After playing the Beta and getting a feel for the game I have to say that despite massive changes to gameplay, Halo 5 still feels like Halo. I know a lot of people think differently but the gunplay is pretty solid and the new thruster abilities make for interesting games. It’s balanced, competitive and could actually be pretty big in eSports if it goes right.
ADS… ADS is a big controversy but the reality is that it makes no difference at all. Get over it.
The only problems I really have with the game is that BR starts were taken out for the last 2 days but that should be back in the main game. The second problem is the SMG… In my experience with it that thing ripped through enemies despite them even AR rushing me in a pair or group of 3. I feel like that needs a slight nerf for damage (on shields only maybe?).
My 3rd and final problem is that the thrusters recharge really quickly and at times I felt like having them come back fast as well as sprint made me get across the map a bit too quick. Could delay the recharge by maybe 2 seconds or something?
To summarise:
Balanced gameplay and easy to learn maps makes for a good competitive environment.
The new thrusters and climbing bring new opportunities to the game and more mobility. But come back a little too quick.
Very little wrong with the game and it is very solid, even in beta.
While it isn’t exactly the Halo I grew up with and that many know it by (No sprint, no ADS etc.) it still feels like Halo. It has needed a more fast paced style in it and wasn’t the best with Reach, as well as 4 being a train wreck at launch and after for a while. Halo 5 gets it right though, it’s fast paced and there’s a lot of changes but the game still feels and plays like Halo, just some core elements have evolved to suit a new audience. 343 can’t cater to the older fans forever by copying Bungie’s formula and this new direction they have taken is the right on in my opinion.
Enough about what I think anyway… What do you guys think of Halo 5? Should 343 stick to the original, classic formula, or truly have combat evolve for the new generation?