On its opening day, “Halo 4” earned $220 million globally, making it easy to see why gamers recognize Halo as one of the most beloved franchises in video game history. When the previous developers, Bungie, announced they would no longer be working with “Halo,” it left many fans of the franchise concerned for furture installations. Bungie ended its run with the franchise on “Halo Reach” and passed the torch to 343 Industries, effectively entrusting these new developers with Microsoft’s most valuable franchise. Not only did 343 bring new life to the series but they did it without spoiling the saga Bungie had already left behind.
“Halo 4” is the franchise’s seventh installment and the fourth continuation in the Master Chief saga. It takes place four years after the conclusion of “Halo 3” and picks up where players left off aboard the ship Forward Unto Dawn. The campaign begins as the familiar UI, Cortana, awakens Master Chief. Immediately the sounds of disparity echo around him as players are thrown into action in a thrilling experience similar to “Halo: Combat Evolved.”
Waking up from cryosleep four years after the end of “Halo 3,” players, as well as Master Chief, begin to notice things have changed. As players make their way through Forward Unto Dawn, they encounter a similar experience as on the Pillar of Autumn in "Combat Evolved."
The rest of the campaign continues to bring about familiarity from the first game. The addition of new villains leaves players wondering who they are, what their intentions are, and why they hate Mater Chief so much, similar to the first encounter with the Covenant, also similar to "Combat Evolved."
A component that differs from “Halo: Combat Evolved” is the addition of a direct antagonist. In “Halo 4,” 343 Industries introduces players to the Didact; a Forerunner Promethean. At first, the Didact seems too unusual for the Halo theme—he’s more like an overzealous “Final Fantasy” character—but after further progression he warmed up to me and assimilated into “Halo” lore.
The campaign neglects to provide a background for the Didact and the Forerunners, but by searching for the hidden terminals throughout the story players can uncover most answers and secrets about these antagonists.
The Prometheans bring back a familiar feeling to the campaign despite being a new addition to the series. Similar to the Covenant, the Prometheans rely on the same formula seen in previous “Halo” enemies. The Promethean Knights are similar to the Covenant Elites whereas the Crawlers take the role of the less annoying and much more persistent Grunts.
343 Industries also went back to the roots of “Halo” by taking a deeper look into their protagonist. Master Chief has always been the protagonist (except in “Halo Reach”) but has never really displayed much development as a character. As “Halo 4” progresses, players see a much more intimate Chief as 343 expands on the relationship he shares with his UI, Cortana. For the first time in “Halo” lore fans get to see a human side to their favorite Spartan instead of just a machine-like soldier.
Every single weapon in the game has received a major overhaul that includes not only a new design but also crystal clear and realistic sound effects. Most guns return to the game—primarily the Battle Rifle that was replaced in “Halo Reach” for the DMR—though other guns were missing like minor Covenant weapons. Halo 4 also comes with a brand new line of Promethean weapons, including the Incinerator Cannon (launcher), Scattershot (shotgun) and the Boltshot (pistol). Players also receive a few more new weapons such as the Saw, which is likely to become a new fan favorite.
343 Industries have also created a multiplayer much more fluid and faster-paced than its predecessors. Despite the similarities to more recent first-person shooter games, 343 Industries have managed to maintain the same old “Halo” feel in gameplay, which will surely please many veteran players. It’s still “Halo,” but with a much more up-to-date gameplay.
Players will find another new addition in customizable loadouts. These allow players the opportunity to customize their online gaming experience without restrictions on their weapons or loadouts as in previous installments. Players can choose between six different customization slots including weapons, armor abilities, tactical packages and support upgrades.
Overall, 343 Industries deliver a beautiful continuation to previous “Halo” installations and a solid foundation for a new trilogy in the saga. 343 manage to stay true to “Halo” lore while also developing the characters and foundation Bungie had already put in place. The game not only functions as a great sequel to returning gamers, but also serves as a great starting point for those not entirely familiar with the series.
I highly recommend this game to anyone looking to rekindle the excitement felt in “Combat Evolved” or to jump into the series for the first time.
