So, firstly I just want to state that if you’re reading this and haven’t seen the Legendary ending of the game, stop here before you spoil it for yourself. Although you’ll probably hear about it before you can anyways…
Having said that, I want to address the controversial, powerful and symbolic contents of the Legendary ending.
I’ve seen so many negative responses to this, many of which advocating that 343 is ruining the integrity of Halo and the Chief’s character by exposing his identity further than his ability to crack skulls and save the human race time and again.
Many others point out that most don’t wish to see the face behind the gold visor, as ANYTHING they come up with will be disappointing given the impossible expectations set by Master Chief’s legendary mystique and bravado. To this I can agree, but what needs to be realized here is more to the Halo universe than what we’ve experienced in the games thus far, and that 343 is more than fully aware of what they’re doing, and even more so aware of the fan perception. It’s their job.
That being said about perception, I’d like to say this…
This comes down to one thing, and it’s a personal thing…
Who is Number 117 to you? Is he the Chief? Or is he John? Or both.
There is a mighty significant difference regarding each perception.
The fact remains, Halo 4 is all about bringing the ‘John’ perception (so emphasized in the books) into better light. He is human. He is not an ambiguous machine of war, apathetic and unwavering.
He has heart strings too, and they’ve been strummed hard by Cortana’s demise and lingering last words.
He’s fought so many battles, confronted so many enemies, and saved humanity over and over…
But 343 brings a new obstacle to Chief’s plate, one that has irony rapping furiously at the door.
He must wage war with his own humanity, he must realize who he truly is.
A new and - maybe more accurately put - lesser emphasized perception is being developed here. I think this ending was brilliant, and only further shwocases how closely and compassionately 343 handles this universe, and more importantly, handles the mystery and integrity of John; the Master Chief; Number 117.