Bungie is amazing at creating atmosphere in a game world that you believe you're in. When it comes to story, as I kept playing the newer Halos, I began to see it wasn't their strength. Destiny is showcasing fully that weakness.

I feel like 343 has a lot of potential to push the story in Halo the places where it should've gone, or explored more. 343 is finally making things like the novels something that actually were written! A little late, but better than never. I agree that 343 is finding that "fun" aspect, and after playing Halo 5, they definitely have the capability of achieving it.

I'm mixed feels on the Greg Bear novels. Silentium is one of, if not the, greatest Halo novel I've ever read. I really hate the geas crap -- they make it into something magical/Disneyish versus advanced sci fi. I also am not a fan that Humans fought the Forerunners years ago, but, it's also an interesting spin. Especially with what it turned Guilty Spark into -- that's pretty deep.

I can definitely understand the issues one has with 343 handling the franchise, but personally, I feel like they're on a better track, and after playing Halo 5, I seriously think they have the opportunity to save the franchise that Bungie began to kill (Halo: Reach multiplayer). I'm excited -- they just need to ensure the issues of MCC rarely/never happen again. The fanbase was so excited/positive, such a shame. Reminded me of the Halo 2 days when it came to hype. That's a big deal.