I am becoming more and more confident in this game. Halo 2 was kind of a let down in many ways, Halo 3 looks to be rectifying many of those problems. First, I'll get the bad thing out of the way: Yes, there is only one thing - The bubble shield ... device ... (like the thing you drop, not the actual shield that goes up) is too big and bulky. The one in the CG trailer looks fantastic - and I hope the final product looks more like that. Other than that, I am pleased with everything else I saw. The use of special equipment seems like a good addition. As long as you can't hold more than one of each type. The bubble shield seems like it will really fit well into the mixing up the gameplay, whether or not you can shoot out through it. The trip mine looks like it will have limited use, but is sure to produce many great stories. Alright back to the bubble shield. The thing is way too big. Hopefully that isn't the final product. Second, and more importantly , can you shoot out through a shield? Either way, it still has a great effect on gameplay... Can shoot through: You get caught from behind, and are lucky enough to have a bubble shield (hopefully they will be few and far between), and you can save your butt and kill the guy. Or maybe you want to provide protection for somebody carrying a flag/bomb/oddball. You set up near the spot and pick off defenders etc. Cannot shoot though: You get caught from behind. Normally, since you have to turn around and then start shooting, you are pretty much screwed - it's too late to do much before your shields are gone. You throw down the bubble, and you have a few seconds to prep yourself - Your shields can recharge, and you can switch/reload your weapons. When the shield goes down, you have a head to head fight with the winner being the one who is better (or who has the stronger weapon).