Halo 5 has excellent gameplay, graphics, sound design, multiplayer and even the soundtrack was pretty kick ass. However, unfortunately like many other players, for me the story just wasn't as compelling as I hoped it would be.
As mentioned, the gameplay was pretty solid and I enjoyed the added feature of being able to grab and climb. The only thing I am a bit iffy about is the jetpack/zoom control. Other than that, everything else is pretty fluid and fun. The graphics and level designs showcased what the Xbox One at the time was capable of, and it is a pretty good looking game to say at the least. The sound design was also well crafted, alongside the soundtrack composed by Kazuma Jinnouchi, who did a spectacular job. Light is Green is one of my favourite tracks. Multiplayer was a lot of fun, not my personal favourite Halo multiplayer, but still pretty great and fun. The acting/Mo-Cap was also very good.
That just leaves the story itself. I can see what direction they were trying to take, but it just didn't stick the landing like the advertisements made it out to be. Remember the marketing for this game? Hot damn it was an incredible spectacle to watch time and time again.
I didn't mind playing two different characters. Like in Halo 2 when you play as the Arbiter, it gives a different perspective. For Halo 5, playing as both Locke and Master Chief wasn't a bad idea and I enjoyed it; though I wish it had more play time with the Chief. As for the group dynamics for both Blue team and Fireteam Osiris, thought it was pretty good. The story overall could of had a lot more going for it, and at least having a bit more of a conflict between Master Chief and Locke would have been more compelling. I didn't mind Cortana being the antagonist and I thought it was an interesting direction for her character.
Overall, Halo 5 wasn't a terrible experience but it sadly wasn't the Halo experience myself, and many other players were expecting. I can appreciate that there is a lot of good in this game in terms of gameplay and graphics for instance, but the story really could have been a lot more.
As mentioned, the gameplay was pretty solid and I enjoyed the added feature of being able to grab and climb. The only thing I am a bit iffy about is the jetpack/zoom control. Other than that, everything else is pretty fluid and fun. The graphics and level designs showcased what the Xbox One at the time was capable of, and it is a pretty good looking game to say at the least. The sound design was also well crafted, alongside the soundtrack composed by Kazuma Jinnouchi, who did a spectacular job. Light is Green is one of my favourite tracks. Multiplayer was a lot of fun, not my personal favourite Halo multiplayer, but still pretty great and fun. The acting/Mo-Cap was also very good.
That just leaves the story itself. I can see what direction they were trying to take, but it just didn't stick the landing like the advertisements made it out to be. Remember the marketing for this game? Hot damn it was an incredible spectacle to watch time and time again.
I didn't mind playing two different characters. Like in Halo 2 when you play as the Arbiter, it gives a different perspective. For Halo 5, playing as both Locke and Master Chief wasn't a bad idea and I enjoyed it; though I wish it had more play time with the Chief. As for the group dynamics for both Blue team and Fireteam Osiris, thought it was pretty good. The story overall could of had a lot more going for it, and at least having a bit more of a conflict between Master Chief and Locke would have been more compelling. I didn't mind Cortana being the antagonist and I thought it was an interesting direction for her character.
Overall, Halo 5 wasn't a terrible experience but it sadly wasn't the Halo experience myself, and many other players were expecting. I can appreciate that there is a lot of good in this game in terms of gameplay and graphics for instance, but the story really could have been a lot more.