Halo 4
“Wake me….when you need me”
-Master Chief (Last words before
cryo-sleep Halo 3 2007)
Cryosleep. Respiration, heartbeat, and breathing at a
constant minimal. Investigations report that the mind retreats into a place or
memory of infinite tranquility. Drifting off mentally and physically into space
aboard a fractured hull labeled “Forward unto Dawn”. Years have passed. Soldier
presumed dead, born a legend within humanity and the confines of space. But
heroes never die, and they are always needed. An ancient enemy poses a new
threat to mankind. A faithful A.I. companion releases the cryo chamber lock. Air
depressurizing, respiration commencing, heart beat rising, eyes dilating,
muscle control stabilizing and weapons locked and loaded. It’s like riding a
bike. Master Chief is back to regain the throne, but do the majority of the fan
boy’s choice allow him to complete his task? Well, at ease soldiers. The debriefing is about to
commence.
Who puts the "Bad" in "Ass" ...in an awesome/clean way ok.....
“Halo” is a name that has branded the Xbox console. It has
originated the first person shooter back in the original XBOX days with “Combat
Evolved” in November of 2001. Bungie was the company who was taking care of the
franchise and who were responsible for
multiple segments of this fascinating saga. A new studio “343” has taken over the development when Bungie resigned after making Halo Reach. This Supposedly ended the Halo
series, but a group of individuals mixed with thoughts, ideas, ambition, and
hope (also expecting tons of money heading their way) took the risk of awaking
the original god of war (Master Chief). It was their job to raise the bar from
which Bungie has set.(which was pretty high as it is.) Like a hand full of
surgeons working as fast and careful as they can,while gamers were in the waiting
room anxious to see if their beloved Halo would survive this generation of
shooters. Well, the doctor is in and he has some wonderful news.
"This ship is called Infinity? Compared to what?"
Master
Chief is once again pitted against a greater threat who is bent on destroying
its greatest enemy; Humanity. You must us a lot of fire power, armor abilities and
your wits to outsmart your old and new foe in order to stop this severe calamity
from spreading. Meanwhile our hero has the burden of saving his loyal A.I.,
Cortana, who is suffering from a disorder called “Rampancy”. This is caused
once an A.I. has reached their life span of 7 years and she has 8. They pretty
much “Think” themselves to death. The graphics, control and sound play the most
important role in most games, and Halo has hit a “Bull’s-eye” or a “Headshot”
on each one. 343 did a wonderful job on tightening the control but to the point
of not changing the overall handling. They pretty much used the same formula
but added a little bit of modern flavor.
"1st ever HALO 4 montage"
The graphics projects the Xbox true potential power with its lighting effects and particles which Is greatly deserved for its exclusivity. There are rarely any frame rate issues when you are bombarded by the enemy. A lot of money has been put into this game and it shows. The sound is truly amazing. From the base booming and ammunition dumping from your assault rifle, to the whizzing of pulse rifles and steaming overheat. It’s candy for the eyes and ear lobes. The neighbors nearly called the cops on me when I was dumping shells from my DMR rifle in an online battle. You can actually hear the clanking of Master Chief’s armor from every step and interaction he takes. The detail on Master Chief’s armor shows battle scars from his previous battles with the covenant. Chicks dig scars, especially A.I. chicks (Cortana). Why else would she still be here? Speaking of which, there is defiantly a change in the tone of characters and the relation between Master Chief and his loyal A.I. companion, Cortana. The background of Master Chief’s history has been revealed back to his child hood which now gives him depth in his mood and decisions that he makes or made in his past or present. He is not only a static super soldier, he is now a complex character. Now the relationship between him and Cortana now give a true meaning once you see how they express themselves with every situation comes towards their way. You also notice how Master chief tries carry or support Cortana in every way when she has her rampant episodes.
The Main Campaign is a memorable one. This story adds much
more of a rich history within the Halo universe. I love how the levels have a
change of pace. The first few mission you are on foot, then driving military vehicles,
commandeering a Mantis (a metal gear type weapon), flying a gunship, and then hopefully saving
the world. The game does not feel like it repeats itself due to these aspects.
Although, there are a few “go push the button(s) and come back” segments which
feel like a chore, but that should not take your attention away from the rest
of the delights! I also think that the
Campaign is a short one, but that’s where War games and Spartan ops come into
play. The Main Campaign is only about 33.33 percent of what the Halo universe
has to offer.
"Shoot first, ask questions later!"
War
games and Spartan ops are the online features of Halo 4. This is where your
precious time will be mostly spent. War game
is the classic online versus tournament. It has everything that you cherished
in the past Halos. From memorable maps to intense Big team slayer battles, they
have added something more to fuel the fire; a perk system. I know this sounds
so typical or modern for a FPS to have, but it works. I look at this as an
“extra” to an already flawless formula. After every match, depending on you
victory or loss, you will receive XP to move up ranks like in Halo Reach. But
this time you receive SD points so that you can unlock various perks and armor
upgrades to customize you very own Spartan. Also the specializations gives you
access to the armor type and a special perk depending on the class you have
chosen. To unlock the specializations
class you must achieve rank 50 with your beginner class. I noticed that “load
outs” are very important depending on what game and map that you are choosing. For
big maps like capture the flag or Big team slayer I like using sprint/Mobile
and jet pack. For more close quarter maps and normal slayer mode I choose firepower
and Hard light shield with
ammo support upgrade. The multiplayer in the Halo universe has gotten better
and addictive than ever with new maps (Crimson Pack) now available for your
gaming needs.
"Death Tools of the trade"
Spartan ops is the last piece of the HALO 4 content. This is
more of a CO-OP type gameplay. The story is a spin-off from the main story and
focuses more on a team of Spartans code named CRIMSON. These Spartans get involved with a conspiracy
involving the Prometheans past and the covenants fanatical religious actions.
The story is actually very intriguing and the cut-scenes are top notch. Looks like
its straight from a high budget sci/fi movie. Plus, you get A LOT of XP points
depending on the difficulty and how many people are participating at the end of
each mission. You can easily get around 6,000 XP if you have it on legendary, 4
co/op players and Fast track ability (which is a Pioneer specialty that’s grants
you more XP after every match/battle). Now where it falls short are the actual
levels and missions. They seem to be recycled maps from multiplayer and main
story, and they are used over and over again from episodes 1 thru 5. Its sad
that the story/cut-scenes gest you all excited, hyped and then you see the
level….aawww not this again! You went from point A to B on an earlier mission,
then you now need to go to B thru A? It feels like they did not even try to
spice it up even a little. Its like when your mom had that one plate of dinner
which you GOD AWFULLY hated because she made it almost every night. Then she
tries to add something to it like cheese or hotdog bits hoping that it would
change the recipe whole? Well hell no, it’s the same shit but different smell
thank you! Well at least now they actually listened to the Halo community and
thye have a fresh batch of Episode 6 with 5 chapters with whole NEW levels. You
also need 2.5 more GB to install and that’s why this review ends here….sorry I
have no HD space.
"Taste the Rainbow MotherF&%&Rs!"
First Impression: I know, after reading this article I sound
like I want to have Master Chiefs baby, but for real…… this is probably one of
the best looking Xbox games to date. They really hauled out the graphics to its
peak and the sounds of bullets, lasers, explosions, screaming, engines roaring,
and Cortanas voice. Eye and ear candy, pump up the volume.
Control: 343 did a wonderful job fine tuning the aiming and
movement. If you stopped playing Halo for months or years you can get back on
and feel right at home. It’s like riding a bike but instead training wheels
they added jet propulsion.
Immersion: A story that has expanded the Halo universe opening
multiple opportunities to happen. I remember back in Halo 2, and 3 I said to myself
what if this happened and why that specific and important race isn’t even shown
or included. Well now I know what would happen. *NO SPOILERS INCLUDED* Plus you
can unlock various videos through Halo Waypoint for a greater back ground on
the HALO universe and on an ancient enemy.
VERDICT
OWN IT, BUY IT, Sell your kids if you have to!!!!!
-Charly Munguia (El_OH_ESS)
If you like this Genre, here are some other recomended games!
GEARS OF WAR III
Gears of War 3 is the spectacular conclusion to one of the most memorable and celebrated sagas in video games. Developed by Epic Games exclusively for Xbox 360, Gears of War 3 plunges you into a harrowing tale of hope, survival, and brotherhood.
Engine: Unreal Engine 3.5
Platform: Xbox 360
Release date: September 20, 2011
Genre(s) Third-person shooter
Mode(s) Single-player, co-op, multiplayer
DOOM III BFG EDITION
The ruins of an ancient Martian civilization have unlocked the secrets to teleportation, and the UAC will stop at nothing to harness this world-altering technology. As part of a marine detachment sent to protect the facility, your duty seemed simple enough... until the invasion. Now, in an epic clash against pure evil you must fight to understand who is with you, who is against you, and what must be done to stop this nightmare from reaching earth.
Engine: id Tech 4
Version: 1.3.4
Platforms: Ps3,Xbox 360
Release date: August 24 2004/2012
Genre: 1st Person shooter/Survival Horror
How about taking a small break from gaming? Here are some movie picks!
HALO 4: Forward Unto Dawn
The series revolves around Mater Chief one of the last remaining Spartan II's and how he inspired a young UNSC (United Nations Space Command) cadet who will eventually become a leader aboard the UNSC infinity spacecraft, with pre-war flashbacks spliced in. It will play out over five weekly installments, each being around 15 minutes in length. Frank O'Connor, franchise development director at 343 Industries, told Variety, "We needed a way to ensure there was a way for people to get on board this universe without feeling intimidated."
Forward unto Dawn
(Web Series)
Director: Stewart Hendler
Webcast run: October 5th 2012
STARSHIP TROOPERS 1997
Humans in a fascistic, militaristic future do battle
with giant alien bugs in a fight for survival.
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Writers: Edward Neumeier (screenplay), Robert A. Heinlein(book)
Stars: Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards and Dina Meyer |See full cast and crew
MEGAFORCE (1982)
Story about a rapid deployment defense unit that is called into action whenever freedom is threatened.
Director: Hal Needham
Writers: Bob Kachler (story), James Whittaker (screenplay), and 3 more credits »
Stars: Barry Bostwick, Michael Beck and Persis Khambatta | See full cast and crew
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