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Shoot to THRILL: Assassin's Creed: Unity and Halo: Master Chief Collection

Is Ubisoft's bugfest really that bad?

Chief concerns

Halo might have devised the FPS as it is today on home consoles, but that doesn't mean it still stands up entirely. Chief can be cumbersome to control at times and prone to snagging on scenery, while encounters all too regularly fall into the same pattern of room clearing.

Halo: Master Chief Collection

Infinity knight

I'm not saying gunslinging across Halo isn't fun – it clearly is, but game after game of identikit fighting leaves you craving for something different. It's an issue that even the most modern Halo 4 fails to address, something that’s particularly galling.

There's also no denying that the aiming mechanics, while uniquely “Halo”, are starting to feel a little antiquated too. Fans might be decrying the revelations of gunsight aiming and boosting coming to Halo 5, but something needs to change for the series to thrive in this new console generation.

Halo: Master Chief Collection

Halo 2 multiplayer moments

Local split-screen co-op also suffers from patch frame rates throughout. True devotees will ponder where Halo: ODST and Halo: Reach are, too.

It could be argued that there are only so many Covenant-killing hours in a day. But hopefully Microsoft and 343 Industries will be smart enough to release similarly souped-up DLC versions of each further down the line. If only so the Xbox One can boast a full repertoire of all things Halo - poor old Halo Wars aside.

Halo: Master Chief Collection

All hail the Master Chief

The Reg Verdict

Regardless of my nitpicking there's no denying the fantastic value on offer here, or the sheer impact – particularly when it comes to multiplayer – made by Halo.

It's no exaggeration to say this is a body of work comparable to the Star Wars Trilogy (the good one that is) and The Lord of the Rings. And Halo’s legacy is just as important to the gaming industry as the above continue to be to film and the novel.

The Master Chief Collection serves as a perfect branch between generations. Make no mistake, 343 Industries – the Chief needs you on top form in Halo 5 to keep him just as relevant in the future. ®

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