<P> Microsoft announced Halo 5 for the Xbox One at Electronic Entertainment Expo 2013 . A podcast titled Hunt the Truth marketed the game, focusing on Master Chief's backstory . The game and its related hardware grossed over US $400 million in its first twenty - four hours and US $500 million in its first week, outselling Halo 4, which then held the best - selling record for the franchise . Upon release, Halo 5 received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise directed at its gameplay, visuals, level design and multiplayer modes . However, the game's single - player campaign met divided responses, with criticism directed at its short length, story, writing and ending . </P> <P> Halo 5: Guardians is a first - person shooter, with players experiencing most gameplay through the eyes of a playable character . The camera switches to a third - person view for some cinematics and gameplay sequences . </P> <P> The game preserves many of the core features of the Halo franchise's gameplay experience . Players step into the MJOLNIR powered armor of a Spartan and control that character's actions . MJOLNIR armor provides deflector shields, which diminish whilst protecting the wearer from weapons fire but recharge after a short recovery . Spartans may only carry two personal weapons at a time, but may swap them out at any time for any other weapon (including those dropped by slain enemies) and may also carry and fire a crew - served weapon (discarded when the player switches back to a personal weapon). Spartans may also throw grenades and use their weapons for pistol - whipping . Finally, some of the vehicles and their mounted weapons are available for use . </P> <P> New to the series are "Spartan Abilities", replacing the Armor Abilities of previous games . In - universe, the characters' MJOLNIR armor has been upgraded with various thrusters that allow them increased mobility options in all three axes of movement . They are context - dependent and can be used for attack, defense and evasion . Additionally, all Halo 5 firearms can be aimed by looking down their iron sights, a capability restricted to specific weapons in previous games . </P>

Who do you play as in halo 5