INTRODUCTION
Halo Infinite is 343 Industries’ third main entry in the Halo franchise, the conclusion to the Reclaimer Trilogy, and a soft reboot of the franchise. With a decade of controversy to their name, Halo Infinite needs to be 343 Industries’ best Halo entry. So, have they finally proven themselves? Let’s find out.
THE PROS
. Enjoyable and emotional, though unfortunately simple, story
. Great chemistry between the trio of protagonists
. Great main villain with proper buildup throughout the campaign
. Intense and satisfying fight against the main villain
. The best post-Bungie soundtrack
. Open world setting is something I’ve wanted Halo to do for years
. The combination of wildlife with a day and night cycle brings the ring to life
. Good gameplay that’s truer to Halo’s identity than previous titles
. Tough enemy encounters (even on Normal)
. Post-completion content for the first time in the franchise
. Multiplayer bots is a dream come true
. The best, if limited, multiplayer map selection of the post-Bungie era
. Looks good and runs surprisingly well on Xbox One X in performance mode
THE CONS
. Limited scenery variety
. Lack of a weather system adds to the limited variety
. Panders a little too heavily with its callbacks
. Seemingly tacked-on final level and boss
. Frustrating final boss
. No way of replaying missions at launch
. No coop or Forge at launch
. Limited multiplayer playlist selection
. Continued insistence on rotational playlists
. Use of “fear of missing out”
. Selling colors and cosmetics that should’ve been regular unlocks
. Absurd store prices
CONCLUSION
Halo Infinite is, in many ways, my dream Halo. However, it’s held back by a number of omissions and corporate greed-fueled decisions. Having that been said, Halo’s problems are no longer with the game itself. 343 Industries are a good developer with poor leadership. Halo Infinite is, despite its flaws, 343 Industries’ best Halo entry.