Halo 5: Guardians

 Xbox One
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 3713 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,945 out of 3713
  2. Mixed: 747 out of 3713
  3. Negative: 1,021 out of 3713
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  1. capthavic
    Nov 14, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Basically just an extremely underwhelming disappointment.

    For starters all the advertisements pushing a conflict between MC and Locke...that doesn't happen. Not really. Locke and his team do go after Chief but that conflict lasts all of one mission only to be immediately dropped. While that was annoying I wouldn't have minded if the story we did get was any good...which it isn't. Most of the cast are utterly bland with no charisma or interesting dialog, with only Buck and a new Monitor providing any sort of relief. Cortana as the new villain is spoiled early on, making me expect a twist, but there isn't. This turn came out of left field for me, doubly so because the previous villain (the Didact) was killed between games which is never explained in this game. You wouldn't even know unless you kept up with all the ancillary media lore. That is inexcusable to me and is a failure in story writing. Not that the rest of the writing is any better, with no real explanation why Cortana was chosen, why she wants to rule the galaxy with an iron fist, or anything else really. I'm willing to overlook the some plot holes but you have to give me something decent to work with.

    As for the gameplay...well...it's mostly solid but with some big problems dragging it down. Shooting and such still feels pretty good and easy even with the changes they made. Aiming down sights is nice though you can get by just fine without using it most the time. Same with the ground slams and dashes. Switching to a team focus over being a solo affair is the first big issue,at least when playing alone. Let's be honest the friendly AI has never been good (read:brain-dead incompetent) but at least they were never a liability. Now you are forced to drag the morons along with you the entire campaign. Most of the time they are just unhelpful and be ignored since thankfully if they die it doesn't count against you. Where it REALLY sticks in my craw is during the numerous "boss fights" (for lack of a better term) against the exact same copy/paste enemy who can one hit kill and requires being shot in the back. You can only issue a laughable two commands (ie "attack this" and "go here") neither of which helps your clueless team do anything actually helpful. Oh and when you get downed don't worry, they will never fail to blindly run right into enemies and probably get killed. Sure all of that is mitigated by playing with other people, but it makes playing solo one of the worst game experiences of my life.

    Oh and speaking of the copy/paste boss, that is without a doubt the absolute worst part of the game. An utter failure of game design as it is blatantly lazy and cheap. It only poses a challenge due to poor team AI when trying to solo it. They reuse way too much. Making you fight multiple at once and/or with minion support is the only way they can think to increase the challenge. Even when playing with a friend it was still not fun or interesting, it just didn't take us as long. This is the kind of thing I expect from first year game design students not supposed professionals. To everyone involved with making the Warden fights, you are an absolute failure at game design, and as someone who rarely gets personal when judging a game that is not something I say lightly.

    Not that the rest is anything great either. The whole game felt like it was just going through the motions. It looks nice enough and is sure to appeal to the multiplayer/co-op crowd. But for me even with modest expectations it was a pretty big disappointment.    … Expand
  2. YourOnlyFriend
    Oct 29, 2015
    4
    Overall a disappointment. The production values are very high and the character models look amazing especially in the Story mode. However the the story is lackluster and none of the new Spartans get any character flushed out. The multiplayer is where this game falls right on its ass. The ground-pound is one of the most useless moves you can do. To anyone who has played any Halo game inOverall a disappointment. The production values are very high and the character models look amazing especially in the Story mode. However the the story is lackluster and none of the new Spartans get any character flushed out. The multiplayer is where this game falls right on its ass. The ground-pound is one of the most useless moves you can do. To anyone who has played any Halo game in their life, it's just a perfect chance for them to pelt you with bullets (combined with Radar and the dash move, a way to see the player and evade). The game focuses on power weapons, telling you when they spawn, and encourages good play with them. So to returning Halo veterans, all that skill with the Battle rifle and grenades is almost worthless. Power weapons require very little skill to use and usually amount to 45% of all kills in one match. Most other kills amount to spraying the assault rifle with a bunch of your team mates nearby. Power weapons were important in other Halo games, but they were balanced. Now you just camp in the area of the strongest weapon and constantly get more ammo for it. The multiplayer maps feel a little too small for 4 vs 4 and their layouts can range from simple design to maddening confusing. I completely dislike the zoom-in feature on most guns. In old Halo games it zoomed-in so you couldn't see your hud but got a better shot. The zoom-in feature in Halo 5 is useless on most guns as it lets you look down the sights. This would be helpful... in Call Of Duty, but it's worthless here. Your radical doesn't change in Halo, there's no point. The new req system is... lame. It's a direct clone of Counter - Strike: Global Offensive. This would still be fine if it wasn't used only in one game mode. If you're going to commit to a new system of unlocking, you should apply it to everything. Take a chance, believe in your new system! But they chose to take the safe route, only for those who want to try it. Then why even have it in the first place? So you can drain another $3 from impatient gamers? The multiplayer mode amounts to plenty of sticking together, bullet spraying and camping. No strats, just point, shoot and camp. Does that sound like fun? Overall, Halo 5 tries to change up it's multiplayer but fails to commit to it. Halo is desperately trying to lure Call Of Duty players back to Halo. And as someone who detests the CoD series since Black Ops 1, I can honestly say Halo 5 is almost as bad as CoD: Ghosts.… Expand
  3. nakattack99
    Nov 4, 2015
    4
    Multiplayer: As the most important part of a Halo game the multiplayer should come first. My friend played the Halo 5 beta and him along with everybody who played the beta said that everything was basically perfect. From the beta until release 343 has taken it upon themselves to screw up the auto-aiming and aim acceleration, the graphics (which look horrible), and the maps (which are allMultiplayer: As the most important part of a Halo game the multiplayer should come first. My friend played the Halo 5 beta and him along with everybody who played the beta said that everything was basically perfect. From the beta until release 343 has taken it upon themselves to screw up the auto-aiming and aim acceleration, the graphics (which look horrible), and the maps (which are all basically bad and unmemorable). I couldn't believe when some of the maps loaded and the lines were jagged and the textures look unrendered. The Spartan armors are not shiny or aesthetic at all and look matte, the textures of each character look Xbox 360 era. Although there is a good variety of maps, each is divided into its own playlist so really you will be playing the same 3-4 maps over and over again. And let us not forget wonderful new micro-transactions!

    Forge: Nonexistent so the 343 can release its own DLC maps to preserve the longevity of the game rather than letting the community creating its own maps.

    Storyline: Campaign is incredibly short and dull. Played it solo normal in 5-6 hours and have no desire to play it again. The ads and opening cinematic are more epic than the entire campaign. If you haven't read the books or looked at any of the lore, Master Chief's Blue Team is unfamiliar and the player doesn't really seem to care about the members except for Chief. Locke and his team is boring so all the protagonists seem to be uninteresting. Also you ending up fighting the same boss throughout the game about 6 times. Literally any other Halo had a much more compelling story compared to this.

    Menu: Looks horrible and hard to navigate. Halo has always excelled with party systems and pre-game lobbies, this game throws it out the window and makes these two components horrible to look at. There is a separate screen to see who is in your party and when you back out of a multiplayer playlist it kicks you back to the main menu. Sometimes you and your friends' Spartans won't load when you are viewing them when you want toview or customize.

    Hopefully through updates and DLC this will be a decent Halo game but as of right now, at launch, it is one of the worst. On a brighter note, Warzone and Warzone Assault are two very fun gametypes.    … Expand
  4. PunisherLH
    Nov 25, 2015
    4
    Jumped into the game after waiting years for it to install.

    Started with the Campaign, like every Halo Player should. I start the Campaign as someone that isn't Master Chief? A bit different to start with. The gameplay during this mission was horrific and I didn't engage with the story. Tried to continue but the Campaign bored me to tears. The Multiplayer Arena was alright I guess,    Jumped into the game after waiting years for it to install.

    Started with the Campaign, like every Halo Player should. I start the Campaign as someone that isn't Master Chief? A bit different to start with. The gameplay during this mission was horrific and I didn't engage with the story. Tried to continue but the Campaign bored me to tears.

    The Multiplayer Arena was alright I guess, but anybody that's looking for Halo from 10 years ago, it's drastically changed. This isn't a nostalgia act anymore. If you hated Halo 4, you'll hate this one.

    Warzone was pretty good. 1 Game mode doesn't keep a game fun for long though.

    No Forge? Oh dear.    … Expand
  5. matdevine21
    Feb 22, 2016
    4
    What can I say about a game that feels half finished!

    The biggest change to Halo was to make this game a squad based shooter rather than the more usual lone wolf but the way it was implemented makes your character feel super weak by being taken out easily by minor enemies then needing to rely on the hit and miss (mostly miss) AI to revive you. Story length is shockingly short and    What can I say about a game that feels half finished!

    The biggest change to Halo was to make this game a squad based shooter rather than the more usual lone wolf but the way it was implemented makes your character feel super weak by being taken out easily by minor enemies then needing to rely on the hit and miss (mostly miss) AI to revive you.

    Story length is shockingly short and made me feel cheated, 343 where is the rest of my campaign!
    I knew that 343 was trying to imitate Bungie but changing Halo story line into the length of Destiny's was not the way to do it!

    The multiplayer warzone was interesting at first but feels gimped by the introduction of micro transaction rec packs.
    If 343 didn't institute the rec pacs and actually let players have fun in the arena then there would have been more reason to come back to the multiplayer but with games like the Division / COD and so on being released and new IP games coming down the pipeline, Halo 5 will go the same way as Halo 4's multiplayer and be totally forgotten by the majority of the player base.

    Most e-sports will over look Halo due to how forgettable it really is which is such a shame as Halo 2/3/reach/odst were all games that held the player base for months and months but that was down to interesting game modes like firefight and regular map packs.

    There is a lot of love for Halo but for the first time that I will be moving Halo from my "must buy pre order" to a "purchase cheap off e-bay / bargain bin purchase" for any future installments.    … Expand
  6. luismg
    Aug 24, 2016
    4
    Halo 5 has good graphics and sound and probably it moves really nice but, the story is worse than halo 4 that should not be an issue but, you almost don't play with master chief!!!! also you play in a kind of coop mode with three more players, I don't like that, If you die you revive as in gears of war or cod in coop mode.
    The forerruners are not as dangerous as in last game. For me halo    Halo 5 has good graphics and sound and probably it moves really nice but, the story is worse than halo 4 that should not be an issue but, you almost don't play with master chief!!!! also you play in a kind of coop mode with three more players, I don't like that, If you die you revive as in gears of war or cod in coop mode.
    The forerruners are not as dangerous as in last game. For me halo 4 in the master chief collection is way better than this one.    … Expand
  7. UDontKnowwatURt
    Nov 2, 2015
    4
    This game is so broken and I have xbox uploads for evidence. It constantly glitches, teleports me in random spots of the map in campaign and multi-player. The animations are broken on the character and enemies. When the enemies die they get frozen standing up or they slide across the map. A lot of content is not in the multi-player, it is really basic. Are telling its okay to pay for DLCThis game is so broken and I have xbox uploads for evidence. It constantly glitches, teleports me in random spots of the map in campaign and multi-player. The animations are broken on the character and enemies. When the enemies die they get frozen standing up or they slide across the map. A lot of content is not in the multi-player, it is really basic. Are telling its okay to pay for DLC that should already be in the game such as odd ball, king of the hill etc, which!!! is not in there? This is all because of fan boys the downfall of today's gamers and their I.Q.… Expand
  8. Quietlionmusic
    Oct 28, 2015
    4
    Buying this game I had no expectations. I have been a long time Halo fan since Halo: Combat Evolved back in 2001. I have probably logged more hours in Halo games than any other game. That having been said, this game looks like Halo, has iconic characters and guns from Halo, but this game does not feel like Halo. I'm not sure how else to describe it. Little things really. For example, whenBuying this game I had no expectations. I have been a long time Halo fan since Halo: Combat Evolved back in 2001. I have probably logged more hours in Halo games than any other game. That having been said, this game looks like Halo, has iconic characters and guns from Halo, but this game does not feel like Halo. I'm not sure how else to describe it. Little things really. For example, when you fire the Battle Rifle it almost seems as if it is not burst firing because the fire animation seems so much more rushed than the old Battle Rifle. Just the subtle smoothness of weapon handling does not feel the same. Grenades feel rushed as well and are much harder to predict where they will go than they were before in previous Halo games.

    As for the story, it was underwhelming as well, but the more I play this Halo, the more I feel like playing The Master Chief Collection instead. I think much of the problem is this game was not developed by Bungie- It is just a Microsoft franchise now and they don't have the experience to pull off what Bungie did for years.    … Expand
  9. Sunykamey
    Jul 15, 2016
    4
    Do you remember how bad the story in Destiny was? Well, this was worse. I'm a long time fan of Halo since 2001 and I have to say compared to this game Halo 4 was good to very good.The campaign just had so many cringeworthy moments in it that they undermined the pleasant time I had from time to time. Everything seems so "forced" and the gameplay to fast. I hope 343i gets back to the rootsDo you remember how bad the story in Destiny was? Well, this was worse. I'm a long time fan of Halo since 2001 and I have to say compared to this game Halo 4 was good to very good.The campaign just had so many cringeworthy moments in it that they undermined the pleasant time I had from time to time. Everything seems so "forced" and the gameplay to fast. I hope 343i gets back to the roots of the Halo franchise and implements that what made the games fun and doesn't as much want to break with the Bungie games and establish something new.… Expand
  10. FreedomFighters
    Jul 14, 2019
    4
    I don't quite remember the last time a game disappointed me this badly. Look, I've enjoyed the "Halo" series thus far. I've given each of the first 4 games at least an 8/10 on my scale ("Halo 3" even earned a 10/10 from me), and I even enjoyed "Halo 4" quite a bit, even though a lot of the fanbase doesn't. So, even though I heard many mixed opinions about "Halo 5: Guardians" before playingI don't quite remember the last time a game disappointed me this badly. Look, I've enjoyed the "Halo" series thus far. I've given each of the first 4 games at least an 8/10 on my scale ("Halo 3" even earned a 10/10 from me), and I even enjoyed "Halo 4" quite a bit, even though a lot of the fanbase doesn't. So, even though I heard many mixed opinions about "Halo 5: Guardians" before playing it, I was nevertheless excited to give it a go...but wow, was it a disappointment. I didn't want to give it this low a score, and I even sat on this for a few days, but seriously, this game disappointed me hard.
    Now, that's not to say the game does absolutely nothing right, because trust me, it does some things right. For starters, as per "Halo" tradition, the aesthetic elements are sharp. The visuals are great, the voice acting is strong, and the music is your typical "Halo" stuff. Beyond that, the gunplay in the game has been changed up a good bit: though controversial, the ability to aim down sights and the addition of the run button tightens things up a bit and feels like a welcome addition.
    However, even that is something I can criticize, because to be completely honest, the addition of those features make the game, to me, feel like just your typical bog-standard FPS title. They're decent additions, but they're not all that special, and the fact that the campaign adds multiplayer-like elements that even occur when you're in single player (like asking teammates to revive you and "joining/exiting a game") just feels totally awkward. But I know what you're thinking: I'm probably giving this game a low score because of how insulting the story is and because of the false advertising and anti-climactic nature of it all. And sure, those are definitely problems, and I was rather pissed that Chief was only playable for a short portion of the game, but honestly, the story wasn't even the part of the game that insulted me the most: it was the gameplay! This was honestly the most "hands-off" "Halo" game that I've played: there's sections of the game where I don't even need to kill enemies, I can just blow right through them by running and jumping! Wasn't the point of the previous games to kill the enemies so that you can advance forward in the game? Now I don't have to even kill most of them? What kinda game design is that? And speaking of game design, this game has 15 missions (so yeah, pretty short). Why is it that some of those missions only require you to talk to someone, talk to another person, and then move to the next mission? Those shouldn't count as their own missions! That just sounds like some cheesy way to artificially bloat out the game's length! Oh, but don't worry, all those sections where they made you keep your guns down, run through enemies, and do nothing at all are offset by bosses that are overpowered, completely generic, and often times recycled. I felt while playing this that, whatever "gaming intelligence" I had (and I don't even think I have very much), was honestly insulted by this game.
    I didn't think I would dislike "Halo 5: Guardians" this much, but yikes, this one was bad. I honestly can't recommend it unless you're one of the most die-hard of "Halo" fans and you just HAVE to experience it. Unless you need your "Halo" fix, or you're like me and wanted to play the games before "Halo Infinite" releases next year, I can't in good conscience tell you that this game is worth your time. Just skip it and find other enticing shooters, because there are plenty of them out there.
    Final rating: 4 out of 10 "Bad"    … Expand
  11. oresund
    Oct 31, 2015
    4
    Took 4 hrs to install on the sluggish Xbox One and 3,5 hrs to finish the single player campaign. The gameplay is good but if you prefer single player campaigns, forget about it. It's not worth the money. I'm getting tired of the terrible Xbox One platform and consider to throw the ugly piece of s.. out.
  12. Haldir
    Nov 4, 2015
    4
    Campaign had potential, but fell short. AI is beyond retarded. So called rank system is a joke, in the way that people in Diamond and Onyx play similar to the AI; you'd think that as your rank is higher, you'd play with better people. Warzone is fun, but lacks any real motivation. Also, who's idea was it to have gear based on RNG? I enjoyed earning my gear. And I'd rather spend my moneyCampaign had potential, but fell short. AI is beyond retarded. So called rank system is a joke, in the way that people in Diamond and Onyx play similar to the AI; you'd think that as your rank is higher, you'd play with better people. Warzone is fun, but lacks any real motivation. Also, who's idea was it to have gear based on RNG? I enjoyed earning my gear. And I'd rather spend my money elsewhere rather than support some youtubers and the Championship.… Expand
  13. Roditronx
    Oct 29, 2015
    4
    This game is a embarrassment. The graphics are a joke. Campaign is boring. This game is not Halo at all.
    It was tough to play especially when it got intense with multiple enemies and explosions the resolution drop to a point where it was just blurry. The A.I. is very bad and most of the time just stand around lol. Spartan Locke could have been a cool character but fell short. Master Chief    This game is a embarrassment. The graphics are a joke. Campaign is boring. This game is not Halo at all.
    It was tough to play especially when it got intense with multiple enemies and explosions the resolution drop to a point where it was just blurry. The A.I. is very bad and most of the time just stand around lol. Spartan Locke could have been a cool character but fell short. Master Chief felt like a side character. I would wait for a price drop, I wish I did.    … Expand
  14. ajkret
    Nov 5, 2015
    4
    The campaign is short and the story, shallow. There as issues with textures and the ragdoll system is lame.

    The multiplayer has several bugs, like Connection Drops, and the Arena has only 8 players. The Warzone, which was advertised as "fun", has micro-transactions, optional. It is really fun. However Warzone does not work for several regions, like South America, Africa, some parts    The campaign is short and the story, shallow. There as issues with textures and the ragdoll system is lame.

    The multiplayer has several bugs, like Connection Drops, and the Arena has only 8 players.

    The Warzone, which was advertised as "fun", has micro-transactions, optional. It is really fun. However Warzone does not work for several regions, like South America, Africa, some parts of Asia and Oceania. It is really hard to enter in a match (not enough players or some excuse like that).

    343 Industries didn't comment on the subject, but you can check by yourself at the Halowaipoint Forums.    … Expand
  15. GreyFawks
    Nov 5, 2015
    4
    I feel as if i need to write two reviews for this game. The campaign feels so copy paste at times that it really takes away from the already boring characters. The real villain in this game is the fact that there is NO SPLITSCREEN CO-OP STORY. What was once a staple in the franchise is now an afterthought for gamers that can't necessarily spring for a new xbox one but want to play withI feel as if i need to write two reviews for this game. The campaign feels so copy paste at times that it really takes away from the already boring characters. The real villain in this game is the fact that there is NO SPLITSCREEN CO-OP STORY. What was once a staple in the franchise is now an afterthought for gamers that can't necessarily spring for a new xbox one but want to play with their pals. Xbox, or Microsoft I should say further proves that they could care less about the recreational gamer. In their eyes, it's buy a console or GTFO. This in turn creates a more anti social society in which we can't even go to our friends house and play a damn game. So for story mode, HALO 5 gets a big fat goose egg zero out of 10. The multiplayer is okay but it feels chunky and slow and the aiming system is now call of duty so what's the point of having 2 different games?? Just merge the damn things at this point. There is replay value though so multiplayer gets 5 out of 10.… Expand
  16. VicouspenguinXD
    Apr 7, 2016
    4
    The campain is 4 hours long and has almost nothing to do with the master chief. They also introduce new characters into the game for no good reason and they never explain why. The new unlock system for online multiplayer, The REQ system, is one of the most insulting cash grabby unlock systems in a AAA video game. It rewards people who have a lot of patience, or people who have a lot ofThe campain is 4 hours long and has almost nothing to do with the master chief. They also introduce new characters into the game for no good reason and they never explain why. The new unlock system for online multiplayer, The REQ system, is one of the most insulting cash grabby unlock systems in a AAA video game. It rewards people who have a lot of patience, or people who have a lot of money. A good game rewards a skilled player for his hard work and dedication. This game makes you grind and rewards you with random junk you don't even want. Halo Reach did it much better in the past and they did it for free. Some like to justify this garbage system by stating that "it's okay because the DLC is free". That's great, but the "extra content" they're adding for "free", are things that should've been in the game at launch. The game launched without forge, a mode that has been available since halo 3, game modes like,Big team battle,infection,griffball, ect.. Plus half of the 10 actual non forge maps that the game launched with, were just cosmetic variants of the other 5 maps. Same with the DLC maps they so graciously give us for free. Most of them are just maps that are already in the game with a new coat of paint on them. The game also has no split screen or LAN support available, and never will...HALO! With no split screen or LAN.. In the end the game was launched in an unfinished, unacceptable state, and it's a shame that the franchise is being treated so poorly.… Expand
  17. Eg0Centric
    Nov 3, 2015
    4
    Halo 5 has been released, intentionally, half complete.

    Content and customisation options available in the previous titles at launch, are now gated behind microtransactions, and many key elements such as big team battle and split-screen are missing altogether.

    A very disappointing effort from 343.
  18. Fru1t_Ninja_NZ
    Nov 4, 2015
    4
    Honestly, Can't say I was disappointed. I wasn't excited in the slightest after experiencing halo 4 and the master chief collection. There is just too much to complain about this game. It's clear that 343i cannot create a halo game.
  19. Snake_roo
    Oct 30, 2015
    4
    The cammpaign in boring, graphics are not that good. There are a lot of place where you can see they use low resolution. The story is weak. The mp is ok. You can have some fun playing with your friends. I think you should give it a try, but is just an ordinary game.
  20. Tre4
    Nov 3, 2015
    4
    Overall this game was quite a boring campaign, mashed with a extremely competitive side. I there is no casual about this game, and to a standard player's point of view there is no fun for anyone but a competitive player. That just doesn't make a game fun.
  21. Arlo
    Oct 31, 2015
    4
    I bought and played all through the Master Chief Collection with my brother in the lead up to the release of this game only to be let down by no local co-op and a truly lacking storyline. The multiplayer is nice but it doesn't stand out much to me from the Master Chief Collection (after the initial problems I have had no problems online at all) Very disappointed.
  22. kidon0011
    Nov 1, 2015
    4
    It took me less than a day to beat the campaign, and that's just sad. I also felt there was a lot missing from the story (not including all the annoying videos they've been pumping out the past couples years). Every level was just fighting through waves of Prometheans to get to the next level.
    The squad is absolutely useless. It would probably be easier for me to fight things on my own,    It took me less than a day to beat the campaign, and that's just sad. I also felt there was a lot missing from the story (not including all the annoying videos they've been pumping out the past couples years). Every level was just fighting through waves of Prometheans to get to the next level.
    The squad is absolutely useless. It would probably be easier for me to fight things on my own, had enemies not known where I was despite being behind walls. It's basically impossible to flank a hunter now. Speaking of flanking, every difficult enemy in the game has to be shot in the back and the squad does little to aid this. Why are you running around with your pistol out when you have a bigger gun on your back??
    Yes, the game is gorgeous, but much of the environments were pretty repetitive. And you can't even retrace your steps! There was a warning to go back to the battlefield if I went too far.
    I grew up on Halo and love playing with my friend in coop, but this series has just morphed into the inevitable pandering to the multiplayer experience of people who play CoD and Battlefield. I get it, Halo 2 redefined multiplayer online and everyone fell into step. But this game also redefined first person stories on the console. Gone are your companions Cortana and Gunny with wit to add to the dialogue, and now we're left with one dimensional squad characters who are more useless than the marines you fought with against the Flood. I fear I have to turn to RPGs in order to get an actual single player story these days.
    The sick part about this is they left the story wide open for a sequel. Let's reinvent multiplayer again in a new game and go through the same bugs. I would take the scourge of story-DLC over having to pay $60 for another half thought out campaign.    … Expand
  23. sskott
    Nov 1, 2015
    4
    Worst Halo game for its time.

    The aiming is buggy and sensitivity is like no FPS of recent years.

    The colors are far too bright.

    The armor is glossy and far from real.

    The Ai is trash compared to lets say... Destiny.

    The story blows compared to all other Halo games.

    The only positive thing I'll say is that the PVP is somewhat balanced.
  24. YokoMan
    Nov 2, 2015
    4
    No split screen is unacceptable, its as if they forgot what truly made Halo fun and popular. The graphics looked pretty nice and online was pretty cool i guess but i already saw people hacking
  25. th3crown
    Nov 2, 2015
    4
    4 hour campaign, no split screen, completely forgettable story, exactly the same enemies as in halo 4? I hate the direction where games are going about making everything about the multiplayer and totally neglecting the campaign. Totally disappointed with this title, and that is sad because I grew up loving the halo franchise .
  26. Dalworth
    Nov 3, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Halo 5 is not a good game. It's not terrible and doesn't deserve a score of zero but it certainly isn't worth 9 or 10.
    Yes it looks reasonably pretty and it runs at 60 fps. Personally the 60fps bit is nonsense to my mind. I would rather play an 8-bit game that looks awful but is fun to play than this, which simply isn't enjoyable. After the 3rd hour it actually became a chore and that has never happened in any other Halo game.

    The campaign story was basically written by taking the script for I, Robot and changing the names of the characters. The plot is exactly the same, AI protects people by removing their freedoms. A tired and well trodden trope of Sci-fi story telling.

    The new spartans (apart from Buck) are a dull and uninteresting lot and the scripting for them is woeful.
    For example, the blue team call 117 "chief", this is very confusing since he calls all of them by their names, including Fred-104 who is apparently a lieutenant and should by rights be called Sir. This is simply ludicrous when you consider that they were all tortured together since they were 6. I doubt ranks mean much to them when they are alone and yet not one of them ever calls him John.

    The uproar after Halo 2 where Bungie were berated for forcing you to play half the game as the arbiter has apparently been forgotten within Redmond. In this game you play 3/4 of it as some dull random bloke who has all the charisma of a dose of clap.

    However that is saved by the fact the actual play time of the game is 4-5 hours with 1.5 hours removed for cut scenes. It means that the pain of playing this game is lessened because it is insultingly short.
    It took the same amount of time to install the game and the 9Gb update as it did to complete.
    After Halo 4 I recall some random 343 mouth saying they wanted 5 to provide a longer campaign experience after the feedback they received about 4 being short. They obviously forgot that too in the quest for cash. This is shorter than 4.
    The reclaimer trilogy is no longer a trilogy apparently so 6 will obviously be the second half of this game story spun off to make more money.

    Which brings me on to this. I don't do mutli-player at all but the cynic in me does not believe the removal of split screen is due to the 60fps nonsense touted around in interviews. The introduction of the squad based model and removal of split screen smells like an underhanded way to increase xbox live sign ups for 4 player campaigns.
    The only thing 343 care about now is multi-player because xbox live sign ups are where the money is. The campaign is now a side line that they have to throw together to keep the people who play it happy. The story line, script and production values of the single player campaign reflect that lack of interest by 343.

    Essentially what they have done here is taken the point of Halo, thrown it out and made a short, unimaginative, dreary CoD squad shooter clone.
    If I wanted to play a boring squad shooter I would play CoD, and cut out the middle man.

    The only reason I'm not angry about this game being a complete let down is because it came free with the xbone I bought to play Fallout 4 next week. If I had actually spent my money on it I would be livid about how disappointing it was.

    This is not Halo and is not deserving of the title. I feel embarrassed for the people who worked on this that actually care about Halo and the universe around it. The executive decisions that led to this pathetic excuse for a game being released has done them and all the gamers that love Halo a disservice.
    343, get your heads out of your collective holes and face the fact that this is a sub-par campaign and no matter how many 9/10 reviews you buy in the game "press" it will not change the fact that gamers can tell good from bad.
    Halo 6 had better be a good, long stunner of a campaign because you have a LOT of ground to make up if you hope there is chance anyone will care about, or buy, 7.    … Expand
  27. luckymachete
    Nov 2, 2015
    4
    Story is subpar. It is very obvious that little time into developing it. Warzone is ruined by REQ packs and, despite 343 claiming otherwise, they DO have an effect on the game. Being able to unlock power weapons simply because you unlocked a card is not fair or balanced. Arena is plagued by horrible and broken spawn points. Does 343 know how to do matchmaking? Because this is just aStory is subpar. It is very obvious that little time into developing it. Warzone is ruined by REQ packs and, despite 343 claiming otherwise, they DO have an effect on the game. Being able to unlock power weapons simply because you unlocked a card is not fair or balanced. Arena is plagued by horrible and broken spawn points. Does 343 know how to do matchmaking? Because this is just a cluster F*** of people mixed together and not based on skill in any form. Why even put people into ranks? It has zero impact on the matchmaking. As far as I am concerned, Halo died years ago on Reach with the rest of the spartans. Do yourself a favor and avoid this game.… Expand
  28. seand88
    Nov 3, 2015
    4
    Played multiple hours of the game in campaign and multiplayer. The #1 thing is that the multiplayer aiming system is 100% broken and they have not fixed it. 2 years of testing to bring this? The game aiming also functions different on large/small tvs which is very strange.
    The campaign is lackluster and ending is terrible. Game with this budget should have hired a better writer.
    Very    Played multiple hours of the game in campaign and multiplayer. The #1 thing is that the multiplayer aiming system is 100% broken and they have not fixed it. 2 years of testing to bring this? The game aiming also functions different on large/small tvs which is very strange.
    The campaign is lackluster and ending is terrible. Game with this budget should have hired a better writer.
    Very disappointed guess am just looking forward to fallout 4 now.    … Expand
  29. Yevn
    Nov 3, 2015
    4
    It feels like Halo 5 is trying to be like Call of Duty and other high paced first person shooters of the modern era. From making enemies kill you in a few shots to cover based shooting it no longer feels like it belongs in the Halo franchise. AI teamates fail to preform even the most basic of functions oftentimes acting more like cannon fodder than actual allies. This becomes even moreIt feels like Halo 5 is trying to be like Call of Duty and other high paced first person shooters of the modern era. From making enemies kill you in a few shots to cover based shooting it no longer feels like it belongs in the Halo franchise. AI teamates fail to preform even the most basic of functions oftentimes acting more like cannon fodder than actual allies. This becomes even more agitating during the Warden fights making you have to exploit the game (unless you play flawlessly) in order to get by him. There are also numerous scenes where music suddenly stops and dialogues overlap to the point where you can't make out what the characters are saying.

    The multiplayer introduces micro transactions and a card based play system for warzone creating massively lopsided matches, multiple tanks can easily be spawned for the enemy team while you have little to no access to counters (plasma pistol needs to be requisitioned in and cost 2 req points which build up slowly). In addition to this the amount of HP you have is reduced so low that even the magnum will take out any player in a few shots (think of it like the DMR from Reach). Another annoying aspect to warzone is that req builds up based on kills (the rich get richer) almost always resulting in a no comeback game.    … Expand
  30. kbm
    Nov 4, 2015
    4
    With an ad campaign which wasn't met, no split-screen for 'the sake of 60fps', a bland story and characters, and hardly any play time as the MC Master Chief - Halo 5 fails to deliver.
    The Halo series is the reason for my purchase of the new console with no other exclusives capturing my interest, and I can honestly say that as of right now I'm starting to regret the decision entirely.
    I    With an ad campaign which wasn't met, no split-screen for 'the sake of 60fps', a bland story and characters, and hardly any play time as the MC Master Chief - Halo 5 fails to deliver.
    The Halo series is the reason for my purchase of the new console with no other exclusives capturing my interest, and I can honestly say that as of right now I'm starting to regret the decision entirely.
    I can go on about my complaints of this game and series, and where that have been led to but that would just make me even more upset. A fun multiplayer doesn't make up for all the cons the rest of the game brings.
    Don't waste your time if you want a good story or a fun game to play on the couch next to your friends and siblings, Halo 5 is not that game.    … Expand
  31. Browning1918
    Nov 6, 2015
    4
    The campaign was ok but I'm already bored with the multiplayer. You progress so slowly and there was no split screen. I really wanted to like it but I just couldn't get into it.
  32. Maximale
    Nov 7, 2015
    4
    From the Beginning, before the game would come out, I knew it would be bad. How? an exclusive to the XBONE. Games w/ their corporations exclusive to a singular console always are bad, ignore them. In short, this game has a lot of flaws in both the campaign and multiplayer. Campaign has a confusing plot and some enemy types that either have one of the following: Bullet SpongeFrom the Beginning, before the game would come out, I knew it would be bad. How? an exclusive to the XBONE. Games w/ their corporations exclusive to a singular console always are bad, ignore them. In short, this game has a lot of flaws in both the campaign and multiplayer. Campaign has a confusing plot and some enemy types that either have one of the following: Bullet Sponge Technology, Stupid AI, and quite frankly, not the best gameplay. Multiplayer has a lack of modes and you will get killed instantly. I have found plenty of people hacking and things of the sort. if you want a semi comporable shooter for the next gen, get Black Ops III.… Expand
  33. edison400
    Nov 7, 2015
    4
    Feels like a below average campaign. Too short. online co-op wouldn't work for me and a friend when using the same router in the same building. Also feel a bit cheated that hunt the truth, spartan ops, and the added cut-scenes to Halo 2 for the anniversary, doesn't connect to story either at all or just not very well.
  34. DukeSilver
    Nov 10, 2015
    4
    Halo 5: Guardians now holds the record for smallest amount of content ever at the release of a game. No split screen. No game types other than campaign and multiplayer. No forge. None of the classic multiplayer game types that halo is known for.

    The campaign is terrible and completely forgettable in every way imaginable. It is the most simplistic and dumbed down campaign in the series    Halo 5: Guardians now holds the record for smallest amount of content ever at the release of a game. No split screen. No game types other than campaign and multiplayer. No forge. None of the classic multiplayer game types that halo is known for.

    The campaign is terrible and completely forgettable in every way imaginable. It is the most simplistic and dumbed down campaign in the series so far. It doesn't compare to that of Halo CE or Halo 3 in any way.

    Multiplayer has maybe 4 or 5 gametypes that are worth playing, and most of the time they are so lopsided it basically cancels out anything positive about them. Warzone is so dull I often forget what the point of it is.

    The menus in the game look like they were copy and pasted from the beta. Some people may not think this matters but I think it is representative of the problems this game has as a whole. Often when opening up the menus, it shows someone else's Spartan instead of your own. A minor glitch that happens way to often.    … Expand
  35. xjamanam0
    Nov 13, 2015
    4
    My Boyfriend and I are BIG Halo fans and when we noticed that the story wasn't co-op for the same console we were very disappointed. Playing together was a tradition plus the NPC's that where on your team where horrible, you tell them to shoot a target and they end up just walking around while you get shot at.

    The story line was WAY TO SHORT AND MISLEADING!! Please tell me how you can    My Boyfriend and I are BIG Halo fans and when we noticed that the story wasn't co-op for the same console we were very disappointed. Playing together was a tradition plus the NPC's that where on your team where horrible, you tell them to shoot a target and they end up just walking around while you get shot at.

    The story line was WAY TO SHORT AND MISLEADING!! Please tell me how you can have a trailer about Locke and Chief going against each other, and yet its not even really like that. Threw me way off. The ending was horrible, (reminded me of the ending in mass effect 3 BUT mass effect 3 was wayyy better) We came up with a better story for the 5th Halo form our hypothesis based off the trailer.

    Hey Microsoft if you are looking for some help on a better story/ending hit me up I got you.    … Expand
  36. natty637
    May 10, 2017
    4
    I'm only going to talk about Halo 5 from a single player standpoint. The campaign is a massive let down for several reasons. First of which is that you only play as Master Chief for 3-4 missions. Second is a requirement of knowing the expanded lore from books, comics, etc. Boss battle with Warden Eternal gets very repetitive over the course of the game. I hope the person who wrote theI'm only going to talk about Halo 5 from a single player standpoint. The campaign is a massive let down for several reasons. First of which is that you only play as Master Chief for 3-4 missions. Second is a requirement of knowing the expanded lore from books, comics, etc. Boss battle with Warden Eternal gets very repetitive over the course of the game. I hope the person who wrote the narrative for Halo 5's campaign is not working on Halo 6. If he is, than the franchise is in serious trouble.… Expand
  37. DaBritishyankee
    Dec 5, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Coming from Halo 4, this game is a definite step down. Whereas Halo 4 expanded the universe and developed Chief and Cortana on a much more intimate level, this game felt rushed. The split between Lock and Chief resulted in me not feeling attached to either character. By adding Chief's team, I feel like there was less focus on any character at all. The plot progression was minimal. Basically, Lock chases Chief, Chief runs away a few times, and Cortana's doing something completely out of character. Just when the story is about to get interesting, it ends. Overall, if you're looking for a quality game with a good story, look somewhere else.

    Despite a completely disappointing campaign, the game-play was reasonably good. It didn't add anything new, but otherwise it was acceptable. I haven't played Multi-player, because I don't care enough about it to pay for a subscription each month.    … Expand
  38. devonsplatters
    Dec 13, 2015
    4
    Though the playing was amazing. graphics and game play was awesome. i'm gonna return the game because i mainly bought it to do coop campain on my xbox. on this version they make you buy xbox live and you cant do split screen play unless the other person also has a live account. STUPID! i'm gonna say FAIL XBOX!! the main reason i wanted an xbox one instead of a ps4 is because i love halo soThough the playing was amazing. graphics and game play was awesome. i'm gonna return the game because i mainly bought it to do coop campain on my xbox. on this version they make you buy xbox live and you cant do split screen play unless the other person also has a live account. STUPID! i'm gonna say FAIL XBOX!! the main reason i wanted an xbox one instead of a ps4 is because i love halo so much but it was awful.… Expand
  39. Coffeelady
    Dec 28, 2015
    4
    I cannot even begin to tell you how upset I am. I spent $75 on a single game and then it took three days to install and update. I was thinking okay it will be worth it. My son and I were both excited to play. Then we get ready and sorry no split screen. Yes I should have read the back of the game carefully first but who would've thought. I have read a lot of the complaints and I have toI cannot even begin to tell you how upset I am. I spent $75 on a single game and then it took three days to install and update. I was thinking okay it will be worth it. My son and I were both excited to play. Then we get ready and sorry no split screen. Yes I should have read the back of the game carefully first but who would've thought. I have read a lot of the complaints and I have to say most of them are right on the nose. Even though I could not play I watched my son because I was interested in the story line. I am so disappointed. I think the thing that upsets me the most though, and many people may not agree with this but, the fact that you cannot sit with a friend or three and play alongside each other crammed onto the couch, laughing, giggling and yelling in a frenzy of excitement and fun or the boys begging "mom" to play because I am a kick ass sniper. As a parent I try to limit the amount of electronic time my son has and when the boys come over they are allowed to play for a bit and then sent outside for some time with nature. But now in order for him to play his most favorite game and one of mine with his friends they have to own and xbox one and halo 5 and be in their own homes. None of them have an Xbox one, they all own PS4. Truthfully I bought the xbox one just for Halo 5. I feel like I have made a huge mistake. I am not sure who makes the decisions when you design these games but I do not agree that completely eliminating split screen play to get a better picture or whatever it was I read was the reason was worth it. Halo 4 was perfectly fine playing split screen. When you have a game series the next game is suppose to be amazing compared to the last. Unfortunately Halo 4 is better in leaps and bounds compared to Halo 5. Get it together Microsoft or I may just have to trade it all in. I hate to say that because I have been an avid supporter of Microsoft but when it comes down to it, as a parent we buy what makes our kids, and ourselves happy.… Expand
  40. DonCheech
    Jan 6, 2016
    4
    What Garbage!!!! Its amazing that after several years this is whats produced. There is nothing new here. Nothing.. I mean, really? At the very least mix up the weapons a bit. The same guns on both sides? Sound effects awful.... When I shoot I want to hear BASS not a tin can.
  41. neojedi
    Jan 18, 2016
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First, SPOILERS BELOW!!!

    I'm sorry: every Halo until this one has been great - I was most nervous about Halo 4, as it was 343's first entry into the series...and they delivered! Well, mostly: the Prometheans were an interesting conceit, the Didact was...imposing although I would have liked more character development or menace, and the Campaign levels were solid. As a sidenote: I only play the Campaign, rarely mutliplayer (I don't have the time (or patience) to spend honing my MP skills...SP has been just GREAT until now.

    Then this mess.

    My issues:
    -you're BARELY the Chief in the game: Bungie did the "Arbiter switch out" for Halo 2, but it felt balanced, and it contextually made sense with the story and the 3rd party (Flood) as a threat - Locke seems like a good character, but the "head-to-head" matchup promised by the marketing didn't come to fruition except for a painful-to-watch hand-to-hand CG fight
    -The story - just...bad, man. There's some tacked-on "hunt" that made no sense: Chief is ignoring UNSC orders and going after Cortana with just his squad...even though he discovers she's an enemy now and could, you know, contact them...why not go back to Infinity and explain what he saw? He's pretty much a lawbringer after saving the galaxy...? No...this story is confusing as hell, the motivations of the characters are unclear, and it does nothing to build on the Haloverse
    -The continuity - I had expected something related to the end of Halo 4; the only thread to it is the Prometheans are still enemies and are...helping the AIs to, uh, take over and police the galaxy in order to...er...stop war...? Or, er, defend against the Flood returning...? Or...?
    -The marketing - in their first trailer, Chief is covered in some robe walking across the desert, a Guardian rises up and...none of that is in the game or predating the game or, well, anything...I was expecting something to have happened to Earth (remember the end of Halo 4 when the Didact dropped...something on the ground and the soldiers were warily approaching it...? Wha' hoppen?)
    -the squad AI...the goddamned squad AI - I'd played the first level and though, "hunh...Republic Commando...?" then read online that the Producer produced RC back in the day and I was looking forward to it: RC was fun and I had hoped for a sequel...your squad had snappy banter, and each had a unique function. Most importantly, they LISTENED TO YOUR COMMANDS. These AI are f***ing RETARDED. They don't stay put, they run into a hail of plasma for no reason, they don't have any variety of capability, and they don't have much command variety. If there's a "worst thing" about this game, it's your squad AI...
    -guns felt uniform - action didn't seem varied
    -Boss battles were repetitive, ESPECIALLY the 3x Eternal Warden one on The Breaking - he wasn't menacing and seemed to have no purpose in the story except to sound English and have a stupid "Mario 64" bubble exposed on his back as a weak point
    -levels were boring - it felt like being channeled from one multiplayer arena to the next - little variation between levels, very few surprises

    The only plusses I saw were:
    -Cortana as the villain - I was Ok with this: it was a nice plot twist to have her turn on humanity: shades of Dr. Halsey's arrogance mixed with an AI's immortality
    -the AI threat revealed at the end - it's going to be interesting to see how this plays out in Halo 6: AIs in the Haloverse control slipspace jumps, complex installations, planetary defenses, almost everything...if they jump ship to become a totalitarian regime, how does the UNSC fight that while crippled by their betrayal?

    If they can make a story out of that that makes sense, Halo 6 might be good...after 5, though, for the first time EVER, I'm going to wait for it to drop in price.

    Ugh. So disappointed. This is one of my favorite series and this is just a big ole turd in what was supposed to be a promising new era...    … Expand
  42. kingporky5
    Mar 24, 2016
    4
    The campaign was long in comparison to Halo 4 but the story was lacking, you spend a majority of the time play as agent Locke who's character can't seem to make up his mind on his personality. I didn't mind Locke overall but I would have liked to have seen more of the Master Chief.
    The movement in the game feels better than Halo 4 and much less mechanical however I am not a fan of the    The campaign was long in comparison to Halo 4 but the story was lacking, you spend a majority of the time play as agent Locke who's character can't seem to make up his mind on his personality. I didn't mind Locke overall but I would have liked to have seen more of the Master Chief.
    The movement in the game feels better than Halo 4 and much less mechanical however I am not a fan of the spartan charge ability. It's annoying to come up against and it's annoying to use. Are you going for the assassination but need to sprint to catch up? No assassination spartan charge. It's also far too easy to charge someone knock them back and head shot even if they were shooting as you charged. I don't mind the other abilities, the slam is hard to land as its easily dodged with the thruster back and takes quite a while to charge up during which time you can easily be shot down.
    The multiplayer is a bit of a let down for me the lack of social playlists is a let down as I don't want to constantly play ranked games to enjoy some of the classic game types like slayer and swat. There's at most three social playlists at a time (big team, griffball and whatever the special playlist is at the time). I'd prefer if they brought back team social, social slayer and maybe make some of the new game modes available in unranked playlists. The ranking system also needs something similar to Halo 3's where at most the people in the lobby will be 10 above or below your skill rating as having your rank go down because you got matched with silvers against platinum and diamond players.
    Warzone and the requisition system are my biggest problems with this game. There should be arena specific requisition packs and warzone specific req packs that you can buy with credits not spend your money on. I have little to no interest in constantly getting weapon certifications when I'm looking to get armor. I also can't stand the fact that warzone matches are decided almost entirely by how good your teams late game requisitions are in comparison to the enemy teams. I also hate that you're only informed of a base being captured if you're close enough on the map it's a ridiculous feature that serves no purpose other than for you to go "What when did they get a second base?". I also hate that the legendary bosses can be stolen by the enemy from half the map away with a battle rifle or chaingun or anything that has some range and fires more than one shot rapidly. I'm not sure how they could fix this problem, maybe a zone around the boss that you can damage them from similar to games like smite and league of legends.
    Overall the game isn't bad it's just average. Occasionally you'll have good moments in the multiplayer that'll make you feel like the game is good and you'll have an equal amount of moments where you'll think the game is terrible. The multiplayer is much more enjoyable with friends as when you play with random players you'll quickly learn there's no limit to peoples stupidity. The campaign does very little for the game I played through it alone and with friends and with friends is better but it's still a very average campaign with a slightly lacking story line.    … Expand
  43. Youngmetro
    Jul 30, 2020
    4
    After seeing halo infinite I came back to replay this game and it still sucks .Mechanically there some good but the story is awful, multiplayer with the req packs might be worse and this game story being such an outlier hurts halo 4 in retrospect
  44. WindyB
    Jan 2, 2018
    4
    Fairly boring single player. The multiplayer is generally very good, except for one big flaw: their best game mode is essentially pay to win. Other players can pay to have more tanks and better guns more frequently.
  45. Hotrod192
    May 27, 2016
    4
    Terrible story written by terrible writer? Check. Lack of features? Check. No splitscreen? Check. Mostly terrible art style, with bland, overly common human environments and terrible armour? Check. Free monthly "DLC" that adds useless skins and non-original maps? Check. Gameplay that, while fun, caters far too much to the professional gamers crowd and doesn't allow for social play,Terrible story written by terrible writer? Check. Lack of features? Check. No splitscreen? Check. Mostly terrible art style, with bland, overly common human environments and terrible armour? Check. Free monthly "DLC" that adds useless skins and non-original maps? Check. Gameplay that, while fun, caters far too much to the professional gamers crowd and doesn't allow for social play, creating a very frustrating multiplayer experience for anybody who isn't super competitive? Also check!

    343i releases, yet again, a completely disappointing product, proving that they are not worth handling the Halo franchise. After three years of hype, Halo 5 has become nothing but a disappointment. Having been very excited for every new entry in the past, I now find myself wondering if I'll even buy Halo 6. This is the third disappointing product that the company has released, and unless things start to look better for Halo 6, the fall of the Halo franchise is clear. R.I.P. my beloved franchise.    … Expand
  46. bmetivier2000
    Aug 22, 2016
    4
    Gameplay:
    -Fast
    - Too much Action -Guns feel weak - Vehicles dont feel satisfying to drive -HUD is annoying and feels like it takes up the entire screen -Too many sounds coming from HUD -awkward controls Story: -Too much going on at one time, feels like i dont get a break to rest. I felt like i was always shooting something and this go extremely repetitive -Felt very confused    Gameplay:
    -Fast
    - Too much Action
    -Guns feel weak
    - Vehicles dont feel satisfying to drive
    -HUD is annoying and feels like it takes up the entire screen
    -Too many sounds coming from HUD
    -awkward controls

    Story:
    -Too much going on at one time, feels like i dont get a break to rest. I felt like i was always shooting something and this go extremely repetitive
    -Felt very confused first time playing and i actually had to research what the story was about. And this is coming from someone who has played all halos and knows story like the back of my hand.
    -Left a huge cliffhanger at the end. I usually dont mind a good cliffhanger but this one felt bad and i wanted to know just a bit more.
    - overall the story was confusing, and felt empty, like something was right. I hated what they did with cortana, not like the halo i know.
    Multiplayer:
    - The mulitplayer is the best out of the whole game but its still not very fun.
    - Multiplayer feels extremely like call of duty and i was left wanting some halo gameplay after every match but never got any.
    - Never got interested in playing the new modes.
    - Never found my self playing too much of the multiplayer and just quit playing after a short time
    Overall this game was very disappointing and i was pretty angry considering i spent $120 on the legendary edition and didnt get much. Wouldn't recommend forking out the money for it but if your interested in the story i would recommend just looking up a play through of it on youtube.    … Expand
  47. HaloFromMetroid
    Oct 10, 2016
    4
    Granted that this game does have some redeeming values that I enjoyed, the bad outweighs the good in Halo 5's situation.

    Being that I've been a fan since the beginning of the franchise and have pledged my loyalty to the saga, I find it necessary to add my thoughts. Halo shaped my childhood and I simply cannot let Halo 5 off the hook, nor 343i. I should state that I am no exception when    Granted that this game does have some redeeming values that I enjoyed, the bad outweighs the good in Halo 5's situation.

    Being that I've been a fan since the beginning of the franchise and have pledged my loyalty to the saga, I find it necessary to add my thoughts. Halo shaped my childhood and I simply cannot let Halo 5 off the hook, nor 343i. I should state that I am no exception when it came to being hyped for this game; I spent quite some time rewatching the trailers and dreaming of its release since the debut at E3 all the way up to my purchase. And I admit, I enjoyed it immensely while I played it... at least, for a little bit. The more I played it, the more I realized how much the game was less and less a 'Halo' game (speaking symbolically of course) and how much more of a money-grinding system was present; aside from putting the player first, it was a cash-grab. The REQ system stole away the player's ability to level up throughout the game's experience and unlock cosmetics as their spartan progressed in ranking. Speaking of experience, any purpose to the XP system is nil. It seems that the only thing XP signifies in this game is the time spent in-game. Which makes me question why the XP Boosts are present, there's no reason for them. And without a proper unlocking system, there's no value in the armor you receive. Instead of "Oh man, that guy's wearing (so 'n so) armor! He must have worked really hard to achieve that" it's "Huh, he's got (so 'n so) armor, he must have got lucky when opening a gold REQ." It destroys a fundamental community aspect that once gave Halo a soul to its fanbase. It hurts me beyond belief and without it, there's no feedback when I play leaving me to lose interest very quickly. It's easier to ignore if you're having fun with friends while playing, but the system still stirs speculative discussion in party chat and makes us long for the old days of Halo when it had so much spirit.

    SPOILERS HERE:
    There's not much I can say about the mediocre campaign that hasn't been said already. I did enjoy it all the way up to the fight with Locke and Chief and, upon further investigation, Master Chief's fighting skills are nothing like they should be. I've read every novel and comic to follow in the Halo lore and Chief is illustrated to be so much faster a bulkier when it comes to combat. So why is he so pathetic here? Locke isn't an exception, either. There are so many illogical scenes in this campaign that it hurts me physically and I hate to see Halo fall so short. Brian Reed either needs to step up his writing game or 343i needs to hire someone else, desperately. For more, just watch The Act Man's 4 (or 5) part video series on why Halo 5's campaign is so bad. There are definite spoilers, so watch at your own discretion.

    That's pretty much it, though. I'd hate to think that 343i won't learn from their mistakes and make Halo 6 better. In fact, the next installation of the series simply must be a masterpiece at this point if 343i wants to redeem themselves. I don't see where they went wrong, the trailers looked so good. But it was sadly all lies :( My theory is that Halo 5 is a filler game to ensure Halo 6's success, considering that it'll apparently be the last time we see Chief in Halo. But hey, whatever happens, happens. Right?    … Expand
  48. Noxtace
    Dec 4, 2016
    4
    One of the most disappointing games in the Halo franchise. What happened to the originality from the Halo franchise? Playing this game feels like a generic futuristic sci-fi FPS game. I can tell 343 cares about this franchise, but it's not putting much effort into the game; this game feels like it has no heart and no passion. 343 ruined Master Chief, he was always this lone-wolf, who wouldOne of the most disappointing games in the Halo franchise. What happened to the originality from the Halo franchise? Playing this game feels like a generic futuristic sci-fi FPS game. I can tell 343 cares about this franchise, but it's not putting much effort into the game; this game feels like it has no heart and no passion. 343 ruined Master Chief, he was always this lone-wolf, who would mostly do things on his own with his companion, Cortana. Now, it's this blue team,red team **** And Spartan Locke, god I hate him, one of the most annoying and boring characters ever. I don't think 343 will ever be able to revive the glory Halo once had. What a shame.… Expand
  49. ViniVillela
    Jul 4, 2019
    4
    It´s the worst Halo. If you are not a hardcore fan, maybe you will enjoy it. The campaign has a terrible story, with characters that are not developed, and it destroys the awesome story H4 accomplished. The gameplay is generic, taking off what makes Halo unique, level design is ridiculous linear, killing the sandbox. The only merits are the graphics.
  50. TheRealDrone
    Jan 19, 2018
    4
    Average video game that falls extremely short for a game of the Halo franchise. Poor and lack-luster campaign, a completely different and poorly executed multiplayer, and heavily implemented microtransactions plague this games rating. Launch barely had any content. Most "Free DLC" maps are made by the community or are blatant reskins of old or already-existing maps.
  51. mickleshiv
    Mar 29, 2018
    4
    campaign is in every way terrible, micro-transaction system, bunch of useless items in the weapon and vehicle sandboxes, **** ui, missing a lot of things that were in previous halo games that is basically just thrown in through free updates after release (like why didn't this **** just come with the game in the first place?), warzone was fun for maybe two months, bull**** ranking system,campaign is in every way terrible, micro-transaction system, bunch of useless items in the weapon and vehicle sandboxes, **** ui, missing a lot of things that were in previous halo games that is basically just thrown in through free updates after release (like why didn't this **** just come with the game in the first place?), warzone was fun for maybe two months, bull**** ranking system, no regular firefight (only warzone firefight), no elements of polish whatsoever so the game is filled with disgusting glitches, most new mechanics added make the gameplay feel unlike a halo game (seriously feels like this could've been a different ip from 343 industries and they just slapped the halo name on it), soulless map design so every map is unmemorable at best, no split-screen

    the only thing this game really has going for it is the forge (which wasn't present at launch), the custom games, infection (also not present at launch), and, sometimes, warzone firefight. pretty much it though. the case with this game is that the negatives highly outnumber the positives.    … Expand
  52. Felesh-Warrior
    Dec 4, 2020
    4
    Bad campaign. Decent multiplayer. I dont buy halo for multiplayer. This was a mess. If this was sony publishing halo 343 would be gone.
  53. PalpetineSheev
    Mar 20, 2020
    4
    What a colossal disappointment. Story: awful. Multiplayer: weakest yet. Characters: Terrible. Lack of split screen: Wwwwhhhhyyyyyyyyy??????? What the hell were they thinking, man?
  54. Shatterfish
    Apr 2, 2019
    4
    The poster child of “Souless Corporate Games”, Halo 5 is one of the saddest falls from grace I have ever had the misfortune to witness.
    Technically functional but devoid of all personality, heart, and soul that made the original trilogy such a massive success. Halo 5 is what happens when a publisher prioritizes HOW and game plays over, and at the expense, of everything else in the title.    The poster child of “Souless Corporate Games”, Halo 5 is one of the saddest falls from grace I have ever had the misfortune to witness.
    Technically functional but devoid of all personality, heart, and soul that made the original trilogy such a massive success. Halo 5 is what happens when a publisher prioritizes HOW and game plays over, and at the expense, of everything else in the title.
    Visual wise it’s an absolute mess. It’s hard to tell enemy ranks apart, and sometimes even different enemy species apart. Most of the vehicles and armor look like they were designed for the 14 year old Mountain Dew guzzler demographic while completely smashing established lore and canon.
    I guess the point I’m dancing around is that this just doesn’t FEEL like a Halo game; it’s lost everything that made it different and special, all of it replaced with a generic and predictable plot filled with bland and unlikable characters.
    Had this game been made with something other than a Halo skin slapped over the top of it I would probably have enjoyed it a lot more, but as it stands it’s frankly an insult to the previous trilogy of games.
    If they could somehow combine the story and lore of Halo 3 with the mechanics of Halo 5 it would be the best Halo game ever made, hands down.
    Sadly, however, Microsoft and 343 made all of the wrong choices when it came to Halo 5.    … Expand
  55. ElBarto1992
    Jul 20, 2020
    4
    Too bold for its own good. Feels like it’s gotten way too far from the first 3 games in terms of campaign as well as multiplayer. The story feels empty. Too many characters and not enough development. Side note: when are they going to stop changing Cortanas face...
  56. NerfShooter101
    Mar 29, 2020
    4
    They took away the thing that makes the mainline Halo games Halo for over half the game, however, the graphics are incredible.
  57. AsalCristian
    Jun 25, 2020
    4
    Es de los juegos más decepcionantes que he jugado. De una franquicia tan buena no puedes cagarla así.
    Gráficos: 6/10
    Jugabilidad: 7/10
    Historia: 2/10
  58. Kio22
    Jun 16, 2022
    4
    This is just a bad game. The story is all fluff no substance with tons of shock and awe to no real affect. 90% of the characters are wasted or made worse than they were in the previous game like blue team who feel more like set pieces around chief than his actual friends. Music is forgettable, I honestly can't remember any of the music from this game when I try to think of it right now.This is just a bad game. The story is all fluff no substance with tons of shock and awe to no real affect. 90% of the characters are wasted or made worse than they were in the previous game like blue team who feel more like set pieces around chief than his actual friends. Music is forgettable, I honestly can't remember any of the music from this game when I try to think of it right now. Pacing of the nonexistent story is just all over the place with no real feel of direction or purpose. The reuse of a boss fight 4-5 times is one of many things that shows the laziness behind this game. The gun play while not bad feels weird and not very Halo, there was really no reason to change it like they did. Weapons feel like they have no power and enemies all feel very much the same and uninspired in this game. The level design is the only thing in this game that is cool and fun to look at. I would recommend skipping this games campaign you aren't missing anything. :(… Expand
  59. Justareviewer21
    Jul 19, 2020
    4
    Excuse me, what a **** is this, the story is bad, just that, really bad, the gameplay is decent, the AI is awful, and the multiplayer is good, but i play halo for the campaign, and this game didn’t deliver in any way
  60. Switchtheflip
    Aug 26, 2020
    4
    I honestly want to give this game a 0 but it still is Halo so that alone bumps it up to 4 but that being said it doesn't feel like Halo. Nor did Halo 4 but good lord advanced mobility with the sliding, spartan charge, pound and all that nonsense is so lame. Also, SPRINTING DOES NOT AND SHALL NEVER BELONG IN HALO. The beauty of past halo games is that they followed the same mechanics andI honestly want to give this game a 0 but it still is Halo so that alone bumps it up to 4 but that being said it doesn't feel like Halo. Nor did Halo 4 but good lord advanced mobility with the sliding, spartan charge, pound and all that nonsense is so lame. Also, SPRINTING DOES NOT AND SHALL NEVER BELONG IN HALO. The beauty of past halo games is that they followed the same mechanics and art style. This game abused the franchise even worse than 4 did. The art style makes the Spartans look like power rangers and the elites look like fat morons. The guns look and sound lame. That is not nostalgia talking because loads of games nowadays got great gun sounds but the crime that was perpetrated against the Battle Rifle for example is unforgivable. It looks bad and sounds horrible. Multiplayer is for try-hards and sucks the fun out of couch co-op. SPEAKING OF WHICH, WHERE IS CO-OP. YEAH THATS REALLY REALLY STUPID TO TAKE OUT OF WHAT KICKED OFF THE MULTIPLAYER FROM COMBAT EVOLVED IN THE FIRST PLACE. I really want 343 to do well but recent games have been severely lacking. Please sweet sweet 343 don't mess up Infinite. Also I know this probably won't happen but nonetheless, HIRE MARTY O'DONNELL.… Expand
  61. Dom007
    Mar 13, 2021
    4
    Another franchise ruining game. I still remember the disappointment of halo 5 when I played it back in 2015 as person who grew up with the halo franchise.
    Halo 5 has such a poorly written story that is such a slog to get through and 99% of the characters aside from the ones from the older games are just unlikeable (particularly some of the ones you fight alongside). Not only that they    Another franchise ruining game. I still remember the disappointment of halo 5 when I played it back in 2015 as person who grew up with the halo franchise.
    Halo 5 has such a poorly written story that is such a slog to get through and 99% of the characters aside from the ones from the older games are just unlikeable (particularly some of the ones you fight alongside). Not only that they ended up totally ruining some of the characters from the older games. Giving them very questionable dialogue (another issue with the game) and totally ruining their involvement in the story (which is already bad).
    The gameplay Is also average and not very fun, I will give a bit of credit for the environments and graphics though.

    And finally the games ending sucked. It made hardly any sense to me. 343 better make up for this with halo infinite.    … Expand
  62. StudentCritic20
    Apr 7, 2022
    4
    Only good thing for awhile is multiplayer. Campaign was horrible, it took me years to finish it, not because it was challenging, but because it was so bad I didn't want to play. They changed a lot of gameplay into what feels like another game entirely.
  63. UlyssesM
    May 1, 2021
    4
    Naff single player, naff multiplayer. Not much else to say. 343 should go make other games. They’ve failed consistently to ever make a good Halo. They will never be Bungie.
  64. Lynconlau
    May 2, 2021
    4
    Halo, muita gente “gava” esse jogo como se fosse o melhor do mundo. Eu baixei, entrei e comecei a jogar, digamos que foi um dos maiores arrependimentos que eu fiz em toda a minha vida. Eu creio que a empresa tinha recursos suficientes para melhorar o gráfico e a “ideia” do jogo.

    Em quesito de jogabilidade, está ótimo. A interação das armas são boas, mas apenas isso, mais nada.
  65. Dead-Son
    May 3, 2021
    4
    Absolutely ruined master chiefs character. After building a character for over 15 years, you’ve made him look like a weak old man in front of locke etc. Campaign was awful but the gunplay was the best ever in halo, multiplayer was pretty fun as well.
  66. MichaelsonMike
    Aug 4, 2021
    4
    Halo 5 is a mean spirited game.

    At the date of this review, it has been almost 10 years since the launch of 343i first game Halo 4 and the series are on the verge of irrelevancy. Halo 5 is one of the culprits of such damage. The campaign is a miserable, forgettable experience. Famous characters are left aside in favor of 343i original creations, all of which are unmemorable or    Halo 5 is a mean spirited game.

    At the date of this review, it has been almost 10 years since the launch of 343i first game Halo 4 and the series are on the verge of irrelevancy.

    Halo 5 is one of the culprits of such damage.

    The campaign is a miserable, forgettable experience.
    Famous characters are left aside in favor of 343i original creations, all of which are unmemorable or annoying. The reason behind this decision is most likely greed to either sell new merchandise based on the new characters or to stop paying any form of previous royalty if any, nothing else can excuse the way the titular character Master Chief was sided.

    What could had been an impressive visual direction was soiled by unnecessary lightning effects and flares that make the game look like an eyesore at all times. Prepare to use sunglasses if you ever play this abomination.

    The story is stupid to say the least, previous characters are handled poorly to give new characters a chance to shine but that chance is wasted as all new characters are unappealing and lack the charisma to carry on the plot. Mercifully, you can sprint for most of these levels, sadly over 80% of the game is about these new reprehensible characters.

    Every character, enemy and NPC is over designed to the point they are unrecognizable which is a huge mistake in a FPS. Prepare to confuse enemies a lot.

    The music pales in comparison to Martin O’Donnell original score for the franchise but still the only saving grace of this game.

    The multiplayer modes are heavily monetized and the game insist on a pay to win model on top of the price of entry which is unforgivable for any game and a larger insult for a franchise like Halo. I sincerely feel sorry for anyone who pre-ordered this game.

    While the game is on itself competent, if it was an original entry on a new franchise I would say the game is mediocre at best but as a new Halo entry or even worse a system seller, Halo 5 is a grievance.

    4 out of 10 still feels generous.    … Expand
  67. HanTrooper23
    Apr 11, 2022
    4
    I mean don't get me wrong it is a halo game and they are really good but this one it's boring. but it is fun though, it has good graphics and there are lots of Easter eggs but the same time i haven't really finished it. The controls are confusing, the story did make sense. here is just one of the few videos about why it is so bad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwwyb_5jJHc.
  68. TheRuggedEagle
    Sep 1, 2023
    4
    They lied about the story and all that remains is a sad joke like, ooh you thought? Hahahaha… no. Ever since Bungie left to make dEsTiNy 1 and poo & 343 took over IT.IS.NOT.HALO
  69. SrSpock
    Nov 5, 2015
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 1 - Warden Eternal, repetitive choice for this character seems to have left a last minute idea box, someone left this part for last so after a storm of stupid ideas a stupid any decided that this was the solution to bridge the gap . And the stupid said "We repeat the Warden 5x Eternal" and how is not enough, let's close the game with his presence again. The game became boring, annoying repetitive with this opponent.
    2 - Whose idea was it to by Cortana against humans? It will be ridiculous if you evoke the Mendicant Bias or Flood to justify the support of cortana human again.
    3 - Cade chief? Where you stuck the Chief? Not evoke the Halo Reach to explain that Halo survive without the Chief because that work was exceptional to explain the gaps, with a colossal story to be explored, you decided to opt for a story where the Chief is not the protagonist, Chief was turned into a mere representative of his own existence, and not the face itself.
    4 Again, where is the Chief?
    5 - Please kill the Spartan Lock character in some comic book launched between any before the release of Halo 6, or cause him to die in some Roard Star, send it to look for a Criptum any forgotten. Nothing against the actor, all against Spartan Lock.
    6 - I have to say, the musical work is flawless, perfect.
    7 - Graphics great, but again I do not want Graphics want a solid history with the Master Chief.
    Summary: Disappointed.
    Sorry mistakes, English is not my native language.

    I play all Halo. I have many hours of play and story    … Expand
  70. Zucheto
    Feb 18, 2016
    3
    I initially gave the game a good review, but I'm taking back those remarks. I haven't played through campaign but heard it was crap.. I only review Halo for the multiplayer.. I think warzone is a really cool, fun, new idea which is why the game gets a 3.. However, the slayer maps are so gd f***ing bad, I can't rate this game any higher. They must have hired some idiot who designed maps forI initially gave the game a good review, but I'm taking back those remarks. I haven't played through campaign but heard it was crap.. I only review Halo for the multiplayer.. I think warzone is a really cool, fun, new idea which is why the game gets a 3.. However, the slayer maps are so gd f***ing bad, I can't rate this game any higher. They must have hired some idiot who designed maps for Call of Duty and put him to work for Halo.. They are all so freaking tiny and all the exact same.. Gone are all the Halo maps that you loved and remember from any other game.. You will never feel excited about a map coming up because they all suck so bad. I can't stand it.. It's all close quarter bull crap. I like the feel of the gunplay, but until they fix the maps, this game is absolute garbage.… Expand
  71. Silentwalker
    Nov 7, 2015
    3
    Here I was hoping for an amazing campaign and awesome multiplayer yet here I am giving the game a 3/10. Why? Because it didn't live up to the hype or expectations and what we got was a half-baked campaign at best and a multiplayer where aiming feels like you're shooting at ghosts that aren’t there and connecting to servers outside your region results in many missed kills because hitsHere I was hoping for an amazing campaign and awesome multiplayer yet here I am giving the game a 3/10. Why? Because it didn't live up to the hype or expectations and what we got was a half-baked campaign at best and a multiplayer where aiming feels like you're shooting at ghosts that aren’t there and connecting to servers outside your region results in many missed kills because hits wouldn't register.

    Turns out 343 decided to remove the region restrictions, matching Aussies with Americans. And as someone living in Australia if you're connecting to a server in America you're not going to have a good time with a ping over 200ms.

    The single player story sucked, it left you with a Halo 2 style ending and left many players thinking, wait *Spoilers* *Spoilers*
    Cortana is the bad guy now? What? *Spoilers* *Spoilers*

    Locke is just as strong as chief when the chief should have been beat down in less than 5 seconds. Hmm. The campaign felt linear and very repetitive too. You fight the same boss over 6 times! Amazing.

    And why am I only playing as the Chief for 2 levels? Wow that sucks. At least it's a long campaign... Oh wait, I finished it in less than 6 hours. /sigh

    The multiplayer levels feel very poorly designed where jumping off accidentally happens a lot, and spawning at the edge of the level facing the outside boundaries don't help. And don't get me started on the broken spawning. Just hope that you don't spawn in the same location more than twice or you're going to give the enemy team an easy win.

    The aiming as I said is terrible, the removed all the auto aim from the previous halo games and implemented their own bullet magnetism. So if you aim near then you're going to hit them anyway regardless if you're reticule isn't actually on your target.

    Warzone feels like Pay to Win, I've opened over 20 packs and yet to see any heavy drops like scorpions or wraiths. All I've got are Mongoose and Ghosts. Where if you decide do drop your hard earnt money you're more likely to get these heavy armored vehicles.

    But one you use them they're gone forever so the cycle continues! I guess they need to feed their children some way right?

    After Halo 5 all I can say is give up 343, you had your chance at Halo and it's time to pass the torch to a better developer    … Expand
  72. Type4101
    Oct 30, 2015
    3
    Halo 5 is a multi-player game with a tacked-on single-player campaign. The advertising campaign promised a epic story-driven campaign involving a conflict between iconic Halo characters. None of that actually happens in the game, which offers a typical (and brief) point-and-shoot experience. This is a multi-player only game in reality. As a point-and-click shooter, it is ok. It looksHalo 5 is a multi-player game with a tacked-on single-player campaign. The advertising campaign promised a epic story-driven campaign involving a conflict between iconic Halo characters. None of that actually happens in the game, which offers a typical (and brief) point-and-shoot experience. This is a multi-player only game in reality. As a point-and-click shooter, it is ok. It looks decent, and plays fine. But that is true of most boring multiplayer shooters these days. Also, there are ominous microtransactions that serve to detract from the experience. Halo is a microtransaction-fueled cash-grab, wrapped around typical but functional) multiplayer shooter with little to offer anyone who has played a multiplayer shooter in the past decade.… Expand
  73. TimeOfTheChimps
    Dec 23, 2017
    3
    Halo 5 is a terribly generic sci-fi shooter with flat, ugly graphics and mediocre-at-best gameplay that is even more hampered by the massive amount of glitches and baffling decision making by 343. The menus don't display things correctly or they don't load, post-game screens freeze constantly, people quitting out of custom games causes the game to freeze for minutes at a time, etc. AndHalo 5 is a terribly generic sci-fi shooter with flat, ugly graphics and mediocre-at-best gameplay that is even more hampered by the massive amount of glitches and baffling decision making by 343. The menus don't display things correctly or they don't load, post-game screens freeze constantly, people quitting out of custom games causes the game to freeze for minutes at a time, etc. And that's not even mentioning the microtransactions, the ugly multiplayer armour, the lack of memorable music, the lack of Elites, and the list just goes on and on.

    I'll close with this statement: 343 doesn't cater to pros or casuals or classic fans, so who is left? This is not Halo... this is the death of Halo.    … Expand
  74. xbox44ever
    Oct 28, 2015
    3
    343 has finally killed one of the best games that was created, much like treyarch killed COD. When the game is not your creation (baby) than you give less attention to it and don't care if it is a joke. First of this is a review of the single player and not multiplayer (simply because I play halo for SP). The story is all over the place and does not make any sense. I get it they are trying343 has finally killed one of the best games that was created, much like treyarch killed COD. When the game is not your creation (baby) than you give less attention to it and don't care if it is a joke. First of this is a review of the single player and not multiplayer (simply because I play halo for SP). The story is all over the place and does not make any sense. I get it they are trying to go in a different direction but my god couldn't they have found a better formula. Locke was boring and just seemed liked a robot who takes orders and rarely questions. You rarely play as master chief and the ending is just a joke. Thy tried to pull off a shutter island type of ending which makes you think but the only thing I thought after that ending was NO HALO 6 for me. Oh for a game that I bought for 40 quid I smashed the game in 5 hours. Might replay it once more and then sell it on.… Expand
  75. magnosanli
    Apr 22, 2020
    3
    Pior campanha da saga , um dos piores modos história que já joguei em um jogo do gênero, salvando somente o online ..

    Decpcionante o trabalho da 343 ...
  76. savionen
    Nov 2, 2015
    3
    They effectively took all of the bad elements of Halo 4 and made them worse. Less customization, barely any multiplayer modes, no BTB at launch, no split-screen COOP, stylized poor graphics, and the addition of micro transactions.

    Halo 4 had its problems, but this is the first in the Halo franchise I regret buying. 343 is the worst thing to happen to Halo.
  77. naddie
    May 18, 2016
    3
    The developers made hardly any effort to bring Halo in to next gen (or should I say current gen) Its like they relied solely on the brand name for it sell. This game is not even average. Its not up to todays standards of first person shooters.
  78. Griffy
    Nov 5, 2015
    3
    What could of been a fantastic game, let down by very poor matchmaking, unless your in the USA.
    You cannot choose which datacenter you are matched to. Most Warzone games seem to connect from the UK to a USA data center, which means the latency gives the US players a huge advantage.
    I'm not expecting this to get fixed either, Josh at 343 thinks everything is working wonderfully so a lot    What could of been a fantastic game, let down by very poor matchmaking, unless your in the USA.
    You cannot choose which datacenter you are matched to. Most Warzone games seem to connect from the UK to a USA data center, which means the latency gives the US players a huge advantage.

    I'm not expecting this to get fixed either, Josh at 343 thinks everything is working wonderfully so a lot of EU players are now shafted with joke matchmaking.

    If the servers are region locked, then it would easily be an 8.5 for me, but with such poor quality games playing against US players with 'host advantage' its not much fun    … Expand
  79. Brandondwn
    Nov 3, 2015
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is not what the commercials said we had in store. There's no big fight between the 2 Spartans and it focuses on Locke who no one cares about. The campaign is shorter than destiny, a lot of elements and names for things seems copied from destiny and it's just not fun. It's 4 in better frames but not graphics. I think the PVP was mostly better and had less issues but for long time fans who like the story they will be very disappointed. The end itself is a mask in the face and for the amount well I'm very upset I dropped so much money on it... I wouldn't even buy this for 30 bucks if I was you. 343 showed promise with 4 but lost it completely with 5. I think Microsoft messed up a lot and missed out on any chance at "goty", I know that's hard with exclusives but in the past it anyone had a chance it would've been halo. I honestly see Microsoft giving up on console gaming in the next 3-5 years. They're not doing well and their biggest exclusive is ruined.… Expand
  80. Nuclearcuteness
    Oct 30, 2015
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game was honestly beautiful and had great game play mechanics but is undersold by being over hyped. The game has nothing to do with the trailers so if you are buying based on that then don't buy it. The game has no boss battle and ends with a cliff hanger that makes the game feel like it's been cut short.... The multiplayer is okay but is ruined by a lack of game modes for it. Overall the game doesn't live up to what i thought it was... don't buy this game unless you actually need it....… Expand
  81. LittleG
    Oct 31, 2015
    3
    After all the hype we get this - no couch coop, arena that looks like its from a ZX Spectrum, in game purchases, repetition in gameplay. Im sticking to Gears of War - a great original game, correctly ported over to next gen - unlike the Master Chief Collection - 343 what have you done?

    One plus - the canyons / rocks look great - but inside space ships don't look any better to the 360 versions
  82. mattyiceboy
    Nov 1, 2015
    3
    The campaign is definitely better if you are a fan of the lore. The story its self is good, it just was horribly written and rushed. That being said though the levels are very well designed and are fun to play. If you can play coop because it is alot more fun, and on higher difficulty settings the teamate ai is just dumb. And the muiltiplayer is the best since Halo 2 or 3. It is more HaloThe campaign is definitely better if you are a fan of the lore. The story its self is good, it just was horribly written and rushed. That being said though the levels are very well designed and are fun to play. If you can play coop because it is alot more fun, and on higher difficulty settings the teamate ai is just dumb. And the muiltiplayer is the best since Halo 2 or 3. It is more Halo then you would think. With forge , BTB, and other mp content coming in the months ahead for free, it is definitely worth picking up if you are a Halo fan or FPS fan.… Expand
  83. abprof
    Nov 3, 2015
    3
    I would say same old same old. But, It's worse with missing stuff. Where is split screen co-op? Why cant I play with my roommate? Single player is same spunkgargleweewee(ref. ZeroPunctuation)
  84. Tetrarch
    Nov 4, 2015
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A truly disappointing game fashioned by 343 Industries who have officially sold out and lost their connection to their player base and their grasp of the Halo mythos and what made it so successful. Case in point: No split screen co-op, the brazen implementation of micro-transactions, and most of all a convoluted train wreck of a plot that tarnishes the unique story telling of the previous entries.

    For all its criticisms, I enjoyed Halo 4 and held a great deal of faith in 343 in crafting the next installment of the Halo saga. While the multiplayer is commendable, the writing and mechanics of the game-play are not. Squad based combat is underdeveloped, the AI is incompetent and the campaign can only truly be enjoyed cooperatively online. This is a hindrance to many fans who are drawn to Halo's storytelling instead of its multiplayer. I also can't help but feel as if this is some ploy in order to sell more Xbox Live gold memberships.

    The game borrows too much from the side material, and meekly introduces so much in its short campaign that it accomplishes very little. The campaign in its entirety feels like it was just setup for Halo 6.

    Look at everything 343 discarded for "higher frame rates", because the graphics certainly don't reach 1080p. Forge, split screen co-op, a satisfying campaign, popular MP game types from previous halo entries. And in return the only worthwhile addition we get is Warzone. Oh, and they put guns on the mongoose.

    Locke is a bland protagonist, and instead of Master Chief coming to terms with his humanity as we were led to believe at the end of Halo 4, nothing is explored, he just keeps on being the archetypical silent hero. As for that meaningful death, you know, Cortana's, well you can forget that too because an hour into the game we find out she's alive. No build up, no mystery or anything leading up to this revelation. And apparently everyone else knew this before Chief did. Every other spartan besides Buck has no personality or charm. Cortana and Halsey suddenly have these radical changes in character. Cortana wants to be the tyrannical overlord of the universe and Halsey finally expresses concern for her "children" soldiers. Its not like they've been embroiled in decades of perilous warfare in space all this time. And where's the Didact? The Librarian? The former died in the comics and the latter is on vacation.

    Final Thoughts:

    Jun should've been on fire team Osiris.

    Any single member of Blue Team could've probably wiped out fire team Osiris by themselves.

    No climactic battle between Chief and Locke like in the trailers.

    Cliffhanger ending to a deeply mediocre story.

    Why isn't dual wielding back?

    Why is Cortana wearing clothes?

    Hey, what's the domain and the mantle of responsibility? I shouldn't have to read the books to know what's going on in the story. Guardians should've been able to stand on its own.

    Don't allow yourself to be entranced by the pretty visuals and production quality. This entire game is style over substance. 343 was either too ambitious, or simply became to preoccupied with profits to make an enjoyable Halo title. I dare say the story has now become unsalvagable. In Halo 6 bring back split screen, the flood, the brute chieftains who charge you with gravity hammers, get creative and find ways to develop all of these characters, reintroduce dual wielding, maybe reunite the Chief with the Arbiter (long shot?), and get rid of the filthy micro-transactions and then I might consider checking it out.

    To everyone showering the game with praise and generous, undeserved scores you are pretty much telling 343 that its okay to churn out mediocre content. Objectively, this game is bad in many aspects. And seriously, if you collect all the skulls and mission intel you get ...nothing. Remember in Halo 3 when you got the vaunted Hayabusa armor for finding all the skulls and you could tell how good a player was by how cool looking and rare their armor was? When gaming was more of a meritocracy where skill was more important than deep pockets. Yeah, I miss those days too. Por que 343? Por Que?

    Oh, and remember that OP suit of power armor from Halo Legends? Do something with that.

    For a good squad based shooter with a more compelling story look to the retro title Star Wars: Republic Commando. Take notes 343.    … Expand
  85. HaloFan4218
    Nov 5, 2015
    3
    Single player review! I don't do multi.

    Love Halo but not this one. The worst video games have tedious, 'gotta shoot 'em many times to kill 'em' repetitive, boring action, and unfortunately this tedious facet is central in nearly every segment. Especially the Prometheans, and that's something that was so annoying in Halo4. Even the visuals, while crisp and clear, fall short of the    Single player review! I don't do multi.

    Love Halo but not this one. The worst video games have tedious, 'gotta shoot 'em many times to kill 'em' repetitive, boring action, and unfortunately this tedious facet is central in nearly every segment. Especially the Prometheans, and that's something that was so annoying in Halo4. Even the visuals, while crisp and clear, fall short of the creativity of Halo4, and even 3. Disappointed. But will still buy 6. ; )    … Expand
  86. LedZepFreak
    Nov 13, 2015
    3
    Saw all of the great reviews and expected this to be the GOTY or something. So I rented it to play some multiplayer and glad I did before purchasing the game. This was a frustrating experience at the very least and throw the controller across the room at best. The graphics are great and the movement/melee system is good but my god, can we get some kills please! Here's how it goes: SneakSaw all of the great reviews and expected this to be the GOTY or something. So I rented it to play some multiplayer and glad I did before purchasing the game. This was a frustrating experience at the very least and throw the controller across the room at best. The graphics are great and the movement/melee system is good but my god, can we get some kills please! Here's how it goes: Sneak up on an enemy, shoot him, shoot him some more, empty my ENTIRE Assault Rifle clip into him, then switch to my pistol, then oh, he turns around and hits me with one shot and I'm dead. Give me a break!!! Then respawn, take five steps and die from some Battle Rifle shot from across the map. In Slayer the scores were consistently 15-20 kills by a couple of players and 5-6 kills by the other two players (like me). This is pathetic and I don't know how anybody could consider this enjoyable. Maybe I've played too much COD but at least you get a MUCH more balanced set of scoring overall with players. And you can even just jump into a game and probably get 8-10 kills starting off. At least with that you feel like you've achieved something there and it keeps you captivated. With this game you feel like you're being cheated out of kills and I couldn't wait to turn the game off. Good luck to you Halo fans but this game will NOT be in my inventory.… Expand
  87. BudaVision
    Dec 4, 2015
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After getting past the initial excitement of having the first new Halo title on Xbox One, I can now write an objective review of Halo 5 Guardians.

    Let's start with the good:

    -343 clearly spent a lot of time working on H5's Mulitplayer mechanics/player physics. It feels and plays wonderfully.
    -Warzone is an interesting new game mode that may make Halo 5 have a slightly higher replayability factor.

    That just about covers the positive attributes of Halo 5. Now let's get into the negatives.

    -This is by far the worst and most disappointing campaign in this history of the franchise. Not only does 343i take a radical new approach to how the campaign is played by introducing fireteams, the story itself is boring and each mission feels repetitive and linear. The player never has a solid understanding as to what's going on in the story and the characters are uninteresting, dare to say, unlikable.
    -you would think if 343i decided to take such a dramatic step in the campaign, the least they would do is make sure the AI for each fireteam works and gels well into what the player is trying to accomplish in each mission, but they don't. The AI is troublesome and subtracts far more than they add to the gameplay experience by dying, taking you away from the objective by having to revive them or should the player go down, they seldomly succeed in reviving you. Not to mention, they are not autonomous like a highly trained super solider should be, they require constant orders to be effective when playing on heroic or legendary thereby taking time away from the players ability to focus on completing the mission.
    -the level design is flat out horrible. The doors a player can "Spartan charge" through are not what was portraid in Halo 5's marketing campaign, are misplaced and feel forced into each location. 343i's claim of the open world experience was clearly not implemented properly.
    -the new characters are dull and the re-imagined cortana is not nearly as attractive as she was in Halo 4.

    Bottom line, 343i should be embarassed at what they produced in Halo 5 and Phil Spencer should take a long hard look at what changes need to be made to ensure Halo has a place in the future of the gaming industry.    … Expand
  88. akhu937
    Dec 21, 2015
    3
    Sad to see co-op split screen go. I thoroughly enjoyed playing Halo 1,2,3 legendary co-op with a friend. Campaign feels lackluster, story is weakening. Multiplayer seems sound and plays relatively smooth. Obviously this is what 343 focused on this version.
  89. TheWhoDoctor
    Jan 4, 2016
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Halo 5 Guardians is the most disappointment ive felt for a Halo game. This game fails on many levels like no split screen multiplayer( A key feature in the Halo franchise), the lack of story and a repetitive game play(You fight the warden like 6 times and only 4 missions with Master chief and 3 with questioning levels), game-play similar to COD or other stereotypical shooters nowadays. I remember when Halo used to be different and fun,innovated, not a cheap COD rip off with key feature taken out. After Halo 4, i was so excited for this game, but it failed to deliver.… Expand
  90. BlueBattleHawk
    Dec 10, 2017
    3
    The story is average, the shooting mechanics decent, but it falls flat with poor AI and near hit-scan enemies. Cut scenes that would have been good as a playable section of the game are present, and leave me wondering if I'm watching a movie or playing a game. Few sequences of innovation leave me burnt out after 6 games. That coupled with the removal of split-screen, and a plethora ofThe story is average, the shooting mechanics decent, but it falls flat with poor AI and near hit-scan enemies. Cut scenes that would have been good as a playable section of the game are present, and leave me wondering if I'm watching a movie or playing a game. Few sequences of innovation leave me burnt out after 6 games. That coupled with the removal of split-screen, and a plethora of minor problems leave this title little to stand on.… Expand
  91. Tanman428
    Jan 27, 2016
    3
    This game is so boring. I am trading it in for Rainbow Six Siege because it was so horrible. It bored me out of my mind and I had no fun with it at all.
  92. gaming4life26
    May 30, 2016
    3
    Overrated garbage
    To start off I was a massive halo fan bungie was a great developer and I thought 343 take on halo 4 was pretty good not amazing but great for their first attempt.
    Now I'm not a big fan of halo multiplayer games but I've always played the old games on co op(sofa co op) Well that's gone :( I thought oh well there's always the single player. Thats where its glaring    Overrated garbage
    To start off I was a massive halo fan bungie was a great developer and I thought 343 take on halo 4 was pretty good not amazing but great for their first attempt.
    Now I'm not a big fan of halo multiplayer games but I've always played the old games on co op(sofa co op)
    Well that's gone :(
    I thought oh well there's always the single player.
    Thats where its glaring that the game was rushed out.
    Graphically its utterly awful with shadow and textures drawing in right in front of you .
    Story I'm not even gonna waste my time because it was an utter lie,especially if you watched the marketing campaign which had nothing to do with what happened in the game.
    And boy is it short its FOUR HOURS LONG :(
    Do yourself a favour and avoid like the plague    … Expand
  93. Meta-C13
    Nov 4, 2016
    3
    I have never felt my trust in a game franchise so betrayed. While Halo 4 had its faults, the Campaign was not one of them. The marketing for Halo 5 was amazing, setting up a premise worthy of high praise. What we got, was the most unfinished and unfocused story i'd ever experienced. There are stories on Fanfiction.net with more cohesion and storytelling prowess than the mess that is HaloI have never felt my trust in a game franchise so betrayed. While Halo 4 had its faults, the Campaign was not one of them. The marketing for Halo 5 was amazing, setting up a premise worthy of high praise. What we got, was the most unfinished and unfocused story i'd ever experienced. There are stories on Fanfiction.net with more cohesion and storytelling prowess than the mess that is Halo 5. Moving on, the multiplayer on the otherhand, is a refined masterpiece. Everything is smooth and plays great, rejuvenating the Halo formula but not straying too far from its roots. I really hope that 343 notices that their multiplayer isn't the only thing they should pay attention to when selling a Halo game.… Expand
  94. Bingobopper1337
    Nov 1, 2017
    3
    I'm baffled at the ratings this game has received, i really don't know where to start, so i will try and point out some positiveness. The Graphics in the campaign and the developer made maps are gorgeous, a true positive in this mess. Another positive would be the covenant in the campaign, they were surprisingly fun to fight. I don't mind the visual changes on the Covenant, as long as theyI'm baffled at the ratings this game has received, i really don't know where to start, so i will try and point out some positiveness. The Graphics in the campaign and the developer made maps are gorgeous, a true positive in this mess. Another positive would be the covenant in the campaign, they were surprisingly fun to fight. I don't mind the visual changes on the Covenant, as long as they act the way they've always acted nobody would have a problem. Well that's pretty much all of the positive i can think of, so now onto the negatives, oh boy.

    First of all, playing the campaign on Legendary is ridiculous, not for the difficulty, but the AI on your side. Countless times i watch as the AI stand there still as a statue while my timer slides to 0, this was probably the most infuriating Halo campaign i have ever played. Don't get me started on the Warden Eternal, the fact that you have to fight him 7 times easily knocks this game down 2 points. The Prometheans are not fun to fight in my opinion, they're just simply annoying and unsatisfying to kill. The campaign was not that bad until the first Warden Eternal, after this point it is a chore to do the rest of the missions.

    Onto the multiplayer, a few seconds into the game i was stumbled by the fact that i can't choose my classes, why? After playing a few matches i switched onto BTB, and holy mother of god, i was disappointed beyond belief, the maps were horrid. They weren't fun, they looked terrible graphically, the maps felt like tech demos. So many players to my belief just want to be able to switch to the DMR and lay waste to the enemy team, but to their disappointment upon playing matches, they can't use them!
    (unless you find one set in the maps)

    Another huge thing that ticks me right off is the fact that they removed the gear unlock system and replaced it with a random crate system, almost like every new shooter now. When you see another players completely decked out in cool armor, they just simply were lucky, and the players know that. In past Halo's when a player saw a armor combo that they liked, they had the motivation to get it because the player knew if they worked hard to get the items they were guaranteed to get them. In Halo 5 you just hope luck is in you favor to get the cool armor, the motivation is slowed to a stop when you level up earning crates that get you the armor you didn't want.

    Now onto split screen, oh wait, the game does not have split screen, remember, this is Halo we're talking about.

    Moving on to forge, they truly made forge incredibly complicated. There should be options to set if you want a thousand different building parts or just wanted simple prefabs like Halo Reach. As a fan of forge i love the many additional features that were added, being able to add scripts, better snapping locks, etc. But i cannot wrap my head around why the walls/roofs/floors look so damn bad, i don't want my maps to look like tech demos made of Lego.

    Well that is it, i felt like dumping a huge load somewhere on the internet to let out my disappointment, i may be wrong a few things here, i am just going on what i know.    … Expand
  95. TheGlobeTrotta
    Apr 21, 2018
    3
    The multiplayer is about what one can expect from the next iteration in a first person shooter franchise. Warzone is pay to win, but still moderately enjoyable. Arena and Ranked are fast paced and competitive, but the matchmaking is horrendous and the servers are spotty.

    The single player campaign, which typically gives Halo an edge over the competition, has fallen extremely short of    The multiplayer is about what one can expect from the next iteration in a first person shooter franchise. Warzone is pay to win, but still moderately enjoyable. Arena and Ranked are fast paced and competitive, but the matchmaking is horrendous and the servers are spotty.

    The single player campaign, which typically gives Halo an edge over the competition, has fallen extremely short of the mark. It is poorly written to a degree that would shame a lazy, entitled sixth-year business major taking a last-minute creative writing course to fulfil his/her last humanities credit. Its reliance on lore is nice for some, but could have been a bonus / enhancement instead of a crutch. The AI is so bad, aside from being a lifeline in Legendary difficulty, that at this point the 4-man squad characters are there simply to be a drain, a clutter, and a cliché. Finally, because of the lack of quality creative design, the antagonist and setup for Halo 6 defiles what could have been a poetic end to a beloved character and writes the next team of creators into a corner from which they will be hardpressed to expressively work their way out of.

    Good luck fixing this dumpster fire (more like a landfill fire) - you're going to need it, 343.    … Expand
  96. DestanyZero
    Nov 20, 2018
    3
    Halo 5: Destiny. Is really the truth about the title. how can you rip off moves from destiny into a halo game. The whole game can be completed in a few hours and then all thats left is the multiplayer pvp. Not to mention now that the coop system is not couch play, but needs to be bought by a friend or family member that also owns a xbox one just to play the 3 hour story mode. microHalo 5: Destiny. Is really the truth about the title. how can you rip off moves from destiny into a halo game. The whole game can be completed in a few hours and then all thats left is the multiplayer pvp. Not to mention now that the coop system is not couch play, but needs to be bought by a friend or family member that also owns a xbox one just to play the 3 hour story mode. micro transactions in multiplayer are you kidding me? when did halo become cod or battlefield in terms of loot boxes? they have honestly lost their flare ever since Reach in my opinion.

    It just seems like they're just trying to milk the licence as much as they can now without thinking about the fan base. if they actually made a great game people wouldn't mind the micro transactions as much. if you're going to make a half made game and make the focus of the game its multiplayer mode even tho the franchise is known for its amazing story and lore not to mention its amazing gameplay. You're not benefiting your own company or the fan base surrounding it. Take your time even if you need to keep pushing the release dates forward, do not bring out a game that isnt ready, if you think this game was finished and this is what they had or have in mind for future halo titles.

    god help us all.    … Expand
  97. Radiationbum
    Jul 24, 2020
    3
    Halo 5 where to begin, false advertising led us to think the story was going to involve a big confrontation with the Chief going rouge, but instead it was only one short lived moment with everyone figuring out that he hadn't very early on, secondly the return of Cortana through a vison the chief had somehow and that's totally out of place in halo and the chiefs reaction to this visionHalo 5 where to begin, false advertising led us to think the story was going to involve a big confrontation with the Chief going rouge, but instead it was only one short lived moment with everyone figuring out that he hadn't very early on, secondly the return of Cortana through a vison the chief had somehow and that's totally out of place in halo and the chiefs reaction to this vision seems to be completely unrealistic and unreasonable.

    Like Halo 4 343 continued their assault on the past art style and seek'd to change the look of everything from the past halo games despite clear fan displeasure for their changes.

    Gameplay: 343 has clearly looked at titan fall and thought lets give the player all those abilites because that's fun in that game, but it breaks yet further the balance and flow of combat in the both the single and multiplayer game mode.

    Forge was added long after launch and can only be used if you have Xbox live gold because apparently its unacceptable to save your maps on the console and they must be on the cloud.

    Multiplayer warzone in fun but pay to win has been introduced to the game and 343 basically told fans the shut up they know what is best.    … Expand
  98. Brub
    Aug 8, 2019
    3
    Boring gameplay, boring story, boring music. I enjoyed Locke’s missions more than master chiefs keep doing Locke just give him better missions.
  99. ShadowOfThEagle
    Jun 21, 2020
    3
    Like the previous chapter it's a bad Halo but, it's also a bad game. The countryside is boring, the plot terrible. Level design is rubbish. Graphically not exceptional. Gameplay is the only thing sufficient.
    This is just Bad.

    Story - 2
    Characters - 2
    Graphics - 6
    Gameplay - 6
    Sound & Music - 6
    World - 3
    Level Design - 2
    Multiplayer - 5
  100. Bad_Reviewer
    Jan 5, 2022
    3
    I like the multiplayer but the campaign is a mess. It was cool to tie all the books and games together, but it caused a confused mess that only could disappoint.
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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best Xbox One Game of 2015
1
#1 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2015
1
#1 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 101 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 101
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 101
  3. Negative: 0 out of 101
  1. The Jimquisition
    Jan 20, 2016
    65
    Halo 5: Guardians is okay. Its campaign is rubbish, but the multiplayer is solid thanks to the foundation it’s built upon. Warzone is a really enjoyable experience, and while combat is still mostly about tossing grenades and hitting the melee button, the whole Requisition gimmick adds some much-needed flavor to proceedings.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Jan 12, 2016
    75
    The latest Halo is a big deal only for hardcore Halo fans. For me the single player campaign was unbearably pompous and despite 1080p and 60 fps the visuals are not as breathtaking as they once were in Halo 4. The game builds a solid foundation for Halo 6, but it’s not one of those games you absolutely have to play. [13/2015, p.48]
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Jan 4, 2016
    91
    With a more accessible and engaging story and solid new designs for the Prometheans, Halo 5 is a major improvement over Halo 4. Warzone is a great addition to the multiplayer, though the mode seems to have some game balance issues. [Nov 2015]
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