: The MCC has got some problems, but I've gotten my money's worth. I've played
: through several levels of Halo CE co-op. I've played through all of Halo 2
: solo. I was reminded of why it's my least favorite of Bungie's Halo
: games--the difficulty spikes, too much of the story for one game crammed
: into the audio during the last third (now less audible with the new sound
: mix), and on another level too little story. But I enjoyed seeing Blur's
: work, most (but not all) of the new graphics, and the Terminals I've seen
: are an improvement for 343i (I still believe their conception of what
: would be a terminal is flawed, but these are better). During the game I've
: discovered ways of getting through parts that I used to find frustratingly
: difficult 10 years ago, but I guess I'm a better gamer than I used to be.
: It's been a nice trip full of nostalgia. Halo 2 co-op beckons--something
: I've rarely experienced.

: I've played a few matchmaking games (this was before the patch), and it took
: a while, but it worked, and I had a fun time on Lockout, which seems
: exactly the same as it did 10 years ago, only bigger, brighter, and
: smoother on my HDTV. I can understand the frustration of those who bought
: the game to play matchmaking, but I haven't felt that frustration, and I'm
: not getting upset about it until it becomes apparent the issues won't be
: fixed, but even then, there are things about the package that still make
: it worth it to me.

: Last night an old Halo buddy (IRL) and I played one-on-one classic slayer on
: Hang'em High, Longest (shotties), Prisoner (rockets), and Foundation
: (rockets). These were staples we used play split-screen--no screen-peeking
: now! I haven't laughed so much or had so much fun playing a game in a long
: time.

: I bought the digital version. I can now almost instantly play three (okay,
: four) games I really like with buttery smooth graphics for the foreseeable
: future. I like the playlist idea. It might take me years to complete many
: of them, if I ever do, but it's cool.

: I see a lot of genuine unhappiness here, along with a lot of unnecessary (and
: potentially contagious [sadly]) snark, sarcasm, and pessimism about 343i,
: but I just wanted to say that I admire what they tried to do here, even if
: they haven't quite successfully pulled it off yet. For the parts I care
: about, the game has delivered a lot of enjoyment already, and I'm glad to
: have it in my library.

: Good luck fixing the bugs, 343i, and thanks.

I bought for the campaign, and it hasn't disappointed (I mean, a few bugs, but nothing infuriating). When you consider that the last console generation lasted 8 years, it puts things in perspective. Assuming Xbox One lasts that long (it might actually last longer!), you kind of realize how absurd it is the outcry there's been in less than two weeks. Put it in perspective, people!

Go ahead and get a refund. Trade in the game. Sell your XBO. I'll still be here in 8 years, playing Halo 1 matchmaking with friends, and still enjoying campaign. There's no way it's going to take them that long to fix the problems they're having. Your impatience is only going to hurt you.

Everyone complaining about turning in their XBO's and getting refunds... it's like going to a Game of Thronesstyle feast, sampling one plate, and saying "fuck this, everything's shit" and leaving.