We both know that Halo stories have been done very well

by Cody Miller , Music of the Spheres - Never Forgot, Tuesday, August 27, 2013, 21:55 (3888 days ago) @ Avateur

H2 alone touches on xenophobia, genocide, war, pride, deception, morality, and philosophy. You're playing as one of two largely silent protagonists who are all about war and killing and survival. If not the Master Chief, the Arbiter absolutely grows as a character. Lies are unraveled, truths are revealed, and a game that focuses on placing the player in the role of two action heroes turns into a larger statement about what really matters in life, the lies and deceit that often begin and fuel war and genocide, and an attempt to set aside differences to work for a common goal of survival and cohabitation if not mutual respect and understanding (even for the Flood, who only wants to survive and take over, but that's another story).

Did Halo do xenophobia better than Starman, Starship Troopers, or American History X?

Did Halo do genocide better than The Killing Fields, As We Forgive, or The Devil Came On Horseback?

Did Halo do War better than Full Metal Jacket, The Bridge on the River Kwai, or The Deer Hunter?

Did Halo do pride better than A face in the Crowd, Network, or Breaking Bad?

Did Halo do deception better than Usual Suspects, Godfather, or Some like it Hot?

Morality and Philosophy aren't that specific.

Let's get real. It might have touched on those topics, but you have to admit it says nothing substantial, nuanced, or insightful about any of what you just said. And if you think so, then watch any of what I listed; you'll realize what I'm saying here. The Halo story was a really good backdrop to a very fun game, but not anything of great worth when it isn't supporting the Halo universe. As are most video game stories, and as the SHOULD be.