The title, which consists of the first four Halo titles and the ODST spin-off, should’ve been the ultimate gaming experience for fans of Microsoft’s sci-fi shooter, but it launched with numerous game-breaking bugs, especially in regards to its online multiplayer - arguably the most popular aspect of the series. Microsoft did update it via patches but nothing was able to properly “fix” it, until today.
This massive update has been playtested by both fans and developers and brings with it new visual enhancements and support for 4K and HDR. Of course, fancy new visuals aren’t the only thing that have been added, as Microsoft has addressed the many complaints fans had about the title.
Fans can find a link to the full, comprehensive list at the bottom of the article but some of the changes include improved matchmaking and support for offline LAN, meaning it is now possible to play with friends without needing an Internet connection.
Also, because of how large the game is, Microsoft has implemented something they call “Intelligent Delivery.” What this means is players can essentially pick and choose which aspects of the games they actually want to download without getting the full package. So, for example, if a fan wanted Halo 2’s multiplayer but weren’t interested in the campaign mode, they can opt out of the campaign altogether to save hard drive space. The options are:
Halo: Combat Evolved – Campaign + Multiplayer Halo 2: Campaign + Multiplayer (includes Halo 2: Anniversary MP (w/ Forge) & Halo 2 Classic MP) Halo 3: Campaign + Multiplayer (includes Forge) Halo 4: Campaign + Multiplayer (includes Spartan Ops + Forge)
Microsoft seems to be on something of a roll as this follows on from a few new pieces of Halo news in the last couple of weeks. For starters, the long-talked-about TV series from Showtime is finally making headway, with a planned release of 2020 and confirmation that Master Chief will return as the main protagonist.
Furthermore, additional details regarding Halo Infinite, which was announced at E3 earlier this year, were revealed by 343 Industries’ Jeff Easterling, including that the mysterious new title will continue the series’ story and can be considered as Halo 6.
It has also been leaked that the upcoming Forza Horizon 4 will feature a crossover of sorts with the Halo series by having the iconic Warthog as a playable vehicle, though details are still rather sparse with this one.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is will become available for Xbox Game Pass on September 1st.
Source: Halo Waypoint
