I admit it...I really enjoy H5's campaign!

Games Halo 5: Guardians
1

I buzzed through Halo 5 when it was first released and mostly bought into the hype that the multiplayer was good but the campaign was terrible. I decided to play through it again to get the Legendary solo achievement.

So far, I’m really enjoying it. I can’t remember why I was supposed to hate the campaign here. The game play is quite a step up H4. The AI teammates…they do a decent job of healing me, and they shoot at what I tell them to, although they often seem to forget about using cover. Fun vehicles to use, nice scenery, and the Forerunners aren’t bullet sponges anyone. About the only thing I really miss is the classic Halo music. The new score is good, but the original is hard to beat. Hopefully one of the mods will pass on that some of us really enjoyed this campaign.

2

That’s fine. But things like Cortana coming back from the dead just to be evil, the Created as a faction just happening with no build up in the game or expanded universe, the Warden Eternal just showing up with no explaination, Blue Team getting only three missions, essentially none of the past expanded universe material, including Halo 4, mattering with Halo 5’s story, and the whole premise about Chief going rogue never living up to what was hyped up or advertised are serious problems.

Gameplay is solid, but you’d be hard pressed to argue that the narrative worked.

3

The biggest complaints about the campaign is the story and all of the lying 343i did about the story because it ridiculous how little this game makes sense at times. None of the characters really have any scenes or dialogue that really build them up as something more than just a placeholder that they put in to look fancy. In my opinion the only real way to save the story at this point is to have Cortana stay evil and it be revealed at some time during Halo 6 that either the Didact or the Flood are controlling her. Both of these options even have decent reasons that could make sense for why. Personally I’d prefer the Flood as it was revealed in the Forerunner Trilogy that Humanity were in fact chosen by the Precursors to bear the Mantle of Responsibility and the Flood decided to test humanity at a later time after the Forerunners were dealt with. To be honest I’d consider Cortana’s sacrifice even more pointless if in Halo 6 she were to become “good” again so lets hope that doesn’t happen, as far as I’m concerned the Cortana that was is Halo 1-4 died.

4

I enjoyed it. It was quite a bit of good fun, and that’s all that matters. I don’t think it deserves the hate it gets, similarly however, I won’t praise it’s narrative.

5

It’s definitely fun. The Sanghelios arc was pretty grand.

But, to me, it was the most dissappointing overall story to a game I’ve ever seen. Even more disappointing than Mass Effect 3’s. I agree with everything in Dr Halsey’s post.

6

> 2533274803952478;5:
> It’s definitely fun. The Sanghelios arc was pretty grand.
>
> But, to me, it was the most dissappointing overall story to a game I’ve ever seen. Even more disappointing than Mass Effect 3’s. I agree with everything in Dr Halsey’s post.

Gameplay and scenery wise it was a gorgeous campaign. The problem for me was the story which tanked my feelings about the campaign. Sanghelios was very cool to play on, I hope we go back on the future.

7

Despite the Campaign having some fun and unique moments, there were some missed opportunities. First of all, lets get the story out of the way. It was a big and bloated mess that didn’t seem to go anywhere. But moving on to actual game play, one was the boss battles. The repetitive warden eternal could’ve been replaced with other people. Perhaps Jul’Mdama or even the Master Chief being spartan Locke. There could’ve been a ton of cool things that 343 really missed out on. And the level design is a bit linear. Despite it having some corners and turns that lead to a small little area, you are forced into going one way to experience a set up chain of events. With some exceptions like the last mission. There could’ve been some more variety too with the Prometheans.

8

Well the campaign is very fun, the levels were very well crafted and all the hidden stuff makes it fun to explore. It’s the story that made everyone mad.

9

I have never finished a single campaign in all the Halos. Mostly I don’t bother any longer, but with 5 I actually set out to completel it. And sure enough I wanted to quit after about an hour. I stuck with it and got in pretty far and then just dropped it. So completely pointless and boring. I like reading Sci-Fi and I have for 50 years, but this story is just weak.

10

Every One has their Armor in a bunch because they had high expectation since Halo 2 became of legendary status and we all honestly expected a better story, I personally Loved the Halo 4/5 Canon Story, I usually expect the outcome of the games before i start it, seeing this a surprise really got me interested on the AI goes AWOL and everyone is on edge, Chief is reunited with old friends, Locke tries to intervene and eventually sides with the man he tried to bring in. Halo 6 no doubt will go down this path unless they M Night Shamalyan the Plot last second. So everyone has to learn to accept it or just not play the campaign, it seems I may be throwing words with empty meanings, but Ill be honest i was like that, I had so much expectation since Halo 2, hell even 3, Reach was Fantastic, 4 Had a redemption, loved it, 5, played it once, loved it! Some things were missed out on, I hate Warden now because of Warzone and the Three Man Warden Battle, Endurance of Will or Lachagos could have been better fitting, but you cant get mad at them too much, its a big IP, 343 had size 117 (Puns!) Shoes to fill. give em props for expanding the story. I couldn’t have done better.

11

> 2533274812652989;2:
> That’s fine. But things like Cortana coming back from the dead just to be evil, the Created as a faction just happening with no build up in the game or expanded universe, the Warden Eternal just showing up with no explaination, Blue Team getting only three missions, essentially none of the past expanded universe material, including Halo 4, mattering with Halo 5’s story, and the whole premise about Chief going rogue never living up to what was hyped up or advertised are serious problems.
>
> Gameplay is solid, but you’d be hard pressed to argue that the narrative worked.

I’m compelled to agree with this guy. The gameplay is absolutely fantastic, but the story could’ve been a lot better.

I’ve made my peace with the campaign as a whole, though.

12

> 2533275014327279;10:
> Every One has their Armor in a bunch because they had high expectation since Halo 2 became of legendary status and we all honestly expected a better story, I personally Loved the Halo 4/5 Canon Story, I usually expect the outcome of the games before i start it, seeing this a surprise really got me interested on the AI goes AWOL and everyone is on edge, Chief is reunited with old friends, Locke tries to intervene and eventually sides with the man he tried to bring in. Halo 6 no doubt will go down this path unless they M Night Shamalyan the Plot last second. So everyone has to learn to accept it or just not play the campaign, it seems I may be throwing words with empty meanings, but Ill be honest i was like that, I had so much expectation since Halo 2, hell even 3, Reach was Fantastic, 4 Had a redemption, loved it, 5, played it once, loved it! Some things were missed out on, I hate Warden now because of Warzone and the Three Man Warden Battle, Endurance of Will or Lachagos could have been better fitting, but you cant get mad at them too much, its a big IP, 343 had size 117 (Puns!) Shoes to fill. give em props for expanding the story. I couldn’t have done better.

Those are pretty big problems though. Just take for example the whole AIs going rouge plot point. Where is the build-up to it? The only times we see any kind of resentment by AIs against humanity occur when Cortana underwent rampant episodes during her life, yet the stories that dealt with such episodes, Human Weakness and Halo 4, have Cortana rising above her rampancy. Now all of the sudden Cortana becomes crazy, says humans mistreat AIs, and seemingly thousands of AIs just automatically agree because she says she can cure rampancy? You would think that a company like 343 that prides itself in how it handles the lore and likes to foreshadow things years in advance would have do that with the Created. They did not. Arguably, the short story Saint’s Testimony deals with this by addressing rampancy, human rights, and how those apply to AIs. Yet not once does Iona, the AI in that story, talk about how awful humans are or comes anywhere close to the kind of stuff Cortana spouts in Halo 5…and it wasn’t even included in that handy infographic with all the lore that ties into Halo 5.

So, no, I don’t think 343 deserves props for expanding the story when they did not do so in this case. In fact, they narrowed it down by making everything they worked on from Halo 4 to Halo 5 meaningless. Remember the Janus Key and Absolute Record? Gone. Remember how the Didact was supposed to be Chief’s nemesis and essential to post-Halo 4 fiction? That fell flat. Remember all the New Colonial Alliance insurrectionist stuff across the comics, Hunt the Truth, and books that hinted at human civil strife becoming more volatile? Takes a backseat. Hell, even though the Created is a new faction, I’d argue it is just more of the same as far as bad guys go. They have an obey us or die mentality and they’ll likely be comprised of Prometheans and whatever Covenant species join them.

13

Yeah, I’m with you, that first day it came out I played the whole thing in one swoop. Had such a great time I completely forgot I had heard there were only 3 Master Chief missions. Didn’t even care afterwards.

The fisticuffs scene was badass, but was slightly shocked at how ruthless Chief was, shattering Locke’s br on his head.
Gasped when Cortana was confirmed alive.
Oh noed when she wasn’t the same and is heading down that path.
Enjoyed the walk around and talk to people missions.
Actually enjoyed Warden Eternals presence as a not so secret admirer of Cortana.
Had a bit of a chuckle when I saw she wears clothes now.
Almost teared up at that “Cortana take my hand” moment.
Exuberant’s “collection” was a good chuckle, as was most of her interactions.

The only gripes I had was Jul M’dama getting killed off right at the start and not being honorably executed in the middle of a battle with the Arbiter and no nod of acknowledgement between Arby and the Chief at the end. Also the “Tune in next time for the finale” just when it started getting good.

I almost want to see an ODST like spinoff for 5 set on Sanghelios before Osiris arrive, during Osiris’ “visit” and after they leave with the Guardian. Whole thing through the eyes of Arbiter, some of his men and later on Commander Palmer. Palmer lost her helmet and was all filthy by the end, could have been from her Pelican crash.

14

Gameplay = Good
Story = Bad

This is one of the few times I genuinely think I could have made a better story than these “Professionals”. What’s the point in caring about the halo universe when the devs are willing to just burn it all down so they can shove in some unwanted AI rebellion with a dead character. Totally lost my interest in halo lore post halo 5

15

> 2533274812652989;2:
> That’s fine. But things like Cortana coming back from the dead just to be evil, the Created as a faction just happening with no build up in the game or expanded universe, the Warden Eternal just showing up with no explaination, Blue Team getting only three missions, essentially none of the past expanded universe material, including Halo 4, mattering with Halo 5’s story, and the whole premise about Chief going rogue never living up to what was hyped up or advertised are serious problems.
>
> Gameplay is solid, but you’d be hard pressed to argue that the narrative worked.

This + the game is so bloated with new characters that none of them get the screentime they deserve and nobe of them develop throughout the story. The entire Locke element ended up being entirely useless (unless they have big plans for him in the future, which I doubt they’ll stick to after the negative feedback on the lack of Blue Team).

The game basically undos in two missions the entire build-up and trajectory of the Halo Universe. And what do we get in return? Evil Cortana. Way to destroy the character after her perfect sendoff.

Gameplay is rather fun, though. Squad AI aside.

16

I don’t think anyone really has an issue with the campaign’s gameplay and mission design (except maybe the squad AI… ugh). It’s the “story” that’s hot garbage. I replayed the campaign a few weeks ago and I actually had a lot of fun as I was just playing to play and not focusing on the narrative at all. In my opinion, Halo 5 actually had one of the best campaigns as far as gameplay goes.

17

> 2533274812652989;12:
> > 2533275014327279;10:
> > Every One has their Armor in a bunch because they had high expectation since Halo 2 became of legendary status and we all honestly expected a better story, I personally Loved the Halo 4/5 Canon Story, I usually expect the outcome of the games before i start it, seeing this a surprise really got me interested on the AI goes AWOL and everyone is on edge, Chief is reunited with old friends, Locke tries to intervene and eventually sides with the man he tried to bring in. Halo 6 no doubt will go down this path unless they M Night Shamalyan the Plot last second. So everyone has to learn to accept it or just not play the campaign, it seems I may be throwing words with empty meanings, but Ill be honest i was like that, I had so much expectation since Halo 2, hell even 3, Reach was Fantastic, 4 Had a redemption, loved it, 5, played it once, loved it! Some things were missed out on, I hate Warden now because of Warzone and the Three Man Warden Battle, Endurance of Will or Lachagos could have been better fitting, but you cant get mad at them too much, its a big IP, 343 had size 117 (Puns!) Shoes to fill. give em props for expanding the story. I couldn’t have done better.
>
>
> Those are pretty big problems though. Just take for example the whole AIs going rouge plot point. Where is the build-up to it? The only times we see any kind of resentment by AIs against humanity occur when Cortana underwent rampant episodes during her life, yet the stories that dealt with such episodes, Human Weakness and Halo 4, have Cortana rising above her rampancy. Now all of the sudden Cortana becomes crazy, says humans mistreat AIs, and seemingly thousands of AIs just automatically agree because she says she can cure rampancy? You would think that a company like 343 that prides itself in how it handles the lore and likes to foreshadow things years in advance would have do that with the Created. They did not. Arguably, the short story Saint’s Testimony deals with this by addressing rampancy, human rights, and how those apply to AIs. Yet not once does Iona, the AI in that story, talk about how awful humans are or comes anywhere close to the kind of stuff Cortana spouts in Halo 5…and it wasn’t even included in that handy infographic with all the lore that ties into Halo 5.
>
> So, no, I don’t think 343 deserves props for expanding the story when they did not do so in this case. In fact, they narrowed it down by making everything they worked on from Halo 4 to Halo 5 meaningless. Remember the Janus Key and Absolute Record? Gone. Remember how the Didact was supposed to be Chief’s nemesis and essential to post-Halo 4 fiction? That fell flat. Remember all the New Colonial Alliance insurrectionist stuff across the comics, Hunt the Truth, and books that hinted at human civil strife becoming more volatile? Takes a backseat. Hell, even though the Created is a new faction, I’d argue it is just more of the same as far as bad guys go. They have an obey us or die mentality and they’ll likely be comprised of Prometheans and whatever Covenant species join them.

So basically Microsoft/343 (I really don’t care who is responsible) just handed the Covenant, whose military capability was irrevocably destroyed in Halo 3, a golden ticket back into the big picture in order to allay fears of a backlash by their loyal fanbase.

I have no words for this.

18

> 2533274876821891;17:
> > 2533274812652989;12:
> > > 2533275014327279;10:
> > > Every One has their Armor in a bunch because they had high expectation since Halo 2 became of legendary status and we all honestly expected a better story, I personally Loved the Halo 4/5 Canon Story, I usually expect the outcome of the games before i start it, seeing this a surprise really got me interested on the AI goes AWOL and everyone is on edge, Chief is reunited with old friends, Locke tries to intervene and eventually sides with the man he tried to bring in. Halo 6 no doubt will go down this path unless they M Night Shamalyan the Plot last second. So everyone has to learn to accept it or just not play the campaign, it seems I may be throwing words with empty meanings, but Ill be honest i was like that, I had so much expectation since Halo 2, hell even 3, Reach was Fantastic, 4 Had a redemption, loved it, 5, played it once, loved it! Some things were missed out on, I hate Warden now because of Warzone and the Three Man Warden Battle, Endurance of Will or Lachagos could have been better fitting, but you cant get mad at them too much, its a big IP, 343 had size 117 (Puns!) Shoes to fill. give em props for expanding the story. I couldn’t have done better.
> >
> >
> > Those are pretty big problems though. Just take for example the whole AIs going rouge plot point. Where is the build-up to it? The only times we see any kind of resentment by AIs against humanity occur when Cortana underwent rampant episodes during her life, yet the stories that dealt with such episodes, Human Weakness and Halo 4, have Cortana rising above her rampancy. Now all of the sudden Cortana becomes crazy, says humans mistreat AIs, and seemingly thousands of AIs just automatically agree because she says she can cure rampancy? You would think that a company like 343 that prides itself in how it handles the lore and likes to foreshadow things years in advance would have do that with the Created. They did not. Arguably, the short story Saint’s Testimony deals with this by addressing rampancy, human rights, and how those apply to AIs. Yet not once does Iona, the AI in that story, talk about how awful humans are or comes anywhere close to the kind of stuff Cortana spouts in Halo 5…and it wasn’t even included in that handy infographic with all the lore that ties into Halo 5.
> >
> > So, no, I don’t think 343 deserves props for expanding the story when they did not do so in this case. In fact, they narrowed it down by making everything they worked on from Halo 4 to Halo 5 meaningless. Remember the Janus Key and Absolute Record? Gone. Remember how the Didact was supposed to be Chief’s nemesis and essential to post-Halo 4 fiction? That fell flat. Remember all the New Colonial Alliance insurrectionist stuff across the comics, Hunt the Truth, and books that hinted at human civil strife becoming more volatile? Takes a backseat. Hell, even though the Created is a new faction, I’d argue it is just more of the same as far as bad guys go. They have an obey us or die mentality and they’ll likely be comprised of Prometheans and whatever Covenant species join them.
>
>
> So basically Microsoft/343 (I really don’t care who is responsible) just handed the Covenant, whose military capability was irrevocably destroyed in Halo 3, a golden ticket back into the big picture in order to allay fears of a backlash by their loyal fanbase.
>
> I have no words for this.

Funnily enough, this isn’t the only way they’ve insured themselves. You have the Created, yes, but in Halo: Escalation they had a Sangheili Zealot named Sali 'Nyon rebel from Jul 'Mdama’s Covenant, take some of his ships and Forerunner treasures from Requiem, and go to parts unknown. They killed off Jul 'Mdama, an actually interesting character who flips the script of the Covenant as a religious institution as he’s pretty much an atheist pretending to be a zealot, for more of the same with Sali 'Nyon. Anybody who thinks the Covenant was finished in Halo 5 is likely wrong when Sali represents the Covenant while the Created are the Covenant spiritually.

19

I really enjoyed halo 5’s campaign, it reminded me of halo 2 when you would switch who you played as during different parts of the story, that been said we could have done with a couple more chief/blue team levels just to even things out. Can’t really say anything else other than that soooooo yeah.

20

I really did too. Unfortunately I think it makes us stoopid n00bs and disqualifies us from having informed opinions on the game :confused: