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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What always annoyed me was the fact that the AR was so weak, I love the AR, but I usually have to abandon it for a BR. It needs more power for Reach, if it's gonna have a useful role as the close-to-mid range rifle. [Edited on 04.25.2010 5:55 AM PDT]