Halo Infinite switches out the linear gameplay for a more open world map without sacrificing everything that makes a Halo game great.
Master Chief is back for the latest instalment to the Halo franchise and even though it’s coming a year after it was initially promised, the fact that Next Gen consoles are still so hard to get could mean that this is technically still a “launch title”.
The game takes place on the Zeta Halo ring where exploration is key and the sandbox is expansive. The learning curve is extremely player-friendly as the first section of the campaign takes place in space and underground giving you an opportunity to relearn the popular weapons from previous games and understand major improvements like the Grappleshot.
The Grappleshot is a really nice addition to your armour that feels like it should have been in the series from the beginning. This new extension to your arsenal is very similar to “The Grapple” in Titanfall 2 or Apex Legends. This new ability allows you to shoot a cable out of your wrist that attaches itself and pulls you towards the anchor point. That point might be a platform or even an enemy combatant that you can then use your full force to punch into oblivion. There are limited charges but as you progress you can upgrade to get even more power out of it.
Halo is a series that loves to create memorable moments, some of those come in the form of the story itself while others come from the fast-paced action of the gameplay and what is natively born from that.
Halo Infinite creates so many moments that you will be eager to talk to your friends about it straight away. Like when you are out of ammo for both your held weapons and being chased down by a grunt who is about to end you only for you to grapple shot a nearby handgun from the ground turn and fire just as your shield alarm goes off… but you are the last one standing.
Image Supplied 343 Industries
The bold choices that 343 Industries has taken in reimagining the Halo franchise have really paid off in Halo Infinite. The expansive ring you get to explore delivers more story, insight and law about the universe and allows for a fantastic sci-fi story of hope rather than just a run of the mill combat shooter.
Master Chief as a character seems to have been given more humanity this time around, his choices have always been heroic but in this, his demeanour seems more hopeful.
As you progress you will unlock extra upgrades to the suit some will automatically become available and some will be expanded on this games version of a skill tree. The upgrades feel organic and necessary. While still not overpowering your abilities to the point of boredom.
For all its change, the campaign mode has managed to keep the core of the franchise intact while delivering a bigger and better experience overall which is no easy feat. Fans of the Halo Franchise should be very happy with this latest incarnation while new players will find it an easy transition as the story feels fresh with hints to the past that are easily explained.
One thing is certain with 343 Industries running the Halo franchise, the possibilities are Infinite.
This review originated here and was republished with permission