This fall's new release schedule is looking fantastic, and one franchise in particular is filling up my dance card pretty quickly. Strangely enough, it appears the end of 2011 will have me spending a huge chunk of time playing through older games. When I finished "Halo Reach" earlier this year, there was only one thing I wanted to do: jump right into "Halo: Combat Evolved." Thanks to a remastered edition due out this fall, I can play the entire "Halo" saga from start to finish – and prepare for "Halo 4."
Of course, what's a major release these days without some pre-order incentives? Microsoft Studios and 343 Industries announced today that "Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary" pre-orders will land you some avatar gear and an explosive in-game ability.
When you jump back into the fray of the Human-Covenant war on November 15, your Xbox 360 avatar will have the opportunity to look just like the beloved John-117. "Anniversary" pre-orders will come with Master Chief avatar armor. There's a green Spartan armor outfit available – as well as a MJOLNIR helmet – on the Xbox Live avatar marketplace currently, but I guess this is the real deal. I don't see much of a difference other than the iconic orange face shield, but whatever.
Secondly, if you're willing to put down your five bucks, you'll also receive the "Grunt Funeral Skull." Activating the skull in-game causes all the poor little Grunt's methane tanks to explode like a plasma grenade. I can imagine throwing that skull in a crowded, Grunt-filled room could have some fairly insane results.
Also, if you're lucky enough to be attending Comic-Con in San Diego this week, 343 will host a "Halo" panel on Friday afternoon. The group has promised that the "creative minds behind the franchise" will be on hand to answer fan questions.