Halo (5?)
I’m no Microsoft hound, but I’d be lying if I said the Halo teaser from E3 2013 didn’t look completely and utterly awesome. Of course, it’s a teaser in the truest sense – no gameplay footage, no details, no name, and no specific release date. It does confirm it will reach the Xbox One by 2014, which could very well be a year or so sooner than Uncharted’s next entry eventually arrives – a definite competitive edge. Given that Halo is the only Microsoft IP I (and presumably many others) truly feel attached to, that’s probably a good thing.
So what exactly would next-gen mean for the Halo series? It’s difficult to say. Halo relinquished its title as gaming’s blockbuster multiplayer title to Call of Duty years ago, and though the series has arguably gone in a more artistic and story-driven direction, multiplayer will almost certainly remain a huge part of what Halo is about. To be honest, I picture next-gen Halo multiplayer looking a whole lot like Destiny.
Personally, I’d like to see the next Halo continue on the track thay Halo 4 set in motion, with a heavy focus on a lush worlds and stellar art design. It’s no secret that 343 Industries managed to pilfer a handful of ex-Retro Studios members to help bring Halo 4 to life (along with ex-staff from other places too – they are essentially a gaming supergroup), and given the shift of focus to Call of Duty as the “it” multiplayer game in mainstream collective consciousness, Halo 5 could be the perfect opportunity to capitalize on what Halo 4 did, advance people’s attachment to Master Chief as a character, and flesh out the series’ universe on the whole.
The team at 343 means serious business, so I’m sure whatever they come up with will be stellar. Similar to Uncharted, Halo may be a game that brings those Hollywood-style thrills to the living room more so than current consoles have ever really allowed.
