Review – Halo 4 Awakening Art Book

Halo 4 is arguably one of the best – if not the best – shooters out on the market. The Halo series has spawned fan-made films, novels, and more collectibles than you can imagine, and they’ve all done well. One of the things that helps set the Halo series away from generic shooters out there is its approach to its world, denizens, and objects found throughout the Halo universe. Titan Books has compiled a plethora of concept art from the recently-released Halo 4 into one book, entitled Awakening: The Art of Halo 4. The book was released on November 6^th, right alongside the groundbreaking game.

A total of 192 pages treat fans with gorgeous hi-res images, 3D models, and details of a world that’s been set in motion for years. Some of the images come from digital platforms while others have been carefully hand-drawn. Throughout the book’s pages you’ll find everything from planetary art to weapons, ships, and enemy units. There’s nothing that’s been left out on this project.

Awakening is split into chapters, each with their own focus on a certain aspect of the game. Before you even get into the art there’s a thoughtful foreword written by Kenneth Scott. In this entry Scott talks about the journey that the art crew has set out for fans, and over his excitement for traveling down the path that’s been laid out before the reader. It’s a great way to start off the book.

Following the foreword are the chapters as I’ve mentioned. First off we look at the vast environments that make up the landscapes for Halo 4. Afterwards we gaze upon the might of the UNSC, quickly followed by their enemies – The Covenant. Then we move into the ancient race called the Forerunners before finally closing out the book with some multiplayer environment content.

All together Awakening provides an enigmatic door into the artistic world of Halo 4. One of the things I’ve loved since the beginning of the series were its vast environments, unique life forms, and vast array of technology. Awakening delivers plenty of eye candy for fans, and at a price of just $35 it’s a perfect gift for a collector, or a great piece to add to the collection. Titan Books did a great job putting this piece together, and with books like this I can see a great future for the new trilogy in terms of presentation.