Let me start off by saying… I wasn’t a huge fan of Halo 4, if I’m to be honest it was my least favourite in the entire series. I enjoyed the story but the game play was dull and online just didn’t feel “Halo-ey” to me. Then along came the Master Chief Collection. Lots of potential… but lets be honest, it was a train wreck. With the last two releases I was really on the fence for Halo 5: Guardians and resisted the pre-order up until the last week (courtesy of the fantastic marketing campaign). I should say, I’m the guy that usually buys the most limited edition AND the console so it is a big deal that I held out so long then only went for standard!
Anyway, my thoughts on a game I had low expectations for (brutal, but honest). You guys and gals at 343i have really hit this out of the park! I am absolutely loving this game so much more than I thought I would. The marketing campaign was very misleading in respect to the story, something I would normally be up in arms about… but I’m really glad the way it played out. The trailers and marketing didn’t spoil the story (which I found very emotional and engaging), in fact I think we got a better story than what was advertised. Although it could have been a little more blue, if you catch my drift.
Now multiplayer. I already said I disliked Halo 4 multiplayer and the MCC was non-existent. Halo 5 has once again blown away all expectations! Arena is the way it should be, everyone starting the game on an even foot, even with new mechanics it feels like Halo, so much more so than Halo 4. Removing armour abilities for these “Spartan Abilities” was a fantastic call and really takes Halo a step in the right direction.
I have spent most of my time on Warzone. It is amazingly enjoyable, although it has its issues. For one is the REQ packs. I’m currently level 28, I’ve had all manners of packs including premium and I still don’t have a DMR. I have a variety of Assault Rifles, SMGs, and Battle Rifles but not one DMR. I don’t think we should rely on REQ packets to get the basic version of a Loudout weapon- at least make it easier to obtain!
Which leads me to my next gripe- micro-transactions. I know you need to make money but micro-transactions are just a horrid cancer that’s creeping into the game industry. My final issue with warzone is one of my “armour mods”. It is a thruster upgrade that lets shields recharge while sprinting… but it’s not consistent, sometimes it works and other times not so much. Other than that really enjoying Warzone as a mode.
All in all I’m loving this game. I can’t wait for the next instalment (something I haven’t said for far too long). Naturally people will disagree but this is now my favourite Halo game (narrowly beating Halo: Reach).
Well done 343i.