So apparently the embargo is over after all because of all the leaked copies. I might as well put this on here first then

Let me preface this by stating that I am NOT by any means a "Halo Fanboy". I thoroughly enjoyed Halo: Combat Evolved, because of what it was at the time. Great graphics, and a compelling story with fun multiplayer. Halo 2, and Halo 3 were more or less boring to me (and let's not even get into the joke that was ODST), so what do I think of Bungie's final send-off to the universe they created?

Controls:

The controls are, at their core, the controls of any other Halo game (which is to say most FPS games), with some interesting tweaks. First the controls "feel" more fluid. Maybe it's just me and not playing Halo in a good while, but everything feels so smooth. Not just the regular movement either, but the flight, and vehicle controls as well. The only problem long-time halo players will have is trying to remember to hit the button for your armor ability.

Graphics:

This is EASILY the best looking game on the 360. Everything still looks like Halo, but totally revamped and remastered. There is a "newness" to things that should feel old, just because of the graphical tweaks. Maps that were classic staples (Blood Gulch, Ivory Tower, etc), look so much better revamped in the new engine, and new maps still have the feel of Halo. All the cut scenes are done in-engine, where you can see your custom Spartan in them - so no pre-rendered stuff here.

Sound:

You NEED a surround system to fully enjoy this experience. Halo has always been known for their atmospheric music (and the chanting....oh the chanting), but Reach takes it to the next level. The music itself just blew me away. And speaking of things blowing you away, wait until you get into the space-dogfighting area to see what they did with the sound there. Apart from that, the voice acting is spot on with what they were trying to convey.

Story:

I'm not going to bother posting any kinds of spoilers here. let's just say that the story was moving and emotional, and gives you a serious satisfaction at the end.

Forge:

The additions to Forge are simply crazy. Never before have I played a game that gives you THIS level of customization options. it's as if Bungie said "here's our baby, what happens now is up to you". I can't even begin to talk about what's all better, but if you enjoyed making maps in the past, you'll be extremely happy now.



Final thoughts:

There's a lot more I COULD say, but I think I've given you enough to salivate over for the next 8 days If you have a 360, and you enjoy the FPS genre, this is a no brainer. 5 Michela all the way (I'd give it more if I could)