HALO Reach (Review)

Platform: Xbox 360(Reviewed)
Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Release: September 2010

As soon as the opening cinematic of Halo Reach began, I felt the beginning of the end. Even Non-HALO fans have to admit, that HALO has been a defining force in action games for the last decade. Regenerating health; two weapon loadouts and many more have all come from HALO. All that I wanted from Reach was a suitable ending to the saga, and I can’t think of a single disappointing feature. It is, without a doubt, the definitive edition in the series. Bungie pulled out all the stops, and is clearly listening to the online community.

To be honest, Reach feels almost like a Best of, or a Special edition. It takes all of the best aspects of the first games, and brings them together for one final mission. But there are plenty of new features too for diehard fans. The most noticeable difference is in the enemy AI. HALO has also been praised for fine AI, but Reach takes it to a new level. The Elites are without question, the most violent enemies I have had the privilege to kill. They are bigger, better armoured, and often don’t need to worry about advanced tactics, merely
running straight at you with no fear.

The biggest change to the gameplay is the welcome addition of the armour abilities that keeps things fresh. Many of the abilities take time to get used to, but once you have learned to use them, you
wonder how you managed without them before. Long story short, buy it. Buy it now. Even if you aren’t a fan, this is a game that every true gamer needs to have adorning their shelf.

Review by Drew Bryce