Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Gaming
  3. News

Halo 4 arrives this November

By
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nascent Halo developer 343 Industries opted to snatch the spotlight of this morning’s news cycle by announcing the official release date for the upcoming, heavily-anticipated Halo 4: November 6, 2012.

But wait, didn’t Halo 3 mark the end of Master Chief’s adventures? Though that’s what we were led to believe in the run up to that game’s release, in truth that game merely marked the end of the first Halo trilogy. Halo 4 is something of a new starting point for Master Chief et alia.

Recommended Videos

“We are beginning a new saga with Halo 4 and embarking on a journey that will encompass the next decade of Halo games and experiences,” writes Microsoft Studios corporate vice president Phil Spencer in this morning’s official announcement. “Millions of fans worldwide have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to step back into the boots of Master Chief, and, with Halo 4 leading the charge, we’re confident 2012 will be the most successful year in Xbox history.”

As for what Master Chief will be doing in this new saga, the announcement is a bit vague. “Set four years after the events in Halo 3, Master Chief returns to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe,” it reads, in a transparent effort to answer the unasked question without actually offering any solid information. Fans (or anyone who has ever played a Halo title over the past decade) however, are likely already expecting intense gunfights, extraterrestrials who are equal parts noble and terrifyingly ravenous and a late-game twist that likely includes another, even more ravenous group of aliens. Oh, and exceedingly feature-rich multiplayer content filled to the brim with teenagers looking to denigrate your parentage, sexuality or racial heritage. These tropes have served the series well so far, so it seems likely they’ll make a return.

In a somewhat bizarre bit of cross marketing synergy, tonight’s episode of Conan O’Brien’s show will include a “special segment” devoted to the game and its upcoming launch. Specifically, the show will “celebrate this fall’s launch of Halo 4,” though given O’Brien’s irreverence we’re just as likely to see a masturbating bear as new footage from the game. Regardless, those of you interested in catching the show should tune to TBS at 11PM Pacific/10PM Central Standard Time.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Earnest Cavalli
Earnest Cavalli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Earnest Cavalli has been writing about games, tech and digital culture since 2005 for outlets including Wired, Joystiq…
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: release date window, trailers, gameplay, and more
Profile shot of Samus in the first Metroid Prime 4 Beyond trailer.

One of Nintendo's lesser-known yet still beloved franchises is Metroid -- a series that originally began on the NES, putting us in the shoes of bounty hunter Samus Aran. Now, over 35 years later, fans are eagerly awaiting the next entry in the series, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which has been in the works for several years.

The Prime series takes the formula introduced in the 2D games and turns it into a 3D, first-person adventure that still very much feels like Metroid, despite the perspective shift. Hype for the next installment in the series has found new life now that the original Metroid Prime is available to play on the Nintendo Switch. While there isn't much we know about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, there are some small tidbits of information around the internet here and there. It's possible that Metroid Prime 4 could be one of the headline titles for the Nintendo Switch 2. We've scoured as much as we could find to bring you everything we know about Metroid Prime 4.
Release date window

Read more
Best Xbox Series X and Series S deals: discounts and bundles
Microsoft Xbox Series X and Series S game consoles.

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S have really come a long way from when they first came out, especially with a lot of support from Microsoft and excellent Xbox Game Pass deals for folks to enjoy. Of course, if you want to pick one up now, it's a lot easier, and there are some good sales and bundles that are worth grabbing, and the same goes for various accessories. On the other hand, if you already have one, then you may want to check out these video game deals, and if you're more of a PS fan, then these PlayStation deals may be more up your alley.
Xbox Core Wireless Controller -- $55, was $65

Whichever Xbox you buy, you get a standard controller but how about having one that shows off some of your personality? Or one that means you can play games on the couch with your buddies or family. That's where the Xbox Core Wireless Controller is so useful. Available in many different colors, you get all the benefits of an ergonomic design with sculpted surfaces and refined geometry for enhanced comfort. Up to 40 hours of battery life is convenient while it connects via Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth so you can use it with your PC, phone or tablet too.

Read more
The Xbox Series X is $50 off today, at a surprising retailer
Xbox Series X on a table.

Dell, a steady source of laptop deals and desktop computer deals, is also surprisingly offering gamers a $50 discount on the Microsoft Xbox Series X. From the video game console's original price of $500, it's down to only $450, but we're not sure for how long. You won't always get the chance to buy the machine for cheaper than usual, so hurry up and complete your purchase if you don't want to miss out on this bargain.

Why you should buy the Microsoft Xbox Series X
The Microsoft Xbox Series X is a powerful video game console, with 12 teraflops of processing power and built-in storage of 1TB. It comes with the Xbox Wireless Controller, which features a textured grip and an ergonomic design to keep you comfortable while you play. Our Xbox Series X versus Xbox Series S comparison tags the Xbox Series X as the model that you should buy because it comes with double the built-in storage, a 4K UHD Blu-ray player while the Xbox Series S is discless, and up to 8K gaming.

Read more