Grant Cheetham
Halo 5: Guardians is shaping up to be the biggest leap the series has taken yet. While many are uncertain whether the leap has been in the right direction, through a mix of presentations and hands on time with the game, I am very optimistic about the upcoming launch.
In terms of campaign, the Halo 5: Guardians has decided to step away from the lone-wolf styled quest as Master Chief.
Instead, 343i has decided to go to a squad based style complete with issuing commands and reviving comrades. The story takes place from two different squads perspectives which changes as the story progresses.
The first couple of Levels begin as Master Chief and three of the Spartan’s he first trained with. After going AWOL following a mission, the UNSC sends Spartan Locke along with three others to track them down.
The team goes with you throughout each mission which looks to provide an experience different to the main series. You are able to issue commands to your squad such as instructing them to take cover, pick up a certain weapon or attack a certain enemy. Another feature introduced into the game is reviving which I am worried will make the game too forgiving and easy.
The cinematics in the game, similar to its predecessors, looked amazing. Unfortunately, the presentation I received didn’t give much more information than this about the Campaign and there was no playable demo for me to try out first hand.
I did however get some hands on time with Halo 5: Guardians new multiplayer mode Warzone. I’ve always been one of those campaign guys when it has come to Halo.
While I have dabbled in the multiplayer, I’ve never been able to be hooked on it. My hands on time with Halo 5: Guardians new multiplayer mode Warzone has convinced me that may change.
The mode is a mash together of multiple modes which strangely combine well to create what looks to be a favourite Halo multiplayer mode yet. The objective of the mode is to reach 1000 points or destroy the enemy core after holding all bases at once. Points are gained for multiple things including killing other players, holding capture points and taking down AI controlled bosses.
The blend of these different objectives made the game chaotic, unpredictable and ultimately really fun.
The game starts out with your team attempting to capture your first AI infested base. Where you go from there is really up to you.
I enjoyed that due to the numerous ways to gain points, and players can select the way they feel most comfortable contributing. If you aren’t too good at taking down other people, you can opt to instead go for the AI controlled bosses or even attempt to hold bases.
Appearing at various stages throughout the Level are AI controlled bosses. Each boss is different and I’m told they have different backstories and names. We will have to wait until later to find out about more about these bosses but their integration into the game adds a new dynamic and definitely makes things more interesting.
Another cool feature of the game mode is the requisition system which is the main way players get access to the more impactful weapons. Players start each life being able to choose from a standard selection of loadouts. More powerful weapons or even vehicles can be purchased each life using a type of in-game points.
These points seemed to recharge automatically over time.
In order to purchase these vehicles and weapons, you first must have a card for them which is consumed after each use. Cards are randomly given in requisition packs which are unlocked through various means in-game or can be purchased with real money. A portion of the money spent on these packs will go to the prize pool of Halo championship events.
The game mechanics in Halo 5: Guardians is very different to the previous instalments.
Spartans have integrated abilities such as ground pound, Spartan charge, slide, smart scope (which is basically just aiming down a sight) and a thruster pack. I was never really into having to equip abilities in the previous entries in the series so I was relieved to see them finally integrated, quite well may I add, into the game.
There really is something for everyone in Halo 5: Guardians new multiplayer mode Warzone. This mishmash of various game modes somehow sticks them together in a way that makes it just work. The Campaign also looks interesting and although I wasn’t able to play too much of it, I cannot wait to see more.