Halo: Reach

A pleasantly surprising, fun PC port that runs well and offers a decent civilian-rescue campaign with varied scenarios and challenging AI that ranges from boring to brutal, plus satisfying weighty gunplay. It's let down by a broken sound port, dated graphics, and an annoying can't-move-while-crouched mechanic, and the multiplayer is spoiled by controller auto-aim. Not the best Halo, but enjoyable, and a strong value as the first entry in the Master Chief Collection.

A far superior follow-up to ODST and an excellent, polished send-off for Bungie, with a moving emotional ending, challenging AI, great level variety and a massive multiplayer suite with Forge, Firefight and robust customization tools. The story can feel less impactful given the large team and shorter campaign, and it plays things safe, squandering the potential of multiplayer space combat and persistent online war. A great entry point and easy recommendation despite falling short of greatness.

Strong farewell to Halo series. Spectacle and emotional stakes. Best-of-Halo package. Satisfying ending tying to Halo 1.