I'm not big on remakes. I'm not always down with redos. I don't really dig regurgitated entertainment, but when I do, I always grab the big box that contains everything that made that series famous.
In the case of Halo, there is a rumor running rampant since a few hours ago (yeah, we're a little slow... but pimps take their time) stating that this year's Halo outing isn't Halo 2: Anniversary Edition, but rather a collector's series of games all focusing on the rise and status of the iconic Spartan, Master Chief.
According to Engadget...
“We've learned that Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3 and Halo 4 are being collected in a Master Chief-focused HD remaster coming from Microsoft. Our sources say that the set will zero in on Halo's most famous soldier to refresh audience's memories ahead of Halo 5's release, so curiosities like Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach likely won't be a part of the package. “
Dang, I kind of liked ODST. I guess that also means no Nathan Fillion. Man, that guy just can't catch a break.
Anyway, based on Engadget's findings I may have jumped the gun about this new Halo collection replacing the Anniversary Edition of Halo 2. Perhaps, the Halo: Master Chief Collection is actually scheduled for 2016? Although, that wouldn't make much sense given that Microsoft seems intent on building momentum for Halo 5's release, which has been announced for 2015.
In addition to this, staggering Halo 2: Anniversary Edition – first revealed by a Microsoft employee from earlier this year – to a 2016 release seems a little silly given that it would no longer be an anniversary edition.
The smarter thing to have done was have the Master Chief Collection launch with the Xbox One. Just a standard collection of the Halo games, to recount the story. But then for this year, launch a Halo 2: Anniversary Edition with completely overhauled graphics, updated physics and gameplay systems, as well as improved online modes, but all the standard multiplayer features from the classic OG Xbox release. This would have given Microsoft two annual Halo releases leading up to the launch of Halo 5 in 2015.
Engadget notes that they're unsure who the developer is of this Master Chief Collection outing, but previously we had reported that the Halo 2: Anniversary Edition was being handled by 343 Industries.
If the Anniversary Edition is actually the Master Chief Collection, then it's not unlikely that this is could be handled by 343 Industries.
Of course, details are sketchy. There's no official confirmation about this from Microsoft and we're still a few weeks away from what's leveling-up to be an epic E3.
If each game retains their marquee multiplayer and game mechanics, but offers new-age graphics, 1080p resolution, 60 frames per second and all the split-screen, LAN and online multiplayer that gamers have come to love, then I'm instantly sold.
I will say this: Halo: Master Chief Collection is something that could definitely get gamers to go out and buy an Xbox One, following its new price-cut. It's also the only thing Microsoft has to compensate for the lack of backwards compatibility.
If this turns out to be true, Microsoft may have found their one ace-in-the-hole for 2014 to finally pose a threat to the Wii U and to punch the PlayStation 4 in the gut, like Russian forces curb-stomping Ukrainian insurgents.
