When Halo Infinite was first announced, many took the "Infinite" name to possibly be hinting at what appears to be a fully open-world approach to Halo, despite developer 343 still never confirming any kind of open-world elements in its upcoming Halo entry. But recent leaks, if they are accurate, could be hinting at a certain storytelling conceit that will define the narrative of the next major entry in the Halo franchise.
The Halo Infinite name could have multiple meanings and connections to the game (as good titles usually do). Recent rumored leaks, if true, detail multiple open-world locations in which the campaign will take place. Alongside that, side missions will supposedly unlock after completing certain campaign missions or objectives that allow players to play as a character other than Master Chief to get a different perspective on the same storyline. Plus there is mention of an "Exploration Mode" that lets players roam the open-world locations.
Again, these leaks should be taken with a huge grain of salt, as there is very little validity attached to them, and some of the recent leaks concerning the game's multiplayer suite are almost certainly fake. But one leak says that some familiar locations from the past will be appearing in Halo Infinite, such as Reach (which is also appearing in a new Halo novel this fall). That has led some to speculate that Halo Infinite will feature a time-traveling storyline, allowing 343 Industries to return fan-favorite locations, gameplay features, and more via a story involving infinite time loops that could reboot the franchise.
A Mix of Old and New
It does not seem like Halo Infinite is literally turning back the clock on everything, but a recent leak of some new Halo Infinite toys reveal a Brute Warrior and Spartan Gungnir, an enemy and a Spartan armor that has not shown up in the mainline Halo games since before 343 Industries took over the franchise. But these toys are a mix of old and new—returning enemies and Spartan armor, but both featuring weapons that have never been seen before in Halo.
A time-traveling story, with all its potential to go back, forward, or sideways in time could allow Halo Infinite to bring back old enemy types like the Brutes, but also allow for a shakeup of some new content as well.
Halo Fan Service
Halo was a megahit for many years. It was easily Xbox's biggest franchise, and for some time, it was a massive industry event whenever a new Halo game came out. But for many reasons including competition, new big franchises entering the industry, and some lukewarm reception for some of the more recent Halo games, Halo Infinite looks to be trying to bring back some of the old Halo magic.
While Halo 4 and 5 tried to evolve the formula of the game by adding new features like sprint, aim-down-sights, and more, Halo Infinite is clearly trying to return to some fan-favorite designs. In fact, much of the game's art design is a step back in time to more classic Halo rather than the more futuristic and progressive art that 343 Industries introduced in Halo 4.
A look at trailers, art, and more confirmed Halo Infinite toys, it is clear that this game is looking to pay some major fan service, especially in its art design. Halo Infinite seems to be turning back the clock to more Halo 3-esque designs. And a time-traveling narrative could ease some of the transition of how the universe of Halo could go from the direction it has been headed with Halo 4 and 5 to where it will end up in Halo Infinite.
An Opportunity to Reboot
A time-traveling narrative could also allow Halo Infinite to erase some of the narrative choices it has made that have not been well-received by fans in past games, and it could also give new life to characters that have either changed or been lost altogether. If Halo Infinite and all its possibilities branched off into its own timeline, it would definitely be a bold move but one that could also pay off for fans who wish the franchise would return to its roots.
Xbox and 343 Industries have been pretty quiet on Halo Infinite as promised, so this is all just speculation based on rumored leaks, but it is interesting to consider how such a conceit could benefit the game. With the cancellation of E3, many are expecting Xbox to hold its own virtual conference within the next few months, during which Halo Infinite should undoubtedly have a huge part to play, with players finally getting some concrete and official details about the game.
Halo Infinite releases holiday 2020.