Post by furiont on Jul 14, 2005 14:43:06 GMT -5
As most of us know, our styles of play are sometimes represented by animals (or insects), such as a bear, wolf, spider, etc. One of the styles that many seem to toss themselves away from, is the vulture. It seems to be one of the last animals to be chosen when people explain their gaming style.
First of all, I do not think there is an incorrect style to the game. Each style has its strengths. Each style has its weaknesses as well. I think one misconception that occurs with the vulture is that a vulture has "no skills" or that it doesnt take much to be a vulture. But I tend to think that be good at any of the styles, there must be some skill involved.
Let's start with associations that are made concerning vultures. They are scavengers. True. But who isn't? The game of Halo is not a game of mercy. If someone is hurt, you don't just let them go and heal up. You attack them when they are vulnerable. Each "animal" attacks others at vulnerable points. A spider attacks an unsuspecting player around the corner. A bear may attack a sniper at close range with a shotgun. A vulture attacks not only when a player's health is down, but also when attention is not on the vulture, which is what makes one successful.
What makes a vulture effective is tactics based not only on what he/she does, but also on the actions of others.
A vulture must be perceptive. Visual and sound cues are basics to what can make a good vulture what he/she is. SMG's most likely means a mid range fight. Shotgun sound... short range. Sniper sound... long range. Is more than one weapon heard? Is it a dual wielder, or a battle? These are things a vulture is awaiting for the attack.
Another key is to approach with stealth. If a vulture is about to attack, but is out in the open, they have diverted attention to themself. High spots, or spots with a lot of cover and a view of the arena.
A vulture must know when is the best time to attack. It is also very important to determine WHO to attack. If two are fighting, which one was fired upon first. That is usually the one the vulture will attack first. Most likely, the one being attacked upon will fire back at the one attacking. Therefore... the vulture is not being fired on at all, which gives the vulture a vast advantage. The key is to wait for the one being attacked to divert attention to the one attacking him/her. If the vulture fires first, the attention may be diverted to the vulture, leading to possible failure. Once the two are engaged in combat, the vuture takes out the weakest opponent, then goes after the next. The weapon choice will depend on distance.
Grenades are a vulture's best friend. A well timed grenade into a group of fighters has a high probability of taking at least one out.
A vulture relies on others begin fights. The vultures objective is to eliminate those engaged in a battle.
A vulture does not only rely on damage others deal, but damage he/she deals. If a player is damaged, a vulture will pursuit the player damaged. Here is the key... the pursuit must be with stealth and unexpected (like a spider). Do not take the usual path. Take a path with most cover. Also use deception, either by throwing grenades to redirect the victim or by firing.
There is one big disadvantage to being a vulture.... head to head battles. A vulture can be weak, if not prepared in head to head combat. Therefore, the vulture must take the first blood from the victim, as well as be his own scavenger.
In summary, I don't think a vuture is a bad representation of one's playing style. Each style has its unique characteristic, and vulture is the same. Others may detest the style, but if it's effective, I say stick with it. Lastly, and most importantly, each style needs skill and strategy to make one a good Halo player, and being a vulture is no different.
First of all, I do not think there is an incorrect style to the game. Each style has its strengths. Each style has its weaknesses as well. I think one misconception that occurs with the vulture is that a vulture has "no skills" or that it doesnt take much to be a vulture. But I tend to think that be good at any of the styles, there must be some skill involved.
Let's start with associations that are made concerning vultures. They are scavengers. True. But who isn't? The game of Halo is not a game of mercy. If someone is hurt, you don't just let them go and heal up. You attack them when they are vulnerable. Each "animal" attacks others at vulnerable points. A spider attacks an unsuspecting player around the corner. A bear may attack a sniper at close range with a shotgun. A vulture attacks not only when a player's health is down, but also when attention is not on the vulture, which is what makes one successful.
What makes a vulture effective is tactics based not only on what he/she does, but also on the actions of others.
A vulture must be perceptive. Visual and sound cues are basics to what can make a good vulture what he/she is. SMG's most likely means a mid range fight. Shotgun sound... short range. Sniper sound... long range. Is more than one weapon heard? Is it a dual wielder, or a battle? These are things a vulture is awaiting for the attack.
Another key is to approach with stealth. If a vulture is about to attack, but is out in the open, they have diverted attention to themself. High spots, or spots with a lot of cover and a view of the arena.
A vulture must know when is the best time to attack. It is also very important to determine WHO to attack. If two are fighting, which one was fired upon first. That is usually the one the vulture will attack first. Most likely, the one being attacked upon will fire back at the one attacking. Therefore... the vulture is not being fired on at all, which gives the vulture a vast advantage. The key is to wait for the one being attacked to divert attention to the one attacking him/her. If the vulture fires first, the attention may be diverted to the vulture, leading to possible failure. Once the two are engaged in combat, the vuture takes out the weakest opponent, then goes after the next. The weapon choice will depend on distance.
Grenades are a vulture's best friend. A well timed grenade into a group of fighters has a high probability of taking at least one out.
A vulture relies on others begin fights. The vultures objective is to eliminate those engaged in a battle.
A vulture does not only rely on damage others deal, but damage he/she deals. If a player is damaged, a vulture will pursuit the player damaged. Here is the key... the pursuit must be with stealth and unexpected (like a spider). Do not take the usual path. Take a path with most cover. Also use deception, either by throwing grenades to redirect the victim or by firing.
There is one big disadvantage to being a vulture.... head to head battles. A vulture can be weak, if not prepared in head to head combat. Therefore, the vulture must take the first blood from the victim, as well as be his own scavenger.
In summary, I don't think a vuture is a bad representation of one's playing style. Each style has its unique characteristic, and vulture is the same. Others may detest the style, but if it's effective, I say stick with it. Lastly, and most importantly, each style needs skill and strategy to make one a good Halo player, and being a vulture is no different.
