'Halo' speculation: 'Guardians' will follow Classics release

How about this for the ultimate "Halo" game?

"'Halo: The Master Chief Collection' has been revealed for Xbox One. According to a report from Engadget, the collection will include  'Halo: Combat Evolved,' 'Halo 2,' 'Halo 3' and 'Halo 4.' And it will be coming out later this year." (Via IGN)
 
Engadget's sources claim the remastered bundle "will zero in on "Halo's'" most famous soldier to refresh audience's memories ahead of "Halo 5: Guardians' release."

That's likely why spinoffs like "Halo 3: ODST" and "Halo: Reach" aren't included in the set — Master Chief doesn't make an appearance in either game. (Via VISO Games / "Halo 3: ODST")

Now, Microsoft has yet to confirm the collection, and it's still unclear who the developer is or if the set will be released on other platforms.
 
But as Polygon points out, Saber Interactive is a pretty good guess on the developer front. The company was behind 2011's "Combat Evolved Anniversary" and is also working on an unannounced Xbox One project.

News of "The Master Chief Collection" came the same day current "Halo" developer 343 Industries announced the long awaited next installment in the franchise, "Halo 5: Guardians," is set to launch in fall 2015 on Xbox One.

Few details about the new game were released other than its box art, title and release date. But that's only fueled gamers' speculation about what this new installment will bring.

A writer for Game Spot points out the blue-visored character pictured opposite Master Chief in the box art is a completely new, male character — which an executive producer for the "Halo" series at 343 Industries confirmed via Twitter Friday afternoon.

It's too early to know much more for sure. But Microsoft says to expect some "Halo"-related talk during its E3 2014 press conference on June 9.