Warthog is a generic term for a series of UNSC ground vehicles. These light reconnaissance vehicles sacrifice technology for flexibility and reliability. The Warthog is affectionately known as the 'Hog' by UNSC soldiers.

A combination of ceremonial elegance and practical power, the twin-bladed Energy Sword can be used as a slashing melee weapon, or in correct fighting technique, the wielder waits until the opponent reaches a perfect distance and lunges forward in a ferocious attack.

NOTE: So it looks like the melee lunge is still in, which means that fall damage is out. No word on how the weapon actally works, though. In Halo 2, the weapon was limited in campaign mode like all Covenant energy weapons, but in multiplayer it was unlimited. Will that remain? Time will tell.

Holding 40 spikes per magazine, this vicious and dangerous rifle is favored by Brutes and in fact, is based on their native pre-Covenant technology. Old as its technology is, the rapid firing razor-sharp projectiles can tear through armor and flesh with ease.

Detailed specifications are available from this Bungie.net feature story:

The Spiker

A hand carried particle beam acceleration weapon. Its range is basically only limited by its five or 10x zoom scope, and atmospheric conditions. The rifle carries a power cell good for up to 18 bursts and charges very rapidly for a weapon of this type.

An unusual Covenant projectile weapon, this powerful, accurate and scoped weapon effectively shoots tiny fuel rods of fissile material. The shielded auto ejecting magazines each hold 36 rounds of radioactive ammunition.

Firing explosive grenade-like projectiles, this Brute weapon is also furnished with a razor-sharp, stock mounted bayonet used in close-quarters combat. With only four rounds per ammo belt, the Brute Shot is effective, but limited.

NOTE: The fact that I can't use this weapon effectively at all (except for melee attacks) probably isn't nearly enough reason to warrant making changes. The balance of small capacity against the ability to bounce around corners and do significant damage in general works quite well.

Razor sharp crystalline projectiles are fired from this elaboreately designed Covenant weapon, and it is widely believed that they use heat and organic signatures to home in on targets. Although easily deflected by energy shields, the needles cause a chemical reaction in close proximity resulting in an explosive effect.

A common light weapon used by Covenant forces, the Plasma Rifle uses plasma technology firing directed energy bolts instead of projectile ammunition. The plasma rifle is particularly effective against shielded bipedal opponents.

NOTE: Why bipedal? Wouldn't it be as effective against anything? Nothing else really worthy of note; aside from the rate of fire and overheating/cooloff timing, there's not much to tweak here. Expect the same weapon you're used to.