It isn't the full improvement over the original that I'm hoping will happen, but the Halo series is truly beginning to mold into its own identity and something special as it begins to solidify itself as the gaming icon we see it as today.
From the introduction of the cinematic cutscenes to the larger variety of locations, you can still feel the actiony science-fiction war epic the original was aiming for, but now with even more to love about the universe. The breaking of factions as the Covenant aims to complete its mission of the Great Journey once again as Master Chief is left to orchestrate their destruction offers the same exhilarating feel of Combat Evolved with more to learn and appreciate. It's far less conclusive than CE (The ending in particular I feel pretty lukewarm on) but it gives us more of a reason to completely grasp every side of the picture. While character-wise the Arbiter and his missions weren't as interesting as MC's, the change in pace and objective offered a more introspective look into the Covenant and peaked my interest of the internal battle brewing between the Brutes and the Elites. Seeing it all interwoven so neatly until the last moment was brilliant and I really can't wait to see how the adventure develops further into the future.
The gunplay was already so well constructed in CE, it's no secret, even to Bungie. From the bigger additions like new vehicles and duel wielding to the smaller things like the improved health gauge system and shorter level times, it's the same satisfying combat but even more fast and fluid. Duel wielding two guns and immediately throwing a bomb to bouncing back and taking out a long rifle, it is unbelievable both how well the game holds up and how much of a badass you feel. One thing I loved about CE was how the science fiction and more realistic-war aspects complimented themselves so well, and it could not be more true here even as this grow more experimental.
It's clear that there's still more to improve though. The stronger variety in locations was a pleasant surprise, but the confusing sense of progression in certain levels, broken checkpoint system, and onslaught of repetitive corridors and waves are unfortunately still present. It's an improvement compared to CE but with how progressive everything else feels, it stands out as outdated and the weak link.
At the hands of the grand vastness of outer space, there is no end to war. Master Chief's struggle yet style continues to carry him forward to epic proportions, with even more potential from here on out. I can't wait to continue along the series playthrough.
From the introduction of the cinematic cutscenes to the larger variety of locations, you can still feel the actiony science-fiction war epic the original was aiming for, but now with even more to love about the universe. The breaking of factions as the Covenant aims to complete its mission of the Great Journey once again as Master Chief is left to orchestrate their destruction offers the same exhilarating feel of Combat Evolved with more to learn and appreciate. It's far less conclusive than CE (The ending in particular I feel pretty lukewarm on) but it gives us more of a reason to completely grasp every side of the picture. While character-wise the Arbiter and his missions weren't as interesting as MC's, the change in pace and objective offered a more introspective look into the Covenant and peaked my interest of the internal battle brewing between the Brutes and the Elites. Seeing it all interwoven so neatly until the last moment was brilliant and I really can't wait to see how the adventure develops further into the future.
The gunplay was already so well constructed in CE, it's no secret, even to Bungie. From the bigger additions like new vehicles and duel wielding to the smaller things like the improved health gauge system and shorter level times, it's the same satisfying combat but even more fast and fluid. Duel wielding two guns and immediately throwing a bomb to bouncing back and taking out a long rifle, it is unbelievable both how well the game holds up and how much of a badass you feel. One thing I loved about CE was how the science fiction and more realistic-war aspects complimented themselves so well, and it could not be more true here even as this grow more experimental.
It's clear that there's still more to improve though. The stronger variety in locations was a pleasant surprise, but the confusing sense of progression in certain levels, broken checkpoint system, and onslaught of repetitive corridors and waves are unfortunately still present. It's an improvement compared to CE but with how progressive everything else feels, it stands out as outdated and the weak link.
At the hands of the grand vastness of outer space, there is no end to war. Master Chief's struggle yet style continues to carry him forward to epic proportions, with even more potential from here on out. I can't wait to continue along the series playthrough.