What Halo Reach Taught Us About HOPE

[@jesta4767]

The masculine urge to keep fighting when all seems lost

[@ScrimmyBingus42]

*the human urge

[@Emu_calli]

One of my favorite

[@KH4444444444N]

​​@@ScrimmyBingus42 No. The masculine urge. He was correct.

[@jordanaguilar284]

​@@ScrimmyBingus42The Indomitable Human Spirit

[@jackpotskirazor3142]

Something I talked about in another video about reach but I'll gush about here as well: I love the use of the color blue in reach's campaign to represent hope: everywhere you find hope in the game you find the color blue. Even after Kat dies and you have the view of new alexandria burning with the reds and oranges of despair, Jun lights a blue flare to signify that the rest of Noble team was still there, and with them there was still hope. And the only mission where there is no natural blue in it is the last one, where you know you are on your own and are fighting to your last breath.

[@michaeljcaboose1152]

Reach is such a beautiful game, a nearly perfect sendoff for Bungie. I vividly remember putting the disk into my Xbox 360 and just staring at the title screen for what felt like hours. That main menu music filled my with something that stuck with me and hasn’t left. It’s the only time a game has ever moved me so deeply, without even having to play the game. I really had no idea what I was in for, Halo Reach really was the first game I ever played as an adult rather than as a child. It changed my entire perception on video games, from entertainment to art.

[@HeavenlyGhosts]

caboose? I haven't heard that name in years...

[@burgercook1741]

This video made me legitimately tear up. A masterclass of a video covering a masterclass of a game.

[@themeaninginbetween]

Thanks dude! Yeah Reach will do that. My wife and I played through Reach again in prep for this video and it definitely got me tearing up even though I’ve played it who knows how many times!

[@TheMartyODonnell]

This is an amazing video. Great work.

[@themeaninginbetween]

Thanks Marty! Reach is an amazing game, so great work to you as well!

[@GH0STCCC-vu5rz]

First Halo I ever played. Honestly may as well be the first video game I ever played. I'd go for hours on Reach with friends and family alike. Met so many great people and made so many great memories.

[@knightmare47]

same! I played this game so much with my brother, mostly the campaign until I was older. this game is what gave me good taste in media. best game I've ever played, it might be tied with rdr2. you feel such raw dread in this game, a feeling of hopelessness, then, it ends, there's not a happy part of this game and that's what I love about it, it's real in the sense that there's not always happy endings, sure they have jokes sometimes, but it's always to try and distract themselves from the depressing reality of war that they are in, seeing there friends die knowing that they might be next, but that every thing has to be done with purpose, otherwise what was your life for. that's what George taught me, in sacrificing himself, he blew up the ship and saved noble 6. just for a fleet of more to teleport in. that's the hopelessness, but George died thinking he saved them, and in a sense he did, if he didn't throw noble 6 out then they wouldn't have been able to deliver Cortana. it's all for a reason

[@GH0STCCC-vu5rz]

@@knightmare47 You took the words right out of my mouth my friend.

[@38forger]

a video about my favorite video game? splendid. going to watch this with tea and biscuits

[@noodlecup3]

Me watching this eating a bowl of spaghetti-o’s

[@MrGusMan]

fr

[@ray1001_]

That’s a great idea. The kettles on, going to watch this on my pc with some chai and biscuits too.

[@38forger]

@@ray1001_ Fairly based, gentlemanlike even.

[@coldsaturnight6777]

- How much dramatic you want to make your next video? - Yes.

[@cyndermayhem]

Your interpretation of hope is what got me through today, I appreciate that man. You've earned a subscriber. Please keep doing what you're doing.

[@themeaninginbetween]

I’m honored to hear that, my friend. You don’t give up hope, and I’ll keep making videos, and we’ll call that a deal!

[@The-Autistic-Strategist]

I like the describe Reach as Halo’s Alamo “Remember the Alamo!” “Remember Reach”

[@JLM-y5g]

"Tell 'em to make it count." Whenever I'm feeling down, or like I'm never going to amount to anything? I remember Jorge's words.

[@MentosPrimeUTKL]

Then you have Jun. “dying is cringe I’m out” then he just leaves with Halsey.

[@navb0tactual]

"Ha laytah losers"

[@Salesman40mm]

@@navb0tactual”Nothing bad ever happened to the Kennedyyysss”

[@MajesOnTheXbox]

In-between never misses with his videos. You deserve so much more recognition bro

[@themeaninginbetween]

Thank you, friend! More to come!

[@runesoldiero]

Agreed

[@NUCLEAR71124]

This litterally made me cry.

[@garrettv7421]

Thank you for this video, really needed this in every way possible in my life right now

[@derrmann328]

Brilliant. Even reach couldn't get away from the biblical trappings of the rest of the series. Great video

[@BigOldW]

This guy's recap in the first 2 or 3 minutes was my experience. I played Halo 2 and 3 at the neighboors around 2007, I was 5. I got halo 3 when I was in 3rd grade and my xbox got stolen two days later, got halo 3 ODST when I got an Xbox again in 2011, Halo's been a refuge since I was a little kid.

[@sullen9138]

How does this man not have more subscribers, loved this video

[@Bryan_705]

OMG, After watching Rogue 1 I thought that its literally Halo Reach’s story (I loved the movie though) and have always thought about that, neat seein someone else thought the same thing

[@themeaninginbetween]

Yeah I like Rogue One as well! It’s funny though, when my wife played through Reach with me, she said, “Oh this is just like Rogue One!” And I was like, yeah but Reach came first lol

[@brickyrobot8932]

That was way more philosophical than I expected and I am so here for it! Really enjoying your channel! Would love to see a review of Arkham Knight!

[@Grandpa76]

Your last video was a Halo movie script… now I want to see your Halo 7 script. You are worthy.

[@themeaninginbetween]

Well thanks, man! Guess I’ll have to give it a go!

[@WAYOFTHELOGICALMAN.]

@@themeaninginbetween you know what you need to do? You need to pull a paramount studios say that halo 4 to infinite are a separate timeline and continue writing the story where halo 3 left off

[@Grandpa76]

@@WAYOFTHELOGICALMAN. that’s cool too, but I want him to give 343 ideas for where they have to realistically pick up from. But… maybe if the remake rumors are true… they could forego Halos 4-Infinite as they remake the original trilogy and leave off from Halo 3 again 🤔

[@KDotz]

I like how you dive into the deeper meanings of the stories that often get overlooked

[@JDH324]

It is clear that you put a lot of effort into this video. I think this video will prove popular.

[@FUJIIDEW]

When I saw you didn't even have 3k subs, I was shocked. Phenomenal video, good job.

[@connorquerin]

Dude. Dude! This is well done. You've earned another subscriber :D

[@MIRAstudios]

Man, spectacular video. Perfectly encapsulated the vibe of Halo Reach, one of my personal favorites entries into the franchise. I'd love to see a video on Titanfall 2! I don't know if you've ever played, but the campaign is also amazing.

[@themeaninginbetween]

I haven’t played it, but I’ll add it to the list for sure! I grew up with Halo, but I’ve gotten so many great suggestions on what to play and dissect next!

[@doughdip8910]

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Whenever I play this game this verse resounds in my head. I grew up with Halo Reach also and it helped me really understand tragedy in life. But the also of the hope of it through it. Truly one of the greatest comedy and tragedy made in our lifetime. For those that have served their countires or had loved ones do so, this story really hits home. I owe a lot to the story that halo reach gave us and Ironcialy it definitely testifies of Jesus in ways you would never expect.

[@the_selchies]

Absolutely fantastic shit man, I’ll be looking forward to more🕺

[@themeaninginbetween]

Thanks! On a short break because I’m cooking up something big, but more is certainly coming!

[@carsonwheat546]

Using my favorite game franchise to share the gospel. Take my sub

[@user-pl6xp9nv1j]

I love good story telling, and always felt like videogames have been underrated mediums of them for the longest time. But there are games like this one that I believe have better stories than any movie or tv show out there. Thanks for making this video. Loved watching it.

[@plaguedoctormoose]

Reach means so much to me. Halo CE and Halo 2 were the first games I played, but Reach was the first game to suck me into the community element. I've been playing videogames almost my entire life and nothing has ever made me invest so much time like Reach has. There is no game that has clans or groups that are even CLOSE to Reach's level. I was one hell of a clan kid looking back. From my first raid defense and offense to spending six months to get my Spartan III tags, Reach means so much more to me than a simple game. The clan community is a hollow shell of what it used to be and all of us within the community know that, yet we still hold out hope that maybe one day it would return to it's former glory. Maybe one day. James-G037 out.

[@ClintonUpchurch-o8x]

Id say you are very right about everything you spoke on here. Im going through my own personal darkness right now waiting for the light to come. and i know deep down that one day the storm will pass away. I will keep fighting forever to see that light. I hope all of you do the same, which is to never give up.

[@aarontylerbellfilms8486]

Watching this after just returning from meeting Steve Downes at Collect-A-Con today in Atlanta. I told him how much I enjoyed watching the interviews you did with him and Marty O’Donnell. He looked happy to hear that. Great work once again, and I appreciate you tying this in with Christ in this video.

[@themeaninginbetween]

Thanks, that’s awesome to hear! Congrats on meeting the legend himself!

[@ddubsgarage8285]

I love your channel, dude. Really makes me look inward and that is not something we all do every day. Appreciate you.

[@themeaninginbetween]

Thanks man! Lots more planned. I’ve had such a fun time making them and interacting with the community

[@ddubsgarage8285]

@@themeaninginbetween hell yeah! I’m excited to see what you make in the future. Long live halo 🤘🏻

[@CodyRoseDrums]

Amazing video as always! “Remember Reach”. Maybe an ODST video next? :)

[@ChakLok]

What’s up with all these high quality videos with so little views ???

[@William-Nettles]

Seriously the best video essay on Halo Reach I have ever watched. Props to you

[@gooseairsoftca]

I love everything about this Video From my previous love of the game, to the way you connected my faith and how the sacrifices mirror. Beautiful Video Sir

[@themeaninginbetween]

Thanks a lot! There’s much more to come like it. I enjoy discussing often the overlooked meaning in some of the greatest stories we have!

[@tacticaltexan4102]

This was such a beautiful video, well done.

[@Lahgic]

Something important about Hope in those prisoners was having a realistic view of Hope in living and one day being rescued. The prisoners who would put unrealistic expectations on being rescued like “we’re gonna be rescued next week” or “it’s be before the year is up” and were consistently disappointed by not being saved were the prisoners who typically died the soonest because though they had hope, it was placed into a timeline that they would be repeatedly disappointed by. But the prisoners that had hope that they would one day be rescued and saved and pressed into that kind of trust were the ones that would make it. Because they had a healthy outlook on hope and that rescue would surely come one day

[@spike-rf2dc]

Holding out a glimmer of hope in the face of total oblivion is what it's all about baby. Similar experience to you where Reach was the first Halo I experienced the whole life cycle of, and looking back, it's truly incredible how much meaning was placed in every facet of the game from the art direction to story choices. Halo Reach DESPERATELY needs a novelization to expand on Noble.

[@noahvarias4861]

I cannot wait to see all the stories you’ll tell as time ticks on

[@ActuallyIzzy]

Brother, thank you for the Gospel/Paul connection in this vid. Every moment before I was like “is this man ministering with Halo Reach?” God bless!

[@michaeljcaboose1152]

This is the best video essay ever, of all time.

[@Gandwarf213]

You have a gift man. You put my feelings into words in a way I couldn't have imagined. Thanks for this. I love all the themes you bring up and how they are all connected. I was moved to tears several times through this one.

[@themeaninginbetween]

I am honored, dude! Glad it was meaningful to you! Much more to come soon. Thanks for the kind words!

[@JMAN-pg4tg]

Another masterfully crafted video. We need to get this guy more subs

[@angelcamacho9057]

I played them all from the very beginning. But Reach for some reason is my all time favorite.

[@matthewb94]

Great video, brother. Keep up the good work!

[@masterkwiefe]

This video and monologue is fantastic, you've earnt yourself another subscriber 🫡

[@DavidRodriguez-zo1zk]

Excellent background music holy crap it hit me feeling some crazy feelings

[@boomslick2436]

Absolutely purely amazing video, I love it so much.

[@BROCCOLI_AMES]

That was insanely well done, keep it up man!

[@auxilirious]

Wow that Jordon Peterson quote is amazing, not only does that apply to Halo I think it works even better with the meaning of Silent Hill 2

[@tsunderemerc2963]

When I die, I want my ashes to be scattered across Forge World, from the iconic starting hangar all the way to the canyon's distant beach. That place is home. The campaign is cool too ig. For real though, I love the hopeful tone set all across Reach, and at least one game that demonstrated how badly humanity was really doing in the war. Back then, it was special to see more than one Spartan, so it hit that much harder to see almost all of them die.

[@Ghaos]

You earned my sub with this video. Kudos.

[@matthewrogersmusic]

Man that quote by Peterson is awesome. That’s pretty much a perfect summation of the Hero’s Story. Love the video man

[@owenbrandon8370]

It’s actually criminal how few views and subsrcibers you’ve got. But I have hope (see what I did there) that you’ll be a big name in the KZbin space if you keep trying at it, man!

[@themeaninginbetween]

Thanks man! I’m excited for the great journey ahead!

[@switchboy2320]

Despite its flaws. Reach was my first and favortie game of all time. It's campaign is something we will never get again in first person shooters or gaming. Multiplayer yeah was awful but man it was fun

[@woodsgump]

Absolutely loved the video, I am glad that it's a fresh original perspective on the game instead of the typical "glory days of Halo" or "childhood war". I love how you structured it as an educational and relatable approach to keep it engaging and meaningful. I admired how you scrutinized Reach as a Shakespearean tale of tragedy but there is some glint of Hope in it. It's like Star Wars when they did Rogue One transitioning to Episode IV: A New *Hope*. To give my cent to the era of gaming, I was like you. 2 years old when CE released and 5 when Halo 2 came out (the best Halo game I argue). I recall vaguely growing up in the late 2000s video game culture was niche, chill, and exciting. Everybody got along and Halo was the hot staple with Microsoft. I was active at the major events such as getting recon in Halo 3, playing ODST, and most memorable of all the Halo Reach beta. Now as an adult I may or may not have a favorable view on Reach because of the weapon balancing and the multiplayer, but I respect the setting and the context it was given leading up to Halo CE. At first glance when I saw the title of this video, I thought it was going to be comparing and contrasting the video game and the novel by Eric Nylund. It was more than that. It was what you said a tale of tragedy and some religious themes can be intertwined within it. Today tragedy is handled somewhat mixed. I would argue that I really like the themes of Halo Infinite. The themes of becoming a "Legend" like Chief and rescuing the marines from the Banished, resolving loss over the mourning of a loved one (Cortana), and brotherhood (the Pilot and Chief). Before anyone comes to respond me with the blatant negative criticism of Infinite's writing, think about how the game is a spiritual reboot of *CE* and a direct sequel to *5*. Cortana ruled the galaxy with the Guardians, the UNSC losing, Chief's guilt over the death of the original Cortana and how he moves on from it by giving the Weapon a new meaning of purpose. How is this related to tragedy? There have been unfortunate events and destruction (the UNSC Infinity), but at the end of the game the Pilot is refueled with a lot of *hope* because of Chief's valor. Anyway, enough tangent I really liked the video and hope it gives *hope* to not only those who believe in Christ, but also the old and new fans of Halo that feel resentment with modern Halo and pondering the future of it. Because I only wish we all get together again like two decades ago and help/support each other in these desperate times. ♥

[@ethanklein8406]

Being born in '99, being a fan since halo wars came out and halo 2 being my all time favorite; this franchise means the world to me. Playing split screen with my brothers for years. Playing shotty snipes, splockets and beating the hell out each other when once of us screen peaked. My brother's have moved away. One has written me off. I just wish I could go back one more time and play with them again. To feel that again. My children will always be sharing the halo bonding legacy. So I can at least take a lojg night of solace in that.

[@dezkeiz4946]

"There are so many stories where, some brave hero decides to give their life to save the day, and because of their sacrifice, the good guys win, the survivors all cheer, and everybody lives happily ever after. But the hero..never gets to see that ending, they'll never know if their sacrifice actually made a difference, they'll never know if the day was really saved. In the end, they just have to have faith. Ain't that a bitch." - Leonard Church

[@Omnia-Via]

Probably your best video on the channel. I found you by watching the Halo TV show reboot and I was originally put off because I didn't like it but your channel is definitely a hidden gem even if you have a couple swing and misses.

[@antwonandrew]

Halo, Jesus, Jordan Peterson, Psychology bro you are dope keep going!

[@LOLDUDE641]

Wonderful watch. All of your stuff's really well put together and so full of thought. Jordan Peterson's speech set against snippets of the games moved me especially! Keep up the great work, man. Although, you didn't seem to discuss The Fall of Reach, contrary to the title and description of the video. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it and why you feel Bungie's retconning of it was justified (or not)!

[@themeaninginbetween]

Thanks man! Yeah the “why it was changed” is more implied, like it wouldn’t have had this incredible new story that branched off into this. I’ll have to make one like that! It could be fun to get into that!

[@Starlesslemon]

Noble 6 is Jesus confirmed

[@Pretty_Boy6]

He died so that we could live, he died so that his Courage would pass into us all.

[@KDotz]

😂

[@MSaleh-vy8rr]

I see why people speculating he survived in a cave 😅

[@MenacingThreat]

Entangling the Bible with my favorite Halo game in a video essay was unexpected, but a welcome surprise!

[@kybermedved]

Thank you for this great video.

[@LoveWolfe]

Mentioning Jesus and biblical events with Halo Reach is awesome. Keep this up 🤝

[@acezebra9455]

halo reach was my first halo game absolutly love it

[@brendachavez3966]

I was like six or seven when halo infinite came out so halo seven is gonna be my first time waiting outside the GameStop for like four or five hours just taking a copy of the new game. I remember playing it for the first time it took ages to load, but it was still awesome.

[@KirstenBayes]

Loved this. Not all my Halo Reach buddies survived the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. We hold onto hope of seeing them again.

[@猫のターボ]

despite me being fan of other fandom, Halo wi and always have a special place on my heart. especially when i was born in july 11 which if anyone realise, (11/7/). I just wish i get to play Halo again but my pc is a potato and can only handle L4D2 and Roblox.

[@northhugr]

the Dostoevsky intro was top tier

[@stickmastergib3665]

As someone who was also a Reach kid and is now in the process of becoming Catholic, your channel is a gift that keeps on giving. Nobody does the Halo series more justice by tying in psychological and Christian themes. Your channel name is perfect because these videos are deeply meaningful and this might be your best one yet imho. Really hoping you blow up soon cause this is a real gem 💎

[@themeaninginbetween]

Well that is super meaningful to hear! My wife and I are also in the process of becoming Catholic, great to hear from more people in the same spot. And yeah I plan to eventually grow into more pop culture than just Halo and explore the meaning behind them, but halo is a great foundation because it’s so dang rich and gets less credit than I think it deserves. Anyway, thanks so much for the comment!

[@LANGIMATION]

People often criticize halo reach for it straying form the book. The book that was not written by bungie about a story they wanted to tell themselves.

[@ChairmanKam]

I mean, for me Reach was always a complex game to have a relationship with because the gameplay first started to feel like it was getting away from Bungie and the story conflicted with the book which was formative to my Halo experience, but you're not wrong about what it was trying to do.

[@jr117jamesstrait5]

This video is beautiful.

[@themeaninginbetween]

Halo Reach is beautiful. and thanks!

[@aphoenix7342]

Great video man keep it up, halo is the best

[@Drakon0Blade]

Reach was the crown jewel of bungie to be sure, really nice run through. If you want something old and deep to look at, look up Sacrifice (2000) by Shiny Entertainment; great game, one of the first action/RTS hybrids ever made and it has a phenomenal voice cast including Tim Curry and Brad Garrett. Also some of the craziest magic I've ever seen in a videogame. Now you've got me thinking I need to start making videos, I must be one of the only "Doom Kids" out here (I was 4 when Doom launched in 1993 and was lucky enough to grow up on a PC)

[@Cynane27]

This game is truly a work of art.

[@croft2710]

Video games back then were the something else . It's sad seeing the video game industry focusing more on easy money than quality, especially halo . I had never had the chance to be part of the halo hype sadly and as the situation gets worse I may never experience it . But as you said there is hope , the passion that you , the youtube creators have for halo is just beautiful and I hope there will be a pay of for all of you soon .

[@daltonburroughs3811]

The Reach Beta had better balancing than the final game. Really sad that version of Invasion didn't make it into the final game too.

[@trueblueyahoo6185]

“There are so many stories where some brave hero decides to give their life to save the day, and because of their sacrifice, the good guys win, the survivors all cheer, and everybody lives happily ever after. But the hero... never gets to see that ending. They'll never know if their sacrifice actually made a difference. They'll never know if the day was really saved. In the end, they just have to have faith. Ain't that a bitch.”

[@CAL2ski]

Discuss Cowboy Bebop! I think you could say a TON about it! Also as a non-reach kid, I felt like it failed in a lot of way for me to make me feel for most of the cast, giving them little to no personality besides the generic roles they fill. Regardless, and as the years have gone by, and more lore has come out for the members of Noble team, I appreciate what they did and sacrificed, as simple as reaches story may be, though I feel like a lot of it comes from the second half of the campaign, which I feel like fits the tone way better for Reach and what it tries to tell within it’s story. But yeah, thought I’d add that too since you said you wanted non-reach kid opinions on it lol, but loved the video and I think Cowboy BeBop would be great

[@Hard6Mota9]

Truly amazing well put together content in this all in one video, life, man's search for meaning, the Lord Jesus Christ, reach. Hope is passed down all with the torch 🔥

[@cashsarihs]

"It's enough to make a grown man cry"

[@jaxsgamesiguess9731]

Theres so many videos about how awesome reach is

[@strandy4256]

What a hard line to start with.

[@suyinmorales1118]

6:43-7:20 I dont know if that was intended or not but Nice redvsblue reference. Church basically says the same thing in the ending to season 13. Aint that a bitch

[@themeaninginbetween]

Actually not intended, but great catch! I see what you mean!

[@Cynane27]

Subscribed

[@tylabs6766]

Goes hard when ya dealing with depression lol ❤

[@themeaninginbetween]

There’s hope on the horizon, my friend. Truly, there’s more to you than there is to the tragedy.

[@tumblrvictim]

Ya had me until you brought up the bibble and the lobster man lol still a great video tho

[@Greaseman762]

im a reach kid n proud

[@Cynane27]

This is brilliant. I thought it was excellent how you linked it with the bible.

[@ChairmanKam]

2:12 Meh. Felt like a doomed attempt to replicate ODST's unbeatable ad.

[@zaqu45]

That's an incredibly hot take

[@johnfritzjerald4535]

​@@zaqu45facts

[@mayurvashishth1484]

What is the name of the violin song towards the end of the video?

[@themeaninginbetween]

I’ll have to check the name and get back to you on that! But I got them all from epidemic sound for this video.

[@mayurvashishth1484]

@@themeaninginbetween Found it. It is Diametrical by Aerian.

[@lumskull1084]

Reach was the last truly good halo game, there are some things that annoy me about the MP like bloom/ armor lock, but the customization was amazing, it’s just sad how fast the franchise died as soon as 343 took the mantel of responsibility and started changing critical lore turning it into something stupid

[@themeaninginbetween]

#RememberReach

[@KujGaming]

"Reach sucks ass" -everybody 10 years ago.

[@DomkriLambda]

Can you cover some Half-Life series, please? Videos like this shows that games are art.

[@YumYumUji]

so what you’re telling me is that noble team is jesus