Halo: Reach

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3060 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,497 out of 3060
  2. Mixed: 331 out of 3060
  3. Negative: 232 out of 3060
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  1. Goatbot
    Sep 24, 2010
    7
    There seems to be a lot of people here ranting that anyone who gives this game a low score is a fan boy and then saying something like "Halo is the best game ever 10/10" Um? Really? Isnt there a little tiny bit of hypocrisy there?

    Halo is supposed to be the pioneering game for XBox. It defines the consoles success. MW2 is the fastest selling game. So if theyre that big and that good then    There seems to be a lot of people here ranting that anyone who gives this game a low score is a fan boy and then saying something like "Halo is the best game ever 10/10" Um? Really? Isnt there a little tiny bit of hypocrisy there?

    Halo is supposed to be the pioneering game for XBox. It defines the consoles success. MW2 is the fastest selling game. So if theyre that big and that good then why cant they have dedicated servers?! If Battlefield has it and it works perfectly well then surely the supposed "biggest 2 games of all time" can and should have it. It certainly eliminates the annoyance of host migration when youre just 1 bullet away from killing someone and suddenly everything stops and the screen goes black while the host changes.

    The campaign for Halo was unimpressive and for large parts quite boring and repetitive. Still probably better than CoD ripping off The Rock or Enemy At The Gates or probably Apocalypse Now or something now theyre in Vietnam for Black Ops. CoD fans can hush about CoD campaigns being amazing. They obviously havnt played Mass Effect 2. Thats how a campaign should be. The Halo universe is barely a scratch on MEs branching storylines and character relations. Reach has huge balance issues especially in its Invasion game mode and also its spawn points. I spawned in the same room as 4 guys in the blue team earlier. The problem was that I was on Red Team and on SWAT I think you can imagine the amount of holes that put in my head before I even took 1 step.


    Halo better than CoD, less consistent than Battlefield. Reach also has The Cage, possibly the worst multiplayer map ever in any game and its even got more contenders to that title in its 8 non forge map roster. It falls between the 2 for me with a 7.5.    … Expand
  2. ApocalypseBrown
    Sep 24, 2010
    7
    To make absolutely clear I am NOT a PS3 fanboy, as unfortunately there are many on here wasting space. Halo Reach was always going to be a bit of a emotional border, Halo Combat Evolved and Halo 2 are the best first person shooters (along with Half life 2) out there period! However it's 2010, and Reach feels like a watered down Halo 2. Why? For instance the single player is completeTo make absolutely clear I am NOT a PS3 fanboy, as unfortunately there are many on here wasting space. Halo Reach was always going to be a bit of a emotional border, Halo Combat Evolved and Halo 2 are the best first person shooters (along with Half life 2) out there period! However it's 2010, and Reach feels like a watered down Halo 2. Why? For instance the single player is complete rubbish, absolute waste of time. Co-op fairs a little better, but both players will need to have the same level of dedication to wade through the tedium. Multiplayer was the only reason I got this and to be honest I am slightly underwhelmed! Rehash's of Halo maps from the past and Horde, sorry Firefight mode is good but not great. The new powers up are welcomed, and elite/swat death-matches bringing new and immensely fun moments. But ultimately is this game worth it? It's up to you whether you love the series of not, for me there are better games out there right now (like Bad Company 2 and Gears of War 2) but undeniable Halo is still immense fun, even though tiresomely familiar.… Expand
  3. Hullspawn
    Sep 24, 2010
    8
    This is the second time I've reviewed this game the first time I gave it a 6 mainly because I didn't think it lived up to my admitedly very high expectations but after a while with it and lots of time spent online with my friends I can see that this like halo 3 before it has true potential to grow into a world class shooter it's not quiet there yet it needs more maps and a few match makingThis is the second time I've reviewed this game the first time I gave it a 6 mainly because I didn't think it lived up to my admitedly very high expectations but after a while with it and lots of time spent online with my friends I can see that this like halo 3 before it has true potential to grow into a world class shooter it's not quiet there yet it needs more maps and a few match making problems ironed out but it's fair to say that I've had more fun here than I have in an fps for a long time. It's not perfect yet but it could be given time so for now it's an 8 :)… Expand
  4. walt
    Sep 24, 2010
    4
    i have tried.. really i have.. i wonder how many other people have to... they say great story.. i say read go to any library and pick a book its guaranteed to have a better story.. gameplay ok at best... multiplayer painful waiting times... ridiculous game modes like infected that last about 2 mins.. pointless.. i liked the first Halo.. it didn't blow me away or anything.. it was alright..i have tried.. really i have.. i wonder how many other people have to... they say great story.. i say read go to any library and pick a book its guaranteed to have a better story.. gameplay ok at best... multiplayer painful waiting times... ridiculous game modes like infected that last about 2 mins.. pointless.. i liked the first Halo.. it didn't blow me away or anything.. it was alright.. i tried Halo 2 got bored after 1 hour... Halo 3 got bored after 20 mins.. I played Reach for a few hours trying to see what the hype is about.. i just can't see it... sorry.. bland and cliche story... average graphices.. poor multiplayer... i'm trading this in tomorrow...… Expand
  5. GameMechanic
    Sep 24, 2010
    7
    There was a lot of hype over Halo Reach, that's a given... there's a lot around all Halo's in fact but while Halo Reach brings a lot of novelty and a much needed graphical update to its engine, it doesn't feel as much different from the previous titles.

    Singleplayer-wise, the game is fun; having a full squad of Spartans this time around helps remove that reclusive feeling of being the    There was a lot of hype over Halo Reach, that's a given... there's a lot around all Halo's in fact but while Halo Reach brings a lot of novelty and a much needed graphical update to its engine, it doesn't feel as much different from the previous titles.

    Singleplayer-wise, the game is fun; having a full squad of Spartans this time around helps remove that reclusive feeling of being the only remaining bad-ass in the galaxy. It also feels a bit more grounded than playing Master Chief as people not only depend on you, but as a group instead. It might sound weird, but in the case of a military oriented, sci-fi shooter like Halo, being part of Noble Team makes much more sense than playing John S-117. It's also quite refreshing and a definitve look back on ODST which featured some of the same, except on a more 'human' level.

    Multiplayer-wise, the game cather to the same that followed Halo 2 and 3 and most of it remains unchanged. My pet peeve remains in that there's no need to have the crosshair off-center and down on the screen other than remind you that you're playing Halo and it doesn't feel like an innovation but more of an annoyance. It didn't ruin the experience, mind you (just something that you have to get used to) but I still am wondering why they'd take such a decision. The new armor abilities makes hunting for powerups a thing of the past and allows everyone to get a bit of a pick at the awesome from time to time. Many variety of gameplay within the same gametypes helps mix things up a bit though, as before, Sniper-only matches makes games completely one-sided. The matchmaking is weird to some point, often tossing you in game where you're clearly outclassed just to fill up for missing players. The 'True Skill' system still needs some tweaking; I'm clearly not cut yet to play in the 'big league' like those who spends all their free time in Halo but the game seems to assume I've already learned enough to be another headshot target.

    Forge is updated with a lot of goodies to make a very nice mix of things. It's a new and improved playground for the creative while also being a nice way to familiarize yourself with weapons, tactics and just recreate some environments you've played before. Add to this the new features like phasing which makes building areas much less reliant on engine-defying tricks and much more on ease of use. Some of the extras, like the Kill Ball and the Golf Ball/Club helps make it even funnier as you might end up setting up courses and playing sci-fi golf games in full battle armor (against sun burns)

    Firefight is back and even more moddable than before. Adding the possibility to edit every round, wave and set, even setting up the weapons available much like custom game rules and publish them as well for a bit of diversity. Again, my only gripe is with the matchmaking. Doing good in firefight will award you a fast track to Legendary difficulty, which means if you're not yet quite on par with it, all aliens, including grunts, will happily tear through you with ungodly precise sticky grenade tosses and enough armor to soak up 2 full reserves of assault rifle ammo. Sure, you can then need to rely on your teammates... but as stated earlier, it seems most of the Halo crowd (and I'm even tempted to say most of the XBox Live crowd) seems much less of team players and much more lone wolves which completely defeats the purpose of a cooperative game mode. Frustrated 2nd or 3rd place players would often top their endgame with a well placed sticky to another player, just for griefing. Thankfully, if you're lucky and he happens to have done so a few times already, you can boot them out, denying them their hard earned (or not so much) credits and XP for the match.

    The Challenges adds a 'come back' reason to the gameplay and while it was claimed that most of them could be done either in multiplayer matchmaking AND singleplayer, I've only noticed most week long Challenges to be multiplayer only. The game basically pushes you to kill other players to actually get something as the latest unlockable items requires over 10 million credits... something that is unthinkable to get if you play Singleplayer and Firefight only at about 500-1500 credits per game completed.

    Pros :
    - Improved engine that's a definite step past the Halo 2.5 engine from Halo 3
    - Fun gameplay elements and customisation
    - Firefight has matchmaking
    - Forge is now a much easier and full experience
    - Challenges adds day to day replay value

    Cons
    - Heavy emphasis on the current/previous Halo community vs new players
    - Matchmaking 'True Skill' is quick to 'promote' you to play against higher ranked players
    - Community players does not fit too well with the cooperative game modes unless you know them well
    - Very hyped game that offers an experience only slightly different than past Halo titles (more of the same)
    - Challenges are more geared towards multiplayer/cooperative    … Expand
  6. SMScorx89
    Sep 24, 2010
    10
    This was Bungie's last Halo game and hope 343 Industries can fill those big shoes. The campaign may seem short, but it is engaging, the multiplayer is at it's finest, Forge allows greater freedom, and Firefight has been greatly improved. There are also little bonuses for the game, so sign in and check them out. This truly is the best Halo game and the best bet to get Game of the Year.
  7. Comalv
    Sep 24, 2010
    7
    This is a very good and solid game but far from perfect. While the campaign is very solid and probably deserves a 9 for awesome scenarios, plot and storytelling, with a good variety of things to do, although some of the dropships spurting out MOBs (specially at higher difficulties) seems old and random. The coop side of multiplayer (campaign and firefights) are very well made and theThis is a very good and solid game but far from perfect. While the campaign is very solid and probably deserves a 9 for awesome scenarios, plot and storytelling, with a good variety of things to do, although some of the dropships spurting out MOBs (specially at higher difficulties) seems old and random. The coop side of multiplayer (campaign and firefights) are very well made and the skulls system gives a solution for perfectly adjusting difficulty. The multiplayer versus side on the other hand offers very little new stuff (mainly armor upgrades) and feels overall old and not really that entertaining (except maybe for halo fanboys). Also all the stuff you get for levelling up is purely cosmethical and while some is really nice it surely doesn't add much to the longevity of the game. Overall a Must-Have for Halo enthusiasts, a 30ish hours of fun for the casual gamer… Expand
  8. Hinin
    Sep 24, 2010
    10
    This must be THE halo game of generation, story was good and graphics worked well. You can't call yourself a fps-player if you don't try this masterpiece. It's not flawless, but near to it. AI really gives you good fight in story-mode and especially in firefight. Loving it.
  9. mrcritic
    Sep 24, 2010
    9
    I was expecting much more from Halo: Reach, however it didn't necessarily disappoint me. I liked it, but not enough to go crazy, like I did with Halo 3 or Halo 3: ODST. Maybe not the best, but definitely not the worst.
  10. Island7
    Sep 23, 2010
    10
    Halo Reach is the best game in the Halo series to date. There is so much to do and see in this game it is overwhelming. A must buy for anyone with an Xbox 360!
  11. masterbedgood
    Sep 23, 2010
    10
    HALO: Reach takes what is great about the franchise and makes it better. The campaign is by far the most story-driven of any of the HALO titles with plenty of excellent set pieces and emotional scenarios to draw you into the drama. The weight of the fall of one of humanity's largest colonies is conveyed in a truly masterful fashion. The closing scene after the credits is one of the mostHALO: Reach takes what is great about the franchise and makes it better. The campaign is by far the most story-driven of any of the HALO titles with plenty of excellent set pieces and emotional scenarios to draw you into the drama. The weight of the fall of one of humanity's largest colonies is conveyed in a truly masterful fashion. The closing scene after the credits is one of the most memorable scenarios I've experienced in any game.

    Multiplayer is as addicting as ever. With the new credit system allowing you to cosmetically customize your Spartan III being a new pull to keep you engaged, you won't be backing away from this game any time soon. The controls are, expectedly, responsive and intuitive, and the new armour abilities add a new layer of strategy and give you several novel ways to unleash mayhem.

    If you are a 360 owner, Reach is definitely a must-have title for your library.    … Expand
  12. NicktheCritc
    Sep 23, 2010
    9
    Halo: Reach. Amazing for Halo fans. Great for everyone else. The campaign is more fulfilling if you play on "Heroic" difficulty. Which will take you roughly 10 hours. The campaign if littered with dramatic cut scenes and cinematic "WTF" moments that will not disappoint. Multiplayer is back with the quick and action-packed games you would expect. Story is great but could use moreHalo: Reach. Amazing for Halo fans. Great for everyone else. The campaign is more fulfilling if you play on "Heroic" difficulty. Which will take you roughly 10 hours. The campaign if littered with dramatic cut scenes and cinematic "WTF" moments that will not disappoint. Multiplayer is back with the quick and action-packed games you would expect. Story is great but could use more background. Overall the game is a 9.3.… Expand
  13. Olegskij
    Sep 23, 2010
    6
    Dull and boring, pointless story badly told in the most pompous style. But the worst thing is: this game is at least supposed to be a technological marvel but its graphics are really boring, like a 2006 shooter. Come on guys, whats all the fuzz?!?! Go play Bioshock instead with incredible design and really interesting setting and story!!!!
  14. Neelyry
    Sep 23, 2010
    10
    Reach is easily the best halo since combat evolved. Really it should have been Halo 3. Campaign was a tad short but classic. All these people that didnt like it are flat out little kids, that arent old enough to buy the game in the first place, complaining about how they changed it so much. They complain that they were great at halo 3 and suck at this. That's because this, unlike halo 3,Reach is easily the best halo since combat evolved. Really it should have been Halo 3. Campaign was a tad short but classic. All these people that didnt like it are flat out little kids, that arent old enough to buy the game in the first place, complaining about how they changed it so much. They complain that they were great at halo 3 and suck at this. That's because this, unlike halo 3, this is not noob friendly. They took away noob dual wielding, never seen one pro use this on a regular basis, as well they made the cross hair expand with the recoil so you have to time your shots and slow the pace. This is halo back to its roots, where it should be. Pro's are finally obvious and no little kids can think or claim they are pros, like they did in halo 3, because true skill really comes through this time. I have won 1000's of dollars in tournaments (since halo 1) and was flat out sick of all these noobs claiming to be pro. To the point where i stopped taking challenges unless it was at a tournament. Lost count of how many kids i shut out that thought they were MLG. This game finally puts noobs and medium skilled players in their place. If you dont like it, practice and get better. Dont blame the game for showing you who you really are. New weapons rock and are balanced, as long as you have an intelligent approach to combat situations you should do all right.… Expand
  15. skuz440
    Sep 23, 2010
    9
    Halo 3 was nowhere near as impressive as the new Reach, the graphics and environments are eye poppingly beautiful, the audio and music is atmospheric and powerful, and the story, well, it's there. Most people play the game for the sake of playing the game, and I'm no exception. This is Halo on Steroids, big, beautiful, loud, explosive and a treat to play. Don't expect much new gameplayHalo 3 was nowhere near as impressive as the new Reach, the graphics and environments are eye poppingly beautiful, the audio and music is atmospheric and powerful, and the story, well, it's there. Most people play the game for the sake of playing the game, and I'm no exception. This is Halo on Steroids, big, beautiful, loud, explosive and a treat to play. Don't expect much new gameplay here, but count on an awesome time in front of your big screen. It's a must-buy for ANY Xbox owner.… Expand
  16. SPINEY
    Sep 23, 2010
    9
    While a lot of people say Bungie has done nothing new with Reach, I just say they haven't played yet. Armour abilities, an extensive cosmetic armoury and a graphics quality to die for. The story was a little iffy at points but the action more than makes up for it. The multiplayer is fun and rewarding. It's consistent, balanced, and hectic to say the least. Also, don't compare this to MW. AWhile a lot of people say Bungie has done nothing new with Reach, I just say they haven't played yet. Armour abilities, an extensive cosmetic armoury and a graphics quality to die for. The story was a little iffy at points but the action more than makes up for it. The multiplayer is fun and rewarding. It's consistent, balanced, and hectic to say the least. Also, don't compare this to MW. A military game and a sci-fi game cannot be compared. Also I don't understand what people mean about the graphics being poor. Obviously they don't know the technical side behind it all. Higher resolution textures than have ever been on the x-box, higher poly models than have ever been on the x-box and shadowing and specular quality I have never seen on a console. I guess you need to know to see. Overall, great graphics, great multiplayer, awesome action and a story that holds replay value. Seriously, stop comparing this to MW2 and compare to other sci-fi shooters like Crysis. Which it is ultimately better than.… Expand
  17. JosephR
    Sep 22, 2010
    10
    if anyone knows anything about games, its that graphics don't make the game. People are talking about how this isn't realistic at all.....idiots its **** halo what do yo expect. If you want realism go play arma 2, and sit there for 15 min waiting for someone to walk by.
  18. AngryEddy
    Sep 22, 2010
    2
    Halo: Reach Around! Bored yet?

    I gave 2 but really it at least 4. I played one Halo before on PC and it quite good but I prefer Riven. Whats up with Master Chef? He no cook anything anyway.
  19. ccc
    Sep 22, 2010
    0
    This game is a big pile of crap.
    The reason for this is the simple fact that it is the 4rth installment into a series that is the exact same crap it was to begin with.
    Trash gameplay that a trained monkey could master. How mindless do gamers really need to be to play this game and love it seriously? Getting down to a technical level I must say Bungi is about one of the worst developers    This game is a big pile of crap.
    The reason for this is the simple fact that it is the 4rth installment into a series that is the exact same crap it was to begin with.
    Trash gameplay that a trained monkey could master. How mindless do gamers really need to be to play this game and love it seriously?
    Getting down to a technical level I must say Bungi is about one of the worst developers there are with little next to no talent with this latest offering again almost no improvement over the first installment.
    It still has massive frame rate issues and suffers slowdown just like the first one.
    The only true saving grace this series has is the story line which no shock there was not crafted by Bungi but hired writers which is still a double edged sword as the entire storyline is pretty much ripped from popular 1980 and 1990 movies.
    This game is a wreck and it is unbelievable that certain establishments give this game the ratings they do either by default of being bad gamers themselves, afraid to loose readers/fans or even paid off to say good things about it.
    I think as a company Bungi is great in the way that they can take a crap, sell it to you, wait for you to crap it back out then grab that and sell it to you again and again. They are the masters of that 15 seconds of gameplay, remember saying that Bungi? So shameful to do it and admit it.    … Expand
  20. E554551N
    Sep 21, 2010
    8
    Personally my favorite halo game. As anyone who has played halo from the very beginning should notice, gameplay has strayed far from the good old overpowered weapons and original missions of the original, but back then it was the newest and best around, now games have copied and improved. In my opinion Reach is Bungie and halo's way of adapting to the less original market and well they didPersonally my favorite halo game. As anyone who has played halo from the very beginning should notice, gameplay has strayed far from the good old overpowered weapons and original missions of the original, but back then it was the newest and best around, now games have copied and improved. In my opinion Reach is Bungie and halo's way of adapting to the less original market and well they did a damn good job!… Expand
  21. Review9
    Sep 21, 2010
    10
    Now i am a halo fanboy and for 6 years i have thought that halo 1 is the best in the series. Reach topped that and it is now my favorite game of all time. Campaign is only 6-8 hours but thats just a small part of the game. Multiplayer is fun as hell with over about 20 game modes. It's got firefight that is like horde from gears. Online 4 people can play the campaign together. It's myNow i am a halo fanboy and for 6 years i have thought that halo 1 is the best in the series. Reach topped that and it is now my favorite game of all time. Campaign is only 6-8 hours but thats just a small part of the game. Multiplayer is fun as hell with over about 20 game modes. It's got firefight that is like horde from gears. Online 4 people can play the campaign together. It's my favorite game of all time and i've bought every halo that's ever came out. I give it a 10.… Expand
  22. Spot21
    Sep 21, 2010
    10
    Truly a great game. I wasn't the biggest Halo fan but this game changed my opinion. New features like stealth 3rd person kills, classes, and a better forge made this game awesome. Great job Bungie
  23. Man2Env
    Sep 21, 2010
    10
    This is an amazing Game!!!!!!!!!! Any fan of a first person shooter will love it. My only complaint is the shooting mechanics are a bit off. Besides that buy it you will not regret it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  24. joe22294
    Sep 21, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is excellent in everyone of it's many aspects. First off the campaign, while short (about 8-9 hours long) is fun to play through and definitely warrants another playthrough, probably with one or more friends. The AI in the campaign however is a mixed bag; the enemy is even better than the older Halos almost to point of you predicting their movements, only to find that they've flanked you. Your allies AI on the other hand is unchanged, in that they still can't drive and will probably require nudging to get moving again. The good thing is that your SPARTAN buddies are invincible and can soak up damage, alleviating the pain on Heroic and Legendary.
    Multiplayer is the same as it was before; well balanced and extremely enjoyable. The weapons are rarely overpowered to one-another and those that are can be scarce. The new load-out system which allows players to choose the weapons/ability they start with may seem similar to MW2, but are non-customisable, meaning everyone can only select from predetermined options and not an overpowered one like in MW2.
    Reaches firefight is the same survival-based gameplay found in ODST's firefight. This version however can now be customised at the same level as custom games can be, and uses load-outs like in multiplayer matchmaking. The maps used can't be forged sadly.
    Custom games remains largely unchanged from Halo 3, with just some minor options added.
    Forge is made even accessible in Reach, and the player will feel even more in control of what they're doing. The biggest changes include item degree snapping, the ability the phase items through each other, instead of having to use a glitch in Halo 3, and the edition of a giant forgeable map with many different play areas throughout.
    Theatre is unchanged from Halo 3, aside from the ability to rewind campaign.
    The ability to customise your character has increased dramatically from Halo 3, with tons more options and more areas to customise.
    The graphics are an improvement from Halo 3s and while they're not at the same level as CoD/BBC/Gears, are far to be considered bad, and are impressive non-the-less.
    Overall, the game has more features than nearly all other shooters on the market. Call me a fanboy if you will, but give a damn good reason just why you think it's bad as well.
    9.5/10 (rounded to ten)    … Expand
  25. InClass
    Sep 21, 2010
    10
    Okay beyond the obvious people who feel different by putting down something great to stand out from a the majority (I get it). But putting this one down is crazy if not foolish. The idea of perfect is out there but so is this game. Not since the time of Resident Evil 4 have i been so engrossed in a game.
  26. andydutto
    Sep 21, 2010
    9
    Halo reach top game great graphics but can be frustrating wen u die loads as u will throughout the game great game to play will keep u going for hours. amazing story simply has to be said that Halo reach has to be the best Halo game i ave ever played
  27. Circus
    Sep 21, 2010
    8
    The graphics are nothing special in reach and to be honest there are no great innovations in the game play. However the music is, as ever, spectacular. The story for me was as if they had put no effort into it although the ending really made me feel nostalgic. I loved the way they tied it into the first scenes of combat evolved. Yet I would have liked to find out more about theThe graphics are nothing special in reach and to be honest there are no great innovations in the game play. However the music is, as ever, spectacular. The story for me was as if they had put no effort into it although the ending really made me feel nostalgic. I loved the way they tied it into the first scenes of combat evolved. Yet I would have liked to find out more about the forerunners, cortanas origin and of course the flood. At one point I thought that there may be room for the flood in the game as there was a marine in typical combat evolved style, sitting on the floor with a gun to his head talking to himself about the "other" aliens. logically though it would have been stupid to have the flood on reach and really what I am saying is that the original 3 halos are the ones to play, all with good narrative. ODST and reach sadly are simply not up to par when it comes to story (even though Reachâ… Expand
  28. Syk0m0nk3y
    Sep 21, 2010
    0
    Once again Bungie fails to breath life back in a title that has been dead since it's first iteration. Halo: Combat Evolved was innovative and the universe it painted was new and exciting. Halo 2 failed to follow that example and the subsequent titles have only heaped more dirt on it's grave. With any luck this will finally be that last Halo title.
  29. VengeanceUK
    Sep 21, 2010
    6
    overhyped and under fulfills, not what i (and lots of others) were hoping for, for bungies swansong halo game. feels too old. too many fanboys screaming i love halo, when halo became disinteresting after the shambolic end to halo 2. it just no longer has that wow factor, maybe in part as it is a prequel and we know what we already know but it just feels slightly disjointed and wrong. butoverhyped and under fulfills, not what i (and lots of others) were hoping for, for bungies swansong halo game. feels too old. too many fanboys screaming i love halo, when halo became disinteresting after the shambolic end to halo 2. it just no longer has that wow factor, maybe in part as it is a prequel and we know what we already know but it just feels slightly disjointed and wrong. but thats my opinion. i see all these 10's and raving reviews, that the game just does not deserve… Expand
  30. Big_jon
    Sep 20, 2010
    10
    I should say going into this that I am a Huge Halo fan, I have loved all the past games, Halo CE and Halo 2 being my favorites. That aside Reach tells the story of six very human Spartans and there struggle to try to save a Doomed planet and lay the steping stone for the eventual survival of mankind. Going into this you know the outcome but the story getting to that out come is one ofI should say going into this that I am a Huge Halo fan, I have loved all the past games, Halo CE and Halo 2 being my favorites. That aside Reach tells the story of six very human Spartans and there struggle to try to save a Doomed planet and lay the steping stone for the eventual survival of mankind. Going into this you know the outcome but the story getting to that out come is one of Heroism, sacrifice and loss. Five Hundred million people died on Reach and it is safe to say that this is the darkest game in the entire series. The cinematics have taken influence from movies like "Hurt Locker" and "District 9" in that it is a very close up boots in the mud story, it does this to great affect. I found my self growing attached to some of the Spartans and needless to say their loss left me with a haunting somber feeling that I could not shake, Understanding the characters and the universe will help to heighten the effects of the story. The visuals of this game are beautiful with crisp textures, lush foliage, amazing weather effects, water and animation this may well be the best looking Xbox 360 exclusive out. this is also first Halo game where the faces on human characters look great being on par with Gears of War 2 and Uncharted 2. But all this beauty does come at a cost of the frame rate from time to time, must notably in the first level and in the cut scenes. Game play is the culmination of all the best parts of past Halo games, it feels refreshed with things like weapon bloom, sway and sprinting to give it a far more modern feel. There also are many things that show up for the first time in a Halo game wich not only are pretty darn cool they made this game stand out for me. The enemies are fun to fight and on Heroic and especially Legendary they are a true challenge. The AI in Reach is some of the best in any game I have ever played, Elites are back in front and no longer will you be fighting the boring, stand still Brutes from Halo 3. Hunters on Legendary are the toughest Halo foe I have ever encountered and this is a dream for any long time Halo fan. Though in some of the later levels there can be parts where there are too many high level enemies and not enough of the weapons you need to properly get the job done leading to some frustrating parts. This was my experience on Legendary anyways. Multi-player is very fun, guns have a kick and the new falcon is a blast. Halo 3 left me lacking a little bit and this so far seems to fill the niche Ive been wanting for a while and with so many things to do in this game, it will keep a fan entertained for a long time. With saved films along with an over hauled forge mode added in to the mix along with matchmaking support for the fully customisable Fire Fight and campaign. As of launch yet to be included seems to be the campaign matchmaking. This is a lot of multi player content, we will have to wait and see if it lasts the test of time. All in all this is a fantastic experience that gave me the best first time impression of any Halo game since the original one, this is a great conclusion to Bungie`s Halo and a must play for any Halo fan be it big or small. If you have never played a Halo this is were to start. From the beginning you know the end.… Expand
  31. blackninja
    Sep 20, 2010
    10
    This is the greatest FPS to ever grace any console. It will be very hard to ever deliver a game on this level again. I only stopped playing it to have sex with my girlfriend.
  32. Human
    Sep 20, 2010
    8
    Let me begin my review by stating in the past I have liked most of the Bungie produced Halo games, with the exception of ODST. I have enjoyed playing through the campaigns of Halo 1-3 and I cannot tell you how much of my life I have wasted playing Halo 2 and 3 online. If you are like me, then you will probably like Halo: Reach. It is a Halo game. If you have never liked Halo games, youLet me begin my review by stating in the past I have liked most of the Bungie produced Halo games, with the exception of ODST. I have enjoyed playing through the campaigns of Halo 1-3 and I cannot tell you how much of my life I have wasted playing Halo 2 and 3 online. If you are like me, then you will probably like Halo: Reach. It is a Halo game. If you have never liked Halo games, you will not like this either. The Campaign is short but sweet, with a lot happening in about a 5-6 hour campaign. There is enough variety in the missions to keep it fresh and as opposed to other popular first person shooters where the landscapes are different shades of gray and brown, Halo: Reach has a lot of bright beautiful settings. The story is also a but more believable than other halo games. You are not an unstoppable god man like Master Chief and it is established fairly early on that you are going to lose, and I for one liked that. The tone of the game is darker and there is a feeling of hopelessness about everything, which is actually an interesting change of pace which I enjoyed. The game does have its problems though. For one, AI driving is still horrible. Secondly, there was not enough character development for the other members of Noble team. I didn't connect with them, I was just plopped into combat with them and expected to care about them. Multiplayer is as fun as ever with new game modes and new forge options. Right now a lot of players don't know what certain game modes are but I'm sure over time players will figure it out. Overall, I think this is the best and most polished Halo game to date. However, that being said, these days it isn't the king of first person shooters. It is a very fun and enjoyable game, but it isn't revolutionary or mind-blowing anymore so while it may be the best Halo game to date, it is certainly not the best first person shooter. All in all, it is a fun game. If you are a Halo fan buy it, the multiplayer will be worth your money alone, but if you never got into halo games, this is not going to convert you.… Expand
  33. War
    Sep 20, 2010
    0
    Halo 3 multiplayer + halo odst firefight + old map = Halo reach. If you have $60 do not buy does game save up for CoD Black ops. Using the same recycled gameplay we saw back last decade, it seems as if Bungie is trying too hard to milk the series gullible fanbase for the hard earned cash. The new additions are mostly gimmicky, they do nothing to move the game forward but seem to impede it.Halo 3 multiplayer + halo odst firefight + old map = Halo reach. If you have $60 do not buy does game save up for CoD Black ops. Using the same recycled gameplay we saw back last decade, it seems as if Bungie is trying too hard to milk the series gullible fanbase for the hard earned cash. The new additions are mostly gimmicky, they do nothing to move the game forward but seem to impede it. Don't waste your time or money on the forgettable experience.… Expand
  34. Spamdownftw
    Sep 20, 2010
    3
    Well, all I can say is that this game was a let down. I'm not a die hard Halo, but I like the universe that Bungie Created... sadly, it feels way too much the same as ODST, like an ODST v2 in terms of story. It supposed to be biggest low point of the war, and it felt just like another day at the office. Especially one mission where you see many dead corpses laying on the street, there's noWell, all I can say is that this game was a let down. I'm not a die hard Halo, but I like the universe that Bungie Created... sadly, it feels way too much the same as ODST, like an ODST v2 in terms of story. It supposed to be biggest low point of the war, and it felt just like another day at the office. Especially one mission where you see many dead corpses laying on the street, there's no atmosphere or feeling of despair, due to the game's music for one (which is pretty terrible compared to other titles) and that the game finishes way too quickly, you don't get enough story to make you emphasise with the Spartans, or with the UNSC. Pretty poor. Albeit the Multiplayer has it's perks, with the new forge map and the Invasion Game mode, it just seem's recycled, and will never beat Halo 2 Slayer any time soon. Hardly Game of the year. If you're a true Halo or just a casual Shooter player, avoid this game, or wait until it's at least down in price, and from the look's of these reviews, it will be soon.… Expand
  35. MrSlippery
    Sep 20, 2010
    6
    I usually agree with the "real" critics, but not on this one. Played them all. Played this game, all parts, and nothing in the game is memorable for me. It has beautiful vistas and outdoor areas and improved resolution. My biggest disappointment was there was nothing new in the game-play. I have already played too many hours of the same game-play and the new armor abilities don't add muchI usually agree with the "real" critics, but not on this one. Played them all. Played this game, all parts, and nothing in the game is memorable for me. It has beautiful vistas and outdoor areas and improved resolution. My biggest disappointment was there was nothing new in the game-play. I have already played too many hours of the same game-play and the new armor abilities don't add much for me. My favorite part - the action after the credits. My final test of greatness; as soon as I'm done, I crank up the difficulty and start over. Couldn't be bothered.… Expand
  36. kenstarkun
    Sep 20, 2010
    5
    Those who claim this is the "Best Multiplayer Game EVAR!111!" have obviously never touched a fantastic multiplayer shooter like Team Fortress 2 on the PC, or have simply forgotten how amazing Halo 2's multiplayer on the Xbox was.
  37. Kinect3
    Sep 20, 2010
    10
    Wow, it's a perfect game! Bungie has discovered perfection formula! Halo Reach's graphics are the most beautiful ever, but yea not the best. But the feeling in that spacious place, with that cars, with that war whole thing! Wh-oah! They put a great and remarkable end to they last game with Microsoft-only.

    An epic adventure, well told. The most epic game ever, maybe.
  38. nERVEcenter
    Sep 20, 2010
    9
    Bungie is sitting on a winning formula, here. They've put together an FPS style that's so solidly constructed, it manages to remain fun a full 9 years on. Slow and methodical at some times, frantic and explosive at others, it's challenging, engaging, and will have you in zen mode at the edge of your seat.

    The campaign is a sweeping, if somewhat flawed, epic. We all know Reach falls...but    Bungie is sitting on a winning formula, here. They've put together an FPS style that's so solidly constructed, it manages to remain fun a full 9 years on. Slow and methodical at some times, frantic and explosive at others, it's challenging, engaging, and will have you in zen mode at the edge of your seat.

    The campaign is a sweeping, if somewhat flawed, epic. We all know Reach falls...but Bungie made the somewhat controversial decision of stepping on established timelines to deliver the optimal game experience for the gamer, not the Halo lore fan. And that's totally understandable, because it's still a blast to play through. And, while some of the characters are extremely well-developed, others seem to fade from the story in rather baffling and confusing ways. However, through-and-through, anybody can enjoy the solid challenge Reach presents over its 7-hour campaign. If only it had been longer.

    Multiplayer is everything every Halo has ever been, and then some. The old adage applies: "If it ain't broke, why fix it?" Frankly, because it's fun. Take that pacing and energy, toss in a couple new weapons and some minor gameplay tweaks, sprinkle on some fan service, and absolutely drown everything in all the custom options and content you could possibly ask for, and you're getting your money's worth here, people. This game will last. And Halo has proven once again just how awesome it can be when played with friends -- team up with good friends over Live, and you'll find no shortage of enjoyment when your playstyles synergize.

    Overall, an excellent game. It's really actually sad to see that PS3 and PC owners won't get their hands on this unless they buy a 360, but seeing as Bungie's new deal with Activision is by no means console-exclusive, anybody who owns any platform should look forward to the kind of quality and quantity Bungie has proven they are capable of with this last Halo.

    The reins have been handed to Microsoft. Let's hope they're kind to this old horse.    … Expand
  39. JFRIKINC
    Sep 20, 2010
    10
    I have been a long time halo fan, and this is hands down in my opinion the best in the series. Great graphics, game play, and loads of features makes this one of my favorite games of the year. Thatâ
  40. YodaCracker
    Sep 20, 2010
    10
    Halo: reach is easily the best game yet in the Halo series. Previous Halo games could not stand up very well in the graphics department, but Reach is a graphical powerhouse, with incredible detail in textures and phenomenal weapon effects. The audio work is brilliant and the gameplay is more fluid than ever. This is Halo's best single player campaign yet, and the multiplayer is soHalo: reach is easily the best game yet in the Halo series. Previous Halo games could not stand up very well in the graphics department, but Reach is a graphical powerhouse, with incredible detail in textures and phenomenal weapon effects. The audio work is brilliant and the gameplay is more fluid than ever. This is Halo's best single player campaign yet, and the multiplayer is so feature-rich, it should last you for years.

    This is the ultimate Halo game, and a true contender for Game of the Year 2010.    … Expand
  41. Juan
    Sep 20, 2010
    7
    I don´t see significant improvements graphically, the single player campaign leaves much to be desired, however, is an entertaining game in its cooperative campaign
  42. Jecht_342
    Sep 19, 2010
    10
    Bungie, like BioWare and very few others, listens to the fans and improves the games. Every Halo game has been very good at the time, and each one has been better than the last. Reach is no exception. It is a pretty large leap forward. The plot is great and the multiplayer is better than ever. Bungie brought back some of the old maps (Ivory Tower from Halo 2 is now Reflection). TheBungie, like BioWare and very few others, listens to the fans and improves the games. Every Halo game has been very good at the time, and each one has been better than the last. Reach is no exception. It is a pretty large leap forward. The plot is great and the multiplayer is better than ever. Bungie brought back some of the old maps (Ivory Tower from Halo 2 is now Reflection). The largest flaw in ODST was that there was no matchmaking for Firefight, but now there is. There are some new great game modes like Invasion and Headhunter. This is a great game.… Expand
  43. SAMF2000
    Sep 19, 2010
    8
    With this being Bungies last HALO I was expecting this to top them all in terms of graphics , weapons and vehicles. The graphics are way better than Halo 3 so to that I must say they succeeded. There was also additional weapons in this version such as the target designator that acts much like the Hammer of dawn in Gears and a few other rifles and upgrades to previous weapons. As far asWith this being Bungies last HALO I was expecting this to top them all in terms of graphics , weapons and vehicles. The graphics are way better than Halo 3 so to that I must say they succeeded. There was also additional weapons in this version such as the target designator that acts much like the Hammer of dawn in Gears and a few other rifles and upgrades to previous weapons. As far as vehicles, this game lets you go into space for around 15-20 minutes which was a nice diversion. With all of the changes they still managed to keep it feel like halo which everyone enjoys. The only downside is the single player is short and while mp is endless fun I still wish SP Was a bit longer. overall well worth 60.00 with lots of replay value.… Expand
  44. Gaidenrider
    Sep 19, 2010
    10
    Halo Reach is a breath of fresh air after the last two games. It may not be as good as a PS3 game, but the developers already knew that their console wasn't as good. So they played with it. What they bring to the table is an entertaining campaign that feels a lot more open than the rest of the series, with beautiful bright environments, and game play that feels right at home. The fewHalo Reach is a breath of fresh air after the last two games. It may not be as good as a PS3 game, but the developers already knew that their console wasn't as good. So they played with it. What they bring to the table is an entertaining campaign that feels a lot more open than the rest of the series, with beautiful bright environments, and game play that feels right at home. The few innovations that Reach brings to the table are enough, as the campaign feels the right length and the rest of the package is even bigger. There's a lot to do in Reach, trust me, it doesn't disappoint. I'll end this review by saying that the only two titles that have entertained me as much as Reach are Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Uncharted 2 Among Thieves, it is that fun.… Expand
  45. podriscoll27
    Sep 19, 2010
    6
    Iâ
  46. deathsmiles
    Sep 19, 2010
    1
    Online matches have more to due with luck than skill. The damage system relies heavily on melee and grenade spamming, and gunfire is almost useless. Because of this, most players just rush at each other with melee attacks. The winner is the player that was lucky to re-spawn near opponents that have weakened shields. The game seems to be designed in such a way so that elite players can'tOnline matches have more to due with luck than skill. The damage system relies heavily on melee and grenade spamming, and gunfire is almost useless. Because of this, most players just rush at each other with melee attacks. The winner is the player that was lucky to re-spawn near opponents that have weakened shields. The game seems to be designed in such a way so that elite players can't dominate every match and potentially scare off newer, less-skilled players, because no matter how good you are, you'll rarely get more than 1-2 kills for before you're killed.… Expand
  47. Zlatan
    Sep 19, 2010
    4
    I will try to be as honest here as possible. I love Gears of War 1-2, Uncharted 2,God of War etc... because they are entertaining and have numerous of memorable moments and they are GOOD GAMES. Halo has non of those. What it has : Aging graphic engine with some blur effects, story that does not matter and is forgotten fast. It is an average shooter at best. Don't get the critics on thisI will try to be as honest here as possible. I love Gears of War 1-2, Uncharted 2,God of War etc... because they are entertaining and have numerous of memorable moments and they are GOOD GAMES. Halo has non of those. What it has : Aging graphic engine with some blur effects, story that does not matter and is forgotten fast. It is an average shooter at best. Don't get the critics on this one. If you are not die hard HALO fan then I would skip this one.… Expand
  48. Bobic
    Sep 19, 2010
    9
    Fantastic. Takes all the best parts of Halo 1,2, and 3, alongside firefight from ODST, and adds it's own unique spin. As this is Bungie, the minor fan service details are wonderful. Ten purchasable firefight voices (including master chief!) are simply one of many excellent touches that Bungie has put into this game.
  49. Jagkid007
    Sep 19, 2010
    10
    Halo Reach did everything that past halo games did not do right and then some. An excellent story, fun campaign, great multiplayer, and tons of features. This game is one of the best shooters that i have played if not the best. The multiplayer has so many more modes and features. This includes invasion, headhunter, and generator defense. This is a perfect game. I have nothing negative toHalo Reach did everything that past halo games did not do right and then some. An excellent story, fun campaign, great multiplayer, and tons of features. This game is one of the best shooters that i have played if not the best. The multiplayer has so many more modes and features. This includes invasion, headhunter, and generator defense. This is a perfect game. I have nothing negative to say about it and it completely deserves a 10/10.… Expand
  50. emcoffey3
    Sep 19, 2010
    9
    Pros:
    - Plenty of cool new weapons.
    - Armor Abilities are a major step up from Halo 3's Equipment. - Space combat in the Sabre is AWESOME. - Loads of options for customizing Multiplayer. - Firefight is back, with Matchmaking! - Wonderful graphics and a remixed color palette make this the most visually impressive of the series. - Music, sound effects and voice acting are top-notch. - Core    Pros:
    - Plenty of cool new weapons.
    - Armor Abilities are a major step up from Halo 3's Equipment.
    - Space combat in the Sabre is AWESOME.
    - Loads of options for customizing Multiplayer.
    - Firefight is back, with Matchmaking!
    - Wonderful graphics and a remixed color palette make this the most visually impressive of the series.
    - Music, sound effects and voice acting are top-notch.
    - Core gameplay is the Halo you know and love.

    Cons:
    - The campaign still seems a bit too short...
    - Squadmate AI seems to have gotten dumber.
    - No boss battles or Scarab fights. Tougher enemies like Hunters and Wraiths are few and far between. - I can live without dual-wielding, but only 4 grenades (2 plasma/2 frag)? WTF, Bungie?
    - Not a big deal, but it's been bugging me a little bit: Why exactly is running an Armor Ability? Shouldn't a super-soldier of the future ALWAYS be able to run?

    Conclusion:
    I highly recommend that everyone who owns an Xbox 360 at least try this game. I'm not convinced that it is superior to Halo 3, but it's a close competition. The pros far outweigh the cons. Even if you find the Campaign to be too brief (as I did), Firefight and Multiplayer should offer plenty of fun.    … Expand
  51. JonnyBoy161
    Sep 19, 2010
    10
    The campaign is second only to the first Halo. But when you consider the whole package (Campaign, Firefight, Multilayer, Forge) I think it is the best Halo yet. With some interesting new weapons and a new feel for the story the campaign was a blast and is definitely worth playing over again. Firefight has improved quite a bit since ODST. It is nice to be able to make your own game types inThe campaign is second only to the first Halo. But when you consider the whole package (Campaign, Firefight, Multilayer, Forge) I think it is the best Halo yet. With some interesting new weapons and a new feel for the story the campaign was a blast and is definitely worth playing over again. Firefight has improved quite a bit since ODST. It is nice to be able to make your own game types in Firefight. The multilayer is better than ever with more game options, the addition of load-outs, new weapons, armor abilities, and fun new maps. Forge has also greatly improved. What was once extremely frustrating in Halo 3 is only slightly frustrating in Reach. I would definitely recommend this to ALL of my friends.… Expand
  52. BillySOS
    Sep 19, 2010
    10
    Halo Reach is truly enjoyable. My son and I completed the campaign via split screen and enjoyed the pace, story, orchestral score and playability. The multiplayer in cooperative mode is fun as well, or for a challenge, try competitive multiplayer. Thanks for a great series Bungie!
  53. Uh_Oh
    Sep 19, 2010
    7
    Since I played the beta I was a little underwhelmed on the game. I am happy to say the mp is better since that iteration. The campaign, i felt bored,never felt bored in a halo game before but this one did it for me. I had a hard time relating to the noble team. They all felt very dry for a conflict ending in near doom. I felt ODST was a stronger cast of characters. I'm glad bungie isSince I played the beta I was a little underwhelmed on the game. I am happy to say the mp is better since that iteration. The campaign, i felt bored,never felt bored in a halo game before but this one did it for me. I had a hard time relating to the noble team. They all felt very dry for a conflict ending in near doom. I felt ODST was a stronger cast of characters. I'm glad bungie is moving on to a new game. You have a since they're ready to get this game out the door and done. The levels didn't feel very imaginative, least in halo3 you felt the worlds you were in were interesting and fresh.… Expand
  54. Teh_Pwnerer
    Sep 18, 2010
    9
    Halo: Reach is Nearly a Flawless Game, The Multiplayer is Practically Impossible to Improve and The Single Player Campaign is One of the best of the Halo Franchise. But it did not have that enjoyable feel that the First 3 Halo's had. At least it was alot better then Halo: Wars and Halo 3: ODST which were not that good.
  55. Gradation
    Sep 18, 2010
    9
    As soon as I stepped into the first mission I immediately felt uncomfortable. It took a while before I realized why. It had nothing to do with the game itself, but my familiarity with the game series. You're a whole new Spartan and you're not alone, giving it a feeling akin to suddenly being an older sibling. It's something you should first get used to before passing judgement. When I seeAs soon as I stepped into the first mission I immediately felt uncomfortable. It took a while before I realized why. It had nothing to do with the game itself, but my familiarity with the game series. You're a whole new Spartan and you're not alone, giving it a feeling akin to suddenly being an older sibling. It's something you should first get used to before passing judgement. When I see people giving negative reviews, they often mention "old game play" But honestly, every shooter I've ever played has the same rule that put no difference between each other, that being, shoot and kill, and the difference is the execution between control layouts and what your get out of doing it. Grunt Birthday party, is fun, but not nearly as it was in Halo 2. As the game progresses, you get to know and respect your team for their strengths and character. AI is still at a point where you don't let them drive, though they seem less prone to flip, they drive like someone just stepping to the driver's seat, slowing you down quite a bit. Only thing I don't like is the lack of Flood, though they are rightfully left out, I wish they were in Fire Fight. Let's face it, they didn't get much attention in Halo 3. I will admit, I am disappointed, but that's because I was looking forward to something as epic as Mass Effect 2. It isn't, but it is hard to compare to a game of that caliber, that and the fact that they're different genres; Mass Effect being a 3rd person RPG, giving it more room, options, and several different ways to interact with people and knowing characters to a more personal level, (I fell in love with the cinematic) and Halo Reach being a 1st person Shooter with1 ending and characters showing who they are gradually as it progresses on a professional level. When it comes to game-play, it does seems like it's slower paced than the other installments, which continues to bother me, but I also had the same problem with Mass Effect 2. Overall, this is a game worth checking out.… Expand
  56. PirateJerald
    Sep 18, 2010
    10
    My opinion best multi player game out there, campaign is not quite up as high up but the story is great considering you probably know how it ends,armor customization probably one of the best features, only con for me is that this game will lower your grades in school, yes you will put off your work/schoolwork to play Halo Reach.
  57. FeelinLuckyPUNK
    Sep 18, 2010
    10
    In the beginning, you know the end.
    These are the words Bungie have used to market Halo Reach and nothing could be closer to the truth. Over the last decade, Halo has been one of the most successful franchises in gaming history, providing the XBOX with a killer app and itself becoming a cultural phenomenon. However, with the Halo trilogy done, and as the fan base knows what happens to    In the beginning, you know the end.
    These are the words Bungie have used to market Halo Reach and nothing could be closer to the truth. Over the last decade, Halo has been one of the most successful franchises in gaming history, providing the XBOX with a killer app and itself becoming a cultural phenomenon. However, with the Halo trilogy done, and as the fan base knows what happens to Reach, it was imperative that a deeper story would be needed that extended the Reach narrative.
    Enter Noble Team. An elite group of six Spartan soldiers located on Reach tasked with a mission to investigate the 'Visegrad Relay'. You play as Noble Six, a replacement Spartan for the others 'missing in action'. The first thing you will notice about the game is the improvement to the graphics. The engine has been completed overhauled and with smoother animation, this is easily the most technically impressive Halo yet. The artistic design is phenomenal, with Reach itself becoming a central character in the game with amazing vistas and variety.
    Althought the campaign is only 9 missions long, there is enought variety in terms of levels and scenarios to make this a valid purchase. Each mission, on Legendary, can take over an hour to complete.
    So, I've given Halo Reach a 9. What makes Halo Reach good?
    After completing the campaign, I had to admit I was a little dissapointed. I played the campaign on 'Heroic' difficulty and managed to complete it in a day. I had my own expectations of what I wanted to get from Halo Reach that I didn't get from this. But, in hindsight and after going back to the game with a clear head, Halo Reach is a brilliant piece of software.
    The campaign is incredibly varied. To go into too much detail enters 'spoiler territory' but the level 'Last Night in Solace' is my favourite Halo campaign mission ever. (Note: the mission shown in the E3 reveal!). Bungie have upted the action meter with a lot of background going on. Reach is being attacked by the Covenant and it feels like it. You will see battles in the skies and distance and there is a genuine feel of a constant threat around you trying to take your planet.
    The campaign does have it's shortcomings which I noticed more from playing on the 'Legendary' difficulty. The artificial intelligence. I had issues of Brutes walking past about seven marines to come for me, which completely killed the atmosphere. Likewise, the marines didn't fire shots. The marines are terrible at driving warthogs, always sending you in the line of fire (Legendary, that means death!) and concentrating fire on the wrong targets. Frustrating. I also noticed on the hardest difficulty the weapons seem to be unbalanced. It takes a silly amount of amunition to take down the smallest of targets and I feel Bungie should have relied more on 'armor upgrades' or 'tactics' to improve the difficulty rather than something as cheap as 'it will take 3 times as more shots to kill me'. An example is Ghost vs Ghost on Legendary you will always lose, even if you had the upper hand. Basically, the CPU cheats to make it difficult, which it still isn't, suprisingly. Another example is Elites dual-weilding plasma rifles, which you cannot do.
    Despite these shortcomings, Halo Reach does have some impressive campaign sleeves up it's belt. 'Armor abilities'. You'd think these would be game-breaking but infact, they are my new favourite additions to Halo. Armor abilities allow you to perform certain actions which now provides a new tactical edge to gameplay. The 'Hologram' is incredibly useful and hilarious in multiplayer as well as 'Armor Lock' which stops Online Vehicle Killing Sprees...finally.
    There are so many posotives to the Halo Reach package. Outside the campaign, there is a new CR system to purchase armor upgrades which are reflected in game and a new way of levelling up. It's a shame this was not expanded into other territories but I suppose that is what DLC is for. Forge has been expanded to include a 'map-editing' feature known as 'Forge World'. You cannot amend the geometry of the level but you can add items and structures. Firefight, from ODST, is included with several other gamnetypes such as 'Arena, Score Attack' which provide a large online package.
    The story of Halo Reach is well paced, but I wish there was a deeper narrative to develop a relationship with your fellow Spartans. I liked the fact that, despite everything going on, you were not the central character, the planet itself was. In the latter parts of the game, you are tasked with missions that are not exactly stereotypically 'end of game' missions but make you feel small and disposable, which is what you are in the jist of things.
    So, in conclusion, Halo Reach is a fantastic product. The campaign, on it's own scores at least an 8 with the other packages available pushing this to a nine. Play it on Heroic, you'll enjoy it and try legendary once you fancy a challenge. FeelinLuckyPUNK    … Expand
  58. refdxf
    Sep 18, 2010
    0
    If you're a casual player who has money to burn or a spineless game reviewer then you will probably like this game. If you're a serious shooter fan, don't waste your money. Zero unlockables (beyond cosmetic)

    No innovation beyond armor powers -Running as a class? Really? C'mon. STILL old school shooter, weapon spawn camping Little variety in weapons The critics are all too    If you're a casual player who has money to burn or a spineless game reviewer then you will probably like this game. If you're a serious shooter fan, don't waste your money. Zero unlockables (beyond cosmetic)

    No innovation beyond armor powers -Running as a class? Really? C'mon.

    STILL old school shooter, weapon spawn camping

    Little variety in weapons

    The critics are all too spineless to really highlight the lack of innovation in what the game is all about, the combat. Instead they talk about how fully featured other aspects of the game are.    … Expand
  59. the_capoe123
    Sep 18, 2010
    5
    I have been a Halo fan from the start, but this one seems to disappoint me. The graphics are better, yes, but some things have managed to become worse. I believed that in halo 3, the A.I. were lacking a bit of that "intelligence" part. Now they seem to have lost it completely. I have first hand witnessed teammate A.I. stare at enemies and not shoot, leaving me to do everything (onI have been a Halo fan from the start, but this one seems to disappoint me. The graphics are better, yes, but some things have managed to become worse. I believed that in halo 3, the A.I. were lacking a bit of that "intelligence" part. Now they seem to have lost it completely. I have first hand witnessed teammate A.I. stare at enemies and not shoot, leaving me to do everything (on Legendary, you'll take all the help you can get). Another thing...The elites are too powerful in campaign. It shouldn't take 2 shotgun blasts and 3 punches to take it down, when it takes me down in 1 kick. Games take longer to load and the online lag is horrific.
    Now, the few good things (if you can look past its bad things). The characters are more developed and there is a good storyline. Forge world is great once you get the hang of it and firefight is back and better than ever.
    I give Halo reach a 5 out of 10.    … Expand
  60. Flamesuitready
    Sep 18, 2010
    7
    I was really looking forward to taking part in the battle that we'd heard about since the start of Halo, the game was on pre-order for months waiting for the day of release and I checked on every morsel of information that was released by Bungie and it just made the wait all the better, this was going to be the great Halo send off that we'd all been waiting for.

    Unfortunately, as    I was really looking forward to taking part in the battle that we'd heard about since the start of Halo, the game was on pre-order for months waiting for the day of release and I checked on every morsel of information that was released by Bungie and it just made the wait all the better, this was going to be the great Halo send off that we'd all been waiting for.

    Unfortunately, as sometimes happens with a things you really look forward to, the finished article is never going to live up to the anticipation, Halo: Reach is the perfect example of this. The game is at best a half hearted prequel of the Halo games with the setting of Reach and a couple of familiar names/faces thrown in to actually make and connection to the franchise at all, that's not counting the same gameplay copied totally from the other Halo games, no innovation at all, not even any attempt, zero.

    The campaign mode is pitifully short and even having paced myself so I could savour the game I'd been looking forward to for so long I'd finished it within a day of release, to say I was disappointed would be a massive understatement, and there is no great ending either, you are left feeling very cheated. very lazy.
    The game will undoubtedly have hoards of on-line players who will dismiss the campaign mode completely, but to rely on the on-line element of the game to pad out such a weak title really isn't good enough any more.

    Shame on you Bungie.    … Expand
  61. Demandmore
    Sep 18, 2010
    4
    The reviews of this game are proof that the gaming press are cowards and not to be trusted with anything published by companies with lots of money and/or power. The campaign is the least interesting in the series so far, the characters are bland, the plot boring, the scenery generic. As for multiplayer, it's old, online fps multiplayer was at this stage with Unreal about 10 years ago,The reviews of this game are proof that the gaming press are cowards and not to be trusted with anything published by companies with lots of money and/or power. The campaign is the least interesting in the series so far, the characters are bland, the plot boring, the scenery generic. As for multiplayer, it's old, online fps multiplayer was at this stage with Unreal about 10 years ago, other games have moved on.… Expand
  62. Lolokio
    Sep 18, 2010
    4
    I've been a long time fan of the Halo Franchise, having played every numbered installment and read through all of the books; I can honestly say I enjoy the universe that Bungie has crafted. Unfortunately this game really doesn't deliver in the single player campaign like any of its predecessors. My biggest complaint would have to be the utter rehash that this game appears to be. I feelI've been a long time fan of the Halo Franchise, having played every numbered installment and read through all of the books; I can honestly say I enjoy the universe that Bungie has crafted. Unfortunately this game really doesn't deliver in the single player campaign like any of its predecessors. My biggest complaint would have to be the utter rehash that this game appears to be. I feel like it's trying to be a reboot of Halo: Combat Evolved. Which, outside of the resurrected magnum pistol, really isn't a great thing. On top of that it tries to add things like squad play and ODST stealth elements. In previous titles, you always had a few Marines with you who on higher difficulties were just cannon fodder. Halo 3 changed it up a bit giving you three elites to tag along and of course have 4 person co-op. In this game your part of a SPARTAN squad, which if you read the books gives you high expectations of greatness. This just doesn't happen in a single player environment. The AI from any of the Halo games was never spectacular, this one is just awful. You always have at least one SPARTAN teammate, who is completely invincible and will never die -- cool -- what's not cool however is he/she really can't kill anything on their own. Add in that they don't follow correctly, will constantly beg for cover fire but never give you any, and will often times get stuck or just run in the wrong direction. They're worthless, except in the few situations where you can use them as a shield. Another big problem with Reach is its tendency to glitch on you, on several occasions in Single Player Campaign I've had enemy units teleport, disappear, fly into the air w/o jetpacks, etc. It seems if you want to take the game up on its offer to be stealthy and fight from afar, you'll get to notice all of it's little imperfections. Not to mention that outside of the DMR or Magnum, long range fighting is a joke. Even the sniper rifle has been nerfed terribly with this installment, at least in campaign on higher difficulty. Looong Story short, if you plan on buying this game to experience one of the hallmark story points of the Halo Universe, The Fall of Reach, save yourself the headache and just don't. The multi-player is a decent enough attempt and you can tell most of their focus went there. Of course that's a mixed bag as well because it seems with every installment we're moving further and further from Blood Gulch split screen goodness; instead moving closer and closer to Call of Duty perks and customizations.… Expand
  63. kloborgg
    Sep 17, 2010
    10
    Actual score: 9
    Listen, if you didn't like Halo before this game, it's not going to try to change your mind. Why would it? Bungie already has millions of faithful fans, and as their last installment, they were not trying to widen their range. If you already hated Halo, and you're reviewing this, either A. You're an idiot for spending your money expecting a franchise as successful as Halo    Actual score: 9
    Listen, if you didn't like Halo before this game, it's not going to try to change your mind. Why would it? Bungie already has millions of faithful fans, and as their last installment, they were not trying to widen their range. If you already hated Halo, and you're reviewing this, either A. You're an idiot for spending your money expecting a franchise as successful as Halo to cater to you.
    B. You're a liar who doesn't have the game and can't stand that other people love it.
    I'm not saying this game shouldn't have negative reviews. I'll admit, those saying that the campaign doesn't come close to the first have a point. But to give it a 7 or 6 based on that is, I believe, unfair. Most games that come out these days have a 4-6 hour campaign with a forgettable plot and no replay value. Halo Reach has a 10 hour campaign with an alright story and plenty of re-playability thanks to features like 4 player co-op, scoring systems, and the vast number of game-tweaking skulls. I'll admit, the narrative has something to be desired, and the characters simply aren't there long enough to care about them, but to someone who already is into the Halo lore (and there is a lot of it), this provides a short but sweet prologue.
    As for campaign gameplay, it starts out slow, but by the last few levels it really starts to feel like you're part of a losing war. There are no more backtracking levels, and no more flood. The real treat, however, is the amazing AI. Enemy AI that is. Friendlies still have a hard time driving and shooting. The enemies however, especially the elites, are superb. In no other game will the computer enemies dive, dodge, flank, or sneak up on you as much as a Halo elite. And in reach, they just get better. Brutes are characteristically.. well.. brutal, and hunters are for the first time a serious threat; tough to take down and heavy hitters.
    The campaign I would give an 8. But really, this game deserves a high score on content alone. When you buy your average game, you pay for a campaign, maybe some co-op mode, and multiplayer. When you buy Halo Reach, you buy a co-op campaign, a co-op mode, multiplayer with a ranked arena system, a HUGE map editor, game-wide theater replay, and best of all file-share, which allows players across Halo to share maps, gametypes, screens, and films.
    Not much to say about multiplayer. There aren't too many maps, but all of them are great. Blood Gulch finally makes a triumphant return, and Ivory Tower plays better than ever. Invasion is a new way for players to finally get their fill of elite vs. spartan conflict, and headhunter is just crazy. The biggest gameplay changes lie in the new armor abilities. They are all extremely fun to use and so far seem perfectly balanced. I prefer fooling enemies with the hologram, while my friends like to fly above with the jetpack to rain terror. Besides some new weapons, vehicles, and gameplay tweaks however, it's still Halo. If you hate Halo, you'll hate this.
    Firefight was never my favorite, but it's hard to not try it now and then with the amount of customization offered now. You change every set, every wave, every group of enemies. You can change their behavior, statistics, and weapon loadouts. Really, it's overwhelming. It also now includes matchmaking support.
    Theater mode is just as great as ever, but they seem to have removed the ability to watch with parties. This is a huge downer for me, as my doubles partner and I love to reminisce about old games. Still, considering no FPS games even have this feature, it's hard to complain.
    And forge. Wow. I spent hundreds of hours creating and sharing maps in the first forge, and I'm scared to even start with the new one. Whereas in Halo 3 you were often limited by frustrating controls and limited object physics, in forge world you honestly feel like your imagination is only thing limiting you. There really is almost nothing you cannot do. You can't change geography I guess, but you already have a huge variety of settings in the world, and you can add scenery like rocks and trees. Seriously, my friends and I have played thousands of H2/H3 custom games, and with the new forge system, I don't see us stopping any time soon.
    On the technical elements, the graphics are nice but nothing spectacular this day and age. Weapons and character models look amazing, but environments look plain and the frame rate can occasionally go down in heavy moments. The sound is the real star. While not quite matching the intensity of Bad Company's booming accompaniment, Reach is still far above average this time, with powerful-sounding guns and cannons, and rumbling explosions. Much more engaging than your average video game.
    All in all, you get what you pay for. If you're a Halo fan, you already know you're getting this. If you're one of those guys who absolutely despises Halo, stay away from us. No one cares.
    Technical: 8
    Story: 7
    Gameplay: 10
    Content: 10    … Expand
  64. Banditron
    Sep 17, 2010
    10
    Definitely lives up to the hype. The campaign is amazing, especially playing co-op, and the multiplayer is the best yet with more customization than you'll know what to do with. With the new Forge and armor upgrade system Halo: Reach was well worth the wait.
  65. erf14
    Sep 17, 2010
    10
    this was the best game i have ever played except maybe halo 3. The graphics are awesome (for a halo) and the game play was flawless. The multiplayer is better even that Bad Company 2. If you don't buy and love this game, you are lame and stupid.
  66. LTdaz
    Sep 17, 2010
    10
    You can get a pretty good idea of what Halo Reach generally has to offer from reviews by both customers and professional critics available, but I'd like to focus this review on certain aspect of Reach that I found particularly worthy of praise, namely the combat. For me, Bungies Halo series (not counting Ensemble's still excellent Halo Wars) have always had distinctive, varied and freeYou can get a pretty good idea of what Halo Reach generally has to offer from reviews by both customers and professional critics available, but I'd like to focus this review on certain aspect of Reach that I found particularly worthy of praise, namely the combat. For me, Bungies Halo series (not counting Ensemble's still excellent Halo Wars) have always had distinctive, varied and free flowing combat I love, but Reach is really the pinnacle of that Bungie unique brand of FPS combat. It's hard to find faults in a system that Bungie invented and perfected through almost two decades of developing FPS.

    In a lot of other FPSs, there's usually couple of selected weapons I tend to gravitate toward after familiarizing myself with what's available in the game. However, players would be hard pressed to find such "Swiss Army knife" of guns in Reach. The weapons library and availability are well balanced; the perfect weapon is very much dependent on the various elements of any given situation and environment. While the basic combination of energy arms to wear the shield down and kinetic ones to kill still provide the basis of your weapon selection consideration, increase in variety of open and close environments and types of enemy encountered add complicity and weightier consequences to decisions made on what firearms to bring into the next battle. This by no means strictly limits each weapon into specific categories of engagements. On the contrary I found most weapons to be flexible enough to serve in all situation but choosing the right ones to match your skill sets and circumstances is absolutely critical in surviving higher difficulties in the game.

    The levels themselves are excellently designed and provide the perfect backdrops to both small and large scale battles. Placement of enemy troops seems to be pre-scripted limiting battles to specific locale on the map, but the movement of those enemies are not as restricted and helps to retain dynamic flow of the battle. While the maps are fairly linear, the areas of each encounter are open (horizontally and vertically, I might add) and offer great amount of flexibility in tactical approaches and executions, especially with other live players. During a coop campaign mission, I found myself going back to a perch from an earlier point in the game that overlook the area we were suppose to defend and provided effective stand off support from a distance for my teammates.

    Speaking of teammates, AI of your computer controlled allies have not changed all that much from the previous games, which isn't necessary a bad thing. I like the fact that Halo friendly AI can act independent of players' action. In combat, they are not hiding behind the player character expecting he/her to push the front line forward like other FPS (CoD). But some sense of self preservation in friendly teammates like Covenant grunts often display would go a long way to immerse the player. On the other hand, enemy AI have improved drastically. Players no longer have their sole attention like I've seen in many other FPS. Covenant troops seem to react to other Spartans or human soldiers as well, depending on the level of threat they present at that instant. Since player is never alone in any mission, this effectively makes flanking a viable and necessary tactic in SP campaign. When I drop back to recharge shield, it's an opportunity to approach the enemy from the side while they are focused on my teammates. It isn't an sure fire technique as enemy AI sometimes will utilize their advantage and pursue when when you're recharging especially if you are overly aggressive and advance too far behind the line. Enemy AI will now recognize and use force multiplier in field like turrets (even gun turrets on abandoned warhogs which was something I didn't see them doing in previous games) and unoccupied vehicles. Overall, they seem "smarter" than before at gauging the situation and player intent then reacting accordingly; for example they throw grenades to flush out players in defensible positions, move to a safe distance before firing explosive weapon when players are close, deploy armor lock-down when players try to run them over, disable player vehicle with plasma overcharge to counter zoom and boom tactic etc.

    The only real complaint I have is the fact that drop ship deployment are almost instantaneous and in static locations often invulnerable to fire from ground. The instant enemy reinforcement really work against my usual tactics of wearing the enemy strength down from medium and long range then seizing the momentum and charging at the weaken remaining troops. In Reach such combination of tactics would get me sandwiched between the remaining enemies and fresh reinforcement dropping behind me. But that's more of a personal preference than a legitimate gripe toward the game.    … Expand
  67. AsboBoy
    Sep 17, 2010
    4
    This is a perfectly entertaining mission that nicely develops the main story arc in the Mass Effect universe. Its serious failing is its value for money. At 800 gamer points it's 2 to 4 times as expensive as it should be. I'm actually a fan of short, compact gaming experiences, but in terms of value this really crosses a line.
  68. casshern09
    Sep 17, 2010
    3
    So very disappointed in this. Played all the Halo games in the series and I am afraid to say it just feels very dated gameplay to me. MP is fine but not really any different, single player is just pretty much the same stuff again, one of the early missions is almost identical to one from the first Halo. I really dont see how people are giving this 10/10 it really isnt that good. (and I ownSo very disappointed in this. Played all the Halo games in the series and I am afraid to say it just feels very dated gameplay to me. MP is fine but not really any different, single player is just pretty much the same stuff again, one of the early missions is almost identical to one from the first Halo. I really dont see how people are giving this 10/10 it really isnt that good. (and I own an xbox/PS3 and PC so not a fan boy of any) Not even close to being game of the year in a million years. It does have some nice touches, updated animation, fairly decent enemy AI and some new guns. The armour stuff? Just like the pick ups in Halo 3 except re usable. Biggest let down of the year for me.… Expand
  69. Seehuusen
    Sep 17, 2010
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Multiplayer wise i am incredibly pleased, except for the poor amount of maps. it's following the halo 3 recipe, it works and some new stuff has been added. Making a long story short, i'd go for a 9/10 on that part. In single player however, the story and characters are a huge dissappointment, it feels like ODST 2, only without the spooky feeling of being alone in the dark. The gameplay is good, but the story is quite boring and the characters are not worthy of mentioning, there's a lack of backbone to the story, and it feels like youre watching a b-movie from hollywood. I can't possibly give that more than 5/10. It's very good gameplay wise, but the story and characters are far below average, and the single player experince is truly dissappointing, thefore, an average, 5/10. Overall the game scores 7/10 from me, cause i think Halo is just as much a single player game, as it is an awesome multiplayer shooter.… Expand
  70. EmileKatNoble6
    Sep 17, 2010
    9
    Halo Reach is by far the best Halo game ever.

    Campaign is awesome, armor abilities make it a lot better.
    Firefight is bigger and better.
    Forge has more objects and upgrades.
    MULTIPLAYER IS BEAUTIFUL!!!

    Plus the new weapons are very cool!
  71. ME4Twaffle
    Sep 17, 2010
    10
    Wow...
    Every single one of these negative reviews are like "Hurr durr, buy a PS3 and play Killzone 2," which can't hold a candle to ANY of the Halo games. I rarely see Xbots voting down games on the console of your choice...
    My time with Reach has been great. Nothing short of amazing graphics, story, gameplay, the whole package. The multiplayer is the most fun of any game out there    Wow...
    Every single one of these negative reviews are like "Hurr durr, buy a PS3 and play Killzone 2," which can't hold a candle to ANY of the Halo games. I rarely see Xbots voting down games on the console of your choice...

    My time with Reach has been great. Nothing short of amazing graphics, story, gameplay, the whole package. The multiplayer is the most fun of any game out there today.

    If you can't have fun playing Halo: Reach, then I feel sorry for you.

    I own both consoles and both games, so I'm not just talking about something I don't know about like the idiots voting 0 and telling you to buy a PS3. Seriously: grow up, and enjoy your console for what it is.    … Expand
  72. Tiananmen89
    Sep 17, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. To start, from reading the reviews by Users, most of negative ones are by people who obviously never touched this game. What that said lets actually talk about Reach. The overall game format is pretty standard Halo with some modifications. First is that there is no longer dual welding weapons. Which added to the fact that enemies by and large are harder to take down makes the game more difficult than in the past. Elites are beasts once again where they were nothing from Halo 2 on. When you think of Elites, think Halo 2 Brutes. Single Player offers 10 playable segments (the first segment is video). These range from ground pounding to vehicle combat to space superiority to air support missions. There is a lot of depth in the game play. So much so, while I was playing on Legendary with some friends, one of them comment that "this is not Halo." Of course it is but they are opening it up to show a larger story about the annihilation of the planet. During one point, one of the characters in your squad dies from being shot during a cutscreen and all 3 of us playing were shocked. You have to watch as one by one your squadmates die. I think the story was well done and is a great improvement on the non-Chief based Halo games (i.e. Halo Wars or ODST). When I did the beta for this game, I was very unimpressed by the multiplayer. It looked like a goofy version of Halo 3. I traded in the other Halo games because I love this multiplayer. Bungie really went out of their way to make the multiplayer rich and with lots of variations. Plus the weekly and daily challenges help to give you incentive to play different modes. Specifically Firefight and Forge stand out. This is the best Halo yet and anyone who is in to Sci-Fi shooters should get this game.… Expand
  73. dougplanet
    Sep 16, 2010
    9
    Bungie called the original Halo Combat Evolved, which it truly was, proving that an FPS could be not only work on a console, but deliver its own experience different than a PC shooter. Every bit of Reach feels as if that evolution was the mantra, taking the best parts of the previous versions and building on that initial promise. Bungie may have left the Halo franchise for new endeavours,Bungie called the original Halo Combat Evolved, which it truly was, proving that an FPS could be not only work on a console, but deliver its own experience different than a PC shooter. Every bit of Reach feels as if that evolution was the mantra, taking the best parts of the previous versions and building on that initial promise. Bungie may have left the Halo franchise for new endeavours, but they left it, and their fans, with a grand farewell, the best incarnation of the Halo universe, and a lot of digital toys for multiplayer fans to play with for a long time to come.

    The single player campaign, though short, ends on a great note (no spoilers), and the multiplayer tops every other FPS console game out there, bar none. I suspect that my CoD MW2 disc is going to go unused for a LONG time to come.    … Expand
  74. HaloReachGOTY
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    HATERS GONNA HATE!....dont be fooled by the user score. its just alot of ps3 cry baby fanboys who wished they had Halo Reach. Reach is by far the best halo game ever made. it is a must get because it has the most importiant thing to a video game...REPLAY VALUE. this game is worth $100. because it will last you longer then any other game. most packed game ever. it is a must get......

    more    HATERS GONNA HATE!....dont be fooled by the user score. its just alot of ps3 cry baby fanboys who wished they had Halo Reach. Reach is by far the best halo game ever made. it is a must get because it has the most importiant thing to a video game...REPLAY VALUE. this game is worth $100. because it will last you longer then any other game. most packed game ever. it is a must get......

    more then 700,000 ppl playing it rite now. ps3 fanboys wished they had games that had this many ppl online. killzone 2 only has like 3000 world wide..LOL    … Expand
  75. Trucu
    Sep 16, 2010
    7
    I gave this game a couple days. I played the campaign (really short! I beat it on normal in under 5 hours) and played everything online has to offer and realized one main thing. Boring. If you have played Halo 3 or for that matter, any other Halo, it is the same basic game. Firefight is a a joke since you can make yourself invulnerable with unlimited ammo to get all the achievements.I gave this game a couple days. I played the campaign (really short! I beat it on normal in under 5 hours) and played everything online has to offer and realized one main thing. Boring. If you have played Halo 3 or for that matter, any other Halo, it is the same basic game. Firefight is a a joke since you can make yourself invulnerable with unlimited ammo to get all the achievements. Speaking of achievements, they don't even work all the time! How could bungie release a game with broken achievements?

    Basically, if you are interested in an in depth single player experience, you are better off figuring out why there needs to be another CoD clone of MW. If you are looking for the MP(like most of you are), I have to say it lacks. The grenades have a massive buff, the main weapons are the DMR and Needle Rifle, which leave the game with an empty feeling. The main strategy is to fire at the enemy until they turn a corner, then lob your nades if you see them on your motion tracker behind the corner. Teamwork? Yes, but the basic Halo teamwork there always has been. Such as,"Hey you have a sniper rifle!", says your teammate. *assassination* "Not anymore!" Then you are left with the decision to boot the player (which will harm your team since most games are small 4v4 matches) or let him be a 10 year old on your team. There is of course the other basic teamwork of,"Guys, lets run around or camp until we see enemies and then call out when their shields are down so we can steal each others kills." Not my kind of game.

    Hynda, the Wii has terrible games. I recently gave mine away. Who wants to play Mario and cartoon games forever? Other than the Japanese. 3 words; Fallout: New Vegas. When the Wii gets it, I'll S*** BRICKS.    … Expand
  76. Spartan-279
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    10 10 10 10 10!!!!! Amazing story, even better multiplayer. Definetly best game of 2010 and halo series. MUST BUY. Sorry to see bungie haveta go. Tribute them by buying!!!
  77. takeacrayonhit
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    The only good thing about this game is the campaign, the online gameplay is full of nothing but bull **** calls. **** terrible job on the online aspect of this game all around.
  78. Ccreepincrud
    Sep 16, 2010
    8
    I am very happy with this game. I told myself I was done after Halo 3 but I am very glad I decided to purchase this. Multiplayer is way more fun with the addition of the armor abilities. The difficulty is intense but not frustrating. As for the whining fanboys who give a game they never played a zero simply due to it not being on the console they happen to own just dis-regard theirI am very happy with this game. I told myself I was done after Halo 3 but I am very glad I decided to purchase this. Multiplayer is way more fun with the addition of the armor abilities. The difficulty is intense but not frustrating. As for the whining fanboys who give a game they never played a zero simply due to it not being on the console they happen to own just dis-regard their reviews. Just smile to yourself and realize that you will never be as pathetic as some of these bottom feeders.… Expand
  79. Blizzard
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    It's astonishing how many user reviews on here are obviously not from people who have played the game. Even if the game was awful, I certainly wouldn't review it if I didn't play it. Anyway, I'll keep this short. The campaign is one of the most varied yet and dare I say it the best in the series. Excellent AI keeps you on your toes, great (but not brilliant) graphics, amazing music andIt's astonishing how many user reviews on here are obviously not from people who have played the game. Even if the game was awful, I certainly wouldn't review it if I didn't play it. Anyway, I'll keep this short. The campaign is one of the most varied yet and dare I say it the best in the series. Excellent AI keeps you on your toes, great (but not brilliant) graphics, amazing music and audio effects, super-addictive and refined multiplayer and enough gameplay provided between the campaign, firefight, matchmaking and forge that you'll be playing this for years.… Expand
  80. RyanB2804
    Sep 16, 2010
    6
    I buy games for a single player experience. I see multiplayer as a bonus for my cash. But Bungie seem to do things the other way round. The campaign was short and in all honesty, boring, the AI is dodgy at times, and the graphics aren't up to snuff when compared to games such as Mass Effect 2, Uncharted 2 and God of War III. Graphics can really help immerse a player into a game, but thisI buy games for a single player experience. I see multiplayer as a bonus for my cash. But Bungie seem to do things the other way round. The campaign was short and in all honesty, boring, the AI is dodgy at times, and the graphics aren't up to snuff when compared to games such as Mass Effect 2, Uncharted 2 and God of War III. Graphics can really help immerse a player into a game, but this game really hasn't improved the visuals much since Halo 3. But i haven't mentioned the multiplayer yet. The multiplayer (the first game i have played online since Halo 3 back in December) is ok. It offers more than Halo 3 does, but that's pretty much it. The multiplayer for this game saves me from giving this game a 3/10.The only reason this game sticks out from the crowd is because it bears the name 'Halo'. Any other game like this would be ripped apart by reviewers. It isn't a crapfest like ODST, and it does improve somewhat over Halo 3, but it isn't worthy of all this praise.… Expand
  81. A_RandomGuy
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    Amazing Game. Lived up to all the hype. The campaign is short but sweet full of amazing moments. Firefight is a lot better than it was in ODST, with matchmaking now. Forge World is stunning and powerful, letting you create your own maps with ease. And the Online is the greatest multiplayer feature in any game ever made.
  82. Jhonragu
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    Nada que hacer, es el máximo de la saga Halo. Hasta pronto Bungie, solo esperemos que 343 sepa por lo menos igualar su obra maestra. Es mejor esperar todo lo que esparamos pero que saquen productos de tan alta calidad como este trabajo.
  83. Pyr
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    This is an awesome game, I played the beta and I had been eagerly waiting play the full version that I now own. It's everything I was looking forward to and more, the campaign is fun and challenging and the multiplayer is much improved and the graphics are great.
  84. sengiro
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    Hyndra is gay. He's just sour that every other system doesnt even have an exclusive worth buying. Obviously, this queer hasnt even looked at an xbox. Any game review magazine or fan of gaming period can tell you that the Gears and Mass Effect franchises are amazing as well. The fact that Halo is so succesful just eats at the other consoles fanboys since theyll never have a game like it.Hyndra is gay. He's just sour that every other system doesnt even have an exclusive worth buying. Obviously, this queer hasnt even looked at an xbox. Any game review magazine or fan of gaming period can tell you that the Gears and Mass Effect franchises are amazing as well. The fact that Halo is so succesful just eats at the other consoles fanboys since theyll never have a game like it. Especially weak PS3. I shouldnt talk about Hyndra like this though. He's a five year old. I mean, how else could someone like wii more than 360 or ps3?… Expand
  85. HoneyChicken
    Sep 16, 2010
    7
    This game looks good. But, with no Master Chief, no. With him not being a part of Reach, this game is an automatic failure. The gameplay is good, but there is NO way that you can say it is even anywhere near the best game ever. The best game ever, my friend, that goes to Grand Theft Auto IV. This is Halo 3, but worse.
  86. Kendreth
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    Halo reach is an amazing game, nearly perfect in avery aspect of game play it shined in campain with an amazing story and epic scenery. But, if you play a game just for MM reach won't disapoint, it's ranking system is flawless finaly rid of the boosters and derankers that plauged halo games of the past. Reach is the game of the year in my book.
  87. BluFoot
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    This is the best game ever! It has everything, campaign, campaign matchmaking, firefight with TONS of customizations, super incredible forge 2.0, super fun and addictive online, custom games, theatre, new weapons, new game types, new vehicles, armory, credits, challenges, awesome file browser, amazing stuff on bungie.net, commendations, new medals, loadouts, armor abilities, epicThis is the best game ever! It has everything, campaign, campaign matchmaking, firefight with TONS of customizations, super incredible forge 2.0, super fun and addictive online, custom games, theatre, new weapons, new game types, new vehicles, armory, credits, challenges, awesome file browser, amazing stuff on bungie.net, commendations, new medals, loadouts, armor abilities, epic cinematics, new enemies, active roster, arena, firefight matchmaking and versus and MORE!!!!… Expand
  88. Culke
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    Great game! jhsdflkdjs fldskj fdslk jfdslkfj dsljfsdlkfj sdlkf jdkjf kjf erjuwlkj nvmcsdfsd t sr sr tesetsst awre wet wqet WERT WRT E TSY YAY A ya y st xt
  89. Max3D
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    Fantastic game, is a true representation of what Games should be like, it's what Developers need to DO! Many have lost their way, Bringing out sequels that are basically the same as the previous version. (mw1/mw2 etc etc).

    Bungie's last wish has come true, This is an epic game, and it shows just how epic some game developers can be, and what it can give back to the community. Best Game    Fantastic game, is a true representation of what Games should be like, it's what Developers need to DO! Many have lost their way, Bringing out sequels that are basically the same as the previous version. (mw1/mw2 etc etc).

    Bungie's last wish has come true, This is an epic game, and it shows just how epic some game developers can be, and what it can give back to the community.

    Best Game of the Year by miles 10/10    … Expand
  90. ParagonRenegade
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    Best FPS I've ever played, end of story.

    The individual elements (Forge, MM, Firefight, Campaign, Theatre etc) are NOT the best that have been done, but their combined offerings (Which are unheard of in the gaming market) and the incredible balance, fun, and thoughtfulness put into the game make it a contender for the best game ever made for the 360, PS3, or Wii. The only reason it has    Best FPS I've ever played, end of story.

    The individual elements (Forge, MM, Firefight, Campaign, Theatre etc) are NOT the best that have been done, but their combined offerings (Which are unheard of in the gaming market) and the incredible balance, fun, and thoughtfulness put into the game make it a contender for the best game ever made for the 360, PS3, or Wii.

    The only reason it has a 6.9 here is because of the pathetic CoD and PS3 fanboys that can't admit that Reach is a fantastic game, but they simply can't/won't get it because of limitations or principle.

    People accuse it of being the exact same thing as the last game, meanwhile in God of War or Call of Duty, Killzone etc the Multiplayer (If applicable) and campaign gets no improvement, and gets simpler.
    Halo Reach innovates and expands upon the other Halos and should be purchased as soon as you have the money.    … Expand
  91. camb198
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    This game is amazingly fun and I haven't even tried Forge World Yet! I don't see why people keep putting zeros in for a score. It is a solid game with good game play so please write legitimate reviews! I am going to be playing this game for months ahead so I think it deserves a 10/10.
  92. Itachi
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    A brilliant game with a great Multiplayer mode, for many people is the best game of the Year. Graphs, Technic, Gameplay, Variety, Innovation, Sound and Argument, completely amazing, It´s unforgettable in this generation.

    The Forge World 2.0 is wonderfull, this mode extend the game.

    Score: 10
  93. Wonderbanana
    Sep 16, 2010
    10
    Superb game and probably one of the best overall game packages ever made. The different modes and the sheer amount of customisation options you have are mind boggling. That coupled with the best FPS gameplay in the business. Ignore the blatant PS3 trolls, Reach delivers everything by the bucket load - an amazing piece of software that has already broken single format sales records.
  94. Goldciggy
    Sep 15, 2010
    6
    OK....Well, I see some people are just haters! 0/10 come on I didnâ
  95. Freeeshooter
    Sep 15, 2010
    10
    First off, if you didn't play the game don't rate it. People complain that it looks just like the last one, the graphics are terrible, blah blah blah. These people obviously haven't played the game at all. Also, people say the game has a 3-4 hour campaign. yeah, when you play on easy mode where it takes 10 enemies to damage you. On Heroic, the campaign is easily 10 hours or more, andFirst off, if you didn't play the game don't rate it. People complain that it looks just like the last one, the graphics are terrible, blah blah blah. These people obviously haven't played the game at all. Also, people say the game has a 3-4 hour campaign. yeah, when you play on easy mode where it takes 10 enemies to damage you. On Heroic, the campaign is easily 10 hours or more, and Legendary is even longer. The game is similar to halo 3, but at the same time it's its own game. The multiplayer experience is fresh with new gametypes, weapons, maps and vehicles. It plays much differently. Another thing: the forge is now much more streamlined and easy to use. the game was out for 24 hrs and i was impressed by the amazing maps that had already been created by the community. People say that it's like call of duty. The only similarities i can find are loadouts and the fact that it's an FPS, and the loadouts aren't even remotely similar to those in COD. If you are one of those whiny people that hate everything that has the word halo anywhere near it, then fine. Don't buy it, it's one less person the community has to listen to wine online. Sure, call me a fanboy if you want. Everything I've said here is the truth, stated as plainly as i can. I think right now the game is probably a 9.75. There are still a couple of server issues that need to be worked out, plus not all playlists are available yet. But this is Bungie's last hurrah, and i think that they've done the series and their fans proud.… Expand
  96. CrispyFish
    Sep 15, 2010
    10
    Okay, ps3 fanboys who give the game a zero because they played it for 20 minutes at a friend's house and already biased their opinions before the game even came out, please stop freakin' reviewing games you don't even own! You always point out how the users who give it a ten are raging xbox frat boy fanboys, yet you completely disregard the fact that your own fanboyism is blinding you fromOkay, ps3 fanboys who give the game a zero because they played it for 20 minutes at a friend's house and already biased their opinions before the game even came out, please stop freakin' reviewing games you don't even own! You always point out how the users who give it a ten are raging xbox frat boy fanboys, yet you completely disregard the fact that your own fanboyism is blinding you from telling apart a good game from a bad. And this is definitely a good game. People who come on this site read the reviews to see if they should buy the game, not to see some guy with a playstation and a hatred for anything that even is barely related to an xbox rant on how unoriginal the game is or how biased the fanboys are. I'm not giving this a ten because I've been waiting for it for a year. I'm not giving this a ten because I've played every halo game and I want this one to be the best. I'm not even giving it a ten to up the user score because of the retards who automatically give it a zero. I'm giving it a ten because it is the perfect halo experience, and it is fun as hell. Forget people saying the single player is 3 hours long (juuuust a little exaggerated), or people ripping on the multiplayer being unoriginal (I'm not even sure where the argument begins for that, it has barely any resemblance to CoD); you are going to be playing this game for a LONG time. A better Forge, an insanely improved firefight, an epic campaign (that doesn't overstay its welcome, fallout fans), a multiplayer setup that would last you a lifetime; you are getting more than enough of your money's worth with this package. Plus, seriously, are you going to take your advice on whether to get a 360 game or not from a guy named "killzone3"? (also that one guy who said to keep playing halo 3 instead of this, please never show your face in society ever again. If you even played 1 and 2 than you would definitely know that 3 was probably the worst of them all. I'll explain this simply: halo 1=strategy, halo 2=skill, halo 3=let's see how fast i can unload my gun)… Expand
  97. s3ver14n
    Sep 15, 2010
    10
    Ignore the PS3 fanboys giving Reach low scores - from their reviews they've obviously never played it. I own a 360 and a PS3 and love both consoles, but I'm sick of this silliness. Reach is an excellent game in every respect - it is, arguably the best shooter currently available. It does do new stuff, such as jet packs, armour abilities (which are great) and the best space combat in anyIgnore the PS3 fanboys giving Reach low scores - from their reviews they've obviously never played it. I own a 360 and a PS3 and love both consoles, but I'm sick of this silliness. Reach is an excellent game in every respect - it is, arguably the best shooter currently available. It does do new stuff, such as jet packs, armour abilities (which are great) and the best space combat in any shooter thus far.Yes, the basic FPS mechanics are largely unchanged, but Bungie have shown the wisdom that so many other games companies lack - don't mess with perfection. The campaign is around 8 hours on Normal and considerably longer on other settings - shorter than Gears 2, but much longer and more varied than Killzone 2 (KZ2 took around 5 hours - an hour longer on Elite. And if you've played KZ2, try to remember an outstanding campaign moment - I dare you. No vehicles either.). The plot is straightforward but engaging rather than enthralling, but it's a video game, and I would argue that previous Halo games (except the first) have been guilty of over complicating the plot; at the end of the day it's just an excuse to shoot things. The campaign is also sufficiently engaging that, combined with some really well considered acheivements, replay is guaranteed at least once, probably twice. Graphically it kicks bottom too, which is a little surprising - I expected ODST with bells, but it is easily the prettiest shooter around at the moment. I haven't tried much multiplayer yet, but again, Bungie appear to have tweaked an already perfect formula - it continues to deliver one of the best multiplayer experiences available. Anyone who mentions CoD (great though it is) is clearly mental - Reach is nothing like CoD and very clearly isn't trying to be (try citing some evidence rather than silly random comments). As for it being the last Halo, it's Bungie's last Halo (for now anyway). Microsoft own Halo and have an internal division (343 industries) dedicated to Halo development, as well as recently launching Halo Waypoint. Reach also broke the record for the number of online players on XBox Live on it's release day. Yep - that sounds like a franchise coming to an end.. doh! Epic stuff.… Expand
  98. Cntomer
    Sep 15, 2010
    10
    This game is nothing short of amazing. It is easily the best halo ever taking the best parts of all the previous halos like the multiplayer from halo 2 and the firefight from ODST. Don't even read the reviews of the people who gave this game a 0 they are ps3 trolls I guarantee you as some say look at uncharted 2 and killzone because they are sad at the beast of a game reach is. The armorThis game is nothing short of amazing. It is easily the best halo ever taking the best parts of all the previous halos like the multiplayer from halo 2 and the firefight from ODST. Don't even read the reviews of the people who gave this game a 0 they are ps3 trolls I guarantee you as some say look at uncharted 2 and killzone because they are sad at the beast of a game reach is. The armor abilities are sick, addictive multiplayer cool customizable options and great graphics make up this game… Expand
  99. gabefett
    Sep 15, 2010
    10
    An incredible game almost reveloutionary, it has an elusive, captivating campaign although the story is slow at times, when you finally have satisfaction from that thereis the incredible firefight mode, for hours of fun, and then theres forge, incredible fun with infinite possibilities, and you still hav'nt done multiplayer yet, this is an incredible game and it is worth every penny.
  100. CorrectBR
    Sep 15, 2010
    10
    I lol'd at all the fanboys that don't have Halo: Reach or played it and they come rate it a 0. They should take off all of those fanboy ratings because I played this game and it is way better than it FPS on PS3 so all those fanboys that have no life just trashing a game they don't have need to go get a life. I have the game and it's good.
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010
1
#1 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
2
#2 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 99 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 93 out of 99
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 99
  3. Negative: 0 out of 99
  1. Video Game Talk
    Jan 18, 2011
    80
    If you loved all the other Halo games, there's little I can say to dissuade you from purchasing Bungie's last creation in the Halo series.
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  2. Absolute Games
    Jan 15, 2011
    71
    Halo: Reach is not a breakthrough, yet it's a clear showcase of Bungie's creative growth. The game is hardly a "must buy" – its single-player campaign is way too short and uneven in quality, while multiplayer has very little room for expansion besides map packs and useless character decorations. But with that said, Reach is worthy of your attention for a couple of evenings.
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  3. Games Master UK
    Dec 25, 2010
    94
    Almost achieves the impossible and fulfills the hype. Among the best shooters ever created. [Issue#231, p.82]
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