With Gamescom just a few days away and the news that has popped up about the Xbox One not really featuring the Halo 5 game during its last showcase, fans have still not given hope regarding the upcoming game from 343 Industries.

To date, the game is still in development, and if Microsoft is looking for a way to boost its reputation for those who may still be looking at which console to get for next-gen Gamescom is the best way to make that great impression, starting with a possible announcement of the Halo franchise.

For the most part, previous reports have already put 343 Industries at the helm of the next Halo game, though there have not yet been any specifics as to whether the next game will be following the numbered installments, as there have been a number of projects that have come up following the E3 2013 reveal.

But with just a few days to go, here is a compilation of all the predictions and wish lists of fans from different Halo 5 forums.

The Arbiter and Cortana

There are mixed receptions when it comes to the Arbiter. In the 343 Industries forums section, an entire thread has been devoted to the Arbiter.

According to Fred, "I think the Arbiter will be back for Halo 5. He will come to Earth asking for the help of Master Chief and the UNSC to put a stop to the Covenant civil war. 343 Industries also said Halo 5 is going to be darker. What I assume from this is important characters are going to die and worlds are going to be consumed/destroyed."

"Creating great characters is always welcome, but I feel like Bungie butchered the great potential of the Arbiter with Halo 3. His introduction in Halo 2 offered an entirely new perspective to your relentless alien enemies in the first game and changed the dynamic of the franchise altogether," said Jasper.

"Even though I would love for his return, I find a hard time finding an appropriate story outlet for it. He returned to his homeworld to a life of peace for a reason."

Cortana has also been a major hot topic despite her demise in Halo 4. Talks about her revival and the different ways to do so have been rampant in forums and debates.

In the Raptr forum, several have been trying to figure out what kind of plot twists a revived Cortana can bring to the table of Halo 5.

"I like that idea of Cortana being an enemy for a moment. That was kind of teased a bit when she was going rampant. I really like the idea of Chief having to convince/remind Cortana of who she is," said Tigerian Winter.

There have even been reports looking at the debut Halo trailer in E3 2013 digging for clues on the possibility of a resurrection for Cortana. According to HaloFollower, the trailer depicted Master Chief in a rocky planet holding what appears to be an AI chip.

While there are no definite notions that this is Cortana's chip, the report echoes what other forum posts have been trying to speculate on--that Chief is trying to revive her through Hasley.

For the meantime, Microsoft has already announced that the Halo trailer that was seen at E3 2013 is not Halo 5. But even if this is the case, fans who may be looking for a Cortana revival may see it in a possible spin-off the game, granted that that's what the trailer is all about.

What's your take on the whole Cortana and Arbiter debate?

Fan wish lists and Top Tens

Wish lists have also been rampant for the Halo 5 franchise, most of which either echo the need for Arbiter or Cortana, or focus on the weapons and gameplays of the upcoming installment.

Forge Monitor posted his top 10, which also resounds the battle cry of Arbiter fans:

  1. Arbiter and his allies
  2. New elements such as a friendly Scarab/Pelican
  3. Return of the Brutes (made possible by the Emulators)
  4. Stealth missions with silenced Magnum and ODST SMG
  5. New, creative skulls
  6. Varied enemy classes
  7. Campaign theater
  8. Actual boss battle
  9. More complex, darker plot
  10. Aerial missions with Pelicans/Falcons/Phantoms

Stab Stab Stab has also given a Top 10 list, this time focusing on elites campaigns, boss battles, vehicle for the UNSC, quality of armour, and campaign loadouts.

Hopefully, Gamecom will have something to reveal regarding the Halo franchise. With E3 providing the smallest bit of information, Microsoft could up its ante for this round against PS4. Meanwhile, what's your wish list for 343 Industries upcoming Halo game?

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