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[volturnus]

I like GB a lot and find their Quick Looks very useful(also often quite funny), but sometimes I feel they should stick to humurous features only.
This piece was very poorly written IMO. Jeff spends 80% of the review describing the game's features rather than expressing his thoughts on them, putting weird comments in the middle;

''They don't feel like they fill any real need or plug into any gaps in the existing Halo arsenal. They're just more ways to do the same thing."
Just more ways to do what, shoot people? Really?

"Thankfully, the Chief has some more movement options to keep the game running at a solid pace.
[...]
Being able to sprint without having to equip that as your armor ability is terrific.
[...]
The multiplayer side of Halo 4 brings in those new weapons and movement changes, so you can sprint there, as well. "
It's clear he never liked the pace in Halo at all.

"Maybe that's on me for wanting Halo to be something other than Halo,"
That says a lot indeed.

It's like when he felt he had described enough, he suddenly remembers he should talk about points like presentantion, even though he simplys calls it "quite nice". Why even bother mentioning it, then?
It'd be easy to sum up the review, and a better MC text is: "It looks better and you can sprint, but this had a lot of potential to be something other than Halo, which, unfortunately, it isn't."

 

[Liquidsnake]

So which review was the best most informative review?

 

[Tashi]

Finally got power but Congratulations to 343 on the glowing reviews of Halo 4. It's well deserved!

 

[Demon Ice]

So which review was the best most informative review?

I give the IGN review a 6/10.

Let's review reviews!

 

[Clay Davis]

So which review was the best most informative review?

I'm reading through the last few, but a lot of them are lacking in actual game information / information that would help non fans want this game, which is in itself bizarre.

 

[danwarb]

I'll give the Edge review a 2/10.




I love the Flood.

 

[AllIsOneIsNone]

I give the IGN review a 6/10.

Let's review reviews!

I give this review of a review a slow thumbs up juaoquin pheonix style:

 

[Liquidsnake]

Lol, Thats nice.

 

[jet1911]

Halo 4 being "more Halo" is actually a good thing, for me at least. And reading HaloGAF thought on the game one could think that 343 changed the game a bit too much.

 

[JustProgress]

What the fuck? Lame.

Spoiler

bosses in FPS are almost always awesome, and yet severely underutilized

Man I disagree, honestly can't think of a good FPS

Spoiler

boss.

 

[Demon Ice]

Joystiq gets an 11/10 for this line

And so the developer launches the best kind of protest, which is to wave an impressive, throbbing shooter in your face.

THROBBING

 

[Meus Renaissance]

lol

 

[KageMaru]

My PhD in maths leads me to believe it's actually closer to 8/10.

Math lol

Yeah, I thought about that after posting it but I'm busy at work and didn't really care since it wasn't my main point lol. My point was that it's still a good score, regardless of how the scale averages out.

 

[REV 09]

Is this a joke? 4/5 is a great score. Isn't that comparable to 9/10?

a lot of people seem to be commenting on my GB 4/5 comment. I'm not saying that 4/5 is a bad score or that GB is wrong to have given every Halo game that they have reviewed that score. It just seems like the GB crew aren't as ecstatic over Halo as some other fans/outlets. You can even tell when they discuss the games during the Bombcast. They seem to like Halo, but they fucking love stuff like Saints Row. What i'm basically saying is that a 4/5 from them for a Halo game is normal.

 

[Monumental]

So which review was the best most informative review?

From all that I've read...

THIS ONE: Gamersyde

No spoilers either.

 

[Conor 419]

My thoughts exactly. Pretty darn pleased with these reviews!

It's understandable, considering the original trilogy the bar is very very high for this ip. It's usually compared even amongst core Mario, GTA and Zelda.

 

[gregor7777]

Yeah, I thought about that after posting it but I'm busy at work and didn't really care since it wasn't my main point lol. My point was that it's still a good score, regardless of how the scale averages out.

Yeah I got ya but it was too good to pass up.

 

[i-Lo]

Gah... I want to watch some of the reviews; just afraid that'll spoil SP for myself however.

 

[Monumental]

If Uncharted or Zelda were given to a brand new studio, and the score averaged 90 with the worst complaints being that the new studio didn't change the formula too much while improving the sound effects, story, and emotion of the characters. People would be ecstatic.

This is a great time to be a Halo fan. The future of the series is in great hands, and there is so much to look forward to still. Even in this very game, no one has seen past the first episode of Spartan Ops.

 

[diamount]

I never put much stock in reviews before an embargo.

 

[Conor 419]

If Uncharted or Zelda were given to a brand new studio, and the score averaged 90 with the worst complaints being that the new studio didn't change the formula too much while improving the sound effects, story, and emotion of the characters. People would be ecstatic.

This is a great time to be a Halo fan. The future of the series is in great hands, and there is so much to look forward to still. Even in this very game, no one has seen past the first episode of Spartan Ops.

The general consensus seems to be that the actual storyline isn't that good.

 

[DocSeuss]

I'm surprised it has a metacritic of 90. Just going by straight-up averages, it should be a bit higher than that. Who are they giving more weight to that brings it down so low?

The guy says that the gameplay is dated because of the omission of Iron Sights.

WHAT THE FUCK.

Terrible terrible terrible review, good score I guess.

Reminds me of when GameTrailers gave Saint's Row 3 a low score for lacking a cover system.

 

[Aaron]

Those 9/10 folks really messed up because no one is going to ever read their reviews. Fans just clutch the scores to their hearts and move on, but dare to give 8/10 and your every word will be scrutinized and puzzled over like a rosetta stone.

Also, 9.8? Really. Just give it a damn 10 and move on. That 0.2 is so silly it's offensive.

 

[danwarb]

The general consensus seems to be that the actual storyline isn't that good.

No it doesn't.

 

[Conor 419]

No it doesn't.

...what?

Edit - On the other hand however, character dialogue is being praised unanimously.

 

[2real4tv]

The only one that matters to me is Gametrailers, even though their review are spoilerific they seem very detailed and I can determine if I agree/disagree with their observations or not.

 

[KageMaru]

Forgot to say this with my first post but congrats to everyone at 343i! In all the videos it looks like they had a lot of passion for the project, or just acted very well =p, and it looks like all their hard work paid off. I'm more happy for the team with how the game turned out and is reviewing than I am for the fans. heh

a lot of people seem to be commenting on my GB 4/5 comment. I'm not saying that 4/5 is a bad score or that GB is wrong to have given every Halo game that they have reviewed that score. It just seems like the GB crew aren't as ecstatic over Halo as some other fans/outlets. You can even tell when they discuss the games during the Bombcast. They seem to like Halo, but they fucking love stuff like Saints Row. What i'm basically saying is that a 4/5 from them for a Halo game is normal.

I see now. Probably just a matter of appeal (obviously). I'm unaware if anyone on GB has ever been Halo fans really and I think it's obvious that Halo is one of those games where it clicks more for some people than others.

Yeah I got ya but it was too good to pass up.

I hear yah, I would have done the same thing =p

 

[Monumental]

The general consensus seems to be that the actual storyline isn't that good.

wuuuut?

You have a twisted idea of what "general consensus" means. The complaint from some has been that they have been lost on some plot points, and yes, it does help to know little bit about the forerunner back story. But what's in the game stands alone and makes sense. It's not a very complex story at all. The motivations of characters are explained, and another aspect to consider is that the terminals will also provide more backstory, and they haven't been unlocked yet. Come launch time, everyone will be able to find terminals and watch them through Halo waypoint.

But again, there isn't much to be "confused" about like some reviewers are making the story out to be. Its about as confusing as Halo:CE. Yes there is backstory outside the game, but everything you need to know is explained in game.

 

[Kazuma Kiryu]

If Uncharted or Zelda were given to a brand new studio, and the score averaged 90 with the worst complaints being that the new studio didn't change the formula too much while improving the sound effects, story, and emotion of the characters. People would be ecstatic.

This is a great time to be a Halo fan. The future of the series is in great hands, and there is so much to look forward to still. Even in this very game, no one has seen past the first episode of Spartan Ops.

you expect people to take that post seriously with that avatar?

 

[Monumental]

you expect people to take that post seriously with that avatar?

You expect me to give a shit about your snark when you post exclusively in Playstation threads and only ever posted in a Halo 4 thread to make a comment about Doritos?

Give me a break.

 

[GarthVaderUK]

you expect people to take that post seriously with that avatar?

Is anyone else getting sick of people avatar quoting as a way to discredit people's valid arguments?

 

[Gomu Gomu]

This thread has reminded me why AAA game reviews are amusing. It's all about conforming to my hype. Give this game that I'm waiting for a high score, AWESOME. I don't care how shitty your writing is. Give it a lower score than what I'm comfortable with, your review is shit, your opinion is shit and your site is shit.

I want to play Halo 4 like you guys, and I want it to be good too. But seriously, why are you criticizing the writing of the GB review for giving it a fucking 4 out of 5, which is still high btw, and not the ridiculously written IGN review?

 

[Emwitus]

"microsoft clearly gave 343 a blank check to make this game bla bla........"

I almost forgot how obnoxious game reviews are.

 

[danwarb]

you expect people to take that post seriously with that avatar?

What is it about that post that shouldn't be taken seriously, is it a bad time to be a Halo fan?

 

[Tashi]

The general consensus seems to be that the actual storyline isn't that good.

That's strange. Halo 4's story was probably the only one I could follow pretty damn well and probably the one I cared about most while playing. Certainly cared about all of the characters more.

 

[Monumental]

Is anyone else getting sick of people avatar quoting as a way to discredit people's valid arguments?

There isn't even an argument to be had.

All I said is that Halo fans should be happy and that all the reviews are pointing to the series being in great hands. And this bozo comes out with an avatar quote? Seriously, playstation fans should stay the fuck out if they're going to get this salty about another franchise doing well.

This thread has reminded me why AAA game reviews are amusing. It's all about conforming to my hype. Give this game that I'm waiting for a high score, AWESOME. I don't care how shitty your writing is. Give it a lower score than what I'm comfortable with, your review is shit, your opinion is shit and your site is shit.

I want to play Halo 4 like you guys, and I want it to be good too. But seriously, why are you criticizing the writing of the GB review for giving it a fucking 4 out of 5, which is still high btw, and not the ridiculously written IGN review?

Bro, hardly anyone has criticized GiantBomb's writing. It's just been pointed out that they seem generally unenthusiastic about Halo. Their review comes from someone who wants Halo to change. The IGN review comes from someone who sounds like an enthusiastic Halo fan.

They are both equally valid and will serve different audiences. You can see why most other Halo fans who ARE enthusiastic about Halo and want it to be refined than the changed, are going to agree with IGN more than GB.

 

[Mr. B Natural]

Is anyone else getting sick of people avatar quoting as a way to discredit people's valid arguments?

There is nothing "valid" about making nonsensical what-if claims.

And then claim the opposition a sony fanboy. Beautiful.

 

[Conor 419]

wuuuut?

You have a twisted idea of what "general consensus" means. The complaint from some has been that they have been lost on some plot points, and yes, it does help to know little bit about the forerunner back story. But what's in the game stands alone and makes sense. It's not a very complex story at all. The motivations of characters are explained, and another aspect to consider is that the terminals will also provide more backstory, and they haven't been unlocked yet. Come launch time, everyone will be able to find terminals and watch them through Halo waypoint.

But again, there isn't much to be "confused" about like some reviewers are making the story out to be. Its about as confusing as Halo:CE. Yes there is backstory outside the game, but everything you need to know is explained in game.

Yes but this isn't just one reviewer claiming campaign faults, this is

Destructoid
Edge
Eurogamer
Eurogamer Italy
Joystiq

and various others.

 

[Petrichor]

wuuuut?

You have a twisted idea of what "general consensus" means. The complaint from some has been that they have been lost on some plot points, and yes, it does help to know little bit about the forerunner back story. But what's in the game stands alone and makes sense. It's not a very complex story at all. The motivations of characters are explained, and another aspect to consider is that the terminals will also provide more backstory, and they haven't been unlocked yet. Come launch time, everyone will be able to find terminals and watch them through Halo waypoint.

But again, there isn't much to be "confused" about like some reviewers are making the story out to be. Its about as confusing as Halo:CE. Yes there is backstory outside the game, but everything you need to know is explained in game.

I wish the storyline was as deep as Halo 2 - it's pretty superficial and light, not as much as Halo 3, but a little too much for my liking.

I completely disagree that intricate plotting should be hidden away in terminals - the kind of people that aren't going to appreciate that kind of storytelling will be skipping all the cutscenes anyway / not even playing campaign.

 

[CambriaRising]

I am happy to see that this game turned out pretty good. I'll probably get it down the road because it wasn't on my radar, but Good Job 343!

 

[Baconsammy]

lol people are complaining about '8's? hahah/..

anywho some fantastic looking scores/reviews all around. Good job 343

Actually the whining is mainly coming from people that think the scores are too high. Yep, people that have never played the game think the scores are too high. New math.

 

[Monumental]

There is nothing "valid" about making nonsensical what-if claims.

And then claim the opposition a sony fanboy. Beautiful.

Who's BS are you spinning?

You're going to seriously argue the point that fans of any highly regarded series would be happy if a new developer continued that franchise and was received with praise and at worst was accused of staying too true to the core gameplay?

Yes but this isn't just one reviewer claiming campaign faults, this is

Destructoid
Edge
Eurogamer
Eurogamer Italy
Joystiq

and various others.

Here is what Destructoid (your first example) had to say about the story:

The story does stand on its own, but I do feel like there was a lot of information and assumptions that players are forced to accept about the overall plot going on in the universe. Some kind of refresher or preface would have been nice to help players have some grounding, especially those just joining in for the first time. It's those fans who have read the books, comics, and other Halo media who will get a lot more satisfaction out of Halo 4's overall narrative.

In a lot of ways, Halo 4 echoes the feelings of Halo: Combat Evolved. You're plunged into the middle of a conflict that you don't fully understand at first, in an extremely encompassing alien world. You're fighting for survival against a relentless alien collective, eventually coming across an even greater threat, and must do what you can to save mankind.

Part of what makes Halo 4's story so compelling is the amount of time and effort that went into the performances and character design. The Master Chief is still the strong and silent type, but he has more spoken dialogue here than seemingly the first three games put together. It's also a humanizing story, where we see the Master Chief and Cortana as more than obedient military soldiers, and the interactions between all the characters is made extra special thanks to the facial and body motion captures.​

That is pretty much EXACTLY what I said. And as for referesher, like I said there are terminals that will be unlocked once the game launches so there is still more backstory IN the game if you're looking for it, but it's definitely not necessary.

 

[Conor 419]

No, I think it's a key underlying problem that not enough of the lore has been tied with the central narrative in accessible ways. I mean I'll have to wait and see, but that's what it has sounded like.

And then there's also Edge calling the storyline bloated, etc.

 

[KageMaru]

Is anyone else getting sick of people avatar quoting as a way to discredit people's valid arguments?

Admittedly I have made the mistake of doing the same in the past but have since learned that it's silly and flawed. So while I can see how some jump to that, I agree with you that it should stop.

 

[PopcornMegaphone]

HYPE OMG HYPE

 

[danwarb]

Admittedly I have made the mistake of doing the same in the past but have since learned that it's silly and flawed. So while I can see how some jump to that, I agree with you that it should stop.

Especially when it makes no sense, at all.

 

[Anth0ny]

Reviews lookin' good!

I'm excited.

 

[Monumental]

No, I think it's a key underlying problem that not enough of the lore has been tied with the central narrative in accessible ways. I mean I'll have to wait and see, but that's what it has sounded like.

And then there's also Edge calling the storyline bloated, etc.

At the end of the day, it will come down to the person how they view the narrative thread and how much they consider to be relying on extended fiction. That's why I disagreed that it's "the general consensus", but I can see that point of view.

The bolded though, just doesn't make any sense. The entire complaint is that it doesn't dwell into too much detail of the forerunner backstory, so how the hell is it "bloated"?

Is anyone else getting sick of people avatar quoting as a way to discredit people's valid arguments?

The stupid part about that accusation is that I changed my avatar to this AFTER I played Halo 4. When I play NFS: Most Wanted, I'll change it to something related to that game and so on and so forth. How dumb to call out someone opinion of a game because they changed their avatar to that of the game. The majority of avatars on this gaming message board are going to be video game references. No one should be taken seriously about anything apparently.

 

[Mr.Fresh]

Any one wanna Marathon Halo 3 or CEA?

 

[Lunchbox]

This thread smells like hats