Gameplay

Arrival: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|H3}}
{{Status|Gameplay}}
{{disambig header|the campaign level|the soundtrack or the achievement, respectively|Arrival (music)|Arrival (achievement)}}
{{Level infobox
{{Level infobox
|prev=''[[Halo 2 Credits]]''
|pagegamelabel=H3
|next=''[[Sierra 117 (Level)|Sierra 117]]''
|prev=*[[Halo 2 credits|''Halo 2'' credits]] {{C|''[[Halo 2]]''}} {{C|''[[Halo 2 Vista|Vista]]''}}
*''[[The Great Journey]]'' {{C|''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection|MCC]]''}}
|next=''[[Sierra 117]]''
|name='''''Arrival'''''
|image=[[File:H3 Arrival Loadscreen.png|300px]]
|game=''[[Halo 3]]''
|game=''[[Halo 3]]''
|name='''''Arrival'''''
|devname=<code>005_intro</code>{{Ref/File|Id=H3EK|H3EK|H3EK\tags\levels\solo\005_intro\005_intro.scenario}}
|image=[[Image:Arsenal.jpg|300px]]
|player=[[Master_Chief_(gameplay)#Halo_3|Master Chief]]
|player=[[SPARTAN-117]]
|date=[[2552#November|November 17, 2552]]
|date= [[2553]]
|place=[[East African Protectorate]], [[Africa]]
|place=[[Republic of Kenya]], [[Africa]]
|nowalk=0
|Objective=
|enemies=
|weapons=
}}
}}
'''Arrival''' <ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAASM944nTo</ref> is the tutorial level of ''[[Halo 3]]''. It contains no actual gameplay, consisting instead of a tutorial (on lower difficulties) and the game's opening cutscene.
{{Article quote|Brace for impact.}}
'''Arrival''' is the first [[campaign]] level of ''[[Halo 3]]''. It does not contain actual gameplay, consisting instead of a look inversion test on lower difficulties, and the game's opening cutscenes.


==Plot==  
In [[Heroic]] and [[Legendary]], the only point in playing this level is because players cannot get the Campaign Complete for the Heroic and Legendary Achievements without doing so.
The Master Chief crashes in the jungles and is subsequently recovered by Johnson, the Arbiter and several marines. This level consists of no gameplay''(save on Easy and Normal, see above)'', only a cinematic cutscene.
 
==Summary==
The Master Chief crashes in an African jungle near [[Mount Kilimanjaro]] and is eventually recovered by [[Thel 'Vadam]] (the [[Arbiter]]), [[Avery Junior Johnson|Sergeant Major Avery Johnson]], and several [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]]. After a brief confrontation with 'Vadam, the Chief arms himself and prepares to move out.


==Transcript==
==Transcript==
{{Spoiler}}
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ4OsnFQXJw '''{''Cutscene''}''']
 
''It is a night sky: several bright pinpoints of white light, stars, hang in the center. It's a tranquil forest, with lush forestry and a winding river. Then, Cortana's voice begins whispering in voice-overs.''
 
*'''[[Cortana]]''' ''(V.O.)'': "They let me pick. Did I ever tell you that? Choose whichever [[SPARTAN-II Program|Spartan]] I wanted."
 
*'''Cortana''' ''(V.O.)'': "You know me. I did my research. Watched as you became the soldier we needed you to be."
 
''As the camera pans down, something comes into view entering the atmosphere, trailing flames splitting the night sky. Although it is not recognizable at this time, it is the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[Anodyne Spirit|Dreadnought]].''
[[File:H3 ARRIVAL1.jpg|300px|thumb|right|As Cortana talks, we see a fireball enter the frame.]]
*'''Cortana''' ''(V.O.)'': "Like the others, you were strong and swift and brave. A natural leader."
 
''The fireball comes nearer, at an oblique angle to the camera.''
 
*'''Cortana''' ''(V.O.)'': "But you had something they didn't. Something no one saw but me."
 
''A second, lesser fireball breaks off from the main one. It moves at an oblique angle to the first, in the direction of the camera. It moves closer while the first vanishes behind a spray of trees.''
 
*'''Cortana''' ''(V.O.)'': "Can you guess?"


<youtube width="300" height="300">I71vcHIEjuA</youtube>
''The object moves even nearer, and its trajectory begins to curve until it is heading directly for the camera.''
{{Clear}}


===First Cutscene===
*'''Cortana''' ''(V.O.)'': "Luck."


''{It is a night sky: several bright pinpoints of white light, stars, hang in the center. It's a tranquil forest, with lush forestry and a winding river. Then, Cortana's female voice begins whispering in voice-overs.}''
''The fireball roars past the camera and smashes into the ground with an earth-shattering impact. Cortana's last words are tinged with humor.''


'''[[Cortana]] ''{V.O.}''''': "They let me pick, did I ever tell you that? ...choose whichever [[SPARTAN-II|Spartan]] I wanted."
*'''Cortana''' ''(V.O.)'': "Was I wrong?"


''{Pause}''
''Fades to black.''


'''Cortana ''{V.O.}''''': "You know me. I did my research. Watched as you became the soldier we needed you to be."
''View down towards the forest, with the sun streaming through the trees onto the smoking ruin where the object hit ground. In the foreground, an armored gauntlet is visible. In the background, several Marines move around; [[First Squad]]. The one in the back wears a [[Sergeant]]'s cap. The Marines of First Squad anxiously observe an object just below the view position.''


''{As the camera pans down, something comes into view. A fireball, possibly the Forerunner Dreadnaught, splitting the night sky, leaving a trail of flame and smoke in the atmosphere.}''
*'''Marine #1''': "This ain't good."


'''Cortana ''{V.O.}''''': "Like the others, you were strong and swift and brave. A natural leader."
*'''Marine #2''': "Damn. How far did he fall?"


''{The fireball comes nearer, at an oblique angle to the camera.}''
''The Sergeant in the hat takes a long drag on his cigar and blows out smoke. He turns around, revealing he is [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Junior Johnson|Avery J. Johnson]].''


'''Cortana ''{V.O.}''''': "But you had something they didn't. Something no one saw..."
*'''Marine #3''': "Two kilometers, easy."


''{A second, lesser fireball breaks off from the main one. It moves at an oblique angle to the first, which is to say, towards the camera.}''
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Stay sharp!"


'''Cortana ''{V.O.}''''': "...but me."
''The Marines move closer to the object while one aims his gun to the left then the right of the camera watching for any sign of the enemy. The object is finally revealed to be the [[John-117|Master Chief]]. He lies at one end of the impact crater. The Marines move closer to the Chief, taking up combat positions. One sits down beside him and takes out a small computer.''


''{The second object moves nearer. The first vanishes behind a spray of trees.}''
[[File:H3_ARRIVAL2.jpg|thumb|300px|Sergeant Johnson examines an unconscious John-117.]]


'''Cortana ''{V.O.}''''': "Can you guess?"
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "[[Hospital Corpsman|Corpsman]]?"


''{The object moves even nearer, and its trajectory begins to curve until it is heading directly for the camera.}''
*'''[[Unidentified Corpsman|Marine Corpsman]]''': "His [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|armor]]'s locked up. Gel layer could have taken most of the impact..."


'''Cortana ''{V.O.}''''': "Luck."
''He taps something in on the computer. With a hiss, the Chief's outstretched arms collapse onto his chest. The Marine checks for vital signs. No readings.''


''{The fireball roars past the camera and smashes into the ground with an earth-shattering impact. For a moment, we can see that the area is a jungle, quiet and peaceful, and now, full of light and sound. Cortana's last words are tinged with humor.}''
*'''Marine Corporal''': "I don't know, Sergeant Major..."


'''Cortana ''{V.O.}''''': "Was I wrong?"
''Johnson kneels by the side of his fallen friend and places a hand on his chest, feeling for breath, or any sign that the man is alive. He inadvertently breathes smoke into the Chief's face. After a few seconds, he sighs sadly, reaches behind the Chief's head and pulls [[Cortana]]'s empty chip out of his helmet.''


''{Fade to black}''
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Radio for [[VTOL]], heavy lift gear. We're not leaving him here."


''{Pan down on the same forest, but now, it's early morning, with the sun streaming through the trees onto the smoking ruin where the object hit ground. In the foreground, an armored gauntlet is visible. In the background, several [[Marine|Marines]] move around; [[First Squad]]. The one in the back wears a [[Sergeant]]'s cap. The Marines of First Squad anxiously observe an awkwardly raised armored gauntlet. A dread permeates the jungle.}''
''He looks down and realizes that the chip is empty. An armored hand reaches up and grabs Johnson's wrist.''


'''[[Marine]] #1''': "This ain't good."
*'''[[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]]''': "Yeah. You're not."


'''Marine #2''': "Damn. How far did he fall?"
''The Chief pushes himself slowly to his feet.''


''{The Sergeant in the hat turns around and takes a long drag on his cigar.}''
[[File:H3 ARRIVAL4.jpg|300px|thumb|right|John-117, thought to be dead, reawakens, pulling himself up on Sergeant Johnson's arm.]]


'''Marine #3''': "Two kilometers, easy."
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': ''(sighing)'' "Crazy fool! Why do you [[Battle for Earth|always]] ''jump''? One of these days, you're gonna land on somethin' as stubborn as you are! And I don't do bits and pieces!"


''{The Sergeant blows out smoke. It is none other than [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery J. Johnson]].}''
''The Chief says nothing. Instead, he reaches down and takes Cortana's chip from the Sergeant's hand and let's go of his arm.''


'''[[Avery J. Johnson|Johnson]]''': "Stay sharp."
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Where is she, Chief? Where's [[Cortana]]?"


''{The Marines move closer to the object. For the first time, we can see that it is the [[Master Chief]]. He lies at one end of his own personal crater...the results of falling two kilometers, apparently. The [[MJOLNIR]] armor's designers would be proud. Despite the motionlessness of the man inside, the armor is neither scratched nor singed. It lays in an odd position, like a dropped statue; the figure is still and hands raised awkwardly: Master Chief is still and silent. The Marines move closer to the Chief, taking up combat positions. One sits down beside the [[Spartan]] and takes out a small computer.}''
''The Chief stares at the data crystal, and for a second, Cortana's face flashes across the screen, along with an echo from the previous game.''


'''Johnson''': "Corpsman?"
[[File:H3 ARRIVAL5.jpg|thumb|300px|John-117 has a brief [[Character interludes|Cortana Moment]] while reminiscing of his departure with Cortana.]]


'''Marine [[Corporal]]''': "His armor's locked up. Gel layer could have taken most of the impact."
*'''Cortana''' ''(V.O.)'': "[[High Charity (level)|Don't make a girl a promise...if you know you can't keep it]]."


''{He taps something in on the computer. The Chief's outstretched arms collapse onto his chest. The Marine checks for vital signs. No readings.}''
''Johnson gives him a confused look.''


'''Marine Corporal''': "I don't know, Sergeant Major."
*'''John-117''': "She [[Fall of High Charity|stayed behind]]."


''{Johnson kneels by MC and places a hand on his chest, feeling for breath, or any sign that his friend is alive. After a few seconds, he sighs, reaches back, and pulls [[Cortana]]'s chip out of the Chief's head.}''
''The Chief inserts the chip into the port at the back of his helmet.''


'''Johnson]''': "Radio for VTOL, heavy lift gear.  We're not leaving him here."
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Corporal? Make it quick."


''{An armored hand reaches up and grabs his wrist. The Chief wakes up.}''
*'''Marine [[Corporal]]''': "Sorry, sir. ''(to Master Chief)'' Your armor's still in partial lockdown."


'''Master Chief''': "Yeah. You're not."
'''{''Gameplay''}'''


''{He pushes himself slowly to his feet.}''
''Note: This sequence only appears if playing on single player and on [[Easy]] or [[Normal]] difficulty.''


'''Johnson''': ''{Gives off a small sigh of relief}'' "Crazy fool! Why do you always jump? One of these days, you're gonna land on somethin' as stubborn as you are! And I don't do bits and pieces!"
''The Corporal gives him a screen with a red light.''


''{The Chief says nothing. Instead, he reaches down and takes Cortana's chip from the Sergeant's hand and lets go of his arm.}''
*'''Marine Corporal''': "Look up here, sir."


'''Johnson''': "Where is she, Chief? Where's Cortana?"
''It goes green when the Master Chief looks at it.''


''{The Chief stares at the data crystal, and for a second, Cortana's face flashes across the screen.}''
*'''Marine Corporal''': "Okay. Now down here."


*'''Cortana ''{V.O.}''''': "Don't make a girl a promise ... if you know you can't keep it."
----


'''{Johnson gives him a confused look.}''
''If the calibration doesn't work:''


'''Master Chief''': "She stayed behind."
*'''Marine Corporal''': "Tracking looks off, Sergeant Major."


''{The Chief inserts the chip into the plugin at the back of his head.}''
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Make it quick, we've got to move."


'''Johnson''': "Corporal, make it quick."
*'''Marine Corporal''': "Up here, sir."


'''Marine Corporal''': "Sorry, sir. ''{to Master Chief}'' Your armor's still in partial lockdown."
''The Chief looks up.''


===Gameplay===
*'''Marine Corporal''': "Again, down here."


''{NOTE: This sequence only appears if playing on [[Normal]] or [[Easy]]}''
''The Chief looks down.''


'''Marine Corporal''': "Look up here, sir."
----


''{The Corporal gives him a red light. It goes green when the Master Chief looks at it.}''
*'''Marine Corporal''': "Good. ''(to Johnson)'' Everything checks out, Sergeant Major."


'''Marine Corporal''': "Ok. Now down here. (repeats the process) Good. ''{To Johnson}'' He's good to go, Sergeant Major."
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Kick off the training wheels, Corporal. He's good to go."


'''Johnson''': "Take off the training wheels, Corporal. He's good to go."
'''{''Cutscene''}'''


===Second Cutscene===
''The Chief looks around, taking in his surroundings. Somewhere near him is a familiar sight...the heat-wave effect of a [[Covenant]] [[active camouflage]]. Johnson gives it a nod. A [[Sangheili]] decloaks, revealing itself to be the [[Arbiter]], [[Thel 'Vadam]]. The Master Chief moves with fluid grace, brushing aside Johnson and another Marine next to 'Vadam, drawing Johnson's [[M6G pistol|pistol]] from its holster.''


''{The Chief looks around, taking in his surroundings. Somewhere near him is a familiar sight ... the heat-wave effect of a [[Covenant]] [[Active Camouflage]]. Johnson gives it a nod. An [[Elite]] decloaks, revealing itself to be the [[Arbiter]]. The Master Chief moves with fluid grace, brushing aside Johnson and another Marine next to the Arbiter, drawing a [[M6G|Pistol]].}''
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Chief, wait!"


'''Johnson''': "Chief, wait!"
''The Master Chief jams the pistol between 'Vadam's mandibles.''


''{The Master Chief jams the sidearm between the mandibles of the Arbiter.}''
[[File:H3 ARRIVAL6.jpg|300px|thumb|right|John-117 and The Arbiter standoff, 2 pinnacles of their species, 2 legends, 2 warriors.]]


'''Johnson''': "The Arbiter's with us!"
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "The Arbiter's with us!"


''{The Arbiter glares at the Master Chief, who hesitates to lower his gun.}''
'''Vadam glares at the Master Chief, but shows no sign of discomfort nor makes any move to point the gun away from himself. The Chief hesitates to lower his gun.''


'''Johnson''': "Come on now."
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "Come on now."


''{Johnson grabs the Chief's shoulder.}''
''Johnson places a hand on the Chief's shoulder.''


'''Johnson''': "We got enough to worry about without you two tryin' to kill each other."
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': "We got enough to worry about without you two trying to kill each other!"


''{The Spartan lowers his gun. The Arbiter clacks his mandibles together: a shrug.}''
''The Spartan slowly lowers his gun. 'Vadam clacks his mandibles together: a shrug.''


'''Arbiter''': "Were it so easy."
*'''Arbiter Thel 'Vadam''': "Were it so easy."


''{He makes as if to push past the Chief, but the Spartan stands his ground. The Arbiter turns and walks away.}''
''Thel Vadam makes to move past the Master Chief, but the Spartan pushes him back. 'Vadam turns and walks away.''


'''Arbiter''': "We must go. The [[Brute|Brutes]] have our scent."
*'''Thel 'Vadam''': "We must go. The [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] have our scent."


'''Johnson''': ''{On Easy/Normal}'' Then they must love the smell of green.
[[File:Arrivalma5c.jpg|thumb|300px|Sergeant Johnson gives John-117 an [[MA5C assault rifle]].]]


'''Johnson''': ''{On [[Heroic]]}'' Then they must love the smell of hero.
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': ''(Easy/Normal)'' "Then they must love the smell of green."


'''Johnson''': ''{On [[Legendary]], variant 1}'': Then they must love the smell of badass.
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': ''([[Heroic]])'' "Then they must love the smell of hero."


'''Johnson''': ''{On Legendary, variant 2}'' Then they must love the smell of badass. And I left a little present for you, [[Arbiter]]. And I'm walking away. Hahaha!
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': ''([[Legendary]], variant 1)'': "Then they must love the smell of bad ass."


'''Johnson''': ''{On Legendary, variant 3}'' Then they must love the scent of testosterone.
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': ''(Legendary, variant 2)'' "Then they must love the smell of bad ass. And I left a little present for you, Arbiter. And I'm walking away. Ha-ha-ha!"


'''Johnson''': ''{On Legendary, variant 4}'' They must love the scent of a real man.
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': ''(Legendary, variant 3)'' "Then they must love the scent of testosterone."


'''Johnson''': ''{On Legendary, variant 5}'' They must love the smell of Bulgari. Yeah, I'm your own little product placement. I gotta get paid too.
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': ''(Legendary, variant 4)'' "Then they must love the scent of a real man."


''{He grabs an [[MA5C|Assault Rifle]] and holds it out to the Chief. Swiftly, the Spartan grabs it by the Pistol Grip.}''
*'''Sergeant Johnson''': ''(Legendary, variant 5)'' "Then they must love the smell of [[Wikipedia:Bulgari|Bulgari]]. Yeah, I'm doing a little product placement! I gotta get paid, too!"


{{Spoiler End}}
''He grabs an [[MA5C assault rifle|assault rifle]] from a nearby Marine and holds it out to the Chief. The Spartan snatches it swiftly, as if annoyed by 'Vadam.''
 
''Fades to black.''
 
''Level ends.''
 
==Production Notes==
Early paper sketch design documents suggests the first section of the mission [[Sierra 117]] would function as a separate, small tutorial mission with the working title of "Kilimanjaro Jungle". After a short engagement with some Grunts, the player would then enter a Warthog that would transition to the full gameplay mission with the working title of "River". While this "training course" mission was dropped, the idea evidently evolved into what is in the final game, with the intro cutscene and look inversion tutorial being in this separate mission.{{Ref/Site
|Id=RobStokesH3|URL=https://rpstokes53.wixsite.com/work-of-rob-stokes/halo-3|Site=Work of Rob Stokes|Page=Halo 3|D=25|M=5|Y=2023}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Arrival is the name of the first level in [[Marathon]], an earlier Bungie game.
===Glitches===
*Arrival is quite bluntly the easiest level in Halo 3 on any difficulty, since it requires either cinematics and look settings or simply all cinematics.
{{Main|Glitches}}
*Arrival is the first 1st level in the Halo series not to take place on a human space vessel orbiting a celestial body. Halo CE's first level was on the UNSC Pillar of Autumn orbiting the [[Halo]] mega structure and [[Halo 2]]'s first level was set on the UNSC MAC defense platform [[Cairo]] in a geosynchronous orbit around [[Earth]].
*As soon as one can move, go forward and press the '''Y''' button about one second before the border fades out. The M6G pistol will just randomly appear on the screen.
*Sometimes on Heroic or Legendary, the words, "Your armor is still in partial lockdown," appear during the loading screen of Sierra 117.
 
===References===
*The name may be a reference to Halo's predecessor, ''[[Marathon]]'', an earlier [[Bungie]] game, in which "Arrival" is also the name of the [[marathongame:Arrival (Level)|first level]].
*The ''[[Halo 3: ODST Original Soundtrack]]'' [[Bits and Pieces]] is a reference to a quote by Johnson during this level: "''And I don't do bits and pieces!''"
 
===Miscellaneous===
*Arrival is the first tutorial level in the [[Halo universe|Halo Trilogy]] not to take place on a [[human]] space vessel orbiting a celestial body. ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'s'' very first level was on the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} orbiting the [[Installation 04|Halo]] mega-structure and ''[[Halo 2]]'s'' first level was set on the UNSC [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] defense platform [[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo]] in a geosynchronous orbit around [[Earth]].
*At the data pad the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] carries, one can see an X-Ray of Master Chief's helmet revealing his skull. To the left of the Master Chief's skull, there is a photo of what could be the Master Chief's face. However, the picture could be the Corpsman's for object identification purposes.
*Contrary to what players might think, the Master Chief did ''not'' land on Earth using just his [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR]] armor as protection. At the other end of the crater is a metallic object, suggesting the Chief ripped it out of the Forerunner Dreadnought and rode it down to [[Earth]]. A page in ''[[The Art of Halo 3]]'' supports this theory. Also, the metallic object appears to be a Forerunner door of some sort due to the support bracing on one side, as many Forerunner doors do seen in ''Halo 2''. And in the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]'' it shows the Master Chief using a piece of metal for protection as he enters the atmosphere.
*The Master Chief appears for the first time in ''Halo 3'' at precisely 1 minute and 17 seconds into the cutscene, when the camera descends to reveal his outstretched arm. This is both a reference to his number (117) and to [[seven]] because it is 77 seconds in.
*It should be noted that in ''Arrival'', re-entry occurs before sunrise, and in the Landfall miniseries, re-entry occurs after sunrise (though they ''are'' in different places). The Landfall miniseries takes place in Pakistan, accounting for the time difference.
*When the corpsman is inspecting John-117, Johnson addresses the corpsman as corporal. This is possibly an error as corpsman are Navy units, and the rank of corporal is Army/Marines. It is known that both Marine and Navy ranks are included in the game as John-117 is a Master Chief Petty Officer, and several other characters from the game also have Navy ranks (such as those about any UNSC ships like Lt. Commander Miranda Keyes.)
 
==Gallery==
 
===Design Documentation===
<gallery>
File:H3_KilimanjaroJungleSketch.jpg|Early paper sketch titled "Kilimanjaro Jungle".
</gallery>
 
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:H3 Menu 01 Arrival.png|Preview of the level in ''Halo 3'' menu.
File:Arrivaldepart.jpg|John-117 departs the ''Anodyne Spirit''.
File:Arbiter Jungle2.jpg|The Chief accosts Thel 'Vadam.
File:Arrivalwarning.jpg|Thel 'Vadam warns [[First Squad]] that Brutes have their scent.
</gallery>


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
{{succession box | before = ''[[Halo 2 Credits]]'' <br>| title = [[Halo 3 Campaign|''Halo 3'' Campaign Missions]] | years = '''''Arrival''''' |after = ''[[Sierra 117 (Level)|Sierra 117]]''}}
{{Level}}
[[Category:Halo 3]]
[[Category:Halo 3 Campaign Missions|{{PAGENAME}}]]


[[ja:アライバル(レベル)]]
{{succession box | before = ''[[Halo 2 credits]]'' <br />| title = ''Halo 3'' Campaign Missions | years = '''''Arrival''''' |after = ''[[Sierra 117]]''}}
{{Levels|H3}}
[[Category:Halo 3 campaign|Arrival]]

Latest revision as of 03:40, June 25, 2024

This article is about the campaign level. For the soundtrack or the achievement, respectively, see Arrival (music) and Arrival (achievement).

Prev:

Next:

Sierra 117

Arrival
H3 Arrival Loadscreen.png

Game:

Halo 3

File name (?):

005_intro[1]

Player:

Master Chief

Date:

November 17, 2552

Location:

East African Protectorate, Africa

Main-Legendary.png

Halopedia doesn't currently have a walkthrough for this level; could you write one?

 
“ Brace for impact. ”

Arrival is the first campaign level of Halo 3. It does not contain actual gameplay, consisting instead of a look inversion test on lower difficulties, and the game's opening cutscenes.

In Heroic and Legendary, the only point in playing this level is because players cannot get the Campaign Complete for the Heroic and Legendary Achievements without doing so.

Summary[edit]

The Master Chief crashes in an African jungle near Mount Kilimanjaro and is eventually recovered by Thel 'Vadam (the Arbiter), Sergeant Major Avery Johnson, and several Marines. After a brief confrontation with 'Vadam, the Chief arms himself and prepares to move out.

Transcript[edit]

{Cutscene}

It is a night sky: several bright pinpoints of white light, stars, hang in the center. It's a tranquil forest, with lush forestry and a winding river. Then, Cortana's voice begins whispering in voice-overs.

  • Cortana (V.O.): "They let me pick. Did I ever tell you that? Choose whichever Spartan I wanted."
  • Cortana (V.O.): "You know me. I did my research. Watched as you became the soldier we needed you to be."

As the camera pans down, something comes into view entering the atmosphere, trailing flames splitting the night sky. Although it is not recognizable at this time, it is the Prophet of Truth's Dreadnought.

A Forerunner Keyship flies in the background, as Cortana talks about how she chose Master Chief.
As Cortana talks, we see a fireball enter the frame.
  • Cortana (V.O.): "Like the others, you were strong and swift and brave. A natural leader."

The fireball comes nearer, at an oblique angle to the camera.

  • Cortana (V.O.): "But you had something they didn't. Something no one saw but me."

A second, lesser fireball breaks off from the main one. It moves at an oblique angle to the first, in the direction of the camera. It moves closer while the first vanishes behind a spray of trees.

  • Cortana (V.O.): "Can you guess?"

The object moves even nearer, and its trajectory begins to curve until it is heading directly for the camera.

  • Cortana (V.O.): "Luck."

The fireball roars past the camera and smashes into the ground with an earth-shattering impact. Cortana's last words are tinged with humor.

  • Cortana (V.O.): "Was I wrong?"

Fades to black.

View down towards the forest, with the sun streaming through the trees onto the smoking ruin where the object hit ground. In the foreground, an armored gauntlet is visible. In the background, several Marines move around; First Squad. The one in the back wears a Sergeant's cap. The Marines of First Squad anxiously observe an object just below the view position.

  • Marine #1: "This ain't good."
  • Marine #2: "Damn. How far did he fall?"

The Sergeant in the hat takes a long drag on his cigar and blows out smoke. He turns around, revealing he is Sergeant Major Avery J. Johnson.

  • Marine #3: "Two kilometers, easy."
  • Sergeant Johnson: "Stay sharp!"

The Marines move closer to the object while one aims his gun to the left then the right of the camera watching for any sign of the enemy. The object is finally revealed to be the Master Chief. He lies at one end of the impact crater. The Marines move closer to the Chief, taking up combat positions. One sits down beside him and takes out a small computer.

Sergeant Avery Johnson, after ordering his men to be on lookout, looks onto Master Chief, who is currently not responsing.
Sergeant Johnson examines an unconscious John-117.

He taps something in on the computer. With a hiss, the Chief's outstretched arms collapse onto his chest. The Marine checks for vital signs. No readings.

  • Marine Corporal: "I don't know, Sergeant Major..."

Johnson kneels by the side of his fallen friend and places a hand on his chest, feeling for breath, or any sign that the man is alive. He inadvertently breathes smoke into the Chief's face. After a few seconds, he sighs sadly, reaches behind the Chief's head and pulls Cortana's empty chip out of his helmet.

  • Sergeant Johnson: "Radio for VTOL, heavy lift gear. We're not leaving him here."

He looks down and realizes that the chip is empty. An armored hand reaches up and grabs Johnson's wrist.

The Chief pushes himself slowly to his feet.

Master Chief, awakens, pulling himself up by Johnson's arm, bringing hope back to the Marines.
John-117, thought to be dead, reawakens, pulling himself up on Sergeant Johnson's arm.
  • Sergeant Johnson: (sighing) "Crazy fool! Why do you always jump? One of these days, you're gonna land on somethin' as stubborn as you are! And I don't do bits and pieces!"

The Chief says nothing. Instead, he reaches down and takes Cortana's chip from the Sergeant's hand and let's go of his arm.

  • Sergeant Johnson: "Where is she, Chief? Where's Cortana?"

The Chief stares at the data crystal, and for a second, Cortana's face flashes across the screen, along with an echo from the previous game.

Chief, being asked about Cortana, remembers her final words to him on High Charity.
John-117 has a brief Cortana Moment while reminiscing of his departure with Cortana.

Johnson gives him a confused look.

The Chief inserts the chip into the port at the back of his helmet.

  • Sergeant Johnson: "Corporal? Make it quick."
  • Marine Corporal: "Sorry, sir. (to Master Chief) Your armor's still in partial lockdown."

{Gameplay}

Note: This sequence only appears if playing on single player and on Easy or Normal difficulty.

The Corporal gives him a screen with a red light.

  • Marine Corporal: "Look up here, sir."

It goes green when the Master Chief looks at it.

  • Marine Corporal: "Okay. Now down here."

If the calibration doesn't work:

  • Marine Corporal: "Tracking looks off, Sergeant Major."
  • Sergeant Johnson: "Make it quick, we've got to move."
  • Marine Corporal: "Up here, sir."

The Chief looks up.

  • Marine Corporal: "Again, down here."

The Chief looks down.

  • Marine Corporal: "Good. (to Johnson) Everything checks out, Sergeant Major."
  • Sergeant Johnson: "Kick off the training wheels, Corporal. He's good to go."

{Cutscene}

The Chief looks around, taking in his surroundings. Somewhere near him is a familiar sight...the heat-wave effect of a Covenant active camouflage. Johnson gives it a nod. A Sangheili decloaks, revealing itself to be the Arbiter, Thel 'Vadam. The Master Chief moves with fluid grace, brushing aside Johnson and another Marine next to 'Vadam, drawing Johnson's pistol from its holster.

  • Sergeant Johnson: "Chief, wait!"

The Master Chief jams the pistol between 'Vadam's mandibles.

Master Chief and The Arbiter standoff, 2 pinnacles of their species, 2 legends, 2 warriors, yet to know of feats they accomplish together.
John-117 and The Arbiter standoff, 2 pinnacles of their species, 2 legends, 2 warriors.
  • Sergeant Johnson: "The Arbiter's with us!"

'Vadam glares at the Master Chief, but shows no sign of discomfort nor makes any move to point the gun away from himself. The Chief hesitates to lower his gun.

  • Sergeant Johnson: "Come on now."

Johnson places a hand on the Chief's shoulder.

  • Sergeant Johnson: "We got enough to worry about without you two trying to kill each other!"

The Spartan slowly lowers his gun. 'Vadam clacks his mandibles together: a shrug.

  • Arbiter Thel 'Vadam: "Were it so easy."

Thel Vadam makes to move past the Master Chief, but the Spartan pushes him back. 'Vadam turns and walks away.

  • Thel 'Vadam: "We must go. The Brutes have our scent."
Sergeant Johnson gives John-117 an MA5C assault rifle.
  • Sergeant Johnson: (Easy/Normal) "Then they must love the smell of green."
  • Sergeant Johnson: (Heroic) "Then they must love the smell of hero."
  • Sergeant Johnson: (Legendary, variant 1): "Then they must love the smell of bad ass."
  • Sergeant Johnson: (Legendary, variant 2) "Then they must love the smell of bad ass. And I left a little present for you, Arbiter. And I'm walking away. Ha-ha-ha!"
  • Sergeant Johnson: (Legendary, variant 3) "Then they must love the scent of testosterone."
  • Sergeant Johnson: (Legendary, variant 4) "Then they must love the scent of a real man."
  • Sergeant Johnson: (Legendary, variant 5) "Then they must love the smell of Bulgari. Yeah, I'm doing a little product placement! I gotta get paid, too!"

He grabs an assault rifle from a nearby Marine and holds it out to the Chief. The Spartan snatches it swiftly, as if annoyed by 'Vadam.

Fades to black.

Level ends.

Production Notes[edit]

Early paper sketch design documents suggests the first section of the mission Sierra 117 would function as a separate, small tutorial mission with the working title of "Kilimanjaro Jungle". After a short engagement with some Grunts, the player would then enter a Warthog that would transition to the full gameplay mission with the working title of "River". While this "training course" mission was dropped, the idea evidently evolved into what is in the final game, with the intro cutscene and look inversion tutorial being in this separate mission.[2]

Trivia[edit]

Glitches[edit]

Main article: Glitches
  • As soon as one can move, go forward and press the Y button about one second before the border fades out. The M6G pistol will just randomly appear on the screen.
  • Sometimes on Heroic or Legendary, the words, "Your armor is still in partial lockdown," appear during the loading screen of Sierra 117.

References[edit]

Miscellaneous[edit]

  • Arrival is the first tutorial level in the Halo Trilogy not to take place on a human space vessel orbiting a celestial body. Halo: Combat Evolved's very first level was on the UNSC Pillar of Autumn orbiting the Halo mega-structure and Halo 2's first level was set on the UNSC MAC defense platform Cairo in a geosynchronous orbit around Earth.
  • At the data pad the Marine carries, one can see an X-Ray of Master Chief's helmet revealing his skull. To the left of the Master Chief's skull, there is a photo of what could be the Master Chief's face. However, the picture could be the Corpsman's for object identification purposes.
  • Contrary to what players might think, the Master Chief did not land on Earth using just his MJOLNIR armor as protection. At the other end of the crater is a metallic object, suggesting the Chief ripped it out of the Forerunner Dreadnought and rode it down to Earth. A page in The Art of Halo 3 supports this theory. Also, the metallic object appears to be a Forerunner door of some sort due to the support bracing on one side, as many Forerunner doors do seen in Halo 2. And in the Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition) it shows the Master Chief using a piece of metal for protection as he enters the atmosphere.
  • The Master Chief appears for the first time in Halo 3 at precisely 1 minute and 17 seconds into the cutscene, when the camera descends to reveal his outstretched arm. This is both a reference to his number (117) and to seven because it is 77 seconds in.
  • It should be noted that in Arrival, re-entry occurs before sunrise, and in the Landfall miniseries, re-entry occurs after sunrise (though they are in different places). The Landfall miniseries takes place in Pakistan, accounting for the time difference.
  • When the corpsman is inspecting John-117, Johnson addresses the corpsman as corporal. This is possibly an error as corpsman are Navy units, and the rank of corporal is Army/Marines. It is known that both Marine and Navy ranks are included in the game as John-117 is a Master Chief Petty Officer, and several other characters from the game also have Navy ranks (such as those about any UNSC ships like Lt. Commander Miranda Keyes.)

Gallery[edit]

Design Documentation[edit]

  • Early paper sketch titled "Kilimanjaro Jungle".

    Early paper sketch titled "Kilimanjaro Jungle".

Screenshots[edit]

  • Preview of the level in Halo 3 menu.

    Preview of the level in Halo 3 menu.

  • John-117 departs the Anodyne Spirit.

    John-117 departs the Anodyne Spirit.

  • The Chief accosts Thel 'Vadam.

    The Chief accosts Thel 'Vadam.

  • Thel 'Vadam warns First Squad that Brutes have their scent.

    Thel 'Vadam warns First Squad that Brutes have their scent.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo 3 Editing Kit, game file H3EK\tags\levels\solo\005_intro\005_intro.scenario
  2. ^ Work of Rob Stokes, Halo 3 (Retrieved on May 25, 2023) [archive]
Preceded by
Halo 2 credits
Halo 3 Campaign Missions
Arrival 		Succeeded by
Sierra 117

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