Centrus

I'm not entirely sure i actually like all of that... (speaking competitively, as in MLG competitively, here)

Already in Halo 2, each person's symbol is generally unique to themselves, and especially for serious gamers, remains the same.

I and all within my team have either retained exactly the same or similar symbols throughout our H2 career. Because we all know each other an dteam up, we recognise our symbols anyway. I actually think a code would be harder to associate with a person than a symbol.

And if you really want to be able to command, having not remembered your team-mates' symbols, there is a simple solution with the current system: NUMBERS! Assign each team member a number, have them have it as their symbol, and have them have it stand out from their background. A single digit number is quite easy to both remember, say quickly, and relate to a player. Especially when (in a competitive gametype), no more than 8 people per team will exist (4 for MLG, no doubt)

Also, why balance the game? Weapon whoring is a unique and deterministic part of Halo 2. Controlling and utilising power weapons is a skill in itself, and adds to the strategy of a particular team. Granted the power weapons should not be so destructive as to alone determine the outcome of the game, but certainly enough to give the controlling team that edge.

I definitely don't like Bungie's idea of solving this 'problem'. It sounds to me like just adding MORE power weapons. Just as they wanted to avoid a game based on dual wielding, and a game based on your starting weapon, so should they avoid a game based on power weapons!

If you cannot hold your own without power weapons, then you need to improve. In MLG, for example, utilising the BR effectively is quite sufficient to overthrow a 'power weapon whoring' team.

I don't actually think Bungie need to worry about balancing issues at all. If an issue exists, the competition runners can make the necessary adjustments (MLG -- BR start, weapons on map = no duals). Despite Bungie's efforts to balance the game, I am sure adjustments will regardless be made, so why worry?

I understand a lot of people do not play competitively, and that's fair enough. But if you're not competitive, why would you even CARE about weapon balance, team communication, etc? I kow I didn't before I started playing to win.

Welp, that's my two cents worth.