The gameplay reveal of Halo: Infinite isn’t a stunner, but its old-school gameplay is sure to lure in Halo purists and shooter fans craving a 4K/60 fps game.
Microsoft finally showed the first real Halo: Infinite gameplay during its Xbox Series X Games Showcase on July 23, and the memes soon followed. Gamers eager to dish out the salt were quick to jump on the title for its shift in art direction and lack of obvious visual wow-factor.
There are good reasons for the shift, however, and the decision not to prioritize visuals over gameplay will prove to be in Halo: Infinite’s favor. This looks like true old-school Halo delivered on modern hardware.
The memes digging on Halo: Infinite immediately targeted game’s undeniable shift in art. Until now, Halo has pursued a hyper-realistic look filled with gritty soldiers, shiny aliens, and detailed scenery. Infinite is a bit different. The intentionally blocky, flat look of some distant terrain led to sarcastic comparisons to Minecraft.
Like most jokes, this one has a hint of truth. Halo: Infinite certainly looks leagues better than Minecraft, but its new art style reminds you that you’re playing a game. The latest Halo, unlike its predecessors, doesn’t try to look realistic. It won’t even launch with raytracing support, though 343 Industries says that will be added in a later patch.
This might seem an odd decision for a new console’s headline title, but it places emphasis one another aspect of next-generation consoles; performance.
