Playing That Halo: Reach Beta!

As many of our members are now aware, we ninjas here at RTG managed to score some beta codes for the next installment in the long-running Halo series, Halo: Reach. The XBL downloadable beta consists of several maps as well as a handful of game modes. This beta is definitely bigger than your average game demo! Now Reach is supposed to take place before the events of the original title, Halo: Combat Evolved. The story consists of a bunch of dudes that resemble Robo-cop fighting Predator-esque aliens with a wide array of laser guns and other future weaponry. Yep, still the Halo we all know.

So you may be wondering “Just what sets this Halo apart from the previous installments?” right? Well, not much it would seem. The physics seem pretty much the same. The graphics seem pretty much the same. Yes, it still takes damn near a full clip just to kill someone. Oh, you can’t bring Halo up and not mention the online day-care that erupts into your head set whenever you enter a game. Now there are some differences, mind you. For instance; the armor abilities. In the place of temporary power-ups you now get some special armor abilities like sprint! Yes, with the touch of a button you may now sprint! You can also go invisible for a limited time, become utterly invincible for a limited time by completely sacrificing mobility, use a good ol’ fashioned jet pack, or do a combat roll. Oh and some new game modes for multiplayer are promised as well!

A sequel to a shooter is never complete without the new weapons! You remember the silly little pink needle gun? Well now there is an even bigger version of the silly pink needle gun that shoots even further! There is also an uber-rape grenade launcher that tosses a volley of plasma grenades and is capable of laying out a room full of geeks. Of course, the plasma sword makes its return. This gratifying weapon proved to be quite fun when coupled with the sprint armor mechanic.

Now I have never been a big Halo fan, but I did manage to have a little bit of fun with the demo. The sniper rifle is one of the best I have ever used in an FPS and allows for some quick-aim kills that can leave you giggling like a high-school girl under the influence of a couple wine coolers. Running people over in video games has never failed to amuse me, and the warthog is no different. I just love catching dudes unaware and smiting them into the distance. The addition of more team-oriented game modes such as invasion are an interesting touch and seem to provide even more replay value to the game when it is released.

The idea of making the beta available to the public in this manner is quite brilliant, in me ‘umble opinion. So they release the beta to the Xbox Live community and encourage you to make suggestions on Bungie.net and tell them what’s good and what could use work. Normally they have to pay people to do this. Oh those clever bastards! Not only do these guys trick you into working for them without compensation; they also trick you into believing that it’s a privilege to do so. Despite my personal dislike of Halo, I have mad respect for the devious minds that crafted this strategic ploy!

Halo: Reach will fall into the eager clutches of sweaty nerd palms this fall, brought to you by those sinful sons of wh*res at Bungie. Though I probably will not be picking this one up, I can see you Halo fans having a blast with this one. The game seems to be more of the Halo you guys have become hopelessly addicted to, but with more weapons and game modes than ever for the online play!

Joseph Bryant – SwiftGlassEater