Halo Infinite has earned its spot as one of the best Halo games

Halo Infinite’s problems began before it was even released. Microsoft clearly intended for it to be the 2020 flagship launch title for its shiny new Xbox Series X console. At the time, the head of developer 343 Industries told IGN that Infinite was the last planned stand-alone Halo game for the foreseeable future. Instead of just a game, it would be a platform — the “start of the next 10 years for Halo.” A month later, 343 Industries delayed Halo Infinite to 2021, pushing it far outside of the launch window for Xbox Series X. (Embarrassingly, Halo Infinite imagery was literally printed on the box for launch-edition Xbox Series X consoles that made it to market.) When Infinite eventually released in late 2021, reviewers praised its open-world campaign but criticized its free-to-play multiplayer mode.