With the lift on the embargo for the first three missions of Halo 5: Guardians, tons of videos and articles have been released to the public anxiously waiting for the official release next week.
These are a few things to point out that most people aren’t talking about.
Similarities with Reach
This is not the first cooperative experiment for the Halo franchise, but all the first impressions I have read and watched mention the completely different feel of not being a one-man wrecking ball. That group aspect is what was showcased in Reach and ODST, both known to be unfavored in the series. Reach specifically revolved around multiple spartans on vehicles, large landscapes, and huge armies of enemies which is what the previews reminded me of. Hard to tell whether they plan on straying away or utilize what they already know.
Gameplay nothing like the cinematic of real spartan action
Those who have read the books can relate to the crazy barrage of how super fast and strong spartans are according to the opener of Fireteam Osiris. Here I was hoping we weren’t going to just get teased with fast-paced killer action but the gameplay is the same old strafe and shoot Halo-fest. At least the cinematics have the same ubermensch combat as the books.
Dumb AI with Friendly NPCs
With the team dynamic being core to the game, friendly AI movement and interaction will be more important come the Legendary difficulty assuming you plan on playing without other players. From what I’ve seen, there is nothing that stands out on Legendary. You may be responsible for babysitting your team. Other than the difficulty modifier, movement and actions from your team seems pretty stale and basic without being given direct orders.
Bringing back the Health Bar
The health bar is back but in the exact same format as Reach or the first Halo. Instead of blocks or partitions, there is a small bar underneath the shield bar that depletes once the shield depletes. Interesting thing is, it also regenerates with your shields so no need for med packs. I don’t see any need to add it back unless it holds some value on the multiplayer side or later on in the campaign.
The Importance of Halo 4: Infinity Spartan Ops
I’m not sure how obvious this one is for most Halo players but if you did not play or watch the Spartan Ops portion of Halo 4 I would feel like you're in for a surprise. No mention yet of Fireteam Majestic but with what happened to Halsey and the focus on her, I would definitely recommend watching it *which you can here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX4TwxgOd6M * to understand where you are in the Halo universe. Come on, she’s even part of not only the first mission but the intro cinematic to Halo 5.
Who the hell is Roland and what’s up with the AI-ttitude
Last but not least, we are left with a very serious scene and intense questions that may be the entire plot of Halo 5, and THOSE questions are being brought up by Roland. The AI Roland. Yes, the orange AI of the ship Infinity showed more concern and emotion than all 3 humans in the room.
Things people are talking about are: being able to resurrect and be resurrected, the story elements, and the gameplay. Just google halo 5 to get that info. “_”
Again, I highly advise checking out Spartan Ops for connection to the events involving Dr. Halsey. Also, ignore Nightfall. Don’t put yourself through that, but you may check out Forward Unto Dawn while you're at it.
-Dan
Thanks everybody, and stay Kultured!
These are a few things to point out that most people aren’t talking about.
Similarities with Reach
This is not the first cooperative experiment for the Halo franchise, but all the first impressions I have read and watched mention the completely different feel of not being a one-man wrecking ball. That group aspect is what was showcased in Reach and ODST, both known to be unfavored in the series. Reach specifically revolved around multiple spartans on vehicles, large landscapes, and huge armies of enemies which is what the previews reminded me of. Hard to tell whether they plan on straying away or utilize what they already know.
Gameplay nothing like the cinematic of real spartan action
Those who have read the books can relate to the crazy barrage of how super fast and strong spartans are according to the opener of Fireteam Osiris. Here I was hoping we weren’t going to just get teased with fast-paced killer action but the gameplay is the same old strafe and shoot Halo-fest. At least the cinematics have the same ubermensch combat as the books.
Dumb AI with Friendly NPCs
With the team dynamic being core to the game, friendly AI movement and interaction will be more important come the Legendary difficulty assuming you plan on playing without other players. From what I’ve seen, there is nothing that stands out on Legendary. You may be responsible for babysitting your team. Other than the difficulty modifier, movement and actions from your team seems pretty stale and basic without being given direct orders.
Bringing back the Health Bar
The health bar is back but in the exact same format as Reach or the first Halo. Instead of blocks or partitions, there is a small bar underneath the shield bar that depletes once the shield depletes. Interesting thing is, it also regenerates with your shields so no need for med packs. I don’t see any need to add it back unless it holds some value on the multiplayer side or later on in the campaign.
The Importance of Halo 4: Infinity Spartan Ops
I’m not sure how obvious this one is for most Halo players but if you did not play or watch the Spartan Ops portion of Halo 4 I would feel like you're in for a surprise. No mention yet of Fireteam Majestic but with what happened to Halsey and the focus on her, I would definitely recommend watching it *which you can here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX4TwxgOd6M * to understand where you are in the Halo universe. Come on, she’s even part of not only the first mission but the intro cinematic to Halo 5.
Who the hell is Roland and what’s up with the AI-ttitude
Last but not least, we are left with a very serious scene and intense questions that may be the entire plot of Halo 5, and THOSE questions are being brought up by Roland. The AI Roland. Yes, the orange AI of the ship Infinity showed more concern and emotion than all 3 humans in the room.
Things people are talking about are: being able to resurrect and be resurrected, the story elements, and the gameplay. Just google halo 5 to get that info. “_”
Again, I highly advise checking out Spartan Ops for connection to the events involving Dr. Halsey. Also, ignore Nightfall. Don’t put yourself through that, but you may check out Forward Unto Dawn while you're at it.
-Dan
Thanks everybody, and stay Kultured!