A few days ago RTX brought us new details regarding Halo: The Master Chief Collection. At the time, the video feed was a live-stream of the entire day’s events, but thanks to the ever-vigilant community the stream was captured and is now available on-demand! I’ve combed over all the information that was presented during the panel to make sure that we all know everything that was shown.
Thanks to YouTube user “0iah,” the 343 panel at RTX 2014 was captured in its entirety, and is viewable below. The color is a bit off, but that’s thanks to the stream source, not the capture. It does affect the image in a few places, but for the most part it’s simply a minor annoyance.
For those of you who don’t have an hour to sit and watch the full panel, the key information and announcements to walk away with are the multiplayer Sandbox details, including the introduction of new weapons, vehicles, and game types into the new “developer’s cut” multiplayer maps from Halo 2 Anniversary, as well as the gorgeous(!) concept art for the latest confirmed map remake.
Sandbox:
As far as gameplay mechanics are concerned, the 6 remade maps will include a host of new features, ranging from the implementation of everything from long-forgotten weapons to new vehicles, game types, tweaked map features, and the return of specific power ups from previous Halo installments. The weapons that we were made aware of include the M7S SMG that we haven’t seen since Halo 3: ODST, as well as Chief’s signature MA37 Assault Rifle. The new vehicle mentioned is something the studio is calling the “Gungoose.” See if you can guess why.
Alongside the Gungoose comes a few new game modes, including Gungoose CTF. The specifics of the game type have yet to be elaborated on, but I think we can all kinda guess what the developers are getting at. Alongside Gungoose CTF, 343 has implemented the Race game type into Halo 2 Anniversary – an original game type that didn’t quite make its way into the franchise until Halo 3‘s release in 2007.
New gameplay mechanics and level variations include the implementation of Halo 4′s Speed Boost, as well as the subtle (or not so subtle) tweaking to the many pathways and Skill Jumps throughout the levels. And for those of you who are worried about the implementation of these new map features and/or player abilities, fear not, for they are only in the Anniversary remakes. The original maps are exactly as they shipped 10 years ago, so should you desire a run through vanilla Ascension, you will have that option.
Concept Art:
If you were wondering how applicable the implementation of the Gungoose and it’s associated game types into Ascension would be, don’t worry, 343 has us covered. It was announced during the event via concept art. See if you can “guess” which classic map will be returning.
343 has stated that they’d be announcing more details, regarding both new maps and new Sandbox features, in the coming months and at Gamescom. Until then, THAT CONCEPT ART THO!
