GamesRadar+ Verdict’Halo’ finally gets to the Halo and introduces The Flood in a season finale that shakes up the established formula – while also stepping onto territory that will be pleasingly familiar to game fans.
GamesRadar+ Verdict
GamesRadar+ Verdict
‘Halo’ finally gets to the Halo and introduces The Flood in a season finale that shakes up the established formula – while also stepping onto territory that will be pleasingly familiar to game fans.
‘Halo’ finally gets to the Halo and introduces The Flood in a season finale that shakes up the established formula – while also stepping onto territory that will be pleasingly familiar to game fans.
Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy.
Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy.
Spoilers for Halo season 2, episode 8 follow.
“Just get to the Halo,” Kai pointedly told Johnin last week’s episode. That line has probably been echoed in the exasperated cries of die-hard fans desperate to see one of the franchise’s most iconic moments – that of the original 2001 Xbox title – adapted.
When it does come, it doesn’t disappoint. Before then, we get what is – overall – a more-than-solid entry to sign off what has been a frustratingly inconsistent season, with ‘Halo’ even sprinkling in several game or game-adjacent teases that will undoubtedly spark joy in the fanbase. Emphasis on spark.
As Perez aims to drive a spike literally into the heart of the Covenant fleet (complete with a nod to Alfonso Cuarón’s 2013 movie Gravity that is thankfully galaxies away from the video game stylings of her simulation mission), we are introduced to the Flood, the parasitic creatures who take over their hosts to send them on a zombie-like killing spree.
Thanks to an economical piece of plotting that brings everyone together – Ackerson and Laera sharing the same cell block is wonderfully convenient – the net soon closes in as more and more of the UNSC falls victim to the wave of new threats.
Après moi, le déluge
(Image credit: Paramount)
Similarly, Kai sacrificing herself helps turn the tide of the battle with the Covenant and adds some much-needed narrative weight and peril to proceedings. But at what cost? Less so in this season, but Kai has always been an exceptional foil for Master Chief, often acting as one of the best angels on his shoulder. I have a sneaking suspicion the show will be a little worse off without Kate Kennedy’s Spartan – even if it neatly hammers home Chief’s newfound isolation, shorn of allies and enemies alike.
John will need all the help he can get moving forward, too. Close to 25 years after his video game counterpart kickstarted a legend, Pablo Schreiber’s Master Chief crash lands on the Halo ring after saving Cortana and the SPARTAN-IIIs.
While some of what follows, including a terribly anti-climactic showdown with the Arbiter that wastes the potential of John wielding an energy sword, falls flat, it does just enough to excite – with the iconic Halo score given its best outing yet for good measure.
A case – not a very compelling one, mind you – could even be made that delaying Chief’s arrival for almost two full seasons has made the moment even more gratifying. Even if it took an age to get to what Cortana describes as “the perfect fusion of artificial intelligence and organic life”, it was almost worth the wait. Even John and Makee’s mind-numbing clash of philosophies couldn’t dull the moment.
‘Halo’ then treads on more familiar ground, setting up what is essentially the first game in the Halo series in fine style – and even reveals who Chief has been talking to: Guilty Spark. Expect the orb-like AI to play a major role going forward.
(Image credit: Paramount)
What of Halo season 2 as a whole? It has clearly been a show fighting an uphill battle, one where many viewers had already made their minds up long before we reached the finale. While the quality of each week-to-week instalment certainly swung wildly from great to downright bad and everything in-between, there is no doubt that the Paramount Plus series clawed back a little more goodwill this season.
Now, it’s exactly where fans wanted it to be in the first place. It’s a significant move. So much so, in fact, that if a third season comes, it could very well be a perfect blend of fan-favorite moments built on top of the (admittedly slightly wonky) storytelling of the Silver Timeline. Too little too late, perhaps, for many – but the future is bright.
All episodes of Halo season 2 are now streaming on Paramount Plus.
For what else is on the way, check out all of theupcoming video game adaptationsto look forward to.
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More about halo23 years later and Halo: CE speedrunning is about to change forever with newly-discovered glitches that add playable Flood and a flyable PelicanAfter admitting he was a Master Chief fanboy years ago, Atelier Yumia producer says the crafting JRPG’s “biggest reference” is HaloLatest26 years later, Codemasters’ Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
More about halo23 years later and Halo: CE speedrunning is about to change forever with newly-discovered glitches that add playable Flood and a flyable PelicanAfter admitting he was a Master Chief fanboy years ago, Atelier Yumia producer says the crafting JRPG’s “biggest reference” is HaloLatest26 years later, Codemasters’ Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
More about halo23 years later and Halo: CE speedrunning is about to change forever with newly-discovered glitches that add playable Flood and a flyable PelicanAfter admitting he was a Master Chief fanboy years ago, Atelier Yumia producer says the crafting JRPG’s “biggest reference” is Halo
More about halo
23 years later and Halo: CE speedrunning is about to change forever with newly-discovered glitches that add playable Flood and a flyable PelicanAfter admitting he was a Master Chief fanboy years ago, Atelier Yumia producer says the crafting JRPG’s “biggest reference” is Halo
23 years later and Halo: CE speedrunning is about to change forever with newly-discovered glitches that add playable Flood and a flyable Pelican
23 years later and Halo: CE speedrunning is about to change forever with newly-discovered glitches that add playable Flood and a flyable Pelican
After admitting he was a Master Chief fanboy years ago, Atelier Yumia producer says the crafting JRPG’s “biggest reference” is Halo
After admitting he was a Master Chief fanboy years ago, Atelier Yumia producer says the crafting JRPG’s “biggest reference” is Halo
Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
Latest
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
See more latest►
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Most Popular
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up”
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”
Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became”
Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”
Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids”
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”