Halo 5: Guardians coming to Xbox One in fall 2015

We're just weeks before E3 and Microsoft has dropped what could be the first major bomb: the return of Master Chief in Halo 5: Guardians. First teased back at E3 last year, Microsoft has now officially revealed Halo 5: Guardians for Xbox One. It's coming in fall of 2015.

"In the tradition of every 'Halo' game since its debut in 2001, it is a massive and exciting project," 343 Industries General Manager Bonnie Ross said.

Not much was revealed about the plot, but Halo 5: Guardians is described as a "bigger effort" than Halo 4.

"That applies to the content and scope of the game, as well as the technology in what's now a brand new and more powerful engine," Ross explained. "Certainly there are some core elements carried over from prior games, but we've invested a huge effort in retooling our tech to take full advantage of the Xbox One's hardware and ecosystem to create worlds and experiences worthy of next-gen."

"It’s a game that will hopefully demonstrate the talent, learnings and abilities of the 343 Industries team. A game that will incorporate the things we learned from “Halo 4” about technology, aesthetics, performance and scale – and perhaps more importantly, understanding and embracing a community of gamers who love what lies at the heart of this game, and the limitless potential of the 'Halo' universe."

Of course, with Halo 5 due out in fall 2015, that leaves a big hole to fill for fall 2014. Microsoft didn't announce Halo 2 Anniversary today, but strongly hinted at its existence, saying that our "journey definitely begins in 2014 with a giant leap, rather than a small one." If you recall, Master Chief voice actor Steve Downes told us back in February to expect Halo 5 in 2015, and "an anniversary edition of Halo 2" in 2014.

More information about 343's Halo plans for 2014 will be revealed at Microsoft's Xbox E3 2014 Media Briefing on June 9.

[Xbox Wire]