Halo Infinite is expected to be the big focus of the Xbox Series X launch this year, with the game offering more open environments than before.
However, a recent report from Destructoid has confirmed that the game isn't necessarily a fully open-world experience.
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Halo Infinite Is Not An Open World
According to associate creative director Paul Crocker, the game will have areas that can be revisited.
“The simple answer is that it takes place in a huge world that is open and expansive," he explains. “We have a storyline that pulls you through it, which is effectively unlocking certain areas. But, as you progress through it, you have the ability to backtrack and explore to your heart’s content. There is a lot to find out in the world.”
Elaborating, head of design Jerry Hook added:
“Chief, as he explores the ring, he’s gonna find more equipment. He’s always gonna find ways to upgrade that equipment. And, it’s not all about power, but it’s about options for the player. We want to ensure that players are able to make the choices to be successful in the way that they want to play the game.”
Sounds an awful lot like a Metroidvania style game to us, which usually involve backtracking to access previously inaccessible areas.
While Halo 5: Guardians wasn't the most well-received of the franchise, it did offer the occasional branching path and hidden entrance, so it's interesting to see 343 continue in that vein.
Considering the addition of a grappling hook for movement, we'd expect plenty of verticality in this "spiritual reboot" of the series.
Since the game was finally shown, Halo Infinite's setting has been confirmed as Zeta Halo, and we've been digging through the footage to uncover the new weapons we saw in the gameplay reveal.