The Assault Rifle in Halo 3, to me, always seemed... lackluster, not due to its power, but due to the noise it makes, and the very soft vibtration the controller gives.
The Assault Rifle in ODST had an improved sound, a louder, deeper 'bang' to it when fired, unlike Halo 3's soft rattling noise - definately a step in the right direction.
The SMG always felt much more comfortable and 'right', due to its better sound and stronger kick from the vibration, which, for me, always made it easier to aim in bursts at longer ranges. (Don't ask how lol)
For Reach, give the Assault Rifle a louder, deeper 'bang', and also more of a kick in the vibration from the controller.
As Bungie has said, a gun can be made to made to seem awesome just by changing how it feels, not its power =)
Heres hoping... See you in May.
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The Reach AR definately seems like a step in the right direction. It can actually be used in all ranges like an Assault Rifle can actually be used but it is best at close to mid range. In Halos 3 and CE it was more like a Sub Machine Gun because of it's innacuracy and in Halo 3:The popgun sound. In Reach it will be more tactical in it's use because of the bloom reticule. So you CAN snipe someone from halfway across Boneyard with an AR you will just have to fire indevidual shots. [Edited on 04.25.2010 6:40 AM PDT]