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Microsoft icon Master Chief is back in action in the first full-bodied Halo game on Xbox One. MCV checks in with the Chief’s best merchandise
How do you follow one of the biggest games of all time? That’s the question that Halo 5: Guardians aims to answer.
The first full sequel in Microsoft’s shooter franchise to come to Xbox One, Halo 5 is the direct follow-up to 2012’s Halo 4, which grossed more than $220 million (142m) in sales on its launch day. In the UK alone, the game shot to the top of the retail charts and racked up the 18th-biggest launch in history at the time.
Like Halo 4, Guardians is being developed by 343 Industries. The studio took over the mantle from series creator Bungie in 2011, producing nostalgic remasters Halo: Combat evolved anniversary for Xbox 360 and the recent Master Chief Collection for Xbox One.
More than 65 million copies of the Halo titles have been sold worldwide, generating over $3.4 billion in revenue. The core entries have been supplemented by spin-offs such as Halo: Reach, Halo: ODST and real-time strategy game Halo Wars. A sequel to the latter title is being co-created by 343 Industries and Total War studio Creative Assembly, with a late 2016 release currently on the cards.
Halo’s popularity has even been compared to that of another hit sci-fi brand, Star Wars, by writer Brian Bendis. Like that franchise, Halo boasts multitudinous merchandise options, including novels, films, models, apparel and licensed games accessories.
Beyond Halo 5’s release, the series’ universe will continue expanding. Building upon the live-action feature Halo: Nightfall will be a Halo television series executive-produced by Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg. Announced back in 2013, the show is yet to be dated – but has been confirmed as still in development.
With Master Chief set to once again burst back into the games industry, it’s certainly not time to say goodbye to Halo yet.
Halo Sprukits Level 2 Spartan Jameson Locke Model Kit
Comprising of 110 moulded color pieces, this handy kit allows model builders to snap together a detailed recreation of Halo: Nightfall and Halo 5: Guardians protagonist Spartan Jameson Locke without the need for glue, paint or cutting equipment. The completed figure measures 1.4 by 2.6 by 5 inches high and is articulated.
SRP: 17.99
Manufacturer: Sprukits
Distributor: Bandai
Contact: 01489 790 944
Halo Master Chief HUD Premium Tee
Xbox One owners patiently awaiting the next big release in the Halo series can show off their passion for Master Chief’s interstellar antics with this shirt proudly displaying the armoured soldier’s iconic helmet.
SRP: 19.99
Manufacturer: Jinx
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
Halo 5: GuardiansStrategy Guide
This comprehensive book includes a walkthrough for the entire single-player campaign of Halo 5, plus multiplayer tips.
SRP: 14.99
Manufacturer: Prima Games
Distributor: DK
Contact: sales@uk.dk.com
Astro Gaming A40 +M80 XB1 Halo 5 Edition
This version of Astro’s A40 headset features a dark chrome colour scheme based on Halo 5: Guardians.
SRP: 199.99
Manufacturer: Astro Gaming
Distributor: Lime Distribution
Contact: 01622 845 161
Halo 5 Key Art Cardholder
It’s always tough to keep track of your debit cards and bus pass when fighting alien hordes. This cardholder will help.
SRP: 3.99
Manufacturer: GB Eye
Distributor: GB Eye
Contact: uksales@gbeye.com
Halo Mjolnir Mark V and MarkVI DX Two Pack ArtFX+ Statues
Showcasing two of Master Chief’s armoured suits, this double set also includes a pair of magnum pistols and plasma swords.
SRP: 125.99
Manufacturer: Kotobukiya
Distributor: Degica UK
Contact: +33 1 55 17 16 56
Halo 5: GuardiansController Stand
Emblazoned with the UNSC logo, this rest for the Xbox One pad comes with a Master Chief green colour scheme.
SRP: 14.99
Manufacturer: Controller Gear
Distributor: Lime Distribution
Contact: 01622 845 161
Halo: Nightfall
This live-action take on the Halo universe bridges the gap between Halo 4 and 5 and introduces pivotal character Spartan Locke.
SRP: 29.99 (Collector’s Blu-ray), 12.99 (DVD)
Manufacturer: Anchor Bay
Distributor: Manga Entertainment/Starz
Contact: info@mangauk.com
