Issue 16 of Stencil Mag

So it would be silly to release a HALO game without taking advantage of the vast online player-base. The HALO franchise has always been synonymous with XBL and it is important for 343 to maintain this.

Thankfully playing online is amazing it strikes the right balance between innovation and familiarity. There is a whole host of options options and more options. From different game types: ranging from traditional Team Slayer to Flood which allows each team to take it in turns to be the gruesome foe found in previous HALO games. In short online play is polished, balanced, enjoyable and lacks the frustration of so many other FPS’.

There are also some great new maps to master.

If playing against people is not your thing then you can always go through the campaign with a friend via off or online co-op. The lack of Firefight has caused some concern but I smell future DLC will remedy this need.

Spartan Ops has been brought in to replace this mode, it offers players a chance to take part in missions separate from the main plot, at the moment these are a free feature to XBL gold members so be sure to check them out, as in the future they are likely to require additional cost.

To bring this to a close HALO 4 is a game made with a care and consideration for the value of the property. It will leave you ‘wanting’ in a good way: Cut scenes that will leave you wondering if it live action (please o please let their be a HALO film) and a promised sequel for next the generation console, 343 have outdone themselves.

I feel it is important to end on this, it may be 343’s first release but they have the best people working for them and one hell of a budget, So I ignore people that say ‘OMG they have like, never made a game before…’ this has no signs of a first attempt it is the evolution of the franchise.