[2023] This game is a networking update and working customs browser away from being incredible.

Came back to this game for season 5, there are some great new maps/game-modes, and the bandit gun feels great. MP feels very fun, and I am so glad that Halo feels alive again. However, I will say that the servers still feel really inconsistent, and odd ping/DC issues have made me more frustrated than I should be with such fun gameplay. In a similar vein, although the MP does feel great with variety now, being unable to join custom games that look incredible due to a botched browser makes me sad :(

I think those issues are the main things holding this game back now. I have other criticisms, including the way they chose to go about aim-assist for MKB users (why the hell does my sens change, give me raw input like every other shooter and just tweak bullet magnetism for parity with controller...), but a working customs systems and solid servers are what this game needs for word of mouth marketing to truly shine.

I feel the comeback is already starting (classic Halo copium) but with robust servers and customs this comeback will be so much stronger.