I was on vacation this past weekend, and I got a chance to read the new book, Halo:Evolutions: Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, and one of the stories, in particular, got me thinking about where Halo games might head, for the next console.  The book is a must-read for any Halo and sci-fi fan, imho, but I've heard so many comments from people in the past, asking what's the big deal about Halo.  Well, when you READ, rather than just rely on the games, you get the scope of how grand Halo truly is...and the countless tales of the IP. 

As to the point of this thread, the short story was titled, "The Return", and it's basically a story about an Elite Shipmaster going back to be planet that he "glassed" and the remorse and meaning he is seeking find on where to go from here.  The interesting part of the story, is that it takes place 6 years after the Covenant War, and it seems that basically the Elites are warring with the Brutes/Prophets over the betrayal they have experienced for thousands of years. 

I still have a sneaking suspicion that this presents a perfect opportunity to establish a FPS MMO, but I know that would be very controversial...

First we will see Halo: Reach - the prequel to Halo: Combat Evolved. Halo: The Return. Could be in the works and on its way as a 2012 release.

Halo: "The Return" = epic name for a Halo game.

LOL...anything dealing with Halo is epic, imho.

Good idea, but the next Halo game REALLY needs to show what's up with that planet the Chief was gravitating towards at the end of H3. Especially since it's believed to be Onyx.

How about Halo: Return to Marathon

Well...I think MC will probably be in future Halo games, but the context of hte conflict has changed...there is a civil war between the leading races of the Covenant, and that has some impact on what the game is going to be about.  Also, there was a short story by Eric Nyland about the Preston Cole, which points to the insurrectionist moving to region outside of UNSC space. Overall, I think there is alot of room for the narrative/plot of the games to shoot off in.

Oh, for sure.  The Halo-verse is becoming as detailed and vast as the Star Wars one, with even side-characters that are strong enough for their own plots.  I'm just saying I think they owe it to their fans to make the next one (after Reach) the one that shows us what's next in the Chief's adventure.  Especially for those of us who've read Nylund's books and know who currently resides on the planet Onyx.

agree with @thekitchensink about the next halo game after reach. also i always want master chief as the main character in the main line of halo games, if not i think m$ will lose that special appear halo has and with it, their sales of the games.

Masterchief is a special character, but Haloverse is more than just him.  I think Reach is going to open the storyline to more options than MC, but yes...I'd like to see the next Halo game bring back the character.  The return of MC will be epic, but I think M$ is going to save it as the launch title for the next Xbox.