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11/26/2012 12:49:37 PM
45
Spartan Ops Ep. 4
I have to say I'm really enjoying having a weekly dose of new Halo stuff, particularly the cutscenes. Things to note:
- Halsey considers [i]some[/i] of the IVs to be more Spartan-ish than others. Obviously she thinks Gabriel Thorne has potential.
-Thorne doesn't seem to hate Halsey blindly and is more interested in finding out the facts and listening to her.
-An unknown person/entity is contacting Halsey.
-Roland is a pain in the ass and Palmer doesn't like his involvement with her ops.
-Jul 'Mdama believes the Librarian is alive in a Cryptum. Or perhaps he mistook her durance/AI as her actual being?
-The Didact's gift is supposed to "retrieve the Prometheans soul". Does this mean that the Didact wants Jul to use this to bring the Librarian back to life? Turn her into a monitor? Or attempt to make her organic again? (that went well last time they tried)
Thoughts on this week's installment?
[Edited on 11.26.2012 6:25 AM PST]
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I haven't played the episode yet, but it seems like not everyone hates Halsey, which is nice. How is the episode gameplay itself?
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[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Xd00999 I haven't played the episode yet, but it seems like not everyone hates Halsey, which is nice. How is the episode gameplay itself?[/quote] Well the missions seemed a decent length and they were actually linked as part of a small story arc which was nice. One or towo of the missions had a Firefight vibe but it was still a good week.
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The missions are getting much better. Last week was a blast with the Mantises, this week is the best so far. I think they really are getting better each time. Story is interesting like always.
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Any idea who or what is contacting Halsey? I'm guessing the Librarian or maybe even Cortana. Can't wait to find out.
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I'm pretty sure it's the Librarian, and I have to say I -blam!- love the way the story is developing. Jen is getting some really great material as Halsey, and, as usual, is giving a stellar performance throughout. Nice to see that the Spartan-IVs aren't being wasted as actual characters too.
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[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] ajw34307 I'm pretty sure it's the Librarian, and I have to say I -blam!- love the way the story is developing. Jen is getting some really great material as Halsey, and, as usual, is giving a stellar performance throughout. [b]Nice to see that the Spartan-IVs aren't being wasted as actual characters too.[/b][/quote] Yeah they could have easily been throwaways but I think they are being handled well.
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In regards to the episode I can't help but wonder where Jul got that information on the supposed artifact that could revive a Forerunner let alone that it would presumably lead to the Librarian. The general info Jul had on the Didact alone was extremely vague, and (ultimately prior to actually discovering the Didact was very much alive) that information was used as a half-truth to rally the more overzealous Covenant remnants to Requiem for Jul's desire to recover Forerunner tech for the sake of ensuring Sangheili self-reliance. As a result I can't help but wonder if he really has a grasp on what that device Glassman is working on is, or is just using whatever little bits of Forerunner myths he discovered regarding the device to continue manipulating the faction towards a path that would coincide with his true goals. In the end if it truly does (to an extent) of what is believed I doubt it would bring back the Librarian in any shape or form, but instead will likely reconstruct the same Didact that had gone to Earth. Also, the one thing that still continues to disappoint me is the lack of Engineers thus far into the series or at the very least mention of them. Assuming they weren't all transferred prior to the redeployment, one would think they would be the go-to authority on how Forerunner devices work prior to Halsey's arrival and later on after her arrival would be present to work in conjunction with her to a limited degree.
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Jul is known as the Didact's hand. Maybe it's self-titled, but if it isn't it implies he had direct contact with the Didact. Now, we all know without knowing that the Didact isn't dead, so what if he is relaying orders to Jul. That would explain why he knows these things. Obviously this is just speculation.
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What if Thorne feels sorry for Halsey and helps her escape the Infinity? :O
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A lot of intrigue going on. Very interested in who's contacting Halsey. Things are developing nicely. I think what I loved most about it was how Thorne isn't blindly hating on Halsey. He's willing to hear her out, and get both sides. I agree that the IV's could have easily been forgettable characters, but they are being fleshed out. I already feel something for Thorne's character, and look forward to seeing how he develops, and if he can persuade the others to hear Halsey out. So, we have had 3 perspectives on the whole Spartan Program situation. The Spartans IIs who looked up to Halsey, the soldiers who hate her for what she did, and then you have those who are willing to try to understand. [Edited on 11.26.2012 9:07 AM PST]
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[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] StealthSlasher2 Also, the one thing that still continues to disappoint me is the lack of Engineers thus far into the series or at the very least mention of them. Assuming they weren't all transferred prior to the redeployment, one would think they would be the go-to authority on how Forerunner devices work prior to Halsey's arrival and later on after her arrival would be present to work in conjunction with her to a limited degree.[/quote] I think between [i]The Thursday War[/i] and 'now,' the Engineers have left us just as they left the Sangheili. As constantly reiterated in the K5 trilogy, they've been waiting for the return of the Forerunners - as Reclaimers, we just seem to be the substitute, as if we'd make do until that happened. Now it has. I think they've gone to wherever the Huragok who left the Sangheili went, and that's why we haven't seen any.
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I wonder what was contacting Halsey. Also its nice to see the anti Halsey sentiment has gotten toned down a bit and she can actually speak up.
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Considering the elites are looking for the Librarian I really think its her contacting Halsey.
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I'm going to laugh really hard if the Librarian comes out and goes "Humanity are reclaimers, stop hating them." and seeing the Elite's reactions :P.
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[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Cmdr DaeFaron I'm going to laugh really hard if the Librarian comes out and goes "Humanity are reclaimers, stop hating them." and seeing the Elite's reactions :P.[/quote]Conflict resolved by logic and negotiation; that would be refreshing. I imagine the Elites suddely entering idle mode, like the horde of Smiths' did when Neo left.. *awkward pause, adjusts Sangheili tie* [i]Wort, now?[/i] *end scene* [Edited on 11.26.2012 1:04 PM PST]
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[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] the real Janaka [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Cmdr DaeFaron I'm going to laugh really hard if the Librarian comes out and goes "Humanity are reclaimers, stop hating them." and seeing the Elite's reactions :P.[/quote]Conflict resolved by logic and negotiation; that would be refreshing. I imagine the Elites suddely entering idle mode, like the horde of Smiths' did when Neo left.. *awkward pause* [i]Wort, now?[/i] *end scene*[/quote] I'd picture an awkward silence, then suddenly a fight as you got Jul/his pals vs the Elites going "Forerunner has spoken, no going against that." and all. Or just suddenly Jul and crew sending a message to Infinity, declaring peace and flying away. It's hard to tell.
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[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] the real Janaka [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Cmdr DaeFaron I'm going to laugh really hard if the Librarian comes out and goes "Humanity are reclaimers, stop hating them." and seeing the Elite's reactions :P.[/quote]Conflict resolved by logic and negotiation; that would be refreshing. I imagine the Elites suddely entering idle mode, like the horde of Smiths' did when Neo left.. *awkward pause, adjusts Sangheili tie* [i]Wort, now?[/i] *end scene*[/quote] It would be worth the XBL and 60$ dollars I used to buy this game lol. I really hope they have this!
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[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Cmdr DaeFaron [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] the real Janaka [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Cmdr DaeFaron I'm going to laugh really hard if the Librarian comes out and goes "Humanity are reclaimers, stop hating them." and seeing the Elite's reactions :P.[/quote]Conflict resolved by logic and negotiation; that would be refreshing. I imagine the Elites suddely entering idle mode, like the horde of Smiths' did when Neo left.. *awkward pause* [i]Wort, now?[/i] *end scene*[/quote] I'd picture an awkward silence, then suddenly a fight as you got Jul/his pals vs the Elites going "Forerunner has spoken, no going against that." and all.[/quote]It'd be like one of those classic bar fight scenes. Chief's got Jul's head in an arm lock and then the Librarian sways open the doors and tries to be all wise and whatever *moment of silence* A Grunt drops a grenade or something, and then they're back at it. I'm more and more looking forward a non-canonical comedy version. Spartan [i]Ops...[/i] OT: wonder if Jul will be in-game, or if he'll be killed in a cutscene? [Edited on 11.26.2012 1:17 PM PST]
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I'm also wondering how this whole thing with Jul will play out, there's still 6 weeks left of Season One and I don't think we'll just be fighting Prometheans for that time.
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[quote] OT: wonder if Jul will be in-game, or if he'll be killed in a cutscene?[/quote] I'd refer cutscene. Maybe Thorne taking him down like a badass, cliche as it would be. [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] ajw34307 I'm also wondering how this whole thing with Jul will play out, there's still 6 weeks left of Season One and I don't think we'll just be fighting Prometheans for that time.[/quote] I/m not sure how 343i will go about it. But one thing I like so far is the way they tie in the novels with Spartan Ops, like how Jul was forced to wear an explosive body harness by human scientists and now he is forcing a human scientist to wear one. Also, the language barrier and how he can speak a bit of English. The whole reverse roles thing is well done and maybe a subtle nod to fans of the extended universe.
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I'd really enjoy it if we could see the "cute alien squids" working alongside scientists on the infinity. [Edited on 11.26.2012 8:43 PM PST]
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[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Aang the Avatar The missions are getting much better. Last week was a blast with the Mantises, this week is the best so far. I think they really are getting better each time. Story is interesting like always. [/quote]
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The only single thing I like about Spartan Ops, (storywise, I think it's pretty fun) is the inclusion of Halsey. Sometimes I even hate my own Spartan.
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I wish 343 would put in subtitles so I didn't have to skip the episodes (the web player's doesn't work while watching on the console doesn't provide any option). [Edited on 11.27.2012 1:12 AM PST]
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[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] the real Janaka OT: wonder if Jul will be in-game, or if he'll be killed in a cutscene?[/quote]Knowing 343, it will be horribly done if in-game. Their last mini-bosses were barely fleshed out Generals with fuel rod guns. @_@ Halo 4 could have been an opportunity to give the General rank more depth (not to mention design unique AI for it) but like Reach*, it fails so hard in integrating them into canon** and making them interesting**. AT first I was excited about Thunderstorm skull's unique upgrade but now I think it'd have been better to upgrade every Elite to Zealot since there would be more variety (some Elites cloak). Halo 2 Thunderstorm had it right: most Elites become capable of pulling out swords All 343 would do is give Jul an assortment of power weapons and make him behave like any other Elite. I doubt they'd give him a Sangheili point defense gauntlet or make him dual wield guns or swords or make him do anything unique. Cutscene would be better. But if it were gameplay, I hope it's sandbox like the fight with Regret and Tartarus. You could stay out of the bosses' reach and take a break. You could glitch the battles for amusing results (knock Regret out of his seat, plant a grenade into him, have Keyes distract Tartarus, clone Johnson, Elite army). *They were never mentioned, there was not one marked as a high priority target, they never appear in Noble Six's death cutscene despite making prominent appearances before it, and instead of Zealots appearing as the last waves on Lone Wolf, it was all Generals, despite the fact that Zealots were fought on the prior level and there'd have been a ton more given the situation **a couple of names, some mentions, and a waypoint over their heads don't convince me of their value. They felt like your average disposable minion. Look at Sesa Refumee. He had how many cutscene appearances? I was sure this guy was no ordinary Heretic. Even the Zealot on ToTS felt significant in that I had to pursue him. [Edited on 11.27.2012 1:33 AM PST]
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If they kill Jul in Spartan Ops, after becoming the most developed and interesting character in the entire series after [i]Glasslands[/i] and [i]The Thursday War[/i], I will not be happy at all. But with the emphasis they're putting on him, I fear it's what they're going to do. Deep down, he's a good man. But he fears for his people, and with good reason too - ONI's got plans to commit genocide on their entire species. If I were in his shoes, I'd want humanity wiped out. I feel this conflict will resolve itself, though. And I want Jul alive to see that, and realise his errors. His character development arc has only just begun, and if they kill him now it'd be a terrible shame - a much, much bigger one than anything 343i has done with Halsey or ONI.
