Editing Halo 4

{{Game infobox

|primary-dev= [[343 Industries]]

|composer=[[Neil Davidge]]<br>[[Kazuma Jinnouchi]]

|modes= [[Campaign]]<br/>[[Cooperative]]<ref name="Panel 3">'''Halo 4 RTX Panel</ref><br/>[[Multiplayer]]{{Ref/Reuse|Panel 3}}<br/>[[Forge]]{{Ref/Reuse|Panel 3}}

{{quote|An Ancient Evil Awakens|Official tagline{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}<ref name="marketplace">[http://www.xbox.com/en-US/Marketplace/Product/Halo-4 '''Xbox.com''': ''Halo 4'']</ref>}}

'''''Halo 4''''' is the seventh installment in the [[Halo universe|''Halo'' franchise]].{{Ref/Reuse|Xbox 360}}<ref name="waypoint">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/games/halo4 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo 4'']</ref> Set four and a half years after the events of ''[[Halo 3]]'', ''Halo 4'' continues the story of [[John-117]] and [[Cortana]], left abandoned on the remains of the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}. The two survivors drift toward the mysterious world of [[Requiem]] and the [[Ur-Didact|ancient evil]] within. ''Halo 4'' is the first game developed by [[343 Industries]], the management team in charge of the ''Halo'' franchise, and was published by [[Microsoft Studios]]. The first in a new series of ''Halo'' titles dubbed the [[Reclaimer Saga|''Reclaimer Trilogy'']], ''Halo 4'' was released exclusively on the [[Xbox 360]], worldwide on November 6, 2012.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint 4172012}}

''Halo 4'' was first revealed by a [[Awakening|teaser trailer]] shown at [[Microsoft]]'s [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3 Media Briefing]] on [[2011|June 6, 2011]], set to arrive in the holiday of 2012.<ref name="E3">[[wikipedia:Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3 2011]]</ref><ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/video/halo-4-panel-opening-video/98674976-d76d-4c91-8048-084c9cf7982b '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo 4 Panel Opening Video'']</ref><ref name="h4panel">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD429ZWcQ_w '''YouTube''': ''Halo Fest: Halo 4 Panel'']</ref> In the months leading into [[Wikipedia:Electronic Entertainment Expo 2012|E3 2012]], multiplayer for ''Halo 4'' would be unveiled. The game would then get proper coverage during [[Wikipedia:Electronic Entertainment Expo 2012|E3 2012]], where a [[Halo 4 E3 2012 Stage Demo|stage demo]] would be shown off, along with a trailer dubbed "''[[The Commissioning]]''", and the game's new co-operative experience, ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.  

Upon the first day of release, ''Halo 4'' grossed $220 million, surpassing ''[[Halo: Reach]]'''s record of $200 million, and $300 million in its opening week.

Along with ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'', ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' and ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 4'' was released on the [[Xbox One]] as part of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' on November 11, [[2014]]. A sequel, ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', was released for the [[Xbox One]] on October 27, [[2015]].<ref name="H5">[http://news.xbox.com/2014/05/games-halo-journey-announcement '''Xbox Wire''': ''The Halo Journey'']</ref>

[[File:H4-E3-Campaign-2.jpg|250px|thumb|John-117 on Requiem.]]

{{Quote|The Master Chief returns to battle an ancient evil bent on vengeance and annihilation. Shipwrecked on a mysterious world, faced with new enemies and deadly technology... the universe will never be the same.|Official summary{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}}}

''Halo 4'' marks the return of [[John-117]] as a playable protagonist after three ''Halo'' games focusing on different sets of characters.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}{{Ref/Reuse|marketplace}} Having been lost in space for five years after the finale of ''Halo 3'',<ref name="gtinterview">[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/interview-story-halo-4/727566 '''Gametrailers.com''': ''Interview: Story And Vision HD'']</ref> John-117 and [[Cortana]], adrift aboard the wreckage of the aft section of the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] [[Charon-class light frigate|frigate]] ''[[UNSC Forward Unto Dawn|Forward Unto Dawn]]'', find themselves near [[Requiem]], the [[Forerunner]] [[shield world]] first glimpsed in the [[Legendary]] ending of ''Halo 3''.{{Ref/Reuse|h4panel}}<ref>'''[[Awakening]]'''</ref><ref name="CVG">[http://www.computerandvideogames.com/328204/features/halo-4-why-the-trilogy-ends-on-next-gen/ '''Computer and Video Games''' - Halo 4: Why the trilogy ends on next-gen]</ref>

The story of ''Halo 4'' was described as being heavily focused on mystery, exploration and discovery, as well as being grand in scope and scale. Forerunner elements are featured extensively. The game also shows how humanity and the UNSC have adapted to the post-war world, particularly how they have co-opted Forerunner technology into their military devices and assets.{{Ref/Reuse|h4panel}} Member species of the former [[Covenant]] return  in the game, in the form of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction]], consisting of [[Sangheili|Elites]] and most of their former subordinate species, including [[Unggoy|Grunts]] and [[Kig-Yar|Jackals]], still loyal to the tenets of the [[Covenant religion]].<ref name="bulletin1">[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/03/08/The-Halo-Bulletin-30712.aspx '''Halo Official Site''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 3.07.12'']</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|Game Informer May 2012}} However, the Covenant remnants are taking a backseat to an entirely new antagonist, the [[Promethean]]s,<ref name="press center">[http://press.xbox360.com/products/p51/halo-4?grp=Blockbuster+Games&event=5 '''Xbox.com''': ''Xbox Press Center - Halo 4'']</ref> an elite class of [[Forerunner]] [[Warrior-Servant|Warriors]] and their legendary leader known as the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]];<ref name="gttv promo">[http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/t3eqhy/gt-tv-gttv-halo-4-promo '''GameTrailers''': ''GTTV Halo 4 Promo'']</ref> this new antagonist has been described as a "threat beyond anything that Master Chief has faced before."<ref name="venture">[http://venturebeat.com/2012/03/05/11-things-learned-about-halo-4/ '''Venturebeat.com''': ''11 new things we’ve learned about Halo 4 (with video)'']</ref> The subject of Cortana's ongoing [[rampancy]], a year beyond her ideal functional lifespan, is also thoroughly and prominently detailed in ''Halo 4''.<ref name="HW Characters">[http://halo.xbox.com/halo4#!an-epic-universe/characters/8c164b48-05e7-4c13-a268-f60ec3a72938 '''Halo 4 Official Site:''' ''CHARACTERS'']</ref>

Unlike ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', ''Halo 4'' was originally stated to have been designed to be part of a three-game arc from the beginning; however, the scope of the then-''Reclaimer Trilogy'' (now known as the ''Reclaimer Saga'') has since been expanded to encompass an undefined number of games.<ref name="Saga">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/21/halo-reclaimer-trilogy-expanded-to-saga '''IGN''': ''Halo Reclaimer Trilogy Expanded to <nowiki>'Saga'</nowiki>'']</ref> In addition, 343 Industries is aiming for more complete connectivity among all of their future media than that of the original trilogy;{{Ref/Reuse|h4panel}} the ''[[The Forerunner Saga|Forerunner Saga]]'' and ''[[Kilo-Five Trilogy]]'' novels,{{Ref/Reuse|bulletin1}}<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/Content/assets/en-us/Podcast/343Sparkast_005.mp3 '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''343 Sparkcast 005'']</ref> and the ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' [[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|terminals]] all have connections to ''Halo 4'''s story.{{Ref/Reuse|h4panel}}<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNDQN7nwZlw&feature=related '''YouTube''': ''SDCC 2011: Halo Universe Panel Part 1'']</ref> The third and final ''Forerunner Saga'' novel, [[Halo: Silentium|''Silentium'']], was released on March 19th, 2013.<ref name="Greg Bear Forum 532012">[http://www.gregbear.com/blog/display.cfm?id=6420 '''Greg Bear - Discussion Board''': ''Book'']</ref><ref name="Greg Bear Forum 542012">[http://www.gregbear.com/blog/display.cfm?id=6462 '''Greg Bear - Discussion Board''': ''PRIMORDIAL GRAVEMIND'']</ref><ref name="Silentium 7112012">[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/07/11/Tor-Books-Reveals-Title-Cover-Art-And-Release-Date-of-Third-Halo-Novel-By-Greg-Bear.aspx '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Tor Books Reveals Title, Cover Art, And Release Date of Third Halo Novel By Greg Bear'']</ref> Frank O'Connor noted that ''Silentium'' would be released after ''Halo 4'' for "specific strategic reasons", likely referring to the connectivity of the game and the novel.<ref name="Bulletin 372012">[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/03/08/The-Halo-Bulletin-30712.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 3.07.12'']</ref> A live action series, ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]'', provides a backstory for [[Thomas Lasky]], a major character in the game; this series consists of five episodes totaling 75 minutes. The ''Halo 4 Collector's Edition'' includes a 90 minute extended cut of the series.<ref name="Variety 4302012">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118053273 '''Variety.com:''' ''Halo Web series to bow before next game'']</ref>

Like ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'', the ''Halo 4'' campaign contains animated [[Terminal (Halo 4)|terminals]] accessible to the player.<ref name="The Halo Bulletin: 8.22.12">[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/08/22/The-Halo-Bulletin-82212.aspx '''The Halo Bulletin:''' ''8.22.12'']</ref> These depict the events of the [[Human-Forerunner War]] and [[Forerunner-Flood war]] from the perspective of the [[Ur-Didact]] and the [[Librarian]], and chronicle his descent into madness.

{{Spoiler/begin}}

John and Cortana subsequently make a crash-landing on the Forerunner world [[Requiem]], entering the inner planetary shell via an entrance in the [[Dyson sphere]]-like superstructure.{{Ref/Reuse|Game Informer May 2012}} Recovering a [[M12 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle|Warthog]], Master Chief and Cortana vow to make their way back to Earth in order to find a cure for Cortana's escalating Rampancy. They set out to find a way to contact the UNSC, circumventing the powerful jamming field surrounding the world. They hear a staticky signal from the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} and, finding a cartographer, are mystified to find it appears to be further down inside Requiem.

Descending to the core of Requiem and fighting through numerous Jul 'Mdama's Covenant hunting parties, Master Chief is attacked by advanced Forerunner combat constructs which Cortana identifies as Prometheans. Evading or destroying pursuit, John attempts to warn the approaching {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} of the dangerous artificially-induced gravity field that had caused the ''Forward Unto Dawn'' to crash.

[[File:HTMCC-H4 ThisTombIsNowYours.png|thumb|250px|John-117 encounters the Didact.]]

After disabling two control nodes, it becomes clear to John that a great threat had once been imprisoned within Requiem. The [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], the Forerunners' greatest warrior, is released from suspended animation within a [[Cryptum]]. Easily disabling John with his powerful abilities, he declares the return of the Forerunners as the galaxy's rulers and saviors. Humanity remains weak and unworthy in his eyes of inheriting the [[Mantle|Mantle of Responsibility]], a view rejected by his wife, the [[Librarian]]. Having always revered the Forerunners as gods,Jul 'Mdama's Covenant quickly swears alliance to the Didact and his Prometheans. The Didact views Jul's Covenant as mere "primitives", but permits them to serve his cause, to prevent the ascension of the human race to galactic prominence.

Narrowly escaping the collapsing core facility, the Chief and Cortana return to the planet's surface only to find their warning to the ''Infinity'' came too late. The warship crashes more than 70 kilometers away, with a massive force of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant and Prometheans closing on their position.

With a momentary lull in the fighting, John is called to a strategy meeting with [[Andrew Del Rio]], Captain of the ''Infinity''. Skeptical of the threat of the Prometheans, Rio orders an immediate attack on a Forerunner gravity well generator preventing the ship from leaving. A strike force of Spartans led by John is deployed along with a [[Mobile Anti-Aircraft Weapons Platform M510 Siegework/Ultra-Heavy|Mammoth]] ultra-heavy ground vehicle supporting the attack. Facing daunting odds, the UNSC is able to defeat a large armored strike force of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant and Prometheans and they disable the gravity beam. Before reaching his objective, John is confronted with a vision from the deceased [[Librarian]], who warns him of the Didact's true plans.

This attempt ultimately proves unsuccessful, as the Didact leaves Requiem aboard his massive vessel, the ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'', escorted by a flotilla of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant ships. Stowing away aboard a [[Lich]], Master Chief pursues the Forerunner to [[Ivanoff Station]], a UNSC research base orbiting Halo [[Installation 03]] where the Composer is kept. Dr. [[Sandra Tillson]], a lead researcher aboard the base, helps guide John to the artifact amidst a swarm of Jul's Covenant attackers. Despite reaching the artifact first, the Didact is successful in obtaining the Composer, tearing it out of the station's hull with a gravity beam. Testing the weapon, the Composer burns the crew of the station to ash, harvesting their essences to power additional Prometheans. The Master Chief survives, thanks to the genetic enhancements provided by the Librarian.

While their defeat at Earth proved a setback for the Didact's Prometheans and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant, it did not result in their defeat. Months later, the Infinity returns to Requiem with a complement of Spartans, determined to claim the planet. This tour forms the background for the [[Requiem Campaign]] covered in the ''[[Spartan Ops]]'' mode.

The [[campaign]] of ''Halo 4'' consists of 10 levels. {{Ref/Reuse|The Halo Bulletin: 8.22.12}}

#[[Dawn]] - ''"After four years adrift in space, Cortana awakens the Master Chief to investigate a disturbance on the Forward Unto Dawn."''

{{Center|Please visit [[Spartan Ops]] and [[Terminal (Halo 4)|Halo 4 Terminals]] for the dedicated appearance lists of said modes.}}

**[[Commander (Covenant)|Commander]] {{1st}}

**[[Swords of Sanghelios]] {{1st}}{{citation needed}}

*[[Ancestors]]

***[[Spartan Operations]] {{1st}}

***[[Vale Citadel]] {{1st}}

*[[Installation 00]] {{Mo}}

*****[[Kenya]]

******[[Mombasa]]

*******[[New Mombasa]] {{Mo}}

******[[Voi]] {{Mo}}

*******[[Portal at Voi]] {{Mo}}

**[[Battle for Earth]] {{Mo}}

*[[Great Schism]] {{Mo}}

*[[M410 dual heavy machine gun]] {{1st}}

*[[M45D shotgun]] {{1st}}

*[[M8C Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Cannon]] {{1st}}

*[[M3063 deployable turret]] {{1st}}

*[[Plasma grenade]]

*[[Energy sword]]

**{{Pattern|Domotos|energy sword}}

*[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|Gravity hammer]]

**[[Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer]]

*[[Plasma pistol]]

*[[Plasma rifle]]

**{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} {{C|Prologue only}}

*[[Beam rifle]]

**{{Pattern|Zubo|beam rifle}} {{1st}}

*[[Needler]]

*[[Fuel rod gun]]

*[[Concussion rifle]]

*[[Carbine]]

*[[Plasma cannon]]

**{{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}

*{{Pattern|Kelos'vaarda|storm rifle}}

**[[M12R Rocket Warthog]]

*[[M274R Mongoose]]

*[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II (D) Geyrion]] {{1st}} {{C|War Games simulator only}}

**''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]'' {{Mo}}

*[[Egret Spaceliner]] {{C|War Games simulator only}}

*[[Ibis-class freighter|''Ibis''-class freighter]] {{C|War Games simulator only}}

*{{Class|Vindication|light battleship}}|

*[[Wraith]]

*[[Banshee]]

*[[Ghost]]

*[[Shade]]

**{{Pattern|Sho'riru|Shade}} {{1st}}

**{{Pattern|Kerel|assault carrier}} {{C|Prologue and terminals only}}

***''[[Solemn Penance]]'' {{Mo}}

**{{Pattern|Zanar|light cruiser}}

**{{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}  

**{{Pattern|Gloto|Breaching Carapace}} {{1st}}

**{{Pattern|Gloto'kef|Assault Carapace}} {{1st}}

**{{Pattern|Gloto'kas|Assault Carapace}} {{1st}}

**{{Pattern|Morsam|Seraph}}

*[[Phantom]]

**{{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}} {{1st}}

*[[Scarab]]

**{{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}} {{Mo}}

*[[Lich]]

**{{Pattern|Kmiro'sish|Lich}} {{1st}}

*[[Twelfth-order escort]] {{1st}}

*[[Activation index]]

*[[Covenant watchtower]]

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI#GEN2|Mark VI]] variant {{1st}}

*[[Fusion coil|UNSC fusion core]]

''Halo 4'' was developed for the Xbox 360 console.{{Ref/Reuse|Xbox 360}} The game's creative team, which comprised nearly 200 individuals who developed the game for nearly three years,<ref name="GTTV 612012">[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2012-e3-2012/730801 '''GameTrailers.com:''' ''E3 2012: Halo 4 Xbox Evolved Promo'']</ref> was led by creative director [[Josh Holmes]].{{Ref/Reuse|h4panel}} The game has been stated to continue the ''Halo'' series' tradition of inspiring wonder in the player while providing engaging, visceral gameplay. The game utilizes much of the "sandbox" that has been featured across all six prior ''Halo'' games and other media, in addition to introducing new characters, weapons, vehicles, and other elements.{{Ref/Reuse|h4panel}} The game's "sandbox" and overall style are meant to be evocative of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' moreso than of later installments.{{Ref/Reuse|CVG}} [[Dual wielding]] is not accessible in the game.<ref name="GI podcast">[http://media1.gameinformer.com/media/audio/theshow/halo4/halo4special.mp3 '''Game Informer:''' ''Halo 4 Special Podcast'']</ref> During production, Halo 4 was given the codename "Halo Onyx".<ref>[https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Brwkm '''Artstation:''' ''Halo 4 - vehicles'' - concept art bears the logo "Halo Onyx".]</ref>

For ''Halo 4'', 343 wanted to put more focus on narrative than previous entries. This manifested in the game's focus on Forerunner lore.<ref name = "IdentityProblem">[https://www.kotaku.com.au/2022/11/halos-identity-problem-began-with-an-admirable-mess/ '''Kotaku:''' ''Halo’s Identity Problem Began With an Admirable Mess'']</ref> The narrative design team of ''Halo 4'' was headed by [[Armando Troisi]], who previously worked on [[Wikipedia:Mass Effect|''Mass Effect'']] and its [[Wikipedia:Mass Effect 2|sequel]], along with an in-house team of writers. The original draft of the ''Halo 4'' script was written by [[Chris Schlerf]], who has also had major influence on the script since then. [[Brian Reed]], who wrote the 2010-2012 graphic novel adaptation ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]'', was also part of the writing team and made significant contributions on the story.<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=1137839 '''halo.bungie.org''': ''Re: Who's the writer for Halo 4?'']</ref>

The art director for ''Halo 4'' was [[Kenneth Scott]]. He described the visual style of ''Halo 4'' as being more ingrained in the expanded universe fiction, and more "mature" than before. With the game's increased focus on the Forerunners, the artists invested heavily on the look and feel of Forerunner technology, including the incorporation of more "active" Forerunner technology as opposed to the mostly inert and abandoned structures seen in the earlier games.{{Ref/Reuse|h4panel}}

John-117's experience and the player's experience are meant to be intertwined, with the Master Chief essentially serving as the player's avatar within the ''Halo'' universe. John's character is explored and developed in more depth than in the prior games, and the relationship between John and Cortana is heavily featured and expanded. ''Halo 4'' also features more athleticism, as the background of Master Chief and the Spartan supersoldiers in general promise a feeling of "a super hero", a feeling 343 Industries wanted to convey to the player.{{Ref/Reuse|h4panel}}

As with many other art assets, the ''Halo 4'' art team redesigned the Master Chief's iconic MJOLNIR armor from the ground up. The first look into the redefined armor, which differs considerably from the suit seen in ''Halo 3'', was seen in the announcement trailer, generating a considerable amount of confusion and speculation among fans. 343 Industries later stated that the design seen in the trailer was not the final version.{{Ref/Reuse|h4panel}} The final iteration was later seen alongside the first ''Halo 4'' gameplay reveal following Microsoft Spring Showcase 2012. The changes in the design are mostly cosmetic and were made with the intent of giving the suit a more functional look in order to suit the new art direction of the game.<ref name="first look">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6UL63Zo-uo&feature=player_embedded '''YouTube''': ''Making Halo 4: First Look'']</ref> In a fictional context, the difference in the suit's appearance is explained by an extensive overhaul performed by Cortana while John was in cryo-sleep.{{Ref/Reuse|Game Informer May 2012}}<ref name="Official Site">[http://halo.xbox.com/halo4#!halo-evolved/gameplay/31afe32b-0e07-45c0-9424-3adc6e1eadca '''Halo 4 Official Site:''' ''GAMEPLAY'']</ref>

[[Wikipedia:Motion capture|Motion capture]], first implemented in the series on ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', was used during the production of ''Halo 4''.<ref name="Bulletin 592012">[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/05/09/The-Halo-Bulletin-5912.aspx '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''The Halo Bulletin: 5.9.2012'']</ref> Recording began prior to the release of the ''Making Halo 4: First Look'' video in [[Wikipedia:Los Angeles|Los Angeles]], [[Wikipedia:California|California]], with material for the character Cortana and a man playing an unidentified character filmed; recordings were done as recently as the week of April 29, 2012.{{Ref/Reuse|Bulletin 592012}} [[Bruce Thomas]] and Mackenzie Mason would later be confirmed as the cinematic performance capture actors for John-117 and Cortana, respectively.{{Ref/Reuse|Bulletin 692012}}

[[Sotaro Tojima]], best known for his work on [[Wikipedia:Konami|Konami's]] ''[[Wikipedia:Castlevania: Circle of the Moon|Castlevania: Circle of the Moon]]'' and ''[[Wikipedia: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots|Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots]]'', served as ''Halo 4'''s audio director.{{Ref/Reuse|h4panel}} The team has performed many live audio recording sessions, several of which occurred in [[Wikipedia:Tasmania|Tasmania, Australia]]. Some of these recording sessions took place in generally inhospitable environments, such as underwater, in fire, and in ice, through the use of specially designed microphones;{{Ref/Reuse|h4panel}} other recording sessions utilized "homemade" explosives.<ref name="Audio">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Lci6hIWxZss'''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo 4 Field Audio Recording'']</ref> Tojima intended for the game's audio to be clearly grounded in the ''Halo'' universe, though to also have a more realistic quality than in past titles.{{Ref/Reuse|h4panel}} A video was released on February 23rd depicting 343i recording weapon and explosion audio alongside the [[Wikipedia:United States Army Special Forces|U.S. Army Special Forces]]. Weapons such as the [[Wikipedia:M4 carbine|M4 carbine]], [[Wikipedia:FN SCAR|Mk 17 battle rifle]], [[Wikipedia:M240 machine gun|M240 general purpose machine gun]], [[Wikipedia:Barrett M82|M107 sniper rifle]], [[Wikipedia:M2 Browning|M2 heavy machine gun]], and [[Wikipedia:M72 LAW|M72 rocket launcher]] were used in the recording.{{Ref/Reuse|Audio}}

Several voice actors from previous media reprised their roles in the game. [[Jen Taylor]], voicing the AI Cortana, and [[Jeff Steitzer]], the multiplayer and firefight [[The announcer|announcer]], confirmed on Facebook that they would again be reprising their roles for ''Halo 4''.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.org/images/taylors_back.png '''Facebook.com''' and '''Halo.Bungie.org''': ''Jeff Steitzer announcement on voice acting'']</ref> [[Steve Downes]], the iconic voice of John-117, was confirmed to voice the game's protagonist in the June 9th Halo Bulletin.<ref name="Bulletin 692012">[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/06/09/The-Halo-Bulletin-6912.aspx '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''The Halo Bulletin 6.9.2012'']</ref> For the first time in the ''Halo'' series, Taylor and Downes recorded the dialog for some of their scenes together in the same voicing booth, whereas previously they had not even met in person.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR2cwas3BXY '''YouTube''': ''Interview: Steve Downes and Tim Dadabo (Master Chief and 343 Guilty Spark) at Dragon Con 2014'']</ref> On the April 17th, 2012 episode of the [[Wikipedia:TBS (TV channel)|TBS]] late night comedy show [[Wikipedia:Conan (TV series)|''Conan'']], hosts [[Wikipedia:Conan O'Brien|Conan O'Brien]] and [[Wikipedia:Andy Richter|Andy Richter]] announced that they'll be voicing Navy deckhands aboard the advanced warship ''Infinity''.<ref name="Conan 4172012">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GflJB-aM0wI '''Conan''': ''Episode 245 - April 17, 2012'']</ref> Frank O'Connor, replying to a fan's question at the Rooster Teeth Expo, stated that the cast for the episodic cooperative series ''Spartan Ops'' would have the "biggest injection" of new voice talent for ''Halo 4''.<ref name="RTX Halo 4 panel">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnHPPsQFovY&hd=1 '''Rooster Teeth Expo:''' ''Halo 4 presentation'']</ref>

On April 11, 2012, the composer for ''Halo 4'' was announced to be [[Neil Davidge]], best known as the co-writer and producer for the British electronica duo [[Wikipedia:Massive Attack|Massive Attack]].<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/04/11/Neil-Davidge.aspx '''Halo Official Site''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 4.11.12'']</ref> Davidge first started in his role as the future composer in late 2010, eventually having his first meeting with 343i laying out his ideas for the music of the game.<ref name="Edge 582012">[http://www.edge-online.com/features/scoring-halo-4?page=2 '''Edge Magazine:''' ''Scoring Halo 4'']</ref> After the meeting, Davidge began writing 20 to 30 pieces that would be the base of the ''Halo 4'' score, which he officially began working on in August of 2011. Davidge has since stated that over four hours and an estimated 300 pieces had been written as of May 8, 2012.{{Ref/Reuse|Edge 582012}} Composing ''Halo 4'' is noted as being split into four distinct "tiers," each consisting of central themes for a handful of missions. [[Kazuma Jinnouchi]] composed a number of additional tracks for the game.<ref>[http://www.halo4soundtrack.com/ '''Halo4soundtrack.com''']</ref> Many of the key compositions were recorded and completed in January 2012 ahead of 343i's completion deadline.{{Ref/Reuse|Edge 582012}} Though still grounded in the ''Halo'' universe, the score for ''Halo 4'' takes a new direction from [[Martin O'Donnell]]'s composition in previous ''Halo'' titles.{{Ref/Reuse|bulletin1}} Orchestral and composition for the score was done at the famed [[Wikipedia:Abbey Road Studios|Abbey Road Studios]] in [[Wikipedia:City of Westminster|Westminster]], [[Wikipedia:London|London]], [[Wikipedia:England|England]], mostly notably known for their work with [[Wikipedia:The Beatles|The Beatles]] during the 1960s.<ref name="Composing Worlds">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmfGsuOacMA&hd=1 '''YouTube:''' ''Making of Halo 4: Composing Worlds'']</ref>

The competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes of ''Halo 4'' are grouped together into a mode known as ''Infinity'', which is tied to the ''Halo'' series fiction and runs parallel to the campaign story. In ''Infinity'', players take control of [[SPARTAN-IV Program|SPARTAN-IV supersoldiers]] serving aboard the advanced warship, UNSC ''Infinity''.<ref name="mp1">[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/interviews/a369211/halo-4-interview-343-industries-on-multiplayer-new-forms-of-story.html '''Digitalspy.co.uk''': ''Halo 4 interview: 343 Industries on multiplayer, new forms of story'']</ref> Prior to the beginning of development on ''Halo 4'', 343i General Manager [[Bonnie Ross]] and Frank O'Connor set the framework of the new studio's mission which entailed that all pieces of existing and future fiction from the games, novels, comics, etc. would be interwoven and share content from each other.<ref name="Guardian 632012">[http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2012/jun/04/e3-2012-halo-4-interview '''The Guardian:''' ''E3 2012: Frank O'Connor on Halo 4 – Spartan Ops could run for years'']</ref> Among this would be the multiplayer component for ''Halo 4'', which would later include the introduction of ''Spartan Ops''; "'' Wrapping the whole thing together allowed us to make sure that all the fiction in all of those pieces actually mattered – in this case, it connects directly to your career as well as the narrative experience.''"{{Ref/Reuse|Guardian 632012}}

Competitive multiplayer, known as "''War Games''," pits players against one another in adversarial combat training in simulated environments in the advanced combat deck of the ''Infinity''.{{Ref/Reuse|first look}}{{Ref/Reuse|mp1}} However, due to the emphasis on the SPARTAN-IV commandos, players do not have the option to use [[Sangheili]] for their multiplayer character.<ref name="IGN 4/7/2012">[http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/122/1222537p1.html?utm_campaign=ign+main+twitter&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social '''IGN.com''': ''Spartan Ops and Infinity Change Halo 4 Multiplayer'']</ref>

343 Industries aimed to provide a "brand new experience" in ''Halo 4'' multiplayer. This includes a reworking of the series' traditional balance system. For example, the player progression system is more extensive, allowing players to choose between various modifications which have an effect on gameplay, in addition to aesthetic [[armor permutations]] similar to the prior games.{{Ref/Reuse|venture}}{{Ref/Reuse|Official Site}}<ref name="cod">[http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2012/mar/05/halo-4-multiplayer-details-revealed '''Guardian.co.uk''': ''Halo 4 multiplayer revealed: Master Chief meets Call of Duty?'']</ref> Players are able to customize their [[loadout]]s,<ref>[http://www.gamefront.com/halo-4-demo-report/2/ '''Gamefront.com''': ''Halo 4 Demo Report'']</ref> being able to choose between various [[armor abilities]] as well as new customizable features, known as [[Support Upgrades]] and [[Tactical Packages]]. Tactical Packages offer a small performance boost to a chosen gameplay feature, such as the player's shield or weapon carrying capacity. Support Upgrades function similarly, and feature such improvements as [[motion tracker]] upgrade and an increase in the player's maximum ammunition.{{Ref/Reuse|Official Site}} ''Halo 4'' also introduces a new gameplay enhancement feature referred to as "[[Specializations]]". Specializations unlock different armor sets, emblems, visor colors, weapon and armor skins, and armor mods, which work similar to tactical packages and support upgrades.<ref name="The Halo Bulletin: 8.15.12">[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/08/15/The-Halo-Bulletin-81512.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' ''The Halo Bulletin 8.15.12]</ref>

343 Industries has described ''Halo 4'''s multiplayer gameplay as "much more fast-paced, more intense and visceral" than in the prior games.{{Ref/Reuse|cod}} Weapon pickups on maps are marked on the player's [[heads-up display]],{{Ref/Reuse|venture}} and players are able to call in ordnance drops, containing power-ups or weapons, during War Games or Spartan Ops matches.{{Ref/Reuse|Official Site}} Some multiplayer gametypes include [[Slayer]], Infinity Slayer, and [[Regicide]]. Power-ups available in Infinity Slayer include [[Overshield]], [[Damage Boost]], and [[Speed Boost]].<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/07/06/The-Halo-Bulletin-7612.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 7.6.12'']</ref>

Unlike ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', where the original multiplayer maps were shared in the campaign as gameplay spaces, all multiplayer maps in ''Halo 4'' were purpose-built for multiplayer alone much like in the first three ''Halo'' games{{Ref/Reuse|cod}} (although some multiplayer maps are featured in Spartan Ops). 343 Industries collaborated with [[Certain Affinity]] in the production of the multiplayer maps for ''Halo 4''.<ref name="Certain Affinity">[http://www.oxmonline.com/343-industries-halo-4-will-re-inject-some-new-life-halo-multiplayer '''Official Xbox Magazine online.com''' ''343 Industries: Halo 4 will "re-inject some new life" into Halo multiplayer]''</ref><ref name="gsforge">[http://www.gamespot.com/halo-4/videos/exclusive-halo-4-forge-mode-details-6397629/ '''GameSpot''': ''Exclusive Halo 4 Forge Mode Details'']</ref>

{{Main|Armor customization (Halo 4)}}

[[File:H4 SOS1E1 Spartan IV Hologram.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Fireteam Majestic]] aboard ''Infinity''.]]

''Spartan Ops'' is a secondary campaign that replaces the [[Firefight]] mode featured in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' and ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|IGN 4/7/2012}} Much like traditional campaign cooperative play, ''Spartan Ops'' allows up to four players to participate in weekly objective-based episodic missions.{{Ref/Reuse|GI podcast}}{{Ref/Reuse|IGN 4/7/2012}} Missions intertwine directly with events in the main ''Halo 4'' campaign, expanding on the story of the UNSC ''Infinity'' and her crew;{{Ref/Reuse|GI podcast}} this new mode is being likened to a second full-scale campaign for the game.{{Ref/Reuse|Guardian 632012}} Compared to a season of a television program, each "episode" of ''Spartan Ops'' features a pre-rendered cinematic and five playable missions complete with new events, characters, locations, and gameplay challenges, totaling up to 12 hours of new gameplay.{{Ref/Reuse|Game Informer May 2012}}<ref name="LEHB 6272012">[http://www.littleenglishhaloblog.com/2012/06/new-halo-4-info-blowout-via-expertzone.html '''Little English Halo Blog:''' ''New Halo 4 Info Blowout via ExpertZone!'']</ref> The development of ''Spartan Ops'' saw the largest influx of new characters, along with corresponding facial and voice talent, and gameplay/sandbox elements into any property of the ''Halo'' franchise since 2001.{{Ref/Reuse|RTX Halo 4 panel}} 343 Industries will be supporting additional ''Spartan Ops'' missions for months after launch of the game and unlike ''Reach'' challenges, players have the opportunity to play from the beginning of the episodic campaign regardless of when they started playing. The first "season" is included with the price of the game, though 343i has not ruled out charging players for additional ''Spartan Ops'' seasons.<ref name="NYDN 4302012">[http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/system-update-halo-4-preview-glimpse-return-master-chief-article-1.1068510?pgno=1 '''NYDailyNews.com:''' ''SYSTEM UPDATE: Halo 4 preview, with our first glimpse into return of Master Chief'']</ref> Frank O'Connor has stated that ''Spartan Ops'' will "bridge the gap" between the events of ''Halo 4'' and the future release of its sequel.{{Ref/Reuse|NYDN 4302012}}

The development of ''Spartan Ops'' came to fruition under the ideals of persistent, fresh replayability and small additions to the fiction surrounding the ''Reclaimer Trilogy'' and ancillary content.{{Ref/Reuse|Guardian 632012}} Each episode of the series, gameplay-wise, was meant to enhance the significance of the events the player is experiencing, and as such, simplistic single-objective missions were not a focus of ''Spartan Ops''. Frank O'Connor in an interview with The Guardian states that the stories and events have been loosely laid out for "a few years";{{Ref/Reuse|Guardian 632012}} the success or failure of ''Spartan Ops'' may lead to a continuation of the series past 2012-2013 with a "''known beginning, a middle, and an end.''"{{Ref/Reuse|Guardian 632012}} The first season of ''Spartan Ops'' as of June 2012 was noted as being "''very rigid''" with the direction of the story having already been mapped out from beginning to end. There are currently no plans for a second season of ''Spartan Ops''. However, Frank O'Connor has stated that ''"the story of Crimson, the ''Infinity'' and those characters and events is far from over"''.<ref>[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/03/28/The-Halo-Bulletin-32813.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 3.28.13'']</ref> The story of the cast of characters from ''Spartan Ops'' is continued in the comic series ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.

Season One consists of ten episodes and a total of fifty missions (five missions per episode) and was released following the launch of ''Halo 4''.{{Ref/Reuse|LEHB 6272012}} The first half of Season One was released between launch day, November 6, 2012, and December 3, 2012. The second half of the season was launched on January 21, 2013, and concluded the season on February 18, 2013.

Forge is a returning feature in ''Halo 4''. Co-developed with [[Certain Affinity]], the feature was first shown to public audiences at the Rooster Teeth Expo on July 7, 2012 in a presentation highlighting various new features included with this newest iteration of Forge mode.{{Ref/Reuse|RTX Halo 4 panel}}<ref name="affinityalone">[http://gamespot.com/features/halo-4-not-built-by-microsoft-alone-6399552/ '''Gamespot''': ''Halo 4 Not Built By Microsoft Alone'']</ref> The feature sports a number of improvements over its predecessors, including the ability to use "magnets" to snap objects to one another or duplicate any object at will.{{Ref/Reuse|gsforge}} It is accessible in four dedicated maps with unique object palettes.

{{Main|The Commissioning|Archive:Xbox.com/Halo 4|Scanned|Halo 4 Launch Gameplay Trailer|Are you Worthy}}

{{Halo 4 editions}}

The North American (ESRB) and European (PEGI) cover art for ''Halo 4'', [[:File:Halo 4 cover art ESRB (without Xbox 360 logos).jpg|seen here]], was unveiled on May 14, 2012 through a series of 32 "puzzle pieces" given to various community members by 343 Industries.<ref name="NeoGAF 5142012">[http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=37869368&postcount=607 '''NeoGAF:''' ''Halo |OT4| Trust's a Tough Thing to Come by These Days'']</ref><ref name="HBO Cover Art 5142012">[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=1138791 '''halo.bungie.org:''' ''Halo 4 Puzzle Email?'']</ref> It depicts John-117 kneeling in his upgraded MJOLNIR armor with an MA5D assault rifle at the entrance to the Requiem Dyson sphere. To his sides, the crashing remains of the UNSC ''Forward Unto Dawn'', which is visually upgraded from its previous incarnation in ''Halo 3'', and a {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} with other debris surround him.{{Ref/Reuse|HBO Cover Art 5142012}}

Announced on May 16, 2012, 343 Industries revealed a collector's edition for ''Halo 4''.<ref name="Bulletin 51612">[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/05/16/The-Halo-Bulletin-51612.aspx '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''The Halo Bulletin 5.16.12'']</ref> The ''[[Halo 4 Limited Edition]]'' has been noted as "maximizing your multiplayer experience," which in turn expands on the fiction of the ''Halo'' universe like many aspects of the game as a whole.{{Ref/Reuse|Bulletin 51612}} The Limited Edition is presented in a large, minimalistic grey case that is adorned with an updated United Nations Space Command insignia; the game itself is included in a smaller silver tin case that features similar artwork to the larger case and is embossed with futuristic artwork. It is currently available for purchase worldwide starting at $99.99 ([[Wikipedia:United States Dollar|USD]]).{{Ref/Reuse|Bulletin 51612}} 343 Industries has confirmed that there will not be a "''Legendary Edition''" for ''Halo 4'', citing that they didn't want consumers to have to choose what version-specific ancillary items they would receive.{{Ref/Reuse|Bulletin 51612}}

On August 26, 2013, IGN revealed a ''[[Halo 4 Game of the Year Edition|Game of the Year]]'' Edition for ''Halo 4''. The Game of the Year Edition includes the 3 DLCs that came with the War Games Season Pass (Crimson, Majestic and Castle), the Champions Bundle, Spartan Ops Season 1, and several digital preorder and limited edition bonuses. It is available at $49.99 ([[Wikipedia:United States Dollar|USD]]), and it was released on October 8, 2013.{{Ref/Reuse|GoTYE}}

''[[Awakening: The Art of Halo 4]]'' is a hardcover art book first announced on May 8, 2012. The book was published by [[Wikipedia:Titan Books|Titan Books]] with a release date of November 2, 2012.<ref name="Waypoint Book 582012">[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/05/08/Titan-Books-Signs-Up-Lavish-Art-Book-of-Halo-4.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Titan Books Signs Up Lavish Art Book for Halo 4'']</ref> This fourth retail art collection from the ''Halo'' universe includes 192 pages of colored illustration used during production to create the vision of ''Halo 4'' as well as commentary by [[343 Industries]] artists and developers.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint Book 582012}}

Five novels released from January 2011 to January 2014, though not specifically game merchandise, are intertwined with the story and expanded universe introduced in ''Halo 4''. Set thousands of years in the past, the ''Forerunner Saga'' and its three novels ''Cryptum'' (Jan. 4, 2011), ''Primordium'' (Jan. 3, 2012), and ''Silentium'' (Jan. 8, 2013 {{Ref/Reuse|Silentium 7112012}}) deal with the events leading up to and during the [[Forerunner-Flood war]] up to the "present day." The ''Kilo-Five Trilogy'', consisting of ''Glasslands'' (Oct. 25, 2011), ''The Thursday War'' (Oct. 2nd, 2012), and ''Mortal Dictata'' (Jan. 21, 2014), chronicles the months following the end of ''Halo 3'' and bridges the gap between the original Bungie trilogy and the ''Reclaimer Saga''.

[[McFarlane Toys]] announced three waves of action figures, vehicles, toy sets, and other products for ''Halo 4''.<ref name="Waypoint McFarlane 1192012">[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/01/19/McFarlane-Toys-to-Create-Halo-4-Action-Figures.aspx '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''McFarlane Toys to Create Halo 4 Action Figures'']</ref> The [[McFarlane Toys/Halo 4 Series 1|first series]], released in August 2012, featured four 6-inch carded figures, which include returning characters John-117 and a [[Sangheili Zealot]] and two new inclusions into the ''Halo'' universe, the Unggoy Storm and two Spartan Warriors, one red and one blue;<ref name="McFarlane News 6112012">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/Universe/detail/mcfarlane-halo-4-figures/2dad5e8b-2522-4030-b4fd-8423c52436ee#imageNumber=6 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''MCFARLANE TOYS BRINGS THE NEXT HALO GAME TO LIFE WITH HALO 4 ACTION FIGURES!'']</ref> a larger boxed product, featuring an up-scaled John-117 and accessories within a frozen cryopod is also available.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint McFarlane 1192012}} Released alongside ''Halo 4'' in November was the second series, including a figure of Cortana and a SPARTAN-IV soldier with two new enemy types, the Crawler and the Watcher; another large boxed product, featuring a Promethean Knight, was released in Holiday 2012.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint McFarlane 1192012}}

The [[McFarlane Toys/Halo 4 Series 2|second series]], released in October 2013, featured four 6-inch as John-117 with the ARC-920, tree Spartan Warriors (orange, purple and steeel/green), a [[Sangheili Ranger]] with the [[Zubo-pattern beam rifle|T-27 Beam Rifle]] and one new inclusion: the Kig-Yar Storm with the Covenant Carbine; a larger boxed product, featuring an up-scaled Ur-Didact with a removable helmet was also available.<ref name="McFarlane News">[http://mcfarlane.com/news/news6.aspx?id=13870 '''McFarlane''':''MCFARLANE TOYS ANNOUNCES SECOND SERIES OF ‘HALO 4’ ACTION FIGURES!'']</ref> All the figures of series 2 included a code for Halo 4's ''Infinity mode''.  

The [[McFarlane Toys/Halo 4 Series 3|third series]], which were released on February [[2015]], feature three figures: [[Jul 'Mdama]] with an energy sword, [[Gabriel Thorne]] with an MA5D assault rifle, and [[Sarah Palmer]] with two M6H magnums.<ref>[http://www.halotoynews.com/2014/09/10/mcfarlane-halo-4-series-3-figures-jul-mdama-thorne-palmer/ '''Halo Toy News''' - ''McFarlane Halo 4 Series 3 Figures! Jul 'Mdama, Thorne & Palmer!'']</ref>

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc., a well known manufacturing company for game products, released a licensed communication headset coinciding with the launch of ''Halo 4''.<ref name="HW Mad Catz 6152012">[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/06/14/Mad-Catz-and-Microsoft-Studios-Sign-Deal-for-Licensed-Halo-4-Gaming-Headsets.aspx '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Mad Catz and Microsoft Studios Sign Deal for Licensed Halo 4 Gaming Headsets'']</ref> The headset's aesthetics has a design reminiscent of designs seen in the ''Halo'' universe.{{Ref/Reuse|HW Mad Catz 6152012}}

Called "''Awakening''," this trailer was revealed for the first time on June 6, 2011 at E3 2011, during the Xbox Press Briefing in Los Angeles, California. It effectively was the announcement of ''Halo 4'' as well of that of the ''Reclaimer Saga'' (originally called ''Reclaimer Trilogy''). Developed by agencytwofifteen, Digital Domain, and Anonymous Content, with music by the game's composer Neil Davidge, ''Awakening'' showed off early assets currently in-development by 343 Industries including John-117's new armor and Cortana's makeover since their last incarnations in ''Halo 3'' and the animated short film ''[[Origins|Halo Legends: Origins]]''. It would later be revealed that the trailer is set during the opening moments of ''Halo 4'', during Jul 'Mdama's Covenant boarding of the ship.

Ending off the 10-year anniversary celebration of ''Halo Fest'' at PAX Prime 2011 in Seattle, Washington was the release of a trailer following the first panel discussing ''Halo 4''.<ref name="concept glimpse">[http://youtu.be/vAKmu2yn3Fk '''YouTube''': ''Halo Fest: Halo 4 Concept Art Glimpse'']</ref> Released on August 28, 2011, it would be the first new glimpse of the game since its reveal at E3. It featured glimpses at many of the upcoming campaign's environments, including a terrestrial world with Forerunner glyphs on the surface, several location drafts which feature distinctly [[Forerunner]] buildings and ships, concepts of the ''Forward Unto Dawn''<nowiki />'s wreckage, and some concepts of the then-unidentified Requiem. Two of these images were repurposed as the cover art for the ''Forerunner Saga'' novels, ''Cryptum'' and ''Primordium''.{{Ref/Reuse|h4panel}} Following the ''Halo 4'' title card was a quick teaser of an early iteration of the [[Promethean Knight]].

====Production notes====

[[File:FUD-Poster.jpg|150px|thumb|Film poster for ''Forward Unto Dawn'']]

Announced on April 30, 2012, ''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn'' is a five-episode live-action series with a total runtime of 75 minutes, making it one of the longest marketing programs for any game in history.{{Ref/Reuse|Variety 4302012}} ''Forward Unto Dawn'' chronicles the life of [[Thomas Lasky]] from his experiences at [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science|Corbulo Academy]] decades before his service aboard the UNSC ''Infinity'', alongside his "mentor" John-117. 343i's business director, Matt McCloskey, stated that ''Forward Unto Dawn'' would allow the franchise to "make ''Halo'' accessible for people who haven't played the games." Both McCloskey and [[Frank O'Connor]] noted that the series would flesh out the fiction of the universe, particularly ''Halo 4'''s. Viewers are given background information on the various events set prior to the game and the characters set to appear in it, as well as being introduced to new elements and expanding on old ones.  

''Forward Unto Dawn'' was released prior to the worldwide launch of ''Halo 4'' on October 5, 2012,<ref name="Bulletin 5252012">[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/05/25/The-Halo-Bulletin-52512.aspx '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''The Halo Bulletin 5.25.2012'']</ref><ref name="Bulletin 7122012">[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/07/13/The-Halo-Bulletin-71212.aspx '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''The Halo Bulletin 7.12.12'']</ref> first as a short weekly webseries exclusively on ''[[Halo Waypoint]]'' and [[Wikipedia:Machinima.com|Machinima.com]] and later in its full 75-minute form on other devices.{{Ref/Reuse|Variety 4302012}} A 90-minute extended edition is included with the limited edition for ''Halo 4''.{{Ref/Reuse|Bulletin 51612}} Directed by [[Wikipedia:Stewart Hendler|Stewart Hendler]], filming on ''Forward Unto Dawn'' took place in [[Wikipedia:British Columbia|British Columbia]] throughout Spring 2012 and is currently in post-production in Los Angeles. It stars [[Wikipedia:Tom Green (Australian actor)|Tom Green]] (''[[Thomas Lasky]]''), [[Wikipedia:Anna Popplewell|Anna Popplewell]] (''[[Chyler Silva]]''), and [[Wikipedia:Daniel Cudmore|Daniel Cudmore]] (''John-117'').

{{Halo 4 reviews}}

''Halo 4'' has received extremely positive acclaim from critics, and high praise for surpassing expectations. IGN's Ryan McCaffrey gave the game a score of 9.8 out of 10, calling it "not only a success, but a bar-raising triumph for the entire first-person shooter genre,"<ref name="IGN Halo 4">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/01/halo-4-review ''Ryan McCaffrey'', "Halo 4 Review", IGN]</ref> and  praised most aspects of the game, ranging from graphics and design to enemy behaviour, and called the multiplayer "golden". Criticisms of the game were that the need to view the Terminal through Halo Waypoint "serves only to pull you out of the experience, literally and figuratively.",{{Ref/Reuse|IGN_Halo_4}} and that "some of its fetch quest-y, flip-three-switches sequences feel like they artificially lengthen the game because of how long you can get hung up on them when the going gets tough."{{Ref/Reuse|IGN_Halo_4}} The only negative of multiplayer was that the Spartan Ops mode "lacks the replayability and score-based incentives of the Firefight mode it replaces," and that the new lobby system was "a bit more cluttered and difficult to parse through than previous Halos," but otherwise praised it as "on par with what Bungie had previously established."{{Ref/Reuse|IGN_Halo_4}} His overall conclusion was that "Halo has been rebuilt. It has been redefined. And it has been reinvigorated."{{Ref/Reuse|IGN_Halo_4}}

Jose Otero of 1UP similarly praised the game, stating that 343 Industries have "created a worthy sequel to a blockbuster franchise that wasn't initially theirs,",<ref name="1UP_Halo_4">[http://www.1up.com/reviews/halo-4-review-laying-groundwork ''Jose Otero, "Halo 4 Review: Laying the Groundwork for a New Trilogy, 1UP]"</ref> and that "Halo 4 demonstrates a genuine effort to either introduce new elements or simply correct old problems."{{Ref/Reuse|1UP_Halo_4}} He also stated that "the sound design of Halo 4 benefits from having a punchier effect than the previous entries,"{{Ref/Reuse|1UP_Halo_4}} and that the game "benefits from striking art direction that draws some inspiration from J.J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek while adding an impressive layer of detail."{{Ref/Reuse|1UP_Halo_4}} Criticism of the campaign was that while "For the most part, the narrative does well at weaving together a big-picture conflict involving the mysterious Forerunners while telling a subtle side story about Cortana's descent into rampancy",{{Ref/Reuse|1UP_Halo_4}} "the resolution to Halo 4's story doesn't make a lot of sense."{{Ref/Reuse|1UP_Halo_4}} He admitted that "the decision to adopt a perks system in Halo 4 makes sense from a gameplay perspective, since it introduces additional avenues for players to build a character that fits their distinct play style, but these same additions slightly erase elements that distinguish two of the biggest shooter franchises from one other. Halo still has the advantage of energy shields and armor abilities, but it's a shame to see the series conform to another game's mold",{{Ref/Reuse|1UP_Halo_4}} and he voiced concerns that "the short length of Spartan Ops can feel odd at first -- unless you're playing on Legendary difficulty, that is -- but the promise of more content could easily erase these concerns."{{Ref/Reuse|1UP_Halo_4}} He praised the addition of the Prometheans, which "add a wonderful element of enemy teamwork that complements the existing A.I. behaviors beautifully,"{{Ref/Reuse|1UP_Halo_4}} and concluded that "343i has done a great job of capturing the essence of Halo, tapping into the kind of options that FPS fans love."{{Ref/Reuse|1UP_Halo_4}}

Tina Amini praised the emotional impact of the campaign, stating that "I can safely say I’ve never sat through a Halo campaign quite at the edge of my seat like I have in the first title by 343 Industries,",<ref name="Kotaku Halo 4">[http://updates.kotaku.com/post/34748950516/halo-4-the-kotaku-review ''Tina Amini'', "Halo 4: The Kotaku Review"]</ref> and praised the campaign as "beautiful. It’s cinematic, and features lovely music,"{{Ref/Reuse|Kotaku_Halo_4}} and that it "humanized what was up until now mainly just a really fun, well-made series of games,"{{Ref/Reuse|Kotaku_Halo_4}} though she found that "concepts and names are thrown at you in such rapid succession that it’s difficult to follow along"{{Ref/Reuse|Kotaku_Halo_4}} and complained that "I found the Spartan Ops missions to be fairly boring."{{Ref/Reuse|Kotaku_Halo_4}} She also admitted that "gamers are afraid of change. So the addition of ordnance drops in multiplayer—basically a bonus given to players who do well during a match—might not be desirable."{{Ref/Reuse|Kotaku_Halo_4}} She also complained that "Prometheans as a new enemy class are more annoying than I expected,"{{Ref/Reuse|Kotaku_Halo_4}} and that "fighting them grew stale very quickly,"{{Ref/Reuse|Kotaku_Halo_4}} but praised their arsenal as "trump[ing] even the Covenant’s stock."{{Ref/Reuse|Kotaku_Halo_4}} Overall, she recommended that players "keep an open mind for Halo 4, because you just may enjoy it as much as I did."{{Ref/Reuse|Kotaku_Halo_4}}

File:Halo 4 cover poster.jpg|High resolution cover art poster.

File:AdriftInfoBox.png|A [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II (D) Geyrion]] under construction in a UNSC factory in the multiplayer map ''[[Adrift]]''.

File:H4_EarlyKnight_Concept.jpg|A compilation of screen captures from the end of the concept art trailer, depicting an early version of a Promethean Knight.{{Ref/Reuse|concept glimpse}}

File:H4_ForwardUntoDawn_CryoRoom_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the ''Forward Unto Dawn''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s cryo bay.

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