Microsoft announced that its hyper-popular shooter series Halo will be appearing in a similarly massive game: Solitaire.
Announced on Twitter, Microsoft is adding a new Halo theme into the Microsoft Casual Games suite, applicable to both Solitaire and Mahjong. The theme replaces the traditional images of the cards and tiles with iconography inspired by the expansive Halo universe. Microsoft confirmed that all the designs were created by 343 Industries, the current developers of Master Chief's intergalactic adventures.
Fans of the long-running shooter franchise will recognize characters like Arbiter, Atriox, the Didact and, of course, Cortana and Master Chief. The card suits have also been slightly tweaked to represent Halo's far-future sci-fi aesthetic.
It won't be hard to access these new skins as Microsoft Casual Games is available for free on both PC and mobile. If you'd rather avoid those pesky ads, you can find Microsoft Solitaire Collection (but not Microsoft Mahjong) through Xbox Game Pass PC. Once you have the game downloaded, just head to the options and swap out the games' theme.
The reason for the crossover is currently unknown. It's possible that Microsoft is drumming up excitement for the impending release of Halo Infinite. The long-awaited next entry in the franchise has undergone a bumpy development, experiencing several delays since its announcement in 2018.
While many fans are excited to step back into the boots of Master Chief, others are gearing up for the game's multiplayer suite. Halo Infinite's multiplayer will be free-to-play, a first for the franchise, and will incorporate seasonal events and battle passes. The live service approach initially made players wary, yet the recent closed beta for the game left many impressed with the updated yet traditional Halo combat.
Halo Infinite is slated to launch on Dec. 21 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. It will also be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch.
Source: Twitter