The new Halo 4 is here – better and with plenty of new features that are sure to keep you interested.

Since its introduction on Microsoft’s Xbox in 2001, the Halo series has been a juggernaut in today’s media. The franchise has made millions in its various novels, action figures, clothing apparel, videos and of course, the video games. There have been five games produced so far, from the minds at Bungie Studios. Microsoft owns the intellectual property of Halo and everything associated with it, but Bungie takes the license and creates masterpieces hailed by the gaming community.  However, in 2010, Microsoft gave the torch to a different company, and the pressure is on.

In 2007, Microsoft created a company called 343 Industries, named after the Halo character, 343 Guilty Spark. 343 Industries was tasked with monitoring all content and distribution of the Halo franchise. In 2010, Bungie announced Halo Reach, which was released in September that year, would be there last involvement with the Halo brand. After Reach would release, Bungie would pass control over all of the Halo content to 343 Industries. 343 released a remake of the original Halo game, Halo: Combat Evolved, near the end of 2011. However, in a few days, 343 Industries will be tasked with an even greater challenge.

In 2007, Microsoft and Bungie released Halo 3 on the Xbox 360. It would become one of the most popular and well-recognized games on the console and was the last true sequel featuring the series’ hero, Master Chief. On November 6, the Chief will return in Halo 4, one of the most anticipated sequels in the industry. However, there will be much more change now that the game is in 343’s hands.

The environments and characters look significantly different compared to the Bungie Halos, in order to create a different feel for a new company. The game take place on a completely different planet that was never featured in previous games, including a new breed of enemy that promises to change the way players play Halo completely. The graphics engine uses an upgraded engine that powered Halo Reach, and the engine was an updated engine from Halo 3. So in spirit, and at its core, Halo 4 is still very much like the other Halos. This will be good news for fans who fear change, yet there are enough little changes to keep this new game fresh and give it a brand new feeling to it.

How will fans accept Halo 4 when it releases on November 6? The buzz has been great so far, and Halo 4 will more than likely claim its place amongst its legendary legacy of quality games. The changes are present, but it keeps enough of the old Halo alive so that it earns its spot as a true sequel.