SINGAPORE: "Halo 4" is the latest instalment of the popular "Halo" game franchise.
It traces the adventures of human super soldier Master Chief, and his artificial intelligence companion Cortana, as they unravel the mystery of Requiem, an uncharted planet inhabited by the hostile Prometheans.
Following the departure of Bungie Inc, the developers who did the previous "Halo" games, 343 Industries was tasked with developing "Halo 4".
To their credit, 343 Industries has managed to retain all the good points of the previous "Halo" games, like their tight controls and frenetic gameplay, in "Halo 4".
It has even improved upon its predecessors in certain areas – "Halo 4" boasts much better graphics, as well as more types of enemies, along with more weapons to kill them with than the earlier games.
But the game on the whole, is essentially similar to past "Halo" games.
The new Promethean weapons, for example, look cool and actually assemble themselves in the player's hands, but they behave more or less the same way as the Human and Covenant weapons.
However, this is great news for diehard "Halo" fans.
"More of the same" isn't always a bad thing, especially when it's done well.
The fluid action, the familiar mechanics from the other games in the series, which have sold over 43 million copies so far in total, are reproduced faithfully in "Halo 4".
What truly sets "Halo 4" apart from the previous "Halo" games is probably its storyline, which has a slightly darker tone.
Some story threads in the game, like Master Chief's relationship with an increasingly unstable Cortana are also quite intriguing, and will leave players wanting to play on in order to find out what happens next.
While the main campaign clocks in at slightly over ten hours, there is a lot more content for players to explore and get their money's worth from the game long after the end credits roll.
343 Industries has created extra content in the form of Spartan Ops, a series of free downloadable episodic missions that draws the player deeper into the "Halo" universe, and fills in narrative gaps in the main game.
In addition, the compelling multiplayer modes also serve to extend the longevity of the game.
At the end of the day, hardcore "Halo" fans will find "Halo 4" very familiar and absolutely adore all the extra new content, but those who are looking for something more than "Halo 3 (2)" may walk away a tad disappointed.
-CNA/ha
"Halo 4": More of the same with a sprinkle of change
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"Halo 4": More of the same with a sprinkle of change
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"Halo 4": More of the same with a sprinkle of change
