the game is deficient in all maps and play options. maps are part of a sort of seamless world but the story missions are traditional game load maps/missions. in world navigation, area navigation are retro. basically the engine itself is so far behind that telling a story, much less one with things like choices or flexibility, is more than a few versions away. the high res graphics and modeling are probably are a large time sink for their custom engine.

You read the grimoire? There's lots in there. [spoiler]i know it could have formed part of the game but meh[/spoiler]

You dont have to. Everything not on the disc is an expansion of the story. Besides they said in the vidocs and pre launch interviews there was no central story. There is no central character. How have people missed this but can sit and say Bungie made all these promises. This game is about what you do in the provided environment not some linear set of activities. The lore is provided if you want it, if not thats fine. Go kill things. Either way all bases are covered. Should the cards be in the game? Yes. Is it really all that important? No. If they're in the game, your character is still standing there motionless while you read the cards, so you're not actively playing the game. If its online you can read the story when you're not able to sit at a console. It keeps you involved when you cant play. That's genius. At lea d t for those of us you dont have all day to sit at a console. When i can play i don't want to read. I want to shoot.