Admittedly there was going to be some changes between Bungie and 343 Industries, but for representing women I believe 343 Industries took a step in the wrong direction. Halo had always been a more inclusive game than the industry standard considering female characters were part of the game at the franchises conception. Female scientists, soldiers, leaders and more have been part of the Halo universe. It wasn't perfect, but it was always getting better with every title. But the writer's betrayal of Cortana is an extremely discouraging turn for Halo 4. In Halo: Reach - Halo: 3 it's clear that Cortana is of vital importance to humanities story, and often her origins are elusive and hinted as of substantial importance. In Halo:3 it becomes apparent that Master Chief only plays this role simply because Cortana selected him (because of luck in her words). She told John what to do, she figured out the solution to problems and John made it happen. They were clearly equals. Halo: Reach made a point to prove both male and female Spartans were equals. Cortana inserted herself into the Gravemind...and yet...we never hear about the possible consequences of that (perhaps we will in future games). It's as if her character development stopped abruptly and a completely new personality was inserted instead. I mean she's in the middle of rampancy and all she can do is get overly emotional and seem horrified as if she unable to emotionally cope with current events. She was always able to cope, and as I said she touched the Gravemind so she proved her ability to keep her cool even under duress. You would think during rampancy that the experience with the Gravemind would come up. The emotional aspect of her during rampancy would have been acceptable if the game hadn't ended with her touching John's chest only to say "I've waited so long to do that" as if she (an A.I.) has been in love with John all along. It is too convenient a troupe. Even worse considering John seems only half interested despite the fact she dies for him. Despite how important Cortana seemed through Halo's past, the librarian conveniently stated that John is now the most important person in the galaxy and Cortona is now gone for good (so we can focus on john without that lady talking in his ear). The other women in Halo 4 are extremes, an overly aggressive female soldier (who lacks depth) or panicked NPC's. It's a disturbing turn for the Halo series, let's hope things improve in the next 2 games.