Halo Infinite, the latest installment in the iconic FPS series, continues to captivate fans with its enduring appeal. However, the journey of this highly anticipated game has not been without its share of challenges. In some ways, it stands as a testament to the foundations laid down by Bungie, while also serving as an indictment of Microsoft’s handling of the franchise. Once considered the pinnacle of first-person shooters, Halo Infinite now finds itself competing in a sea of free-to-play shooters.
The initial release of Halo Infinite was met with mixed reactions, and one of the key criticisms was its lack of content. While the multiplayer aspect of the game was well-received, it was clear that Halo’s identity extended beyond just the multiplayer experience. Historically, Halo games were known for their robust offerings, with a wide array of game modes and features available right from the start. However, Halo Infinite seemed to have taken a different approach, launching with a barebones foundation that left players craving for more.
Fortunately, 343 Industries, the development studio behind Halo Infinite, recognized the need to address this issue. They embarked on a journey to continuously add content post-launch, aiming to bring the game to a state of feature-completeness reminiscent of the beloved Halo 3. While it may have taken time, the efforts have begun to bear fruit, as Halo Infinite starts to resemble the Halo experience fans have come to know and love.
One of the recent announcements that has sparked excitement among the Halo community is the addition of a beloved custom game type: Infection. First introduced in Halo 3, Infection is a thrilling zombies mode where a group of infected players hunts down the un-infected. With each kill, the infected grow in number, creating an intense race against time for the un-infected to survive. This fan-favorite mode is set to arrive in Halo Infinite as part of season four, slated for release on June 20.
What makes this addition even more intriguing is the thematic integration within the Halo fiction. The infection mode in Halo Infinite will be presented as an AI takeover, adding a sinister touch to the already adrenaline-pumping gameplay. Infected Spartans will bear the visage of demonic robots, further immersing players in this enthralling dystopian scenario.
Alongside the introduction of Infection, 343 Industries has revealed several other changes and additions that will enhance the overall Halo Infinite experience. Beginning with Season 4, new premium coatings will be compatible with all armor cores, offering players greater customization options. Additionally, the game will introduce Career Rank on June 20, presenting a military-style progression system to keep players engaged.
Fans of Halo 5 will be delighted to hear that 343 Industries is working on an official Forge remake of the popular map “Plaza.” This eagerly anticipated release is slated for early Season 4. Moreover, Halo Infinite’s first Bonus XP Weekend is scheduled to take place over June 2-4, providing players with an opportunity to earn extra rewards and experience.
Despite the setbacks and challenges faced by 343 Industries, it is important to acknowledge the progress made with Halo Infinite. Season three showcased significant improvements and solidified the game’s foundations, finally recapturing the essence of what makes a Halo game unique. It is a refreshing return to form for the franchise, albeit through a gradual process of adding features over time.
However, the road to redemption for Halo Infinite is far from over. The game still has strides to make after a tumultuous year, with 2022 presenting its fair share of setbacks. Notably, 343 Industries faced a wave of layoffs that undoubtedly impacted the development process. The release of the game felt like a struggle, with Xbox Studios’ Matt Booty himself acknowledging the challenges faced by the team.
Nonetheless, there is optimism within the Halo community. The dedication and passion of both the developers and the fans are evident, driving the continuous evolution of Halo Infinite. While it may have taken some time to get here, the game is now on a path to becoming the complete Halo experience that fans have eagerly awaited.
In conclusion, the addition of classic multiplayer mode and the inclusion of the popular Infection mode in Halo Infinite mark significant steps toward realizing the game’s full potential. The ongoing updates, changes, and thematic integrations are testaments to the commitment of 343 Industries and their desire to deliver the best possible experience to the players. Halo Infinite may have faced initial challenges, but its journey toward becoming a feature-complete game is a promising one. As fans eagerly await the arrival of season four, it is clear that Halo Infinite is on a path to reclaim its position as a groundbreaking FPS series.