I honestly use to hate Halo because of 2 and 3. Now I realized that those games sucked and this is a great game.
STORY: Lets all admit it, even I will. Halo has always had a lack of story. The structure and material for a story are there, its just Bungie doesn't tell it well. This game takes place before Halo 1 and even Halo Wars. The planet Reach, the home of the SPARTAN-II program is under attack by Covenent. You are customizable Noble 6. A nameless, faceless SPARTAN who just joined Noble Team. The story does a good job of just holding your attention through the campaign.
GAMEPLAY: It is a First Person Shooter. Lots of fun guns to shoot and lots on equipment make ever battle fun. Now many people buy this game because of multiplayer and I understand why. The multiplayer is fun, crazy, and fast. Even better is when you play CUSTOM made maps with a bunch of friends. The Forge is a level editor/creator. Its a fun and simple tool to use to make you own levels. This game is bursting at the edges with content.
PRESENTATION: I was pleasantly surprised about the music. Halo was never really a music powerhouse. Just a song here or there to strike a mood. Reach has a gorgeous soundtrack. The graphics are good. Nothing revolutionary. Also the voice acting is good, but I had to turn on subtitles, because everyone in the future mumbles apparently...
This game is a deal. So much content with a giant campaign, multiplayer, Forge, and a bag full of modes I didn't even talk about really makes this game a deal. If you could or haven't already go pick it up.