“Halo 5: Guardians” represents the second mainline “Halo” game from developer 343 Industries. In spite of noticeable flaws, the game possesses an engaging campaign, brilliant audio and visual design and smooth, crisp gameplay that features improvements to the core formula.
Throughout the course of the campaign, players can assume control of franchise protagonist, the Master Chief, and newcomer Jameson Locke — both of whom follow separate yet intertwined paths. However, Locke is typically featured as the playable character far more frequently than the Master Chief, which may be jarring and disappointing for series veterans.
Overall, the game tells an entertaining story, but it has flaws. The motivations of certain characters — especially the antagonists — are unclear at times, and expounded exposition levels are sometimes low. Even so, the campaign features diverse environments with several ways to tackle most situations, distinct AI subclasses that require applications of different strategies and an engaging narrative that spans multiple worlds.
The gameplay of “Halo 5” succeeds in striking a balance between retaining unmistakable characteristics of the original series and implementing welcome additions to the renowned formula. In addition to increased mobility, new features include Spartan Abilities, which incorporate use of a thruster pack, and the ability for players to clamber onto ledges. Such skills fit well within the overall gameplay infrastructure and identity of “Halo,” while still providing innovation.
The multiplayer portion of the game is split into two main modes: Arena and Warzone. Arena multiplayer features the classic eight-player competitive style of play for which “Halo” is known. Every member on each team starts with the same weapons, and there are no random supply drops, marking a reversal from “Halo 4” and its heavily criticized changes to the gameplay blueprint.
Warzone multiplayer features 24-player matches on larger maps, replete with vehicle combat, base capturing and AI bosses. Both modes are fun, but while Arena is a sheer joy to play, Warzone can sometimes feel convoluted because of the several different objectives put into a single match. Nevertheless, the game sacrifices split-screen functionality — a staple of the “Halo” franchise — in order to maintain a constant 60 frames per second refresh rate.
The graphical performance in “Halo 5” is impressive, as the game maintains a 60 frames per second refresh rate. The game’s dynamic resolution system helps compensates for the hardware limitations of the current console generation. The sheer beauty of the artistic direction is incredibly varied, ranging from depictions of ancient alien architecture to the more geometric designs of human spacecrafts. The game’s audio design reaches levels of industry greatness. Guns fire with satisfying pops and cracks and alien machinery buzzes with electronic beeps and moans. Every nuance of the game possesses a corresponding and distinct sound.
“Halo 5: Guardians” is a solid effort from 343 Industries. Despite certain flaws — such as a lack of split-screen functionality and a somewhat erratic story — the brilliant gameplay, lush audio-visual design and highly varied campaign mode render the game a worthy successor of what precedes it.
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