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Halo 4 promises big year for Xbox (images)

At its annual Spring Showcase, Microsoft and many of its video game developer partners showed off the best of what's coming on the leading console this year. Master Chief is the biggest name of all.

Daniel Terdiman
Daniel Terdiman is a senior writer at CNET News covering Twitter, Net culture, and everything in between.
Daniel Terdiman
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1 of 19 343 Industries/Microsoft

Halo 4

This holiday season, Master Chief fans get yet another chance to delve deep into the world of their hero. For the first time, 343 Industries takes over the Halo franchise, with Halo 4, which picks up where Halo 3 left off in 2007.

In this new game, players will have the chance to explore Master Chief's humanity--and to go Spartan on Spartan.

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2 of 19 343 Industries/Microsoft

4

The logo for Halo 4, which comes out this holiday season for Xbox 360.
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3 of 19 343 Industries/Microsoft

Master Chief Halo 3 v. Halo 4

A side-by-side comparison of the look of Master Chief between 2007's Halo 3 and Halo 4, which will be released this holiday season. The new game has basically rebooted the Halo franchise, and is the first Halo game by 343 Industries.
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4 of 19 343 Industries/Microsoft

Warhouse

In the early going, 343 Industries is showing just two maps from the upcoming Halo 4. One of them is Warhouse.
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5 of 19 343 Industries/Microsoft

Wraparound

This is Wraparound, part of the other Halo 4 map 343 Industries is showing in the early going.
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6 of 19 343 Industries/Microsoft

Master Chief

A look at Master Chief as he'll appear in Halo 4.
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7 of 19 343 Industries/Microsoft

Master Chief in Halo 4

Another look at the famous Master Chief, the star of the Halo series.
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8 of 19 343 Industries/Microsoft

Spartan v. Spartan

In Halo 4, players will be able to engage in Red Spartan versus Blue Spartan combat.
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9 of 19 343 Industries/Microsoft

Halo 4 weapon

A look at one of the signature weapons from Halo 4.
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10 of 19 343 Industries/Microsoft

Sparan IV

A look at a Spartan IV from Halo 4.
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11 of 19 343 Industries/Microsoft

Scene from Halo 4

A look at one of the signature areas that Halo 4 players will explore when they get their hands on the game this holiday season.
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12 of 19 343 Industries/Microsoft

Combat

A look at combat in Halo 4 featuring new weapons.
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13 of 19 Microsoft Studios

Porsche pack

In May, Forza Motorsport 4 players will finally get their hands on Porsches. A new expansion pack will feature 30 Porsche cars, including this 911.
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14 of 19 Lionhead Studios

Fable: The Journey

One of the beautiful scenes in Lionhead Studios' forthcoming Fable: The Journey.
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15 of 19 Lionhead Studios

Fable magic

A look at how the all-Kinect Fable: The Journey allows players to cast magic.
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16 of 19 LucasArts

Rancor rampage

In the new Kinect Star Wars, players can enjoy a mini-game that allows them to maraud around as a Rancor.
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17 of 19 LucasArts

Podracing

A look at the podracing in Kinect Star Wars.
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18 of 19 LucasArts

Jedi Destiny

A battle scene from Kinect Star Wars.
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19 of 19 LucasArts

Dancing

A look at the dancing mini-game in Kinect Star Wars.

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