Hard to miss the information, the multiplayer beta of Halo infinite is now playable since November 15th. In fact, the 20th anniversary of Xbox and Halo was an opportunity to reveal even more about one of the brand’s most important licenses in X. Remember, however, that the campaign will be available on December 8th. To wait, I’m giving you a preview of this beta of Halo infinite.
A multiplayer that seems to keep all of its promises
A few weeks after the flight tests, the beta is from Halo infinite is there, and one thing is reassuring: the stability of its servers. Admittedly, the connection was rather difficult from the start, but in the following hour everything was stable and the games were wonderfully connected. Finding the game and player was therefore easy and yet the burden was there Halo infinite also broke attendance records on Steam. It just goes to show that the flight tests were successful and 343 Industries clearly managed to handle the problems without too much difficulty.
Now let’s take the contents of this beta and we can say that it is quite extensive. In fact, it offers seven cards in classic four-player games and three in BTB (Big Team Battle). As for Hello MCC and Halo 5: Guardian, a system of social and / or classified games is also proposed, but only the 4 VS 4 games are accessible in the ranking. The maps are very different, such as streets that are reminiscent of a specific epic Halo 3 ODST or deadlock and its surroundings in full night halo frankly successful. The others present at the flight tests are also in the game and it is clear that they have a certain charm. Between huge outdoor environments, streets of New Mombasa or buildings near hangars, there is something for everyone.
The game modes are missing some classics like SWAT (to my desperation) and King of the Hill. Just keep in mind that we are in beta and that they should be arriving soon. Here we can compete with classic Slayer (Assassin or Team Deathmatch), Skull, Capture the Flag or Bases. Let’s go back a little to the last two and start capturing the flag. You should know that in addition to the classic version, there is a brand new variant called the “Unique Flag”. So by rounds you have time to either bring the opposing flag to your base or defend yours. What do rhythmic and intense parts offer. The “Basics” mode was then already integrated during the flight tests and in a certain way picks up on the “Territories” of the previous opus. Here you have to defend three bases spread across the map. A mode that promises many twists and is relatively pleasant to play.
Improved gameplay for our pleasure
In terms of gameplay, we think 343 Industries has tried to please both fans with a nice homecoming and newbies. On the level of the sense of the weapon, you can see a mixture between the second and the third opus, and this is particularly noticeable when you equip the combat rifle. A joy that brings back memories when Xbox Live starts up. As for traveling, we tend to find the sensations of the last few games more likely Halo 5: Guardian with the ability to sprint and hold onto ledges. However, the dash (or acceleration) is lacking in subscribers and has been replaced with the use of devices that can be picked up on the card.
Let’s talk about this device. THE novelty presented during the trailer was the grappling hook and its use gives the games a sustained rhythm. Between hanging on the walls, on vehicles to approach them, the chance to get a gun or even a flag, the uses are numerous and we shouldn’t be displeased! We obviously find the classic armor and camouflage and the game encourages you to use them. In short, a nice dynamic in the parts, which is clearly controlled and which only wants to be discovered with the next modes and new maps.
The other more than welcome addition that appears is the academy. Let’s start with the armed exercises first. You can choose the weapon that you want to familiarize yourself with and thus improve your score. This mode is broken down into different styles ranging from a static bot to a moving bot to explore all scenarios. Another is offered to you: soberly called “training”. Here you can practice against bots as if you were in a classic multiplayer game. The configuration is extensive, from choosing the difficulty level of the bots (and they know how to be tough), to the map, to which weapons you want to use. In short, a great novelty that offers players new and old a complete training ground.
The battle pass, an idea that is not necessarily worthwhile
But all is not yet known for this beta. In fact, its progression system has made many players shudder. As a reminder, the multiplayer of Halo infinite is free-to-play, which ultimately entails some changes to the business model. With the famous “Battle Pass” system, it is only possible to advance by completing a series of challenges and no other way. A big change, but one that does not satisfy the player. However, 343 Industries has taken the feedback into account and is working to improve multiplayer progress. For example, now there are challenges that naturally add experience by completing a game.
For people who haven’t spent any money on the battle pass, there are very few cosmetics out there and that’s a shame. Because yes, even if we are making some progress and have not spent anything, the unlocked rare elements are actually only accessible to objects in this way. So certainly not all, but a good part. Another annoying element is the fact that you can’t choose your game mode, which is quite problematic, especially when chaining five games in Conquering the Flag (it’s the experience) and not really appreciating that. After that I repeat myself, we are in a beta so hope that all of this will be corrected and that each mode can be selected individually.
In any case, after this observation I am more than reassured about what 343 Industries in the multiplayer of. has reached Halo infinite. We sense the studio’s desire to welcome newcomers as well as the desire to bring old players together. I really appreciated the layout of the cards on offer and the new weapons that bring a welcome breath of freshness. I also notice the work on the gameplay, which perfectly combines the previous games while bringing elements that add a nice dynamic. In short, all of this only reinforces the desire to discover the long awaited campaign of this one Halo infinite.
How enjoyable is this multiplayer!
Even if its progression system does not encourage the player to persevere and the choice of game modes needs to be checked, it is clear that this multiplayer is clearly showing promise. In fact, the first very noteworthy point is the appearance of the academy, which offers the possibility of training and an almost infinite choice of configurations. If you look at multiplayer for that, the maps are pretty, well laid out, and begging to be explored. The new fashions are certainly not revolutionizing the genre, but they offer enough variety not to get tired. Finally, the gameplay has been improved with a couple of additions, particularly those related to the equipment that make the games more intense for our greatest pleasure. In short, we can’t wait to see the definitive version of this multiplayer that seems to keep all of its promises.
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