One thing that confuses me in Halo is how concepts in the real world have affected peoples values and beliefs in the game. There are, or course, cultural conflicts ("faggy americans" is a phrase my brother seems to use alot), but one area that bemuses me is something all to do with asthetics.

And this would be Armour Perputations.

I dont know if im the only one who has witessed this, but players automatically judge others by what they wear. Anyone with the rank of General, wearing Mark V Helmet is usually met by a collection of "we gonna get owned" and "guess who their Sniper will be".

Anybody in Hayabusa Helmet is, for the strangest reason, met by resentment by people i regularly play with. In their opinion, its (this is not a personal opinion, just using an example) "american noobs who want to look cool because they looked on YouTube to get all the skulls" and "i bet its another faggy american thinking he's a pro". They even renamed the armour to Hayanoob.

Yet, when ODST is seen when players view the pre-game lobby, nobody acknowledges their ability on face value. I can guarantee that you will see atleast one ODST wearing Spartan on RBTB, yet they will not be met with the same critisism as Hayabusa wearers (which are equally popular).

So, could public perceptions on what is cool and what isnt have transfered into the gaming medium? Id say so. Players are increasingly judging others on face value of their character design, i guess it wont be long until people with simular perceptions and lifestyles start wearing the same armour set, to enforce group solidarity.

If this is the case: all you E.V.A wearers, get ready to feel alone. And its a big Halo world out there.