The latest issue of GameInformer dishes details on Bungie's upcoming prequel, which promises bigger battles, better visuals, and streamlined combat elements.

Having thrown out the engine used for 3 and ODST, the developer has crafted a more robust graphics engine that supports larger spaces and bigger battles. says to expect big set pieces--significantly larger than those in previous iterations of the series.

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Also pledged are refinements to the combat system. Equipment has been streamlined to function as a third weapon slot and the health system from the original Halo: Combat Evolved is returning.

Also of interest is the removal of spiked and flame grenades. Standard fragmentation and plasma varieties remain, though.

Halo: Reach is slated for release sometime during the holiday season.

By Tracy Erickson