One Man’s Opinion: Halo 4

Posted by: 11/7/2012

So, given that our normal review process is by the book and sometimes a little too formal. I’d like to introduce the “I bought this game, so I’d like to either convince you to buy it as well, or forget about it” review. I’m thinking about shortening the title, but why bother.

4 in-game years have past since last we knew of Master Chief’s whereabouts. Personally, I’ve been worried sick about him. He ran off to finish the fight, and got himself stranded on some god-forsaken wrecked ship. Last we knew, (Spoiler from Legendary Completion) there was a massive object that was either going to be the ship’s collision destination or, just some sort of moon for ships to take off from. (wink)

Digressing, that is last we knew of Master Chief and Cortana. Now, with the arrival of Halo 4, a few questions are being asked. First, who or what could possibly be the antagonist of this game? The Flood? The Covenant? Even more Brutes?… GRUNTS! Second, if we finished the fight in Halo 3, what does that make this adventure? Will we fight? Will we negotiate? Regardless of what we call it, something epic has to go down or, otherwise, why make a game? Lastly, will Master Chief’s armor magically acquire any of that sweet Halo: Reach gear? If so, sign me up!

While stunning graphics are most definitely on the way. I have to ask, what does Halo 4 need to legitimately be a viable sequel in the Halo series? Honestly, I feel like I only one thing is necessary. If Halo 4 has a coherent, astonishing, and otherwise breathtaking storyline, it is a bonafide sequel in my mind. The bells and whistles that come along with a game, don’t make a new game a sequel to me. The gameplay fixes and tweaks don’t do it either. New and Improved Multiplayer? Never… and please, don’t get me started on that subject. Another time, another place. No! For me, if Halo 4 can continue to suck me into the story like its predecessors  then I have gladly spent $60+ on a game.

And, to open a bag of truth, Halo 3 made me cry.Yes. A video game made me cry. And dang it, I loved it. When a game’s story creates emotion, and attachment, that is a winner in my book. So, does Halo 4 do this? In a brief three letter word. Yes. If for no other reason, please get this game just for the story. Sell it back if you hate everything else. But, son of a mother’s father’s mother, I was hooked almost immediately. I didn’t know what to expect, and as soon as I found out, it was all over from there. I knew what I had to do, and absolutely nothing was going to get in my way.

While I have said my piece about the bread and butter of Halo 4, it is worth mentioning that the multiplayer spartan customization has made its glorious return. And, honestly, who wasn’t expecting that? I mean, every retail store has “limited edition” skins and emblems. But, why is that worth mentioning? Because if I didn’t at least say something about the multiplayer of an FPS game Ronnie might kill me. But seriously, the customization of your spartan has taken a deep dive into the extensive. Emblem customization needs ranks to unlock, weapon and armor loadouts have been added. The things you come to expect from a hardcore FPS game, like the Medal of Duty games, have been added. And added well I will say. I hate multiplayer, mainly because I suck the big hairy wet ones at it. But, give me the option to create my very own spartan, and gosh darn it, I’ll rack up points by the dozen just to get a chance to unlock that shoulder piece. Does it do anything? Nope, but now I look freaking sweet when I die.

In summation, Halo 3 = good. Halo 4 = HOLY FREAKING GREAT!!

Score: 9.85/10 – I hate multiplayer

Halo 4 : Limited Edition was purchased by me from a store with my money. Microsoft and 343 Industries hit it out of the park with this one. Kudos gents. Can I have one of the those Halo 4 LE consoles? No? Dang. Thanks anyway!

Images Xbox