Halo: Reach beta "not quite operational"

By Tom Bramwell Published 4 May, 2010

"Expect suboptimal performance."

The Halo: Reach beta that went live yesterday is "not quite fully operational", according to developer Bungie, but it should be a damn sight more operational than it was the other day when it was "getting hammered".

"It should be moving at a pretty good clip now that our online team has applied some technological fix-ups," the developer posted on its website late last night.

"You should still expect suboptimal performance, but you should also now be getting games with relative ease.

"Once again, thanks for being patient. Unless of course you weren't patient at all and you made like a million posts to the feedback forum to complain about the outage even though there were already like a million posts already made complaining about the outage. If you were that guy, thanks for nothing!

If you are still experiencing problems, Bungie has said to toss over some feedback.

Speaking of feedback, we got hold of the beta early on and Digital Foundry has completed performance analysis, latency tests and other experiments since. Check out our in-depth Halo: Reach beta hands-on elsewhere on the site, and look for more impressions soon.

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About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000. Follow him on Twitter.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (49) Latest comment 2 years ago

Comments for this article are now closed, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • neosalad #1 2 years ago

    will have to give it a go as soon as... typical that i wont get much of a chance on the 360 till the weekend now though... :(

  • captainrentboy #2 2 years ago

    The games I did manage to get were fantastic, the power ups and new game modes changed it all up nicely. After an hour or so the problems kicked in, like waiting 20 mins to get a match, so I gave up for the night:/ Hopefully it'll work better tonight!

  • Stifler #3 2 years ago

    I had fun, but for me it no longer feels like HALO. It just all feels a little bit generic and gimmicky (I realise it might feel generic now as many people will have attempted to replicate it's success, but you get what I mean - right?)

    Still fun, but if I didn't know it was HALO, I wouldn't know it was HALO, IYSWIM.

  • Beano #4 2 years ago

    I only managed to get into one game yesterday after 20 min. of game searching - no surprise that a over-hyped beta will experience bottlenecks... and that's what a beta is for afterall. But what I didn't expect was the overwhelming sense of "meh" when trying the demo. Ok, I didn't expect something completely new or "un-Halo", but it looked and played almost exactly like Halo 2+3 with a few "innovations" thrown in. I can't see how Bungie can reclaim the best-online-shooter title back with this.
    Edited by Beano at 04/05/10 @ 08:39

  • morriss #5 2 years ago

    missing a " after the "!"

  • bad09 #6 2 years ago

    I like the digs at the complainers. :)

    TBH if I had been charged to test their game I'd be pissed it didn't work to. Considering they are actually advertising the beta on telly you'd think this wouldn't happen beta or not.

  • Peew971 #7 2 years ago

    Now make it up to us with one extra week :)

  • Negotiator #8 2 years ago

    Got in about six games last night, and it is brilliant. Controls are perfect, framerate is smooth as butter and every Armour Ability in the the beta is cool as hell. And the graphics are superb as well, texture's in this game are some of the best I've seen in a console game, so detailed.

  • Negotiator #9 2 years ago

    Beano they already have.

  • Beano #10 2 years ago

    "...texture's in this game are some of the best I've seen in a console game, so detailed. "

    Ok, that convinced me that you are joking - surely.

  • Bravestinsane #11 2 years ago

    "You should still expect suboptimal performance, but you should also now be getting games with relative ease.



    hmmm you missed a " at the end....

    and the one morriss mentioned

    Ill download the beta tomorrow i think i will give it a go then.

  • Eraysor #12 2 years ago

    I wasn't having any problems when I tried it yesterday. Can't say I was particularly blown away by the game but it was fun.

    Also @Beano - I agree.
    Edited by Eraysor at 04/05/10 @ 09:05

  • Negotiator #13 2 years ago

    Beano I know its hard to do when people are trying to kill you, but look close at any wall or the floor in the game and tell me its not amazingly detailed.

  • Beano #14 2 years ago

    @Negotiator: I did and was not impressed. It's not bad either, but FAR from the best textures or details I have seen - even for a online shooter.
    Edited by Beano at 04/05/10 @ 09:10

  • n00bzceam #15 2 years ago

    I had so much fun while it lasted and even though I had high expectations, I was still amazed how great this game actually is. For me, this is pure entertainment, and I love it.

  • AphoticCosmos #16 2 years ago

    Fucking typical that I had to go back to uni - where I don't have a working Xbox Live connection - on the day the beta started -_-

  • StooMonster #17 2 years ago

    Downloaded the beta with no problems, could not get into a game. Left it waiting for ages ... and nada, nothing, no dice.

  • Negotiator #18 2 years ago

    Well I own both Killzone 2 and MW 2 and the textures in Reach are far more detailed than those games, yes there are areas where those games have better graphics but not texture's. What games are you talking about?

  • TeaFiend #19 2 years ago

    It's like Halo 3, but with jetpacks. Quite fun.

  • I\'mListening #20 2 years ago

    I thought it was brilliant. Headhunter was a lot of fun

  • Doctor_What #21 2 years ago

    Beano and Nego raise a good question - what is the best online console shooter these days? Modern Warfare 1 still seems to be the king, Halo 3 is a strong contender, and my housemate swears by MAG for the scale of battles. I'm not much of an online player but I'm curious about what people think is the top title.

  • ignatiusjreilly #22 2 years ago

    what is the best online console shooter these days?

    Well, I've never played the console version but it's gotta be BF:BC2, no?

  • onyxbox #23 2 years ago

    Played Reach yesterday and this morning and TBH... I was hoping for a little more.
    It's looks like Halo 3 with some blur (a bit dated), it feels a bit smoother to play but the gameplayeplay just hasn't moved on much.

    Perhaps this new team over at 343 is what Halo needs.

  • miiiguel #24 2 years ago

    It's funny to read mr Stifler's post and imediatly after mr. Beano, one says it's nothing like Halo so it sucks, and the later says it's all too Halo, so it sucks. I bet they knew it sucked way before they tried it, just needed the narrative around the idea of "suck".

  • doulema #25 2 years ago

    @SPAM

    Now I know why you have that nickname. Cause you are easily without trying as annoying as spamming through threads and emails. Thumbs up and get a life. Might help you say something more useful next time. And please, don't ask why. It's like you are wondering why they call you a slut when you are walking around with crotchless panties ffs.

    @Beano ( & some of the rest complainers and non satisfied )

    All that from a first try of multiplayer full of bugs and bad connections? Its meant to be with lots of added elements. You should be able to imagine you haven't even done half the things you could in a single round when you DO know the game and mechanics of the new Halo when it even returns you to the old style of single handed each and every one handed weapon. You didnt get to try the shields, learn how and when to use them, how to use the jetpack correctly to your advantage and so on.

    Ill put it in simple few words. You guys sound like noobs that dont know the basics to a game thats not just shoot and kill a.k.a. you NEED to learn the game before you can know if its good, sucks or limited whatsoever.

    Personally I just downloaded the beta but i have to go rest cause Im working again tonight so might before work if I have time home alone :) We shall see and I'll let you know if I think it sucks, ruined or good ( hopefully ). Not that you should care for my opinion like i dont care for others' but just saying :p

  • GamesConnoisseur #26 2 years ago

    Nothing like Halo to stir up such a fuss!

    I ve played it this morning after failing to get a match last night, first match was a disaster and caused my team to lose at last minute. Was not awed by the graphic or the mechanics.

    But by third game, Skull I managed to win the match by reaching 25 skulls and nearest competitor was on a measly 11 or so! By then I grasped the importance of equipment, using weapons and layout of the map. By then I enjoyed the game a lotta more.

    Graphic is just nice and functional, I mean pre MW2, Killzone 2 it would have been beautiful but even with a lot more details there is still a 'low res' feel due to the present of jaggies.

    I got 42" 1080p so I would be able to notice them more but however these are quite acceptable as the most important factor in game of Reach calibre is the smoothness, gameplay fun and the mechanics.

    Believe Bungie outdone themselves and ensure countless hours of MP fun which is more mature and fair then previous Halo MP in my opinion. Slower paced, and visibly quite a lot less of speedy kangeroo jumpings.

    A thumbs up from me.

  • muscleblade #27 2 years ago

    I think it was fantastic. Yes it is similar to Halo 2 and 3. Is that a surprise?

  • Stifler #28 2 years ago

    @miiiguel

    at what point did I say it sucked. All i said was it was kinda generic and gimmicky, not once did i use the word suck.

    I'm probably the biggest halo fanboi around but i wont praise something for being good just because it has halo in the title.

    I said it was fun, but nothing a ma z i n g

    Thats all, now wind your neck in.

  • actionfitz #29 2 years ago

    anyone else notice points not carrying over between sessions?
    i lost over 200 between last night and this morning :/

  • doragor #30 2 years ago

    I had a blast. Waited an average of 10 minutes to get into a match, that's as bad as it got. Still getting used to the new weapons (I can't seem to kick ass with the DMR as I hoped I would) and power ups... jetpacks are a riot and easy to control, love the camo as well.
    The Bungie forums are teeming with whining cretins of course.

  • Dylbot #31 2 years ago

    @ignatiusjreilly

    Would have to agree with you there. Aside from the missus giving Bioshock 2 a bash, no other game has had a chance of getting near my 360 since I got BFBC2. I enjoyed Halo 3 to begin with, in a kind of "nostalgia for 4-player Halo 2 sessions" kind of way, but it soon tapered off, as I imagine it would do if I put money down for Reach. Unless they put in another awesome close-quarters map like Beaver Creek for some frantic rounds of Rocket Knights (Rockets/Swords, no montion sensor), which could only be improved by jetpacks.

    I don't know, half of me hates the Halo franchise and the other half won't let those fond memories of Halo 2 go. Beta peoples, help me out here.

  • irrelevanthuman #32 2 years ago

    Only got a couple of games in last night but it was brilliant fun,plays as smooth as butter,the new elements have added depth and it looks bloody nice to boot-no complaints from me.Can't wait to get stuck in again tonight.

  • Uncle_Fishboy #33 2 years ago

    Not sure what tossing over the feedback is going to achieve - other than a sore cock?

  • afghan_jones #34 2 years ago

    Its awesome, and likely to be the best online shooter ever once the full featureset and maps have been revealed.

    If you dont like it or think its the same as H3 H2 you are playing it wrong.

  • Beano #35 2 years ago

    @miiiguel : Where did I say Reach sucks?

    I said my first impressions were "meh" - and CLEARLY based on one game only before the server(s) overloaded and I had to give up last night. I expected more than the first impressions led me to belive. I will play some more (when it's possible) and maybe I will change my opinion when I try more game modes and maps - but unless you can promise that the rest offers something A LOT better/different, I have my doubts.

    I'm sorry I'm not all caught up in the hype...

  • TruWari3r #36 2 years ago

    Loved it and will get it day 1 but..

    since bfbc2 I really needs me destruction in my mp

    Hopefully Invasion will be that changing type of mp game for me then.


    As for the armor abilities, they're a bit too weak if you ask me. You don't have to counter any of them. The jet packs are awesome though, an absolute riot to use.

  • chrisola #37 2 years ago

    do the guns still sound rubbish? That always bugged me about the Halo series....like in Half Life 1 & 2 -- the guns just sound weak (is there a link between decent games and weak sounding guns?)

    And yes, i play BFBC2 on War Tapes audio setting.

  • Apostle #38 2 years ago

    My god man, that pixel right there is not in the correct place! This game has graphics "like arse"! Pfft. Never gonna buy it now, rubbish game.

  • CaptainQuint #39 2 years ago

    It was never gonna convince the naysayers (they're too far gone now anyway, to come in from the cold, and keep face), but of the handful of games I managed to get into last night, the game was freakin' wicked. A Halo player's dream.

    Can't wait to get back on it to tonight. REVENGE!!!

  • UltimateDave_80 #40 2 years ago

    @chrisola - There is definately some more "meat" to the sound of the guns now which I really liked.

  • Negotiator #41 2 years ago

    I tell you something for only two maps ( at the moment) and a few gametypes I have never been more impressed with a online FPS. It just feels right when you control it, something no other FPS (apart from MW 1 AND 2) have, also it is so unpredictable unlike most FPS (including MW 1 and 2). And lets be honest Halo is just cool as f**k, no other game looks or plays like it ( and the graphics are superb, don't listen to the haters).

  • Invisible_Cow #42 2 years ago

    It's Halo 3 with jetpacks. For some, that will be awesome; personally, it seems a bit samey. It's quite good fun, but I can't see it being anywhere near as big as Halo 3.

  • actionfitz #43 2 years ago

    Just foun this on the bungie forums, answers my question and it's a known bug it seems:

    "-When a player drops a flag off during stockpile, another player can pick it up and drop it back off and get the points while the real player to drop it off receives nothing."

    Good to know it's something that should get fixed, though will be annoying playing the rest of the Beta with assholes.

  • jamie_fear #44 2 years ago

    @chrisola

    Guns sound much better! I had the same complaint as you in the other Halo games, now they feel as though they have much more weight and punch behind them. Disagree with your HL2 comment though :-P

  • Seabeast #45 2 years ago

    @Bulkpack

    Do you work for Bungie? I really did 'lol' at your comment, I really did.

    Halo 3 played pretty much exactly like the Original and next to other shooters felt very, very dated. After playing a few maps on Reach it's obvious that Bungie have yet again played it safe and done pretty much nothing to bring the Halo franchise into this Gen apart from update the graphics a little.

    Thanks for the laughs though, I never thought fanboism could reach such a level.
    Edited by Seabeast at 04/05/10 @ 18:16

  • CaptainQuint #46 2 years ago

    ^ Typical response of the plebeian contingent.

  • sfp_noodle #47 2 years ago

    I still regularly play Halo 3 and enjoy it quite a bit. I have to say though, and even the biggest Halo fan cannot deny this - Reach feels exactly the same with a few new toys thown in. Guns have a bit more detail and sound a lot better, but in all honesty, when my brother walked in and said 'Did they patch Halo 3 with new guns' it confirmed what I originally thought. Others might feel differently, but this is just my opinion. I'm perfectly happy sticking with Halo 3 as Reach has left me wanting an awful lot more.

    Halo 3 wasn't a big leap over Halo 2 either, but the amount of online content, as well as Forge made it the benchmark for online FPS gaming. I don't see anything fresh with Halo Reach. I'm not even a graphics whore but c'mon, I expected a much bigger improvement than the one given. It still looks cartoony.

    Unless the final game improves, I'm quite happy to stick with Halo 3 until the price drops after Christmas.

  • sfp_noodle #48 2 years ago

    'I think it was fantastic. Yes it is similar to Halo 2 and 3. Is that a surprise?'

    Of course its a surprise! Not a good one either. I don't see how anyone can accept any game that is similar to a game that came 6 and 3 years before it. With the dev time so significant between cycles, we as gamers expect more. Bungie already played the 'play it safe' card with Halo 3. That was similar to Halo 2 but with much more variety and of course, the excellent Forge. Adding a jetpack is not significant evolution when the game is coming 3 years after it's last full fat release.

  • Negotiator #49 2 years ago

    The muppets are talking about two maps from a Beta, and they are saying it hasn't changed enough, shut up. We have seen but a fraction of this Beta so far, two maps have yet to come online and two new gametypes. As for the final game, I'd say this Beta has about 20 percent of what the final Reach MP will have and we have campaign as well.