Halo is a blockbuster franchise but the years have not been kind. Halo 5 met with harsh criticism upon release and the newest entry, Halo Infinite, has been delayed due to, among other things, negative fan response. With the Halo franchise's future in the balance, fans are left wondering how exactly will Halo Infinite fit into the series? Will it be a reboot and fresh start, or will it press forward, redeeming the series' continuity?
Back in 2018, when Halo Infinite was first announced, 343 studios made it clear that the game was indeed Halo 6, and would continue the story of Halo 5, despite fan displeasure at that game's narrative choices. However, in July, when Halo Infinite had its first major gameplay reveal at the Xbox Games Showcase, 343 sang a different tune, calling the game, “a spiritual reboot” while showing off footage that hearkened back to the early days of Halo. Halo Infinite, on the surface, seems to be about reestablishing the series' former glory rather than continuing the established narrative.
Much is still unknown about Halo Infinite's story, so it could very well continue Halo 5's narrative without any retconning, but what has been unveiled has emphasized a new direction for the mainline series. 343 studios has revealed that the main antagonists of Halo Infinite will be the Banished, led by Atriox, villains who have only appeared in Halo Wars 2.
Halo 5 set up Cortana as the next big bad in the Halo universe, a decision that angered many fans, so the choice to pivot to a new villain may mean the series is retracting that story beat, but this isn't necessarily the case. Halo Infinite will primarily take place on Zeta Halo, which was alluded to in Halo 5's legendary ending. Cortana also had an important role in Halo Wars 2, so her crossing paths with the Banished isn't out of the question. What is certain, however, is by setting Halo Infinite on a Halo Ring and having the primary villains be an army of ex-covenant aliens, the game will channel the aesthetic and tone of classic Halo even if the story builds on more recent entries.
Story aside, Halo Infinite aims to be bring the Halos of yesteryear into the modern era. Chris Lee, 343 Industries' studio head, has likened Halo Infinite to Combat Evolved, the original Halo, but with it's “walls knocked down.” Set on an explorable Halo Ring, Halo Infinite is going to be an open world game replete with a fast-travel system and dynamic combat encounters. The game even includes a grappling hook, which brings numerous modern flourishes to both combat and exploration.
Halo Infinite's recent delay and underwhelming visuals may concern fans, but the narrative and design philosophy holds great potential. A fusion of old and new, Halo Infinite may very be the rebirth of the franchise, continuing the story while revitalizing the classic design that made the series a household name.
