Xboxist

343 Industries Unveils "Halo 4" Multiplayer Details and "A Hero Awakens" ViDoc

Dramatic enhancements to classic modes, "Capture the Flag" and "Oddball" and the reveal of "Grifball" debuted alongside new multiplayer map "Exile"; new ViDoc offers a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the making of this year's most anticipated blockbuster

This weekend 343 Industries unleashed a volley of exciting news about this year's most anticipated game, announcing details on the reimagined "Capture the Flag" and "Oddball" modes, the addition of the community-created "Grifball" mode as well as the premiere of an epic 10-minute featurette on the making of "Halo 4," entitled "A Hero Awakens."

Additionally, 343 debuted the first look at a brand-new multiplayer map in "Halo 4" called "Exile":

EXILE - Miraculously, the survivors of the UNSC Diadochi's violent crash managed to not only recover provisions from the vessel's debris field, but also use it as a makeshift shelter for several years. When rescue and recovery teams finally arrived, they were surprised to discover a healthy, burgeoning community thriving within the ship's remains. Now this wreckage serves as a battleground in War Games. 'Exile' is an earthy, circular canyon bed interconnected by a network of caves and favoring fast-paced vehicle combat, while still offering frantic, on-foot action.

A video of the 343 "Halo Reborn" panel at PAX Prime (where "Exile was announced), featuring gameplay footage of "Exile" and the newly reimagined modes will be available, starting Wednesday 5 September, on Halo Waypoint at: http://halo.xbox.com/halo4/en-US#!videos/panels/e36292ea-fea3-4290-8649-fb9fbbc0b071.

Fuelling the excitement, 343 Industries premiered "A Hero Awakens" - a new behind-the-scenes featurette on the making of "Halo 4". Featuring never-before-seen development footage, the 10-minute ViDoc provides a captivating look at the creative process for the most anticipated game of the year. The video also offers a sneak peek at how "Halo 4's" voice and cinematic performance capture actors bring the series' iconic heroes to life through emotionally riveting performances, showcasing how the development of Halo 4 rivals the production of a blockbuster Hollywood movie. Check out the ViDoc on Halo Waypoint at: http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/Universe/detail/making-halo-4-a-hero-awakens/7137a262-1f53-4480-bfc6-96bbb236df18.

Launching on 6 November, 2012 exclusively on Xbox 360, "Halo 4" is the next blockbuster installment of the iconic franchise that has shaped entertainment history and defined a generation of gamers. Developed by 343 Industries, "Halo 4" continues the story of the series' iconic hero the Master Chief as he returns to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe. "Halo 4" takes the series in a bold new direction by delivering its most epic and explorative campaign yet, alongside an emotionally resonant story and a groundbreaking multiplayer offering unlike anything before it - setting the stage for an epic new sci-fi saga.

Halo 4 is now available for pre-order in three distinct editions: the standard edition (£49.99 ERP), the Limited Collector's Edition (£69.99 ERP) and the Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo 4 console bundle (£269.99 ERP) - please visit http://www.xbox.com/Halo-4for more details.