Why Halo Studios Taking an Opposite Approach to Halo Infinite May Be in Its Favor

The campaigns from the 343 Industries era of Halo have not been the most acclaimed in the franchise’s history. Halo 4, released in 2012, introduced a new enemy faction that seemed underdeveloped. In 2015, Halo 5: Guardians made some narrative choices that divided fans and featured a dual protagonist system that some found inconsistent. While Halo Infinite in 2021 was celebrated for its return to the series’ core elements, its pacing left something to be desired.

With its recent rebranding, Halo Studios appears to be entering a fresh era for the Halo franchise, and we can only hope that this new chapter prioritizes single-player campaigns. Although Halo Infinite’s campaign lays a solid foundation for future titles, it might be worth exploring a different strategy regarding NPCs.

The Next Halo Campaign Should Add More NPC Allies

Halo Campaigns Used to Be Packed to the Brim with Colorful NPCs

Throughout Bungie’s original Halo trilogy, Halo Reach, and a significant part of Halo 3: ODST, players often teamed up with NPC allies during gameplay. These allies were usually resilient UNSC Marines, ready to join the fight and hop into a Warthog to deliver some serious damage while on the move.

The consistent interactions between players and NPC allies, such as the Marines, played a key role in portraying Halo’s action as merely a fragment of a grand galactic battle, which amplified the sense of scale in the Halo universe and its storyline. Moreover, these NPC interactions contributed to world-building by showcasing the considerable difference in prowess between the Marines and Spartan super-soldiers.

Engaging with Halo’s Marines infused the universe with a sense of heart. Many of these Marines featured distinctive voicelines that hinted at their unique personalities and rich histories. As players teamed up with them in battle, a bond was forged, especially with familiar allies such as the Shipmaster from Halo 2, the Arbiter from Halo 3, the Alpha-Nine squad in Halo 3: ODST, and Noble Team from Halo Reach. Their involvement in gameplay truly made them come alive as characters.

Halo Infinite’s Campaign Felt a Little Lonely

In Halo Infinite, the Master Chief finds himself at Installation 07, but he’s too late to rescue many of his Spartan and Marine comrades, who have been decimated by Atriox’s Banished forces while he was lost in space for six months. Players can save a few Marines from Banished camps, but for the most part, the Chief faces the challenges ahead without any NPC allies by his side.

While it’s understandable considering the game’s concept, the lack of other NPCs actually enhances the connection between the player and new characters like the Pilot and Weapon. However, this absence of allies can make Halo Infinite feel somewhat limited in scale, which contrasts with the game’s fresh open-world design.

The Next Halo Campaign Should Feel a Little Livelier

If the upcoming Halo campaign aims to dive deeper into the series’ roots than Halo Infinite, it might be a good idea to reintroduce frequent NPC interactions. Bringing back Marines or other allies who can engage in combat alongside the player would not only make the gameplay more dynamic but also enrich the game’s world and narrative.