Figure I’d preemptively make this thread here, and it can be moved when the Arbiter forum gets made up. Getting speculation and conversation going is what makes this forum great, so lets get some discussion going.
Be warned. There’s a lot of text to scroll through.
#So. The Arbiter is coming.
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"If they came to hear me beg, they will be disappointed."
Unless there’s more info concrete gameplay or at least a trailer at the second part of KI World Cup, it is up to us speculative types to try and get a general idea of what the heck is going on. So let’s get some friendly speculation in here, shall we?
Obviously, like Rash, Arby’s move list will invariably borrow from the thing he could do in his hone turf (i.e. Halo).
Historically the Arbiter has used an energy sword (a weapon sacred to the Sanghelli elites) as his primary tool of destruction, hence his inclusion in a fighting game over other, more gun focused characters like Master Chief 117. However, this does not mean these are his only tools. Elites go into battle wearing an advanced combat armor that provides them with both regenerating energy shields and cloaking/adaptive camouflage. For more heavy duty engagements, they use plasma grenades that stick to any opponent (or ally) they’re thrown at, creating an almost certainly lethal explosion. In many situations (and bits of the trailer) the Arbiter we know has often fallen back on a “Covenant Carbine” a directed energy rifle designed for accurate mid-long range fire.
Note: For purpose of being streamlined, I’m not sure he’s going to keep the carbine, it I have an idea for possible uses.
Summarization of Gameplan based on History: In traditional Sanghelli society, the Arbiter was a Warrior Leader. When The Covenant was still a thing, the Arbiter was a role assigned to those who had failed the profits so irredeemably that the only way to pay for it was with their own blood. Either way, they fought in much the same way; leading by example, they attack ferociously with reckless abandon, showing little regard for their own safety. This spurs those around them into action, but most importantly it makes the Arbiter a VERY dangerous foe. They may not be incredibly safe, but using their immense size and strength (Elites are about 8 feet tall), advanced technology, and suicidal zealous rage they rush into the heat of combat and deal astonishing damage to both opponents bodies and their morale. However, traditional Arbiters obtained their status through cunning, and often have ways to force their opponents into uncomfortable situations.
Now, for his move-list/traits
-Sword Charge: In the Halo games swords are incredibly viable not only because of their huge damage, but because of the ever deceptive lunge the attack provides. This will be represented in a move similar to Fulgore’s Blade Dash (albeit with slightly shorter range) where Arby dashes forwards and thrusts his sword up through his opponent. A good opener and probably a wall-splat or damage ender. To make things interesting, it could have a sort of “perry” mechanic where if it would be stuffed with an attack of the same strength, it would instead bounce Arby off (similar to the sword duals in Halo)
-Steppin’ Razor (Uppercut): Essentially an anti-air sword charge that sends both opponents up into the air, but allows for some follow up at the cost of damage. Could be a damage or juggle ender.
-Plasma Grenade: These will act similar to Cinder’s grenades, with the primary difference being that they will explode after a set period of time rather than being manually detonated, and could deal more damage. A tool for some slight zoning to make opponents panic. However you cannot throw them often, and throwing them is unsafe up close. Could be a battery (maybe have a special meter like Aganks chunks for “grenade belt” or even damage ender.
-Active Camouflage: There’s a gold chance Arby might get the ever gimmicky Invisibility power up. He could use this to create some ambiguous set ups if the glowing sword doesn’t give away his position. Will probably be restricted to instinct mode, or part of a setup ender.
-Energy Shields: Equally spooky is the prospect that he might be able to use a regenerating shield to provide armor. This is less scary because of the heavy poke rule coming in S3, but still potentially hazardous. To balance it out, it won’t be able to generate if he’s taken damage recently, and since he will probably have a few unsafe moves he will often have to force himself into situations where he must choose between shield and getting in. It could also be undone if he goes invisible or uses certain attacks.
-Carbine: Now that Fulgore’s laser has been retooled, there’s a chance Arby might inherent a move similar to his old stuff. Using his rifle (with lots of start up to aim and probably reload recovery) he could fire beams in a straight line across the screen to zone a bit. Barely any damage though, and more unlikely to appear in game.
Potential Instinct Ideas:
-Cloaking: Arbiter can become invisible when out of combo or not actively attacking, but loses this whenever they push another button.
-Enhanced Grenades: More grenades available, higher damage, unblockable properties, etc.
RUNNING RIOT!: Arby becomes super grumpy, and begins doing terrifying attacks. His combos become more frightening, becoming easier to land, harder to block, and possibly dealing even more damage. Maybe a speed boost.
Overall, I have a feeling naming conventions should stick to Halo references, but as far as the actual moves go I want to see what YOU DUDES think he’ll be like.
