Stand and deliver

GAME OF THE WEEK: HALO: REACH 16 cert, Microsoft, Xbox*****

We’ve finally reached Bungie’s Halo swansong, and it’s a brilliant way to bow out.

Halo: Reachis a prequel to the original series, taking place before the events of Combat Evolved.Gone is Master Chief. In his place, you take on the role of Noble-6, a member of a heroic squad of Spartans who are all that stands between the Covenant and Earth. It's familiar territory. As a prequel, we all know how it ends, but it's easy to get caught up in the story.

There are a few new elements to Reach. First thing you'll notice is that you can customise your armour, choosing everything from colours to different masks and other accessories.

Of course, some things never change. The Covenant are just as crazy and bloodthirsty as ever. The graphics are still stunning, and gameplay is familiar too. After a short intro that serves as a useful time for beginners to get used to the controls, you're straight into the heart of the action, with Covenant fighters attacking from all sides. Like ODST, you can't dual wield weapons any more, which is a loss. But you have armour abilities, which give you extra help like the ability to sprint or create a hologram.

Similar to previous Halogames, it's the multiplayer elements that shine. The multiplayer modes include more standard options such as Slayer and King of the Hill, but you also have other game modes – for example Headhunter, which involves collecting skulls dropped by other players; Stockpile, which involves collecting flags; and Firefight, which also made an appearance in ODST. The end result of all this is that Bungie gets to go out on a high.

Prepare to lose evenings, weekends and what little spare time you have to this game.