Xbox 360 "Halo 4" review: Absolutely stunning
"Halo 4" is one of this year's most anticipated games for a number of reasons. Not only is it the triumphant return of Cortana and Master Chief to the series after a five year hiatus, it also signifies the passing of the baton from "Halo" series developers and inceptors Bungie Inc. to the newly formed 343 Industries.
As anticipated as this game is, it wasn't surprising when a leaked copy of the finished game found its way into pirates' hands everywhere. The problem was widespread enough to get the attention and ire of big bad Microsoft who swiftly cracked down, permanently banning early players from Xbox Live. This -- along with a few days without power or internet connectivity thanks to Sandy -- was a major set back in the reviewing process for some, but was quickly and professionally remedied by the good folks at Microsoft.
After "Halo 3," the series limped along successfully enough with "ODST" and "Reach." Both titles offered meaningful insight into the "Halo" universe and its characters while offering a few new gameplay tweaks and multiplayer options, but neither drove the series or its story forward as a proper series installment should. In almost every way, "Halo 4" delivers the reinvigoration that the series sorely needed.
The story propels itself with far fewer detours, twists and distractions than the last two numbered installments, pacing itself similarly to the original title. It also manages to successfully use the series' past as a jumping off point rather than a framework to be confined within. Parasites called the Flood are no longer around. They're gone. Master Chief eradicated them, so this is a new fight, with a new threat.
That said, there is a Flood shaped hole in "Halo 4." While the new Prometheans offer more than a challenge and some limited variation, "Halo 3" really showed us what kind of creativity could come from the Flood. The sheer number of enemy types in "Halo 3" offered a variety of challenging gameplay scenarios that is unfortunately not reproduced in "Halo 4," causing it to feel a little repetitive at times -- specifically on Heroic and Legendary difficulties.
"Halo 4" is an excellent jumping on point for new players as it offers a nice reintroduction to both the "Halo" universe -- through a stunning opening cinematic -- and our central heroes Cortana and Master Chief, after four years drifting in the cold of space. Despite the grandiosity of its central plot -- which has far reaching implications for existing "Halo" lore -- "Halo 4" tells a very character centered story focused squarely on Cortana and Master Chief. They may be fighting to save all of humanity, but the most engaging aspect of the story is the race to save Cortana's life as the two learn what they mean to each other as well as the meaning their own humanity and the worth of its preservation.
While the overall conflict is well settled by the end, many of the more pertinent plot points raised -- specifically regarding Cortana's rampancy -- are woefully unresolved. Perhaps this is a thread that will continue in the next installment of the planned trilogy, but some amount of closure or direction would have been appropriate for the conclusion of such an epic return for these heroes.
The series' iconic multiplayer returns more or less intact. New weapons, weapon load-outs and armor abilities feel right at home amidst the chaos making online play feel largely like a refinement of what has come before. The big addition this time is the context your multiplayer pursuits are stet within.
Competitive matchmaking -- redubbed War Games -- is presented as live fire combat trainings for your Spartan aboard the UNSC Infinity. This is largely to tie in to the new Spartan Ops, which seems to replace the previously well-received Firefight mode. These missions -- which will be released on a periodic basis -- offer a cooperative experience with impressive cinematic cut-scenes of their own and a story that tie in to the main campaign. These missions, however, are brief and simplistic, quelling any desire for repeat visits. Hopefully, this is an issue that can be addressed as new content rolls out.
343 Industries wasn't afraid to make changes to Microsoft's baby and the gamble has paid off. For a series that has never been known for being at the forefront of modern gaming technology, "Halo 4" looks and sounds absolutely stunning. Every visual and audio detail from the glow of forerunner technology to the Warthog's earthy growl has been re-imagined. The series' signature gameplay has been retooled and perfected and the story takes us in a new direction while staying true to the series' established haracters and fiction. The result is a feeling of reinvigoration without outright reinvention. This is still "Halo," just a more contemporary and updated version of it. Combat has evolved yet again.
"Halo 4" is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. It is available now on Xbox 360.