7 Halo Media You Didn't Know Existed (They're Not Games!)

Summary

Paramount+ created an action-packed TV series based on Halo, following Master Chief in the war against the Covenant.
Novel adaptations like “Fall of Reach” and “Contact Harvest” provide deep lore for fans seeking a deeper understanding of the Halo universe.
“Halo Legends,” an anime-influenced anthology, offers a unique perspective on the Halo universe through seven different stories.

Since its debut in 2001, the Halo franchise has towered as a colossus within the video game industry, giving rise to numerous sequels and offshoots. The games deliver heart-pounding action and rich lore that captivates fans, with Master Chief, the iconic central character of the series, being instantly familiar to gamers worldwide. Halo‘s global influence is evident in its staggering sales figures, and the Spartan helmets have become synonymous with the Xbox brand’s triumph.

Due to the immense popularity of the game franchise, Halo, numerous other media products have emerged, encompassing TV series, movies, and novels all within the Halo universe. Among these various offerings, here are seven exceptional non-game Halo media products:

1. Halo Legends (Anime Anthology)
2. Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn (Web Series)
3. Halo: The Fall of Reach (Novel)
4. Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (Novel)
5. Halo: First Strike (Novel)
6. Halo: Contact Harvest (Novel)
7. Halo: Glasslands (Novel)

7. Halo – TV Series

Developed by Paramount+, Halo Is Action-Packed

Fans felt a mix of excitement and apprehension when they heard that the popular streaming platform Paramount+ was planning to produce a television show based on Master Chief, anticipating a potentially high-budget version.

As a passionate fan of the Halo universe, I was thoroughly immersed in the epic battles portrayed in the TV series, where Spartans fought tirelessly to quell the menace of the Covenant. The second season took it up a notch, introducing the Arbiter, a formidable adversary that game enthusiasts like myself had eagerly anticipated seeing on screen.

While I appreciate the quality of Halo as a TV series, there were alterations to the original material that some purists found difficult to overlook. Nevertheless, it deserves recognition on this list. However, when it comes to ranking the best Halo media outside the games, it falls slightly short due to its departures from the source material.

6. Halo: The Fall Of Reach – TV Mini Series

The Prequel To Halo: Combat Evolved Showing Master Chief’s Origin

According to the title sharing its name, the book “Halo: Fall of Reach” was published in 2015, detailing the origin story of Master Chief. This work delves into the rich history of the Halo series, presenting a grim world where humanity is on the verge of conflict.

The animation is strong, although not exceptionally remarkable, and it illustrates just how far humanity will push for survival. It presents a grim and intense portrayal of the beginnings of the Spartan project. This animated series serves as an excellent starting point for fans. Nevertheless, it’s outshone by the book with the same title, but it remains one of the top-tier Halo products that aren’t games.

5. Halo: Nightfall – TV Mini Series

The Origin Story For Agent Locke

The narrative, designed to connect the events of Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians, focuses on Agent Locke’s tale. In this story, Locke and his crew are tasked with preventing a dangerous biological crisis on the planet Sedra.

Following the unsuccessful attempt to halt the deployment of the weapon, it’s revealed that it’s a bio-terrorist weapon specifically targeting humans. This revelation prompts Locke and his team to trace the weapon’s origin and make an effort to dismantle it before the situation worsens. With an enthralling narrative and Ridley Scott overseeing production, Halo: Nightfall is a fantastic extension of the Halo universe, offering additional layers to Locke’s character in Halo 5: Guardians.

4. Halo: Fall Of Reach – Novel

The Novel Detailing The Creation Of Series Protagonist Master Chief

In the mini-series named above, Halo: Fall Of Reach, the backstory of Master Chief is skillfully portrayed through a captivating novel by Eric Nylund. This novel delves deeper into the legend of Master Chief and the Halo universe, captivating readers since its publication in 2001.

In straightforward terms, “Halo: Fall of Reach” delves deeply into the gritty details of the struggle against the Covenant, leaving no room for sugarcoating the sense of urgency and hard work required to emerge victorious in this war. This novel is an outstanding prequel that sheds light on Master Chief’s origins and offers readers a more profound comprehension of the Spartan program. Among all Halo-related products, “Halo: Fall of Reach” stands out as one of the best, especially for those not playing the games.

3. Halo Legends – Movie

An Anthology Of Seven Stories Within The Halo Universe

Halo Legends is a collection of seven short films, originally mini-series, expanded into a single movie, all taking place within the universe of Halo. Notable among these stories are “The Babysitter” and “Homecoming”, offering fresh perspectives on the battle tales that are characteristic of the Halo series.

In the lineup for Halo Legends, what stands out is the anime-influenced visual style, particularly evident in episodes “Odd Man Out” and “Prototype”. These episodes contrast dramatically, with the former presenting a vibrant and colorful battle scene, while the latter delves into a more somber, dark, and intense portrayal of war. The response to Halo Legends was divided; some adored it, while others disliked it, but its distinctive interpretation of the Halo universe is worth exploring.

2. Halo: Ghosts Of Onyx – Novel

A Battle Between The Spartans And The Covenant To Set Up Halo 2

Author: Eric Nylund
Release Date: October 31, 2006
Publisher: Tor Books

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’d say the most captivating tale spun from the Halo universe is “Halo: Ghosts of Onyx.” This narrative opens with an unprecedented revelation – the Spartan-II program, once shrouded in secrecy, now exposed to the world. The focus then shifts to Team Blue, who embark on a daring mission to retrieve stolen nuclear warheads.

After the Spartan project was made public, Onyx planet is now utilized by humans as a base for initiating the Spartan-III program. With numerous crash landings, dangers from both the Covenant and The Flood, and an abundance of action, this novel offers a thrilling reading experience and an engaging addition to the Halo franchise that’s not part of a game.

1. Halo: Contact Harvest – Novel

A Novel Detailing Humanity’s First Contact With The Covenant

Author: Joseph Staten
Release Date: October 30, 2007
Publisher: Tor Books

The novel “Halo: Contact Harvest” narrates the initial encounter between humans and the Covenant, focusing on popular character Avery Johnson. It delves into the Covenant’s first assault, which started as small-scale raids.

In the beginning, the Covenant planned a tranquil gathering, but Yull’s brutal act of killing Private Osmo sparked a chain of events that ultimately led to a large-scale evacuation and an escalation into full-blown war. This novel, Halo: Contact Harvest, offers an introduction to the war between mankind and the Covenant, and it’s considered one of the finest Halo media not based on a game. Joseph Staten, who wrote for Halo 3 and was part of every Bungie-developed Halo game, authored this exceptional book. When it comes to storytelling outside of the games, you won’t find many other works as well-crafted as this one directly from the source.

2025-01-26 08:34

7 Halo Media You Didn’t Know Existed (They’re Not Games!)