Any thoughts on the story direction? I’ve just finished the first playthrough. Blazed through and missed most of the Intel, but I’m assuming it gives us a lot more back story and enriches the lore.
I think this is approaching Halo 3 levels of awesomeness. A lot better than 4. Thoughts?
Keep responses constructive and nice, don’t just hate because you don’t like 343.
> 2548688896268500;1:
> Any thoughts on the story direction? I’ve just finished the first playthrough. Blazed through and missed most of the Intel, but I’m assuming it gives us a lot more back story and enriches the lore.
>
> I think this is approaching Halo 3 levels of awesomeness. A lot better than 4. Thoughts?
>
> Keep responses constructive and nice, don’t just hate because you don’t like 343.
Halo 4 definitely has the best campaign yet because it told a complete story. Halo 5 was great, I particularly enjoyed the game’s heavy reliance on lore, but similarly to Halo 2 it was more of a build up to the next title. Also, the Arbiter, Chief and Halsey reunion was epic.
To be honest, I didn’t like it all that much. Gameplay and everything was ok, but the story… Ehh. I dunno seemed like it was built up an awful lot and for me it was just pretty underwhelming. Not bad, but not amazing, in my opinion anyways
I don’t understand the dislike towards the campaign thought it left on a great cliffhanger.
Wish it explained the guardians though, they were just thrown in. No idea what they actually were.
Lots of people didn’t like the twist, but (being the lore addict that I am) I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I like how humanity lost this time around. Cortana literally has like 80 guardians, all the prometheans, most of the UNSC fleet, thousands of hyper intelligent AI, and possibly even Sloans human innie forces. And humanity has 8 (addmitedly amazing) Spartans, the Infinity, the Swords of sanghelios… And that’s it. Its crazy to think that we have absolutely no idea what’s happening on earth or any of the other colonies. For all anyone knows, guardians already destroyed earth. Plus that legendary ending! Why’s Cortana want a halo ring???
I’ve enjoyed it and had a lot of fun
I really did not like it.
> 2533274831420277;7:
> I really did not like it.
>
> - Halsey is on the UNSC’s side again, and Palmer is fine with this. Spartan Ops might as well never have happened.
> - Cortana is somehow still alive, but now she is evil. This goes against her character, and makes her death in Halo 4 pointless.
> - Blue Team barely got any time at all, when everyone was hyped for them and expecting a lot of them.
> - Locke hunting Chief was barely a thing, despite the adverts. There’s one mission of hunting Chief, then it’s all about Cortana.
> - Jul Mdama, a villain built up over Spartan Ops and multiple books, is wasted. He gets killed in a cutscene ten minutes into the game.
Well, to be fair a big reason people hated Palmer was her attitude towards Halsey. Can’t fault them for trying to make her a tad less annoying
> 2533274831420277;7:
> I really did not like it.
>
> - Halsey is on the UNSC’s side again, and Palmer is fine with this. Spartan Ops might as well never have happened.
> - Cortana is somehow still alive, but now she is evil. This goes against her character, and makes her death in Halo 4 pointless.
> - Blue Team barely got any time at all, when everyone was hyped for them and expecting a lot of them.
> - Locke hunting Chief was barely a thing, despite the adverts. There’s one mission of hunting Chief, then it’s all about Cortana.
> - Jul Mdama, a villain built up over Spartan Ops and multiple books, is wasted. He gets killed in a cutscene ten minutes into the game.
I agree with the hunt and the Jul thing, little disappointing. However, Cortana would’ve wasted him anyway.
As for Cortana being evil, there was an Intel I got discussing a “-Yoink!-” in the Domain. A corruption m. Could have driven her mad. Also, given immortality, and that kind of power, no wonder she went mad.
As for Palmer not being her stupid self, I’ll just assume because she’d been preparing for 3 weeks that Halsey was a necessary part of the puzzle to stop the Guardians. Why Locke trusts her now I’m not sure. Why anyone does tbh is beyond me.
> 2533274831420277;7:
> I really did not like it.
>
> - Halsey is on the UNSC’s side again, and Palmer is fine with this. Spartan Ops might as well never have happened.
> - Cortana is somehow still alive, but now she is evil. This goes against her character, and makes her death in Halo 4 pointless.
> - Blue Team barely got any time at all, when everyone was hyped for them and expecting a lot of them.
> - Locke hunting Chief was barely a thing, despite the adverts. There’s one mission of hunting Chief, then it’s all about Cortana.
> - Jul Mdama, a villain built up over Spartan Ops and multiple books, is wasted. He gets killed in a cutscene ten minutes into the game.
These are all the major problems I have with this game. So many bizarre things inexplicably happen in this game without much explanation. It’s bad enough that they brought Cortana back to life after her heart-wrenching sacrifice in Halo 4, but why did they make her the villain without bothering to tell us why? Her characterization in Guardians is completely different to previous games.
Halo 4 set up this awesome saga for Chief’s character to develop further with Cortana’s absence, and 343i blew it…
> 2533274831420277;7:
> I really did not like it.
>
> - Halsey is on the UNSC’s side again, and Palmer is fine with this. Spartan Ops might as well never have happened.
> - Cortana is somehow still alive, but now she is evil. This goes against her character, and makes her death in Halo 4 pointless.
> - Blue Team barely got any time at all, when everyone was hyped for them and expecting a lot of them.
> - Locke hunting Chief was barely a thing, despite the adverts. There’s one mission of hunting Chief, then it’s all about Cortana.
> - Jul Mdama, a villain built up over Spartan Ops and multiple books, is wasted. He gets killed in a cutscene ten minutes into the game.
1: Palmer still hates Halsey and its apparent throughout the game, the UNSC kind of needs her now since she had intel on Cortana and the Guardians.
2: Actually its explained very well why she is alive. And it makes sense why she is doing this if you also understand she was created from Halsey’s cloned brain.
3: Agreed
4: Eh. The entire game revolves around finding/rescuing Blue Team.
5: Jul was on borrowed time, good riddance
> 2533274831420277;7:
> I really did not like it.
>
> - Halsey is on the UNSC’s side again, and Palmer is fine with this. Spartan Ops might as well never have happened.
> - Cortana is somehow still alive, but now she is evil. This goes against her character, and makes her death in Halo 4 pointless.
> - Blue Team barely got any time at all, when everyone was hyped for them and expecting a lot of them.
> - Locke hunting Chief was barely a thing, despite the adverts. There’s one mission of hunting Chief, then it’s all about Cortana.
> - Jul Mdama, a villain built up over Spartan Ops and multiple books, is wasted. He gets killed in a cutscene ten minutes into the game.
> 2535468947915585;5:
> Lots of people didn’t like the twist, but (being the lore addict that I am) I can’t wait to see what happens next!
> I like how humanity lost this time around. Cortana literally has like 80 guardians, all the prometheans, most of the UNSC fleet, thousands of hyper intelligent AI, and possibly even Sloans human innie forces. And humanity has 8 (addmitedly amazing) Spartans, the Infinity, the Swords of sanghelios… And that’s it. Its crazy to think that we have absolutely no idea what’s happening on earth or any of the other colonies. For all anyone knows, guardians already destroyed earth. Plus that legendary ending! Why’s Cortana want a halo ring???
Ouch. I haven’t played legendary yet. That stung a little. Ha-ha. I guess I deserve that one. However, more setting the stage for Halo 6!
> 2548688896268500;13:
> > 2535468947915585;5:
> > Lots of people didn’t like the twist, but (being the lore addict that I am) I can’t wait to see what happens next!
> > I like how humanity lost this time around. Cortana literally has like 80 guardians, all the prometheans, most of the UNSC fleet, thousands of hyper intelligent AI, and possibly even Sloans human innie forces. And humanity has 8 (addmitedly amazing) Spartans, the Infinity, the Swords of sanghelios… And that’s it. Its crazy to think that we have absolutely no idea what’s happening on earth or any of the other colonies. For all anyone knows, guardians already destroyed earth. Plus that legendary ending! Why’s Cortana want a halo ring???
>
>
> Ouch. I haven’t played legendary yet. That stung a little. Ha-ha. I guess I deserve that one. However, more setting the stage for Halo 6!
Ahhh!!! Sorry dude! I feel bad now XD
> 2533274929494620;10:
> > 2533274831420277;7:
> > I really did not like it.
> >
> > - Halsey is on the UNSC’s side again, and Palmer is fine with this. Spartan Ops might as well never have happened.
> > - Cortana is somehow still alive, but now she is evil. This goes against her character, and makes her death in Halo 4 pointless.
> > - Blue Team barely got any time at all, when everyone was hyped for them and expecting a lot of them.
> > - Locke hunting Chief was barely a thing, despite the adverts. There’s one mission of hunting Chief, then it’s all about Cortana.
> > - Jul Mdama, a villain built up over Spartan Ops and multiple books, is wasted. He gets killed in a cutscene ten minutes into the game.
>
>
> These are all the major problems I have with this game. So many bizarre things inexplicably happen in this game without much explanation. It’s bad enough that they brought Cortana back to life after her heart-wrenching sacrifice in Halo 4, but why did they make her the villain without bothering to tell us why? Her characterization in Guardians is completely different to previous games.
>
> Halo 4 set up this awesome saga for Chief’s character to develop further with Cortana’s absence, and 343i blew it…
Wait wait wait. Explain what ‘inexplicable things’ you’re talking about. Also, have you read the books? If not, I implore that you do before judging! Also read some of the responses here as to Cortana’s survival.
> 2548688896268500;15:
> > 2533274929494620;10:
> > > 2533274831420277;7:
> > > I really did not like it.
> > >
> > > - Halsey is on the UNSC’s side again, and Palmer is fine with this. Spartan Ops might as well never have happened.
> > > - Cortana is somehow still alive, but now she is evil. This goes against her character, and makes her death in Halo 4 pointless.
> > > - Blue Team barely got any time at all, when everyone was hyped for them and expecting a lot of them.
> > > - Locke hunting Chief was barely a thing, despite the adverts. There’s one mission of hunting Chief, then it’s all about Cortana.
> > > - Jul Mdama, a villain built up over Spartan Ops and multiple books, is wasted. He gets killed in a cutscene ten minutes into the game.
> >
> >
> > These are all the major problems I have with this game. So many bizarre things inexplicably happen in this game without much explanation. It’s bad enough that they brought Cortana back to life after her heart-wrenching sacrifice in Halo 4, but why did they make her the villain without bothering to tell us why? Her characterization in Guardians is completely different to previous games.
> >
> > Halo 4 set up this awesome saga for Chief’s character to develop further with Cortana’s absence, and 343i blew it…
>
>
> Wait wait wait. Explain what ‘inexplicable things’ you’re talking about. Also, have you read the books? If not, I implore that you do before judging! Also read some of the responses here as to Cortana’s survival.
The explanation for it is ridiculous and contrived. Plus I find it an insulting way to continue the legacy of such a great character.
And yes, I have read the books. The Domain wasn’t an evil force in The Forerunner Saga, and it shouldn’t have convinced Cortana to become a megalomaniacal dictator.
Without going into too much detail, I really enjoyed the gameplay, and the story. Even though the story was a bit overwhelming, I still thought it was epic and enjoyed it. I especially like the reliance on the lore. All in all, it was more of a build up than anything. They’re building up the story for the next game, and I’m fine with that. In my opinion I think it’s the best halo campaign yet.
> 2533274929494620;16:
> > 2548688896268500;15:
> > > 2533274929494620;10:
> > > > 2533274831420277;7:
> > > > I really did not like it.
> > > >
> > > > - Halsey is on the UNSC’s side again, and Palmer is fine with this. Spartan Ops might as well never have happened.
> > > > - Cortana is somehow still alive, but now she is evil. This goes against her character, and makes her death in Halo 4 pointless.
> > > > - Blue Team barely got any time at all, when everyone was hyped for them and expecting a lot of them.
> > > > - Locke hunting Chief was barely a thing, despite the adverts. There’s one mission of hunting Chief, then it’s all about Cortana.
> > > > - Jul Mdama, a villain built up over Spartan Ops and multiple books, is wasted. He gets killed in a cutscene ten minutes into the game.
> > >
> > >
> > > These are all the major problems I have with this game. So many bizarre things inexplicably happen in this game without much explanation. It’s bad enough that they brought Cortana back to life after her heart-wrenching sacrifice in Halo 4, but why did they make her the villain without bothering to tell us why? Her characterization in Guardians is completely different to previous games.
> > >
> > > Halo 4 set up this awesome saga for Chief’s character to develop further with Cortana’s absence, and 343i blew it…
> >
> >
> > Wait wait wait. Explain what ‘inexplicable things’ you’re talking about. Also, have you read the books? If not, I implore that you do before judging! Also read some of the responses here as to Cortana’s survival.
>
>
> The explanation for it is ridiculous and contrived. Plus I find it an insulting way to continue the legacy of such a great character.
>
> And yes, I have read the books. The Domain wasn’t an evil force in The Forerunner Saga, and it shouldn’t have convinced Cortana to become a megalomaniacal dictator.
Again, Intel in the game reveals that parts of the Domain have become corrupted over the years. I mean, it can’t be perfect considering it was destroyed by the halo rings and then it had to self repair without forerunner maintenance. Plus, knowledge leads to power and power leads to corruption. Cortana literally has all the data in the entire universe being forced into her mind all at once. Remember in halo CE when Cortana gets a bit loopy when you put her into the control room terminal because of how much information there was? This is like that but times 1000
> 2533274838804559;12:
> > 2533274831420277;7:
> > I really did not like it.
> >
> > - Halsey is on the UNSC’s side again, and Palmer is fine with this. Spartan Ops might as well never have happened.
> > - Cortana is somehow still alive, but now she is evil. This goes against her character, and makes her death in Halo 4 pointless.
> > - Blue Team barely got any time at all, when everyone was hyped for them and expecting a lot of them.
> > - Locke hunting Chief was barely a thing, despite the adverts. There’s one mission of hunting Chief, then it’s all about Cortana.
> > - Jul Mdama, a villain built up over Spartan Ops and multiple books, is wasted. He gets killed in a cutscene ten minutes into the game.
>
>
> 1. Halsey figured out that Cortana was alive and what she was planning to do, it makes sense that her focus now goes to keeping Cortana from chaining the entire Galaxy (not to mention Halsey’s worry for John). As for Palmer, that’s classic enemy of my enemy situation. Halsey is no longer a threat and is now a valuable asset, no reason to try and kill her, angry feelings were still there.
> 2. She never “died” in Halo 4. Her rampant personality was still within Mantles Approach as it went through slip space and into the Domain. While in the Domain, Cortana easily cured her imminent death, kept her rampant personality and gained control over all Forerunner systems. Perfect set up for turning “evil” to me.
> 3. Blue team got way less time then it felt like, I agree, but the story was done in a way where it felt like a very very Chief oriented story. I’m sorry if you didn’t feel this way.
> 4. This should be pretty obvious based on how the story went. When it became clear that the Chief was no longer a threat and Cortana presented a major one, the focus shifts, and shifts very well.
> 5. I actually agree with this gripe, but it doesn’t bother me too much. At this point, his Covenant is falling and he is no longer a major threat. Cortana becomes the main antagonist.
How, exactly, did Halsey figure that out? It’s ridiculous to suggest that she could have worked out the Cortana not only survived, not only ended up in the Domain, not only went evil, but is now controlling the Guardians. Palmer’s angry feelings weren’t still there. There was no hostility between her and Halsey, like there was in Spartan Ops when they interacted.
We literally saw her chip get destroyed. That should have been it for Cortana. Instead, she survives that, then travels through slipspace into the Domain (not even a physical place) and repairs herself. That’s ridiculous enough, to me. But then she goes evil? She just repaired herself and fixed her rampancy, why is she evil when she never was before, or even during, rampancy?
The story was centred on Chief, yes, but that doesn’t make up for barely seeing him or Blue Team. I’ve read every book Blue Team are in, and I was so excited to see them. Then, the story calls for me to only see them three times in the entire campaign? Why couldn’t we have had one of the missions Fred mentions in the cutscene at the start of Blue Team? Why couldn’t we see Blue Team fighting their way to the Meridian Guardian, instead of going through that fight with Osiris? Why couldn’t Blue Team have more to do on the Forerunner world?
The hunt for Chief was the game’s advertising campaign. All of the adverts were based around it. The E3 demo showed Osiris finding Chief’s assault rifle. I bought the game expecting to take part in an epic hunt for Chief, and then that doesn’t happen. 343 could easily have added more of the ‘hunting for Chief’ element to the game, and maybe made it longer than six hours by doing so?
But the way he was disposed of was awful. I was so surprised by it, because it made no sense. It would have been awesome to have him and the Arbiter fight to the death in Sunaion, or something like that. But instead he dies in a cutscene, ten minutes into the game, without putting up much of a fight at all. It was so underwhelming.
> 2533274929494620;16:
> > 2548688896268500;15:
> > > 2533274929494620;10:
> > > > 2533274831420277;7:
> > > > I really did not like it.
> > > >
> > > > - Halsey is on the UNSC’s side again, and Palmer is fine with this. Spartan Ops might as well never have happened.
> > > > - Cortana is somehow still alive, but now she is evil. This goes against her character, and makes her death in Halo 4 pointless.
> > > > - Blue Team barely got any time at all, when everyone was hyped for them and expecting a lot of them.
> > > > - Locke hunting Chief was barely a thing, despite the adverts. There’s one mission of hunting Chief, then it’s all about Cortana.
> > > > - Jul Mdama, a villain built up over Spartan Ops and multiple books, is wasted. He gets killed in a cutscene ten minutes into the game.
> > >
> > >
> > > These are all the major problems I have with this game. So many bizarre things inexplicably happen in this game without much explanation. It’s bad enough that they brought Cortana back to life after her heart-wrenching sacrifice in Halo 4, but why did they make her the villain without bothering to tell us why? Her characterization in Guardians is completely different to previous games.
> > >
> > > Halo 4 set up this awesome saga for Chief’s character to develop further with Cortana’s absence, and 343i blew it…
> >
> >
> > Wait wait wait. Explain what ‘inexplicable things’ you’re talking about. Also, have you read the books? If not, I implore that you do before judging! Also read some of the responses here as to Cortana’s survival.
>
>
> The explanation for it is ridiculous and contrived. Plus I find it an insulting way to continue the legacy of such a great character.
>
> And yes, I have read the books. The Domain wasn’t an evil force in The Forerunner Saga, and it shouldn’t have convinced Cortana to become a megalomaniacal dictator.
I agree with the statement on the Domain not being evil. But are we sure? It’s not a Forerunner creation, it may be “tainted” according to Hall 5’s terminals, and the only thing remaining of Cortana may be her stabilized rampant personality. I love the twist on her character. To quote Batman, you either die the hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villian. I have no issue with this and it doesn’t ruin who she was or what she meant to the galaxy.
What I am having trouble understanding is that if the Guardians could basically destroy whole planets, why didn’t the Forerunners just use them against the Flood?