I listened to it all in one go and it was a "page turner". You have to accept that the main character is a bit dim and ONI as evil as ever... but I enjoyed it and it is more than just an explanation of what you will encounter in the game.

Technically, its not even an explanation for the events in the game (mostly). My impression is that the rogue Chief story is really dealt with and intended for HtT. In the game it's just an excuse to have two protagonists (because someone liked the h2 story and thought they could recapture the magic by having the same format?).

I never thought that there would be a major showdown between Locke and Chief. How could you have that without somebody dying? Would 343 be that brave? They "killed" Cortana but is she really dead?

: but who knows. I've seen a number of cutscenes, and it
: all sounds like they're referencing noodle incidents likely covered in the
: EU.