The final major news drop during the week of E3 2021 came with Canon Fodder Issue 115, entitled “Showcase Sensitive.” Here, GrimBrother One gave us a closer look at some of the new characters, items, maps, and armors that we saw in the Multiplayer Reveal. Although he didn’t talk about everything, there’s still some cool details in this article that are worth noting.
Spartan Commander Laurette Agryna is the Commander in charge of training up the next generation of Spartan-IVs at the Avery J. Johnson Academy of Military Science. She will have an important role in the new Academy offering within Halo Infinite multiplayer, and she will also announce some things in BTB.
“Speaking of new tools at your disposal, let’s take a look at some of the new armor elements we’ve showcased, with each of the helmets below as part of the new Mk. VII armor core.”
Here, we see the Mk. VII armor core mentioned yet again, but this time, it seems like certain helmets are tied to a particular armor core. Based on this information, it seems like you can customize multiple armor cores separately and choose the one that you prefer on a given day. Unfortunately, this may also mean that some customization selections are only available on a particular armor core. For example, this wording suggests that helmets for the Mk. VII armor core cannot be used for the Mk. V [B] or Yoroi armor cores. Additional clarification on how armor customization works will be very nice to have.
“The AVIATOR helmet is tailored for use by cybernetically augmented aerospace pilots. Among its many special features is a high-bandwidth machine interlink configured to operate seamlessly with next-gen neural interlaces.”
Manufactured by Hannibal Weapon Systems, the Aviator helmet is returning from Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians, but this time with a new look.
“The ZVEZDA faceplate incorporates a programmable phased array antenna grid, though leveraging its full capabilities has proven to be a challenge for software developers.”
The Zvezda helmet, manufactured by RKD Group, is a new option being introduced with Halo Infinite. To give some background on the name, Zvezda means “star” in several Slavic languages. The helmet looks similar to EVA in some ways, but it is certainly its own helmet.
“The latest iteration of the SOLDIER helmet features a new revision of Materials Group's combat catalyst firmware. The fireteam synchronization features remain unfinished, but Dr. Halsey's interest may accelerate development.”
Manufactured by Materials Group, the Soldier helmet has been drastically redesigned from its Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians appearance.
“Take the Spartan [above] for example (outfitted in the best color, orange), equipped with elements such as the Mk.VII with UA/ARMET helmet attachment, AAP/ORDNANCE PACK, UA/VIATOR shoulder pad, and transhumeral prostheses. And hey, that S7 Sniper Rifle isn’t too shabby either.”
The Mk. VII helmet features the UA/ARMET helmet attachment, which appears as heavier armor covering much of the visor. The AAP/ORDNANCE PACK can be seen on the Spartan’s left leg, and the UA/VIATOR shoulder pad appears as a bulkier plate on the Spartan’s right shoulder. We can also see the transhumeral prosthesis on the right arm. The S7 Sniper Rifle being wielded by the Spartan is sporting a red/gray coating of some type.
“Its Jiralhanae design originating from before their alliance with the Covenant, the Skewer is an anti-tank spike cannon used by Banished packs for anti-personnel tasks. The massive, sharpened projectile is devastating—more than a match for titanium alloy armor at range—but reloading is a difficult task.”
This in-game render of the Skewer shows how brutal this shoulder-mounted spike launcher really is. It appears to fire a single shot per reload, but that shot can do a lot of damage.
“Manufactured by Vakara GesmbH, VK78 Commandos were selected by the CMA frontier forces to replace their antiquated stocks of HMG-38’s in 2495.”
The VK78 Commando appears a little different from many of the more typical UNSC weapons in previous games, but this is because it has a different manufacturer entirely. Most of the previous games’ UNSC arsenals were made by Misriah Armory, but this weapon is manufactured by Vakara GesmbH. The Commando also has a history of use with the CMA, which was generally outfitted with older weaponry than the UNSC.
“The Banshees that dominate the local Banished occupation fleet have been thoroughly optimized to increase armor and combat durability, but also to maintain the base chassis’ core performance aptitude.”
Built by Kaelum Workshop, the Attack Flyer, known to the UNSC as the Banshee, appears similar to how it did in Halo: Reach and Halo 4, but with red paint and heavier armor.
“The shared knowledge of six disparate clans contributed to the refined and imposing Chopper design that now permeates the Banished ranks. Its raw firepower and visceral locomotion provide their forces with the perfect tool for both breaching and demoralizing any enemy presence.”
The return of the Chopper is one of my personal favorite aspects of Halo Infinite’s vehicular sandbox. The Attack Bike, crafted by Bolroci Workshop, features the red and gray paint seen on other Banished vehicles, and there are plenty of sharp blades in various places on the Chopper, perfect for running down one’s foes.
“The Ghost has proven to be as versatile a mainstay in the Banished garages as it was within the Covenant. This particular iteration focuses on forward armor while also providing enhanced firepower.”
The Scout Bike (a.k.a Banished Ghost), manufactured by Riuctda Workshop, improves upon the older Covenant Ghost by adding additional armor to the front of the vehicle.
“Fast to produce and easy to maintain and optimize, the AV-49 has seen increased widespread use in environments and scenarios where versatility and low-profile operations are at a premium.”
First seen as a DLC sandbox addition in Halo 5: Guardians, the AV-49 Attack VTOL, or Wasp, is a light UNSC air vehicle with autocannons and secondary missile launchers.
“Originally a specialized offshoot of the traditional Warthog, the latest Razorback model is the result of a robust design study that incorporated learnings from rigorous testing programs on several virtually uncharted worlds. Even without onboard weapon systems installed, the up-armored design and increased payload capacity makes the Razorback an equally viable option on the battlefield alongside its more ubiquitous porcine cousin.”
The M15 Light Tactical Vehicle, or Razorback, is essentially a heavily-armored Warthog with additional troop transport and equipment transport capabilities. Although it doesn’t have a built-in weapon, it can be used to ferry all sorts of items from one place to the next.
“Lumu constructs share a common citation calculus core with AI used in the fields of finance, providing a distinctive cost-benefit approach to decision-making assistance. That being said, they aren’t quite as fun at parties.”
The Lumu Personal AI we saw in the Multiplayer Reveal is just one of several options for a player’s Personal AI. Lumu constructs are similar to financial AIs and will have voice lines that are more calculated and perhaps a little cold as a result. Other AIs will have different personalities as well, so there will be plenty of variety for players.
“It has survived for a hundred millennia, but this ring still holds fast to secrets yet unknown.”
This map is called “Behemoth,” and it is a 4v4 map featuring vehicles. The map takes place on Zeta Halo on a sandy arena surrounded by Forerunner structures.
“Now more than ever, Installation 07’s serene surface belies a deeper strain and conflict.”
This BTB map is called “Fragmentation,” and it also takes place on Zeta Halo. Due to the presence of visible metallic hexagons, it seems likely that this part of the ring was relatively near the destruction site seen in the Campaign demo from 2020.
“Resource infrastructure facilities such as those run by Axys’ hydroelectric division help maintain stable energy grids for colony worlds throughout the UEG.”
The Axys 4v4 map is named “Recharge,” and it takes place within a hydroelectric power plant on a colony world. Be careful not to slip on the wet floor.
“Instructors at the Avery J. Johnson Academy of Military Science ensure their Spartans are prepared for any challenge that a hostile galaxy throws at them.”
The 4v4 map that takes place at a training facility at the Avery J. Johnson Academy of Military Science is known as “Live Fire.” Every Spartan starts somewhere.
“The East African Protectorate's plan to rebuild the glassed urban core of Mombasa was ambitious and expensive, but Project Rebirth investment by the UEG and UNSC activity at the nearby Voi Excession has revitalized some sections of the metropolis.”
The final map, which is set in a Mombasa market a few years after the Human-Covenant war ended, is called Bazaar. Pardon the dust.
Summary
Although we didn’t get every question answered, we learned a little bit more about the maps we were shown, as well as some of the sandbox items and armors that we can use this Holiday.
Spartan Commander Laurette Agryna is the Commander in charge of training the next generation of Spartan-IVs. She will play a large role in the Academy and announce some things in BTB.
The Aviator, Zvezda, and Soldier helmets were shown.
All three helmets shown were described as being part of the Mk. VII Armor Core, suggesting that some customization items may be tied to specific armor cores.
Multiple weapons and vehicles were discussed in greater detail with renders showing their in-game appearances.
The Lumu AI is described as performing cost-benefit analysis of decisions in battle, making them effective at decision-making, if a bit impersonal.
The 4v4 sandy map with vehicles is called Behemoth.
The 12v12 BTB map is called Fragmentation.
The 4v4 Axys map is called Recharge.
The 4v4 Avery J. Johnson Academy of Military Science map is called Live Fire.
The 4v4 marketplace map is called Bazaar.
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