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War Games: Difference between revisions

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[[File:H5 - Beta Red vs Blue.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Blue and Red Teams in competitive War Games.]]
[[File:H5 - Beta Red vs Blue.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Blue and Red Teams in competitive War Games.]]


'''UNSC War Games''', often shortened as '''War Games''', and also called '''War Games simulations''' when done in simulations, is a variant of [[UNSC]] combat training. The training is often done in specialized locations, and is used frequently by the [[SPARTAN programs]].<ref name="Grim">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/canon-fodder-3-21-15-marching-on/bbac6734-f6bb-449e-8c79-0098a02c7884/posts?page=2#post23 '''Halo Waypoint''': '''Canon Fodder 3-21-15 thread''']</ref> Although there is also events held using the name '''War Games''' that is often used by non-augmented personnel for inter-service training as well.<ref name="vale">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/olympia-vale '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Olympia Vale'']</ref>  
'''UNSC War Games''', often shortened as '''War Games''', is a form of [[UNSC]] combat training. The training is often carried out in specialized locations, and is used frequently by the [[SPARTAN programs]].<ref name="Grim">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/canon-fodder-3-21-15-marching-on/bbac6734-f6bb-449e-8c79-0098a02c7884/posts?page=2#post23 '''Halo Waypoint''': '''Canon Fodder 3-21-15 thread''']</ref> However, War Games evens are also held for non-[[Biological augmentation|augmented]] personnel for inter-service training.<ref name="vale">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/olympia-vale '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Olympia Vale'']</ref>  


==Overview==
==Overview==
War Games exercises can be preformed in either a live or simulated environments.
War Games exercises can be performed in either live or simulated environments.
===Live training===
===Live training===
These War Games exercises are done in open environments, where they had buildings to help watch over them like a watchtower. These exercises unlike the simulated versions were often done using live targets and ammunition.<ref name="BTSDMP">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpsqbTRYRD4 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Behind the Scenes - Defiant Map Pack'']</ref>
Live War Games exercises are done in open environments with watchtowers and other buildings for the instructors to oversee the trainees. These exercises, unlike the simulated versions, are often carried out using live targets and ammunition.<ref name="BTSDMP">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpsqbTRYRD4 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Behind the Scenes - Defiant Map Pack'']</ref>


[[File:H5-Breakout-Red-Jump.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Red team ready for [[Breakout]].]]
[[File:H5-Breakout-Red-Jump.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Red team ready for [[Breakout]].]]
===Simulated training===
===Simulated training===
These War Games training facilities, often called War Games Chambers, use a combination of [[Holography|holographic]] projectors, millions of pneumatic risers,<ref name="fieldguide">[http://halo.bungie.org/misc/ExpertZone_Halo4_Guide.pdf '''Halo.Bungie.Org''', ''Halo 4 Field Guide'']</ref> props, and simulated sensory information fed through a [[neural interface]] to generate realistic environments in which combat simulations are initiated.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-beta-late-than-never '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Beta Late Than Never'']</ref>  
These War Games training facilities, often called War Games Chambers,{{Citation needed}} use a combination of [[Holography|holographic]] projectors, millions of pneumatic risers,<ref name="fieldguide">[http://halo.bungie.org/misc/ExpertZone_Halo4_Guide.pdf '''Halo.Bungie.Org''', ''Halo 4 Field Guide'']</ref> props, and simulated sensory information fed through a [[neural interface]] to generate realistic environments in which combat simulations are initiated.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-beta-late-than-never '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Beta Late Than Never'']</ref>  


Simulated training can be watched by via cameras or specialized areas spread out around the fields,<ref name="New Blood">'''[[Halo: New Blood]]''' ''- Chapter 15 page 134(Physical version)''</ref> and some facilities even have a AI, such as [[Jeff Steitzer|one]] that manages the War Games simulator on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} and acts as the games' announcer, [[Sarah Palmer]], the commander of the ship's Spartan contingent, has a low opinion of it.<ref name="HE1"/>
Simulated training can be watched by via cameras or specialized areas spread out around the fields,<ref name="New Blood">'''[[Halo: New Blood]]''' ''- Chapter 15 page 134(Physical version)''</ref> and some facilities even have a AI, such as [[Jeff Steitzer|one]] that manages the War Games simulator on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} and acts as the games' announcer. [[Sarah Palmer]], the commander of the ship's Spartan contingent, has a low opinion of the AI.<ref name="HE1"/>


War Games simulations also balancing to several of its weapons and AI. A notable example is the [[M6_Spartan_Laser#Selene.27s_Lance|M6/E Selene's Lance]], where balancing adds extra recoil to the weapon.
War Games simulations sometimes introduce "balancing" to several weapons and AI units. A notable example is the [[M6_Spartan_Laser#Selene.27s_Lance|M6/E Selene's Lance]], where balancing adds extra recoil to the weapon.


==Training and events==
==Training and events==
[[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTAN-IV]] fireteams routinely train in the War Games simulator to hone their strength and skills. Upon reaching a [[Rank (Halo 4)|Spartan rank]] of level 50, they are given the option to enlist in a [[specialization]] in their field of choice, should they wish, they may also apply for multiple specialist rankings.<ref>'''[[Halo 4 Limited Edition]]''', ''[[Infinity Briefing Packet|UNSC ''Infinity'' briefing packet]]''</ref> Baseline soldiers who perform exceptionally in inter-service War Games events are sometimes picked as potential candidates for the SPARTAN-IV program.<ref name="vale"/> The [[ANVIL initiative]] indicates a number of very select joint training engagements between SPARTAN-IVs and [[Sangheili]] of [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s [[Swords of Sanghelios]] aboard [[Anvil Station]].<ref name="Have S'moa">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-have-s-moa '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: 2-20-15'']</ref> War Games simulations are not exclusively competitive; in some scenarios the participants train against AI-controlled Covenant<ref name="HE1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue 1]]''</ref> and/or Promethean enemies, and sometimes against AI and Spartans, with some simulations even featuring AI Marines.<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]] [[Warzone]]'''</ref>
[[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTAN-IV]] fireteams routinely train in War Games simulations to hone their strength and skills. Upon reaching a [[Rank (Halo 4)|Spartan rank]] of level 50, they are given the option to enlist in a [[specialization]] in their field of choice, should they wish, they may also apply for multiple specialist rankings.<ref>'''[[Halo 4 Limited Edition]]''', ''[[Infinity Briefing Packet|UNSC ''Infinity'' briefing packet]]''</ref> Baseline soldiers who perform exceptionally in inter-service War Games events are sometimes picked as potential candidates for the SPARTAN-IV program.<ref name="vale"/> The [[ANVIL initiative]] indicates a number of very select joint training engagements between SPARTAN-IVs and [[Sangheili]] of [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s [[Swords of Sanghelios]] aboard [[Anvil Station]].<ref name="Have S'moa">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-have-s-moa '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: 2-20-15'']</ref> War Games simulations are not exclusively competitive; in some scenarios the participants train against AI-controlled Covenant<ref name="HE1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue 1]]''</ref> and/or Promethean enemies, and sometimes against AI and Spartans, with some simulations even featuring AI Marines.<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]] [[Warzone]]'''</ref>


==History==
==History==
Before the end of the Human-Covenant War, War Games were mostly live training, in locations such as the [[Military Wilderness Training Preserve]] before the planets fall.<ref name="BTSDMP"/>
Before the end of the Human-Covenant War, War Games were mostly live training in locations such as the [[Military Wilderness Training Preserve]] before the planet's fall.<ref name="BTSDMP"/> By January [[2553]], War Games simulations could not support AI-driven targets yet, forcing the need for live targets;<ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation]] Library Edition''' ''- Commentary''</ref> by March [[2555]], AI-driven targets such as Sangheili had been added to the simulations.<ref>'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''' ''- Chapter 4 Page 80(Physical edition)''</ref> On January 28th [[2555]], [[Anvil Station]] saw heavy use of experimental technology in use between [[Sangheili]] and Spartans in War Games simulations.


In January [[2553]], War Games simulations could not support AI-driven targets yet, forcing the need for live targets.<ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation]] Library Edition''' ''- Commentary''</ref>
By February [[2558]], War Game simulations were being used regularly by Spartans on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}. Sometime after the UNSC encountered the [[Warden Eternal]] in October 2558 it was added to the [[Warzone]] section of War Games simulations, following the introduction of many other [[Promethean]] constructs to the simulator.
 
On January 28th [[2555]], [[Anvil Station]] saw heavy use of experimental technology in use between [[Sangheili]] and Spartans in War Games simulations. By March 2555, AI-driven targets such as Sangheili had been added to the simulations.<ref>'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''' ''- Chapter 4 Page 80(Physical edition)''</ref>
 
By February [[2558]], War Game simulations were being used regularly by Spartans on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}. Sometime after the UNSC encountered the [[Warden Eternal]] in October 2558 it was added to the [[Warzone]] section of War Games simulations.


==Facilities and locations==
==Facilities and locations==
===Live training===
===Live training===
*[[Military Wilderness Training Preserve]], [[Highland Mountains]], [[Viery Territory]], [[Reach]]
The [[Military Wilderness Training Preserve]] in the [[Highland Mountains]] within [[Reach]]'s [[Viery Territory]] was a live War Games training ground most notably used to [[SPARTAN-II training|train]] the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-IIs]] between [[2517]] and [[2525]].
 
===Simulated===
===Simulated===
Many locations house War Games combat decks, including several [[warship]]s including {{UNSCShip|Infinity}},<ref name="needle me this">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-needle-me-this '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Needle Me This'']</ref> the corporate-sponsored [[Munera Platform]]s and other combat training orbitals,<ref name="hwp munera">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/munera-platform '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Munera Platform'']</ref> and [[Anvil Station]].<ref name="vale"/>  
Many locations house War Games combat decks, among them several [[warship]]s including {{UNSCShip|Infinity}},<ref name="needle me this">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-needle-me-this '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Needle Me This'']</ref> the corporate-sponsored [[Munera Platform]]s and other combat training orbitals,<ref name="hwp munera">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/munera-platform '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Munera Platform'']</ref> and [[Anvil Station]].<ref name="vale"/>  


In addition, several terrestrial [[military base]]s also house War Games simulators. The size and scope of each individual War Games facility varies based on the needs and resources of their associated installation.<ref name="needle me this"/>  
In addition, several terrestrial [[military base]]s also house War Games simulators. The size and scope of each individual War Games facility varies based on the needs and resources of their associated installation.<ref name="needle me this"/>  


==Simulated War Game Maps==
==Simulated War Game maps==
Most of the Simulated War Games environments are recreated from either detailed scans, partial records or remote survey data of actual locations around the galaxy, although artistic flourishes may be applied at the simulation designers' discretion. Examples of such conceits include the anachronistic use of given starship, vehicle or emblem designs sometimes encountered in War Games simulations.<ref name="Catalog">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/halo-5-truth/7c25c1e2-29a4-4ef9-bf84-f9912215a0a0/posts?page=1#post17 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo 5 Truth'']</ref>  
Most of the Simulated War Games environments are recreated from either detailed scans, partial records or remote survey data of actual locations around the galaxy, although artistic flourishes may be applied at the simulation designers' discretion. Examples of such conceits include the anachronistic use of given starship, vehicle or emblem designs sometimes encountered in War Games simulations.<ref name="Catalog">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/halo-5-truth/7c25c1e2-29a4-4ef9-bf84-f9912215a0a0/posts?page=1#post17 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo 5 Truth'']</ref>  


Revision as of 07:54, August 19, 2016

"This unparalleled, revolutionary battle simulation is where Spartans go to hone their skills in competitive combat."
— Halo Waypoint
Blue and Red Teams in competitive War Games.

UNSC War Games, often shortened as War Games, is a form of UNSC combat training. The training is often carried out in specialized locations, and is used frequently by the SPARTAN programs.[1] However, War Games evens are also held for non-augmented personnel for inter-service training.[2]

Overview

War Games exercises can be performed in either live or simulated environments.

Live training

Live War Games exercises are done in open environments with watchtowers and other buildings for the instructors to oversee the trainees. These exercises, unlike the simulated versions, are often carried out using live targets and ammunition.[3]

Red team ready for Breakout.

Simulated training

These War Games training facilities, often called War Games Chambers,[citation needed] use a combination of holographic projectors, millions of pneumatic risers,[4] props, and simulated sensory information fed through a neural interface to generate realistic environments in which combat simulations are initiated.[5]

Simulated training can be watched by via cameras or specialized areas spread out around the fields,[6] and some facilities even have a AI, such as one that manages the War Games simulator on the UNSC Infinity and acts as the games' announcer. Sarah Palmer, the commander of the ship's Spartan contingent, has a low opinion of the AI.[7]

War Games simulations sometimes introduce "balancing" to several weapons and AI units. A notable example is the M6/E Selene's Lance, where balancing adds extra recoil to the weapon.

Training and events

SPARTAN-IV fireteams routinely train in War Games simulations to hone their strength and skills. Upon reaching a Spartan rank of level 50, they are given the option to enlist in a specialization in their field of choice, should they wish, they may also apply for multiple specialist rankings.[8] Baseline soldiers who perform exceptionally in inter-service War Games events are sometimes picked as potential candidates for the SPARTAN-IV program.[2] The ANVIL initiative indicates a number of very select joint training engagements between SPARTAN-IVs and Sangheili of Arbiter Thel 'Vadam's Swords of Sanghelios aboard Anvil Station.[9] War Games simulations are not exclusively competitive; in some scenarios the participants train against AI-controlled Covenant[7] and/or Promethean enemies, and sometimes against AI and Spartans, with some simulations even featuring AI Marines.[10]

History

Before the end of the Human-Covenant War, War Games were mostly live training in locations such as the Military Wilderness Training Preserve before the planet's fall.[3] By January 2553, War Games simulations could not support AI-driven targets yet, forcing the need for live targets;[11] by March 2555, AI-driven targets such as Sangheili had been added to the simulations.[12] On January 28th 2555, Anvil Station saw heavy use of experimental technology in use between Sangheili and Spartans in War Games simulations.

By February 2558, War Game simulations were being used regularly by Spartans on the UNSC Infinity. Sometime after the UNSC encountered the Warden Eternal in October 2558 it was added to the Warzone section of War Games simulations, following the introduction of many other Promethean constructs to the simulator.

Facilities and locations

Live training

The Military Wilderness Training Preserve in the Highland Mountains within Reach's Viery Territory was a live War Games training ground most notably used to train the Spartan-IIs between 2517 and 2525.

Simulated

Many locations house War Games combat decks, among them several warships including UNSC Infinity,[13] the corporate-sponsored Munera Platforms and other combat training orbitals,[14] and Anvil Station.[2]

In addition, several terrestrial military bases also house War Games simulators. The size and scope of each individual War Games facility varies based on the needs and resources of their associated installation.[13]

Simulated War Game maps

Most of the Simulated War Games environments are recreated from either detailed scans, partial records or remote survey data of actual locations around the galaxy, although artistic flourishes may be applied at the simulation designers' discretion. Examples of such conceits include the anachronistic use of given starship, vehicle or emblem designs sometimes encountered in War Games simulations.[15]

Problems arose as many departments were stretched thin due to the UNSC's struggle to maintain a cohesive presence across colonized space. Because of this, the military began the Cartographer Initiative to recruit much needed War Games map designers to help keep the Spartan branch operating efficiently.[16]

List of known map designations

Halo 2

Halo 2: Anniversary

  • War Games Map_Set/: 209-11 "Remnant"

Halo 3

Halo 4

  • War Games Map_Set/: 232-8 "Meltdown"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 259-3 "Vortex"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 309-8 "Harvest"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 389-4 "Haven"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 449-2 "Impact"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 490-2 "Skyline"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 505-2 "Abandon"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 593-6 "Shatter"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 615-3 "Complex"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 673-4 "Monolith"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 726-6 "Adrift"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 755-3 "Perdition"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 733-4 "Ragnarok"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 773-9 "Erosion"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 784-4 "Exile"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 822-2 "Outcast"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 891-3 "Landfall"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 893-3 "Wreckage"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 902-5 "Daybreak"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 951-3 "Longbow"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 982-3 "Ravine"
  • War Games Map_Set/: 992-0 "Solace"

Halo 5: Guardians

Simulated Gametypes

The following is a list of gametypes which are known to be included in War Games.

As a multiplayer mode

Introduction to Spartan career in War Games in Halo 4.

War Games was introduced in Halo 4 as the in-universe framing device for the game's multiplayer[17] and is featured in a similar fashion in the subsequent Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Online. 343 Industries writer Jeff Easterling has suggested that virtually all competitive multiplayer modes throughout Halo's history could regarded as War Games exercises. However, he notes that fans should not "start splitting hairs about regarding specific time frames and extrapolating implications" from his statement.[1] Nevertheless, 343 Industries has assigned canonical War Games-based designations to several Halo 2 and Halo 3 multiplayer maps, indicating that they are meant to be seen as part of a War Games simulation.[18]

Gallery

  • A War Games field in the Military Wilderness Training Preserve in Halo Reach.

    A War Games field in the Military Wilderness Training Preserve in Halo Reach.

  • Early concept art of a War Games map for Halo 4.

    Early concept art of a War Games map for Halo 4.

  • Another early concept for a multiplayer map.

    Another early concept for a multiplayer map.

  • Spartan-IVs participating in a game of Capture the Flag on Exile.

    Spartan-IVs participating in a game of Capture the Flag on Exile.

  • A Spartan-IV hijacking a Ghost on Vortex.

    A Spartan-IV hijacking a Ghost on Vortex.

  • Sarah Palmer participating in a game of invasion in Halo: Escalation.

    Sarah Palmer participating in a game of invasion in Halo: Escalation.

  • Commander Palmer and Fireteam Jackknife inside the simulation deck.

    Commander Palmer and Fireteam Jackknife inside the simulation deck.

  • Sarah Palmer killing a simulated Mgalekgolo in War Games.

    Sarah Palmer killing a simulated Mgalekgolo in War Games.

  • Concept art of the Breakout arena for Halo 5: Guardians.

    Concept art of the Breakout arena for Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Concept art of UNSC personnel on the observation deck overseeing the Breakout station in the background.

    Concept art of UNSC personnel on the observation deck overseeing the Breakout station in the background.

  • Spartan-IVs on Red Team win a match on Truth in War Games in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

    Spartan-IVs on Red Team win a match on Truth in War Games in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

  • An animation of Blue Team winning a match on Eden in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

    An animation of Blue Team winning a match on Eden in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

  • Spartan-IVs fighting each other, Prometheans, and Covenant in a game of Warzone on Escape from ARC in Halo 5: Guardians.

    Spartan-IVs fighting each other, Prometheans, and Covenant in a game of Warzone on Escape from ARC in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Blue team ready for Breakout.

    Blue team ready for Breakout.

  • Blue Team wins a match on Entombed.

    Blue Team wins a match on Entombed.

  • Spartan-IVs and Sangheili on Anvil Station in Halo Online.

    Spartan-IVs and Sangheili on Anvil Station in Halo Online.

  • Spartan-IVs on Anvil Station in a game on Reactor.

    Spartan-IVs on Anvil Station in a game on Reactor.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder 3-21-15 thread
  2. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint: Olympia Vale
  3. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Behind the Scenes - Defiant Map Pack
  4. ^ Halo.Bungie.Org, Halo 4 Field Guide
  5. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Beta Late Than Never
  6. ^ Halo: New Blood - Chapter 15 page 134(Physical version)
  7. ^ a b Halo: Escalation, Issue 1
  8. ^ Halo 4 Limited Edition, UNSC Infinity briefing packet
  9. ^ Halo Waypoint - Canon Fodder: 2-20-15
  10. ^ Halo 5: Guardians Warzone
  11. ^ Halo: Escalation Library Edition - Commentary
  12. ^ Halo: Hunters in the Dark - Chapter 4 Page 80(Physical edition)
  13. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Needle Me This
  14. ^ Halo Waypoint: Munera Platform
  15. ^ Halo Waypoint: Halo 5 Truth
  16. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Close Quarters
  17. ^ YouTube: Making Halo 4: First Look
  18. ^ Halo Waypoint: New Mombasa
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