I thought making the banhammer into an actual, usable weapon was excellent, and it makes for a great gameplay mechanic. I think giving the Hunters their own secondary weapons and overhead character names really helped solve the discriminatory themes of Halo 8 that we all were so bothered by. I think that 343 has finally achieved the armor customization we've been asking for by adding the spartans footwear with brands like Nike and Adidas. However, I think the game should do away with all of the Old Spice and Snickers sponsorships, even though they're tied in as major plot points to the storyline.
I'm wondering why they removed dual wielding and playable Elites again. At least the second wave of equipment didn't disappoint. Single-use armor lock was more balanced than expected. I wish they'd bring back half-and-half undersuits though. Now they're completely colored.
Removing the AC130 killstreak was such a good improvement, this clearly shows they're listening to us and are moving back towards the Bungie halos. Also for campaign, I felt Chief's death back in halo 8 was much better then when he died in halo 9. The new elite design they introduced in halo 9 only has one arm, making them unable to duel wield, resulting in duel wield's removal rather than have the game unbalanced. Elites were removed because they couldn't duel wield which would result in Spartans having the upper hand.
I really enjoy the new Hannibal Energy Sword that shoots gauss daggers. For those of you who haven't played yet, it is like the old zelda games where you can throw your sword over and over and over for some reason. Very cool stuff. I will say though, I didn't expect that campaign plot twist. WHO KNEW that chief was actually Spartan Locke's alter ego and was struggling with PTSD from the original Halo ring events. Halo 5 makes so much more sense now, Locke was chasing his alternate state of mind down, and trying to come to terms with what had happened... He had to fight himself in order to snap back to reality. I also like the new UNSC ship. The one that holds all 343 Infinity ships. Humanity is finally the juggernauts of the Galaxy What I didn't expect was Dr Halsey being the Didact. That threw me off, but was such a good story arch. Cant believe she turned everything in the galaxy into a promethean! Can't wait to see what happens next!
https://www.reddit.com/r/halo/comments/4wgn6s/now_that_halo_9_is_out_how_does_it_compare_to/ https://www.reddit.com/r/halo/comments/4wgn6s/now_that_halo_9_is_out_how_does_it_compare_to/d6750ap
One thing though, I'm really upset that we have to buy Forge now. Not only that, but which 343 dumbass decided to have it released in episodes!? ONLY IN REQ PACKS? The forge has been the same thing since Halo 5, and the only improvement we get 4 games later is... Stronger magnets? Sorry 343, your game is a disaster. Plz fix 343i 0/10
Sure, all these new sandbox elements are great and all... But I am just in love with how 343 is taking map design so much more seriously now! Angst, Oblivion, Copperhead, Rhubarb, Orion are some great examples of this! I knew 343 could be original if they just tried, low and behold they actually did it! +1 respect to whoever at 343 designed these maps, seriously, awesome job!