Halo 4 will forgo Firefight, getting Spartan Ops mode instead

The next issue of Game Informer will proudly feature Halo 4 cover art and should offer the biggest info dump to date.  Naturally, a few details have leaked early, and fans have already begun discussing highlights from the yet-unreleased issue.

One user on NeoGAF compiled a ton of Halo 4 details taken from the magazine, though you'll need to pick up or borrow a copy of your own for the full coverage.  Interestingly, 343 Industries has dropped the horde-like Firefight from Halo 4, but co-op fans can turn to the new Spartan Ops to get their cooperative fix. 

The new Spartan Ops mode will support up to four players and feature online campaign-like missions, with its own movie sequences and backstory, offering players another means of experiencing Halo lore -- particularly that surrounding the UNSC Infinity and the Spartan IVs.  According to the Game Informer feature, Spartan Ops should be comparable to the main campaign in both size and scope, and the gameplay will be primarily objective-based with regular weekly content updates.

More Spartan Ops missions, armor parts, armor abilities, and other items can be unlocked using the new "Spartain Points" currency. 

In the classic Team Slayer multiplayer mode, players may choose to respawn instantly after dying; it is unknown at this time whether the feature will extent to other game modes.  Random weapon drops (going by a random timer) will also be introduced, and multiplayer fans may be pleased to hear that Halo 4 will finally allow players to join in-session matches.

Armor abilities will return as well, bringing a number of favorites like hologram, jetpack, and active camo, plus the all-new "Forerunner Vision," which allows the user to see through walls.  Sprint will now be a included as a default ability (as it should be). 

Keep an eye out for the May issue of Game Informer in your mailbox.  Or, you know, head to the nearest GameStop and check out their magazine/guide rack.