Halo: Reach screens, details surface?

Forum leaks appear to reveal passel of weapons, settings, and details from next year's installment in the sci-fi shooter series.

WARNING! POTENTIAL SPOILERS ABOUT HALO: REACH BELOW!

Source: See below.

What we heard: Xbox 360 fans got a taste of 2010 this week, courtesy of an apparent leak about next year's eagerly awaited sci-fi shooter, Halo: Reach. The report originated on the Major League Gaming forums (registration required) with user "ToM MoReLLo"--who initially wrote his name all over the screens. Since then, the leak has turned into a spigot on the informational free-for-all that is the NeoGAF forums, which has posted subsequent details.

The legitimate-looking screens are allegedly of a very early build of the game, with unfinished graphics possibly based on a new engine. One level appears to show space combat, but the rest are on land--presumably on the game's titular planet, which was the setting of the first Halo novel, Halo: The Fall of Reach.

The book's plot chronicled a Covenant invasion of a United Nations Space Command (UNSC) fortress world, which was home to the program to develop SPARTAN supersoldiers--such as Halo series hero the Master Chief. It was also the site of a secret archeological dig that uncovered an ancient artifact from the Forerunners--the Halo-building ancient race, which are worshipped as gods by the Covenant. Unsurprisingly, the multiracial empire of religious zealots wants the artifact for themselves and invade en masse to get it.

The missions described in the leak appear to fit into the events of the Fall of Reach, with both having multiple male and female SPARTANs attempting to gain control of Reach's planetary defense grid. Halo: Reach will apparently also feature some search-and-rescue levels of the original Halo game (that is, go find space marines who crashed their dropship). It will also feature some infiltration and sniper-focused modes a la ODST, including one where Covenant forces fight with some of Reach's more aggressive wildlife.

The screens also show some convincing-looking Halo: Reach-branded menus--which indicate it will have a "privacy" switch to turn off drop-in co-op play. Another in-game screen appears to show four health bars by a radar screen, likely showing the status of co-operative players or possibly non-player characters.

Several Halo: Reach weapons are also revealed in the screens. One new addition is the needler carbine, which shoots three needles that explode once stuck in an opponent, provided said opponent's shields are down. A tweaked version of Halo 2's battle rifle will also be returning, sporting scoped single-shot action and a 12-shot clip. The assault rifle, needler, and SPARTAN laser also look set to return, along with the Warthog vehicle, which will come in a new missile-launching variant.

The official story: Wait for it…

"Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation."--Microsoft rep.

Bogus or not bogus?: The screens look too detailed and information is a bit precise for this leak to be bogus. And with the Halo: Reach beta coming in early 2010, anyone who bought the beta-key equipped Halo 3: ODST won't have that much longer to wait.

510 Comments

  • solidine

    Posted Nov 17, 2009 5:50 am PT

    @Cornholio89

    Yep. I have Fallout 3 GOTY. I love it, though it seriously needs to be patched.
    I don't think the original version was as bad as the GOTY edition, even during it's initial release.

    I had Bioshock when it came out, but I traded it recently. It was a really good game, but it'll never be the same the second time through because I know the plot twists.

    Still, those were both among the most atmospheric games I've played this gen, and both are very well done, despite the massive amounts of glitches and freezing issues in Fallout.

  • Cornholio89

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 11:29 pm PT

    @solidine Have you tried Fallout 3 or Bioshock?

  • solidine

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 7:24 pm PT

    @Cornholio89
    I think we see it the same, but have different opinions on what a good story, etc is. I play games for the same reason I watch movies or read books, and
    as a rule I'm more than willing to forgive lacluster gameplay and other issues if the plot, soundtrack and art direction are good.

    I simply think Halo has run itself pretty far into the ground.
    My comparision would be, obvious differences aside, the Matrix Trilogy. The first one was great, but the sequels felt like a way to print money rather than be good, to the point where they felt full of themselves. The series lost is no longer particularily fun and it's lost it's heart.

    While I do like the music and art direction in Halo, they haven't changed since the beginning. The music hasn't been as impressive as the original, and the art direction doesn't save the series.

    As for ODST, I just think it was just a complete money grab. The unecassary plot was the biggest offender, but bottom line it just wasn't worth the price.
    Of course, there are about 3 million people who could argue, so bottom line is if you like it, enjoy it.
    I simply don't anymore.

  • solidine

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 7:24 pm PT

    @Cornholio89
    I think we see it the same, but have different opinions on what a good story, etc is. I play games for the same reason I watch movies or read books, and
    as a rule I'm more than willing to forgive lacluster gameplay and other issues if the plot, soundtrack and art direction are good.

    I simply think Halo has run itself pretty far into the ground.
    My comparision would be, obvious differences aside, the Matrix Trilogy. The first one was great, but the sequels felt like a way to print money rather than be good, to the point where they felt full of themselves. The series lost is no longer particularily fun and it's lost it's heart.

    While I do like the music and art direction in Halo, they haven't changed since the beginning. The music hasn't been as impressive as the original, and the art direction doesn't save the series.

    As for ODST, I just think it was just a complete money grab. The unecassary plot was the biggest offender, but bottom line it just wasn't worth the price.
    Of course, there are about 3 million people who could argue, so bottom line is if you like it, enjoy it.
    I simply don't anymore.

  • Cornholio89

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 12:15 am PT

    @solidine I think you and I were looking at the campaigns in the most recent Halo games differently, when I play a game the only things I care about is the story, themes, music and art direction itself and I believe that what Bungie has given us lately was generally satisfying if not, splendid. I really did enjoy watching Master Chiefs story unfold. Sure a game should have good playability otherwise no good story/art direction would make such a wretched thing enjoyable. But I for one feel there is a fantastic journey to finish in the Halo series and it sounds to me like your gonna miss a pretty sweet ride.

  • solidine

    Posted Nov 15, 2009 7:52 am PT

    @Cornholio89

    It wasn't terrible, it's just that none of the Halo games have been very good since the original. Granted the multiplayer in Halo 2 and 3 is very well thought our and excecuted, the campaigns themselves went from really fun, pretty lousy.

    ODST tried to change it around a bit, and I like some of the ideas. Giving health back was nice, wandering the city at night when it's (mostly) peacful, but the stages themselves weren't all that great, and the story was completely unecassary. I didn't hate going through it, but it certainly reminded me why I shouldn't buy the next one.

    The only reason I'll be keeping it al all is the multiplayer disc.

  • mirriorman

    Posted Nov 14, 2009 2:15 pm PT

    @brutalpandax2 the story isnt bad it just makes it so there cant be any twists in the story

  • BrutalPandaX2

    Posted Nov 10, 2009 9:06 pm PT

    Somebody wrote back to my comment saying that the story of Halo is what sucks about Halo. That's really vague. But I asked to break it down, so what is it about the story of Halo that you don't like? If you don't know the actual sequence of events then please don't reply before at least reading wikipedia.

  • GreyHunter117

    Posted Nov 10, 2009 5:28 pm PT

    @ DrFuzzyBallz

    what noobs are saying halo doesn't have a good story? jesus christ... thats one of the things that made the Halo Franchise what it is today - its amazing story.

  • DrFuzzyBallz

    Posted Nov 10, 2009 3:10 pm PT

    BTW: for all that saying Halo has no storyline.
    You havent palyed halo... Halos storyline idea isnt very original that is true. The story though is set in a way where it doesnt feel cliche.
    In halo 1 when you played that game you loved all the characters, they made you feel like a bad dude and like you were making all the difference, the story was awesome from beginning to end, Halo 2's story line was absolutley crap, then Halo 3 came out and made the story line better. It is not a bad storyline at all its better story line then 98% of games out there which makes it a good story line. I know people who read the books(i havent) according to those people the story line is really good b/c they pieced everything together they like it better then Modern warfares story. Which has an amazing storyline. Also MGS does have a good storyline... but so does halo, play halo 1 you'll see what i mean. (sorry for the very bad wording, spelling, grammar, i jsut couldnt explaing my self really, and in a rush)

  • DrFuzzyBallz

    Posted Nov 10, 2009 3:04 pm PT

    I am a huge halo fan, Halo 1 was my first FPS, and reason today i still like them.
    I am playing modernwarfare for now Halo 3 was awesome there isnt anything in my mind i thought they didnt add, they added everything i could think, which never happens with me and a new game. Only other game to do that was Modernwarfare 2.
    NOw if Halo: Reach really looks just like halo 3... and gameplay doesnt change much at all... i will be very dissapointed... those better be some VERY early screen shots... b/c they better have insane graphics, something that can compete with killzone 2 (i am not a fan boy of the 360 i play ps3 aswell and killzone is awesome, but i do like halo better (multiplayer)) Halo: reach should be a completely new and awesome expierence, and should have amazing graphics.

  • FOBlO

    Posted Nov 10, 2009 10:46 am PT

    Gullivers has no idea what he's talking about. Nothing is bad but the quality of the pictures. It looks pretty awesome to me.

  • GulliversTravel

    Posted Nov 10, 2009 8:02 am PT

    Looks pretty bad, but on guys dont bee silly, MS wouldnt even allow something like this to be released.

  • player_leo

    Posted Nov 10, 2009 5:15 am PT

    Oooo. Did they say new engine? Nice. I'd like to see the newest trailer for this game. I can already hear the fanboys shouting 'Grphx K1NG'

  • Takeshi0106

    Posted Nov 10, 2009 5:12 am PT

    @killip
    I didn't really think the gameplay was so fantastic either...

  • killip

    Posted Nov 10, 2009 2:27 am PT

    @Takeshi0106

    MGS4 does have an amazing story, along with the rest of the series. But Halo was never about the story, it was about the friggin brilliant gameplay!

  • killip

    Posted Nov 10, 2009 2:25 am PT

    @Cornholio89
    Damn right, its a risk alot of game companys wouldnt take with there fanchise, and it turned out to be pretty good. Price tag was abit steep but its worth a rental. This new game looks the muts nuts

  • unscodstrule

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 11:40 pm PT

    i think it will be awesome and the details look great so hopefully it will be good.Oh and halo 3 odst was ok but you could not do alot of things thats what made not that good so if any on thinks diffident its ok because thats your opinion ok so please dont fight .

  • Cornholio89

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 10:33 pm PT

    @solidine I didint think ODST was downright terrible, I for one thought it was interesting.

  • icemelter07

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 6:12 pm PT

    If they develop original ideas and game play this game has a lot of potential especially with co-op, but if it’s the same as halo 3 with larger levels then it will be quite average. Also if they have you fighting Brutes then it sucks instantly. Bring back the Elites!

  • Trogeton

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 6:11 pm PT

    wow another halo already.. well hopefully it does not come out too soon... releasing soon is when issues develope.... BUT I love halo

  • solidine

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 5:30 pm PT

    Whatever. ODST was pretty lousy. If it wasn't Halo, it wouldn't have sold at all.

    If this managed to give the game a fresh outlook, I'll consider it, but Halo has to prove itself now, because it hasn't been much good since the first gone.

  • demonkingx5

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 5:13 pm PT

    HALO IS DEAD

  • darkcomedian

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 4:43 pm PT

    @ diabloakaSAHA
    Just goes to show how much you know. I dont even have a ps3, but I do have a 360 and I think Halo is great, I just wish they took their time more and produced sequels every two or three years, please dont call me a fanboy because that is a false statement.

  • X-RS

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 3:45 pm PT

    huh, i thought we'd see something about class's or perks because thats what the the teaser poster sorta suggests. and that brief ign update about putting the new $#!+ in with the old $#!+i

  • jtthegame316

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 3:05 pm PT

    Takeshi0106 at least halo realizes its a game metal gear 4 thinks it is a flim.

  • ChrisM95

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 2:48 pm PT

    Looks interesting

  • Cornholio89

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 1:21 pm PT

    I don't know why everybody's so worried about, Reach is gonna be fine, period. The only people complaining are PS3 Fanboys, for what IDK

  • swamptick

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 12:51 pm PT

    I love how many Sony fans are obsessed with this.

  • SpiritOfFire117

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 12:50 pm PT

    @Astropyr
    From what I can tell the game is unfinished. And you're judging it now? That's my thought.

  • Takeshi0106 posted Nov 9, 2009 12:34 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Takeshi0106

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 12:34 pm PT (hide)

    @BrutalPandaX2
    yes, the oh so great storyline sucks...(I'll skip the rest)
    the only thing about the halo games I can name as a good thing is the multiplayer...
    MGS4 for me
    seriously, that storyline is so much better than that of halo. Hideo Kojima did a good job on that. Now he's publishing an mgs game on xbox... I just hope he doesn't screw up. otherwise you guys will never have a good game on the xbox

  • Astropyr posted Nov 9, 2009 12:26 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Astropyr

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 12:26 pm PT (hide)

    From what i can tell this looks like Halo 3 and ODST maybe even worse ( i know the pics arent high quality) , didnt they say that they were building a new angine for Halo Reach? I expected something better from Bungie to be honest. What about you guys?

  • Jaggermaster

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 11:56 am PT

    Because it's not on PlayStation 3

  • BrutalPandaX2

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 11:45 am PT

    why does anybody really hate on halo? great games, great story, great multiplayer action. can anybody break it down for me?

  • rob_few

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 11:29 am PT

    Does the Halo 3:ODST map system remind anyone else Fallout 3's. It seems like a complete rip off to me.

  • PixelAddict

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 11:08 am PT

    Can't wait. I hope they keep the map system that ODST brought to the series... ODST brought the ability to create your own waypoints... and that handy addition has had me frustrated with my next game purchase's map situation (Borderlands -- a fantastic game in its own right).

    In any case, I can't wait for the beta!

  • CharlieFubar posted Nov 9, 2009 10:56 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    CharlieFubar

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 10:56 am PT (hide)

    who cares, MW2 is here in a few hours =)

  • GunGriffin

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 10:45 am PT

    Currently I have given up on Xbox360 as a platform. I hope they bring this game to the PC with mouse/keyboard controlls. My biggest complaint is while Halo 1 was dropped on PC and did well thanks to all the updates, and tweaked engine, the Halo2 game on the PC was down right bad because they just ported it over to the PC. On top of that the studio that did it neglected to optimize the control system or even patch it after release.

    If Microsoft was smart they would drop it on the PC as a Windows 7 only title and have it fully support DX11, and 10.1 as well as last but not least get the thing to work on a PC.

  • puffadell

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 10:25 am PT

    halo reach

  • cruzerramos

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 10:08 am PT

    If you don't like Halo, don't buy it, and stop biching about it, cause the people who still like Halo are sick of hearing you whine. Don't you haters have something more productive to do than complain about a game you don't like?

  • TripSe7en

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 9:59 am PT

    As long as they update the graphics engine I am all for another HALO. I just don't want to see antoher ODST or Halo3... Three years later and I think they should be able to up the graphics a little bit.

  • SpiritOfFire117

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 8:53 am PT

    @bojan sokol
    What other Halo games have been announced other than this? How is a full fledged prequel that will probably be the last game we'll see in a while "milking"? No answer? I didn't think so.

  • odst_trooper117

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 8:50 am PT

    @ nezardm, have you been at bungie.net recently? ever since the release of odst, they have been giving news about halo: reach, telling us that they have been doing script practices and things like that....

  • odst_trooper117

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 8:41 am PT

    the (so called) tweaked version of the battle rifle looks like they just put a scope onto the top of an smg.... the needler/carbine looks way awesome though!! cant wait!!!!

  • odst_trooper117

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 8:39 am PT

    @ diabloakaSAHA, lol, your totaly right....

  • CWSoccer07

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 8:37 am PT

    What is everyone's problem with Activision building another COD and Microsoft building another Halo game?? It's not milking the series. Call of Duty: MW2 has the highest pre-order sales. It's not just a sequel to a game. That's not milking a series, that's defining the series. Milking the series would be conitinuing to develop games when the series is no longer relevant. Like developing Halo: When Master Chief First Went to the Bathroom. That's milking a series. Get over it. They make more games, because we as gamers and consumers ask for them.

  • OrionNM

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 8:31 am PT

    @kvan33 There are female Spartans in the books, got a problem with that?

  • kvan33 posted Nov 9, 2009 7:58 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    kvan33

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 7:58 am PT (hide)

    Did I read this right? "...with both having multiple male and female SPARTANs..."

    A female SPARTAN? I didn't think that Halo could get more mainstreamed, but it did.

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