Halo Infinite’sdelay last year was a crushing blow to fans. 343 Industries, after showcasing initial gameplay, made the decision to delay in response to fan reactions. The presentation showcased quality cinematics and what seemed to be a return to classicHalogameplay, but many were skeptical due in part to graphics concerns, and the ever-meme’d closeup appearance of a Brute dubbed “Craig.” For 343 industries, a lot is riding onHalo Infinite’ssuccess, and recent footage of the game from E3 2021 has been encouraging. Joseph Staten also announced in an “Inside Infinite” blog post that its first multiplayer season will be themed aroundHalo: Reach, which is very promising.
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Halo: Reach’s Lasting Legacy
Bungie releasedHalo: Reachin late 2010, and it remains popular eleven years later. Players love it for its memorable campaign, its engaging multiplayer, and its expansive lore. Planet Reach is such an iconic location that even thelatestHalobooktakes place there. Taking place before every otherHalogame,Halo:Reachset the scene forCombat Evolved, the firstHalogame ever, and follows the story of the doomed “Noble Team.” Saving it for last was the perfect way for Bungie to say goodbye to the franchise: go back and tell the story of where everything started and go out with a bang.
343’s intention withHaloInfiniteis to go back to what madeHaloone of the greatest games ever, andHalo:Reachis a great way to realize that.Infinite’smarketing has focused on making the player feel as though they’re integral to theHaloexperience. Everything that’s been talked about by the developers — the new items, the redesigned maps, thefree-to-play multiplayer, the battle pass cosmetics — is talked about in relation to the players, and how it’ll affect their experience.
Halo: Reachprovides a great entry point for this because, in Staten’s words, “it’s a key location for Spartans of old and a focal point for a new generation of Spartans.” TheReach-themed multiplayer season will serve as a familiar callback for returning players, welcoming them back into the world ofHalowith what they know and love. Moreover, it’ll enable new players to immerse themselves in the world: they’ll start their journey onReach, just as the first generation of Spartans did.
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What To Expect From Reach-Themed Halo Infinite Multiplayer
343 Industries has written and spoken at length about the role ofarmor customization for players. In many ways, just as it was with the more limited options ofHalo 3andHalo:Reach, the player’s Spartan avatar is an extension of their personalities. Beyond the season pass' cosmetics, however, not much else has been confirmed. Different game modes are introduced for each season inHalo: The Master Chief Collection, so there’s a possibility differentReach-exclusive game modes like Invasion will make a return. 343 may also bring back iconic maps to celebrate the franchise’s heritage, among other possible callbacks.
WhenHaloInfinite’sfree-to-play multiplayer drops, it’s no exaggeration to say that the future ofHalomay depend on its quality. Microsoft denies this, though, and saysHalo Infiniteis not a make-or-breaksituation for the series. In any case, the campaign will undoubtedly shape 343 Industries' reputation.Infiniteneeds a memorable story that puts Master Chief front and center, and multiplayer that brings back the chaotic fun of older games. To center onReachis reassuring because that’s where Bungie perfected its storytelling and game design. It remains to be seen is ifReach’smention is no more than ceremonial name-dropping, or if it’s a sign of things to come.
Halo Infiniteis in development for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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