Halo 4 has a somewhat bad reputation amongst the Halo Community. You only have to search the term “Halo 4 sucks” to get a picture of the hate that the 2012 title received, and still receives today.
Development of Halo 4 started way back in 2009. Series creator Bungie at this point was finished with the Halo universe. Their final Halo title would be Halo: Reach, and in a way, Reach signified both the completion of the Halo Trilogy (as a prequel) and Bungie’s affiliation with their universe.
Stepping into Bungies boots were 343 Industries. A relatively new studio at this point who were to oversee future Halo content. The team at 343 Industries decided to explore the as of yet unseen Forerunner as the backdrop to their new trilogy, leading the team to create new environments, enemies and a main antagonist.
The Forerunners aren’t exactly new to the Halo universe. In previous games we had been introduced to their creations and had seen a glimpse of the power this once grand society held. But we had never seen a Forerunner in the flesh. With Halo 4 we finally got that chance.
The events of Halo 3 ended with the Master Chief stranded on the remains of the cruiser Forward Unto Dawn, after the apparent destruction of the Ark and the Flood parasite. The last time we saw the Chief, he had entered cryostasis and uttered the now famous “Wake me when you need me” line to A.I. partner: Cortana. As the camera pans out we see a Forerunner world “activating” as the ship drifts into the darkness.
This Forerunner world ends up being the primary location to Halo 4. The planet Requiem, as we soon learn, is not just a Forerunner world. It is more of a prison to a very powerful Forerunner named the Didact.
The Didact is a Forerunner who held the extremely high position of Keeper of the Mantle and was seen as the supreme commander of the entire Forerunner Military. During the past Forerunner-Flood war the Didact was imprisoned on Requiem, as he deeply opposed the activation of the Halo array and attempted to stop their construction.
So now we have our new series antagonist, how else does Halo 4 diverge from the original Halo Trilogy to stand on its own two feet?
The Master Chief. Yes our favourite Spartan II also receives a makeover. During the opening mission of Halo 4, Cortana quickly brings the Chief back up to speed on whats shes been doing the last few years. The main differences with the Chief is his armour has been noticeably upgraded, whilst keeping the classic look of the Mjolnir design and he now talks a little bit more.
Cortana also goes through yet another design change. This time though she is becoming more unstable due to nearing the end of her operational life span. Rampancy is a term used heavily in the Halo Universe. It means that an A.I. has effectively lost its rational thought process and needs to be retired from service.
Cortana, by Halo 4 is past this date. During the game we get sudden out bursts of the A.I. loosing her grip on reality, and Jen Taylor’s voice acting convays this madness superbly.
Cortana, like the Master Chief, has been with us from day one. Since her introduction on the Pillar of Autum’s bridge, she has been the voice that drives the player and the Chief forward. From placing waypoints and calling in support she has always been there through the good and the bad. So with Halo 4 showing us in her rampant state, Halo fans knew this would be the end for our A.I. companion.
What Halo 4 does well is move away from the storyline explored in the original trilogy. The galaxy ending Human-Covenant war is over and Halo 4 features a more deeper personal battle, with the Chief reconnecting to a world he has long been away from, and trying to save his one friend from her own destruction.
Whilst many fans see the departure from the traditions of old as a sour point, the Halo universe needed a game like Halo 4 to move forward. It’s story from the beginning sets a tale of loss and it doesn’t really get any better. But this isn’t a story that necessarily needs a happy ending, and even when moving on to Halo 5, there is more loss and darkness with no signs of a light at the end of the tunnel.
I 100% recommend any person, Halo fan or not, to play Halo 4. For non Halo fans it serves as an entry point to the series and you don’t have to play any of the previous games to get a general understanding of whats previously happened.
For Halo fans – Halo 4 is a tale of loss and tragedy. There is not glamorous ending in this one. Whilst Humanity does win this battle; the cost to everyone involved to do so is high and will set in motion ramifications for years to come…
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