In conjunction with IGN First, developer 343 Industries unleashed Halo Infinite gameplay showing off the Streets multiplayer map and Oddball game mode. Numerous Halo Infinite multiplayer modes have either leaked or received an official confirmation from the crew at 343, including Capture the Flag, Dominion, Extraction, King of the Hill, and Payback.
Players who hop into the new experience on day one will have plenty to explore in terms of the story campaign and robust online offerings. But 343 Industries previously announced that two modes, in particular, need a little more time in the oven and shouldn't be expected until early 2022. Those modes include Halo Infinite's cooperative campaign option and Forge. The absence of both at launch will undoubtedly be felt, yet news of Forge's delay seemed to hit the hardest. Created by Bungie for Halo 3, Forge is a map editor that allows users to build and share maps of their own. Leaked details suggest this version of the mode will additionally include a full scripting system that enables custom mission creation.
While 343 Industries can't divulge more about the delayed content as of yet, the studio partnered with IGN to unleash footage of Halo Infinite's Streets multiplayer map. The new gameplay reveal packs in five minutes of action, showing off the hectic Oddball multiplayer mode. This classic game mode has appeared in every entry since the sci-fi shooter's inception and the footage below indicates that longtime players should feel right at home. Oddball tasks users with a simple objective - find the Skull, or ball, and maintain possession of it for as long as possible. Variants to the experience allow for free-for-all or team play; either way, things can get chaotic pretty quickly.
Of course, Halo Infinite is introducing several changes to multiplayer but some things will obviously remain intact. That Oddball counts as one such constant across the franchise shouldn't go unappreciated. And the Streets map, set in the city of New Mombasa, looks promising in its own right, its design structured in such a way that ensures close quarters combat is the norm instead of the exception.
Initially slated to launch alongside Xbox Series X|S approximately one year ago, Halo Infinite has come a long way since its first big showing in the summer of 2020. The Tech Preview 343 Industries hosted several weeks ago inspired a lot of confidence in the project from those who previously expressed concern about the state of the game. Fortunately, the wait for 343's Halo release is quickly coming to an end.
Halo Infinite comes to PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S platforms this holiday season on December 8.
Source: IGN/YouTube