Marks the first in-game appearance of the legendary Spartan-II squad known as Blue Team. Blue Team - comprised of Kelly-087, Frederic-104, Linda-058, and led by John-117 - was introduced in the novel Halo: The Fall of Reach and has played a key role in the expanded Halo universe.
Mike Colter provided the likeness and performance capture for the character of Jameson Locke and was originally going to voice him as well. However, when he was cast as Luke Cage in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Colter and 343 Industries mutually agreed to defer to his Marvel schedule and cast another actor to voice Locke. Thus, Spartan Locke retains Mike Colter's likeness and cinematic performance capture while Ike Amadi (who was a major contender for the role during the audition process) has been brought on to voice the character. While Colter voiced Locke in Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Amadi voices him in the "All Hail" live-action trailer and the game itself.
Nathan Fillion is reprising his role as Edward Buck from Halo 3: ODST. However, he is no longer an ODST he is now a Spartan.
The rumors that fan-favorite Keith David would reprise his role as the Arbiter have proven to be true; gameplay/cinematic footage from E3 shows the Arbiter assisting Spartan Locke in his hunt for the Master Chief.
First Halo game to feature tactical squad commands during gameplay.