After reading all the replies, I think I can come up with a few answers, that go hand-in-hand with some of my concerns regarding Halo 3. Before I continue, I will say I DO consider myself a BIG HALO FAN.
The original was one of my all-time favorite games.
Here are reasons why some people may dislike the Halo series:
1). Halo 2 offered very little (even in sequel terms) of gameplay innovation. A few new guns, dual-wielding, andslightly enhanced graphics. The campaign was short, and even with the twists, was ultimately disappointing to some (including myself). Even Bungie admits the storyline was blah. Then we come to Halo 2's saving grace... or perhaps not...
2). Online. Incredible online play, and options. Innovative and exciting in many ways. That is... until XBox Live's childish, homophobic, potty-mouthed pre-pubescents ruined it for almost everyone. Online console gameplay has long been plagued by idiots. So much so, that respectful, game-appreciative players like myself have pretty much avoided it all together. The few online games with low concentrations of idiots are kept as close-to-the-chest secrets by mature players looking for solace. So much so, that I won't even mention 1 here. Halo 3, being even more hyped, is absolutely bound to be plagued by the same problem. There's little anyone (Microsoft) can do, besides cleaning house and screening players, which will never happen.
3). Madden syndrome. Halo 3 looks real good. I will buy it, and I am sure enjoy it, play the hell out of it. But I'm not as pumped as I was before I found out more about the game content. God, %95 OF THE WEAPONS ARE THE SAME?! That is a fundemental part of excitement in any shooter. Weapon innovation, gameplay innovation. I honestly don't feel like blasting anyone else with a Marine shotgun, pistol, or assault rifle. And if I get another Covenant Carbine near my respawn, I'll throw up. I-N-N-O-V-A-T-E. I feel like each new Halo is just enough to pacify players into buying a sequel. A new coat of paint (sorry, the graphics don't look up to Gear of War or Bioshock standards, people), a few new killer playmodes, and some new story developments. Remind anyone of another franchise that got pretty milked over the years?
4). Genre-changing games like Bioshock. Bioshock could be Halo 3's worst nightmare. While Bungie continues to slap high-polish on their game engines and serve up 3 new weapons every 3 years to players, 2K's Bioshock absolutely shook the videogame world to it's core with blazing innovation and jaw-dropping production values. Widely acknowledged as being one of the best games ever made, this genre defining monolith casts a HUGE shadow over all games out on the Xbox 360, and games for many, many months to come. If you can still look at your other games without comparing them to Bioshock, you're either too naive or too young to appreciate the scope of the achievement.
Just my opinion. :)
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