I think a lot of the people in this community are hostile towards 343i because they feel as if they've hijacked and denigrated the Halo franchise. Microsoft owns the IP and they commissioned 343i to continue the series. Given the circumstances, I think 343i did a phenomenal job. Do I think the Halo series should've been shelved for a long period of time after Reach? Yes, but the industry relies too heavily on sequels. Microsoft knew a triumphant return of Master Chief would rake in millions of dollars. So, they chose to continue the series. Bungie was ready to move beyond Halo and it seemed evident in Reach. They began layering unnecessary features on top of their multiplayer formula because they didn't know what else to do with the series. It was time for them to move on. Since Microsoft was intent upon continuing their semi-annualized juggernaut of a franchise, I believe they made the right decision for the series and for Bungie in handing it off to a new developer. Halo 4, in many ways, is fundamentally different. It's a bit more accessible and the story feels more intimate. While I think that Bungie is the king of universe-building (in terms of constructing lore, background elements, and mystery), I think 343i did a much better job of telling intimate stories in-game than Bungie ever did. From my perspective, the production values in Halo 4 were head-and-shoulders above any of its predecessors. The simplest way for me to put it is this: Halo 4 feels fresh. This may seem blasphemous as a Bungie fan, but I think the series was beginning to fatigue and the correct decision was made to hand it off to a new developer. I'll probably get railed for that sentiment, but that's how I feel. Yes, I'll buy Halo 5. 343i has earned my trust with the franchise.