While the progression system may be imperfect, Halo Infinite's wide range of customizable armor pieces, emblems, and nametags is fairly impressive. And while some long-time fans of the series might think it pales in comparison to the likes of Halo Reach, Infinite is being constantly updated with new customizable content.
Very recently, Halo Infinite added a range of new cosmetics based around the "Mister Chief" meme, an inside joke amongst the Halo community stemming back to 2004. With 343 Industries being willing to include throwbacks like this, then it seems logical that it'd be open to some more cosmetics along similar lines, perhaps ones based on previous and current Xbox properties.
A Celebration of All Things Xbox
Halo has always been the flagship series of Xbox, ever since the first console's release in 2001. And with Xbox's 20th anniversary celebrations in full swing right now, it seems serendipitous to celebrate all that the console has achieved in the last twenty years. A great way to do this is by putting a load of crossover cosmetics in Halo Infinite.
Xbox has come a long way in twenty years, and the franchises that helped to get it to where it is now should be celebrated and shared with fans. 343 could add some Gears of War inspired chest armors and shoulder pads, a vibrant green armor coat could be added to celebrate Battletoads, armor and nameplate emblems could use the Crackdown logo, and a new AI resembling Ori could be added to the game. The possibilities are endless, and it seems likely that fans would jump on the opportunity to unlock and use new cosmetics, especially if they were introduced in an event such as the recent "Winter Contingency" event, which saw players unlock a range of holiday-themed cosmetics for free.
A new wave of unlockable cosmetics could also be used to celebrate Xbox's latest acquisitions, such as Bethesda. It would be undeniably pretty neat to see Fallout's iconic Power Armor be added to Halo Infinite in some capacity, along with a Skyrim-themed Iron Helmet or some Daedric Artifact-like cosmetic options and armor pieces.
Reviving Some Old Classics
Halo Infinite's ever-expanding range of cosmetics would also be the perfect place to reinvigorate some dormant Xbox properties, and bring them back into the limelight. Halo Infinite's multiplayer has been one of the biggest events of 2021, and its success is likely going to continue well into 2022, so it would be a smart move to use the game as a testing ground for potential revivals of old franchises that haven't seen a release for decades.
For example, adding in a Crimson Skies armor piece or cosmetic could help to bring the franchise, which hasn't had a release since 2003, back into the public consciousness. Similarly, Conker could be added to the game as an AI skin or an orange armor coating that could make reference to the Xbox mascot of old in an attempt to gauge public interest in the property. While there always seems to be a remake or a sequel rumored to be on the cards, it's never gained enough traction to be finalized and made.
Xbox only needs to look to Banjo and Kazooie's inclusion in SuperSmash Bros. Ultimate, and how that brought a range of new eyes to the long-dormant franchise, to see just how lucrative crossover content can actually be. Another example of crossover success is Fortnite, which consistently adds skins and weapons from a variety of popular comic book, video game, and movie/TV properties. This both brings in fans of the respective property to the game and simultaneously gives the property more exposure to potential new audiences.
Halo Infinite is available now for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
