With 343 Industries and Microsoft's "Halo 5: Guardians" being released today, many fans are asking how this continuation of one of the long-running Xbox shooter franchises is different from its predecessors. Aside from the overall new story (the title picks up where "Halo 4" left off), how will "Halo 5: Guardians" compare against its predecessors?

Two main characters

According to The Independent, one of the newest features that separate the new title from previous "Halo" games is that the complexity of the story calls for two protagonists. Gamers who take on the main campaign story will switch between the points of view of "Halo" mainstay Master Chief and a new character, Spartan Agent Jameson Locke. Each of them has a fireteam ready to engage each other. Agent Locke and his Fireteam Osiris have been tasked to track and hunt Master Chief and his Blue Team, and the main campaign missions switch back and forth between the two.

Cooperative gameplay

Since the campaign rolls out with both main protagonists having their own squad, cooperative gameplay is also one of the strengths of the new title. Xbox gamers can play together with three other players to form the fireteam and play through the story missions. Each member has a unique combat loadout, including member-specific weapons, items, and skills. However, the cooperative gameplay is not available via local connection. In addition, players will need to have an Xbox Live Gold subscription to link to each other.

Gameplay and system updates

Of course, each new title brings forth a host of new upgrades and improvements in terms of game design, interface, and gameplay. "Halo 5: Guardians" introduces new gameplay mechanics like the Smart-Link Aiming system, and new items such as weapons and mobility gear. The multiplayer aspect of the title also unlocks the REQ system, and achievement interface where players who compete in multiplayer will gain points which they can barter for REQ cards. The cards in turn unlock weapons, armor, and other items.