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In “Halo 5: Guardians,” 343 Industries continues to enthrall fans worldwide with the exploits of legendary Spartan super-soldiers and implacable Covenant foes on breathtaking new worlds. These worlds are populated by resolute heroes, implacable enemies, and intricately designed artifacts revealed here for the first time. From the Master Chief to the Hydra rocket launcher, “The Art of Halo 5: Guardians” is the ultimate exploration of characters, weapons, vehicles, and planets created for the latest entry in the engrossing Halo universe.
Guided by the experienced hand of Nicolas Bouvier, known as Sparth, who also penned the “Foreword,” this book bears his unmistakable imprint, immersing the reader in his unique artistic style. Frank O’Connor, the game’s mastermind, provides an insightful “Introduction” that sets the stage for the visual journey that follows.
The defining features of this book is without a doubt its breathtaking environmental art. The brilliance behind these visuals can be attributed to the creative genius of Sparth, Shae Shatz, John Liberto, and Darren Bacon. Their designs evoke a sense of grandeur, skillfully capturing the vastness and futuristic essence of the Halo universe. Many of these masterpieces are presented across two-page spreads, providing an immersive experience that makes one envision them as grand paintings suitable for framing and adorning walls.
Beyond the landscapes and backdrops, the book delves into the intricacies of character and weapon designs. While character designs represent an evolutionary process, acknowledging the iconic presence of Master Chief, they still manage to intrigue and captivate. Although the enemies receive relatively less coverage, their designs are nevertheless noteworthy.
The book doesn’t stop at visuals alone. It includes insightful designer commentary that sheds light on the creative rationale behind each design. Readers should be aware that, at the time of this review, the game is yet to be released, and the book covers a substantial expanse of its content, potentially revealing spoilers.
In addition to its rich content, “The Art of Halo 5: Guardians” features a well-structured format with chapter titles that provide organization and depth to the insights it offers. These chapters include “Pre-production,” “Environments,” “Characters,” “Weapons,” “Vehicles,” and “Wargames.”
“The Art of Halo 5: Guardians” is a stunning addition to the world of video game artbooks. Published in 2015 by Egmont Publishing, it’s presented in a high-quality hardcover format with a removable dust jacket, making it a collector’s item.
This book comes highly recommended, appealing not only to devoted Halo fans but also to enthusiasts of sci-fi art and captivating environments. “The Art of Halo 5: Guardians” is also an invaluable resource for the creative process behind a blockbuster video game, with exciting behind-the-scenes commentary directly from the art and writing team of 343 Industries. Details great and small are revealed, making this the ultimate exploration of the intricately designed galaxy and groundbreaking gameplay that define the Halo experience.
Artbooks Reviewed 