Every year, Bungie takes some time out of their busy schedule to celebrate Bungie Day on July 7, oftentimes with some special treats for Halo fans around the world. While this year the company didn’t have nearly as much cool stuff to showcase (due to, you know, a new game soon to be within our Reach) but took the time to team up with the acclaimed machinima artists at Rooster Teeth, creators of Red vs. Blue, and in turn make a big announcement for long-time franchise fans.
That’s right, folks. Blood Gulch is back.
The acclaimed multiplayer map from the original Halo: Combat Evolved, Blood Gulch remains easily a standout of the franchise having been remade numerous times in later games – hell, even Halo Wars!. Set in a large canyon with tons of hiding spots and plenty of areas for your sniping pleasure, Reach’s version adds something fans have been dreaming of for years…the ability to go outside the canyon. How far outside? We’ll find out soon.
But that’s not all! The video also, apparently, reveals a new armor ability – the ability to create clones of yourself as drone targets for snipers. Is it real, or just something Bungie threw in for giggles? What’s more, Sarge shows that players can now utilize the jetpack armor ability while holding a flag – something they COULDN’T do in the Reach beta. Again, a tease from Bungie? They’re not talking.
While long-time Halo fans have bemoaned Reach as a major swerve for the franchise, these new additions seem to prove that Bungie still cares about their long-time fans, and are still willing to get them excited about their upcoming games.
Let’s just hope that, if the clones are real, they don’t really become self-aware.
