According to a recent press session with Associate Creative Director Paul Crocker, he said that upcoming video game Halo Infinite players can go back to previous areas, but there is a hitch.
Crocker revealed to Destructoid that the narrative will move the player through new areas, but then they are unlocked for further exploration. When asked if it is a fully open-world game, he said:
The simple answer is that it takes place in a huge world that is open and expansive. We have a storyline that pulls you through it, which is effectively unlocking certain areas. But, as you progress through it, you have the ability to backtrack and explore to your heart’s content. There is a lot to find out in the world.
Players can backtrack on previous areas only if they have unlocked it via storyline. It is not fully open-world since it is locked behind the chapters they have to unlock first. Only then they can go back and then check out the whole area for goodies that they can find.
Head of Design Jerry Hook explained the benefits of backtracking:
[Master] Chief, as he explores the ring, he’s gonna find more equipment. He’s always gonna find ways to upgrade that equipment. And, it’s not all about power, but it’s about options for the player. We want to ensure that players are able to make the choices to be successful in the way that they want to play the game.
Halo Infinite will launch on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC sometime in the holiday season.
Interview source: Destructoid
