Before Halo was released as a first-person shooter, the idea was being developed as a third-person combat/adventure game. While the concept model for that game’s familiar-looking Heavy Trooper character seems pretty dated when compared to modern graphics, its color scheme, angular armor panels, and the brim and gold faceplate on the helmet are all instantly recognizable as prominent features of a Spartan’s distinct battle suit. It’s not clear how long Master Chief had been continuously wearing his Mk. VI armor when the events of Halo 3 began, but he had obviously gotten it through the break-in period, and was now taking full advantage of the suit’s potential. The Chief’s appearance also became even more detailed, thanks to the graphics capabilities of the new Xbox 360 system. The game concluded with our hero “finishing the fight” and then going to sleep in a cryogenic stasis chamber, ending the first Halo trilogy the way he began it. Of course, anyone who’s played the Halo series knows firsthand what kind of wholesale mayhem Master Chief is capable of accomplishing, but they also know he doesn’t do it naked. Master Chief’s 1,000 pound Mark VI Mjolnir Armor interfaces directly with his brain, letting him control his actions with thought before he has to move even one beefy muscle. Despite its great weight, the Mark VI makes Master Chief move faster and jump higher than he ever could on his own. The suit also provides an energy shield that requires only a short period in cover to fully recharge. In technical terms, the Mark VI is totally legit. John’s appearance remains mostly unchanged in the most recent game in the series, Halo 5: Guardians, with the exception of further increased detail and graphical improvements due to the game’s release on the Xbox One. However, the wear and tear on his armor is becoming more pronounced the longer he spends in it, as his objectives continue to push his limits and lead him further into dangerous and unknown territory. Master Chief Petty Officer John-117, or just Master Chief as he’s better known, is the hero of Bungie’s beloved Halo series. Born on the colony world of Eridanus II in 2511 AD, at the tender age of six he was identified as the ideal candidate for the SPARTAN-II Program. Master Chief was secreted away to Reach to receive special training and surgical augmentation to turn him into the ultimate killing machine. At age fourteen Chief had the body of an Olympian athlete, nearly unbreakable bones, super strength and reflexes, and heightened eyesight. The program was a success -- Chief was a beast.

Ever since the hugely influential Halo video game franchise hit the scene in 2001, legions of gamers and fans of the series have dreamed about how awesome it would feel to strap into the battle armor worn by the Spartan super-soldiers the story follows. Such as the Spartans’ heroic leader, Master Chief Petty Officer John-117; better known as “Master Chief” to his allies, “John” to his closest friends, and “The Demon” to his worst enemies. During the Chief’s first video game mission in Halo: Combat Evolved, he wore his basic Mjolnir Mk. V suit through all of the action. While many other Spartans have later been shown to wear specialized and customized armor, the Chief tends to prefer standard issue gear. The exception to this is the experimental regenerating energy shield he carries, which was developed from captured Covenant tech, and gets him through some pretty tight jams in one piece.