The video is full of technical information about how they gutted, re-built, and optimized the Halo 3 engine to power Reach. That stuff is interesting, but what the in-game footage makes clear is simple: this game looks fantastic. With a huge amount of on-screen detail and a quantum leap in animation quality, Halo is definitely going out on a visual high point. But it’s not just the visuals getting an overhaul. Reach is attempting to inject freshness into all aspects of the Halo universe.
Halo: Reach promises to be a more character driven experience. To that end, you’ve got a diverse group of teammates. Each of the Spartans that make up your squad, Noble 6, has a unique look. And unlike Master Chief , who doesn’t appear in Reach, you get to see these guys (and gal) with their helmets off.
There are some new mechanics - you can run! But some things have been taken away, as well. On 1up’s “4 Guys 1up podcast,” David Ellis got the team at Bungie to admit there will be no dual-wielding in Reach.
The game is emphasizing free-form, sandbox style battles, and staying clear of highly scripted scenes. The wide open, realistic landscape is built to encourage exploration, and the advanced AI promises no two encounters will play out the same way.
Finally, the aliens are, in Bungie’s words, more alien - no longer comic relief, and no longer speaking English. Have a look at the ViDoc to see this all in action:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0_jiB2hqeQ&feature=player_embedded
I’ll admit, my interest in the Halo series has tapered off in recent years. But everything I’ve seen about Reach so far makes it seem like the game to win me back over. What about you? Will you be joining the fight at Reach, or was ODST your last tour of duty?
The Halo Reach Multiplayer Beta begins May 3rd on Xbox Live. Applicants will need a copy of ODST.
Halo: Reach falls this, um… fall on Xbox 360.
Sources: USA Today, 1up, Bungie.net
