Microsoft’s 343 Industries provided an update on the delayed Halo Infinite, describing it as a ‘spiritual reload’ of the popular video game series. More importantly, it shared some new screenshots and artwork from the development game, and it’s a clear improvement in the latest, disappointing public preview.
“We focused on two key themes, ‘Legacy’ and ‘Simplicity,’ when it comes to the visual experience we build,” says Justin Dinges, leader of Halo Infinite Campaign. ‘We really want players to feel like they’re experiencing a game they like to remember (Halo: Combat Evolved), but of course with modernized graphics. [And] we wanted to make sure we stayed away from overly noisy designs and details, which is the most important takeaway for the team coming from Halo 5. With Halo Infinite we wanted to bring this new adventure back to its roots and create a visually pleasing experience that does not overwhelm with unnecessary complexity where readability and clear artistic composition prevail. ”
It sounds great, of course, but the handful of new screenshots Microsoft has provided really drive home what 343 is trying to evoke with this new game.
As for the ‘spiritual recharge’ bit, 343 says that the new game will feature ‘iconic Halo images’ and will cause the same awe and amazement as the original title did 20 years ago.
“We specifically chose to start Chief’s journey in Halo Infinite within the Northwest forest biome on a new Halo ring, a deliberate ode to the past,” says Dinges. “We have [also] took the visual design of the Jackals and Grunts closer to their appearance in Halo 3 and previous titles. We want players to have a nostalgic familiarity with these designs, such as meeting an old friend as they experience all that Halo Infinite has to offer. ‘
343 of course also adds new elements to the game. The new Grappleshot is a great example, and while unique to Halo Infinite, it will have been familiar to Halo fans for a long time and will work as expected. And a new dynamic lighting feature on the day can really change the look and feel of environments, based on the visit you visit.
Finally, Halo will offer Infinite what 343 says is ‘one of the most open gaming experiences in the history of Halo’. It’s still a sandbox title with clear goals, but the ways you achieve those things are the player (or, in collaborative mode, the players). “There’s no right way to use a specific item or feature,” says Troy Mashburn, director of Halo Infinite. “I can not wait to see cooperatives doing crazy things and combinations we did not even think of.”
Halo Infinite is still on track for a 2021 release after being delayed beyond its original launch plan for November 2020, Microsoft says.
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