Halo Infinite potentially returns to glory with Nintendo Switch 2's potential launch.
In a Year of Gaming Unshackled, Halo's Time Could be Now
Microsoft's Xbox has broken down the walls of gaming exclusivity, starting with just a few titles, but quickly growing to include blockbusters like Forza Horizon 5, Oblivion Remastered, and Sea of Thieves selling like hotcakes on PlayStation. With The Outer Worlds 2 and Gears of War: Reloaded confirmed for a multiplatform release, the final major Xbox IP is yet to follow suit - and it's time for Halo to make its mark.
My nostalgia for Halo was triggered a few days back as I stumbled upon a Halo 3 throwback event going on in Halo Infinite. A trip into the past, I was greeted with miles of memories, be it the iconic Hayabusa helmet earning its spot in my collection, or revisiting classic maps that somehow my muscle memory remembered despite years away from the game.
I finally dived back into Halo Infinite after a long hiatus. I considered revisiting the Master Chief Collection for a pure, nostalgic experience, but decided to take a second chance with Infinite instead. It's a sound decision - Infinite's problems never lay with its gunplay. With a few tweaks to my control settings, I felt like I was back in high school, sprinting across multiplayer levels and demonstrating skill with the Battle Rifle.
Naturally, I couldn't resist diving into my old favorite modes and reliving the thrills of a CTF match or pulling off clutch snipes. But I also tested the waters of the regular playlists and was pleasantly surprised to find a vast selection of communities-made maps and playlists, with official support waning but a thriving audience keeping the game alive.
While Infinite might not offer the same pure multiplayer experience of the past, it's still an exhilarating, fun blast from the past. As for the battle pass and leveling system, they're minor distractions at worst. Nostalgia isn't for everyone but for the old-school Halo fans out there, Halo Infinite just feels like coming home.
As the era of exclusivity fades, there's never been a better time for Halo to break through to new audiences. Even though official support might be waning, a thriving community can keep this game alive - and with cross-platform support, Halo Infinite could potentially elevate the Halo IP back to its glory days and rescue it from the clutches of history. With millions of PS5 and Switch 2 players ready to plunge back into the past, the stage is set for an iconic game to make its comeback. Who's ready for some Spartan action?
Joining the list of cross-platform games, Halo Infinite now offers an opportunity for smartphone users to experience its legacy, as technology advances allow for surprising adaptations. Moreover, the game's thriving community on non-Xbox platforms could propel the Halo gadgets, like the iconic Master Chief's armor and smartphones loaded with Halo action, into the hands of a wider audience, reviving the franchise's popularity.
