The fifth addition of this popular franchise tries to redeem the flaws that marred Halo 4 and takes attack mode to a different level. We find out if this propels Halo to another level.
Microsoft Xbox’s flagship games returns and hopes to bridge the gap between its latest console One and Sony’s Playstation 4. Halo 4 was a super hit, as expected, but its online The Master Chief Collection option had so many issues that there were more people signing out than joining in. Halo 5: Guardians, on the other hand, is a different beast altogether. For starters, there are two Spartan squads: Blue Team, headed by Master Chief along with Linda, Kelly and Frederic; and Fire Team Osiris which is led by Jameson Locke, from Halo 2 Anniversary, along with Edward Buck and new characters Olympia Vale and Holly Tanaka. If Buck’s voice sounds very familiar, well that’s because it is Nathan Fillion from the television show, Castle. You can choose either team. Blue Team is in search of a vessel, but somewhere the simple plan takes a U-turn as Master Chief starts getting mysterious messages, which his team set out to investigate. As a result, they defy orders and go AWOL and team Osiris is sent to hunt the Blue Team.
Straight away you notice that the game is a lot grander and combative. Unlike other Halo titles where stealth is the best offence, Halo 5 has a plenty of bad guys to kill. What adds to the thrill are new attack moves that keep you glued to the game. Starting with our favourite — Ground Pound. You sneak up on your enemy and jump on them and inflict some serious pain. It’s not necessary this attack mode will finish them off, therefore, double check before you move forward.
Then there is Dash, which lets you move quickly, but how this is very helpful when you come under fire, you can head for cover or you can shoot and dash off. While Smart-Link is John Woo’s version of shooting down the bad guys in slow motion, which lets you pump more lead into the enemy.
As you’ll encounter many different enemies, you also get access to Covenant and Promethean weaponry. But the map design comes across is a bit too simple, especially the Covenant maps.
When it comes to graphics, Halo continues to lead the way with beautiful surroundings — canyons to alien temple, which leave you spellbound. The new game engine lets you experience stunning visuals and real-like facial animation.
Halo 5’s online option is the best the franchise has ever seen, especially Warzone or Arena. It still has the usual favourite options like team deathmatch, capture the flag, and stronghold. As the new game is not a cake walk, chances are your character will die a lot more often than you would like. Here is where your team mates come to your aid and revive you to your feet when your health is running low. In case your team mates aren’t nearby, you can alert them. It is great to see that the game developer has taken the correct step forward and we love the fact that this first-person shooter title gets more action.
