343 Industries announces changes to the balance ofHalo 5’scampaign, including increased difficulty for single-player and decreased difficulty for co-operative play.
WhenHalo 5: Guardiansreleased last year, the title was seen asa strong return to formfor theHaloseries at large. Although the game was one ofthe best multiplayer games of 2015, it seems as though developer 343 Industries is not quite happy with the game’s campaign. As such, the developer is making some balance changes to the title’s story mode.
Announcing the changes over atHalo Waypoint, it looks as though theHalo 5campaign is going to play in a slightly different way going forward. Chris Proctor, the Senior Systems Designer over at 343 Industries, took the time to explain exactly what changes are going to happen and why. After spending months accumulating feedback in the form of direct player communication, reviews, let’s play videos, and internal comments, Proctor is hoping to now be able to offer up a much more balanced campaign experience.
To begin with, the overall difficulty of the single player and co-operative campaign modes is going to change. Players going in to theHalo 5campaign solo will find the overall balance of the game a little tougher, after fans of the title gave feedback that it was too easy. Meanwhile, those taking on the campaign with friends will be able to have a smoother ride.
Alongside these overall balance tweaks, the Warden is also getting some changes. According to Proctor, the Warden has been criticized as a source of an unfair spike in difficulty when playing on higher levels - particularly the triple-Warden fight near the end of the game - so343 Industrieshas taken steps to combat this issue. As such, Warden attacks are now easier to dodge, melee attacks have less range, and the tough front armor has been weakened slightly.
A number of other tweaks will also be implemented. AI Focus Turret damage output has been reduced, while the effectiveness of AI Storm Rifle, Suppressor, and Light Rifle use has also been lowered. Meanwhile, AI squad members are now less likely to be killed when in a gunner’s turrent in a player-controlled vehicle, which will no doubt alleviate a lot of frustration.
There are certainly a lot of changes afoot forHalo 5as of late. After all, theGhosts of Meridianfree DLC pack has now arrived, bringing with it new maps and gear, and 343 Industries has even teased the return ofthe classic Infection mode. Just don’t expectedHalo 5to make it to PCany time soon.
