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Available on: Xbox 360

Here's a goodly heap of leaked image and concept art from Halo 4 (via All Games Beta), whose development some of you might be following as it's an interesting-looking sci-fi game from a promising new studio. Oh yeah, and because it's the fourth in one of the biggest series of the last decade, the return of one of gaming's most iconic faceless ciphers, and apparently the first installment in what 343 hopes will be a decades-long future for the franchise.

With the Halo 4 release date announced for November 2012, expect to see plenty more glimpses of the reborn Chief and Cortana. And rest assured that there's no shortage of Halo when you're done with this one. 343's Josh Holmes explains that the game has no plans to enter into the pantheon of gaming's grittiest reboots, calling the title “a very deliberate continuation of a story that's already in motion.”

Franchise director Frank O'Connor echoes this theme, telling the Toronto Sun it's his hope that the series can last into the 2030s: “The technology will change, people's habits will change, we will kill off characters and resurrect others.” O'Connor says the series, whose emotional linchpin involves a walking tank and his imaginary girlfriend, will continue “for as long as it makes sense.” We're looking forward to following the games' progress well into our twilight years.

Topics

343 Industries Halo Halo 4 Microsoft

25 comments

  • R-ape - April 23, 2012 2:51 a.m.

    Cool shots. One thing's bothering me though - were the Elites always this exposed? It's looking like they're wearing less armor this time. Also, bring back the face masks for the grunts 'cause now I'm just feeling sorry for them.

  • Plan10FromOuterSpace - April 22, 2012 10:32 a.m.

    Well these look very halo like, id be kidding myself if I didn't claim to be massively excited for the return of Matercheif, and I would LOVE to see the series go on for another 20 years or more, but that doesn't mean I want to see the same game churned out each year like Call of Duty. I think this is perhaps my biggest concern for the Halo franchise right now, until I see what Halo 4 has to offer that Reach doesn't im going to remain slightly unconvinced.

  • lewis-barclay - April 21, 2012 8:36 p.m.

    The covies look MENACING for once. Wow. I thought they looked so goofy.

  • winner2 - April 21, 2012 5:40 p.m.

    Kinda looks like the covenant has downgraded in their armor use, they look more relaxed I guess you would say? Sort of like a U.S. soldier with just a camo suit instead of all the gear on I suppose. Looks nice though

  • Pwnz0r3d - April 21, 2012 11:59 a.m.

    ...People play Halo for the story?

  • ObliqueZombie - April 21, 2012 11:57 a.m.

    This game is shaping up nicely. I didn't think I'd say it, but Halo 4 is one of my most anticipated games of the year! Who new they could take nearly-dated technology and make such a visually stunning game? As for "decades more of Halo," as long as they abide by the philosophy of "as long as it makes sense," I'll be okay with it.

  • EwoksTasteLikeChicken - April 21, 2012 9:41 a.m.

    Anybody notice that the Grunts don't appear to be wearing breathing masks? And they look more... primitive

  • ObliqueZombie - April 21, 2012 11:55 a.m.

    I think it's because the world they're on has enough Methane to sustain them. It's just a guess, of course.

  • fortheroflz - April 21, 2012 10:45 p.m.

    look closer, the have a nose tube so i guess they can breath air and methane but they need methane more.

  • Moondoggie1157 - April 21, 2012 9:06 a.m.

    Decades more of Halo content? Now that's a scary thought...

  • pac10duckman - April 21, 2012 8:20 a.m.

    Honestly a little disappointed. The new start to the the new halo should be ground shattering...these pics just didn't make me shit my pants like they should have

  • Druupwnz - April 21, 2012 1:43 a.m.

    I'm still holding out for the concepts on some new enemies, but other than that I'm liking what 343's done with the franchise. It truly seems like 343 is interested in producing a really top-notch game, and I'm really looking forward to the finished product.

  • clarkysurfer - April 21, 2012 1:33 a.m.

    Do you think they realise that the covenant are all different species? From these screens the elites and grunts both have the same weird eyes and not impressed with the chiefs new armour! I'm all for change but just seems like the little details in there appearances are being over looked. The details and multilayer look amazing though! Can't wait for November!!

  • clarkysurfer - April 21, 2012 1:35 a.m.

    graphic details and multiplayer look amazing*

  • Sy87 - April 20, 2012 8:50 p.m.

    Looks good, but doesn't look like in game stuff. That one still looks like a concept. Its all about in game; concept art can look good anywhere. Uh Cortana is still naked! Women will be phased out when the fembots are done.

  • ObliqueZombie - April 21, 2012 11:58 a.m.

    A lot of the Grunt and Elite pictures, as well as the multiplayer shots and the stills with Master Chief and Cortana, are all in-engine. Believe me, I'm just as shocked as you are on how beautiful this is looking.

  • DualWieldingIsNotFeasible - April 20, 2012 7:49 p.m.

    343 just keeps building up my confidence in them. I love this franchise, but Bungie was clearly tired of it after 3. 343 seems to be a worthy successor, going by these freaking beautiful screens.

  • MercurialForce - April 20, 2012 6:45 p.m.

    I like Halo. Halo is fun. I can't wait for Halo 4. The end.

  • iHateFatPeople - April 20, 2012 6:08 p.m.

    Ugh. If you're over 15 and still enjoy Halo, you have a problem. Crap story, boring gameplay, terrible music and sound effects - all the things the masses like. Every Halo has been the exact same except that RTS one. PASS.

  • ObliqueZombie - April 21, 2012 11:59 a.m.

    The opinion is strong with this one. Let the butthurt flow through you--embrace it!

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