Best Xbox 360 Exclusive 2012

Halo 4 – Best Xbox 360 Exclusive 2012

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Halo 4 could have been a complete and utter disaster for Microsoft. With Bungie no longer at the helm, a new and untested studio was created to pick up the mantle and jump in feet first with the next major chapter in Master Chief's story. To Microsoft's delight, 343 Industries knocked it out of the park.

Halo has become Microsoft's most precious franchise. With both casual and hardcore fans alike, this fourth installment needed to maintain that accessible appeal while still serving its loyal fan base. Not only does the game deliver in this regard, it also fleshes out facets of the Halo universe that Bungie never dared to explore.

The game's gorgeous cinematic presentation in the campaign provides the perfect balance of story and gameplay. It weaves a compelling tale that can be enjoyed by both newcomers and those who've read every Halo novel known to man. For the first time, players get a deeper look into the Master Chief's humanity and his relationship with Cortana. But what really makes this single-player the most engaging Halo experience yet is its incredible soundtrack and jaw-dropping visuals. It's clear that 343i had an unlimited budget and they didn't cut any corners.

But let's face it, the true appeal of any Halo game is its multiplayer. 343i's ability to maintain that same great Halo feel while interjecting new elements makes the game's multiplayer feel fresh yet familiar. In a post-Modern Warfare industry, the Halo multiplayer has started to feel outdated, but thanks to some new bold changes in Halo 4, the game's online suite of competitive modes give Black Ops II a run for its money. With added layers of customization, a slew of new weapons and some interesting new game types, there's a lot here to love.

So when looking back at what Microsoft had to offer this year from a first-party perspective, it's hard to argue against Halo 4 being this year's best Xbox 360 exclusive. If offers the complete Halo experience that takes the series in new and exciting directions. If you own an Xbox 360, there's no excuse not to have this game. Period.