Last year, Iwaxed lyricalabout the joy of getting an Xbox Series X. Specifically, I noted that opening a new console is the closest you can get to that Christmas-time vibe as an adult.
I still stand by that statement. And over the past year, the Xbox has been a beloved companion,a way of staying in touch with friends, and keeping me going through bleak months. But… there was something missing.
For a long time I wasn’t sure what that was, but now I understand — it wasHalo Infinite.
At this point, we probably all knowthe rough narrative of the Series X: it’s a great console that didn’t have enough tailor-made games at launch. It’s hard to blame Microsoft entirely (you know, COVID-19 and all), but it has been strange.
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Yes, there were bright points along the way (Forza HorizonandFlight Simulatorto name two), but there was nothing that sparked the same connotations with the Xbox brand asHalodoes.
Then the multiplayer demo dropped in mid-November and things were well once again.
At this point, I realized just how weird it was that the game didn’t arrive at the console’s launch. Could you imagine Nintendo dropping a new console without aZeldaorMariogame? It’s unthinkable.
Thankfully though, those days are over.Halois back, pals.
Has it been a perfect launch? Not really. There’s beena lot of negativitysurroundingHalo Infinite’sonline progression system,especially for people dedicated to the title. For better or worse though, I’m a casual gamer. None of this has really impacted me.
I don’t dispute the pain this is causing some people and it should be fixed, but what draws me to the game is its arcade-pace, the weapon variety, and — more than anything — how damn fun it is.
Halo Infinitehas this in droves.
The fact it’s also onGame Passis a blessing. It’s been fantastic playing with friends who might not have shelled out $70 for a full game, but are more than happy to come along for some space battling when it’s included in their subscription.
Halo Infiniteisn’t a perfect game, but I don’t feel that’s the point. Its publisher, 343 Industries, has stated it will bearound for a decade. This means we can expect a series of updates and an ever-evolving title —something that’s happening in real-time already.
But that’s going above and beyond my core point. I’m just happyHalois back. And just in time for Christmas, too. I missed you, bud.
Story byCallum Booth
Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting(show all)Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting was cited widely, including in VICE, the FT, and the BBC.
Callum’s writing has appeared in The Verge, The Daily Telegraph, Time Out, and many more. He covers the full spectrum of technology, with a particular focus on how it shapes our daily lives. And a lot of regulation stuff too.
Outside of work, Callum’s an avid bookworm, a Fisherman’s Friends addict, and resolutely unshaven. Follow him on Twitter @CallumBooth or visit www.callumbooth.net.
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