It’s come to light that there have been a few leaked pics of the upcoming issue of gameinformer regarding Halo 4. I have no way to validate if these pics are real, however given the design of the mag, the writing, and the way the photos were taken, it’s more likely that this info is real than fake. 343 will not comment either way, thus adding to the suspicion by forum members on halowaypoint that the info is real.

Here  are the pics with a little bit of discussion along the way:

Above is the cover. As you have seen right here on my blog, this pic matches the front cover.

Above is a brief note on the return of Master Chief. The image indeed looks like the Halo 4 model of Chief.

Here we have the starting pages of the 14 page article. Note that it uses the very same background I posted this morning for use as a screen saver.

The following three pics show a two page spread with closer up shots of the text.

Note in the last one above the finger points to a new feature in Halo 4. This is “Forerunner vision.” It’s an ability to see through walls. Personally I think that’s going a bit too far for Halo. However, the good result is that it will at least show where people are camping. Doesn’t mean it’s going to be easier to kill those people, just that you’ll know where they are. That in and of itself though will have huge ramifications on gameplay. No longer will players go blindly waltzing into a trap. So while camping is a legitimate strategy, it’s likely not going to be as effective in Halo 4.

From this same panel we get the following shot that talks about Warhouse.

The next three pics show info about the UNSC Infinity, Spartan Ops, and Spartan Points. I’ll explain each after the three photos.

Okay, so let’s discuss those last three points.

UNSC Infinity: This is a 3km long ship that acts as a training ship for the spartans. It includes a huge holo room for training which transforms the room into the various maps we play on. In the last couple of days Microsoft/343 have bought various website domains regarding Halo Infinity. The Infinity is also explained as why Red Spartans fight Blue Spartans. Again, training. Whew, there is a mind blower…<–sarcasm. Of course it’s training, duh.

Spartan Ops: This is a 4 person co-op “mutliplayer” mode in a sense. With spartan points (explained next), you’ll be able to buy missions that you can play with your friends. This missions are independent of the campaign and center around Spartan IVs rathe than Master Chief. The missions will change though at this time it’s not known how often they will change. The thought is to keep people coming back to Halo for new missions and gameplay.

Spartan Points: Very much like credits from Halo Reach, Spartan points will allow you to buy armor. Beyond this you can buy the previously mentioned Spartan Ops missions. As well, you will be able to buy weapons to use in your loadouts. It’s not known at present if this means upgradeable weapons, though Frank O’Conner has stated there will be no upgradeable weapons. So it’s changeable weaponry to use in your loadouts, not upgradeable weapons themselves.

Now the last pics also shows that as you progress you will be able to unlock more abilities. Whew boy, that is going to piss off a lot of people.

Sorry to say, but Halo 4 is looking MUCH more like Call of Duty now folks. If you’re a CoD fan, you may like this. If you’re a harcore believer in the Halo core gameplay experience, by now you are no doubts pissed off.

As for me, I am kind of looking forward to the Spec Ops er um Spartan Ops missions. The explaination of why Red V Blue was unneeded but doesn’t appear to take away from gameplay, so I’m fine with the UNSC Infinity. Spartan points however, for what they are used for… I’m totally fine with using them for buying armor, so long as said armor doesn’t affect gameplay with upgrades. But to be able to buy weaponry that will make the game unbalanced? No way. Big mistake there.

Of note in the article, Sprint has become a permanent ability. I think that’s totally fine. Spartans SHOULD be able to run when they want. As for returning abilities, there is Jetpack, Invis, and Hologram. Not sure if these will be in loadouts or as equipment to pick up. I’m fine with the first too, but Hologram in my opinion needs to go. It also looks like Spartans will be able to up to 4 grenades now. Or rather maybe have 4 different types of grenades in the game to use. Not sure on that one.

Firefight looks to not be returning. Damn! I loved that mode. It was a nice way to pass the time while waiting for friends to get out of games.

A new game type called “Regicide” is a kind of spliced version of King of the Hill and slayer. No longer an actual Hill, the player who is the leading scorer is now the king and players who kill the king get a bonus reward.

Respawn looks like an immediate respawn with the tap of the X button. Now if this also means you won’t respawn until you tap the X button, I can see this abused right away. Let’s say you’re up by just ONE point near the end of the game. All of your team has just died to make it that way. So you all decide not to respawn, thereby winning the game by “cheating.” Hopefully that will be addressed if it hasn’t been already and that you will respawn regardless, just that you’ll have the opportunity to respawn quicker.

Lastly, In-Progress game entry. With this you will be able to join your friends if there is a spot open in a game already going on. That sounds kind of neat until you think of other ramifications. For those not wanting a loss on their record, they might join a game near it’s end, see the team is losing then drop out. Hopefully the quit ban will be in place for this.

All I can say after all of this is 343 has a LOT of explaining to do. BS Angel posted that she can’t comment on this stuff but the Frank will be and soon. Problem is “soon” to 343 is NOT soon enough to the Halo fan community.

I along with many others feel that this secrecy has gone on long enough. It’s time for 343 to come clean with info, especially in light of this leak.

If this info is all real, it’s going to have a mega impact on the fan community as well as the future of the halo franchise, be that for good or ill.

-HFFL