DING DING DING ROUND 2 Alright guys and gals, it’s play list two in action for the Halo: Reach Beta. This time around the guys from Bungie have released Invasion and Invasion Slayer. Invasion is a three part campaign for Elites, the first and second part consist of getting into the Spartan base and capturing a generator to deactivate the shields that block the Elites from advancing further into the Spartan base. The third part for Elites involves forcing their way out of the Spartan base with intel and delivering it to a Covenant drop ship. If the Spartans can halt any advance of the Elites and time runs out then the game is over.
During the first part both teams have limited access to classes, either consisting of different load outs of weaponry and abilities. After the Elites capture the first base classes open up and more are available along with a weapon drop and some vehicles for the Spartans. During the third part even more variations of classes and weapons are unlocked, even vehicles for the Elites are available. The load out list and classes are as follows for each part:
Boneyard Map
This decommissioned UNSC frigate and Commonwealth site is a big playground. The stage feels like two in one, depending on how you look at it. A couple of places have two stories in them, while weapons can be found scattered throughout the map. Vehicles are also in this and are at the very opposite ends of the stage. The Spartan base, and the beginning of the outskirts.
Part 1
Elite Loadouts
Warrior (Plasma Repeater, Plasma Pistol, 2 Plasma Grenades, Evade)
Assassin (Needler, No Secondary, 1 Plasma Grenade, Active Camo) – only available in Invasion, not Invasion Slayer
Spartan Loadouts
Scout (AR, Magnum, 2 Frags, Sprint)
Marksman (DMR, No Secondary, 1 Frag, Sprint) – only available in Invasion, not Invasion Slayer
Vehicles On Map
None
Part 2
Elite Loadouts
Dark Assassin (Needler, Plasma Pistol, 2 Plasma Grenades, Active Camo)
Zealot (Needle Rifle, Plasma Pistol, 2 Plasma Grenades, Evade)
Spartan Loadouts
Guard (AR, Magnum, 2 Frags, Armor Lock)
Recon Marksman (DMR, Magnum, 2 Frags, Sprint)
Vehicles On Map
Warthog
Ghost
Part 3
Elite Loadouts
Ranger (Plasma Repeater, Plasma Pistol, 2 Plasma Grenades, Jetpack)
Royal Zealot (Needle Rifle, Plasma Repeater, 3 Plasma Grenades, Evade)
Gladiator (Energy Sword, Plasma Repeater, 2 Plasma grenades, Evade)
Champion Assassin (Needler, Plasma Repeater, 3 Plasma Grenades, Active Camo)
Spartan Loadouts
Airborne (AR, Magnum, 2 Frags, Jetpack)
Expert Marksman (DMR, AR, 3 Frags, Sprint)
Operator (Shotgun, Magnum, 3 Frags, Armor Lock)
Grenadier (Grenade Launcher, AR, 3 Frags, Sprint)
Vehicles On Map
Warthog
Scorpion
Ghost
Banshee
Wraith
Invasion Slayer is basically Spartans vs. Elites first team to 100 kills win. You’ll find randomly positioned territories throughout Boneyard. Capture them and you’ll initiate an airdrop that will be deployed 10 seconds later. While you wait for the air drop of weapons or vehicles be ready to defend your area because there will definitely be people aiming for you. If you survive long enough be sure to grab the air drop because once on the ground its up for grabs.
Phase 1 (0-25 kills, or until the 4 minute marker)
Spartan Weapon Drops: Power Weapons (Rocket Launcher, Sniper Rifle)
Elite Weapon Drops: Power Weapons (Plasma Launcher, Focus Rifle), or a Ghost
Phase 2: (26-50 kills, or until the 8 minute marker)
Spartan Weapon Drops: Power Weapons, or a Warthog
Elite Weapon Drops: Power Weapons, or a Ghost, or a Banshee
Phase 3: (51-75 kills, or until the 12 minute marker)
Spartan Weapon Drops: Power Weapons, or a Warthog, or a Scorpion
Elite Weapon Drops: Power Weapons, or a Ghost, or a Banshee, or a Wraith
Both modes are definitely something new to try out. Our encounters with Invasion is that everyone needs to have a clear understanding of what’s going on, at least from an Elite standpoint. This is also the first time where new Elite load outs include the use of Active Camo and Jet Packs. As a Spartan your just defending, but positioning yourself in the best flank territories is where the strategy comes in. As Elites the final breach to grab intel becomes surprisingly difficult if not complete teamwork is used. Boneyard Slayer adds a little more creativity to the classic Slayer type, the addition of drop ships and counters by kills helps to keep the pace going which works pretty well.
Those are pretty much the two modes up for grabs this time around. Be sure to check back for more updates!
