Cortana: A Sidekick worth Playing

The Halo series represents the start of a new generation of gaming. The original game, Halo: Combat Evolved was one of the few launch titles on the Xbox and it instantly became a huge success. This quickly propelled the series into what it is today.  With many other games, bestselling novels, graphic novels, and countless other products and spin-offs, Halo has become an icon in popular culture.

The undeniable star of the series is Master Chief, or John-117. He’s a towering, commanding, and skilled cybernetically-enhanced super soldier that is never seen without his trademark green armor and helmet. His lack of words allows the players to assume the role of the faceless protagonist and through his perspective become the hero.

Maybe this is why Chief has become so popular, but none of his accomplishments would be possible without his sidekick, Cortana. Cortana is an artificial intelligence, recognized by her distinctive voice and scantily-clad figure. She serves as your partner throughout the entire series and is one of the most important figures in the Human-Covenant War – along with Chief.

Cortana was created as a game design requirement. She was intended to be a creative way to guide the player through the mechanics of the game. As the series progressed, Cortana became as important to the game as Chief. Writer and cinematic director, Joseph Staten stated,

“Over time, Cortana became a fully realized character—a friend and companion to the Chief, not to mention the only person to poke revealing holes in his tough-guy exterior.”

She became a character of authenticity. Her involvement in the events of the Halo series makes her just as significant as Chief. I mean, she even saved him on more than one occasion. It’d be interesting to play the game from her perspective-see everything tinged a little blue instead of the orange from Chief’s visor.

For this to be possible, we have to look at Cortana as a physical being instead of a string of data. Her actions in the game can be easily made into events for the player. She can infiltrate computer systems and can run warships and military stations basically by herself. She also is effective and creating battle strategies. As an actual soldier, she has the potential to provide very interesting gameplay. Think about playing as Cortana during the Fall of Reach. Her actions saved the Pillar of Autumn. Also, four years alone on the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn leaves a lot of potential for Cortana to engage in her own adventures.

Cortana is an amazing character, but to clarify; I would never want to change Halo. The relationship between Master Chief and Cortana is one the few relationships within the series. It is both complex and perfect. Although it would be interesting, Cortana is best left as originally designed. Her character is unique and she serves a very important purpose in the game. She is what makes Master Chief human.