Microsoft opened its Xbox Games Showcase today with our first look at Halo Infinite’s campaign gameplay, but what we saw was pretty surprising – and not in a good way, either. While this is totally up for debate (the game isn’t finished, after all!), 343 Industries appears to have created a clone of Bungie’s Combat Evolved, but with none of the 2001 original’s magic.
You can check out the official campaign gameplay premiere footage below and decide for yourself, but something just seems – off. The textures look clean, sure, but why do so many objects look like they came out of a Minecraft game? Just take a look at some of the architecture that’s far off in the distance. Blocky, odd, and uninspired seem to describe them well, which is strange for a franchise that’s known for having epic skyboxes. And what’s up with that Covenant Phantom? It looks like it was built out of Mega Bloks!
That said, the gameplay does look pretty cool (apparently, you can use a grappling hook now to get around or pull enemies toward you), but 343 Industries appears to have gone overboard with making a Halo game that captured the aesthetics of the original. It’ll be very interesting to see how long-time fans react to the game when it releases this fall for the Xbox Series X and Windows 10.
“Halo Infinite is the most ambitious Halo game ever made, with an environment several times larger than the last two Halo games combined,” wrote the marketing lead. “Players can explore an expansive landscape filled with sprawling natural wonder, mystery, and a story that welcomes those new to the franchise as well as continues the Master Chief’s saga for our most dedicated fans.”
Microsoft and 343 Industries also released a nifty promotional video depicting the creation of the Master Chief’s (Mark VI?) armor. Check it out below!