Halo 4 Limited Edition Announced May 16, 2012

Back in 2007, Bungie announced that they were going to release not just one special edition of the highly anticipated game Halo 3, but TWO.  One was going to be a special Limited Edition, which would have a comparable price and be similar to previous Collector’s Editions at the time, by coming in a quality metal case and include a bonus DVD, and the other was a SUPER premium edition of the game called the Legendary Edition.  The Legendary Edition included a premium display case for the edition, but also an exclusive bonus DVD which included extra documentaries that were not included with the game’s limited edition.  It also cost $135US.

In 2010, when Halo Reach was on the road to release, Bungie and Microsoft again decided to do something special.  As with Halo 3, they had a three-tier release with a regular game edition, a Limited Collector’s Edition, and a Legendary Edition which included all the content of the Limited Collector’s Edition plus extra exclusive content.  The Legendary Edition this time cost $150US.  Since Bungie did this, they re-defined what could be done with a game’s collector’s edition and other companies have tried doing similar releases.  Gears of War 3 had a three-tier game release (and a pretty much identical price structure that Halo Reach had).  In fact, there were other games which have released Collector’s Editions in the similar style and price of the Legendary Edition, like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

The official Halo Waypoint Twitter Feed has confirmed that 343 Industries and Microsoft will release a Limited Edition of Halo 4 on November 6th, 2012 for $99.99US.

On the digital side, they plan to include early access download codes for the game’s first map pack, which is coming post release and will include nine new maps.  You will also have immediate access to six new specifications, whereas others will need to unlock those through multiplayer.  You will also have special multiplayer armor sets and weapon skin.  Finally, they’re offering some extra Xbox Live goodies including exclusive emblem, Avatar Props, and SPARTAN-IV Armor for your avatar.

On the physical side, the game will come in a beautiful case and steelbook for the game disc.  You will also get access to a bonus disc which will include the extended 90-minute cut of Forward Unto Dawn, a live action Halo movie detailing the story of a young cadet who came into contact with the Master Chief and what he becomes.  The disc will also include special features for the movie, as well as behind the scenes content.  Also included will be a briefing packet for the UNSC Infinity, which will include content like SPARTAN armor specifications, and what it’s like to serve onboard a UNSC ship.  It looks like there’s going to be some serious attention to detail put into this to make it appear as if it came right off the real ship itself.

You can read all the details about the Halo 4 Limited Edition here at Halo Waypoint.  343 has confirmed they are not releasing a second Legendary Edition for the game.  My wallet thanks them.

Halo 4 will release November 6th, 2011 exclusive to the Xbox 360.