"Halo" is getting the virtual reality (VR) treatment and then some, as Microsoft announces "Halo: Recruit," which they proudly introduced as a mixed-reality experience incorporating VR and other sensory stimulations.
GameSpot has confirmed that "Halo: Recruit" will not be a game or part of one but instead be an exciting new arcade experience from Microsoft. The experience will only last five minutes, however, and it will put players in the shoes of popular "Halo" characters, most likely Master Chief, the game's protagonist.
Weapons will also be available, as well as a Warthog, which is a Hummer-like military vehicle in "Halo." Kiki Wolfkill, executive producer from the "Halo" development team, revealed in an official blog post that they were excited at the prospect of getting Microsoft's amazing new technology that will let players take on the frightening Elites, a saurian species of strong, proud, and intelligent warriors who are enemies of humans in the game.
One thing to note is that by "mixed reality," Microsoft refers to its own brand of VR headsets, which it insists on calling mixed reality instead of VR. Still, Microsoft picked the branding since it may eventually incorporate other sensory aspects of augmented reality into the headset, hence the mixed reality name. That said, The Verge mentioned that adaptation of other sensory inputs is still just a promise from Microsoft.
Wolfkill said that she was initially skeptical about the mixed reality project for Halo since she worried about the claustrophobia that the headset may induce, but she admitted that she was wrong to worry and added that, "There are precious few opportunities as a creative team to get to explore a truly brand new medium--the mixed reality space is exactly that, and it's magical. Here at 343 Industries, we are just starting to dip our toes into the mixed reality space but we are hugely passionate about the potential to truly explore and play in our universe with this technology."
Wolfkill, representing 343 Industries, has also stated that there will be more "Halo" mixed reality projects in the near future.
"Halo: Recruit," a five-minute mixed reality experience will be available in Microsoft Stores. Users can also download it for free from the Windows Store on Oct. 17, provided that they own a Windows Mixed Reality headset.
