Bungie has recently given gamers a few interesting points about their upcoming game, Halo: Reach. In several interviews (via Kotaku) Bungie’s community director Brian Jarrard has discussed some of the similarities and differences that Halo: Reach will have as compared to the other entries in the Halo series.
According to Jarrard, Bungie set out with the idea that the gameplay for Halo: Reach would follow in the footsteps of the original Halo: Combat Evolved, rather than those of any of its successors.
“We have been going back to Halo: CE as our primary example and are trying to recapture some of that magic. Reach is supposed to go in that direction and not to redefine what Halo Is supposed to be.”
These words are meant to ease the growing questions as to whether Halo: Reach would continue down the slower, crime scene/film noir, path that Bungie had used for their most recent Halo title, Halo 3:ODST.
“I felt ODST was more of niche game, it was a little bit of an experiment. We didn’t have to stay tried and true to the Halo formula. ODST was of a different scale. We were kind of flattered that it turned out to be as big as it did, that there were stores opening at midnight. That was never in the cards when it was being conceived.”
Additionally, in lieu of the recent closing of the Halo 2 servers, Bungie has seen fit to comment on concerns over the possible closure of the Halo 3 multiplayer servers when Halo: Reach is launched this fall.
“I dont think we would pull the plug. Halo 2 was the number one game until the Halo 3 lauch, and it was still supported until this April.
“I think it would be safe to say we wouldn’t be investing so much time into doing massive matchmaking updates and then just turn Halo 3 online support off and walk away from it.”
“Will we hope that people will migrate to Reach because it represents all of the good things from Halo 3 but better, and more so? Sure, but I guarantee that there are hardcore gamers, like the pros who make their livelihoods off of playing Halo 3, who might take awhile to move over.”
“I cant imagine a world where Halo: Reach and Halo 3 don’t coexist.”
