Microsoft
needs a flagship. They aren't going to just drop it, it is what made the Xbox what it is.
Just because there are a bunch of Mario games, or Final Fantasy games, or Call of Duty games, or Resident Evil games, doesn't mean that all the newest ones are bad. And if anyone tries to tell me Nintendo doesn't try to squeeze every dollar out of their in-house IPs...
Everyone gets so worked up when something doesn't end with the 3rd game, or if another studio takes over (even if the new studio has many of the people from the old one). Suddenly it's "all about the money". I'm not aiming this at anyone in particular - it just tends to be what happens. Yet people seem perfectly willing to overlook this in some series.
What really matters is the people behind the game. Halo is a rich universe - many games have rich universes. There are a lot of
stories to tell about the real world, why can't there be a lot of stories within Halo?
Quote: "I mean for one, neither Marty O'Donnell or Michael Salvatori will be worknig on the soundtrack. That's a killer for me."
I'd have to disagree with this. They aren't the only composers in the world, and frankly, their latest work on Reach totally lacked the Halo vibe (not to say it isn't good, but it didn't feel like
Halo to me). 343 just needs someone who is dedicated and creative - someone who will produce something fresh but interweave the classic Halo feel and theme.
That said, this is all totally my opinion, and you have every right to disagree. But just remember that Microsoft dollars have been behind every release.
EDIT: @ToastyFresh, you nailed some of my feelings as well.
