The first month and a week of Halo: The Master Chief Collection can only be described as a mess for Xbox One owners. The compilation remake by 343 Industries was beset with bugs, glitches, and matchmaking issues immediately at release. Studio Head Bonnie Ross previously promised to “make this right with our fans,” as Inquisitr reporter, and she provided details Friday on just how they plan to do that.
An important update on Halo: The Master Chief Collection and thank you from 343 Industries: http://t.co/VnM0yBWkuM
— Halo (@Halo) December 20, 2014
343 Industries is providing five free items starting in mid-January to anyone who played Halo: The Master Chief Collection between November 11 and December 19. This includes a free-month of Xbox LIVE Gold plus, an exclusive in-game nameplate, and in-game avatar.
The headliner to this though is the promise of the Halo 3: ODST Xbox 360 campaign remade for The Master Chief Collection in 1080p and 60 frames per second (fps). This is just the campaign, however. A FAQ posted for this news reveals that the popular co-op Firefight will not be included.
The fifth free item is a remake of the “Relic” multiplayer map for Halo 2: Anniversary . The map is being brought up to 1080p and 60 fps like the other Halo 2: Anniversary maps, and will be available as a free content update.
There’s no word on when either Halo 3: ODST or the “Relic” multiplayer map will be available, however. The former may take a while, as Ross stated that development on bringing ODST into The Master Chief Collection has just started.
Those who purchase The Master Chief Collection later may be able to purchase the Halo 3: ODST campaign remake and “Relic” multiplayer map. The line from the FAQ is extremely non-committal on the subject.
“We may share more details in the future regarding the potential availability of the campaign for ‘Halo 3: ODST’ within ‘Halo: The Master Chief Collection’ other than as part of this offer.”
The problems with Halo: The Master Chief Collection have gotten better since launch, but have not been completely solved yet. Matchmaking has improved, but everyone’s experience varies. Personally, I have been able to get into online matches. Meanwhile, a co-worker who lives on the other side of Atlanta from me said he still hasn’t been able to get on just this past week. I’ve also had conversations with a fellow gaming writer for another outlet who has also been unable to play online.
343 Industries plans on releasing another update the week of Christmas that will address outstanding issues with Halo: The Master Chief Collection and add the co-op “Spartan Ops” missions from Halo 4 . Those were intentionally left out of the Master Chief Collection because they were not ready at the time of launch.
“This has been a humbling experience and highlighted how we as a studio can – and need – to do better for Xbox fans around the world,” Ross said apologetically. “We are so grateful to our fans who have stood by our side and we appreciate all of your patience as we worked through these issues.”
She later added, “The satisfaction and joy of our fans is absolutely critical to everyone at 343 Industries and we regret the issues and the frustration you have endured. We are truly sorry and thank you for your continued patience and support of the Halo franchise.”
What do you think of the remake of Halo 3: ODST campaign, “Relic” map, free month of Xbox LIVE Gold, and other goodies? Do they help make up for the problems with The Master Chief Collection ? Sound off in the comments below.
[Images via Halo Waypoint ]