Halo Infinite Review – A Return To Form, And Something New

As my Scorpion tank armored cocoon carries me, I climb an elevated path that leads to the Banished stronghold. With each explosive cannon blast, the outer sentries prove they’re not much of a threat, but my foes have prepared for this approach, and the narrow mountain path hits a blockade. While my marines disembark and charge ahead, I grapple up into the nearby hills and begin to pick off Jackals with a unique variant sniper rifle – spoils of an earlier conquest. But no plan survives first contact with the enemy, and I’m eventually scaling the outer fort wall and dropping into a nest of entrenched Brutes, as the familiar rattle of my assault rifle begins to clear the way.

Halo Infinite walks a narrow line between old and new and does it with as much success as I’ve seen from a game. As one of the most recognizable “feels” of play, it’s confidently nostalgic and rooted in an established legacy, ably recalling the earliest games in the series. Whether it’s the satisfying stick of a plasma grenade, the haughty cries of a sword-wielding stealth Elite, or the gradual discovery of a mysterious Halo ring, Infinite is an homage to Combat Evolved, 20 years after that first release. Simultaneously, 343 Industries’ new game charts its own course. Equipment like the incredibly satisfying grappleshot, open-world elements that inject increased opportunities for exploration, and freeform base assaults that challenge players to think creatively – all of these and more help the formula stay fresh and relevant. This Halo game is a great example of how to balance, with the most satisfying Halo experience in more than a decade.

Master Chief’s latest adventure opens in media res, with his defeat at the hands of a Brute warlord and the destruction of the UNSC Infinity. It’s a reset of expectations about where the story was going after the last game and a figurative teardown of the complicated fictional framework that defined the previous two series entries. Master Chief awakens six months later, with a new, more naïve AI companion at his side, and sets to work doing what he does best – overcoming insurmountable odds one bullet at a time.

While the resultant story seems straightforward, Infinite unravels the mysteries of his absence. However, the narrative has mystical undertones that hint at Cortana’s disappearance and other long-forgotten Halo secrets. While some questions get answers, Infinite revels in its head-scratching perplexities, and even fervent lore enthusiasts may reach the conclusion with a resounding “huh?” That, too, keeps to the old Halo form, but this time I found much more to enjoy in the genuine character moments of hope and resilience, and I could have used a bit less bewilderment.

Halo Infinite’s production values are through the roof, with breathtaking outdoor vistas and imposing cathedral-like interiors. It is perfectly timed, emotional powerful and well balanced between familiar motifs. The voice actors deliver powerful performances, elevating sci-fi characters and communicating humanity and loss. Everything moves with excitement and tension, including weapon flashes and vehicle explosions.

Combat feels like an adventure, regardless of what a player may enjoy or not, but the game should keep players engaged and motivated to play through a given level. Every gun has something to offer, and the enemies can be fierce and difficult, particularly if you try your hand at the legendary difficulty level. In particular, boss fights on the more demanding settings are tense and exciting – a rare feat in first-person shooters. Gripshot and other new gear have a profound effect on gameplay. This has allowed for more vertical play as well as mobile. Battles carry a constant sense of movement and momentum, and I couldn’t wait for each subsequent encounter.

The new open-world and progression elements borrow heavily from established successes in that genre, and there’s nothing profoundly innovative about the gradual takeover of a zone. But the battles feel so good that I didn’t mind too much. The larger outposts and bases were my favorite because they encourage creativity in the way you tackle the bad guys. I also loved the small moments of discovery – hidden weapon caches on a mountaintop or caves that hold the last weapons of a doomed Marine squad.

Infinite’s accompanying multiplayer suite is free-to-play, and it warrants a similar level of enthusiasm to the lengthy campaign. The core competitive shooting experience is both fast and incredibly fun, whether it’s in intense ranked matches or sprinting to grab a flag in rapidplay. The “fair start” mentality is a breath of fresh air in a multiplayer scene dominated by games with earned weapons or mismatched classes; here, if you win an exchange, it’s because you scavenged the right gun and fought the best engagement.

The slow progression of multiplayer characters, the limited customization of character profiles, and individual weapon balances all require some adjustment during these first weeks. These issues hampered my enjoyment in a match-to-match that was otherwise enjoyable. But those features have already been tweaked since launch, and may be significantly different weeks from now, so there’s a limit to how much I want to tear the game down when the actual multiplayer battles are so much fun.

Like many, I’m sad that Halo Infinite doesn’t offer cooperative multiplayer at launch, if only because it’s been a bulwark of the series’ identity. It’s a disappointing omission, but I have to judge the game before me, not the features I wish might be there. Halo Infinite proves to be a great success. Whether you want a big, mysterious sci-fi adventure or a chance to engage with some intense PvP, Halo Infinite nails the shots where it counts and heralds a new era for one of gaming’s most recognizable mainstays.