An old jaded fan comes full circle as Bungie goes out with a bang by delivering an epic that truly lives up to it's hype
Halo 3, while fun, just did not seem to have the magic that I felt when I played Combat Evolved or even Halo 2. ODST, while having the gameplay, just felt a bit flat and it is why I honestly did not know if I was going to enjoy Reach or not. However, as more and more gameplay was released, there was just something special about it that seemed to really resonate with me. So, after struggling with doubts, I finally made the decision to dive in on day one. Needless to say, it was a wise choice.
From the get-go, the improvements are glaringly obvious. Character models that actually look current gen, unlike those of Halo 3. Improved textures, atmosphere galore, wonderfully rendered environments and some drop dead gorgeous scenery. Of course, this is just on the visual front. The improvements do not end there.
Reach has characters that I can take seriously. You will find that each member of Noble team has the same stern, battle hardened fortitude about them, but also has a unique personality of their own as well. Then there is Noble 6, the role that you play. No offense to Master Chief, but playing the role of Noble 6 feels like a much more personal and more immersive experience. You are made to feel like you are playing a critical role and and can really feel it as you become part of this unit. This is a very important attribute to me and it is extremely well done here.
The story also is far more dramatic, darker, grittier and does a superb job of conveying that there is a seed of hope, but not without sacrifice and tragedy. The word 'epic' is a word that is used and abused far too often in gaming circles, but I really cannot think of a more apt description for the Reach campaign. It is one of those rare gaming experiences that I look forward to playing again and again, and that is something that is rare to find in a shooter. At least for me.
Now we come to the other modes. The content packed multiplayer, Firefight, Forge and Theater. What can be said other than there is a smorgasbord of content to be explored here? Modes galore in multiplayer, create your own maps in Forge and play with others on their creations, etc. All of it linked together seamlessly in a content packed experience, so that you can rank up, earn credits and rewards, and buy upgrades for your Spartan. Yes, you earn credits and rank up from the campaign as well.
All in all and just to cut to the chase here, it is just a monster of a game. The good so far outweighs whatever negatives there may be, that it would amount to pure nit-picking to dock points off such a package. Then again, no game is perfect and after spending more time with this game, I have decided to revise my review and give it a 9.5. It just seems far more appropriate than a 10 because as great as this package is, it still sort of starts to feel a bit dated once the luster wears off. Not that it is a bad thing in this case, but it is still there all the same.
In closing, I just want to say well done, Bungie. You have indeed brought an old jaded fan back into the fold and you could not be leaving Halo behind on a higher note. Thank you for the superb game and I eagerly await what you have planned for us next as you move on to your next project.