Halo: Reach Review (Xbox 360)

In 2001 Bungie brought us Halo: Combat evolved on the original Xbox, a revolutionary FPS that has defined Microsoft‘s games console. We followed Spartan John-117 as he awoke from his suspended animation and began his quest against a collective of alien races known as the Covenant. Since then we have had three sequels (plus Halo Wars) and a range of different incarnations from animation to toys. Now in Bungie’s farewell to the series we come full circle with the prequel Halo: Reach, a game that while lacking in it’s main plot is one of the most complete multiplayer experiences available.

In Reach you assume the role of Noble 6 the newest recruit to the Spartans of Noble team. The game takes place on the planet Reach, mankind’s central military and technological hub which is also home to the “Spartan program“. From the outset it is obvious the proverbial is about to hit the fan as waves of Covenant forces begin assaulting the planet. While the plot does it’s job in taking you through the campaign, it lacks depth. Your team mates are space marine clichés that have appeared in numerous films, this would have been acceptable if the characters had been explored further, instead they get a few lines of dialogue in each cut-scene. It’s hard to care about them and I can think of other titles such as Gears of War that manage to do a better job. Luckily the plot is helped along by some impressive visuals.

Each cut scene and environment has been lovingly crafted into some superb eye candy (I challenge you not to be in awe when you dog fight above the planet). If you are familiar with the series then you will no doubt notice that the weapons have had an overhaul, each one has improved in detail and realism. The improvements are not groundbreaking but they add to the experience and draw you into the campaign and world.

Multiplayer is fast paced mayhem

The campaign can be played alone or with up to 4 players. Bringing friends along heightens the experience and adds a tactical edge as you try to complete objectives, especially on the harder settings. Scoring is back as are skulls which no longer need to be found, just turn them on in the options and your set. While the length of the campaign is short (around 7 hours) there is a good amount of replay value when you factor in co-op. Combat is challenging on normal and heroic difficulties while tear inducing on legendary. The enemy AI will keep you on your toes as they frequently move and take cover to avoid your fire. On some missions you may attempt to snipe an Elite only to repeatedly hit thin air, this can be frustrating and you may want to charge in there like Rambo guns blazing, on legendary this is a bad idea. While the enemy AI can be smart it is a shame the friendly can often let you down especially when travelling.
　
On one of the Falcon missions (I played on co-op) the computer takes the pilot seat while you gun. Halfway through the mission the other player’s pilot decided to leave the set flight path and take a timeout on the beach (perhaps to work on his tan?). This lasted for about ten minutes before he returned to catch up with me waiting at the next section. It is important to note that if you decide to let the friendly AI take control of the wheel only bad things can happen, that is unless you like being destroyed repeatedly by merciless grenade launching, expert sniping, wraith gunning aliens.

Most of the previous vehicles are back in Reach including the Warthog which can handle fine one minute, the next you have driven over a pebble and are engaged in something reminiscent of a Crocodile’s death roll. For the most part though the vehicles handle well. My favourite new addition and probably most underused is the Saber space fighter. For the first time players are able to take part in space combat above the planets surface and I have to say that it is thrilling. Unfortunately this sequence is over too soon but there is potential for a stand alone game here (spin off anyone?).

Red Leader isn't standing by...

There are a handful of new weapons on offer with a couple of standouts being the Plasma Launcher and Focus Rifle. The Plasma Launcher can lock onto a target and fire up to four energy balls that seek out your enemy and explode after sticking to them, it makes things go boom and is an absolute blast when used right (pun intended). The Focus Rifle fires a concentrated beam that is effective at long distance offering would be snipers another option.

Multiplayer is back and is just as frantic as ever. The whole menu system has been streamlined making it effortless to see which of your friends are playing, join parties and check out each others stats. The usual death matches and objective based games make a return, offering many variations on the standard set up. Firefight now supports matchmaking which is a welcome addition to those of you who enjoy desperately fighting off overwhelming odds. One of my favourite new features which are also available in the campaign are the armour abilities. These work as loadouts and you can switch between them every time you meet your maker. Maybe you want to launch yourself all over the map with the jetpack or create decoys of yourself, either way they are all useful and balanced well. It is extremely satisfying to watch a lone enemy attack your decoy only for you to sneak up behind and assassinate him. There are a good number of maps to battle on but why not make your own in the improved Forge mode. Forge world gives you an enormous map to build to your hearts content and thankfully building is now a breeze. Gone are the days of building blocks having seizures as you try to line them up thanks to the fact you can now snap objects to degrees. You can also phase objects into each other and place them at any available height. This is one of the most creative tools available on a console and I am sure the community will pack the servers with their creations.
　
If your looking for an amazing multiplayer experience with a whole ton of content then you have come to the right place. It won’t convert anyone who is not a fan of the franchise but for those that are then this is a must buy as it is up there with the best.

Review score 9.0 out of 10