Can Bungies swansong live up to the hype?

Ever sinceHalo2 exploded onto Xbox Live, online gaming hasnt been the same.

Hell, people were still playingHalo2 until recently, when the servers were closed down.

And, will the usually slim line and less than stellar campaign actually deliver the goods for solo players?

The Elites are back in force, as are the Grunts, Jackals, Hunters and more.

One of the biggest challenges Bungie faced withReachwas telling a Titanic-like story.

As for gameplay, this is pureHalo, and fans will know exactly what to expect.

The variety, however, is far improved from previous efforts.

Theres minimal corridor blasting this time, and theres far more open environments to fight through.

Its all hugely enjoyable stuff, and, of course, is as smooth and silky as ever.

Bungie knows exactly how to make a rock solid and buttery FPS, andReachis no different.

Another addition is the inclusion of armour abilities, replacingHalo3s equipment pickups.

Its admittedly a small issue, but Id have liked to experience theHalouniverse from a less enigmatic central character.

ODSThad the right idea here, with multiple playable characters aside the silent rookie, butReachhas moved away.

As good as the campaign is, the multiplayer is several magnitudes better.

Some parts are available to buy right away, whilst others require advancement to higher ranks, a laCOD.

Whilst these parts are all cosmetic only, its a nice touch.

Its a nice change fromHalos usually competitive heavy action and will, no doubt, become hugely popular.

Another mode is Generator Defence.

Its simple enough, but opens up a more tactical game.

Choose your weapon

Reachalso mixes things up with pre-game loadouts.

Armour lock is perhaps the most pointless.

This move simply locks your armour for a brief time, making you invulnerable.

Sounds good, eh?

In groups and team games, this may be useful occasionally, but its mostly a waste of time.

I should also mention some of the new weapons, which are also used extensively in single player.

Most of the tried and testedHalostaples are back, even if some have been tweaked.

Even when you do, theres the beefed up Forge mode to have a go at.

On top of all of this gaming goodness is a visual sheen that really ups the ante.

Theres no doubt about it, Halo: Reachis a superb title on almost every level.

Put simply, go buy it.

Halo: Reachis out now andavailable from the Den Of Geek Store.

Rating:

5 out of 5