Halo 3 impressions

Yes, this is long overdue; but you still care... it's Halo 3.

I had the privilege of logging a few hours of gameplay on the Halo 3 Beta a few days before it ended. And I must say, I can't wait for the full game to come out.

Bungie has managed to keep the feel of Halo 2 while adding a massive dose of character into the game. The graphics are beautiful, especially for a test version. One player remarked you could just stare and admire the running water (that is if people weren't shooting the improved SMG at you).

The weapons still need some tweaking; however, they seem much more balanced. There is a strange weapon that's a cross between a pistol and a brute shot that shows a lot of promise. They're fun to dual wield and just plain fun to use. The sniper rifle is very comparable to the Halo 2 version, but I kept catching myself staring at the detail of the gun rather than scoping for targets. I didn't pick up a needler, but heard the weapon has been vastly improved. And of course everyone's favourite weapon, the battle rifle, is still as deadly and as fun.

The maps will change, but one map in particular – Valhalla – is striking. It’s been compared to Blood Gulch, but reminded me more of the second level in Halo 1’s campaign. I’m getting giddy just thinking about playing it when the full version is released.

So overall, the gameplay in multiplayer is just like Halo 2, only much improved – as Bungie promised.

The REAL treat for me with this game was the pre-game and post-game lobby. This is where avid Halo players spend a lot of time, chatting with teammates, berating the competition and checking out medals. It just plain looks sleeker. But the post-game stats are excellent, with more emphasis on the medals. I love earning medals. They’ve also added a couple new ones, including the killjoy medals, awarded when you end someone’s killing spree.

That’s my primer. And from what I saw, this game will be well worth the wait.

For a much better, and more thorough, review than mine try clicking here.