DOWNFALL APRIL 2020 UPDATE

Written By: Isaac

Welcome, everyone! We’re glad to bring you all another status report for Downfall! This month’s update will be a little shorter than usual, but fear not! Next month, we’ll have an extra-long one to make up for it! With all that said, let's jump right in!

This past month saw the completion of one of my personal favorite Halo weapons, the covenant’s Needler! This weapon is commonly used by Grunts throughout the franchise.

First, let's start with the phenomenal concept by Master_Gecko117.

This variation of the needler is the ‘Heavy’ Needler. It’s a little bigger than your average-sized needler. However, it will play and feel similar to the regular needler seen in the official games. One of the best parts of concepts is seeing them come to life in the 3D space. ShadowHawk has done just that with the ‘Heavy’ Needler. We’re very happy with how this model and design came out.

As with all the assets and concepts created for this project, we want to hear your feedback on it! Your feedback helps us greatly in perfecting these designs and creating something the community will love!

Along with the needler, ShadowHawk also worked on and completed 3 new models related to the Energy Sword! These weapons include the iconic ‘Energy Sword’, the ‘Energy Dagger’, and the ‘Energy Wrist Blade’.

Energy Sword

Here it is… The classic sword itself. A beaut ain't she? We’re super excited to finally show you all this one and are even more excited-nervous to see what you all think! So please leave a comment letting us know your thoughts!

Energy Dagger

The first of our new energy weapons. The Energy Dagger is a smaller, compact, and quick melee weapon. We feel ODST’s will have an easier time wielding one of these bad boys rather than a giant Energy Sword.

Energy Wrist Blade

This energy weapon isn’t a wieldable weapon but is more so used by Elite Zealots to take down enemies in a quick and surprised fashion. While it is possible the weapon will be wieldable by players, it is not planned at this time.

We’re glad to finally show off these new models and are very excited to hear your thoughts on them!

Just like last month’s update, we’re including the QnA section! The questions are taken from our Discord, Twitter, and even here on Reddit!

Q: Does your team have other games?

A: No, this is our first project together as a team.

Q: Is 343 and/or Microsoft aware of this game?

A: We know multiple 343 Industries employees are aware and our art has been featured by 343 before.

Q: In the campaign, will there be special missions like driving a spaceship or a pelican?

A: While we can’t confirm anything, there is a good possibility.

Q: What software/language is your team using?

A: Unity and C#

Q: Will there be sprinting?

A: Sprint is a planned feature. It will be based on modern games rather than armor abilities.

Q: Since there is a ‘Heavy’ Needler…. Will there be a ‘regular’ needler?

A: No, the heavy needler will replace the regular needler in this game.

That completes this month’s QnA section! Be sure to leave some questions down below to be answered there or in next month’s QnA section!

We’re always looking for new people to jump aboard this ship and set sail with us in the development of this ambitious project.

Currently, we’re looking for:

Experienced 3D Artists

Animators

Application: https://goo.gl/forms/Flt89D9GBJ5OCp9s1

As we close off this month’s update, we want to provide you one last thing. Here is a look at a new HUD design we’re experimenting with. As with everything, this is not final.

Concept by Art Director, Callum and Concept Artist, Master_Gecko117

Signing off...