One of if not the biggest games to hit the Xbox 360 next year without a doubt is Halo 4. Despite Halo 3 being followed up with the side game Halo ODST then Halo Reach, strategy game Halo Wars and the recently released Halo Anniversary, I think it is fair to say that many of us thought that if there was going to be a Halo 4 that it would be on the follow up console to the 360. Even if you are not a Halo fan, it certainly does have its critics out there; there is no denying that this is a huge series of games spanning not only multiple sequels but a line of other merchandise as well. There are action figures, clothes, novels, and let’s not forget that Hollywood has been knocking at Halo’s door for some time now as well.
So what do we know about Halo 4? Since its first official announcement back at E3 there has not been much further information revealed. One thing that has been mentioned is how this Halo is going to be less linear and open up the world of Master Chief and really let us get a feel for the character. While he has been fleshed out very well in various Halo literature its fair to say in the games, he is a man of very few words and we never really get to know the Master Chief all that well. To many this simply adds up to his mystique but for some of us we just want to know a little bit more about the man behind the helmeted visor.
Halo 4 will not be developed by Bungie but by 343 Industries, fans need not worry as some key staff from Bungie made the transition to 343 to ensure that the Halo series will be in safe hands. Halo 4 will be the start of a brand new trilogy of games that continue from where Halo 3 left us, this new trilogy is being called the Reclaimer trilogy. One huge development of the series that has been revealed is the evolution of the character Cortana and she will be a huge part of the plot of Halo 4.
While still being a shooter at heart Halo 4 will encourage gamers to explore and uncover the wonders of the mysterious Forerunner planet that Master Chief and Cortana find themselves on. This game is said to be far more story driven than the original Halo trilogy, lending more of that sci-fi space opera feel that you get from the other games.
While many gamers out there felt a little cheated by the ending of Halo 3, they will be pleased to know that right from initial development Halo 4 has been intended to be the start of a 3 part story arc. 343 Industries are aiming to have all future Halo games and other media tie in together far better than the previous instalments. The new story will focus more on the Forerunners and how mankind has been using there technology.
Halo 4 is shaping up to be one fantastic game, if you are already a Halo fan then you will no doubt be looking forward to this game which so far has its release date set in the 4th quarter of 2012. Even if you have never really been a Halo fan before, the fact that this is the start to a whole brand new trilogy may be the right time for you to step into the giant shoes of 117.
If you can’t wait for Halo 4 – then fill the gap with the totally remastered Halo: Anniversary Edition for XBox 360.