WhenHalo Infinitewas first announced, many took the “Infinite"name to possibly be hinting at what appears to bea fully open-world approach toHalo, despite developer 343 still never confirming any kind of open-world elements in its upcomingHaloentry. But recent leaks, if they are accurate, could be hinting at a certain storytelling conceit that will define the narrative of the next major entry in theHalofranchise.
TheHalo Infinitename could have multiple meanings and connections to the game (as good titles usually do). Recent rumored leaks, if true, detail multiple open-world locations in which the campaign will take place. Alongside that, side missions will supposedly unlock after completing certain campaign missions or objectives that allow players to play as a character other than Master Chief to get a different perspective on the same storyline. Plus there is mention of an “Exploration Mode” that lets players roam the open-world locations.
RELATED:Rumor: Halo Infinite Leak Details Story Details and Campaign Length
Again, these leaks should be taken with a huge grain of salt, as there is very little validity attached to them, and some of the recent leaks concerning the game’s multiplayer suite are almost certainly fake. But one leak says that some familiar locations from the past will be appearing inHaloInfinite, such as Reach (which is alsoappearing in a newHalonovel this fall).That has led some to speculate thatHalo Infinitewill feature a time-traveling storyline, allowing 343 Industries to return fan-favorite locations, gameplay features, and more via a story involving infinite time loops that could reboot the franchise.
A Mix of Old and New
It does not seem likeHalo Infiniteis literally turning back the clock on everything, buta recent leak of some newHalo Infinitetoysreveal a Brute Warrior and Spartan Gungnir, an enemy and a Spartan armor that has not shown up in the mainlineHalogames since before 343 Industries took over the franchise. But these toys are a mix of old and new—returning enemies and Spartan armor, but both featuring weapons that have never been seen before inHalo.
A time-traveling story, with all its potential to go back, forward, or sideways in time could allowHalo Infiniteto bring back old enemy types like the Brutes, but also allow for a shakeup of some new content as well.
Halo Fan Service
Halowas a megahit for many years. It was easily Xbox’s biggest franchise, and for some time, it was a massive industry event whenever a newHalogame came out. But for many reasons including competition, new big franchises entering the industry, and some lukewarm reception for some of the more recentHalogames,Halo Infinitelooks to be trying to bring back some of the oldHalomagic.
WhileHalo 4and5tried to evolve the formula of the game by adding new features likesprint, aim-down-sights, and more,Halo Infiniteis clearly trying to return to some fan-favorite designs. In fact, much of the game’s art design is a step back in time to more classicHalorather than the more futuristic and progressive art that 343 Industries introduced inHalo 4.
A look at trailers, art, and more confirmedHalo Infinitetoys, it is clear that this game is looking to pay some major fan service, especially in its art design.Halo Infiniteseems to be turning back the clockto moreHalo 3-esque designs. And a time-traveling narrative could ease some of the transition of how the universe ofHalocould go from the direction it has been headed withHalo 4and5to where it will end up inHalo Infinite.
An Opportunity to Reboot
A time-traveling narrative could also allowHalo Infiniteto erase some of the narrative choices it has made that have not been well-received by fans in past games, and it could also give new life to characters that have either changed or been lost altogether. IfHalo Infiniteand all its possibilitiesbranched off into its own timeline, it would definitely be a bold move but one that could also pay off for fans who wish the franchise would return to its roots.
Xbox and 343 Industries have beenpretty quiet onHalo Infiniteas promised, so this is all just speculation based on rumored leaks, but it is interesting to consider how such a conceit could benefit the game. With the cancellation of E3, many are expecting Xbox to hold its own virtual conference within the next few months, during whichHalo Infiniteshould undoubtedly have a huge part to play, with players finally getting some concrete and official details about the game.
