Since then, the gaming landscape has changed significantly. While multiplayer online battle arena games (MOBA) like League of Legends remain popular, the gaming world’s spotlight has turned to battle royale (BR) titles — a shooter genre where dozens of players are dropped into an environment and fight until only one team is left standing.
While BRs such as Fortnite and Apex Legends often pull inspiration from long-running arena shooters like Halo and Call of Duty, they offer a very different multiplayer experience and typically lack a narrative-driven campaign. Even the Call of Duty franchise jumped on the battle royale bandwagon with Black Ops 4‘s Blackout mode and the free-to-play, standalone Warzone, but so far, Halo Infinite looks set to skip this trend entirely.
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The Halo franchise has a history of attempting to build on its core mechanics by borrowing from other first-person shooters. The best example of this is 2010’s Halo Reach and the game’s Call of Duty-like multiplayer ‘Loadout’ system, or the several half-steps in 2015’s Halo 5 that aimed to modernize the series’ multiplayer like the wonky aim down sights (ADS) system. To be clear, the direction 343 Industries plans to take Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is still unknown.
However, if a recent, roughly nine-minute gameplay trailer (seen above) for Halo Infinite’s campaign is an accurate indication, not following what other shooters are doing might be precisely what the beleaguered series needs right now.
Right at the outset, it’s immediately apparent that Halo Infinite is a “spiritual reboot” of the franchise.
First off, Infinite‘s plain art direction and blocky level design feel like a throwback to the simplicity of Halo: Combat Evolved — a move some have viewed as a graphical step back for the series, but one that I think is precisely what Halo needs to look like in 2020.
Halo 5 felt almost too busy, thanks to its rampant lens flare and over-detailed environments. By contrast, Halo Infinite’s art direction looks stripped-down and a return to the series’ original look.
“…’Spiritual reboot,’ that was a central pillar for pretty much everything that we did, whether it be the art style, or character behaviour, or weapons,” said Jerry Hook, head of design for Halo Infinite at 343 Industries, during a recent roundtable Q&A interview with MobileSyrup.
While later games in the series lost the feeling of exploration and isolation, Halo: Combat Evolved was focused on large, sprawling environments and completing relatively simple objectives. Whether it was driving a vast distance in a bouncy Warthog to press a holographic button in a mysterious alien structure, or rescuing groups of pinned-down UNSC marines from a Covenant assault, Halo: CE‘s campaign featured a sense of freedom subsequent games in the series lacked.
Combat Evolved was less concerned with the destination and more focused on the organic gameplay the player experienced during their journey. If claims that Halo Infinite‘s world is two times bigger than the series’ last two titles combined are accurate, the sense of exploration the franchise lost over the years has a good chance of returning.
A significant part of Halo going back to where it started is the new ‘Tac Map’ that was briefly shown off during Infinite’s gameplay trailer. While it’s still too early to know for sure, the map looks massive and seems to feature several ways players can accomplish tasks.
“…Obviously, we have missions that push you to different places around the map. But we want to encourage exploration, encourage that sense of you being on this mysterious ring for the first time and learning secrets which you will do over the course of the game and into the future,” said Paul Crocker, Halo Infinite‘s associate creative director.
“…I think the easiest way to describe it is a phrase we’ve used internally; thinking back to when you played Halo: Combat Evolved and then knocking down all the walls of it.”
This direction was evident in Infinite‘s gameplay footage when the Master Chief is tasked with taking down three anti-air cannons while fighting well-known Halo enemies like Grunts, Jackals, Brutes and, of course, Elites.
Even the weapons we’ve seen so far will likely be nostalgic for long-time Halo fans, with guns like the Plasma Pistol and Energy Sword returning alongside familiar but different firearms like the MA3/MA5 Assault Rifle, the MK50 sidekick semi-auto pistol and the automatic Pulse Carbine.
But not everything in Halo Infinite is a throwback to Halo: Combat Evolved. The game also introduces several new features, including an interesting grappling hook and new “equipment” and “upgrades.”
“…When we take a look at equipment, part of what we try to do is look at our missions and we see how the players will basically interact within a timeframe. And we want to make sure that the equipment completely fits within the loop that the player has to do to defeat every puzzle. That means most of that equipment is on cooldowns,” said Hook.
343 Industries is keeping quiet regarding how Infinite‘s new equipment system will work. Still, if you look closely at the overworld map during the gameplay demo, you’ll notice a mysterious ‘Upgrades’ tab. This possibly hints that the game will feature some sort of role-playing game-like (RPG) system.
During the interview, Hook also discussed that how a player uses equipment is entirely up to them, which should add to the sense of freedom Infinite aims to evoke.
“And so as you go out into the world and find more equipment, each one will have a unique way in which they interact with combat and the world itself. And it’ll be your choice as a player how you want to use it, what are the upgrades you want to put on those pieces of equipment, and what that means to your gameplay,” said Hook.
There’s still a lot we don’t know about Halo Infinite, including, most importantly, how the game will handle its iconic multiplayer. Will the series’ arena combat mode go back to its roots and focus on weapon control? Or, does 343 Industries have other, more original plans for Infinite‘s multiplayer?
If the campaign’s return to exploration and player choice is an indication, hopefully, we’ll all be measuring rocket launcher respawn times on our watches like its 2001 again.
Halo Infinite releases this fall alongside the Xbox Series X. The game is also set to be available for the Xbox One and PC.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
