Halo 4, is a grand experience. Right off the bat, the first thing anyone will notice about Halo 4, are its visuals. Absolutely phenomenal, probably the best the 360 has ever seen. Faces are really good at showing expression and emotion, and environments look very stellar. The gameplay and design are a perfect evolution for the series. It's not afraid to step into new territory, which is something that really keeps Halo 4 fresh. Halo 4 doesn't just pay attention to detail when it comes to graphics, but its audio. Whether it be the sound of firing a weapon, bullets hitting the ground, or Master Chief's armor colliding with the environment. Halo 4's musical score is also very noteworthy, as it does a tremendous job of setting the tone. Sure, it's a departure from past installments, but it's a welcomed edition.
The story telling has also been greatly improved upon, with key moments really enhancing the experience, such as Master Chief floating towards Requiem, or avoiding the falling debris from inside the Forward Unto Dawn. Cutscenes are also much more livelier this time around, and Master Chief is more chat friendly, as he and Cortana converse on multiple occasions throughout the campaign. Not only is the way the story is told a major improvement for the series, but the story itself is probably the best the franchise has to offer. At the core of the story, you have something much deeper and more personal than just saving world. It's about Master Chief's and Cortana's relationship. We get to see a side of these characters that we've been knowing for over a decade, that has never been previously revealed.
Halo 4 may not be my favorite title in the series, but it's up there. I guess topping Combat Evolved is just impossible. Maybe I'm just bias, but what I do know, is that I found my GOTY.
343 gets it.