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7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 3901 Ratings

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  1. Dec 31, 2013
    8
    Halo 4 Typed Review By Tanner Warren

    When it comes to Halo 4, there is no denying that it has become the greatest of the great when it comes to multiplayer kick butt action but I found the campaign to be lack-luster final thought. It almost seems like 343 knew that the Halo fan base wouldn't like a new company taking charge of there beloved game the hold so fondly to there hearts so
    Halo 4 Typed Review By Tanner Warren

    When it comes to Halo 4, there is no denying that it has become the greatest of the great when it comes to multiplayer kick butt action but I found the campaign to be lack-luster final thought. It almost seems like 343 knew that the Halo fan base wouldn't like a new company taking charge of there beloved game the hold so fondly to there hearts so they added in the return of John 177 or Master Chief as he's more commonly known, to reach a new level of hype surrounding Halo since the original game. The graphics were stunning and topped Black ops 2, MW3, and Battlefield 3 (The Xbox versions). As for the things I didn't like, pop in textures were a problem for me as well as the fact that it felt less detailed than Halo Reach. All of this in consideration, I give it a awesome score of 8/10 For graphics and textures!

    As for multiplayer gameplay, Halo 4 has a wide variety of maps and game modes with enough action to keep you hooked for hundreds of hours. I was shocked and a little excited to hear that multiplayer was now supporting custom loadouts and armor abilities. The ability to chose which guns and gear you want instead of scavenging for it is great. Some may say it is becoming to much like Call of Duty with the loudouts, but I believe its a step in the right direction. However the new ordnance feature feels a little out of place. In a game based on strategy and quick thinking, it feels wrong to call in a noobie one shot weapon like the binary rifle. Oh and speaking of noobish weaponry, how about them bolt-shots. If your going to let us have a secondary "pocket shotgun" then why not let us have a real shotty. There is also a spartan ops mini campaign that ties up the lose ends. Spartan ops consisting of 10 episodes with 5 chapters ranging form 10-20 minutes depending on the difficulty and number of players. All this in consideration, I give multiplayer gameplay a 8/10!

    Unlike the multiplayer, the campaign felt short and predictable. At all times I felt myself using the same tactics. Shoot the watchers at long range, move in and kill all the runners by shooting in the head and then take out the knights in single combat. As for the final boss fight? A quicktime event leaving us with a cheesy cliffhanger ending encouraging us to spend $499.99 on an Xbox one and wait for Halo 5 to conclude what the heck just happened with Master Chief. I regretfully give Halo 4's campaign a 4/10.

    Moving on to sound, the guns feel much more meaty and satisfying to shoot! The Halo orchestra really out did themselves with the music for this one! I felt like I was marching off to war against the filthy covenant! So basically, THE SOUND WAS FREAKING AWESOME! I give the sound a Bass drop'n 10/10!

    The multiplayer in Halo 4 was very addictive and hard to pass up. Even as I bought and played new games such as X-COM, I found myself putting in my Halo 4 disc within minuets giving the lasting appeal another awesome 9/10.

    Rounding Halo 4's total to a great score of 8/10! A truly epic game!

    -Tanner Warren
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  2. Jan 8, 2014
    8
    A really good shooter. A good story, memorable characters, a really good soundtrack, some of the best visuals on the 360 and an extremely fun and addicting multi-player experience. While not an innovative title and adds nothing we never saw in the previous Halo titles, it's still a fun game to play through and if you invite your friends over, prepare to spend hours in this game.
  3. Feb 16, 2014
    8
    343 industries was tasked with producing a follow-up on the Halo trilogy, to add yet more into the universe known as the Halo Nation. They knew that what they would develop would automatically become canon, to be judged under intense scrutiny. Fans of thus franchise are among the most 'honest' fan bases out there, and there was no room for failure.

    Thankfully, 'Halo 4' largely delivers
    343 industries was tasked with producing a follow-up on the Halo trilogy, to add yet more into the universe known as the Halo Nation. They knew that what they would develop would automatically become canon, to be judged under intense scrutiny. Fans of thus franchise are among the most 'honest' fan bases out there, and there was no room for failure.

    Thankfully, 'Halo 4' largely delivers on the experience fans have come to expect from this all-conquering franchise.

    What grabs you first, at least in my opinion, is the graphics. Compared to Halo 3, it feels as if a light covering of smoke had been cleared, bringing everything into sharper focus. It is superior than anything Halo 3 could muster in this department, made clearly by the rendering of Cortana. It is honesty surprising that both '3' and '4' were released on the same console.

    The soundtrack for this game is incredible, and there is no one here that can summon an effective argument otherwise. While the signature 'Halo' theme song will remain the best piece of all, '4''s piece takes on a variety of feelings, especially prominent when it highlights the intense danger Spartan 117 finds himself in, while also providing a suitable backdrop to Cortana's mental degradation, and the exchanges both she and her Spartan initiate in.

    The story, however, takes the shine off this game, just a miniscule, insignificant amount. While anyone with a heart would flinch from Cortana's fate, after spending the entire game attempting to find Halsey and repair her, introducing the Covenant was a bit of a misstep, considering both Humanity and they had formed a truce. True, runaway factions occur in real life engagements, but the game would have benefited from the sole attention of the main Antagonist, and his plan. While focusing on the Covenant, their designs were needlessly altered, looking nothing like the creatures that had graced the previous three Halo games ( not their armor, but the aliens themselves.)
    Other than that, however, Halo 4 remains one of the best releases for the franchise, as well as the most lucrative, which only shows that 343 industries had managed to fulfill the brief, satisfying 95% of fans.
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  4. Mar 14, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. i have been playing halo since halo 2 and i LOVE it! in halo 4 the master cheif returns to destroy the didact while his A.I, Cortana is facing rampancy, a virus A.I get in about 7-8 years. i personally 343 did a great job on the campaign, as they have added features fans have wanted for years. i personnaly think that 343 didnt bring the very best out in multiplayer and the all new spartan ops. i do not believe spartan ops and multipalyer are the WORST, but i think they can get old after a while. to me spartan ops is repititve with some twists from time to time. multiplayer is fun if you find a gamemode right for you. other than that halo 4 is an amazing game. i have to give 343 credit, because this is there 1st halo game and most studios new to a franchise dont do as well as 343. halo is a difficult game to master design wise. keep up the good work 343 and thx for making are halo dreams come true! P.S in halo 4 there are no UNSC air vehicles. Expand
  5. Apr 29, 2014
    8
    I enjoyed this game very much, immersing and entertaining ,both multiplayer and campaign. But I can't help but to feel that it doesn't have the same catch it did with me than reach.

    The graphics are wonderful for the Xbox 360, possibly the best graphics on the FPS genre towards the end of 2012. Loved the campaign, the story flows on nicely, and can't wait to play Halo 5 coming this
    I enjoyed this game very much, immersing and entertaining ,both multiplayer and campaign. But I can't help but to feel that it doesn't have the same catch it did with me than reach.

    The graphics are wonderful for the Xbox 360, possibly the best graphics on the FPS genre towards the end of 2012.

    Loved the campaign, the story flows on nicely, and can't wait to play Halo 5 coming this (or next) year.
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  6. Dec 9, 2014
    8
    I think that after Bungie had left Halo alone to pursue bigger and worse things, DESTINY. 343 should have left Chief's story alone as it's done and created a new character to follow. What I expected them to do was screw it up but they didn't. Halo 4 is a really good game that isn't quite as good as Halo 1 but is about on the same level as 2.

    Verdict: A great game that I expected not to
    I think that after Bungie had left Halo alone to pursue bigger and worse things, DESTINY. 343 should have left Chief's story alone as it's done and created a new character to follow. What I expected them to do was screw it up but they didn't. Halo 4 is a really good game that isn't quite as good as Halo 1 but is about on the same level as 2.

    Verdict:
    A great game that I expected not to like but I did... a lot
    8/10
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  7. Jun 29, 2015
    8
    The sigh of relief was so strong that 343 didn't butcher Halo. They did take the campaign in a more character driven story aspect though. And while this makes it feel slightly different from the old Halo feel along with the new character designs and equipment, it adds layers previously unearthed. The sounds pretty choppy without surround sound, but is more than made up for with the graphicThe sigh of relief was so strong that 343 didn't butcher Halo. They did take the campaign in a more character driven story aspect though. And while this makes it feel slightly different from the old Halo feel along with the new character designs and equipment, it adds layers previously unearthed. The sounds pretty choppy without surround sound, but is more than made up for with the graphic overhaul. And while the multiplayer has been getting plenty of hell, I find it adds demensions of skill having equipment. One of my most admired games so far. Expand
  8. Sep 10, 2014
    8
    I certainly enjoyed the game overall but not as much as i would of liked, great story as per usual and graphics were fantastic. just lacked that special feel of previous games such as Halo 2 and Combat evolved. 8/10
  9. Dec 14, 2014
    8
    graphics 10/10 abousity outstating controls perfect like every other halo game online i dont play online that much but the biggest flaw is the removal of the gamemode firefight it would have been perfect with the new enemies
  10. Apr 15, 2015
    8
    First things first: I am a fan of Halo. Have been since Halo 1, and Halo 2 is still my favorite. When I found out that Halo 4 would incorporate some features first seen in shooters like Call of Duty, I was a bit scared it would lose that unique, well... Halo-ness. Thankfully, it didn't, and I dare say it's better than Halo 3.

    Sure, Halo 4 has the equivalent of perks from CoD, in the
    First things first: I am a fan of Halo. Have been since Halo 1, and Halo 2 is still my favorite. When I found out that Halo 4 would incorporate some features first seen in shooters like Call of Duty, I was a bit scared it would lose that unique, well... Halo-ness. Thankfully, it didn't, and I dare say it's better than Halo 3.

    Sure, Halo 4 has the equivalent of perks from CoD, in the form of specializations. You can level up through multiplayer in these specializations, and get armor sets and armor abilities as rewards. There are also some armor abilities that you can just choose to supplement your play style, much like Battlefield's classes. In my opinion, these are great additions, because they increase the depth of the gameplay. Instead of being forced to start with a weapon you don't like, you can change your loadout, and even take on a role (such as medic). Unlocking armor through multiplayer feels very rewarding too, though IMO the armor sets could've added some technical effects -- as it is, armor is purely cosmetic -- but then, that was the case in previous Halo games too.

    Some abilities really add tension to the multiplayer mode, like one that allows you to briefly see opponents through walls, or one that predicts where a weapon drop is going to be, and when. Or even one that allows you to cycle through weapon drops until you get a weapon you like.
    The multiplayer, by the way, is still solid. When comparing it to Halo 3, you'll even notice that it moves more fluidly. Halo 3 was less accurate when aiming, and it was choppier and laggier.

    I don't see why some people hate this game. When I asked them why they hated it, the answer was always ''because it's got some features from Call of Duty'' or ''it's generic'' -- no explanation given. Or the answer was 'because 343 sucks'. Yes, because your loyalty to a company totally influences the quality of the game *sarcasm*. From what I can gather, the only reasons why people hated Halo 4 was because its gameplay was deeper than that of previous installments, and because those people are so close-minded and hateful towards CoD that they can't accept that CoD did get some things right. In a sense, they're right, the creators of Call of Duty are just churning out the same game over and over, but that has nothing to do with gameplay features such as perks or classes.

    Halo 4 takes the best from previous Halo games, and adds the best shooter mechanics, and features you would want in a next-gen shooter. The fact that those features (perks) were first created in CoD, doesn't mean they are exclusive to CoD or make up its identity. I am all for deeper, more rewarding gameplay, and Halo 4 delivers.
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  11. Aug 22, 2015
    8
    Halo 4 is a very well done carry-on from the Original Halo Trilogy. Now With 343Industries taking over, we now see the advancements that they are willing to make, including amazing graphics, very precise map creation (forge mode), and customization options which exceed past Halo games. Halo 4 carries on the original trilogy's legend, but, instead of having the same Robot-Zombie-Alien FFAHalo 4 is a very well done carry-on from the Original Halo Trilogy. Now With 343Industries taking over, we now see the advancements that they are willing to make, including amazing graphics, very precise map creation (forge mode), and customization options which exceed past Halo games. Halo 4 carries on the original trilogy's legend, but, instead of having the same Robot-Zombie-Alien FFA cliche (Sentinels, Flood, and the Covenant), Halo 4 is beginning to dive down deeper into the lore. This game was created with new features, showing what 343industries can do to improve the Halo franchise. Sadly, this being 343's very first Halo game, there are a few minor problems that many people didn't like. The Campaign, for many, didn't feel as nostalgic as the original campaigns. Multiplayer has changed entirely to the point where Halo 4 may be considered closer to Call Of Duty than that of another Halo game, and Spartan Ops was a complete embarrassment when compared to Call of Duty's Zombies, Gears of War's Horde Mode, and Previous Halo Firefight games. Overall, this Halo game seemed like a transition, to a new company, and a new story. Expand
  12. Jan 14, 2016
    8
    Pretty much what you'd expect from another Halo game. If you liked Halo 3 and Halo Reach and all the other games, you'll enjoy this one. If you weren't a fan of the others this won't do anything to change your view.
  13. Jan 14, 2018
    8
    Не интересный сюжет. Отвратительные противники. Хороший геймплей. Отличный графон. В целом хорошо, но скучно.
  14. Apr 25, 2017
    8
    A lot of people hate this game and i really don't see why. It seems like a solid halo game to me, and i have enjoyed it since its release. Specifically i like the longer range combat and greater focus on vehicles, which was a nice change for the series. And this game is just about as good as it gets for graphics on the xbox 360. My only gripes are the connection issues and sometimes theA lot of people hate this game and i really don't see why. It seems like a solid halo game to me, and i have enjoyed it since its release. Specifically i like the longer range combat and greater focus on vehicles, which was a nice change for the series. And this game is just about as good as it gets for graphics on the xbox 360. My only gripes are the connection issues and sometimes the player-base is annoying, consisting mainly of annoying under-13s. Expand
  15. Dec 3, 2017
    8
    It has a great storyline, but can be really confusing if you don´t know the lore of the game. Has some problems in the design of the missions, who are very linear, but that are fun anyway. Multiplayer really annoys me, with some dumb decisions. But i am a fan of Halo for it´s campaign, so really liked it, but doesn´t surpass any Bungie game.
  16. Mar 14, 2019
    8
    Multi player returns to a style closer to the originals and the story is thought provoking and pretty engaging.
  17. Jun 23, 2020
    8
    I understand why this is a hated Halo game, but for me is good, and is my 2nd favorite Halo game... don´t kill me.
    But honestly I love this game, the story is not the best but is ok, the gameplay is as good as the other Halo and the graphics.... delicious. For an Xbox 360, the graphics are so good.
    I know is not the best, but I really like it.
  18. Aug 12, 2018
    8
    Personally, I don't understand why this game gets the amount of hate that it does. Sure, it's not Bungie, but it's an incredibly impressive first effort from 343 Studios, who in my opinion, did a great job advancing Master Chief's story and legacy. The campaign is outstanding and is a great story. The multiplayer is also fun and addicting. However, what this game sorely misses is thePersonally, I don't understand why this game gets the amount of hate that it does. Sure, it's not Bungie, but it's an incredibly impressive first effort from 343 Studios, who in my opinion, did a great job advancing Master Chief's story and legacy. The campaign is outstanding and is a great story. The multiplayer is also fun and addicting. However, what this game sorely misses is the Firefight mode. That mode is incredibly fun and would've added even more to the game. Overall, Halo 4 is a great game. Expand
  19. Dec 28, 2018
    8
    Halo 4 no innova en ningún apartado, pero todo lo que hace lo hace mejor que sus precursores: Halo 3 y Reach.

    Mecánicamente, Halo 4 es el mejor juego de la saga hasta ese momento de manera indiscutible. La sensación de disparo, la satisfacción, la mayor variedad de armas y el control de los vehículos, así como la posibilidad de usar un Jetpack y Sprint a la vez hace que todo sea mucho
    Halo 4 no innova en ningún apartado, pero todo lo que hace lo hace mejor que sus precursores: Halo 3 y Reach.

    Mecánicamente, Halo 4 es el mejor juego de la saga hasta ese momento de manera indiscutible. La sensación de disparo, la satisfacción, la mayor variedad de armas y el control de los vehículos, así como la posibilidad de usar un Jetpack y Sprint a la vez hace que todo sea mucho más fluido, variado y divertido.

    La historia es sensiblera, pero cumple. Me gusta mucho más el corte épico de otros Halo en los que una gran misión les aguarda y no tiran tanto hacia el rollo sentimental como la propia palabra indica.

    En cuanto al apartado artístico, encontramos una sorprendente potencia visual con grandes modelos, entornos, texturas y efectos gráficos (recordemos que la querida consola en la que se mueve salió en 2005). Una banda sonora impecable como ya nos tiene acostumbrados la saga y unas cinemáticas que poco tienen que envidiar a los mejores del sector.

    Del multijugador no puedo decir nada, pero seguro que es tan bueno como en anteriores entregas.

    Imprescindible si tienes una Xbox 360.
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  20. MYP
    Jun 18, 2021
    8
    Halo 4 is the best halo since halo 2, the story is mature and magnificent and the Gameplay is fresh and new, but let's not talk about the multiplayer.
  21. Feb 26, 2020
    8
    A marked step down in design, characters and enemy design. However, the strong gunplay, visuals and level design prop this title up.
  22. Nov 1, 2019
    8
    MT bom mas eu preferi o 3 mas o jogo é MT bom vale apena comprar e ele tmb tá disponível na retro
  23. Jun 26, 2020
    8
    Un buen juego aunque le falta la épica del 3. Sigue siendo una gozada jugar con él.
  24. Apr 30, 2020
    8
    Without bothering to scroll through the older reviews, I'm sure some/many will mention the developers, and how it's not bungie, but for me, this was a great game. It's hard to believe it has been eight years since it first came out. Seems like only a few years ago I was still obsessed with finding a way to make chief's armor from this game as a halloween costume.

    The way the story was
    Without bothering to scroll through the older reviews, I'm sure some/many will mention the developers, and how it's not bungie, but for me, this was a great game. It's hard to believe it has been eight years since it first came out. Seems like only a few years ago I was still obsessed with finding a way to make chief's armor from this game as a halloween costume.

    The way the story was weaved in with the gameplay was mesmerizing. It took what halo had always done and put it up on a grand stage in terms of storytelling. It was because of playing this that I become invested in the lore of not only the games but the halo universe, reading the canon books about the chief's rise to legend.

    It's a weird wish/dream of mine, but if I could play as the chief but in a more open world with looting and more NPCs to interact with, that would be a game I could play for many years. But I guess a game like that, A) has kind of already been done and it was meh (Rage 2), and B) it would no longer be the halo I once loved.

    Halo 4
    Gameplay Enjoyability (0 - worst, 10 - best)

    Visuals - 7* (at the time of release, it was probably more like a 9)
    Combat - 9
    Story - 10
    Music - 10 (I don't know if much was done from the original score, but it sounds like halo music to me, rock on!)
    Steve Downes voice acting - 10
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  25. Oct 29, 2020
    8
    A great game, a great halo. Didn’t feel so much difference from the Bungie halo. The graphics is advanced.
  26. Jul 21, 2020
    8
    I remember before I had an Xbox and after this game came out, a lot of fans weren't all that pleased with it. When I finally picked it up I was expecting this to be pretty bad, but to my surprise I actually found this do be pretty enjoyable. Not better than the original trilogy but I can appreciate what they were trying to do. Improved graphics with awesome sound, the technical side isI remember before I had an Xbox and after this game came out, a lot of fans weren't all that pleased with it. When I finally picked it up I was expecting this to be pretty bad, but to my surprise I actually found this do be pretty enjoyable. Not better than the original trilogy but I can appreciate what they were trying to do. Improved graphics with awesome sound, the technical side is just great. The story with the new set of villains kept me on my toes and actually made me want to continue with the story to see where they were going. If you LOVE the original trilogy, I can maybe see why those wouldn't like this game but honestly if you give it a chance I think you'll find enjoyment out of it as I did. Expand
  27. Feb 23, 2022
    8
    To be honest, I don't understand the hate for this game at all. Yes it is true that the campaign was the one that took me the least time to complete but the graphic progress of Halo 3 to 4 is something impressive. The narrative is good and sets the stage for what will happen in Guardians. I guess the hate is because the developer switched from Bungie to 343 but I don't consider it a badTo be honest, I don't understand the hate for this game at all. Yes it is true that the campaign was the one that took me the least time to complete but the graphic progress of Halo 3 to 4 is something impressive. The narrative is good and sets the stage for what will happen in Guardians. I guess the hate is because the developer switched from Bungie to 343 but I don't consider it a bad game at all. Expand
  28. Sep 15, 2022
    8
    I'll be honest. This is not as good as the bungie games. The story and gameplay are both inferior to the masterpieces bungie crafted all those years ago. However, this is a very good and a very well made game. It really grew on me the 2nd time I played it. The first time, I did not enjoy the campaign. Maybe it was because I had covid. On the other hand, the 2nd time, my opinion completelyI'll be honest. This is not as good as the bungie games. The story and gameplay are both inferior to the masterpieces bungie crafted all those years ago. However, this is a very good and a very well made game. It really grew on me the 2nd time I played it. The first time, I did not enjoy the campaign. Maybe it was because I had covid. On the other hand, the 2nd time, my opinion completely changed. I don't know exactly what did it, but I was able to appreciate the story much more. The gameplay on the other hand, is still certainly what suffers. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it, but it suffers from linear level design and unpredictable AI. Probably my biggest problem however, is the extremely low ammo count for some weapons. Some, like the battle rifle for example, stay , more or less the same, but weapons like the plasma pistol have such a low count compared to previous games. It's unfortunate, because you will likely use this weapon often on higher difficulties. I am also not the biggest fan of the art style. It isn't bad in its own right, but it more or less completely abandons the style of halo 3. From a technical standpoint though, this game looks and sounds incredible. It's crazy to think this game came out nearly ten years ago on the 360. It looks even better on 9th gen, and 120fps is greatly appreciated. Overall, while this did not live up to bungie's excellent halo trilogy, it is still extremely well made, and takes the series in new directions. I think it's the best game since reach. Expand
  29. Sep 30, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I liked it very much. The gameplay is a very strong point in the game, the only thing I found a bit bad is the story, which is confused and dissolved in the campaign and a large amount of gameplay. Expand
  30. May 16, 2021
    8
    Halo 4 is a very good game, it lacks some of the franchise's greatest strengths but it was a very good breath of fresh air, some of the level design in Halo 4 reminds me of Horizon Zero Dawn and that shows Halo 4 was way ahead of its time. 343's depiction of a Sci-fi military shooter was almost perfect and a true AAA experience.
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 87 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 87
  2. Negative: 1 out of 87
  1. Hyper Magazine
    Dec 17, 2012
    90
    Halo 4 eschews esoteric delivery for a sledgehammer story with a blockbuster aesthetic. Epic, engaging and sensorially awesome. [Jan 2013, p.60]
  2. 90
    In the end, this game is still a fairly conservative and faithful to the original spirit, even with some significant changes.
  3. Dec 3, 2012
    75
    The narrative is outstanding, even in spite of a few plot-point missteps, and the character evolution of Master Chief and Cortana deserves to be further explored with these wonderful storytellers (well, maybe one of them can't happen, but I'll avoid spoilers). However, the gameplay feels jilted, awkward and unrefined, three unforgivable sins in a landscape populated with other quite-capable FPS franchises. As a result, I'm going to average everything out: great story plus bad gameplay equals an average experience. And in this overcrowded FPS genre, "average" is isn't something I'd recommend buying.