Before XBox, before Halo:CE there was a Halo game that was originally announced for the Mac as a 3rd-person shooter. The development time was from around 1998 to the release of Halo: CE, originating as a Myth-style strategy game[1] before turning into an over-the-shoulder cooperative netgame, and finally being retooled as a straight-up FPS for the XBox port. As the game then evolved along the way some vehicles and weapons were cut and others had complete overhauls. Below are some examples of lost or heavily modified game play items:
Gatling Gun
The Gatling Gun was a weapon originally designed for the Pre-Xbox Halo Combat Evolved. It seemed to be a hand-held version of the M41 LAAG, but, as it was not put into the game, it's characteristics are unknown.
There have been several mods, using Halo Custom Edition, that have integrated the Gatling Gun into the game, using the handle and base of the Flamethrower, but replacing the adhesive projector with the barrel of an M41 LAAG.
It would appear that the weapon has finally come to light in the form of Halo 3's AIE-486H
Machette
A Machette was at one point part of the Halo game play. Also, notice how much Master Chief has evolved.
Elites
An Elite circa 1999. They've come a long way! Notice the mandibles are more human or dinosaur like, lacking the present four-pronged jaw in the actual Halo games.
Spectre
The Spectre was originally designed to be in Halo Combat Evolved, but was cut because of balance issues. There appears to be a Shade turret mounted on the back.
Old HUD
The Heads Up Display didn't always look like its present form. Shown here is what it used to look like, representing the Marathon logo, which Bungie uses a lot in Halo. Also notice how the Halo in the background had originally fallen into disrepair.
Beam Rifle
The Beam Rifle was another element that was deleted from Halo Combat Evolved. It was cut, once again, for balance issues, but it vaguely resembles Halo 2's Beam Rifle, here seen brandished by an Elite.
Video
Halo Concepts Part 1
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Halo Concepts Part 2
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A video of Bungie footage shows several weapons and vehicles that were originally going to be in Halo. Recognizable is the Fuel Rod Gun, which then seemed to fire rockets. That, or they didn't make a mortar animation. Other than that, there is an SMG, Underwater Spear Gun, and other unreleased Covenant weapons. Watch the video for full details.
In the movie several Bungie employees can be heard discussing concept plans.
Gallery
- Cgw Cover.jpg
Image sent to CGW magazine 1999
Actual Cover of CGW magazine 1999
- Halo 072199.jpg
The 1st ever official Halo screen 1999
- Halo chief 1099.jpg
- Early Render Of Engineers.jpg
Early Render Of Engineers and Master Chief with an aerial
