They are a different breed that was from an elite colony which had been cut off from all the rest. So they may have developed from what they were to what they are now over time.
I did have a theory about this sort of thing.
It looks awesome. And why did you choose a Halo 2 model? They look terrible in Halo 2.
> > Hey guys! First post here.
> >
> > How did Elites turn from this awesome thing;
> >
> > http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb57525/halo/images/c/cc/Gold_Elite.JPG
> >
> > to this?!
> >
> > http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/30500000/Halo-4-Elite-halo-30585551-1349-1920.jpg
> >
> > I feel like 343 failed on this point and lazily just used Reach’s models.
>
> according to the Thursday war they are from a remote colony cut off from the rest, they don’t even know the war is over…hell they don’t even know who MC is
Hey -Yoink-! How about you use-
THESE!
> Halo 2 was the pinnacle of (everything) Elite design. They went downhill in Halo 3.
Got to disagree that looked good in 2 but the were also down-sized to MC’s hieght which ruined them for me.
> > > Hey guys! First post here.
> > >
> > > How did Elites turn from this awesome thing;
> > >
> > > http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb57525/halo/images/c/cc/Gold_Elite.JPG
> > >
> > > to this?!
> > >
> > > http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/30500000/Halo-4-Elite-halo-30585551-1349-1920.jpg
> > >
> > > I feel like 343 failed on this point and lazily just used Reach’s models.
> >
> > according to the Thursday war they are from a remote colony cut off from the rest, they don’t even know the war is over…hell they don’t even know who MC is
>
> Hey -Yoink!-! How about you use-
>
> THESE!
I did actually…not sure why it did not work (which you would know of course if you read further)
of course as of the release of the book and the xbox360a hands on preview all this is public knowledge and not leaks soooo…
It took me awhile to get used to the new Elites, but I think they look really good in their own right. It’s definitely a much more grittier, realistic style they’re going for which shows their anatomy a lot more instead of their bodies being encapsulated in this suit, and all you see are four hinged jaws. No, here you get to see how nasty and alien they really look, same with the Grunts and Jackals. I think 343i did a good job.
> > That turned into THIS
> > halo4nation.com
>
> I was going to link this but you all ready did. I think this is the most Badass elite i’ve ever seen. Makes Arbiter look like a joke.
Woah let’s not go that far, they look ‘okay’.
> I just don’t like the Elite Minor armor. The rest looks fine.
its actaully funny because if you read the books elites who are low ranking use very little armor and shielding because its a sign of honor to go into battle with a disadvantage and its a way to 'rank up" quicklly. so if anything 343 actaully stuck tot he lore set up by bungie and microsoft.
> The grunts got it worse, they don’t even look like grunts anymore. 
Have you not seen the Jackals?
I mean, they look cool, but they don’t look like Jackals.
Anyone feel the armour design is reminiscent of Brute armour to some elites?
> Anyone feel the armour design is reminiscent of Brute armour to some elites?
YEP, definite.
> I feel like 343 failed on this point
Try looking at him from a different angle.
> and lazily just used Reach’s models.
That’s only the case for certain vehicles and weapons. I’m way past that now.
> Anyone feel the armour design is reminiscent of Brute armour to some elites?
I think it’s their stance and movement speed.
I love how you post a picture of a low res Halo 2 Elite and then say the latest model looks worse 
Good going.
I’m guessing updated graphics, more pixels per inch, better colour, improved graphics engine?
343 definitely took a lot of artistic license with the Covenant.
> > Halo 4 does not use Reach’s models.
>
> They seem to be more similar to Reach’s than Halo CE, 2 and 3’s.
In the sense that they are actually good graphically, yes. From a design standpoint, not at all.
First pic < Second pic
> > The grunts got it worse, they don’t even look like grunts anymore.
>
> Have you not seen the Jackals?
>
> I mean, they look cool, but they don’t look like Jackal.
It are mini Godzillas.
Halo 4 Elites likes to show more skin. 
> > Halo 2 was the pinnacle of (everything) Elite design. They went downhill in Halo 3.
>
> Got to disagree that looked good in 2 but the were also down-sized to MC’s hieght which ruined them for me.
Agreed, and seeing the posture of Elites squashed down in Halo 3 ruined them further. I like the way 343 is going with the Elites in Halo 4. They look big and imposing, but also violent and unpredictable. It’s pretty clear that these aren’t the noble elites of Halo 1, 2, or Reach (evident in their posture, armor, and general paler and rougher appearance) but they still look very much like Elites.