The Halo Franchise Deserves More Than Just the MCC Collection

Among first-person shooters, the Halo franchise undeniably stands as a titan in the gaming world. Each installment brings a unique blend of characters, engaging gameplay, and captivating storytelling, helping to cement Halo as one of the most iconic franchises around. For those who wish to revisit the roots of the series, The Master Chief Collection offers an excellent opportunity. This compilation brings together the classic and beloved titles, showcasing the evolution of the Halo narrative. For longtime fans, this collection is a treasure trove of nostalgia, and bears the question of whether the time is ripe for another package like this to step into the spotlight of today’s gaming scene.

In The Master Chief Collection, the core games that propelled Halo to fame are well-represented, offering a clear glimpse into how the series carved its niche in the gaming industry. While these main games are cherished and remembered fondly, there are several spin-offs within the franchise deserving of attention. Though these titles didn’t quite reach the astronomical popularity of The Master Chief Collection, they still hold significance in the broader Halo universe and could surely benefit from their own dedicated compilation.

Reflecting on what a new Halo collection might include, there’s potential to spotlight lesser-known gems. A new compilation focusing on spin-offs could revive interest in some great games:

For instance, the twin-stick shooters Halo: Spartan Assault and its sequel, Halo: Spartan Strike, originally designed for mobile platforms, could be modernized for consoles and PCs. Additionally, Halo: Fireteam Raven could make a splash transitioning from arcade platforms to home systems, offering players a more arcade-style, action-packed experience within the Halo universe. The Halo Wars games are another excellent fit, presenting real-time strategy experiences that beautifully integrate the beloved elements of Halo into a different gaming genre.

Each of these titles could contribute to a collection that offers something fresh for both dedicated fans and those who might have missed them the first time around. Bringing these games together could generate renewed interest in Halo and provide the momentum for future developments in the series.

Adding a bit of spice to a spin-off collection could be achieved by including Halo 5. Though it’s part of the main storyline, this game has yet to travel beyond the Xbox console family—a surprising fact considering it’s been over nine years since its release. Now that The Master Chief Collection is no longer receiving updates, a potential spin-off collection might serve as a fantastic platform to reintroduce Halo 5 to a broader audience, especially since it hasn’t seen a remake or port to new devices. This makes it a standout candidate to feature alongside other unique titles in a spin-off themed collection.

With Halo’s longstanding reputation in the gaming field, there’s always anticipation for what might come next. Creating a fresh spin-off collection could not only rekindle excitement among the fanbase but also set the stage for future projects that ensure Halo stays vibrant and relevant. While it’s no small feat to pull such a collection together, doing so successfully could not only please fans but also breathe new life into the storied franchise.