VerbalNinja’s review on Halo

Remember the first time you entered the world of Halo? The experience you were submerged in? The ultimate fight between the human world and the Covenant was, and is an addicting experience. When Halo 2 was released you only anticipated the third installment. The more you played the more you realized Halo is a big thing, a game that will define every other FPS. Really though, is it the end of original ‘first person shooting games’ I think, maybe. In the next segments I will explain what makes Halo an excellent game, but also a con, and possibly the end of original ‘FPS.’

-the game play-

The game play revolved around Halo is based on “shoot and kill;” which killing can be done in a mixture of simple, fun, and devastating strategies. You also have other arsenals at your disposable including but not limited to, hitting, grenades, energy swords, large hammers, energy draining devices etc., as well as tanks and other forms of unique and original vehicles. The science is that it Is simple and not complicated. Jumping, distance, and even gravity define what make Halo excellent. If you took all these elements and combine them you would suspect the game to be a bit complicated. Wrong, Bungie combined these elements to make the game play simple and extremely fun. The physics only put similar games to shame.

-The story-

Simple and engaging. The hero is Master Chief, a cyborg, the last surviving Spartan is awakened from his cryogenic sleep to protect a military vessel from the covenant and keep Cortana (a super computer) away from these aliens. The major component of the story however is behind “halo,” a super weapon designed to wipe out the universe. The covenant seek the ring to activate it to fulfill a prophecy they believe that will give them ‘heavenly bliss.’ The covenant are unaware of the ring’s devastating purpose. The story is laid out between the games three installments. The story is fast paced and engrossing.

-The con of Halo-

The con of Halo is the fact that the entire story could be woven into one game, one installment. Three games is just a ploy to make more money. Expansion packs and future Halo ideas is just a way for Bungie and Microsoft to create a never ending profit.

-The graphics of Halo-

The visuals of Halo are spectacular in every level, every detail, and every aspect. Each level is pure eye candy, and will never fail to impress. The graphics increase in every installment.

-The final result-

If you haven’t fathomed why Halo is great- it’s because the game play is done in a way that’s simple but brilliant. A game play that should be complicated is not in the least bit ‘complicated.’ Every FPS will try to surpass Halo but only to fail. They add all these mind numbing features that only complicated the vision and core ideal of the game. The reason Halo is magnificent is because it’s simple yet mind blowing, and if done the correct way it can be fabulous. But yet Halo might be a danger to itself. Bungie needs to learn how to draw the line. Which the third installment should be the end of the line.