Spartan Ops, Halo 4’s ambitious weekly downloadable co-op campaign, ended the first half of its inaugural season with some unsettling developments. Dr. Catherine “I founded the Spartans” Halsey was seemingly up to no good aboard the Infinity, the Didact’s Hand had captured a UNSC scientist to awaken the Forerunner known as the Librarian, and Fireteam Crimson was captured by Covenant forces.
Episode 6, launching next week and free to anyone with a copy of Halo 4, doesn’t waste any time dealing with these issues. The gorgeous opening cinematic is lengthy and sets in motion a dramatic run towards the season finale. More importantly, it sets the tone for some gameplay changes for the season’s final five episodes.
Listening to fan feedback, 343 Industries made some adjustments and, from the looks of some of the missions from Episode 6, things are going to be a lot more fun from here on out. In the earlier episodes, there was little connection between Master Chief’s campaign, War Games and Spartan Ops, but that won’t be the case going forward. The missions tie more directly into the CG cinematics and there’s a lot more comm chatter while you’re hunting down Covenant and Prometheans that provides context to your missions.
There are bigger environments, more sandbox moments, and just an all-around better mix of enemies and challenges that feel, well, more Halo than the first few episodes. It still boils down to similar actions –kill a bunch of enemies then activate a console – but there are stronger ties back to the story as to why you’re there. It’s not about planetside training exercises or mopping up a squad of Covies anymore. The plot and the gameplay are more tightly wound together.
Episode 6 begins with Fireteam Crimson, captured and restrained by Covenant forces. Thanks to a little power glitch, one member is freed and starts a revolt. You don’t have the use of your preferred loadout, as the Covies stripped you of all the things your Spartan heart loves. That means limited weapon options and no armor abilities. While the mission plays out much like those from past episodes, it has a distinct “behind enemy lines” feel that helps it stand out.
The third mission in Episode 6 is where things really start to rev up. There’s no shortage of ammo and big weapons, which you’ll need when a few Hunters drop by to say hello. It’s also nice to be able to hijack a Banshee and frag some Prometheans in a multi-tiered combat arena. As with pretty much all of Halo 4, Episode 6 is best with friends. Grab three buddies and tackle these on Legendary for a modest challenge that has the feel, at times, of Firefight mode.
With the intrigue brewing on Infinity (just wait till you see the intro movie for Episode 6!) and more exciting missions, the second half of Spartan Ops’ first season feels like a marked improvement.
Look for impressions on the surprised-filled Episode 7 next Friday.
PUBLISHER: Microsoft Studios • DEVELOPER: 343 Industries • MULTIPLAYER: Yes • RELEASES: January 21, 2013 • FOR FANS OF: Bigger stages, better storytelling, More Halo
