Halo 5: Guardians - 9 Shocking Changes That Will Divide Fans

4. Microtransactions & The REQ System

Most likely conceptualised when Titanfall was still tapped to be the 'big shooter' on next-generation hardware, Guardians also features a collectible card-based system that dictates what you'll be able to equip and/or use in the field. Now, the problem isn't a loot-based unlock system of cards that give random boosts and perks, it's that 343 have included optional microtransactions to acquire them, if you wish. Personally I don't subscribe to the whole "Well they're optional, so just don't get them and don't complain" shtick, as come on, we're already paying $60 for what used to be a full product. There's just no reason to have these things in the game when it's already clear we can grind and unlock them anyway - 343 have had to clear up as much in various interviews, falling back on saying they're just in there as optional paid extras for people who want to bypass the time-sink to acquire better gear along the way. That's all well and good, but you try not reacting to getting floored by a last minute rocket launcher-spawn by thinking "I bet they paid to win". It'll end up defining this entry in the series going forward, and if 343 insist on keeping it in, why not simply have custom games where we can choose to only play against those who've attained their cards through hard work and progression instead?