When the Master Chief Collection released, players had issues with the servers which dramatically impacted gameplay. However, with the release of Halo 5: Guardians, servers have been running smoothly for over 11 days now. The matchmaking process for Guardians has been incredibly efficient with it only take mere minutes to jump into matches and experience the game's action-packed combat.
The masterful plot in Guardians has players once again stepping into the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor of a Spartan. The power suit gives the player the ability to utilize deflector shields, grenades and projectile weapons during combat. The cybernetically enhanced supersolider now has Spartan abilities that have improved mobility and upgraded their arsenal for a better overall gameplay experience.
Fans were surprised to see Cortana back and alive in Guardians after everything that happened in Halo 4. However, gamers were not quite prepared for the twists and turns that awaited them in Halo 5 with Cortana now being the bad girl! She found some promethean networks to cure her rampancy and now had gone completely darkside. Without giving too much more away, Guardians has produced a wonderful new story that fans can get behind and ultimately root for.
The game's single player campaign is magnificent, but what about it's multiplayer? We can safely say that it has never been better. Co-op is a really fun part of Guardians but the Squad AI is a little unbalanced and frustrating at times. And no split-screen option is a real downer. However, outside a few small annoyances, playing with friends in Halo has never been more enjoyable then it is in Guardians.
Most game modes start the player out with an assault rifle and magnum but other weapons have been strategically placed around the maps for players to find. The new maps are insanely fun and quite addictive with players now earning energy while on the battlefield as part of the new requisition system (REQ). At the end of a match in Arena or Warzone, players now rack up REQ points to purchase packs that contain unlockable skins, weapons and more. The new REQ system has really changed the game and added an entirely new level of immersion to Halo 5's multiplayer.
Combat is more fluid and seamless with the ability to move more freely around maps that are now designed to be more open. Spartans now have a array of new skillsets that allow them to pound unexpecting foes from above and the ability to dash past obstacles. These new options compliment the game's tight controls and delivers a refreshing take on combat. Players now have access to a neural interface called the Smart Link that allows them to use the zoom function on all of their weapons.
All-in-all, Halo 5: Guardians is a remarkably impressive release that Halo fans can get behind. Halo 5 is one of the most visually stunning games on the Xbox One right now, and it plays just as great as it looks. The campaign has remarkably intriguing twists that draw the player in until the very end while multiplayer is the best it has ever been. We strongly recommend picking up this title today! If you would like to learn more, visit the official Halo 5: Guardians website.
Reviewed for Xbox One