Currently, the Halo fans are having a heated argument about who really deserves to be considered in the fictional “Halo Mount Rushmore”. In an anonymous tweet, the user simply asked, “Halo Mount Rushmore – who’s your fourth?” and attached an image showing probably three iconic figures from Halo. But alas, without any of those precious replies, it has just taken the net by storm.
So what the heck? Well, if you are a Halo fan, you pretty much know that there are some legendary characters through the years. Master Chief? You don’t get your debates there. And there is the AI companion who has been with Chief from the start: Cortana. Most would probably agree that the Arbiter, the former enemy-turned-ally who made his first appearance in Halo 2, also deserves a spot. But that fourth face? That’s where it gets difficult.
Soft fans go for Sergeant Johnson, the brittle Marine who endowed the whole saga with spirit and laughter. There are other fans who go for 343 Guilty Spark, that very iconic and annoying monitor with a great impact in the original trilogy. Then, out of the box, you have Buck from ODST, Noble Six from Reach, or even Atriox from Halo Wars 2.
The initial poster has left us hanging, as there were no replies. They may have decided on three figures in the image and left the fourth open to nominations. Or they may as well have just been playing a time-honored game of provocateur, letting fans bicker about who really shaped Halo’s legacy. Either way, one thing is for sure: it’s encouraging some fun and very passionate debate.
Strangely enough, the whole debate gets very personal. For some, Halo is not just a game but a part of his childhood, a teenage life or even an adult existence. The specifics of selecting one’s fourth face do not only depend on the storyline; his resonance with a character tends to weigh heavier on one’s decision. That’s why you see such vocal arguments for people like Miranda Keyes or even the Prophet of Truth.
Honestly, this is the very thing that actually strengthens the Halo community: whether they framed their devotion by having over-the-top lore or just casually participating in the great gift of blowing aliens up, there will always be something to argue about. So who pops into your head for the fourth? Say so in the comment box and let the chaos rage on.
At least, whoever “wins” is slightly less important than the fact that this particular topic resonates so strongly within the fandom, which is a strong pointer at how alive the legacy of Halo is. Now, if you ask me, a real Halo Mount Rushmore… maybe as a DLC skin? 343 Industries: Are you listening?
