Distant Targets

"When you first saw this video, were you blinded by its majesty?" "Yes."

That jackal is so encouragingly cute. Like Elite: “did I do good?” Jackal: “yes.” And then the elite just cracks into a smile

Usually in Halo cutscenes when different species aren't killing each other it feels like they mearly tolerate each other, but this puts some realistic character into a group of comrades who know eachother personally and actually have pleasant interactions.

Why is it more fun to watch a covenant faction discuss how to proceed than the UNSC? Favorite line, even though it is unintelligible "don't break now."

The head pats on the jackal.

god damn that was really good!

I love how oddly wholesome this is even thought it’s about a bunch of aliens trying to snipe a couple Spartans but when you get past that mindset it’s so cute

I love how quickly you get across different character's motivations through their actions, The spec ops not only doubts the Minor's ability to hit the targets, but also his weapons effective range. Seeing that that is not enough to dissuade the Minor he takes it as a chance to teach - or perhaps simply test - going off to get a weapon that would be more effective. The Ultra is wearing damaged gear, but it's clear the group isn't in direct danger. Presumably they simply do not have the ability to fix his helmet. When he enter's the scene the Minor had just broken his weapon, of course the Ultra would be hesitant to give the good rifle to him. But he still lets him use it, and then walks off without checking if he even hits the enemies. He also remarks about letting the other one use it, presumably the Kig Yar. It's clear he respects the spec ops's judgement, the minor is to take the rifle. If he misses? lesson learned. If he hits them? Nice. Then there are the Grunt and Jackal, at first they come off as pestering, simply annoying to annoy, but as the short goes on and on re-watches it comes off as simply more casual. The are messing with eachother because they know eachother. Further, it becomes clear that the Minor does on some level care about them, they complain that the Minor gets the gun when the Jackal could do more with it, so he offers to let them shoot it. Also just how good the movement is, at no point does it feel like any single character is the focus of the animation, even when they are still. The frequent use of multiple actions as well as very snappy movement gives a lot of character to them. And seeing the Jackle lean back to look at the spartans instead of flipping over is really cute

I love this. It's like I knew exactly what they were saying without knowing a word. Well done!

This is now canon in my mind, I love it

2:18 Love the detail of them talking about the Sangheili and the Grunt actually saying “Sangheili” amongst his alien words

This is how I imagined the great schism would have really been done. As I get the feeling the grunts and jackals loyal to the elites would be more than happy to fight the brutes along side them.

Dude there’s so much story potential. Like why does the main character have chard shoulder armor. Or why the Ultra has a broken helmet.

that grunts the cutest thing ive ever seen

They feel almost like a group of friends post schism, that have almost become like a second family, especially because of how casual they seem to be towards each other, even though they may be different ranks, even the grunt and jackal, I honestly wish we could get this seen by a wider audience, but I know I'll at least be sharing this!

the little grunt kicking his little legs is my favorite part

The Jackal saying "hello!" slayed me

The use of implied dialogue was quite creative :) I really enjoyed the frustration / comradery of the elite, jackal and grunt during that small moment. Great vid!

This is everything a covenant halo animation needs. A look into the rank structure. A look into the alien hierarchy and manner to which they interact with one another. Great animation, an easy to understand story that clearly has some background to it for anybody watching to fill in the blanks on their own. Some comedic relief. Seriously amazing work and if I don't see you on an official animation project soon I will eat my hat.

It feels like this particular group is a bit close in terms of friendship, they're very casual with one another, and it was very heart(s) warming.