Say Hello to Two New Halo Games

The title may be stretching the truth. One new Halo game, and one rework of a classic. That's right! Let's start with the more exciting news: Halo 4. If you thought the series was done for you're rudely mistaken. Bungie's departure has not deterred Microsoft from pumping out more Master Chief, but that doesn't mean it will be any good. 343 Industries is still a relatively unknown, so Halo 4 could go either way of north or south. If gameplay is anything like the trailer (which it usually isn't) Halo 4 is looking a might bit like Dead Space 2, don't you think? No details or release date yet, outside of the Holiday 2012 window.

In addition to a brand new Halo game, comes an old classic. Halo: Combat Evolved, remastered into Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary to celebrate 10 years of incredible success to the date, with a release of November 15th, 2011. Halo Anniversary will feature the original campaign, reworked and retooled with the Halo: Reach engine, and will support online co-op only. The $40 purchase will get you 6 multiplayer maps from the original Halo, which will be used in Reach's matchmaking multiplayer. Map names haven't been confirmed yet, but I will say this: no Hang 'em High, no buy. It's really that simple. 

Report: Halo: Combat Evolved HD Remake A High Probability

Remember all that talk a few months ago about a Halo: Combat Evolved HD remake? The probability of that actually happening has risen tenfold. 

Bear in mind this is still a rumor, but it's one with legs. Joystiq has sources, you see, and those sources seem confident that this Halo HD thing is going down. Under development in *shudder* New Jersey by TimeShift devs Saber Interactive, it's being said Halo: Combat Evolved HD will NOT run on the Halo: Reach engine. Word is it will support 1080p and 3D. More than just a bump in resolution, 343 Industries and Saber Intereactive are said to be reworking this bitch from the ground up. 

Multiplayer is still being ironed out, but word is Halo HD will likely feature online co-op. Whether it's for two or four players, who knows. The original Halo: Combat Evolved supported two player split screen, but hopefully the remake will expand on that. All I want is a matchmaking playlist where I can Hang 'Em High, baby. 

Targeted day of release is reportedly November 15th, 2011. Get this, not only is 11/15/11 Halo: Combat Evolved's 10 year anniversary, it's a Tuesday, aka the day when most newly released media ships and hits store shelves. That's an encouraging sign. For the sake of all Xbox gamers, I really hope this happens. Don't fuck this one up, New Jersey!

You Bet Your Shiny Spartan Ass a Halo HD Remake is Coming

There's a strong rumor in the wind that speaks of Halo: Combat Evolved making a return in HD form. Originally released in 2001, 343 Industries is said to be working on Halo HD, which would use the Halo: Reach engine, to commemorate the series' forthcoming 10 year anniversary.

Of course, soon after the rumor surfaced, Microsoft dispatched their vigilant spokespeople to shoot it down, and with it, the dreams of Halo fanboys across the globe. Speaking with Eurogamer, M$ says, “Right now our focus is on supporting Halo: Reach. We have nothing to announce at this time.” Of course you have nothing to announce at this time, Microsoft, but you did leave the door ajar by not denying it.

Do you feel that? It's the reinvigorated hope of the Halo fandom. Bask in it. Xbox LIVE, Slayer, Hang 'em High, ridiculously overpowered sniper magnums. Do want.