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Subject: Should Halo stayed with Bungie?

Pedicabo ego vos et irrumabo

I believe that Bungie did a great job of handling the Halo name in its infancy, it would be nowhere near where it is today without them, but for anything to grow, there needs to be change. Bungie as a company didn't want to be stuck working on Halo for the rest of their career, and it was as much a healthy move for them, as it was as Halo as a series to move on to new things. I think it's exciting that Halo has new caretakers, 343's unique interpretation of Halo will add some depth to it that Bungie could have never given alone.

Maybe this new approach to Halo will suck, maybe it won't, but I like to think of it as one of those epic sagas that keep getting added onto with each new group that it is given to. Each new telling of their story adds new flavor and life, never making it seem old or "out of touch" but constantly changing. Sometimes those stories have parts that no one likes to hear, boring parts, or parts people like to hear over again the most! Maybe those boring parts are 343's "new" Halo, given time, maybe they'll turn out to be the parts of the story people like hearing again the most, you never know.

That's how I see Halo as an IP, and how I am glad that Bungie is no longer its sole benefactor in its telling of the Halo saga.

[Edited on 12.06.2012 2:23 PM PST]

  • 12.06.2012 2:21 PM PDT

Unsuccessfully trying to bring science and reason to The Flood...

Not really. Bungie ran their course with Halo after Reach, and it was starting to show. I really enjoyed Reach (way more than H4 anyway) but it wasn't as coherent as past halos.

I personally am glad that they are moving on to a new franchise where they can pour all their creativity into without being constrained by canon/history, ala H:CE the undisputed best Halo game.

  • 12.06.2012 2:26 PM PDT

I'm going to say this (and generally summarize what the "no" voters said), Bungie should move on. It's bad to keep pumping out games from the same series.

  • 12.06.2012 3:58 PM PDT
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  • Senior Legendary Member

No, but it certainly shouldn't have been what it was. Still haven't bought it yet and won't.

  • 12.06.2012 4:21 PM PDT

For Carnage Apply Within BEST GROUP EVAR!!!

No Bungie was already getting tired with Halo and their evil overlords and Microsoft was trying to milk as much money as they could with the franchise.

  • 12.06.2012 4:29 PM PDT
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  • Fabled Legendary Member

I understand nothing because my life is a conspiracy.

I want to see them do new things, so I win.

  • 12.06.2012 7:20 PM PDT

Though the morrow may be barren of promises, nothing shall forstall my return.

No, no, no, and for the last and final time no. Halo was an amazing title, but Bungie has their own thing they wanna do now. They've been kept on a short leash for too long and it is about time they were able to branch out. If you bring this up because of Halo 4, I will admit it wasn't the greatest of games, but it is something I feel comfortable calling a Halo game. Give it some time, it'll get a lot better within the next game or two. Remember after all, this was the first title 343 has made.

  • 12.06.2012 7:28 PM PDT

Once More Unto the Breach

My far-off fantasy is that 343 will do 5, 6, and maybe 2 anniversary. But then Bungie is asked to either collaborate or do Halo 7 by themselves. And at the end of the game, before fading to black, Master Chief would say something like "It's finished" on a ship called the UNSC Marathon. And then Master Chief's story would end. Because it would be perfect if it ended at 7 main games, and I don't want Halo to be told too much for its own good.

  • 12.06.2012 8:00 PM PDT

No I believe that Bungie has many ideas that are great and I want to see them in a new game series.

  • 12.06.2012 9:00 PM PDT

This sig will Self-Destruct in 3.... 2.... 1.... Thank you for your time. Cookie?


Posted by: Simjon4two
Yes, it should have stayed with Bungie, but just to protect it from being abused by Microsoft. Bungie could have let it rest and do something else and some time in the future when they feel like it develop another Halo game.


After thinking it through, this seems like it would have been the best possible scenario.

As much as I love Halo, multiplayer, lore and all, obviously Halo has been stumbling for quite some time, and I think this continuation of Master Chief's story when it was decisively ended by Bungie at the end of Halo 3 is the first to the complete ruin of, at the very least, classic Halo lore.

Of course, it's not the first time developers have retconned their own canon. I mean, look at Reach, which basically took everything stated in most of the novels and twisted it on its head, but at least it tried its hardest to keep things as they canonically happened.

Now, with the Forerunners, we have this whole Human-Forerunner War and the fact that the Humans somehow managed to find a cure for the Flood, and all of this doesn't sit well for me. I get the Infinity, I somewhat get the Spartan-IVs, and I'll even accept, with some bile, the existence of a Storm Covenant.

But I think the Forerunners returning is a wrong step for this franchise to take. I would've even enjoyed some kind of ONI conspiracy to weaponize the Flood, cliche as that would have been, as that would have at least acknowledged some canon that existed in the story beforehand. The Forerunners being fleshed out like this just raises too many questions.

I mean, they honestly had lasers and telekinesis, and they STILL lost to the Flood? How almighty were these guys, anyway? They could make seven rings to wipe out the galaxy of sentient life, but they can't fricken burn a few parasites with their uber death spheres.

But my gripes with 343i's direction with the story aside, I just wish Bungie took its ball and went home with it. Sure, we probably wouldn't have had any further continuations with Halo after 3, save for the occasional lore expansion such as ODST and Reach, but honestly, I think that might be for the better. Series being dragged on longer than they should have is never a good sign. Look at things like CoD, or Final Fantasy. The only three franchises I can think of that had continual game releases and didn't end up spiraling into mediocrity are Mario, Zelda, and Kirby, and some people might even challenge me on that.

  • 12.06.2012 9:30 PM PDT
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Steam - slamt4stic
Live - SLAMt4stic


Posted by: car15
No.

They were as tired of Halo as I am of seeing this question.

So much this.

  • 12.06.2012 10:57 PM PDT

Half Man.
Half Horse.
Half Machine.
All "Jerk Who's Really Bad at Math."

PS
No, I do not want to join your clan/group.

Yes, absolutely.

That doesn't mean Bungie would have had to keep pushing out nothing but Halo games every other year, though; they could develop a killer story, stretch it out for a couple of games, then take a break to work on another game series for a few years and come back to Halo when they're ready with a fresh story.

Most people seem to think it's better that 343i is in charge of Halo now because Bungie didn't care anymore, or didn't care enough at least, but I don't think that was the case at all; they got burnt out by being contractually obligated to keep making nothing but Halo games. It stifled their creativity.

Bungie loves Halo. It's their baby. The problem is the contract with Microsoft that meant they had to keep pushing out Halo games at a fast pace. Look at Halo 2; if Bungie had been allowed to take their time, it would have been so much better than what we got, and so too would 3. ODST may or may not have ever happened and while I have little doubt Reach would, it would have only been after Bungie took a few years off from the franchise in order to get Destiny off the ground. That breather would help them find the passion for Halo again and make Reach something truly epic.

343i may go on to do great things with Halo, but chances are that they'll run into the same problem Bungie did if Microsoft keeps pushing them to do Halo and nothing but Halo.

  • 12.07.2012 2:15 AM PDT
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I think a better poll should have been, should Bungie have been allowed to keep Halo as it's own IP... I am all in favor of studios keeping their hard work, and not some greedy conglomerate that will milk it until the next big thing comes.

  • 12.07.2012 3:09 AM PDT

343's Halo isn't bad, but it's not Bungie. Bungie's last 3 games, Halo 3, ODST, Reach, even if you didn't like the game play or story, these were very polished games.

Halo 4 is a good game, and it might turn out great, but it needs some fine tuning, and I'm not talking about game play and sandbox stuff.

I know that even if I don't like Destiny's story, it won't matter, I'll play the hell out of it, because these guys build solid well-playing games.

I would personally rather see the creators keep the IP, but I don't it'll matter. 20 or 30 years down the road, everyone will still associate Bungie with Halo.

  • 12.07.2012 1:37 PM PDT

7

In an alternate universe? Then yes I wish Bungie still made Halo. People will say they outgrew the IP or they wanted to move on and so on. Those people maybe right but I'm talking in an alternate universe. IMO 343 is slowly tearing the soul from Halo.... Which is debatable. My point there will be only one true creater of Halo( a story and a game I grew up with/ a community a developer I love) and that is Bungie studios, that is BNet.
I have missed these forums... It's true the old saying. You don't know what you have until its gone. :)

  • 12.10.2012 12:17 AM PDT

No I believe they did great. I wish Microsoft let 343 creat reach I figured bungie probably didn't wan to.

  • 12.10.2012 5:21 AM PDT


Posted by: Madness87
I think a better poll should have been, should Bungie have been allowed to keep Halo as it's own IP... I am all in favor of studios keeping their hard work, and not some greedy conglomerate that will milk it until the next big thing comes.


I think that's actually what the OP meant, as well as most of the other people agreeing with the "yes" option in the poll, it's certainly what I meant.

  • 12.10.2012 8:15 AM PDT

The bible is the best book Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I AM A PROUD CHRISTIAN. HALO IS AWESOME BUT GOD IS MUCH BETTER!!!!!!!!
Did you knew that JESUSdied for you?


Posted by: xAT 117x
Not really. Bungie ran their course with Halo after Reach, and it was starting to show. I really enjoyed Reach (way more than H4 anyway) but it wasn't as coherent as past halos.

I personally am glad that they are moving on to a new franchise where they can pour all their creativity into without being constrained by canon/history, ala H:CE the undisputed best Halo game.


Reach better than halo 4? lol now that's funny. Bungie was obviously getting tired. reach wasn't their best game at all.

In my opinion halo 2 is superior to halo CE

[Edited on 12.10.2012 11:51 AM PST]

  • 12.10.2012 11:47 AM PDT

Yes, it should have. Ideally, Bungie would have done five games and an expansion, then "ended" the series:

CE-3 for Chief's story.

ODST as an expansion - not a full retail release - to bridge the gap between H2 and H3, and introduce a new group of heroes.

Reach as a prequel to CE/the start of Chief's story. Without changing much, Bungie could have kept Noble Team and stayed true to the events of TFoR.

The last game, I think, should have been a sequel to both ODST and Chief's story, released sometime after Bungie had moved on and done something else. Play as ODSTs for the first segment of the game, then bring back Chief to tie it all together in the end.

Books, of course, could be released even when Bungie had moved on to another series. Something like "The Untold Tales of the Halo Universe." Maybe do a series about Grey Team that could be adapted to game form if Bungie wanted to go explore Halo at a later time.


Somethings are meant to end at a point; I think Halo is one of them. Of course, Microsoft doesn't, and I'm sure they'll get their chums at 343 to milk the cashcow for all its worth.

  • 12.10.2012 12:45 PM PDT

Salutations. I am Beta.
I am glad you have decided to read this to learn more about me.
Where to begin...?
My dreams to begin a game designer started after watching Halo 2's limited edition behind-the-scenes look at the making of Halo 2.
Bungie's spirit inspired me and helped me acquire my fervor for creation. To them, I forever owe my allegiance and love.
From Marathon and Halo to whatever lies beyond the horizon, I will forever be a Bungie Bro.
See you Starside.

I think Bungie was the best for Halo, but it was time for them to spread their wings even further. If there was anything to become afraid of, it's of being a one trick pony. If they can pull off another successful franchise, Bungie will ultimately prove itself as something consistently successful, and not just a lucky upstart who could have rode out on the horse it came in on.
This is their final test, and I will be proud to see them succeed.

  • 12.10.2012 1:22 PM PDT

With the base assumption that Bungie is one of the greatest game studios to ever exist, It's apparent to me that it would be a waste to stay with the same franchise for more any longer than Halo: Reach. Passing the torch of Halo off to another producer allows the Bungie team to take all of the skills that they have learned in past years, and direct those newly honed skills towards a brand new, refreshing experience. Taking risks (such as abandoning your cash crop) is a potentially scary thing, but if you are properly prepared - as I'm sure Bungie is - it offers broad new horizons for even more exciting and incredible things. Halo is amazing, but the gaming industry does need more intriguing narratives, addictive multiplayers, and captivating experiences than just Halo and CoD.

  • 12.10.2012 3:51 PM PDT

Lurking these forums, rest assured that I'm silently judging you.

At least until Destiny.

Most people seem to think it's better that 343i is in charge of Halo now because Bungie didn't care anymore, or didn't care enough at least, but I don't think that was the case at all; they got burnt out by being contractually obligated to keep making nothing but Halo games. It stifled their creativity.

I agree, writing in the same universe would eventually drained any creativity from Bungie. I can't really say if their creative fatigue was starting to show at around H3, ODST or Reach because I've really only properly played those three (I'll get around to CE and H2 someday...), but I thought all three of those games were great.

I see people complaining that 343i aren't staying true to the Bungie style of lore, but only Bungie could do that, and they were exhausted. In a way, it would have been impossible to continue the Bungie-style lore without seeing a dip.
343i are taking a fresh perspective on the universe, and I personally thought Chief's humanity was definitely a step in the right direction. I like that we're now beginning to discover more of the Forerunners, and I'm looking forward to seeing 343i find their style, so to speak.

Bring on Halo 5.
Bring on Destiny.

  • 12.10.2012 4:16 PM PDT


Posted by: Unisaur 64
Most people seem to think it's better that 343i is in charge of Halo now because Bungie didn't care anymore, or didn't care enough at least, but I don't think that was the case at all; they got burnt out by being contractually obligated to keep making nothing but Halo games. It stifled their creativity.

I agree, writing in the same universe would eventually drained any creativity from Bungie. I can't really say if their creative fatigue was starting to show at around H3, ODST or Reach because I've really only properly played those three (I'll get around to CE and H2 someday...), but I thought all three of those games were great.

I see people complaining that 343i aren't staying true to the Bungie style of lore, but only Bungie could do that, and they were exhausted. In a way, it would have been impossible to continue the Bungie-style lore without seeing a dip.
343i are taking a fresh perspective on the universe, and I personally thought Chief's humanity was definitely a step in the right direction. I like that we're now beginning to discover more of the Forerunners, and I'm looking forward to seeing 343i find their style, so to speak.

Bring on Halo 5.
Bring on Destiny.


Well, no, one can stay true to the spirit of the lore without being the original creators/writers, I mean, fanfics do it all the time and all of the authors Bungie ever hired to write Halo books during their time with the series, the style is something that can't be copied or easily copied, but that is different from staying true to the lore, that's merely a difference in how one goes about telling the story, like Cryptum and Primordium are told from a first person perspective and a more historical narrative sort of style rather than one observing events from third person as they happen.

And there is a very clear difference between a "fresh perspective" and changing everything to fit their ideal for the story rather than what's already been established as canon, which is what 343i has been doing, from the actual lore to the looks of species and ships such the Forward Unto Dawn.

  • 12.10.2012 9:23 PM PDT

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