Now that I’ve playing with the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta since Dec 30th, I think it is about time for me to provide a summary of my first impressions. So here’s the short summary:
- Given the messy start of Halo: The Master Chief Collection’s Multiplayer experience, I honestly expected a similar start for the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta – after all, it is a beta! Well, I have got to admit: I was pleasantly surprised, and big time. For a beta, the game simply rocks.
- I’ve enjoyed the overall experience in the few Slayer maps that I’ve played on so far (Truth and Empire, and now Regret and Eden). In addition to the traditional weapons we’re used to (energy sword, magnum, sniper rifle, DMR, SMG, etc…), there are some cool additions like the explosive bullets firing Hydra MLRS weapon that you can pick up on the Regret map (if you’re lucky, since everyone heads to get it all the time).
- I love the terrains and the design of the Regret map! Very cool upper and lower levels.
- Ah, and there is the new game type called Breakout with its Halo 2-like graphics. Its high speed and intensity is super cool, and I find it a welcome addition.
- I cannot believe there are only 14 days left for the Multiplayer Beta. I really hope they will extend the beta even further.
The bottom line is: Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta is the real deal, and as much as I’ve been thinking that Bungie (through the release of Destiny) has established this high bar that has exceeded the Halo franchise’s, it looks like 343 Industries is coming back with yet a higher bar than Destiny’s. If this is what they currently have in a beta, I cannot wait to see what the final game would be like.
Two thumbs up – way up!