A decent 7 hour single player. But make sure you rent it first....
It was very similar to all the other Halo games (and rightly so) but you'd expect something unique or amazing for a 'send off' to the Halo series. The story was pretty decent and I enjoyed the single player (which I played on normal) but I did think some levels were rather frustrating. I suppose the best and most-unique level was the one set in Space.. that really reminded me of STAR WARS: JEDI STAR FIGHTER which came out for the PS2 many moons ago.
As I said, the story was rather decent but In my opinion it didn't evoke any emotion.. I didn't feel anything whilst playing the game...(compared to GTAIV where I was riveted to my seat, or in Dead Space where I was so scared I could only play an hour or so at a time)... I suppose I was just playing REACH just for the sake of it and I doubt I will play it for a long time... If only it had the playability of HALF LIFE 2 (and its episodes) which I played and still play today.. maybe thats what REACH was missing? More intricate storytelling and a real feel for the character. Maybe because I was just 'Noble 6' and not Master-chief I felt my character had no identity.. I'm not sure but it my opinion it won't be winning any Oscars.
Don't get me wrong, REACH is good at what it does I just feel it lacks any excitement. The graphics aren't particularly amazing either (not that a game should be judged on that) surely in 2010 we can make amazingly-looking games.
Multiplayer:
My biggest peeve with REACH MP is how long it takes to get into a game... compare it to CALL OF DUTY: MW2...and it feels like an eternity.. is that the server speed? The game speed.. or... what? Either way, when I want a quick Team Slayer match its a shame I can't with Halo.. and the system they have when you accidentally kill someone on your team... why should I be booted out of the match only to wait another 2-3 minutes to get back into another game.
Overall:
Maybe Im bored with FPS' but REACH, in my opinion isn't that amazing. Its a decent Single player campaign and you get a good 7hours or so but a part from that I doubt I will be playing it for a long time.. and that includes MP (why did they take away numerical ranking too?! - Not everyone knows Military ranking names.. Im one of them!!)...Now where's that ORANGE BOX disc....