Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Nintendo Direct
  • Summer Game Fest 2026
  • Xbox Games Showcase
  • Future Games Show
  • New Games 2026
  • Best gaming tech
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  • SGF 2026 schedule
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games
  2. FPS
  3. Halo
  4. Halo 3

HaloRadar: Chief, Master or Servant?

News
By Joe_McNeilly published 5 January 2008

Our Halo 3 plot recap reveals Master Chief's submissive side

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

Jan 4, 2008

For more of our weekly HaloRadar coverage, clickhere.

By all accounts Spartan 117, or colloquially the “Master Chief,” is one tough hombre. The genetically enhanced cybernetic supersoldier can single-handedly turn the tides of battle from hapless defeat to crushing triumph without even getting a hangnail. The Chief ranks among the most bad-ass game characters in history, right? Right??

Latest Videos From
Watch full video here:

We thought so too, until a recent skull run changed our minds. Have you ever actually listened to the way the other characters bark orders at the Chief? If Master Chief is such a tough guy, why is someone always yanking his chain? When it isn’t Cortana, it’s Commander Keyes. Even Sgt. Johnson gets in on the action. Sure, the Grunts and rank-and-file soldiers show an appropriate level of respect, but the Chief reverts to submissive lapdog any time anyone with a shred of authority comes into the picture (especially when it’s a woman in uniform.)

A “chief” is supposed to be the head of the tribe, the decision-maker, the figure in whom all power resides. Adding “master” to the moniker only heightens the inference that Spartan 117 should be head honcho. But our exclusive video reveals a shocking pattern of subservience that will have you rethinking Master Chief’s role in the Halo universe. Another takeaway is that Halo 3’s dialog and mission structure adheres to a strict and surprisingly repetitive template. But you knew that already so go ahead and roll your eyes now, then point them at the video player to see conclusive proof that Master Chief should actually be named Subordinate Underling.

For more of our weekly HaloRadar coverage, clickhere.

By all accounts Spartan 117, or colloquially the “Master Chief,” is one tough hombre. The genetically enhanced cybernetic supersoldier can single-handedly turn the tides of battle from hapless defeat to crushing triumph without even getting a hangnail. The Chief ranks among the most bad-ass game characters in history, right? Right??

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

We thought so too, until a recent skull run changed our minds. Have you ever actually listened to the way the other characters bark orders at the Chief? If Master Chief is such a tough guy, why is someone always yanking his chain? When it isn’t Cortana, it’s Commander Keyes. Even Sgt. Johnson gets in on the action. Sure, the Grunts and rank-and-file soldiers show an appropriate level of respect, but the Chief reverts to submissive lapdog any time anyone with a shred of authority comes into the picture (especially when it’s a woman in uniform.)

A “chief” is supposed to be the head of the tribe, the decision-maker, the figure in whom all power resides. Adding “master” to the moniker only heightens the inference that Spartan 117 should be head honcho. But our exclusive video reveals a shocking pattern of subservience that will have you rethinking Master Chief’s role in the Halo universe. Another takeaway is that Halo 3’s dialog and mission structure adheres to a strict and surprisingly repetitive template. But you knew that already so go ahead and roll your eyes now, then point them at the video player to see conclusive proof that Master Chief should actually be named Subordinate Underling.

CATEGORIES
Xbox Platforms
Joe_McNeilly
Latest in Halo
Halo: Campaign Evolved screenshot shows Master Chief.
Halo New Halo: Campaign Evolved trailer uses PS5 Pro footage, leaving fans in disbelief
 
 
Halo Campaign Evolved Collector's Edition on a green background with pre-order badge
Halo Halo: Campaign Evolved pre-orders have hit the shelves, but that Collector's Edition is difficult to catch
 
 
Halo: Campaign Evolved screenshot shows Master Chief.
Halo Halo: Campaign Evolved's digital game manual is exclusive to its Premium and Collector's Editions
 
 
Cortana looks into the camera during a trailer for Halo: Campaign Evolved.
Halo Halo: Campaign Evolved launches in July, and its all-new prequel missions have space combat
 
 
Halo: Campaign Evolved gameplay screenshot showing Master Chief in Unreal Engine 5
Halo Don't tell Xbox, but Halo: Campaign Evolved screenshots leaked through the Microsoft Store and revealed space combat
 
 
Screenshot from Halo Infinite's Firefight: Gauntlet mode, showing four spartans sprinting toward a group of armored brutes inside a shiny, alien interior.
Halo Months after Halo Infinite's final major update, Halo Studios releases a surprise PvE mode
 
 
Latest in News
Kingdom Hearts Sora illustration
Kingdom Hearts Kingdom Hearts AI art accusations hit Square Enix, and that sure looks like slop to me
 
 
Sung Jin-Woo in Solo Leveling season 1
Anime Shows Solo Leveling season 3 finally gets release window - and our worst fears have come true
 
 
Destiny 2 Titan Vanguard leader Zavala
Destiny Destiny 2 hasn't had this many players in years: fans flood the servers for final update
 
 
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake shot showing an updated Link lying on a straw bed in his house in Kokiri Forest
The Legend of Zelda Link redesign in Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is perfect or "worst case scenario" according to fans
 
 
Tales of Eternia illustration with three characters against blue sky
JRPGs After 26 years, classic JRPG Tales of Eternia returns: remaster coming this October
 
 
Crimson Desert
Open World Games Crimson Desert's free updates will continue "as long as there's demand," says Pearl Abyss lead
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake shot showing an updated Link lying on a straw bed in his house in Kokiri Forest
    1
    Link redesign in Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is perfect or "worst case scenario" according to fans
  2. 2
    House of the Dragon season 3 will show a different side to Rhaenyra
  3. 3
    After 26 years, classic JRPG Tales of Eternia returns: remaster coming this October
  4. 4
    Secretlab launches the Atlas, a brand-new ergonomic chair geared toward helping you stay productive
  5. 5
    All my RPG hopes for 2026 are pinned on Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...