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CRITIK

Halo 5: Guardians

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Halo 5: Guardians
Item: Halo 5: Guardians
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableOct 27, 2015

PlatformXbox One

Developer343 Industries

Overview

Halo 5: Guardians delivers epic multiplayer experiences that span multiple modes, full-featured level building tools, and another chapter in the Master Chief saga. The Master Chief saga continues, with solo and up to 4-player cooperative experience that spans three worlds. A mysterious and unstoppable force threatens the galaxy. The Spartans of Fireteam Osiris and Blue Team must embark on a journey that will change the course of history and the future of mankind.

Elsewhere

7.1

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Halo 5: Guardians are quite varied. Some critics, such as Brash Games and GameCrate, praise the storytelling, describing it as engaging, thrilling, and intriguing. They appreciate the introduction of new teams and characters, as well as the way the story builds upon previous entries in the series. These positive aspects of the story are also echoed by other critics like Game Over Online and Gaming Age, who find the plot compelling and enjoy the depth given to the main characters. However, there are also several negative opinions about the story. Critics like DarkStation and The Jimquisition criticize the narrative, stating that it fails to leave a memorable impression and is confusing for players who are not familiar with the extended universe fiction. They mention that the encounter between Master Chief and Locke, which was heavily advertised, has no bearing on the actual game. Additionally, Slant Magazine criticizes the plot for undoing what made Halo 4 remarkable and spending too much Time on a wild goose chase. Overall, the consensus among the critics seems to be mixed. While some appreciate the story's engagement and its connection to the broader fiction of the Halo universe, others find it underwhelming, confusing, or lacking emotional impact. The opinions of critics like Digital Spy and The Escapist highlight the disappointment with the story's execution, mentioning a lack of focus on Master Chief's storyline and a feeling of being more set-up for the next game rather than providing a satisfying conclusion. However, there are also positive opinions from critics like CGMagazine and IGN Spain, who find the story solid and successful in telling an epic space opera. Ultimately, the story of Halo 5: Guardians seems to have its strengths and weaknesses, with some critics enjoying its intricacies and others feeling let down by its execution.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Halo 5: Guardians. Some praise its engaging narrative and character depth, while others criticize it for being confusing and lacking impact. The encounter between Master Chief and Locke falls short of expectations, leaving some feeling underwhelmed. Overall, the story's execution divides critics, with some enjoying its intricacies and others disappointed by its shortcomings.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics had positive opinions about the gameplay of Halo 5: Guardians. They praised the smooth controls, improved mechanics, and new abilities that added to the overall experience. Critics like Brash Games and DarkZero specifically mentioned the finely tuned shooting mechanics and the focus on verticality and open spaces in the level design, which resulted in thrilling and fast-paced multiplayer gameplay. The addition of the Warzone mode with its card-based system was also highlighted as a nice spin on the classic design by DarkStation. The ability to control both Master Chief and Locke, as well as the tactical exploration of terrain, was praised by EGM. The gameplay changes, such as dashing and ground-pound maneuvers, were considered non-invasive and enhancing the experience. GameCrate and Impulsegamer also mentioned that the gameplay felt like a classic Halo game with subtle changes and new combat moves. However, there were some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Halo 5: Guardians. Some critics, like ActionTrip and The Jimquisition, mentioned repeated boss fights and missions with virtually no gameplay, which could potentially lead to repetitive and cheap experiences. Cheat Code Central pointed out the new fireteam component in the campaign, allowing players to control Chief and Locke with their respective fireteams and give them orders, but did not mention any specific positives or negatives about this feature. Digital Spy and Twinfinite mentioned poor AI and brain-dead computer-controlled allies, respectively, which could be frustrating for players. Game Informer also mentioned that the sense of speed was neutered on Legendary difficulty and checkpoint placement felt archaic, which could impact the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of Halo 5: Guardians was very good. The majority of critics praised the smooth controls, new mechanics, and abilities that added depth and excitement to the gameplay. They highlighted the fast-paced and thrilling multiplayer experience, as well as the enjoyable cooperative gameplay. The addition of new combat moves and the integration of foot and vehicle sections were also mentioned as positives. However, there were some criticisms regarding repeated boss fights, missions with no gameplay, poor AI, and certain difficulty settings impacting the sense of speed. Despite these negatives, the overall sentiment is that the gameplay of Halo 5: Guardians was highly enjoyable and a worthy addition to the Halo series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics mostly praised Halo 5: Guardians' gameplay for its smooth controls, improved mechanics, and new abilities, creating a thrilling multiplayer experience with verticality and open spaces. However, criticisms included repetitive boss fights, lack of gameplay in some missions, poor AI, and issues with difficulty settings. Overall, the majority agreed that the gameplay was very good, offering depth and excitement while staying true to the classic Halo feel with some new combat moves.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple videogame reviewers regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Halo 5: Guardians, it is evident that the majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive views on this aspect of the game. ActionTrip, Brash Games, CGMagazine, Cheat Code Central, Digital Spy, EGM, Game Informer, Game Over Online, Game Rant, GameCrate, Gaming Age, God is a Geek, Impulsegamer, New York Daily News, Slant Magazine, The Escapist, The Jimquisition, Time, Toronto Sun, Washington Post, and ZTGD all praised the visuals and graphics of Halo 5: Guardians. The positive aspects highlighted by the critics include the beautiful and stunning visuals, with praise for the CGI work, photo-realistic characters, detailed textures, lighting, and scale of the levels. The game's environments were described as breathtaking, interesting, and meticulously designed, with a sense of being in an actual place. The lifelike graphics, smooth gameplay at 60 frames per second, and attention to detail were also commended. The cutscenes were particularly lauded for their high quality and beauty, with some critics considering them the most beautiful ever seen on the Xbox One. However, there were some minor criticisms mentioned by a few critics. Digital Spy mentioned a lack of variety in the color palette, while The Jimquisition criticized the visual style for looking too clean and lacking believability. Despite these minor critiques, the overall consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Halo 5: Guardians are exceptional. Overall, the majority of critics were highly impressed with the Graphics and Visual Design of Halo 5: Guardians. The game was praised for its beautiful and stunning visuals, lifelike graphics, attention to detail, and smooth gameplay. The positive comments from multiple critics, such as Brash Games, CGMagazine, Cheat Code Central, Game Informer, Gaming Age, Impulsegamer, New York Daily News, Slant Magazine, The Escapist, Toronto Sun, and ZTGD, further support the notion that Halo 5: Guardians delivers a visually spectacular experience. While there were some minor criticisms mentioned by a few critics, the overwhelming positive sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of the game solidifies its reputation as a visually impressive title.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics overwhelmingly praise the stunning graphics and visuals of Halo 5: Guardians, highlighting lifelike characters, detailed environments, and smooth gameplay. Some critics noted minor issues like a lack of color variety, but the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive. Overall, Halo 5: Guardians is lauded for its exceptional visual design, with many critics hailing it as a visually spectacular experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Halo 5: Guardians are overwhelmingly positive. Multiple critics praised the score and soundtrack, describing it as fantastic, epic, and engaging. The orchestral songs were highlighted for reflecting the grand scale of the game's narrative, adding to the overall experience. The voice acting was also highly praised, with critics mentioning that it was well-acted and fantastic. The immersive environmental sounds, thunderous gunfire sounds, and crisp audio for weapons and Spartan abilities were also commended, contributing to the overall positive reception of the sound design. While the majority of the critics had positive opinions, there were a few minor criticisms mentioned. One critic, Impulsegamer, noted that the voice acting could be flat at times. This suggests that there may have been some inconsistencies in the delivery of dialogue, which could have slightly detracted from the overall experience. However, this critique was not echoed by other reviewers, indicating that it might be a subjective opinion rather than a widespread issue. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Halo 5: Guardians are exceptional. The majority of the critics praised the immersive and powerful audio, memorable orchestration, and the epicness of the soundtrack. The positive reception of the sound design and music adds to the overall positive reception of the game, enhancing the gameplay experience and contributing to the immersive atmosphere. The critics' opinions support the notion that the sound design and music of Halo 5: Guardians are a standout aspect of the game, further solidifying its reputation as a top-tier title in the series.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise Halo 5's sound design and music, calling it fantastic, epic, and engaging. The orchestral score reflects the game's grand narrative, while voice acting and environmental sounds are highly acclaimed. A few critics noted minor issues with voice acting, but overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The audio enhances gameplay, contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere and solidifying its status as a top-tier title in the series.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Halo 5: Guardians are quite varied. On the positive side, several critics praised the voice acting, highlighting its contribution to the immersive experience of the game. Brash Games commends the voice work, stating that it makes each scene and interaction feel like a part of a movie. Game Over Online also mentions that the voice acting is on-point, with everyone doing a fantastic job, even the side characters. GameCrate agrees, stating that the voice acting is well done and adds to the immersion of the game. God is a Geek specifically praises Nathan Fillion's performance, describing it as wonderful. IGN Spain also highlights Fillion's portrayal of Edward Buck and his humorous lines as a positive aspect of the voice acting. However, there are also critics who have some negative opinions about the voice acting in Halo 5: Guardians. DarkStation criticizes the lack of personality in the voice acting, except for Nathan Fillion's portrayal of Edward Buck. Impulsegamer mentions that the voice acting is professional but can be flat at times. These criticisms suggest that there may be some inconsistencies in the overall quality and delivery of the voice performances. Overall, while there are some mixed opinions, the majority of the critics seem to have a positive view of the voice acting in Halo 5: Guardians. DarkZero describes it as performed to perfection by an astounding cast, despite slight faults in character building. Game Informer appreciates the constant banter between teammates, which enlivens the narrative. Toronto Sun also mentions that the voice acting is well-done in the game's cinematic interludes. These positive assessments indicate that the voice acting in Halo 5: Guardians generally succeeds in enhancing the overall experience of the game, even if there are some minor flaws or inconsistencies in certain performances.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Halo 5: Guardians. Some praise it for enhancing the immersive experience and commend Nathan Fillion's performance, while others criticize it for lacking personality and occasional flatness. Overall, the majority of critics view the voice acting positively, with praise for the cast's performances and the banter between teammates. Despite some flaws, the voice acting generally succeeds in enhancing the game's overall experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the Xbox One, the majority of critics had positive opinions. Critics such as Game Over Online and Impulsegamer noted that the game ran smoothly at 60 frames per second, with no noticeable slowdown even during intense action. Worth Playing also mentioned that lag was never an issue and online play was solid. These positive reviews indicate that the technical performance on the Xbox One was generally satisfactory, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. However, there were a few negative opinions regarding the technical performance on the Xbox One. EGM mentioned experiencing connectivity and drop issues in the Warzone multiplayer mode, which rendered the gameplay useless. Metro GameCentral also expressed concerns about the game's stability based on the history of Halo: The Master Chief Collection. These negative reviews highlight some technical issues that affected the gameplay experience for some players on the Xbox One. Overall, the consensus among critics for the technical performance of Halo 5: Guardians on the Xbox One leans towards the positive side. The smooth gameplay, lack of slowdown, and solid online play were praised by multiple critics. While there were some negative points raised, such as connectivity and stability issues, the overall sentiment suggests that the technical performance on the Xbox One was generally good. (Note: The analysis provided here is based on the given opinions of the critics and does not reflect the personal opinion of the reviewer.)

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics mostly praised Halo 5: Guardians on Xbox One for smooth gameplay at 60fps with solid online play. Some noted connectivity and stability issues, but overall technical performance was seen as satisfactory for an enjoyable gaming experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Halo 5: Guardians are generally positive. Multiple critics highlight the multiplayer modes as the main source of replayability in the game. Brash Games mentions the multiplayer modes, particularly Warzone and Breakout, as fresh, exciting, and replayable modes that cater to different play styles. CGMagazine and DarkZero both emphasize the replay value provided by the multiplayer modes, with DarkZero praising the return to classic Arena-style combat and the efficiency of the new Warzone mode. EGM also mentions the multiplayer modes, including Arena and Warzone, as tremendous fun and rewarding. GameCrate adds that the campaign can be played with up to four players, increasing the difficulty and replay value. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. CGMagazine mentions that the card system for customization can be frustrating, potentially impacting the overall replay value. The Jimquisition criticizes the inclusion of microtransactions in the Warzone mode, stating that it can give players advantages. Despite this criticism, The Jimquisition also mentions that Warzone can still be enjoyed without spending money. God is a Geek points out some balancing issues and lack of immediate allurement in the multiplayer maps, which could potentially affect the long-term replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Halo 5: Guardians offers a good amount of replay value, primarily through its multiplayer modes. The diverse playlist and new arena modes, as well as the exciting Warzone mode, are highlighted as reasons to keep coming back to the game. The addition of free future map DLC, as mentioned by ZTGD, further extends the replayability. While there are some concerns raised about certain aspects, such as the card system and microtransactions, the overall sentiment is positive. The multiplayer modes are described as engaging, fun, and rewarding, providing something for everyone, whether they are competitive players, casual players, or groups of friends. The campaign is also mentioned as a factor contributing to the replay value, offering different methods of handling battles, secrets to uncover, and audiologs to find.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Halo 5: Guardians for its replay value, especially in its engaging multiplayer modes like Warzone and Breakout. While some mention frustrations with customization and microtransactions, overall consensus is positive. The game offers diverse gameplay, exciting modes, and free DLC, making it a hit for both competitive and casual players.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict of Halo 5: Guardians, according to the majority of critics, is very positive. The game has been praised for its improved gameplay, great visuals, and well-written story. Critics such as ActionTrip and EGM highlight these positive aspects, with EGM specifically mentioning the satisfying gameplay, top-notch sound and visuals, and gratifying multiplayer modes. The multiplayer experience, in particular, has been widely praised, with DarkZero calling it the best FPS game of this generation and Digital Spy stating that the multiplayer modes save the game from being a total disappointment. The multiplayer is described as a bold reinvention of the Halo experience by Metro GameCentral, making it one of the most successful franchise renewals. However, there are some criticisms raised by certain reviewers. The story of Halo 5: Guardians has been a point of contention for some critics. ActionTrip mentions that the story was overhyped, while DarkStation describes it as a regrettable adventure with a forgettable campaign. Slant Magazine also criticizes the game for not living up to the narrative expectations set by Halo 4. Additionally, there are mentions of repeated boss fights and seemingly useless missions by ActionTrip, which may detract from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Halo 5: Guardians is a highly enjoyable and well-crafted game. Brash Games praises 343 Industries for taking the franchise to new heights while still respecting its past. Cheat Code Central states that the game reminds players why they stay loyal to the brand, and Game Over Online describes it as an outstanding game and one of the finest first-person shooters ever made. The positive reception is further supported by critics such as Game Informer, GameCrate, and Impulsegamer, who all consider Halo 5: Guardians to be a solid addition to the franchise and a must-have game for Xbox One owners. In conclusion, the overall sentiment towards Halo 5: Guardians is overwhelmingly positive. The game is praised for its improved gameplay, great visuals, and well-written story. The multiplayer experience is particularly lauded, with critics considering it a bold reinvention of the franchise. While there are some criticisms regarding the story and certain gameplay aspects, the majority of critics view Halo 5: Guardians as a highly enjoyable and well-crafted game that stands tall among other entries in the series.

TL;DR

Critics mostly love Halo 5: Guardians for its improved gameplay, stunning visuals, and engaging story. The multiplayer is a standout, hailed as a bold reinvention of the franchise. Some reviewers criticize the story and certain gameplay elements, but the overall consensus is that Halo 5 is a must-have game and a solid addition to the series.

CRITIK

Reviews

157 reviews found

100

Brash Games

Xbox One

Oct 28, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Halo 5: Guardians stands tall among other entries in the series, praising 343 Industries for taking the franchise to new heights while still respecting its past.

100

DarkZero

Xbox One

Oct 30, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Halo 5: Guardians is the best FPS game of this generation and possibly the best Halo title ever, with a superb campaign, excellent gameplay, and a strong multiplayer experience.

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100

Gaming Age

Xbox One

Oct 26, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer is suitably impressed with Halo 5: Guardians and believes it is a well-crafted Halo experience with enough new features to satisfy fans. It is a system seller for Microsoft.

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100

New York Daily News

Xbox One

Oct 27, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Halo 5: Guardians handles the pressure of being a highly anticipated game in a well-known franchise. Despite some light storytelling flaws, it is one of the finest games of 2015.

Cheat Code Central

Xbox One

Oct 26, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Halo 5: Guardians is not perfect, but it reminds players why they stay loyal to the brand. The review overall seems positive.

Game Over Online

Xbox One

Oct 26, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes Halo 5: Guardians as an outstanding game and one of the finest first-person shooters ever made. It praises its versatile design and states that it is the best-playing entry in the series so far.

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Post Arcade (National Post)

Xbox One

Oct 26, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes Halo 5 as a truly great game that leans into change and comes out the better for it. It also mentions that Halo 5 needs to be more than just a very good game to further the series legacy and needs to be a trendsetter.

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Metro GameCentral

Xbox One

Oct 26, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The multiplayer is a bold reinvention of the Halo experience, making it one of the most successful franchise renewals

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EGM

Xbox One

Oct 26, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Halo 5: Guardians delivers a robust and well-rounded experience, with satisfying gameplay, top-notch sound and visuals, and gratifying multiplayer modes. It suggests that if Microsoft follows through on its intent to focus on eSports, Halo will continue to polish and tweak its already stellar multiplayer experience.

ZTGD

Xbox One

Oct 28, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Halo 5: Guardians is a fantastic step for the series and a must-have game for Xbox One owners.

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