Editing Halo 4
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|primary-dev= [[343 Industries]] | |primary-dev= [[343 Industries]] | ||
|support-dev=[[Certain Affinity]] {{C|[[Downloadable content|DLC]] and [[Forge]]}}<br/>[[Liquid Development]] {{C|Armor models}} | |support-dev=[[Certain Affinity]] {{C|[[Downloadable content|DLC]] and [[Forge]]}}<br/>[[Liquid Development]] {{C|Armor models}} | ||
|writer=[[Christopher Schlerf | |writer=[[Christopher Schlerf]] | ||
|composer=[[Neil Davidge]]<br>[[Kazuma Jinnouchi]] | |composer=[[Neil Davidge]]<br>[[Kazuma Jinnouchi]] | ||
|publisher= [[Microsoft Studios]] | |publisher= [[Microsoft Studios]] | ||
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==Plot== | ==Plot== | ||
[[File:H4-E3-Campaign-2.jpg|250px|thumb|John-117 on Requiem.]] | [[File:H4-E3-Campaign-2.jpg|250px|thumb|right|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}}}} | {{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}}}} | ||
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Halo 4 begins on [[2557|July 21, 2557]],<ref name="Game Informer May 2012">'''Game Informer''': ''May 2012''</ref> four years, seven months and ten days after the armistice ending the [[Human-Covenant War]]. Cortana, laying silent for almost five years, notices that the ship's intruder alarms have activated and attempts to wake John-117 from [[Cryo chamber|cryo-sleep]]. Cortana notifies him that in his sleep, she rewrote the firmware of his [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|MJOLNIR Mark VI armor]], upgrading the HUD and armor capabilities. With alarms ringing and the intruders spreading to multiple decks, John slips Cortana's chip back into his [[Spartan neural interface|neural interface]] and sets off to find the source of the disturbance. Suddenly, a [[Sangheili]] swordsman comes charging at the Spartan. After neutralizing the threat, John questions the AI construct on why his once-formidable allies have attacked them, to which she has no answer. After fighting the Sangheili and their "repatriated" [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-Yar]] subordinates, John makes his way to the aft observation deck, viewing a large [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|former Covenant]] fleet, led by [[Jul 'Mdama]], surrounding the ''Forward Unto Dawn'' while multiple boarding crafts dock with the heavily damaged aft section of the frigate. | Halo 4 begins on [[2557|July 21, 2557]],<ref name="Game Informer May 2012">'''Game Informer''': ''May 2012''</ref> four years, seven months and ten days after the armistice ending the [[Human-Covenant War]]. Cortana, laying silent for almost five years, notices that the ship's intruder alarms have activated and attempts to wake John-117 from [[Cryo chamber|cryo-sleep]]. Cortana notifies him that in his sleep, she rewrote the firmware of his [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|MJOLNIR Mark VI armor]], upgrading the HUD and armor capabilities. With alarms ringing and the intruders spreading to multiple decks, John slips Cortana's chip back into his [[Spartan neural interface|neural interface]] and sets off to find the source of the disturbance. Suddenly, a [[Sangheili]] swordsman comes charging at the Spartan. After neutralizing the threat, John questions the AI construct on why his once-formidable allies have attacked them, to which she has no answer. After fighting the Sangheili and their "repatriated" [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-Yar]] subordinates, John makes his way to the aft observation deck, viewing a large [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|former Covenant]] fleet, led by [[Jul 'Mdama]], surrounding the ''Forward Unto Dawn'' while multiple boarding crafts dock with the heavily damaged aft section of the frigate. | ||
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 | 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. | ||
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. | |||
===The Didact=== | ===The Didact=== | ||
[[File: | [[File:H4 John-117 Didact first encounter.jpg|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. | 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. | ||
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'''[[Forerunner]]''' | '''[[Forerunner]]''' | ||
*[[Librarian]] | *[[Librarian]] | ||
*[[Ur-Didact]] | *[[Ur-Didact]] | ||
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**[[Mgalekgolo]] | **[[Mgalekgolo]] | ||
*[[Sangheili]] | *[[Sangheili]] | ||
**[[Commander | **[[Sangheili Commander|Commander]] {{1st}} | ||
**[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]] | **[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]] | ||
**[[Sangheili Storm|Storm]] {{1st}} | **[[Sangheili Storm|Storm]] {{1st}} | ||
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*[[Covenant remnants]] | *[[Covenant remnants]] | ||
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction]] | **[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction]] | ||
**[[Swords of Sanghelios]] {{1st}}{{ | **[[Swords of Sanghelios]] {{1st}}{{fact}} | ||
*[[Ecumene]] | *[[Ecumene]] | ||
**[[Lifeworker]] | **[[Lifeworker]] | ||
**[[Warrior-Servant]] | **[[Warrior-Servant]] | ||
***[[Promethean]] | ***[[Promethean]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Prehistoric human civilization]] | ||
*[[Unified Earth Government]] | *[[Unified Earth Government]] | ||
**[[United Nations Space Command]] | **[[United Nations Space Command]] | ||
***[[Spartan Operations]] {{1st}} | ***[[Spartan Operations|Spartan]] {{1st}} | ||
****[[SPARTAN-IV program]] {{1st}} | ****[[SPARTAN-IV program]] {{1st}} | ||
*****[[Fireteam Castle]] {{1st}} | *****[[Fireteam Castle]] {{1st}} | ||
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**[[Circinius IV]] {{Mo}} | **[[Circinius IV]] {{Mo}} | ||
***[[Corbulo Academy of Military Science]] {{Mo}} | ***[[Corbulo Academy of Military Science]] {{Mo}} | ||
*[[Concord]] {{1st}} | *[[Concord]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Epoloch system]] | *[[Epoloch system]] | ||
**[[Requiem]] | **[[Requiem]] | ||
***[[Control]] {{1st}} | ***[[Control]] {{1st}} | ||
***[[Haven]] {{1st}} | ***[[Haven]] {{1st}} | ||
***[[Librarian's Rest]] {{1st}} | ***[[Librarian's Rest]] {{1st}} | ||
***[[Quarry]] {{1st}} | ***[[Quarry]] {{1st}} | ||
***[[Sniper Alley]] {{1st}} | ***[[Sniper Alley]] {{1st}} | ||
***[[ | ***[[The Gate]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Epsilon Eridani system]] | *[[Epsilon Eridani system]] | ||
**[[Reach]] {{Mo}} | **[[Reach]] {{Mo}} | ||
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*[[Epsilon Indi system]] | *[[Epsilon Indi system]] | ||
**[[Harvest]] {{Mo}} | **[[Harvest]] {{Mo}} | ||
*[[Installation 00]] {{Mo}} | *[[Halo Array]] | ||
**[[Installation 00]] {{Mo}} | |||
**[[Installation 03]] | |||
***[[Ivanoff Station]] | |||
**[[Installation 04]] {{Mo}} | |||
**[[Installation 05]] {{Mo}} | |||
*[[Khaphrae system]] | *[[Khaphrae system]] | ||
*[[Sol system]] | *[[Sol system]] | ||
**[[Earth]] | **[[Earth]] | ||
***[[Africa]] | ***[[Africa]] | ||
****[[Kenya]] | |||
*****[[Mombasa]] | |||
******[[New Mombasa]] {{Mo}} | |||
*****[[Voi]] {{Mo}} | |||
******[[Portal at Voi]] {{Mo}} | |||
***[[United Republic of North America]] | ***[[United Republic of North America]] | ||
****[[New Phoenix]] {{1st}} | ****[[New Phoenix]] {{1st}} | ||
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*[[Human-Covenant War]] | *[[Human-Covenant War]] | ||
**[[Battle of Circinius IV]] {{Mo}} | **[[Battle of Circinius IV]] {{Mo}} | ||
**[[Battle | **[[Battle of Earth]] {{Mo}} | ||
***[[Battle of Mombasa]] {{Mo}} | ***[[Battle of Mombasa]] {{Mo}} | ||
***[[Battle of Voi]] {{Mo}} | ***[[Battle of Voi]] {{Mo}} | ||
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**[[Battle of Installation 04]] {{Mo}} | **[[Battle of Installation 04]] {{Mo}} | ||
**[[First Battle of Harvest]] {{Mo}} | **[[First Battle of Harvest]] {{Mo}} | ||
*[[Great Schism]] {{Mo}} | **[[Great Schism]] {{Mo}} | ||
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]] {{1st}} | *[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]] {{1st}} | ||
**[[Battle of Requiem]] {{1st}} | **[[Battle of Requiem]] {{1st}} | ||
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*[[M395 DMR]] {{1st}} | *[[M395 DMR]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[M41 rocket launcher]] | *[[M41 rocket launcher]] | ||
*[[ | *[[M45 shotgun#M45D Tactical Shotgun|M45D shotgun]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[M46 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]] | *[[M46 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]] | ||
*[[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle]] | *[[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle]] | ||
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;Unusable | ;Unusable | ||
*[[M410 dual heavy machine gun]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Mark 2551 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]] {{1st}} | *[[Mark 2551 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[M97 Lance]] | *[[M97 Lance]] | ||
*[[Landmine|UNSC landmine]] | *[[Landmine|UNSC landmine]] | ||
*[[M3063 | *[[M3063 Deployable Turret]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[M85 Scythe]] {{1st}} | *[[M85 Scythe]] {{1st}} | ||
====Covenant==== | ====Covenant==== | ||
;Usable | ;Usable | ||
*{{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}} | |||
*[[Type-1 energy sword]] | |||
*[[ | *[[Type-2 gravity hammer]] | ||
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]] | |||
*{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} {{C|Prologue only}} | |||
*{{Pattern|Zubo|beam rifle}} {{1st}} | |||
*[[ | *[[Type-33 Needler]] | ||
*[[Type-33 fuel rod gun]] | |||
*[[Type-50 concussion rifle]] | |||
*{{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}} | |||
*{{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}} | |||
*{{Pattern|Kelos'Vaarda|storm rifle}} | |||
*[[Needler]] | |||
*[[ | |||
*[[ | |||
*{{Pattern|Kelos' | |||
;Unusable | ;Unusable | ||
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====Covenant==== | ====Covenant==== | ||
;Usable | ;Usable | ||
*[[Wraith]] | *[[Type-26 Wraith]] | ||
*[[Type-26 Banshee]] | |||
*[[Banshee]] | *[[Type-32 Ghost]] | ||
*[[Type-55 Shade]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Ghost]] | |||
*[[Shade]] | |||
;Unusable | ;Unusable | ||
*{{Class|CAS|assault carrier}} {{C|Prologue and terminals only}} | |||
**''[[Solemn Penance]]'' {{Mo}} | |||
*{{Pattern|Zanar|light cruiser}} | |||
*{{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}} | |||
*[[Covenant drop pod]] | *[[Covenant drop pod]] | ||
**{{Pattern|Gloto|Breaching Carapace}} {{1st}} | **{{Pattern|Gloto|Breaching Carapace}} {{1st}} | ||
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**{{Pattern|Gloto'kas|Assault Carapace}} {{1st}} | **{{Pattern|Gloto'kas|Assault Carapace}} {{1st}} | ||
*[[Seraph]] | *[[Seraph]] | ||
** | **[[Morsam-pattern Seraph]] | ||
*[[Phantom]] | *[[Type-44 Phantom]] {{1st}} | ||
*{{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}} {{Mo}} | |||
*{{Pattern|Kmiro'sish|Lich}} {{1st}} | |||
====Forerunner==== | ====Forerunner==== | ||
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;Other | ;Other | ||
*[[Activation | *[[Activation Index]] | ||
*[[Ancilla]] {{Mo}} | *[[Ancilla]] {{Mo}} | ||
*[[Artificial intelligence]] | *[[Artificial intelligence]] | ||
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*[[Data crystal chip]] | *[[Data crystal chip]] | ||
*[[Data pad]] | *[[Data pad]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Deployable lookout tower]] | ||
*[[Emergency locator beacon]] | *[[Emergency locator beacon]] | ||
*[[Energy shielding]] | *[[Energy shielding]] | ||
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''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> | ''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> | ||
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}} | 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}} | ||
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===Spartan Ops=== | ===Spartan Ops=== | ||
[[File:H4 SOS1E1 Spartan IV Hologram.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Fireteam Majestic]] aboard ''Infinity''.]] | [[File:H4 SOS1E1 Spartan IV Hologram.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[Fireteam Majestic]] aboard ''Infinity''.]] | ||
{{Main|Spartan Ops}} | {{Main|Spartan Ops}} | ||
''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}} | ''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}} | ||
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===Merchandise=== | ===Merchandise=== | ||
====Editions==== | ====Editions==== | ||
{{Halo 4 | {{Halo 4 Versions}} | ||
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 | 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 [[CCS-class 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}} | 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}} | ||
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===Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn=== | ===Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn=== | ||
[[File:FUD-Poster.jpg|150px|thumb|Film poster for ''Forward Unto Dawn'']] | [[File:FUD-Poster.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Film poster for ''Forward Unto Dawn'']] | ||
{{Main|Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn}} | {{Main|Halo 4: 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. | 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. | ||
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== Reception == | == Reception == | ||
{{ | {{H4 Review}} | ||
''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}} | ''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}} | ||
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File:Halo4-GameCover.jpg|Full game cover for ''Halo 4''. | File:Halo4-GameCover.jpg|Full game cover for ''Halo 4''. | ||
File:Halo 4 cover art ESRB (without Xbox 360 logos).jpg|North American/ESRB cover art without Xbox 360 branding. Released May 14, 2012. | File:Halo 4 cover art ESRB (without Xbox 360 logos).jpg|North American/ESRB cover art without Xbox 360 branding. Released May 14, 2012. | ||
File:Halo 4 cover poster.jpg|High resolution | File:Halo 4 cover poster.jpg|High resolution covert art poster. | ||
File:H4Chief.gif|Animated video of the ''Halo 4'' cover. | File:H4Chief.gif|Animated video of the ''Halo 4'' cover. | ||
File:Halo_4_splash.JPG|A promotional image for ''Halo 4'', depicting the wreckage of the ''Forward Unto Dawn'' descending toward [[Requiem]]. | File:Halo_4_splash.JPG|A promotional image for ''Halo 4'', depicting the wreckage of the ''Forward Unto Dawn'' descending toward [[Requiem]]. | ||
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===Concept art=== | ===Concept art=== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:H4_Requiem_Concept_1.jpg|A general view of Requiem. | File:H4_Requiem_Concept_1.jpg|A general view of Requiem. | ||
File:H4_Iris_Concept_1.jpg|The wreckage of the ''Forward Unto Dawn'' entering an iris-like opening on Requiem. | File:H4_Iris_Concept_1.jpg|The wreckage of the ''Forward Unto Dawn'' entering an iris-like opening on Requiem. | ||
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File:H4_Adrift_LandingPad_Concept.jpg|Concept art of a [[Pelican]] landing at the orbital manufacturing facility that serves as the setting for [[Adrift]]. | File:H4_Adrift_LandingPad_Concept.jpg|Concept art of a [[Pelican]] landing at the orbital manufacturing facility that serves as the setting for [[Adrift]]. | ||
File:H4_UNSCInfinity_Concept_1.jpg|Concept art of the prototype warship {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}. | File:H4_UNSCInfinity_Concept_1.jpg|Concept art of the prototype warship {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}. | ||
File:H4 Concept ForerunnerMech1.jpg|Concept art of a cut Forerunner mech. | |||
File:H4 Concept ForerunnerMech2.jpg|More concept art of the Forerunner mech. | |||
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_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_JohnandCortana_Concept.jpg|Concept art of Master Chief and Cortana. | File:H4_JohnandCortana_Concept.jpg|Concept art of Master Chief and Cortana. | ||
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File:H4 Forerunner damage process.jpg | File:H4 Forerunner damage process.jpg | ||
File:H4 forerunner Power supply Concept art.jpg | File:H4 forerunner Power supply Concept art.jpg | ||
File:H4 CutDLC UnderWaterCovenant Concept 1.jpg|Visual exploration for DLC, focusing on an underwater map with Covenant technology. | File:H4 CutDLC UnderWaterCovenant Concept 1.jpg|Visual exploration for DLC, focusing on an underwater map with Covenant technology. | ||
File:H4 CutDLC UnderWaterCovenant Concept 2.jpg|Visual exploration for DLC, focusing on an underwater map with Covenant technology. | File:H4 CutDLC UnderWaterCovenant Concept 2.jpg|Visual exploration for DLC, focusing on an underwater map with Covenant technology. |