REVIEW: "Halo 4" Bridges The Gap Between Old And New; Delivers A Classic
Ask anyone who considers themselves a "gamer," and they'll tell you the moment they unboxed Bungie Games' "Halo." The most-played first-person shooter in the known galaxy has caused many players to fake a mortal illness just so they could immerse themselves into the sci-fi shooting world of Master Chief and his intergalactic battles. Now, after developer Bungie Games moved on to create a new IP, 343 Industries attempts to maintain the allure of the iconic franchise with "Halo 4" for the Xbox 360.
A more polished presentation than we've ever seen, the continuing space saga increases the action and tugs at the heartstrings in a totally unique way that most gamers are enjoying (to the tune of $220 million on launch day). The story finds Master Chief released from cryosleep, as he attempts to save his longtime AI named Cortana while fighting off those pesky "Covenant" forces and a new enemy in both the "Prometheans" and "Forerunners."
Is "Halo 4" everything it's cracked up to be and more? Scroll through our review, above, and leave your comments in the section below!
A more polished presentation than we've ever seen, the continuing space saga increases the action and tugs at the heartstrings in a totally unique way that most gamers are enjoying (to the tune of $220 million on launch day). The story finds Master Chief released from cryosleep, as he attempts to save his longtime AI named Cortana while fighting off those pesky "Covenant" forces and a new enemy in both the "Prometheans" and "Forerunners."
Is "Halo 4" everything it's cracked up to be and more? Scroll through our review, above, and leave your comments in the section below!
"A fierce new enemy marks a new turn in gameplay much appreciated!" —
The first biggest improvement in "Halo 4" is the game's polished and redefined graphics. The crisp and gorgeous gameplay is still there, but 343 Industries adds a healthy boost of "OMG" to create an eye-popping tour de force of graphics and sound that take a hold of you right from the moment your start the single player campaign.
For years, the story has always been about Master Chief and Cortana. Now, in "Halo 4," as they're forced to fight for each other in hopes of surviving, things are made harder with the appearance of new enemies. The Prometheans (and their 1,000 knights) are tough, fast and a needed kick in the space suit to get new gamers on board to fight the good fight.
Microsoft's 343 Industries doesn't slack in their part to keep things fresh. From the way the new weapons symbiotically piece themselves together to the much improved targeting system, 343 infused a sense of reality instead of simply altering the "Halo" storied gameplay.
With these new additions, "Halo 4" allows gamers to get into the boots of Master Chief and learn more about what makes him tick while being ticked off by his assailants. For those that have spent countless hours with Chief and Cortana, fighting the always-thrilling battle to the end is a non-stop reward for gamers who have cherished memories beginning from "Halo 1".
"Halo 4 manages to shows its age!" —
With 343 Industries still providing us a video game (and not a techno-movie), the game plays out in a long slog against legions of enemies. Wash-rinse-repeat, wash-rinse-repeat. Add cut scenes for good measure, and you have the incredibly annoying pleasure of spending most of your time in lush set pieces instead of playing a consistently developing game.
The game isn't out to stump anyone, and fails in parts to challenge with its puzzle. 343 Industries could have continued to adapt the game for a new audience by adding more functions for them to enjoy. Customizable trinkets like gun upon gun, or armor configuration leaves "Halo 4" simple in its execution and relatively untouched from previous incarnations.
While this doesn't get so bad as other FPS franchises ("Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3," anyone!?!), "Halo 4" could stand to learn a thing or two about story pacing. The overall storyline of the "Chief and Cortana" against the galaxies saga has become so rich due to the novels, comic books and other adaptations that following along with the lore has become a chore within itself.
You may not be able to follow the story without logging onto the Halo Wiki or being an avid fan, and that's enough to turn certain people off.
"Overall, 'Halo 4' proves its worth by redefining gameplay presentation!" —
Make no mistake at all, this is a game that you should have in your collection. This sci-fi space opera has everything that is set to make you salivate in front of your HDTV screen. Still, it takes more than a quarter of the game before you even crack into the meat and potatoes of 343 Industries "new and evolving" story.
While the new IP is going to be a trilogy, "Halo 4" offers a bit of a convoluted story that will make it hard for new acquaintances to become familiar with. If you haven't immersed yourself into the "Halo" canon, you may find yourself asking more questions than shooting enemies. Also, the repetitive nature of the game gives a "wash-rinse-repeat" feel that may turn off those looking for 343 Industries to shake things up a bit.
"Halo 4"" and 343 Industries' biggest improvement lies with the game's overall polished and detail gameplay. From the planet Reach and forward unto dawn, you'll be marveled at just how much of an amazing graphical experience "Halo 4" is, making it a superior inclusion into the ranks of classic triple-A titles.
Don't take our word for it, you can watch the trailer for yourself below:
