Halo 5: Guardians Reviews
This game was reviewed via a digital code received by the publisher.
Does it even really matter that the single-player campaign is disappointing? Maybe not. Developer 343 Industries is still faithful to Bungie's original vision, and the game has remained remarkably intact since Halo: Combat Evolved was released nearly 15 years ago. This continuity is admirable. That said, Guardians feels like a huge missed opportunity to evolve Halo beyond simple combat.
As it stands, Halo 5 is near perfect. With slick gameplay, a fantastic campaign, and seemingly ambitious multiplayer, it gets little wrong. If you own an Xbox One or plan to buy it, this is why you're doing so.
Admittedly, I'm a huge fan of Halo, and every time a new one comes out I'm filled with equal parts fear and excitement, the lack of local co-op was a massive blow for me personally, but thankfully 343 delivered where they promised and have provided us with another excellent entry to (in my opinion) one of the greatest FPS series' of all time. So, is it time for Halo 6 yet?
There is still some question as to whether fans will accept Locke as much as they've accepted Master Chief, as well as how significantly the game will hold up in multiplayer once the public servers go live. But for what I've seen and played for so many hours over the weekend, Halo 5: Guardians has indicated that 343 has not only picked up Bungie's ball, but scored with it on multiple occasions.
Halo 5 offers an unprecedented experience.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Halo 5 is a well-thought out story that clearly sets up a Halo 6 (don’t worry, I won’t give away the actual spoilers). If you were to tell me that 343 Industries was already working on a Halo 6 before actually playing Guardians, I probably would have been eye-rolling with the best of them. But after playing through Halo 5, another game feels necessary.
Halo 5‘s story was rather straightforward, but never boring thanks to the updated gameplay; in addition, the characters were far better developed in this campaign. Each character, far from being an anonymous suit of armor, has a personality and backstory that adds to the game. Guardians does assume that you know the lore and backstory of the universe, though, so familiarize yourself if you haven’t already. It also ended on an enormous cliffhanger, leaving the way wide open for a Halo 6. After this installment, I’m very interested to see what 343 has in store next.
With Halo 5: Guardians the guys from 343 Industries have given a further demonstration of their undoubted talent, offering one of the richest and most complete shooter experiences that have ever been seen on the market.
Review in Italian | Read full review
That's what Halo was hoping for. Immersive story, insane fluidity, satisfying gameplay and pleasant innovations. The creators did not disappoint and prove that this universe has a deep, unique soul. Climate roars beret!
Review in Polish | Read full review
While the campaign isn't long and new players get lost in the story, classic Halo gameplay still works per unit, and four-player collaboration is a good addition. Warzone mode pushes the entire Halo multiplayer forward into yet unexplored areas.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Halo 5: Guardians is exactly what it can call a perfect first-person shooting. If only Studio 343 Indestics was able to implement the magnificent propaganda it displayed in its story.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Halo 5: Guardians, although it suffers from weaknesses, but from my point of view it offers the best and most ambitious experience in the history of the Halo game series.
Review in Persian | Read full review
In short, Halo 5: Guardians not only does not disappoint but it is postulated as one of the best shooters of recent years, both for the individual mode, being a game that will be enjoyed by collecting the collectibles and completing it in maximum difficulty and then shooting for the multiplayer, a balanced multiplayer and very, very fun. It is perfect? No, but it is very close to perfection.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
At the end of the day, Halo 5 is a great option for fans of the saga, even those of us who were suspicious after the launch of Halo 4 and, especially, the Master Chief Collection. If you fall into this category, this game is an option that you don't need to think about. If you have never played a Halo it is likely that its multiplayer will catch you and you will become a fan, but you have to know that you will need to do a lot of research to catch up with the story because otherwise you will not understand what is happening.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Halo 5's single-player campaign is fun, but the game is at its best when you're coordinating with others and attacking objectives as a team.
Halo 5: Guardians tries to be similar to a lot of popular features that other shooter games have, while managing to maintain its own franchise identity. The removal of load-outs, but, at the same time, adding the ability to aim down sights, is a very noticeable example. Farming Requisition Points is exciting, since pack loot is extremely varied, and in many cases, players will always have different unlocks thanks to this. The campaign is certainly not the strong point, but the multiplayer is another solid experience for FPS fans to play and enjoy until the next shooter or Halo game is available.
Despite its shortfalls Halo 5: Guardians still holds strong as being an excellent contender as the current best shooter available for Xbox One. Afterall it is Microsoft's flagship title, but with a short lackluster story that only the diehard fans will appreciate, the multiplayer is truly where the focus is. 60FPS makes a world of difference and is here to stay with the franchise, but I just hope that they take the feedback from the community and make things better in the next installment.
Halo 5's narrative is going to leave the community split, but the multiplayer will unite those who have been longing for something this tight since the days of the original trilogy.
Halo 5: Guardians marks a strong debut on Xbox One for the long running franchise, with great gameplay and solid multiplayer and in spite of a weak campaign.