WithHalo Infinitedelayed until 2021, fans are eager for some news on the franchise’s coming release. 343 Industries commented recently on the lack of information regarding the new game since the delay was announced, leaving much room for speculation, and consequently, a plethora of rumors to flow freely online. As with any game, the rumors range from being pretty possible to wildly ridiculous, but what they all have in common is they add to the hype surrounding this long-awaited game.
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In a sea of rumors, there are some that are particularly interesting, some that should absolutely be included in the new game, and others that perhaps 343 should shy away from. The will of the fans pulls in all directions, but even in a rumor frenzy such as this, there are things fans can agree on: things they want out of the game and things they want nothing to do with the game.
10Hope Is True: A Platform, Not An Entry
Despite Bungie having left theHalofranchise in 2012, it seems thatBungie’s influence can still be found. Bungie’s franchiseDestiny 2is unique in its platform-structure, using the game as a foundation for multiple years of content release and expansion. Rumors say thatHalo Infinitewill follow a similar structure, rather than simply being another installment in theHalofranchise. (Perhaps this is one of the reasonsInfinitecarries this name instead of “Halo 6.")
By being a platform for years worth of new content, this is an exciting prospect for the franchise that could use some novelty. As it unfolds, fans will be eager to see if 343 manages to make it their own, or if the likeness will bear too much resemblance to Bungie’s brainchild.
9Hope Isn’t True: Half-Games
When the delay forInfinitewas announced, it was made clear not long after that the multiplayer of it all was not responsible for it. Although not really an implication for anything, rumors spread thatHalo Infinitemight be released in two separate packages: the multiplayer half and the single-player half, respectively.It’s possible that 343 is simply antsy to get something out, particularly with the recent release of Microsoft’s new line of Xbox consoles (that include a Master Chief Easter egg), but such appeasement to the fans wouldn’t win them over.
In an age where fans complain about unfinished games, it seems unlikely that players who have already been vocal about anticipated disappointments withHalo’s upcoming installment would support a split-game release. Since the delay is already here, perhaps it would be best to deliver to the fans a complete experience that shows the delay was worth it.
8Hope Is True: A Test By Flighting
Fans were unhappy withHalo Infinite’s initial announcement, with many complaints knocking the graphics, so the delay is welcome in the respect that fans want theHaloexperience they’ve been waiting for. This extended period of wait time is promising for the fact that 343 may be testing the game through a flighting program.
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Select players will hopefully get to test out parts of the game and give the feedback that 343 needs for the new title. With a thorough test program, 343 would hope to release aHalotitle that delivers on its promises and more.
7Hope Isn’t True: An Unfinished Ending
One of the most unusual rumors out there is thatHalo Infinitehas no ending yet. This is particularly head-spinning, considering the game was supposed to be released this year. While this may not necessarily be a bad thing, it begs the question of how much focus isInfinite’s story being given; not to mention, since the Multiplayer isnotresponsible for the delay, it sounds as if the multiplayer is much more prepared for publication thanthe single-player campaign.
For a franchise likeHalo, who has for a long time been in a unique position of boasting both a strong online and solo experience, the idea of the campaign not being given the same attention as the multiplayer is, at the very least, concerning. However, the time that 343 is taking could result in a campaign that fans have been hoping for.
6Hope Is True: Two Spinoff Titles
Halohas always enjoyed an expanded universe, through novels and other spin0ff games (and soon a television series!) such asHalo WarsorHalo 3: ODST. While the focus has been unsurprisingly on the main video game franchise, these other titles have enjoyed decent popularity, resulting in a sequel forHalo Warsand a remaster ofODST. Despite being in the same universe, the connection between these different titles has not always been the most direct, thoughHalo Wars 2doesfeature both Cortana and Atrioxand The Banished, the new enemy faction inInfinite. Now, rumors say 343 has new ideas in mind.
This rumor suggests thatHalo Infinitewill be the basis for 2 spinoff titles set in theHalouniverse that will be connected to the events inInfinite. For players who enjoyedODSTandHalo Wars, the idea of more universe expansion is a welcome one, to be sure.
5Hope Isn’t True: Villainous Cortana
Halo 5: Guardianswas met with mixed reviews, not least because of the one-eighty thatthe beloved AI Cortanatook during the campaign. Fans who grew up with the strong friendship and commitment to doing what’s right that existed between Master Chief and Cortana were less than pleased to see a schism occur in that relationship.
With such discontent from players, it’s unclear whether or notHalo Infinitewill include the rogue Cortana. Cortana’s presence inHalo Wars 2alongside Atriox and The Banished doesn’t make that any clearer, though 343 has only confirmed The Banished asInfinite’s opposing force. With the ending of the story still up in the air, it appears there are changes still to be made, and perhaps 343 will attempt to win over fans by returning Cortana to them as she was once known.
4Hope Is True: “Like The Old Halo: CE”
This is a tagline that has pulled in many a-fan for some time. It’s the line that reeled players into the newStar Wars: Battlefrontand it’s a line that’s been said for titles in theAssassin’s Creedfranchise. It appears fans have the same hopes forInfinitereturning to the nostalgic feel ofHalo: Combat Evolved, the first entry in the franchise, that made it the wildly popular series it is today.
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By taking a look at the sample gameplay that 343 released, the promise of that feel seems to be half-right. It certainly does remind one of the oldHalo, including seeing the iconic ring in the distance. However, whether or not the game will live up to its aim torevive thatCombat Evolvedessencewill remain to be seen until 2021.
3Hope Isn’t True: Possible Microtransactions
In this day and age of gaming, “microtransactions” have become something of a bad word. It’s forced fans to condemn games that were once their favorite. Rumors have surfaced that suggestInfinitewon’t be spared the same treatment. Exactlyhow involved the microtransactions will be integratedinto the gameplay isn’t quite certain, but the suggestion alone is disconcerting. There will be cosmetic customization for Spartans, as there always has been, but with the whiff of microtransactions in the air, it’s leaving fans with an uneasy feeling.
One of the most celebrated parts ofHalois its multiplayer community, and it would be less-than-desirable to see that community burdened with the curse of microtransactions. ShouldInfinitebe released with such a system, fans will have their fingers crossed that they will merely be cosmetic options.
2Hope Is True: A Whole Wide Ringworld
One of the great promises to come out of theHalo Infinitehype is the mention of an “open world” format.In 343’s gameplay revealearlier this year, Master Chief is able to take a look at his rather large in-game map and explore it on his own. With the welcome return to a Halo ring, this is an exciting prospect.Halo’s campaign has always been linear, and they’ve succeeded time and again despite other games embracing the trend to opt for open-world formats. However, it seemsInfiniteis not immune and will feature something very similar. The art and design of previousHalogames has been gorgeous, so the thought thatplayers will get to explore the ringworld freelyis an enticing one.
1Hope Isn’t True: Battle Royale Mode
Perhaps the strangest rumor to come out aboutInfinite, the suggestion that the new game would include a Battle Royale mode had fans scratching their heads. WouldHalotry to join in on the Battle Royale craze alongside the likes ofWarzoneandFortnite?Luckily, this was a rumor just recently dispelled.Halo Infinitewill not include a BR mode. With the return of the much-loved Forge mode, players will be free to make any kind of map and game mode they desire, so BR modes in Custom Games will be possible and likely.
However, 343 will not be developing that mode themselves, nor should they. In the middle of the Battle Royale hype, one of the most attractive parts ofInfiniteis that it will offer somethingdifferent; and, amid that craze, that promises to be very refreshing.
