Both PS5 and Xbox Series X don’t have a whole lot in terms of first-party exclusives coming right at console launch. Among the slew of new third-party games, as well as existing releases coming via Smart Delivery/backwards compatibility, both consoles arguably had one system-defining exclusive. PS5 hasSpider-Man: Miles Morales, and Xbox Series X hasHalo Infinite. Now “had” is more accurate for Xbox Series X, asHalo Infinitehas been delayed into 2021.
Considering this game is supposedly 343 Industries' most ambitious game to date, it makes sense if a delay is necessary to make the game as close to perfect as possible. This isHaloafter all, Xbox’s flagship franchise since the original console back in 2001. If delayingHalo Infinitemeans making the game better for release, then Xbox Series X will just need to wait. There are plenty of potential improvements to expect from this delay and could theoretically be better forHalo Infinite’s release.
Don’t Expect A Graphical Overhaul
One of the most surprisinglycontroversial aspects ofHalo Infinitehas been the graphical fidelityand artstyle/aesthetic of the upcoming game. After the initial demo ofHalo Infinite, players around the internet criticized the game’s reveal for having sub-par visuals compared to other current and next-gen games. Now granted, it was confirmed that the demo was running on an earlier build ofHalo Infinitefrom July, so the visuals aren’t final. There was still underlying criticism even with the official high-resolution screenshots and gameplay provided by 343 Industries, so it’s a clear concern from fans.
Development time generally leads to further refinement, but this delay is by no means likely a direct response to the graphical criticisms. Though fan criticism could be a nominal factor in the final decision, there are likely other more important factors contributing tothe final decision by Chris Lee and theHalo Infinitedevelopment team. Among environmental issues like the pandemic affecting 343 Industries just as much as other development studios,Infinite’s delay has likely been caused by other factors. This could be in response to any number of bugs/defects with the game, necessary weapon or equipment balancing, and other mechanical refinements with the game.
A huge graphical leap into 2021 shouldn’t be what fans expect whenHalo Infinitefinally launches next year.
Refining Halo’s Multiplayer
Among other general mechanical refinements across the board,in particularHalo Infinite’s multiplayer may need some specific balance changes or adjustmentsas well. This is a key area 343 Industries wants to get right, especially considering the fan response toHalo 5: Guardians' multiplayer mechanics. While any kind of freedom of movement is generally appreciated in multiplayer shooters,Halois a different breed.Halopurists argue against mechanics ranging from dashing and armor abilities to something as simple as adding a sprint ability. Upping the time-to-kill, adding several dashing abilities, among other mechanical changes inHalo 5,divided fans between purists and new fans. 343 Industries has to recognize this and is likely toning back the hyper-speed style adopted inHalo 5to something more focused and complex inHalo Infinite.
ConsideringHalo Infiniteis intended to be a spiritual reboot of the whole franchise, the game likely isn’t going to take too many risks in changing the core gameplay again. It’s already confirmed that thatthe grappling hook will be included inHalo Infinite’s multiplayeras a discoverable piece of equipment, so it’s very possible additional elements may need to be balanced as well. Overall,Halo Infinitewould benefit at bare minimum with just bringing the pace of multiplayer down fromHalo 5’s frantic nature. Making equipment like thrusters or grappling hooks scarce equipment drops is a step in that direction, rather than emulating the breakneck pace of other shooters.
Halo’s Big Rebirth Needs to Impress
Aside from any major development changes, it’s also important to note thatHalo Infinitehas a lot riding on its release. Even though the game was delayed, the Xbox Series X’s defining exclusive title isHalo. While this isn’t necessarily definitive,Halo Infinitestill needs to impress in order to give theXbox Series X an exclusive draw that brings players into the Xbox ecosystem. Rushing the game out in an unfinished state would not only disappointHalofans, but Xbox fans as well. Any kind of performances issues, major or minor, would be a huge stain on the Xbox Series X, asHalo Infiniteis largely a reflection of what exclusives to expect from the console moving forward.
Even if that’s not necessarily true, that will at least be the perception from consumers when deciding which console to pick up this generation. Granted new games likethe upcomingFablereboot andAvowedare representative of Xbox Series X’s near future, butHalohas been Xbox’s iconic shooter. Delaying the game is damaging in and of itself, even if it’s unavoidable. Releasing the game in an unpolished state would be even worse. That being said,Halo Infiniteis shaping up to be promising, even if there hasn’t been much shown of the game so far. As long as the delay improves the game’s release, and crunch doesn’t ruin the developers' lives as well,Halo Infiniteshould be redeemed.
Halo Infinitereleases in 2021 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
MORE:What Halo Infinite’s Delay Means for the Xbox Series X Launch
