Developed By: 343 Studios
Published By: Microsoft Studios
Date of Release: October 27, 2015
It is no secret that the Halo is Microsoft's most beloved game franchise, and for good reason. The Halo series started out with Halo: Combat Evolved, a launch title (and arguably killer app) for the original Xbox gaming system in 2001. Since then, each subsequent entry into the main series has been something truly special, offering a vastly enthralling experience for both singleplayer and multiplayer fans alike. With epic campaigns and some of the best multiplayer experiences available, the series has been going strong for four main entries, and a handful of spinoffs. However, now Halo 5: Guardians has arrived, and it seems that the series legacy has continued in strong form.
The first thing noticeable about Halo 5: Guardians is just how damn good it looks. Being the first Halo title crafted exclusively for the Xbox One, it takes full advantage of the hardware and uses a scalable resolution to keep the action at 60fps. I didn't notice any resolution changes at all during gameplay, the scaling is that smooth and dynamic. As always the gameplay is smooth and tight, with no hiccups in the presentation. The story is gripping, and kept me going through the entire campaign, however the ending was pretty much as jarring as it gets, giving me flashbacks of Halo 2. That makes sense though, as this is the second game in a trilogy. Just be prepared to tear your hair out over a massive cliffhanger.
Now, about the multiplayer: It's there, it's good, it's online Halo at it's best. And unlike the launch of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the matchmaking is NOT broken. I was able to get into games almost instantly, and the experience was as smooth as butter, with no lag that I could discern. The same 60fps experience as the single player campaign is present here, and even in the most hectic moments I never noticed a framerate dip. On top of that there's the new REQ system that lets you collect points to buy random booster packs of weapon and vehicle cards. The multiplayer also give players massive levels of visual customization for their character, with armor components unlocked from collecting cards.
All in all I would have to say that Halo 5: Guardians is the full spartan package, slightly bullshit cliffhanger ending notwithstanding. Of course what does my opinion matter, it's a Halo game, it's bound to be good. Bottom line: get out there, buy it, kick some covie ass! The Universe needs you, Spartan!
