Sorry if there is another thread like this one. I couldn’t find one that addressed the campaign, so I thought I could write down a short critique of Halo 4’s campaign. If it seems if I’m bashing 343i, I’m not…just some words for thought.
CINEMATIC THOUGHTS
I loved the first cinematic introduction to the campaign. It sheds light on who and what the Spartans really are. Unfortunately, the cinematic impact of the short films fell short due to poor editing of the music. It left the player’s emotional involvement stranded because of the unexpected cut off’s. It got frustrating after a while because I couldn’t actually BECOME apart of the story/game. There were also some gaps in the story that left the player questioning, “What did I miss?” Bungie did a good job in smoothing over the cinematic’s and keeping the player as a part of the game.
CHARACTERS
Another confusing part of the story line was the appearance of new characters without the proper insight into the background of the unfamiliar persona. Many of my friends tried to understand what was really happening and the identity of the two new and very different characters. Were they Prometheans? Forerunners? Covenant? Something else? I explained who they were, but without reading the books, they had a difficult time understanding Master Chief’s dire situation. In future games, how about adding more background about the Forerunners so players will not be lost in the complexity of the new story and characters. As an avid reader of the Halo series, I found the story line in Halo 4 a bit confusing.
MUSIC
Can you hear it? Can you hear the Halo theme in the new soundtrack? Where is the fantastic Halo music? The choir voices? The rhythmic beat of the drums? The cello solos? I was saddened to hear the new music. It did not hold the mystique and emotion that Marty put into the previous games. Great music is what makes a game. That’s what gives the game emotion and what ties you to the moment. Some of the music was preformed very well by Neil, especially “Green and Blue”. But personally, the music was too repetitive and did not have the “Halo feel.” Throughout the campaign, the music was too soft and it didn’t bring a big “Wow” when we first see Requiem. On the other hand, Master Chief and Cortana’s emotional moments were breath taking. The music skillfully differentiated between the human and machine aspects of Master Chief and Cortana. During skirmishes, the music needs to raise your adrenaline and bring out the amazing warrior behind the helmet. In future games, incorporate more emotional, traditional, thrilling, breath-taking music to harmonize the player with the identity of the game. To increase the player’s enjoyment, add a setting allowing the adjustment of the music and sound effects integrating the differences of many players. I really enjoy the music still. It’s just not quite as good as I thought it would be.
SUMMARY
I expected more of the campaign, but it was adequate. Include more awesome moments, emotional moments, thrilling moments with the mysteries of Halo. A flowing beauty from screen to screen with music and graphics, creates a love for the beauty of a new civilization or the thrill of the hunt or the emotional fear of loosing your companion through the whole War, Cortana.
I hope that you, 343i, would consider what was stated. I’m just a community member that would love to see you reach the highest potential that the Halo title can achieve.