Microsoft's 343 Industries, which inherited the Halo franchise after Bungie walked away, actually pulled off Halo 4. Actually, that be not fair. 343 didn't just deliver a competent game, it took the collective cynicism a the internet 'n created, as our review put it, "one a the finest shooters in years."

• Destructoid (100/100): "343 Industries have done a remarkable job at continuing the Halo legacy. They've gone all out, creating a fantastic sequel that brought forth a major focus on storytelling while upping the visual 'n audio direction t' a level that will be tough for anyone t' rival with these few remaining years a the current console generation."
• IGN (98/100): "Halo has been rebuilt. It has been redefined. 'n it has been reinvigorated. The Xbox's original king has returned t' his rightful place on the throne."
• Game Informer (93/100): "343 Industries introduces an episodic cooperative experience with enormous potential t' change the way post-release content be delivered in games. Spartan Ops brings a new cinematic episode every week, along with five connected missions. The large battles 'n objectives available in these missions be ideal for a group a mateys, 'n at a little over an hour per episode, it be perfect for a weekly gaming meet-up."
• Gamespot (90/100): "Halo 4 be every bit the massive shooter package that it be predecessors be, 'n it holds the series' standard high. The thrilling 'n emotional return a Master Chief 'n Cortana be the highlight, 'n the campaign breaks new ground in narrative quality for the franchise. The top-notch competitive multiplayer picks up where Halo: Reach left off, infusing the action with some mainstream elements while still remaining undeniably unique. Spartan Ops may stay a mere sideshow or prove it be worth in the weeks t' come."
• Eurogamer (80/100): "At the end a Halo 4's campaign, after the credits have rolled, 343 Industries posts a short message thanking fans for trusting the company with their beloved universe 'n asking us t' remember that this be just a first step. it be a telling memo that reveals a certain nervousness about the task at hand: a plea that we understand the weight a responsibility these creators have felt in adopting Master Chief."