I was very skeptical of Halo 5 and 343’s vision of nex-gen Halo. Prior to getting Halo 5, I read a lot on wikia and Waypoint, watched some videos on Youtube, and kept up with current news regarding the game. I will admit, it was very easy, and quite unfair to 343 and Halo 5, to jump on the negativity train created by a torn community (much like many gaming communities today). From what I saw, I didn’t like the fast-paced gameplay, the spartan abilities, and the new look of the game in general. I also complained about the lack of content Halo 5 had, even though I never actually owned or played the game.
Once I bought the game it was a different story. I saw Halo 5 at gamestop for $30, thought it was a decent deal, and decided I would try it out.
Here’s my take on the game thus far, 3 days in (NOTE: I haven’t played the campaign yet). This is my opinion and feel free to talk about anything I say.
THE GOOD
1. The gameplay is unbelievably smooth and refined. Halo 5 does play fast, but it uses this to its advantage. Sprint, clamber, and thrust give you the ability to go across a map in seconds, and allows you to reach high areas quickly and easily. Slayer for example, rarely lasts over 6 minutes, and this is good.
2. Halo 5 is the most balanced Halo to date. The weapons are unbelievably balanced. Every gun can kill if used at correct range and if used effectively. The assault rifle is very powerful at correct range, and I am happy to be able to finally use it as a serious weapon in a Halo game. Map guns are more effective, such as the BR and DMR, but the assault rifle and magnum can hold their own.
3. Assault rifle and magnum starts for slayer, with BR and DMR scattered throughout the map.
4. Guns spread throughout the map are more useful and needed than ever before. Albeit Halo 5 is perfectly balanced, map loadout weapons (BR, DMR) and power weapons (scattershot, shotgun, etc.) give the player a small advantage if used correctly. I like that power weapon use is emphasized and encouraged, and is what makes Halo, “Halo”.
5. Breakout is incredibly fun and challenging. I love this new game type. Most games I play are very close. Puts an emphasis on teamwork and really improves your skills. Jeff calling out “1 on 2” is very helpful. 5 rounds to win is a good amount.
6. Great connection and almost no lag. Dedicated servers are awesome!
7. Population is not an issue, finding games in less than 30 seconds and finding different players.
8. Halo 5 looks bright, detailed, and all-around awesome at 60 fps. Halo has never looked so good.
9. REQ system is rewarding and gives you something to play for.
THE BAD
1. Infection is not as fun as in 3 or Reach. It is way too easy to kill the zombies. The maps and infected look great though.
2. Some weapons, and spartan charge, are a little overpowered (incineration cannon, binary rifle).
3. Warzone is not as fun as I thought it would be. I think the more I play and learn I will warm up to it.
Summary (TLDR): Overall, Halo 5 is the best looking, most-balanced, and most competitive Halo yet, in my opinion. The game works great, I have no trouble finding games, and, 7 months after launch, the amount of content is sufficient and I have plenty of things to do. Some of the social playlists are not quite as good as they were in the past, but they are still fun to an extent.
Lol