[HTML1]

Patience is a virtue in the virtual world of video gaming. Buy in early and you might find yourself at the epicenter of an exciting title, but buy in late and you could just save yourself a whole heap of cash. True, your buddies may have grown tired of a title by then, emigrating away just as its online ranks thin to a thimbleful of their former size - but for the frugally minded gamer, nothing beats a Game of the Year Edition. The latest title to take up the celebrated GotY moniker is none other than award-winning 2012 space shooter Halo 4.

Touching down on October 8th 2013, the Halo 4: Game of the Year Edition includes a wealth of pre and post-release date incentives, from DLC map packs to downloadable skins. The complete compilation features:

  • The War Games Map Pass (includes 'Majestic,' 'Castle' and 'Crimson' triple map packs)
  • The Halo 4 Champions Bundle (includes Bullseye double map pack, and Steel Skin + Infinity Armor aesthetic armor packs)
  • Armor and Helmet Designs (includes 'Recruit PRME,' 'Venator RPTR,' 'Gungnir PULS,' 'Oceanic CRCT,' 'Hazop FRST,' 'CIO WEB,' 'Strider,' 'Scanner,' 'Locus,' and 'Deadeye' skins)
  • In-game Emblems (includes 'Spartan,' 'Prime,' 'Mjolnir,' 'Falcon. Row 2: Assassin,' 'Bonebreaker,' 'Bulletproof,' and 'Corbulo' crests)
  • Weapon Skins (includes Battle Rifle 'ACT,' Assault Rifle 'PRM,' and LightRifle 'IMP' finishes)
  • XBL Themes (includes Haven and Longbow environments)
  • XBL Avatar items (includes the Ghost vehicle prop, UNSC shirt, and all-new cloaked Master Chief avatar inspired by the E3 2013 Halo trailer)

[gallery columns="2" link="file" ids="203376,203378,203377,203375"]

Interestingly, the game's case (pictured above) refers to the new poncho-wearing Chief as having been "inspired by Halo for Xbox One," lending some additional credence to the idea that Microsoft intends to drop the "5" in upcoming sequel project Halo 5Despite the inclusion of a "get out clause," of sorts, by way of an unexplained asterisk sitting next to the text, it seems somewhat odd that Microsoft would go to the lengths of printing out the advertisement (for an admittedly minor incentive) alongside such a placeholder name.

Microsoft refuted, but didn't wholly rule out the use of the Halo for Xbox One title, back in August of this year, when a Microsoft spokesperson told Forbes:

"Halo Xbox One likely isn't the final name for the game at all. The final naming convention of the next chapter of the Halo franchise that we revealed at E3 is still being considered. There's no great mystery, it's simply something still under discussion as we look towards the new generation of Xbox One, its overall branding, and its audience."

As the Halo trilogies expand into a full-blown saga, the use of Halo for Xbox One (as a marketing moniker similar to Nintendo's old "game name 64" gimmick), or simply Halo (the original Halo title was named Halo: Combat Evolved, after all) doesn't seem quite so unlikely. Having expended considerable effort in chasing up Halo.com web addresses as of late — Microsoft doesn't own the rights to Halo6.com, Halo7.com or Halo8.com — the company may well be seeking an out that not only reinforces the exclusivity of its Xbox brand, but also avoids the use of unfashionably high sequel numbers.

Did last month's "Halo 5" trailer leak — and quick removal, accidentally let the cat out of the bag, or reveal yet another placeholder title? Do you have your sights set on this GotY compilation? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out all of the latest Halo news, right here on Game Rant.

___

Halo 4: Game of the Year Edition will arrive on October 8th 2013, for the Xbox 360 system, priced at $39.99

Follow Sam on Twitter @GamingGoo.

Source: Forbes