Halo Infinite's delay last year was a crushing blow to fans. 343 Industries, after showcasing initial gameplay, made the decision to delay in response to fan reactions. The presentation showcased quality cinematics and what seemed to be a return to classic Halo gameplay, but many were skeptical due in part to graphics concerns, and the ever-meme'd closeup appearance of a Brute dubbed "Craig." For 343 industries, a lot is riding on Halo Infinite's success, and recent footage of the game from E3 2021 has been encouraging. Joseph Staten also announced in an "Inside Infinite" blog post that its first multiplayer season will be themed around Halo: Reach, which is very promising.

By all appearances, Halo: Reach's mention is a sign 343 Industries is applying the feedback they've received from fans. Previously, Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians were met with subpar impressions from fans, and it seemed as though Halo was incapable of achieving the sort of success it enjoyed under Bungie. Whereas the original Halo trilogy focused on simple foundations and streamlined fun, 343's entries seemed to complicate more and more of the core gameplay. Infinite is a chance for the series to return to form.

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Halo: Reach's Lasting Legacy

halo reach cover

Bungie released Halo: Reach in late 2010, and it remains popular eleven years later. Players love it for its memorable campaign, its engaging multiplayer, and its expansive lore. Planet Reach is such an iconic location that even the latest Halo book takes place there. Taking place before every other Halo game, Halo: Reach set the scene for Combat Evolved, the first Halo game ever, and follows the story of the doomed "Noble Team." Saving it for last was the perfect way for Bungie to say goodbye to the franchise: go back and tell the story of where everything started and go out with a bang.

343's intention with Halo Infinite is to go back to what made Halo one of the greatest games ever, and Halo: Reach is a great way to realize that. Infinite's marketing has focused on making the player feel as though they're integral to the Halo experience. Everything that's been talked about by the developers — the new items, the redesigned maps, the free-to-play multiplayer, the battle pass cosmetics — is talked about in relation to the players, and how it'll affect their experience.

Halo: Reach provides a great entry point for this because, in Staten's words, "it’s a key location for Spartans of old and a focal point for a new generation of Spartans." The Reach-themed multiplayer season will serve as a familiar callback for returning players, welcoming them back into the world of Halo with what they know and love. Moreover, it'll enable new players to immerse themselves in the world: they'll start their journey on Reach, just as the first generation of Spartans did.

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What To Expect From Reach-Themed Halo Infinite Multiplayer

Halo Infinite Multiplayer Heroes Of Reach

343 Industries has written and spoken at length about the role of armor customization for players. In many ways, just as it was with the more limited options of Halo 3 and Halo: Reach, the player's Spartan avatar is an extension of their personalities. Beyond the season pass' cosmetics, however, not much else has been confirmed. Different game modes are introduced for each season in Halo: The Master Chief Collection, so there's a possibility different Reach-exclusive game modes like Invasion will make a return. 343 may also bring back iconic maps to celebrate the franchise's heritage, among other possible callbacks.

When Halo Infinite's free-to-play multiplayer drops, it's no exaggeration to say that the future of Halo may depend on its quality. Microsoft denies this, though, and says Halo Infinite is not a make-or-break situation for the series. In any case, the campaign will undoubtedly shape 343 Industries' reputation. Infinite needs a memorable story that puts Master Chief front and center, and multiplayer that brings back the chaotic fun of older games. To center on Reach is reassuring because that's where Bungie perfected its storytelling and game design. It remains to be seen is if Reach's mention is no more than ceremonial name-dropping, or if it's a sign of things to come.

Halo Infinite is in development for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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