The Halo Flow
I have never been a fan of first person shooters for the fact that it takes a large amount of coordination and map knowledge to succeed. However, I really enjoyed my first real experience while playing Halo 2. My friends and I linked up to three X-boxes and played 5 –on- 5 Team Slayer matches. This can be extremely fun, as most flow experiences happen while with friends because of their positive impact on us (Csikszentmihalyi). Our group constantly encourages teamwork and camaraderie to defeat the opposing team. Shouts of “good job” and “way to go!” can be heard down the hall in other rooms.
The game itself definitely produces feelings of flow for me. When I play it seems as though nothing else matters because I am in Lockout trying to defend towers and teammates. Although theoretically as a Spartan I should be more agile, the fact that the game limits some movement adds to the realism. Characters do not perform insane moves to the point where one can get bored. Instead, everyone is limited to the gameplay and thus has to develop their skills. When I first started I kept receiving beat down and assassination messages from the game. I could be holding an energy sword in my hand and still fall flat on my face from a head on collision with an elbow. I had no idea how to move properly let alone use the radar for help. However, I did not start off playing by myself at the easy level. I played with more experienced players who motivated me to improve my skills. Now, even though I still receive thorough beatings, I enjoy my time playing Halo.
Halo possesses qualities that mostly fall under the Agon class of flow. Games such as juggernaut, king of the hill, and capture the flag focus on competition. These really drive a player to contribute to his or her team so that they can suppress the enemy. Halo also falls under the Mimicry class for its science fictional environments. Aside from the fact that Spartans are more powerful than the average human, players also have the chance to experience massive levels that can only be seen within the world of the game. The most exciting level I have played on is Ascension, a level that seems to be suspended in the air with two towers and rotating pillars in the center of the level. There are many hiding points, yet at the same no one is safe from dreaded snipers. Such a map could only appear in the Halo setting.
Overall, I say Halo 2 has been an enjoyable First Person Shooter experience. I definitely had the feeling of flow while competing with my friends. The fact that a player can do slightly more than a human but still be restricted to certain abilities evens the playing ground for the beginners and urges them to perform well. Once a player starts this game there is no end, for the game produces total captivation and immersion.