TheHaloseries has been enthralling science-fiction and FPS fans for years. Players have been drawn in by the galaxy-spanning adventures of Master Chief and his war against the Covenant. They have followed his fight from the firstHalogame in 2001 to the innovativeHalo Infinite. The franchise has become the center point of Xbox, and it even got a live-action show on Paramount Plus. It is safe to say that theHalofranchise has become a staple of the video game industry and is showing no signs of stopping.
Almost every title in theHaloserieshas followed the adventures of John 117, also known as Master Chief. He has become the nemesis of the Covenant and the savior of humanity, and it has been a pretty fun ride. However, he has been the center of the franchise since 2001, and maybe it is time for another person to take the helm. Telling stories following a brand-new character allows for even more storytelling potential, and it could help reinvigorate a franchise that has not been able to achieve the heights of the original trilogy. Master Chief does not have to be gone forever, but the series should not be afraid to tell more stories where he is not the protagonist. It did it in 2010, there is no reason that 343 Industries cannot do it again.
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John 117 has been the protagonistof theHaloseries ever since it first started back in 2001. He has been the center of the franchise for six of the titles, and has been referenced in a couple of the spin-offs. He also served as the protagonist of theHaloshow on Paramount Plus, and fans got to see a lot more of him than they have come to expect. Master Chief definesHalo, but maybe it is time for the series to give him a bit of a break.
TheHalostory has been infatuating fans for a while now. Players can remember the feeling of first landing on the Halo ring inHalo: Combat Evolved, thehigh-stakes story ofHalo 2, and the climatic finale ofHalo 3. Since the end of the originalHalotrilogy however, the main series hasn’t quite managed to recapture that essence.Halo 4struggled to pave new ground after the end ofHalo 3,Halo 5: Guardianswas often called a step backwards for the franchise, andHalo Infinitefelt more like a return to form but was still lacking compared to the original trilogy.
Since the end ofHalo 3, 343 Industries still seems to be figuring out the trajectory of Master Chief’s story.Halo 3felt like a strong finalefor the character, but the series had him return once more for a newHalosaga that has not reached the same heights. Perhaps the series would be better off if 343 Industries let Chief take a backseat for a little while. This would allow new stories with new characters to flourish without the limitations of Master Chief’s ongoing story.
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The Halo Series Has Told Great Non-Chief Stories
TheHalofranchise is no stranger to stories without Master Chief at the center. None of the spin-off games have put John 117 as the main character, but probably the most memorable non-Chief gamecame in the form ofHalo Reach. It was the lastHalogame made by Bungie, and it told the heart-wrenching story of Noble Six. The game took place beforeHalo: Combat Evolvedand depicted the events of the destruction of Reach. It earned praise from critics and is considered by many fans to be the best story in theHalofranchise.
Halo Reachproved thatHalostories that don’t follow Master Chief work, and there is room in the franchise for other characters. Bungie also showed thatHalostories do not even have to follow Spartans whenit releasedHalo 3: ODSTin 2009. That title put players in control of an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper during the events ofHalo 2, and it was also received pretty well. It showed the world ofHalofrom a brand-new perspective and doubled down on the fact thatHalo’s world is bigger than the Spartans.
It is Time for More Non-Chief Stories
TheHalofranchise seems to be in a bit of a tough spot right now, with a fanbase angry overthe state ofHalo Infinitemultiplayerand stories that have not been able to capture the feeling of the original trilogy. Introducing a brand-new protagonist into the franchise may be the best way to break free from this. Building out an entirely new character has all sorts of new story potential, and it usually brings with it an entire new cast of side characters. It could feel like a fresh start for the series, which seems to be whatHaloneeds.
Halowould not be the first Xbox franchise to introduce new protagonists to the series.Gears of Warhas been doing it ever since the end ofGears of War 3. The series once followed Marcus Fenix, butGears of War 4put the focus on his son JD Fenix, whileGears 5starred Kait Diaz. Both characters were received pretty well, and the series has maintained its popularity. These new characters helped to reinvent the franchise and breathe new life into it, and that is something thatHalocould benefit greatly from.
Halohas been telling the same type of stories with Master Chief since 2001, so it is time for a new protagonist to take the spotlight. The series has shown that it can do it; 343 Industries just needs to give someone else a chance.Master Chief has had his time, and his story should be put on the back burner so that 343 can further expand the world with brand-new characters. It may just kickstart a positive direction forHalo.
Halo Infiniteis available now on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
