After a very long first season lasting 6 months, we are finally very close to the arrival of the series. Season 2 of Halo InfiniteIt’s set for May 3, 2022, and for now it seems to be characterized by its arrival above all else. two new maps: Catalyst and Breaker. Halo Infinite, like Halo in general, is based on technical and refined gameplay that does some pretty complex level design work to tailor each map’s entry to the playstyle and make each one well-balanced and balanced. balanced. important.
However, it cannot be denied that 343 Industries has been operating with a certain slowness, possibly paying the price for a bad experience in the live services space, and possibly overextending the content provided in the game amid the open world campaign. multiplayer and Forge.
In any case, after a long period of studying and adjusting the Battle Pass’s progression system, something is really moving: the arrival of Catalyst and Breaker has the symbolic value of a reboot of Halo Infinite, meanwhile it saw its downfall. The worrying amount of players online simultaneously got a head start on the wings of excitement.
The teaser trailer released yesterday was not accompanied by any commentary, leaving room for the atmospheres and effects of certain builds that characterize the two new settings, but some features are already evident in addition to the panoramas offered and details instead. Halo was reported in Waypoint with plenty of detail, so let’s take a look at what we can expect from these additions.
Catalyst is an alien cathedral for the Arena
Catalyst is the new map developed for Arena mode, characterized by a symmetrical design and built on one. abandoned Forerunner facility, full of tunnels, intersections and various interior scenarios. The building is characterized by a certain atmosphere, as it is based on the cold and “alien” architecture typical of the Forerunners style as depicted throughout Halo Infinite, but unlike many environments seen so far, the building regains its space after abandonment and has a certain it is somehow “contaminated” by the intervention of nature that leads to the mixing. Creepers, vines, and the constant presence of water and waterfalls between the metal walls, all elements of light filtering through the openings give back the atmosphere of an abandoned cathedral.
According to this Tyler EnsrudeAs the level designer for the multiplayer portion of the game, Catalyst derives from the classic tradition of Forerunner architecture-based maps, starting with Epitaph in Halo 3 and going through Haven in Halo 4 and Coliseum in Halo 5.
With its narrow passages, drawbridges and sudden openings, the map in question promises variable approaches to conflict that favors medium to short range, while also offering tactical ideas between ambush and stealth points to take advantage of precision weapons. Ensrude reports that the initial design focused primarily on the needs of Capture the Flag mode, as evidenced by the symmetrical setting, but has since evolved to include a few other gameplay dynamics, making it a favorite of the new team. , this will likely be an important turning point in Season 2.
Breaker, new theater for Big Teamfight
Other new map, Breaker, exclusively Great Team Battleor Big Team Battle (BTB), which desperately needs new content. Located in a large base of exiles, specializing in scrapping and recycling ships and vehicles, it was also originally designed with Capture the Flag in mind, then evolved in different directions. The intricate architecture and various passages make it a typical ‘base versus base’ setting, while the feature of the moving laser beam used to destroy vehicle parts actually represents a peripheral barrier that can bisect space and create moments. Special tension between teams when a block is created that prevents the regular passage of players.
Since this is an area reserved for BTB, it is clearly structured to accommodate more or less easy use. VehiclesIt will actually be explored between the various sections of the factory that develop specifically vertically, which can find different paths within the structure, which can be distinct and comfortable or more daring.
The central part of Breaker is where the most intense moments of the game will likely focus, with ramps facing upwards and the edges of the Warthog and the like, opting for jumps and crazy solutions at the risk of falling deep. The cliff in which the main area is located. In short, the basic idea seems to be to provide ample room for maneuver for different approaches, but at the same time a significant amount of environmental hazards that would complicate action, beyond direct confrontation with opponents.
Waiting for other news
Catalyst and Breaker are among the most anticipated news from Season 2 of Halo Infinite, as the scarcity of maps is generally regarded as one of the most felt problems of 343 Industries. However, with the new season, there will be other additions and changes that start with a certain narrative characterization and should also interest all players. rewards and new Battle Pass, as the title of this new stage suggests, Lone Wolves. As reported by the developers, the main theme of Season 2 is the Spartan Lone Wolves, who are considered hunters, survival experts, able to find resources even if they infiltrate deep into enemy territory, and improvise their actions from time to time. .
These are also inspired by obtainable rewards that include the armor of the gods. lone wolves With certain characteristics such as those of the Spartan Sigrid Eklunk and Hieu Dinh. The narrative elements will include the story of Spartan Commander Laurette Agryna, which will be told through “a mix of cutscenes, story-themed events, Battle Pass items, and more,” 343 Industries reports.
In addition to updates on balance, technical fixes, and other tweaks, new features include new Fracture events with the addition of special rewards, a free-for-all elimination mode called Last Spartan Standing, and another mode called Land Grab, and a return. King of the Hill.
Then, other variations are provided between the Battle Pass and progression, with a greater amount of customization items than seen in Season 1, again in terms of cosmetic items including viewers, covers, poses, and more. In general, packs that can be purchased in stores will have a higher value in terms of content offered, while items within the store may be more widely purchased individually, in some cases increasing various types of offers. in the interior shop. game.
Source: Multiplayer
