TOPIC : Master Chief's armor and Canon[UPDT1]

Games Other Halo
61

Hey there all, I know this thread is somewhat old, but I was scrolling through it, and I found some of the theories and explanations to be very engaging and interesting.

Having thought about this same issuer myself quite a bit, as I am a fan of the Mk VI armour, I feel I should bring my own observations to bear.

Essentially, the confirmed firmware/HUD update makes sense and is a valid change for 343i to make. However, from what I can see, the new suit is simply a redesign of the Mk VI, since the scar on the right hand side of the chief’s breast plate is still present, as it was throughout Halo 3, and would have been repaired if the armour was indeed upgraded or replaced by nano bots etc. furthermore, Frank did mention that the new suit has the Braille markings for ‘117’ imprinted on the other side of his chest. A nice, albeit unnecessary touch.

In conclusion, 343i are going to have some serious explaining to do concerning the canon reason for the change, but I feel it is good that they’ve built him the way they want him to look, and respect must be given to the art team for this. But, given that it is still the Mk VI, where did he get the jetpack attachment from!? Did he just suddenly remember he had it?

Anyway, thanks for reading and I am confident that we are all equally looking forward to Halo 4, and best of luck to the 343i team when the game is released.

62

deal with it reclaimer

63

Frank O’Connor stated in an interview it was nanobot technology that upgraded the MJOLNIR armor while John was in cryo-stasis. It’s a Cortana-variant armor, now. Yes, she did upgrade the firmware of his HUD, but she also activated the nano-bots and gave Chief his new, one-of-a-kind armor. It was a retcon, basically. The Mark VI had nano-bot technology.

You can watch the whole video, or skip to the 33 second mark.

64

They changed the armour simply because they were going for a new art direction, so they have a hard time explaining the change - as they said, don’t look into to much.
I heard something about Nano-bots, but whatever; 343 is changing a lot of things and trying to appeal to the hardcore fans with canonical reasons but so far, that all sound like cheap excuses.

65

It’s Dah Future! Anything is Possible! Cortana’s tinkering changed the armor! Plus it looks better now! My new favorite armor!

66

I can feel how this thread will face new wars when people get their game and start the campaign…
I hope this will not count as a spoiler, because it is just a clarification: this armor is infact the standart Mark VI. Cortana changed the firmware, right. But the hardware is just a redesign. Frankie’s statement is partially wrong/true, depends how you look at it.

Anyway, it will come clear with release BUT some questions will never be acceptable answered. But this works for me.

67

> Frank O’Connor stated in an interview it was nanobot technology that upgraded the MJOLNIR armor while John was in cryo-stasis. It’s a Cortana-variant armor, now. Yes, she did upgrade the firmware of his HUD, but she also activated the nano-bots and gave Chief his new, one-of-a-kind armor. It was a retcon, basically. The Mark VI had nano-bot technology.
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeZCVtf7jvc
>
> You can watch the whole video, or skip to the 33 second mark.

Also, upgrading the armor helped Cortana to survive because, as we know AI’s need to think and perform functions. In Human Weakness (Halo:Evolutions) she even compared performing tasks to breathing. With four years aboard a ship stranded with nothing to do. She could easily shut down or go rampant. The only thing giving her something to do is upgrade the chiefs armor.

Here is my theory

In short it means Shortly before reach falls Halsey gives Cortana the specs. for the Mk. VII (Which was in her journal) while she is stranded Cortana tries to upgrade as much of the chief as she can without removing him from Cryo. Therefore, he retains his helmet and the dents because she cannot fully upgrade him. And , other than the part that sticks out over the visor, there is little difference in the two helmets.

68

Okay who necro-posted…

looks to the poster responsible. 1 post

new guy…again.

69

> > Frank O’Connor stated in an interview it was nanobot technology that upgraded the MJOLNIR armor while John was in cryo-stasis. It’s a Cortana-variant armor, now. Yes, she did upgrade the firmware of his HUD, but she also activated the nano-bots and gave Chief his new, one-of-a-kind armor. It was a retcon, basically. The Mark VI had nano-bot technology.
> >
> > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeZCVtf7jvc
> >
> > You can watch the whole video, or skip to the 33 second mark.
>
>
> Also, upgrading the armor helped Cortana to survive because, as we know AI’s need to think and perform functions. In Human Weakness (Halo:Evolutions) she even compared performing tasks to breathing. With four years aboard a ship stranded with nothing to do. She could easily shut down or go rampant. The only thing giving her something to do is upgrade the chiefs armor.
>
> Here is my theory
>
> In short it means Shortly before reach falls Halsey gives Cortana the specs. for the Mk. VII (Which was in her journal) while she is stranded Cortana tries to upgrade as much of the chief as she can without removing him from Cryo. Therefore, he retains his helmet and the dents because she cannot fully upgrade him. And , other than the part that sticks out over the visor, there is little difference in the two helmets.

It’s a redesign…nothing else. Please read posts with facts first, before stating an opinion.

70

OK.
Canonically, Chief’s armor never changed.

Cortana ONLY updated his firmware, which means his HUD.

Chief’s new appearance is due to a change in art direction. Why? Well (my theory), his Mark IV armor from Halo Legends is now canon, as seen in Forward Unto Dawn. So, the Mark IV armor looks very similar to the original Mark VI armor. This makes very little sense because the Mark V armor looks completely different from it’s successor and predecessor. Pretty inconsistent.

So, they changed the armor to the point where at first sight, you immediately know it’s the master chief. It’s not until you take in the details that you see there are visual differences. It still comes together as being a Mark VI or a Mark VI variant, but also something that properly separates itself enough from the Marks IV and V.

71

It is the same Mark VI uniform he entered the Cryo-Pod in at the end of Halo 3. But Mark VI is apparently designed with Nano-technology, and Cortana has been able to modify/upgrade it over time in the years he was asleep.

Doesn’t make sense to me to be honest.

UNSC technology in Halo 4 is completely inconsistent with the rest of the series. The UNSC sure as hell didn’t have Nano-tech in 2552, and there’s just no way they could have reality-simulation/holodeck tech in 2556.

72

> OK.
> Canonically, Chief’s armor never changed.
>
> Cortana ONLY updated his firmware, which means his HUD.
>
> Chief’s new appearance is due to a change in art direction. Why? Well (my theory), his Mark IV armor from Halo Legends is now canon, as seen in Forward Unto Dawn. So, the Mark IV armor looks very similar to the original Mark VI armor. This makes very little sense because the Mark V armor looks completely different from it’s successor and predecessor. Pretty inconsistent.
>
> So, they changed the armor to the point where at first sight, you immediately know it’s the master chief. It’s not until you take in the details that you see there are visual differences. It still comes together as being a Mark VI or a Mark VI variant, but also something that properly separates itself enough from the Marks IV and V.

Except that Canonically, Mark VI “Classic” in multiplayer is meant to be the last variant worn by Spartan IIs Kelly, and Master Chief. And it still looks just like Halo 2/3.

Master Chief’s armour in Halo 4 has been described as “Extremely special custom-designed Cortana armour”. Meaning that only 1 armour like that exists and it is a modified version of the “Classic Mk VI” Master Chief wore in 2/3.

Also, the reason you cannot have it in Multiplayer, is because it is unique, only one version of it exists, because it was only ever modified in the time Cortana and Master Chief were together on the FUD.

73

> > OK.
> > Canonically, Chief’s armor never changed.
> >
> > Cortana ONLY updated his firmware, which means his HUD.
> >
> > Chief’s new appearance is due to a change in art direction. Why? Well (my theory), his Mark IV armor from Halo Legends is now canon, as seen in Forward Unto Dawn. So, the Mark IV armor looks very similar to the original Mark VI armor. This makes very little sense because the Mark V armor looks completely different from it’s successor and predecessor. Pretty inconsistent.
> >
> > So, they changed the armor to the point where at first sight, you immediately know it’s the master chief. It’s not until you take in the details that you see there are visual differences. It still comes together as being a Mark VI or a Mark VI variant, but also something that properly separates itself enough from the Marks IV and V.
>
> Except that Canonically, Mark VI “Classic” in multiplayer is meant to be the last variant worn by Spartan IIs Kelly, and Master Chief. And it still looks just like Halo 2/3.
>
> Master Chief’s armour in Halo 4 has been described as “Extremely special custom-designed Cortana armour”. Meaning that only 1 armour like that exists and it is a modified version of the “Classic Mk VI” Master Chief wore in 2/3.
>
> Also, the reason you cannot have it in Multiplayer, is because it is unique, only one version of it exists, because it was only ever modified in the time Cortana and Master Chief were together on the FUD.

The Mark VI classic is an easter egg/nod to the Halo’s 2 and 3. Even if the multiplayer is now canon, that aspect isn’t.

I haven’t heard any official content refer to it as special custom designed Cortana armor, and even so, it’s pretty much impossible for her to physically manipulate the armor while he’s in cryo. The nanobot theory COULD work but they’re only apart of the Mark VII armor. I mean, even the HELMET is shaped different and the visor.

74

Now, I’m very interested in the whole Cortana thing, with her being alone with no one but an armoured Popsicle to talk to, but I simply don’t see how the nano tech could be implemented while on board a derelict ship with limited power. And if MJOLNIR Mk VI does have nano tech, why are we only aware if this now? Why wouldn’t he get his armour repaired/upgraded at an earlier stage? (Because Bungie didn’t consider this eventuality perhaps), but I really think that the reason that seems to be rising as to why the armour looks different: ‘because Cortana was bored’, seems a little far fetched. I would certainly prefer to think of the new suit as simply a redesign, and I can live with that. I am still enormously looking forward to the development of Cortana’s rampancy, and how she and John deal with this. Oh, and I am going to find it hard to get used to John talking while in-game!

75

> Okay who necro-posted…
>
> looks to the poster responsible. 1 post
>
> new guy…again.

Yeah, really sorry if reviving an old post is an Internet crime, but I took an interest in this topic, and wanted to share my thoughts, just like everyone else. I hope that’s forgivable!

76

> > > > > > > > > > > In the latest video from Gameinformer, Frankie said that the look of the chief has changed due to different artists and more polygons to play with. HOWEVER, he did say that there is a canonical reason for the change.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > The canonical reason being that Cortana modified Chiefs Armor. As said i am skeptic but that’s how it is.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > I know how you feel. I just don’t see how rewriting software will change the hardware.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > She changes both i believe. She rewrites the entire thing, which is why it looks cooler in Halo 4.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Thank Jen Taylor for that people. Amazing voice actress and miracle worker.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > You believe wrong…
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Look at the previous post. I can handle being wrong but can you handle to give it a second look. I edited it. It covers any edits i need to make to my first.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I told you guys, i am skeptic that she could have changed the armor at during Chief’s cat nap. How am i wrong in this?
> > > > >
> > > > > Franky already answered that in the GI article and he did say, what I summed up in my 1st post.
> > > >
> > > > I realized that and i am wrong.
> > > >
> > > > While you continue to gloat, i really do hope you are satisfied. I appreciate you pointing out the error i made.
> > >
> > > LoL. I just clarified something that has been confirmed. We don’t need people like you, which are doing wild assumptions about things that have been already confirmed.
> > > If you feel insulted, I’m sorry, but I hate it, when I go into this forum and read something that is BS… And guess what, I’m not alone…
> >
> > One error on the armor. One that’s all you pointed out.
> >
> > If you want to be hostile fine, i really don’t want this end on a sour note. Do you?
>
> Sour note? I’m telling you how it is…
> Did you saw what happened in the last months?
> There was a rage fest, because of wrong interpretation of information we’ve got.

Bro, I’m telling you how it is, stop being a -Yoink- and get back to what you’re good at: slowly digging your own grave. Sorry, but I was reading through the thread, and I really loathe people like you.

77

There is no canonical reason for it. Franky might of said otherwise, but he lied. It was a retcon, plain and simple. The Scanned trailer as well as the first scene of Halo 4 shows that it’s now the armor all Spartan II’s wore all along.

Mark V is pretty much no more, and MC’s Halo 4 armor is not “unique” or “Cortana special” or w/e bull -Yoink- they claimed it was.

78

> …but I feel it is good that they’ve built him the way they want him to look, and respect must be given to the art team for this. But, given that it is still the Mk VI, where did he get the jetpack attachment from!? Did he just suddenly remember he had it?

Respect it? I don’t have to respect -Yoink-. Just like I can choose not to buy their product they are trying to sell to me.

I find it funny that they justify a complete revamp to an iconic character we all know and love by indicating increased polygon count bs, when in fact we’re still on the same game system we have been for the past 7 years and there was a MUCH bigger upgrade between Halo 2 and Halo 3, yet they CLEARLY knew better than to change the Armor because it wouldn’t make sense.

343 has changed the FuD, they’ve changed Chief, they’ve ret-conned not only Mark VI, but seemingly Mark V as shown by a ‘certain’ video. They’ve also decided to stick to some kind of canon when showing chief in a ‘version’ of Mark IV from Halo Legends (Not Mark IV from Halo wars), while using Elites and Jackals from Halo 4 in the same breadth in FuD the webseries.

Why is so important as opposed to something like Batmans costume changing? Usually not only are those reboots in the movie’s sake, but sequels take place usually sometime after the proceeding movie. You can then brush it off as upgrades/changes, etc. With a character like the Chief, you’ve created a icon that doesn’t even have a face behind the mask and your parent company has made it specifically inherent and important to make the armor THE CHARACTER. By changing it, you’re essentially rebooting the franchise, and hardcore fans aren’t going to be happy about that unless there’s a good reason.

While artistic differentiation is understandable and can be brushed off in side media like book covers, comics, videos, the game is the PRIMARY source of media and universe content and therefore canon.

They want to make the game and art design their’s by changing everything? Fine, doesn’t mean I have to buy it and you lose the money, I move onto a multitude of other games.

79

> > …but I feel it is good that they’ve built him the way they want him to look, and respect must be given to the art team for this. But, given that it is still the Mk VI, where did he get the jetpack attachment from!? Did he just suddenly remember he had it?
>
> Respect it? I don’t have to respect Yoink!. Just like I can choose not to buy their product they are trying to sell to me.
>
> I find it funny that they justify a complete revamp to an iconic character we all know and love by indicating increased polygon count bs…They want to make the game and art design their’s by changing everything? Fine, doesn’t mean I have to buy it and you lose the money, I move onto a multitude of other games.

Trust me, I absolutely see where you’re coming from there, you make some valid points, and I know that realistically, it makes little sense for John’s armour to be different in a game that starts off directly from the end of its predecessor.

What I personally feel is that a modern video game is, and should be, more than the sum of its parts. In this case, the armour is looked at as iconic, as indeed, it is, but it is still recognisably the Chief under that helmet. But we are asked to look beyond the armour, and we are now being put deeper into the armoured boots of the chief than we have been previously. 343i is going to make this trilogy more of a personal journey for John as well as for us, the players.

We must not forget that 343i also want, and to some extent, need, to make their own mark on Halo, and for them to simply add to what Bungie built may not be seen as progressive, rather simply trying to rekindle a flame from the ashes. 343i is lighting a new fire, with its own team and visual style. This can be seen in the soundtrack, which has already been released and that I am happily listening to right now. It is a wonderful score that is varied and that will match the game’s content brilliantly, just as Martin O’Donnel’s music did. It’s not the same, but its Halo, and its important to keep this in mind.

So really, to suggest that you are not going to buy the game because of a few changes that you disagree with is a little excessive. Where is the creativity if they keep everything exactly the same as it was previously? It’s not like his armour is pink with a blue visor, and Cortana still looks like she always does. The game is still very much Halo, and Steve Downes and Jen Taylor are reprising their voice acting roles so there’s nothing to worry about! If they were not in it then I’d have some concerns…

Anyway, there’s not long to wait now, and we shall all see what we think of it.

80

What? Complaining about this again?

Nanobots, Nanobots, Nanobots, Nanobots.
Cortana, 4 years
7 months and a few days.