What Halo: Infinite Can Learn From Gears 5

How these new abilities will affect multiplayer will be interesting to see, Halo 5: Guardians had a very complex loadout system that bordered on the dark ages of Call of Duty nonsense. The latest Gears was under similar scrutiny but has been stripped back to basics by including classic modes alongside its modern take. The Horde mode also saw some post-launch love to make it closer to the old school experience.

Infinite needs some similar TLC of realising that less is sometimes more when it comes to arcade shooters. Freedom to choose between utilising all of the new abilities or playing the former and simpler game modes would be a huge selling point.

This drastic change to two of Microsoft's biggest titles factors into the company's new approach of making entirely new experiences but framing them with nostalgic overtones. For example, while Gears 5 was very different design-wise, players got to revisit past locations and plot points from the previous games making the overall journey feel like a spiritual successor to the original trilogy.

Going back to the creepy science facility from Gears of War 2 was a welcomed surprise that felt like a natural direction for the story to go in. Players had countless fan theories for years about those labs with Kait's story providing just enough answers to still leave an aura of mystery.

The opening sequence also sees players going back to the site of the climactic battle of Gears of War 3. A familiar sense of nostalgia can be felt during Microsoft's showcase demo when Chief first steps out of that Pelican to see the all too familiar halo ring.

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