I’ve been playing since I was able to yesterday evening, and overall this is a technical preview, not a beta. Yes, it was a rough start just accessing it, but that’s expected. I went into this with modest expectations and understanding this isn’t a final representation of the game that ships this holiday.
Regardless, I really like it so far. It feels very much like a mixture of different classic Halo elements (Halo CE to 3), but refined, with some new minor additions and improvements but it doesn’t get itself too carried away from the original play style. I like the unique art style and art direction, it very much feels like Halo from the early 2000s but re-interpreted for the 2020s but with some modern day polish, and not too many gimmicks like we see in a lot of games today.
Gameplay feels good, the guns are all pretty much great for the most part, and the sounds — specifically on the sniper rifle, bulldog shotgun, and the rocket launcher is really awesome, you have to play the game to understand and hear the effects.
Also, many people were concerned with the addition of the “grappling hook” thing, but so far in multiplayer, it just works as a normal power up, like an over shield or camo shield. It works for a few uses and then that’s it — it’s pretty cool. I was originally under the impression this new grappling mechanic was default for all Spartans in multiplayer but I guess that’s not the case? I think this is the good way to go assuming this is the way it’s being used.
Honestly, I really like what I see so far and I know it’s just a tech preview. I can see Halo becoming really big again with what they’re doing with it. They’ve managed to modernize the franchise without having Halo lose its identity among the sea of “me too” hero shooter junk and call of duty clones, and the game despite its new additions and mechanics very much still feels like Halo.
I look forward to the final game.