As I write this my hands are shaking as if my nerves have been shot, my heart rate sits at a steady rate a bit above normal, and my head is racing with countless thoughts and ideas about what I had just witnessed. Also, my butt is numb from sitting for so long. I got a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I saved Earth, but at a cost. A cost I feel was far too great but necessary.

The graphics in Halo 4 are nothing short of jaw dropping. From the lush detailed forests to the cold and heartless insides of the Forerunner buildings I was amazed. I was also really impressed by the facial animations. It felt as if I was watching Hollywood quality cinematics. Little details across the board also impressed me; from the HUD glitches, to the disintegration of my enemies, all of it was beautiful.

The sound quality was also impressive, although I would've really enjoyed more depth, and bass to explosions and gunfire. I played Halo 4 with a 100 watt surround sound system; usually on volume level 13 everything is loud and prominent. But with Halo 4 everything felt a little too soft and dare I say compressed? While the quality is good, it's definitely not top notch. I'm going to name drop here and say that Crysis 2 had some really amazing and top notch audio quality that brought out the best in my surround sound. So I guess that would be the bar to beat or match with the coming of Halo 5.

The game play in Halo 4 is just like every other Halo; good. There are a couple new features like having the ability to sprint without a power up. This was a much needed and welcomed addition. As well as the removal of a "health pool" instead there is now just your shield. After your shield is depleted you can take a couple more shots before dropping dead. If you enjoyed the previous Halo's game play styles then you're going to feel right at home with a few minor tweaks.

The Multiplayer in Halo 4 is what it has always been; top notch. All of your favorites are there, from Death Match, Capture the Flag, and even Grifball. Matchmaking is quick, painless and easy. There is a new addition to the Halo franchise which is called an "Ordinance Drop." It is when you get enough points via kills or objectives to pick one of three weapons or abilities to be immediately dropped for you. So let's say you get a triple kill like a boss. You probably have enough points for an Ordinance Drop now. Using the D-Pad you can chose the Saw, an Over shield, or a rocket launcher. That's usually how it goes and the care package drops within five seconds right in front of you.

The only thing I didn't like about Multiplayer is the lack of Firefight. I love Firefight. It's my favorite game mode of all time in the Halo franchise and not having it in Halo 4 was a huge let down. But there is an alternative called "Spartan Ops." This is a whole entire side campaign that is split up into I believe five different episodes with five chapters. Spartan Ops can be played with one to four players on any difficulty. I have to say Spartan Ops is a lot of fun with your friends. Plus you get XP. What's not to love there?

Overall Halo 4 is a great passing of the torch moment. 343 Industries is definitely holding the torch up on high with this game. Now let's see where 343 Industries will take us in the coming installments. Until then I suggest you go pick up Halo 4 and have a great time.

Halo 4 was developed by 343 Industries and Published by Microsoft Studios on November 6^th exclusively for the Xbox 360. A copy for review was personally purchased at a local retailer. I played with my friend on Legendary Co Op.