Halo 3 Beta First Impressions
So like a number of privileged geeks in the world, I too today received a Halo 3 beta key for download. Now I am in no way a Halo fan per se, but I appreciate it for what it did to sell Xboxen. I am HORRIBLE at the game and loathe the frat boy mentality and rampant homophobia and racism that comes from its players. That said, I was still excited to be in the beta.
First impressions are just that, mind. Graphics are great (why wouldn't they be) and there are a variety of maps for us to explore and shoot each other in. So far I have played in a level much like Blood Gulch with nifty water effects and trees and junk, a desert stone sort of level, and a snow level. The snow level was pretty cool, because when you are in the system of tunnels and someone is above you, a bit of snow falls down to indicate it. Nice touch. Controls are exactly what you would expect for a Halo game, except for the addition of the accessories button (X) which deploys bubble shields, power drainers and other items as you obtain them. Also you can easily mute people by pressing the back button and selecting them with X. Now you don't have to endure the long string of epithets that you usually have to listen to during a Halo match.
The game types showcased seem to be pretty full. There is standard deathmatch, a king of the hill (named crazy king, which is indeed quite crazy) and Oddball, where you have to maintain control of a skull for a certain amount of time. It's like reverse hot potato. Also showcased is a couple of vehicles, including the new mongoose atv.
The interface is familiar yet updated, matchmaking seems strong and solid, and the ability to create save films of your performances is going to fill up YouTube faster than you can say "what's a puma".
Bungie seems to be providing the ultimate fan service with this Halo iteration, even going as far as putting the words "Halo 3 Beta Love, Bungie" in the loading screen. Hooray. I wouldn't say the beta has so far made me a fan of Halo (or even really that impressed) but we will see as I give it more time. First impressions and all.
What say you?!