off, that will stick with you, just like a well placed plasma grenade.