HALO/Master Chief

HALO: The Franchise That Keeps Evolving

HALO the Game Series

Originally developed by Bungie and now overseen by 343 Industries (part of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios), the HALO franchise has become a cornerstone of modern gaming. The series debuted in 2001 with HALO: Combat Evolved, accompanied by the novel The Fall of Reach. Over two decades later, the saga continues with the latest title, HALO Infinite, which launched in 2021 as a free-to-play multiplayer beta, followed by its campaign release.

To date, the series includes eleven main titles:

  • HALO: Combat Evolved (2001)
  • HALO 2 (2004)
  • HALO 3 (2007)
  • HALO 3: ODST (2009)
  • HALO: Reach (2010)
  • HALO 4 (2012)
  • HALO: Spartan Assault (2013)
  • HALO: The Master Chief Collection (2014)
  • HALO 5: Guardians (2015)
  • HALO Wars 2 (2017)
  • HALO Infinite (2021)

In addition, there are several spin-offs, remasters, and companion media:

  • HALO: Combat Evolved Anniversary (remaster)
  • HALO: Reach and HALO 3: ODST (spin-offs)
  • HALO: Spartan Assault (mobile)
  • HALO: Forward Unto Dawn (live-action web series)

As a long-time fan, I was beyond excited when the TV series was announced—and yes, I watched it as soon as I could.

HALO the TV Series

The HALO TV show kicks off with a bang. The first episode of Season 1 is unexpectedly violent (in a good way), setting a serious tone that made it clear this was not just a fan-service project—it had substance. The show introduces viewers to Silver Team, delves into Master Chief’s origins, and expands on characters like:

  • Dr. Catherine Halsey
  • Admiral Margaret Parangosky
  • Miranda Keyes
  • Kwan Ha
  • Cortana
  • Soren-066
  • Laera
  • Kessler

…and more.

Many of these characters are well-developed, and you begin to feel emotionally invested in their arcs. Introduced in Episode 1 (Contact), Makee’s role—especially her connection to the Prophets and Master Chief—feels like a loosely-structured subplot. Her potential as a “love interest” or antagonist isn’t clearly defined, making her presence feel more like a writer’s experiment than a narrative necessity.

Season 2, however, tightens everything up. The pacing improves, battles are more intense, and the character arcs become clearer. Chief remains a brooding, badass Spartan. Makee is still lurking in the background doing her mysterious thing (no spoilers, I promise), and fans are eager to see whether Cortana will reunite with Chief.

Is there a Season 3 on the horizon? From what I’ve read—highly likely. While nothing official has been announced, the sheer scale and richness of the HALO universe practically guarantee more content. Expect new episodes to land sometime in 2026. Great things take time, right?

HALO the Novels

Here’s a fun confession: I didn’t even know HALO had a series of novels until recently. And I’m impressed. These books deepen the universe significantly and often run parallel to the events in the games. Here are some highlights from the HALO reading list:

  • Fall of Reach
  • The Flood
  • First Strike
  • Ghosts of Onyx
  • Contact Harvest
  • The Silent Storm
  • Shadows of Reach
  • Cryptum, Primordium, Silentium (Forerunner Trilogy)
  • Evolutions and Fractures (anthology collections)

There are 30+ novels in total—plenty of content for fans of military sci-fi and rich world-building. One day, I hope to sit down and read them all (once I can get my ADD to chill).

Cast Shoutout

Here’s a quick look at the cast that brings this universe to life:

Whether you’re a die-hard Spartan or new to the HALO universe, there’s something here for you: action-packed games, rich storytelling in books, and now a visually gripping TV adaptation. If you’re not onboard yet, jump over to Amazon Prime and check it out.

by Lokhi D | 21 March 2024