The Halo franchise is in something of a precarious position right now, but it is also poised to be more exciting than ever. 343 Industries, recently rebranded as Halo Studios, seems to be learning from the shortcomings of previous entries, especially Halo Infinite, which many expected to set the series back on track. Nevertheless, with this pivot in studio identity, even if it is mostly symbolic, Halo might just have a chance to rise again.
Despite the challenges it faces, Halo Studios won’t simply be able to continue doing what it has always done. Something has to give. The heart and soul of Halo probably won't change, of course: future mainline games are likely to remain action-heavy first-person shooters. However, just because Microsoft is shackled to audience expectations and genre conventions doesn’t mean that it can't branch out with inventive and off-the-wall spin-off titles. Learning from other franchises could be the best way to regain momentum.
One franchise Halo Studios could take notes from is Helldivers, which features similar themes and mechanics. The second installment has garnered a lot of buzz, but its inaugural outing, released back in 2015, is worth revisiting as well. Though its gameplay might appear quaint in comparison to its newer counterparts, it remains expressive, bombastic, and addictive. The Helldivers experience includes strategic gameplay paired with real-time reactions, which could work beautifully in a Halo-inspired shooter.
Microsoft released Halo: Spartan Assault in 2013, a crucial title that demonstrated the viability of twin-stick shooters within the Halo universe. Set between the events of Halo 3 and Halo 4, it piqued interest but failed to reach the mainstream acclaim it deserved. Its successor, Halo: Spartan Strike, released two years later, doubled down on that arcade-style gameplay. While both games had their flaws, they spotlight the potential of a twin-stick shooter based in the Halo universe.
The foundational gameplay elements found in the Halo franchise lend themselves well to arcade-style games. Many traditional Halo missions task players with controlling space on a large battlefield, moving swiftly in and out of danger to dispatch enemies effectively. This contrasts with other FPS games, such as Call of Duty, which focus more on constant forward movement and momentum. Consequently, the gameplay mechanics from Spartan Assault would translate seamlessly into a Helldivers-inspired revival.
In fact, borrowing elements from Helldivers could successfully reinvigorate the Halo spin-off lineup. The first Helldivers had systems like Stratagems contributing significantly to its gameplay, and adapting these for a spin-off could produce a uniquely engaging experience while leaning into the sci-fi wackiness of the Halo universe. There is a pressing need for Halo to regain its allure and attract a wider audience, and leaning into multiplayer features and thrilling human vs. alien combat offers a better chance to restore cultural prestige and relevance.
Meanwhile, narrative expansions are also unfolding within the Halo universe. For example, Halo: Empty Throne, released last month, tells an engaging story that runs parallel to Halo Infinite, featuring an array of both new and familiar characters tackling a high-stakes mission surrounding the Domain. In this storyline, the rogue AI Cortana has seized control of an extensive information network and has turned to authoritarian methods of ensuring peace across the galaxy, causing widespread concern among the United Nations Space Command (UNSC).
In Empty Throne, Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood and Admiral Serin Osman are seen strategizing to counter Cortana's growing power. There are dire ramifications to Cortana's decisions, which include deploying Guardians to obliterate Oth Sonin and its moons, thus reshaping the galactic landscape. Three Sanghelios days after this destruction, Arbiter Thel ‘Vadam convenes with high kaidons to discuss the next steps in counteracting Cortana’s growing tyranny. As the story unfolds, themes of heroism emerge amid the chaos, showcasing new generations rising to face these monumental challenges.
To further elaborate on the shifting power dynamics, it’s essential to recognize the significance of the battle at Zeta Halo and the ambush faced by the UNSC Infinity on December 12-13, 2559. Such battles not only serve as a backdrop for character development but also establish the stakes that new heroes must negotiate as they attempt to dismantle Cortana’s regime. The UNSC Infinity's struggle against the Banished, led by figures like Severan, illustrates the ongoing conflict as it ventures deeper into uncertain territories.
Severan, a new character from Empty Throne, son of Tartarus, takes center stage, revealing various intricacies of the Banished and how power vacuums can shift with lethal implications. He emerges as a pivotal figure during the assault on Zeta Halo and becomes de facto leader in the wake of the chaos following the destruction wrought by Cortana's actions.
In addition to fighting familiar foes, players are now increasingly immersed in a complex world littered with moral ambiguities, expanding the narrative landscape of the Halo universe. For instance, in the Waypoint Chronicles, scientific endeavors like Project: ORCUS are discussed, showcasing how warfare and technology can blend in fascinating new ways within gameplay. Such innovations attract attention by reinforcing the military sci-fi aspect of Halo, appealing to both new players and nostalgia-driven fans alike.
However, it is essential for Halo Studios to balance its past with ambitions for the future. Their rebranding offers potential for evolution while acknowledging the franchise’s historical roots. The challenge now lies in consistently delivering compelling narratives and gameplay that engages both old and new audiences. By seizing lessons learned from both successes and failures, Halo Studios might well carve a path for Halo to regain its former glory, enlisting the franchise's most dedicated fans along the way.
In conclusion, the Halo franchise stands at a crossroads, where past experiences must shape future endeavors in gaming. Whether through innovative gameplay inspired by Helldivers or storytelling that captures the essence of Halo's legacy via Empty Throne, multiple pathways could lead to revitalizing a series beloved by many. Embracing change while retaining core principles may just breathe new life into this iconic franchise.
