343 Industries

Despite all the recent controversies surrounding retailer-exclusive pre-order bonuses, Halo 5: Guardian's exclusive goodies can be earned by everyone.

343 Industries is trying to outdo themselves with the Halo 5: Guardians campaign, billing it as the biggest in Halo history. Four-player co-op and a massive story spanning two different squads of Spartans only scratch the surface of what I saw during a eyes-on demo at E3 2015, and if what was presented to me during this demo is any indication Halo fans will have plenty to sink their teeth into come October.

As my squad and I stood around the command center, Commander Palmer was just beginning her transmission. Her video communique rose from nowhere to rest in the middle of the war table, with all five of us squaddies hanging on her every word. We were about to enter a Warzone, which was being contested by another team of Spartans, with Forerunner and Covenant enemies also vying for a piece of the pie. Palmer guided us through what was expected of us on the mission, giving details on key points on the map, including where enemies might be hiding out and which spots could help us control the battleground. The key difference between this briefing and countless others we'd seen in Halo game before being that this was no cut scene; Palmer was right here in the room with us. Well, at least a virtual version.

343 Industries showcased some impressive new footage for Halo 5: Guardians, including footage from its multiplayer and story mode.

We have learned all kinds of new details about Halo 5: Guardians, including the return of Nathan Fillion as ODST Gunnery Sergeant Edward Buck.

Agent Locke and Master Chief face off in the cover art for Halo 5: Guardians, which introduces some entirely new Spartans as well.

Just when we think it's completely fixed and ready to go, even more Halo: The Master Chief Collection bugs rise from the code.

A limited edition, Halo 5: Guardians-themed Xbox One console is in the works at Microsoft according to a Tweet from the studio head of 343 Industries.

It's going to be a good month for Halo: The Master Chief Collection players as a new patch will fix its major issues and ODST will join the anthology for free.

Another day, another exclusive pre-order bonus; GameStop has released a trailer for its pre-order bonuses for Halo 5: Guardians, which includes a new armor set.