One of my favorite aspects of Halo 4 is without a doubt Spartan Ops. For those of you that haven’t played Spartan Ops, it takes place 6 months after the events of Halo 4. Throughout the entire first season, it’s had overall ups and downs. Today, Spartan Ops Episode 7 Invasion was released.
Any doubts about Spartan Ops have been thrown clear out window once the preview for Episode 7 Invasion was released and the preview held up to its anticipation.
The cinematic, which impressed us beyond belief, shows us more of the story with Dr. Catherine Halsey and went in a direction surprised me. She shows herself as the “too devious to be trusted” type but also one of the most knowledgeable humans in UNSC existence. The relationship Lasky and Halsey have had, more recently, has been a confused one – at some points Lasky seems to be open towards the “Mother of the Spartans” and at other times they are butting heads left and right. As Spartan Ops continues I really hope to see more from Dr. Halsey, at this point, I am satisfied with what’s been done.
Be sure to listen for the interesting comment in regards to our fabled Master Chief.
What is Spartan Ops Episode 7: Invasion about?
Just what the title says: Invasion. The Covenant and Prometheans have invaded Infinity. It’s up to Crimson to bring balance to the fight aboard the UNSC Infinity and show the Covenant who they’re messing with. Most of Episode 7 takes place aboard the Infinity. At the very start, we are just outside as the call to aid comes to your Spartan’s com. What you think would be another sandbox type episode quickly changes pace as you enter the Infinity. Halo has always been an excellent combination of both small, chaotic combat mixed with larger, sandbox combat. Take a look at the multiplayer for example. This same concept applies to the campaign as well.
Halo itself has never been a combination of both. It feels best in those chaotic moments where victory seems far from reach and twitch shooting is what gets you through the fight. Throughout Infinity, 343 Industries takes us to those moments. Whether it was in the hangar bay, engine room or server room – the versatility of how to play was there. There are multiple moments when a door opens and Covenant are right in front of you, rushing with plasma grenades already in hand.
Spartan Ops Episode 7 got right to the story and set up for quick paced action and mission structure. From beginning to end Episode 7 keeps you on the edge of your seat. There are even a couple of those “OH ****” moments that got me killed. The events of Episode 7 also leave some ideas as to what might happen at the end of the first season. Hopefully, what takes place in Spartan Ops will have some impact on future Halo titles.
Even if you haven’t played Spartan Ops yet (what are you waiting for!?) Episode 7 takes the cake. 343 Industries did an amazing job with this one. Check it out.
