Correspondence From the Front Lines of the Console War

This is a summer of sequels at the box office, and the video game industry is following suit. With the announcement of Starcraft II, Grand Theft Auto IV and Halo 3, it seems like most game developers are going back to what has already been successful and basically just tightening up the graphics. This is not particularly surprising considering that the early years of any video game system are all about showing off the system’s capabilities. However, while the next-gen console war is currently being fought over graphics, it is going to be the exclusive titles that really distinguish the systems.

If we are going to talk about console exclusive next-gen titles, Halo 3 is going to be at the top of any list. Recently, I got the chance to participate in Bungie’s time limited multi-player beta testing for Halo 3. Considering that most people involved in the beta are die-hard fan boys, I feel even more duty bound to give an accurate report from the front lines of the console war.

When Halo 3’s beta first launched, some people said that it was basically Halo 2.5. These people were promptly booed, hissed and flamed into submission. However, there is more truth in that claim than these people were given credit for. Halo 3 almost plays like the same game as Halo 2 with better visuals, more guns and slightly better balance. Some weapons were toned down, other weapons were improved but the game pretty much feels the same. The few additions to the game are welcome. The Mongoose ATV for instance is a fantastic little joy ride, and nothing feels quite as good as hoofing it out of an enemy base with the flag carrier on the back of the ATV in a game of capture the flag. The return of the assault rifle is another nice touch; I know I definitely missed it in Halo 2. But all things considered, it really does feel more like an expansion than it does like a whole new game.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is something that has to be recognized. More of the same when you haven’t had enough the first time is fantastic. The only problem is that the production of more of the same is nothing more than technical process. Without a doubt, improved technical feats are important, but they do not provide anything new. We kind of end up with the same problems that big budget sequels have. The huge explosions take center stage, and no attention is paid to the story telling or the cinematography. In many ways, Halo 3 feels a lot like the newest Die Hard movie. It is a series of wows and oh-my-god-I-can’t-believe-he-just-did-thats. So if you are looking for explosions, car chases and other epic tropes of the action flick you will not be disappointed. However, if you are looking for something more, you might want to wait for Assassin’s Creed, Mass Effect or Bioshock.