Published on: 19/11/2021

Halo Infinite Multiplayer Review

More than twenty years ago, the world was enjoying the launch of a brand new first-person shooter game, Halo: Combat Evolved. It was a sci-fi adventure like no other, and it introduced us to a universe that would grow to become something quite epic. As a franchise, Halo would come to dominate the Xbox platform, serving as a flagship series that would be loved by millions around the world. Now, two decades later, the fourteenth Halo game has been partially released, in the form of Halo Infinite. Today, we’re here to discuss the majesty of the Halo Infinite multiplayer reveal and see where the franchise is at.

It may seem weird that we’ve said ‘partially released’, but that’s the way 343 Industries, the developer, has worked this launch. As of the 15th of November, the twentieth anniversary of Halo, fans have been permitted access to the totally free-to-play Halo Infinite multiplayer section of the game. On December 8th, the campaign – the first new Halo campaign since 2015 – will launch in full.

Let’s break down the Halo Infinite multiplayer launch and see exactly how good it is.

Back and Better Than Ever?

Firstly, I think it’s appropriate for me to establish my personal position when it comes to Halo. Before I picked up the Halo Infinite multiplayer last week, I’d never played a single round of Halo online. I’d toyed with the campaigns of previous releases, but honestly, Halo as a franchise just wasn’t for me. I was never a fan of the movement, the style, the pew-pew laser weapons, or the inability to ‘ADS’.

Fortunately, I decided to give a little time to the Halo Infinite multiplayer – it is totally free-to-play, after all. There’s nothing to lose, right?

Around six hours later, I closed down the game in absolute awe – what an experience! In the midst of so many FPS titles launching in a totally broken state, Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is, for the most part, total perfection. Now, I’ve obviously got very little to compare it to, but I do fully understand and appreciate that the ‘heyday’ for Halo was focused around the older titles, such as Halo 2 and 3.

I poured every ounce of my attention into the Halo Infinite multiplayer and was met with huge rewards across the board. It’s a massively stable experience, boasting smooth combat that is both remarkably familiar and refreshingly new. Even if you’ve never played a Halo game before, you just recognise everything, from the characters and the weapons to the vehicles and the equipment.

I can’t honestly say if it’s better than ever, but as a game, it’s absolutely fantastic.

Top Marks Across the Board

While the Halo Infinite multiplayer is free to play, the developers have introduced a battle pass system. We’re not new to this concept as gamers, but it’s a first for Halo, which has ruffled some feathers, of course. However, it’s a small price to pay when the multiplayer function itself is so impeccable and so much fun to actually play. I’ve been playing for around 20 hours now, and even I’m considering picking up the battle passes.

Honestly, the Halo Infinite multiplayer should form a fine foundation for the upcoming Halo Championship Series. It’s the first major Halo esports tournament to arrive since 2018, and fans are extremely excited. With a game as seemingly well balanced and well designed as Halo Infinite, the competition should unravel perfectly.

Furthermore, if you’re new to the franchise (as am I), you’ll have no issues getting to grips with the gameplay itself. There is a fine assortment of maps available from the get-go, and the selection of game modes available is both age-old and highly enjoyable. If you’re playing with friends, you’re in for a treat, as the primary 4v4 model actively encourages high-octane team play.

Right now, I just can’t fault the game, and I’m seriously eager to get back into the battle.

The full release for Halo Infinite will take place on the 8th of December, but the Halo Infinite multiplayer portion is free-to-play right now.

Written by Grant Taylor

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