New Halo 4 screenshots showcase environments and weapons

Microsoft’s flagship first person shooter (FPS) for the Xbox 360, Halo 4, is one of the most widely anticipated games by gamers on the 360. It is said to be one of the best console FPS experiences in a long time with the continuation of Master Chief’s story and the brutal multiplayer. Now, developer of the game 343 Industries has released new screenshots of the game’s single player game according to Games Thirst.

The new screenshots showcase the game’s varied environment and level design and hints to the die-hard fans of the series about where the story will take them in this game. The screenshots also show the protagonist – Master Chief – using some of the weapons that were shown in the Covenant weapons trailer that was released by 343 Industries recently.

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Master Chief using a Covenant weapon

The developer had also released a trailer that showed the new weapons and sound effects in August. The trailer mostly attempts to showcase the completely rebuilt sound effects for the weapons in Halo 4. The video also displays the revamped sound effects of popular weapons from the earlier games, such as the pistol, DMR, rocket launcher and shotgun. Some of the newer weapons showed in the trailer are a sticky grenade launcher and a rail gun that can kill in one hit, but has a relatively long down-time between shots.

During Comic-Con in July, Microsoft and 343 had announced a limited edition Halo 4-themed Xbox 360 set costing $399 (Rs 21,500 approximately). The set contains the Xbox 360 with Halo-themed artwork, two limited edition Halo 4 controllers, a copy of Halo 4, a wireless headset and downloadable codes for Halo-4 themed avatar items and in-game DLC.

The same weapon, but from a first person perspective

The development of Halo 4 has been taken over from Bungie by 343 Industries that helped out with the game Halo: Reach and provided fans with an HD remake of Halo: Combat Evolved. It’s about time the Xbox 360 got a solid first party game. It seems since the past few months, Microsoft has been targeting the casual gamer over the hardcore one.

Halo 4, Microsoft’s next iteration in the Halo franchise, will arrive exclusively for the Xbox 360 by November 6, 2012. Halo 4 takes place nearly four years after the events of Halo 3 and will mark the return of Master Chief, who was absent from both Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach. Coincidentally, this game also marks the beginning of a brand new Halo trilogy.

A Covenant base

The previous game released by the franchise was the HD remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, named Halo: Anniversary. “Halo has made an indelible impact on gaming and pop culture over the past ten years,” said Bonnie Ross, General Manager of 343 Industries. “Whether you’ve followed the story from the beginning or want to experience it for the first time, ‘Halo: Anniversary’ offers everyone a chance to relive the iconic classic before they embark on a brand new adventure with Master Chief next year in ‘Halo 4,” she added.