One Bad Chick has 5 chronicles

1. Halo: Reach Beta Review
   

   Player Chronicle -- Posted on Jun 03 2010

   Bungie has done it yet again! They kicked off their Halo: Reach online multiplayer beta and Halo fans busted down the doors to play this sure to be blockbuster.
   
   Scheduled for release this fall, Bungie gave its do or die fan base a taste of the greatness to come. If you weren't one of the lucky ones to log on and suite up for this epic beta here's a taste of what you missed.
   
   This game is actually a prequel to the Halo series and doesn't include Master Chief. But don't get your panties in a wad. The gut wrenching action, similiar body armor, heart pounding new games, and astounding graphics will more than make up for this small disappointment. As the campaign was not a part of beta I am unable to say what the single player experience will be like, but if Bungie stays true to the Halo series it is sure to be amazing as well. Of course with the amazing multiplayer game the single player mode will surely take the backseat. I have only found one discrepancy in the game. It, as I said, is a prequel and comes after three games that take place later in the timeline, yet there are several new weapons that don't exist later on. After some research I have found that Bungie, in their greatness, have explained this away by saying there were experimental weapons on Reach that were lost after its fall.
   
   If you're not sure where this game falls into the picture, let me explain. This game takes place at approximately the same time as the first Halo novel: The Fall of Reach. This is a sad time for the human race, as they first encounter the covenant alien race and face extermination. This is where the spartan super soldier program is brought into the picture, as they are sent to train an elite fighting force to defend Reach from the alien menace. But enough history lessons...let's talk about gameplay.
   
   For starters the customizable aspects are still there, although this time they cost you points, that thankfully, you can earn in the game. You can spend these points on armor and gear that you can use in the gameplay. This is done through the armory. Also keeping with Halo tradition you are still able to capture game films and snap in game pics and post them via your file share. Now on to the action!!
   
   They have kept most of the combat aspects the same as well, the majority of the game controls to the enemies and weapons. One of the biggest differences I noticed was that you are now able to pick your weapon kit as soon as you spawn. Each of these load-outs have a special ability, such as; jet pack, personal shield (equivalent of bubble shield in previous games), and a sprint ability. To go with these new abilities they have packed the game with new and challenging levels as well as new games. From what I played of the beta and research I have done I have come up with this list of new maps.
   
   Boneyard: A decommissioned USNC space frigate sits in the middle. It has high parts that offer snipers plenty of long shots, and lots of areas for cover.
   
   Overlook: An old installation on a mountain with a big pool of water in the middle. This map offers areas to slug it out face to face as well as ground to rain down your vengeance from above.
   
   Swordbase: A multi-story building with grav lifts, stairs, and bridges. Although there are a few sniper hidey-holes this is mostly a short range combat map.
   
   Assassinations are also still available only sweeter for the assassin. Instead of the usual death dealing melee blow, there is now an animation that shows the enemy jumping on your back and killing you. Most embarrassing for poor soul being dealt the blow, I assure you.
   
   The gameplay is still helter skelter, and will take some getting used to. My average kills on beta was 7 - 10 and I am used to double that playing Halo 3. But rest assured this will be the best 7 kills of your gaming life. Die hard Halo fans and noobs alike will fall victim to this new gameplay. This is what I loved about the Beta. If you've played for years or are just starting out you will have a chance to win.
   
   This may sound like the same old Halo, but with different maps. But to make this assumption would be selling this game short. The updated graphics, new game modes, and playlist types make this bigger, badder, and better than any of its predecessors.

   
   

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One Bad Chick has 2 comment s on this chronicle.

1. SweetIceCream
   Posted On Jun 03 2010

   I love the new game wish they would fix a few things but im super pumped!

2. BEN
   Posted On Jun 03 2010

   10/10 for sure! I enjoyed the details you presented with this video game review and I share many of your opinions on this title. I'm with you on the fact that I can't wait for the full version to drop later this year!
   
   We'll be on the prowl for more details on this title at E3 in a few weeks, so keep an eye on the dedicated event profile we'll get online soon!
   
   I wish they would have left Beta online, but I suppose that would dwindle the awesome excitement we all have for the full game in the fall!
   
   What game are you reviewing next???