Halo fans rejoice as the main series is set to return with Halo: Infinite. In general, the Halo series has received positive feedback from the community, praising the graphics, the gameplay, but most importantly the online multiplayer mode. There are some minor hiccups when it comes to storytelling, but the game's appeal is already enough to salvage its flaws.

However upon viewing the gameplay videos, the signs seem to be spiraling downward as the graphics were placed under scrutiny. Aaron Greenberg, the general manager of Xbox marketing responded by mentioning how the pandemic has affected the overall operation. Given the current criticisms and the ongoing pandemic, 343 Industries, the game's developer stated the the official release will be moved to 2021. Maybe this pandemic is a blessing in disguise so that 343 can further assess on the improvements that are needed to be implemented.

Even with the negative feedback, the game is still highly anticipated as 343 Industries are capable of bringing the best experiences as seen from their previous installments. There have been updates posted online regarding the game's visuals, meaning the anxieties caused by the initial videos have been addressed.

Here are some talking points prior to its release in 2021.

 

STORY

The trailers reveal a short synopsis focusing on Master Chief's initial course of action that happened 167 days after humanity's downfall which took place in the previous installments.

In the beginning, Master Chief was unconscious until he was rescued by a pilot who informed him that the war was over and that humanity suffered the consequences as the Halo ring surrounding earth was shattered. Suddenly, the ship that they were sailing was attacked and the pilot insisted that they stay away from the danger zone. Master Chief with his usual deep voice responded that they should steer towards the attackers.

Eventually they landed on a planet, surrounded by hostile life forms. A determined Master Chief charges his way towards the enemy hideout where he learned that the two alien factions namely the Banished and the Covenant are aiming towards mankind's extinction.

 

GAMEPLAY

If the previous entries would follow a chapter based progression, the latest installment would change the formula by incorporating an open world experience, meaning that the player is given an immense amount of freedom in deciding the next objective similar to the Batman Arkham Series. The Warthog, the game's mainstay vehicle and the gun turrets found across the battlefield will make a return.

Besides the assault rifle, shotgun, and other traditional weapon mechanics, the game will introduce a new weapon in the Halo arsenal, the grappling hook, that allows the player to jump towards the target to launch close-range attacks. You may also use the grappling hook to acquire items from afar. In multiplayer mode the grappling hook will be hidden in the battlefield, hinting its prowess as a potential cheese weapon.

When asked about a potential battle royale feature in multiplayer, 343 mentioned that they have no intentions of including that in the game.

And speaking of multiplayer, players who have never played a Halo game can finally have access to it as the multiplayer mode is deemed to be free-to-play. This will definitely increase the player fanbase and possibly the esports scene.

In case if you're board with the current setup, the developers have confirmed the return of their “forge” feature, allowing players to customize the multiplayer maps, create scenarios, or better yet establish a battle royale mode in the game.

ClutchPoints Gaming