“Your architecture isn’t much different from the Autumn’s…” – Cortana

“Don’t get any funny ideas.” – Master Chief

Since 2001, the Halo franchise has grown into a cult-classic loved by gamers across the globe. It has been through a tug-of-war between four gaming developers, it has been released in book form, in film and in music, and has seen various sagas, spinoffs, and cancelled projects.

But it’s not over yet.

Earlier in the year, 343 Industries, an internal gaming development company at Microsoft (named after that psycho metal flashing ball 343 Guilty Spark), launched their newest creation Halo: Fireteam Raven. It’s an arcade game that has already launched in the US and has now launched in Australia at Timezone, Macquarie Centre. Soon, Timezone stores in Melbourne, Gold Coast and Perth will follow suit, with launches expected in late August.

Halo cosplayers play Halo: Fireteam Raven. Image: Supplied

Halo’s console-based playing experience has been brought to life in an immersive multiplayer platform, which enables four players to either play cooperatively or compete against each other. This latest instalments’ physical structure boasts a colossal 130-inch widescreen, 4K gameplay and 5.1 surround sound. It adds a tangible element to the much-loved franchise, allowing individuals the opportunity to play right alongside Master Chief in the battle to ward off enemy forces of the Covenant and the Flood infestation.

Halo: Fireteam Raven was created and fine-tuned by 343 Industries over several years and is set in the timeframe of 2001’s Halo: Combat Evolved. Players will take on the roles of the Fireteam Raven – an elite group of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers.

An internal look of Halo: Fireteam Raven. Image: Supplied

Users can then scan a QRC code with their smartphone and upload their stats and progress to their Halo Waypoint account. It’s definitely a well-placed step forward from the classic Xbox controller and boxed television set.

At the Timezone Macquarie Centre launch, Australia’s largest Halo cosplay community 405th Australian Regiment joined in on the celebrations, showcasing unique and realistic costume designs spanning from different chapters in the Halo multiverse.

https://www.facebook.com/405thAustralian/photos/a.340546676117872.1073741830.319067941599079/982496805256186/?type=3&theater

Timezone Australia’s General Manager Kane Fong also shared his appreciation.

“Bringing the arcade game version of Halo to Timezone Macquarie Centre gives the game’s dedicated fan base a chance to play like never before,” Kane said. “Timezone is thrilled to introduce this first-in-Australia experience to fans as part of Timezone’s 40th birthday celebrations.”

Halo Theme Song: Composed and produced by Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori for Bungie.