Halo: The Master Chief Collection has had its share of problems since launch. Most notably the game's online versus matchmaking was broken, with many folks unable to simply play a game. While the campaign and co-op was mostly unaffected there's a large contigent of folks that really bought The MCC for Halo 2's remastered multiplayer.
While the game is mostly better now, 343 understands the frustration that many have felt. While we've already seen formal apologies, now the gifts are going to begin flowing.
As a token of our appreciation and to thank fans for the continued support and understanding, we will be offering the following items, for free, to anyone who has played Halo: The Master Chief Collection online since launch (11.11.14) through today (12.19.14).*
* For specifics on eligibility and further details on the offer, visit the FAQ at:https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/halo-the-master-chief-collection-thank-you-faq
While this is all well and good, it's the next gift that is a doozy.
343 is remastering Halo 3: ODST's campaign in 1080p at 60FPS with additional enhancements with a target date of Spring 2015. If you fall within the above target window, you'll be getting that content for free along with more Halo 2 maps remastered. Sadly it looks like the co-op firefight mode will not be included.
Halo 3: ODST Campaign – Development has just started on the campaign for Halo 3: ODST, which will be available within Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and upgraded to 1080p resolution, running at 60fps. It will be available for free to anyone who has played Halo: The Master Chief Collection since launch (11.11.14) through today (12.19.14).* Thanks to our friends at Bungie for creating the original “Halo 3: ODST” campaign.
“Relic” Halo 2: Anniversary Multiplayer Map – Available via a free content update to Halo: The Master Chief Collection, we will reimagine the fan-favorite map “Relic,” fully remastered and running at 1080p resolution and 60fps. We chose this map based on its suitability for Slayer and Objective modes and its ability to support teams of varying sizes. And you can trust that Certain Affinity will tune and tweak the map to make it even better than you remember.
It's also been announced that the online co-op Spartan Ops missions should be going live next week. Players will be able to tackle all 10 episodes in four player co-op with friends online.
In other Halo news, we played some of the Halo 5: Guardians Alpha last night. While the gameplay available right now is just the competitive, it gives you a good idea of the look and feel.