Just like hit shows The Witcher and Arcane, the Halo series is based on a fairly popular videogame of the same name. The show's anticipated release came with some high expectations from fans that seemed to be met by the series while others seemed to fall short, mainly in the character department.
From the stoic and emotionless character of Master Chief to the loyal and headstrong depiction of Cortana, there are some things from the game that remains the same, however, there are others that don't. These perfections and imperfections are notable at the beginning of the series, making it hard not to discern the changes and similarities between the show and the game series characters.
Soren 066 - Miss The Mark
One of the 75 original kids to undergo the Spartan project, Soren was a recruit for the Spartan project until his arm is badly injured during genetic engineering testing. Because of his injury, Soren is placed on desk duty, leading him to escape the UNSC only to be shot down and never seen again in the game. However, this isn't the case in the series.
Soren is never truly shown much in the game which is understandable with his missing status, however, in the series, he is very much alive and well. He's showcased to be a father, husband, and respected resident on a meteor planet. His character in the series is very adamant not to be a part of the UNSC and their war but the game’s character would have done anything to be a Spartan alongside his best friend, Master Chief.
Miranda Keyes - Miss The Mark
Dr. Miranda Keyes is the daughter of Dr. Catherine Halsey and Captain Jacob Keyes. Like her mother, she's also into the sciences and lives to understand the workings behind covenant technology, however, this is the show’s character version. In the game, she's a commanding officer like her father, making her more of a military figure than one of science.
Aside from her physical appearance, in the game, Miranda’s character holds great respect from others with the ability to make tough calls and not be questioned about her capacity to lead. However, in the series, she possesses a subservient attitude to her superiors, taking away from the authority that she possessed in the game. Her focus on leaving the shadow of her mother takes away from what the character has to offer and this change ultimately overshadows Miranda’s potential.
Captain Jacob Keyes - Miss The Mark
Captain Jacob Keyes is a commanding officer and tactician in the UNSC Navy. Renowned as a war hero, Keyes is one of the most powerful characters and known to be a highly skilled strategist and outstanding leader, garnering the respect of those in and outside his command. His appearance in the game series rarely changes aside from his graying hair, still holding his stern and strong features even while aging.
In the series, there are some notable changes from the game. The most notable change is Captain Jacob Keyes’ cold indifference toward Master Chief. In the game, Keyes seems to count on Master Chief’s assistance when needed and holds him to a higher standard than any other Spartan soldier. They have a relationship, but, the same couldn't be said for their relationship in the show. Keyes seems to be intent on punishing Master Chief for his mishaps in the series, holding no sentiment towards the super-soldier.
Arbiter - Looks Perfect
The muscle behind the Covenant, an arbiter is essentially a soldier like the Spartans, working under the command of their government, the Covenant and Hierarchs. They serve only one purpose and this is to carry out the orders of war.
In the game and series, an arbiter is sent on dangerous and suicidal missions for the goals of their rulers in the war against the UNSC and humans. They usually lead a team of Covenant troops, killing any and everything that gets in their way. An arbiter has no feelings and seeks only to be successful in their missions for the Hierarchs. They are essentially the same in the game and series and so much like the Spartans in their end goals.
The Prophet Of Truth - Looks Perfect
One of the central antagonists in the Halo games and series, The Prophet of Truth is a leader of the covenant along with The Prophet of Regret and The Prophet of Mercy. In the series, he's come to take care of Makee, a human, considering her one of the Covenant although still having a disdain for the human race.
The show does an amazing job of bringing every little detail of this character to life. From his bulging eyes and hanging skin and the anatomy of his body, the Prophet of Truth looks perfectly identical down to his opinion on the human race and his ability to lie and manipulate despite his name. The depiction in the Halo series is faithful to the games in every way that counts.
Spartans - Looks Perfect
Spartans consist of super-powered super soldiers that have no feelings or goals of their own. They are the property of the UNSC and Dr. Haley, serving only their government. The main goal behind the Spartan team was to build a special strike team with the ability to deal with human rebellions and prevent wars from breaking out.
Considering the Spartans are super-soldiers, they spend the majority of their time in their armor in the games. With this being the case, fans can study these suits down to the tee and it seems that's exactly what the creators of the show did. The Mjolnir Powered Assault Armor exoskeleton in the game and the show look identical. They are genetically modified without feeling and emotion in both the game and show, perfectly depicting who and what they are.
Cortana - Looks Perfect
A character whose looks have changed over the years in the game series, Cortana still holds features that make her an unforgettable character in the Halo series. Cortana is a female AI (artificial intelligence) programming that is smart and sarcastic when she wants to be and is completely loyal to Master Chief. The show's incorporation of Cortana stays faithful to the games in this respect.
Even though her features in the series don't exactly model after Dr. Halsey, the creators did an amazing job of modernizing the version of the game's depiction which is something that Halo video gamer players didn't see coming. Her loyalty to Master Chief remains a constant and her ability to stay headstrong and determined is interpreted in both versions.
Dr. Catherine Elizabeth Halsey - Looks Perfect
Dr. Catherine Elizabeth Halsey is the brilliant mind behind the Spartan's project and Cortana. She's a brilliant mind that places her work over everything, even her family. She's headstrong and persistent when she wants something and she's not afraid to get her hands dirty to achieve it.
In the Halo tv show, Dr. Halsey is presented as a woman in her early to late 40s with beautiful blond hair, blue eyes, and a thin shape. She's a scientist that feels her work is more important than her family and this is the same in the game and series.
Master Chief -Looks Perfect
The man at the center of the Halo show and game series, Master Chief is an iconic character whose appearance is hard to not recognize. He is the leader of the Spartans and is known as John-117. In one of the biggest reveals from the series' first episode, Master Chief removes his helmet, and fans are given their first look ever at his face.
In the game series, Master Chief never really removes his helmet so to attempt to predict what he looks like underneath his armor is impossible. However, his stoic character and emotionless character are perfectly adapted in both versions. He's loyal to the UNSC and Dr. Haley, trusting them enough to fight for their war.