Microsoft and 343 Industries showed off the first gameplay footage and details of Halo 4, the direct sequel to Bungie's 2009 Halo 3, showcasing Call of Duty-like perks that affect gameplay, a narrative formed around the character Master Chief, and new dark enemy, and two multiplayer maps.
Microsoft's Halo 4 will, for the first time in the series, more directly connect the single-player and multiplayer, said Producer Frank O'Connor, who wouldn't elaborate on the finer details yet. But given that the upgrade abilities are tied into the once surface-level character customization tool, it's possible gamers could earn weapon, armor, and gadget upgrades only in single-player, so that players can use them in multiplayer, and vice versa.
343 Industries revealed two new MP maps, Warhouse and Wraparound, new red-suited Spartans -- who battle against traditional blue Spartans in MP, Master Chief's new, more refined Mjolnir armor (more kevlar, less bulky armor), and the reveal that Halo won't use Kinect--in this version, anyway. Additionally, O'Connor said that this is the first chapter in several more Halo games spanning the next 10 years. Meaning, we'e likely to get as many as two to four more Halos over that period.
