In spite of its flaws, which are numbered, Halo Infinite will always have a special place in my heart.
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, I had a long distance girlfriend named Brianna. She was very special to me, but unfortunately, due to the Lockdown, we couldn't see each other in real life.
After we fell in love, it wasn't long until she told me everything about herself; she was suffering clinical depression. Her father was a drunk who abandoned her at birth and was stalking her while she attended college. With her mother gone and her grandparents neglectful, there was little she could do.
So I did the only thing I could do for her; be there. I listened to her vents, her rants, he mental breakdowns, and encouraged her to keep going, to keep living for her own sake.
She was grateful, happy. She even said to me, "I'll never leave you, even when I die."
And in August of 2021, she did, by her own hand.
It absolutely devastated me, and spiraled me into a deep depression, and my family cared little for my grief. I was struggling to keep my college grades up, and by the time I turned myself into a hospital, they were at an all time low.
Halo Infinite's story, touched me in a way that I never thought possible. Even though some people might dislike how it isn't centric on the Halo Universe itself, I do find it very unique how it's a story centered around the Master Chief, moreover, his struggle to absolve himself of guilt. It resonated with me, and reminded me of what made me human, and that it was ok to feel human, especially after over a year of suppressing my emotions just to survive the impending isolation of Quarantine. Chief's decision to spare The Weapon and give her a little trust really stood out to me, because it showed me that maybe...just maybe, I'll find someone I can show a little trust as well. Allowing another a.i. to enter his life despite the loss is really a leap of faith, one which I...am still trying to reach.
After playing the game, I made a vow to graduate, to which I did, for better or for worse. I'm still struggling to make friends, but I hope that like Chief, I'll find one who will help me finish this fight.
So yeah. I hope Halo Infinite remains for a very long time, and I hope it is given the love it needs.
Love is Infinite.
I'm sorry that you went through all of that and I'm especially sorry that your friend went through that and isn't with us anymore, may she rest in peace.
I'm happy that a piece of art was able to reach you though, I'm always amazed by the power that art has to reach us and teach us about the human experience. Even the most unlikely of art.