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MONSTER

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Item: Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2014

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 11, 2014

PlatformXbox One

Developer343 Industries

Overview

The improved and enhanced Halo: The Master Chief Collection features visual enhancements with up to 4K UHD resolution, improved matchmaking, offline LAN, customizable installation options, and faster load times, it’s the definitive way to experience the ultimate Halo saga. Includes the extensive suite of campaign, multiplayer and additional features from Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, and Halo 4 - all updated to run at 60FPS.

Elsewhere

8.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics largely praise Halo: The Master Chief Collection for its rich narrative and character depth, emphasizing Master Chief's heroics against the Covenant and the extensive content, including 45 missions. While the storytelling is immersive and meaningful, touching on themes like redemption, some criticisms arise over accessibility issues like the lack of subtitles for non-subtitled dialogue, which could alienate some players. Overall, the collection is seen as a valuable and engaging experience for both new and returning fans, enhancing the beloved Halo lore.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of Halo: The Master Chief Collection is largely positive, with many critics praising the depth and evolution of the narrative across the series. COGconnected highlights the central role of Master Chief as a super soldier battling the Covenant, which sets the stage for an engaging experience. Eurogamer Portugal emphasizes the collection's extensive content, featuring 45 missions and the Master Chief Saga playlist, which allows players to experience the story in a cohesive manner. Impulsegamer and Multiplayer.it commend the well-developed characters and immersive storytelling, with Multiplayer.it specifically noting the depth added by Cortana and the humanity of Master Chief, making it one of the best narratives in first-person shooters. Pure Xbox also appreciates the thematic richness of the story, touching on deep concepts like redemption and sacrifice, which resonates strongly with the gaming culture. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the presentation of the story. GameCritics points out a significant drawback: the absence of subtitles during non-subtitled dialogue, which can alienate deaf and hard-of-hearing players. Additionally, while Game Over Online acknowledges a personal growth in appreciation for the story through the collection's user-friendly format, it suggests that the narrative may not have initially resonated with all players. This indicates that while the collection enhances the storytelling experience, it may not fully engage every audience member from the outset. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Halo: The Master Chief Collection successfully brings together the narratives of the series in a way that enhances player engagement and appreciation for the story. Critics like Game Informer and Gamers' Temple note the enjoyable experience of seeing the story evolve across the games, making it accessible and compelling, especially for those catching up before Halo 5. Despite some criticisms regarding accessibility and initial engagement, the collection is generally viewed as a valuable compilation that enriches the Halo lore and provides a satisfying journey for both new and returning players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Halo: The Master Chief Collection impresses with engaging gameplay, user-friendly design, and nostalgic elements, earning praise for its smooth performance and extensive multiplayer offerings. Critics appreciate the freedom to explore missions across four titles, though issues like matchmaking problems and dated mechanics in Halo 2 have been noted. Overall, despite some technical flaws, the collection is a must-have for fans, blending classic charm with modern enhancements.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Halo: The Master Chief Collection has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, who commend its engaging and well-structured design. Reviewers from 3DJuegos and AusGamers highlight the collection's user-friendly interface and the strategic depth of gameplay, respectively, emphasizing the ability to access missions from any of the four games in any order. Critics such as Critical Hit and Destructoid praise the smooth framerate and enjoyable campaign experiences, while Digital Spy and Digital Trends note the freedom players have in exploring objectives. The multiplayer component also receives accolades, with Eurogamer and Gamereactor Sweden pointing out the extensive map offerings and classic modes that enhance the overall experience. The nostalgic yet modernized gameplay, as mentioned by EGM, further adds to the appeal, making it a well-rounded package for both new players and veterans of the franchise. Despite the largely positive reception, some critics have pointed out several issues that detract from the overall experience. Everyeye.it and Gaming Age mention problems with matchmaking, lag, and crashes in the multiplayer experience, indicating that these technical difficulties can hinder gameplay enjoyment. Additionally, GameCritics notes that the gameplay of Halo 2 feels dated due to technical restrictions, while Game Informer highlights confusing level design and excessive backtracking in certain campaigns. Gaming Nexus expresses concerns about the gameplay feeling slow and dated, suggesting that control adjustments could improve the experience. These criticisms illustrate that while the gameplay is solid, it is not without its flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Halo: The Master Chief Collection delivers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience, with the majority praising its engaging mechanics, diverse combat scenarios, and nostalgic elements. The collection's ability to allow players to experience the evolution of the series through its various campaigns is a significant highlight, as noted by ZTGD and Power Unlimited. While there are some technical issues and design concerns that need addressing, the positive sentiment far outweighs the negatives, making it a worthwhile addition to any gamer's library. The collection successfully captures the essence of the Halo franchise while providing modern enhancements that appeal to both new and returning players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Halo: The Master Chief Collection receives high praise for its stunning remastered visuals, particularly Halo 2, with smooth 1080p and 60fps gameplay. Critics celebrate the ability to switch between original and upgraded graphics, enhancing nostalgia. However, some note that Halo: Combat Evolved falls short in comparison, and older titles like Halo 3 and Halo 4 lack extensive remastering. Overall, the collection revitalizes the franchise, appealing to both new players and longtime fans despite minor criticisms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Halo: The Master Chief Collection is overwhelmingly positive among critics. Many reviewers, such as 3DJuegos and AusGamers, praised the remastered visuals, highlighting the impressive upgrades in textures and models, as well as the ability to switch between original and remastered graphics with ease. Critics like Digital Trends and Hardcore Gamer specifically lauded the stunning cutscenes and the visual overhaul of Halo 2, which was described as a standout with its lush graphics and depth. The collection's ability to run at 1080p and 60fps was consistently noted, with many reviewers emphasizing the overall improvement in visual fidelity across all titles, particularly in Halo 2: Anniversary. Despite the strong praise, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings. Destructoid noted that while the remastered visuals were commendable, the original Halo: Combat Evolved did not measure up to its successors in terms of graphical quality. Additionally, Gamereactor Sweden criticized outdated graphics and design choices, as well as the menu system and presentation of the collection. While Halo 3 and Halo 4 received praise for their technical upgrades, some reviews indicated that they did not undergo as extensive a remastering as Halo 2, leading to a perceived disparity in visual quality within the collection. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Halo: The Master Chief Collection delivers a visually impressive experience, particularly with the remastering of Halo 2. Reviewers like Game Informer and God is a Geek emphasized the successful integration of modern graphics while retaining the essence of the originals. The ability to switch between graphics modes was frequently highlighted as a significant feature, adding to the nostalgic experience. While there were some critiques regarding the visual quality of earlier titles and minor technical issues, the majority of critics agreed that the collection successfully revitalizes the beloved franchise, making it accessible and visually appealing for both new players and longtime fans.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Halo: The Master Chief Collection impresses with its remastered sound design and music, earning praise for aggressive weapon sounds and immersive audio, especially in Halo 2: Anniversary. Critics highlight the dynamic soundtrack that enhances gameplay and the added extras like hidden videos. However, some voice acting and localization issues have been noted, and while Halo 2 shines, the overall enhancements across the collection may vary. Despite minor criticisms, the collection is celebrated for honoring the Halo legacy, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

76%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Halo: The Master Chief Collection have garnered largely positive feedback from critics, highlighting significant enhancements that elevate the overall gaming experience. Many reviewers, including AusGamers and IGN, praised the remastered soundtrack and sound effects, noting the aggressive weapon sounds and the immersive audio experience, particularly in Halo 2: Anniversary. Critics like Meristation emphasized how the music adapts to gameplay moments, creating tense or epic atmospheres that enhance player engagement. Additionally, the inclusion of extras such as hidden Halo Terminal videos and the availability of the soundtrack in the Extras menu, as mentioned by Eurogamer Portugal and Pure Xbox, further enriches the overall experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive sentiment, some criticisms have been noted, particularly regarding the voice acting and localization. 3DJuegos pointed out the poor dubbing in the original game, while Impulsegamer mentioned that some voice acting felt clichéd and over-the-top. Furthermore, while many critics celebrated the sound design improvements, Gaming Nexus focused solely on Halo 2, neglecting to mention the enhancements across the other titles in the collection. This selective attention suggests that while Halo 2 received significant upgrades, the overall sound experience may not have been uniformly enhanced across all games in the collection. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Halo: The Master Chief Collection delivers a commendable sound design and musical experience that resonates well with both new and veteran players. The majority of reviews reflect a strong appreciation for the revamped audio, with critics like Polygon and Gamer.no acknowledging the complete re-recording of sound effects and the immersive quality of the audio mix. While there are some criticisms regarding specific aspects of voice acting and localization, the positive reception of the soundtrack and sound design improvements indicates that the collection successfully honors the legacy of the Halo franchise, making it a worthwhile experience for fans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Xbox One is a technical mixed bag. While praised for its 1080p resolution and smooth 60 FPS, critics slam persistent online matchmaking issues, lag, and crashes that hinder multiplayer. Despite significant performance upgrades from the original games, ongoing technical problems frustrate players, leaving the overall experience divided. Patches are improving matters, but the collection still faces major hurdles to achieve its full potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Xbox One has garnered a mix of praise and criticism from various reviewers. On the positive side, many critics highlighted that the game runs at an impressive 1080p resolution and maintains a smooth 60 frames per second across most titles in the collection. Digital Trends and God is a Geek specifically commended the overall performance, noting the solid gameplay experience. Critics like Eurogamer Portugal also pointed out significant improvements in performance compared to the original releases, indicating that the collection has successfully modernized the classic games. Furthermore, some reviews, such as those from Digital Spy and ZTGD, reported that the game performed well during their testing phases, with no major issues disrupting the experience. However, the negatives surrounding the technical performance are notable and have been echoed by numerous reviewers. Many critics, including 3DJuegos and EGM, pointed out persistent issues with online matchmaking, which has been a significant concern since launch. The multiplayer experience has been marred by technical problems, as highlighted by Everyeye.it, which described matchmaking issues, lag, and crashes that rendered the game nearly unplayable for some players. Additionally, there were reports of frame-rate drops and juddering, particularly in the Halo: Combat Evolved port, as mentioned by Critical Hit and Eurogamer Germany, which detracted from the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divided sentiment regarding the technical performance of Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Xbox One. While many reviewers acknowledged the impressive graphical fidelity and smooth frame rates, the persistent technical issues—especially related to online matchmaking and multiplayer stability—have left a significant portion of the player base frustrated. Critics like IGN and Telegraph noted severe matchmaking problems that impacted the multiplayer experience, while others like Pure Xbox and Gaming Age indicated that while issues existed, they were improving with patches. This mixed feedback suggests that while the collection has the potential for a great experience, ongoing technical challenges need to be addressed to fully realize that potential.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

"Halo: The Master Chief Collection" boasts exceptional replay value, featuring over 45 campaign missions and 100+ multiplayer maps, praised for its variety and customization options. Critics highlight its robust content, suitable for both newcomers and veterans. However, some point to technical issues in online multiplayer that could frustrate players. Despite this, the overall consensus is highly positive, making it a must-have for Halo fans looking for a nostalgic yet fresh experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

10%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overwhelming consensus among critics regarding the replay value of "Halo: The Master Chief Collection" is highly positive, with many praising the extensive content it offers. Reviewers like AusGamers and Digital Trends highlight the sheer volume of gameplay available, noting over 45 campaign missions and more than 100 multiplayer maps, which provide players with a wealth of options. Critics such as Destructoid and God is a Geek emphasize the impressive variety of multiplayer modes, playlists, and customization options, which contribute significantly to the game's longevity. The inclusion of features like Forge for custom maps and the ability to revisit any chapter of the campaigns further enhances replayability, making it a robust package for both newcomers and veteran players, as noted by Games.cz and Gaming Age. However, not all reviews are entirely glowing. Some critics, such as Everyeye.it and Telegraph, point out issues with the online multiplayer experience, specifically mentioning problems with playlists, matchmaking, and group management. These technical shortcomings could detract from the overall experience, potentially frustrating players who are eager to dive into the vast array of content. Despite these concerns, the majority of critics still find the replay value compelling enough to recommend the game, as the positives generally outweigh the negatives. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that "Halo: The Master Chief Collection" offers an exceptional replay value, thanks to its extensive content and variety of gameplay modes. While some technical issues have been noted, they do not significantly diminish the game's appeal. Critics like Game Informer and Metro GameCentral underscore that the collection provides a unique opportunity to explore the Halo franchise's evolution while enjoying a nostalgic yet fresh multiplayer experience. The game's ability to cater to both casual players and hardcore fans solidifies its status as a must-have for anyone interested in the Halo universe.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Halo: The Master Chief Collection is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its comprehensive offering and nostalgic appeal. Reviewers from 3DJuegos and AusGamers highlight the remastering quality and the extensive content available in both single-player and multiplayer modes, making it an essential purchase for fans of the series. Critics like Digital Spy and Game Informer laud the collection as a masterclass in remastered compilations, emphasizing the attention to detail and the enjoyment it brings to players. The collection is described as a "slick package" by Critical Hit, while Hardcore Gamer refers to it as a "robust and impressive package," indicating that it successfully caters to both long-time fans and newcomers alike. However, the reviews are not without their criticisms. Several critics point out technical issues, particularly concerning the multiplayer experience. GameCritics expresses disappointment with the game's execution, labeling it as a "half-assed" product plagued by crashing and non-functional multiplayer. Everyeye.it echoes this sentiment, suggesting that players interested primarily in online play might want to hold off on purchasing until further improvements are made. Additionally, Digital Trends notes that the collection is not definitive without including Reach and ODST, indicating that while the collection is strong, it still has room for improvement. Despite the noted technical issues, the overall consensus among critics is that Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a must-have for fans of the franchise. Many reviewers, including Game Over Online and ZTGD, emphasize its incredible value, with ZTGD calling it "the best value ever" for Xbox One owners. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Polygon appreciate the collection as a celebration of the Halo legacy, offering a rich experience for both new players and veterans. The majority of reviews reflect a strong recommendation, suggesting that the positives far outweigh the negatives, and the collection is seen as a significant contribution to the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

TL;DR: Halo: The Master Chief Collection receives rave reviews for its nostalgic, comprehensive remaster, offering extensive single-player and multiplayer content. Critics hail it as a must-have for fans, praising its quality and value, though technical issues, particularly in multiplayer, have drawn criticism. Some argue it's not complete without Reach and ODST. Overall, despite the flaws, it’s a recommended buy for Xbox One owners, with many calling it a major win for the Halo franchise.

MONSTER

Reviews

106 reviews found

100

Digital Spy

Xbox One

Nov 11, 2014