I definitely see what you mean. I don't think I necessarily bridged these things well here. To be clear, Halo CE is a 10/10 masterpiece and is my favorite game of all time. But I didn't want this video to necessarily be me absolutely gushing over the game. If something were to be critiqued, for me it would be the simplistic nature of the narrative. like "Chief, go here and look for this thing. Then go over here to look for this thing" It isn't until two betrayals that there is really strong sense of urgency behind what is happening in the story. The great part about the first half of the story though is the wonder and intrigue that comes across through the level design as Chief is sent to search for various places across the ring. Though I should have addressed the complaint of backtracking levels, while yeah, more unique locations rather than backtracking would have been great. I feel the backtracked levels are different enough for it not to be a major drag on the game overall. For a 2001 video game, on a brand new console, the level design I would defend as a really strong point in this game. The transitions between large areas and condensed hallways, the GIANT chasms filled with ambient fog. They look great and invoke specific feelings within the player during times the plot really isn't. But that's the great part about this, there is a debate to be had here. You definitely may have the opinion that all the damned hallways in levels such as Assault On The Control Room and Two Betrayals drive you insane and that, yeah, the level design sucks. And in those moments it was the story that kept you curious and engaged. Because yeah, this story is definitely good enough to do that.
Making my way around to more as we speak👍 Other than ODST lol, not sure if I have anything unique to add to the conversation about that game. I'll be thinking on it though
lol I guess I should have been clearer. Halo CE doesn't have a "bad" story. I just think the simplistic nature of the plot points didn't particularly age as well as other aspects of the game. Still a 10/10 masterpiece in my opinion though.
@@DeadBeat_Dave fight me. jkjk i watched all of it, good review. I like the more simplistic (think simplistic is a bit harsh) storyline of CE, it allows the twist and the danger element of the flood with the isolated atmosphere take over which I feel the other storylines don't capture as well. It is a perfect stand alone game and storyline and like you said, give the opportunity for more complexity for sequels.
@@OperationMindPhuk To be honest, I agree. The way the story could take a backseat at times is what allowed the amazing music and vibe that the levels gave off shine. The ability for the game to slow down as you explored the forrunner structures in the middle of a level was a huge part of this game and why its great. If the story was huge, epic and feeding a non-stop narrative with big twists and turns, there wouldn't have been space to make those moments shine.
Worst things about each game are, for me: Halo CE: Copy and paste level design and lack of story Halo 2: Legendary difficulty and poor level design Halo 3: The constant Cortana and Gravemind cutscenes, The way the handled some characters, like Marinda and Gravemind. Story could of been better, i guess
_The Halo Father_ sharing his beloved heritage in respect of what Bungie accomplished. "Those who built this place _knew_ what they wrought."
I like the analysis, but I feel for CE, the level design is more of the weak point, and the story is actually really strong
I definitely see what you mean. I don't think I necessarily bridged these things well here.
To be clear, Halo CE is a 10/10 masterpiece and is my favorite game of all time. But I didn't want this video to necessarily be me absolutely gushing over the game. If something were to be critiqued, for me it would be the simplistic nature of the narrative. like "Chief, go here and look for this thing. Then go over here to look for this thing" It isn't until two betrayals that there is really strong sense of urgency behind what is happening in the story.
The great part about the first half of the story though is the wonder and intrigue that comes across through the level design as Chief is sent to search for various places across the ring. Though I should have addressed the complaint of backtracking levels, while yeah, more unique locations rather than backtracking would have been great. I feel the backtracked levels are different enough for it not to be a major drag on the game overall. For a 2001 video game, on a brand new console, the level design I would defend as a really strong point in this game. The transitions between large areas and condensed hallways, the GIANT chasms filled with ambient fog. They look great and invoke specific feelings within the player during times the plot really isn't.
But that's the great part about this, there is a debate to be had here. You definitely may have the opinion that all the damned hallways in levels such as Assault On The Control Room and Two Betrayals drive you insane and that, yeah, the level design sucks. And in those moments it was the story that kept you curious and engaged. Because yeah, this story is definitely good enough to do that.
Halo is a classic. Looking forward to your video on 343s games and maybe , hopefully, Reach & ODST
Making my way around to more as we speak👍
Other than ODST lol, not sure if I have anything unique to add to the conversation about that game. I'll be thinking on it though
your videos are goated
Thanks! I'm glad you're liking them!
This guy just said the story is CE's weakpoint? na thats cap.
lol I guess I should have been clearer. Halo CE doesn't have a "bad" story. I just think the simplistic nature of the plot points didn't particularly age as well as other aspects of the game. Still a 10/10 masterpiece in my opinion though.
@@DeadBeat_Dave fight me.
jkjk i watched all of it, good review.
I like the more simplistic (think simplistic is a bit harsh) storyline of CE, it allows the twist and the danger element of the flood with the isolated atmosphere take over which I feel the other storylines don't capture as well. It is a perfect stand alone game and storyline and like you said, give the opportunity for more complexity for sequels.
@@OperationMindPhuk To be honest, I agree. The way the story could take a backseat at times is what allowed the amazing music and vibe that the levels gave off shine. The ability for the game to slow down as you explored the forrunner structures in the middle of a level was a huge part of this game and why its great. If the story was huge, epic and feeding a non-stop narrative with big twists and turns, there wouldn't have been space to make those moments shine.
At the end, it says you're going to talk about the whole trilogy and you just talk about Halo Combat Evolved
Worst things about each game are, for me:
Halo CE: Copy and paste level design and lack of story
Halo 2: Legendary difficulty and poor level design
Halo 3: The constant Cortana and Gravemind cutscenes, The way the handled some characters, like Marinda and Gravemind. Story could of been better, i guess
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