i'm through the first 3 levels and so far this game feels just okay to me. while i know it is different than previous halo's, something about it just does not have the charm or feels off a little bit.
to me there is just something about the game that doesn't feel "smooth" which is something about the halo games that i always felt no other game had. for instance when you simply switch weapons between the BR and the pistol, it seems like it just pops up so quickly and doesn't have a real smooth animation/look/feel like it used to. same with dropping down cliffs and/or jumping.
i also feel the items in the whole halo universe don't have the charm they used to. there isn't really that "glow" on all of the enemies that i liked. like the little grunt dudes (their names are not coming to memory right now) are all dark/dull and they sound like robots now instead of the funny high pitched voice they used to have.
then last night i got into the ghost and banshee for the first time and i felt the same. they are all dull colored and the sound of the weapons feels very generic. the banshee now controls a lot worse as well.
but this is really all just first impression things. as i said i'm not very far along the game yet, but so far, this game is just screaming "average/okay" to me but not even close to "spectacular/great/must play". maybe i'm just burnt out of halo or something, although i've enjoyed every iteration of it thus far.
I'm only 3 levels in so far, but it feels more like the original Halo to me than the others. At least, it brings back that feeling of a new, alien place to explore. Even though, yes, a lot is still fairly similar to previous games (art style wise).
I haven't noticed the game not feeling smooth...hmm. I might know what you mean, though. I'll have to go back and look at the animations, as I didn't notice those looking off. Maybe the frame rate isn't as steady? Other graphical and post-processing effects causing these perceived issues? The new visuals would be my guess. Maybe some other things here and there. I do get the feeling that they tried to make the game play a bit more like you're a super soldier in a crazy armored suit. Slightly heftier feel, maybe? Again, this might be a visual trick. Either way, so far so good on my end. I'll be keeping an eye out for what you mentioned, though.
I believe the Covenant in this game are like a splinter faction, hence the darker/drabber gear and different language. I think I remember reading this somewhere.
The banshee does drive strangely. In many ways, it feels more predictable and easy to control. But, sometimes, it's a real mess. Might just be rusty or something. All of the other vehicles feel solid, though.
I'm actually a fan of the sounds so far. All of the weapons sound nice and powerful on my sound system. The assault rifle sounds great especially! Actually sounds like it packs a punch for once.
I think a lot of the "lack of charm" is simply because...it's another Halo game. It isn't radically different than the previous ones. I also kind of like the darker, drabber art style this time around. I'm not exactly sure why...I'm just really digging the direction they took the art and the graphics. I can see why some would prefer the older styles, though. Definitely more vibrant.
Anyway, I'm having fun with the game so far!