‘Halo 5: Guardians’ Review Roundup: Latest Installment Delights Critics

Halo 5: Guardians was released earlier this week for the Xbox One console to largely positive reviews from gaming critics.

It’s been three years since the last installment of the Halo gaming franchise, making Halo 5: Guardians one of the most highly anticipated games of the year. The Microsoft game, which stars protagonist Master Chief, has had loyal fans since it made its debut back in 2001. The new installment, which reportedly cost roughly $100 million to develop, is the first of 13 titles that will exclusively play on Microsoft’s Xbox One.

Halo 5: Guardians Reviews

“Halo 5: Guardians is a game about momentum. It’s fueled by new ideas and propelled by some of the boldest changes to this storied franchise yet. Some of these changes fail, but others succeed, and although Halo 5 falters at times, it whisks us through black holes and across war torn tropical islands at a rapid pace. We can only surrender to its velocity.” – Mike Mahardy, GameSpot

“Developer 343 Industries has engineered the strongest combat Halo has ever seen, with tons of excellent weapons, varied maps, an expansive and intense new multiplayer mode joining a host of returning greats, and some game-changing new mobility. At the same time, Guardians repeats Halo 4’s mistake of telling a story that can’t stand on its own without Halo’s expanded universe. This hurts, but doesn’t ruin, its otherwise impressive cooperative campaign.” – Brian Alberg, IGN

“When the controller is in your hand, the overwrought plot and sci-fi silliness is forgiven. Halo 5 feels just as good — often better — than its predecessors, making it a welcome refresh of the series. Developer 343 Industries has made a ton of smart tweaks and decisions to bring Halo up to date while preserving the core that always set it apart.” – Sam Byford, The Verge

“Halo 5 feels like it knows its obligations. The campaign’s narrative is likely to prove controversial, though its biggest sin may be its familiarity. Otherwise, Halo 5 excels under the pressure, providing one of the most welcoming, competitive, balanced and fun games of the year — and providing my personal favorite Halo multiplayer since the series began.” Arthur Gies, Polygon

Halo 5: Guardians was released Oct. 27 and is available solely for the Xbox One console.