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HALO: COMBAT EVOLVED (XBOX)
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Publisher: Microsoft.
Developer: Bungie. Released: March 2002 (Europe). Genre: FPS. Other versions: PC. Posted 6th December 2022. By Shane Battams © 2022 |
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Cast your minds back to the launch of the Xbox, a time when many cited Halo: Combat Evolved as the killer app of the launch line-up. While it perhaps does a disservice to some excellent games available day one, it’s also quite understandable. Bungie’s four-year odyssey, which included switching genres, perspectives and platforms, would see them precariously close to financial ruin, but an acquisition by Microsoft would prove both a saving grace and a gamble that paid off. Halo has established its legacy through several landmark instalments, helping Microsoft get a foothold in the competitive console wars. Revisiting the beginnings of the series some two decades later, the debut outing remains a classic sci-fi shooter with a stupendous campaign and excellent multiplayer.
Combat Evolved would prove a significant step forward for console shooters. The likes of Perfect Dark set the template, but Halo would usher in new technology to provide a smoother experience that highlights the importance of performance. While some explosive scenes suffer slowdown and more open levels did see the engine struggle a bit, it was lightyears ahead of competing games. Dual analogue sticks and steady aiming sensitivity make popping heads satisfying and easy. The aiming and controls feel attuned to the Xbox pad, taking advantage of the triggers by mapping grenades to the left side as well as the black/white buttons for the flashlight and swapping grenade types. In any mode, playing Halo is simply a treat, thanks to outstanding controls and keen-eyed adjustments for console players such as limiting carrying too many weapons.
A select few games are recognisable from a single screenshot. This will be synonymous with those who played Halo with their new Xbox.
The world of Halo proves engrossing, with some fantastic weaponry and designs. The expansive planet mixes tundra with purple-hued technology that feels unsettling. The spread of covenant forces ranges from bumbling grunts who cower when you take out multiple enemies, to more intimidating Hunters that utilise both devastating range and close attacks. Luckily, the assortment of firearms for combating these evolved aliens is fantastic. Military armaments include the iconic assault rifle with ammo count on top, a potent shotgun and sniper which can lead to some impressive ranged offence. You can also wield many of the alien firearms, which are far more outlandish. Energy-powered weapons mix with the Needler, which shoots crystallised rounds and results in explosions after multiple connections. Players also gain access to a plethora of vehicles from both races, including speedier Ghost ships and potent Scorpion tanks. Bungie crafted a world that beautifully sets the stage for a top-notch shooter.
Content is spread across two compelling modes, with a fantastic campaign that benefits from being fully playable with a second person in split-screen co-op. As a war between the Covenant and Human races rages on, the Pillar of Autumn is forced to crash land on an unidentified ringworld and leaves a spartan Master Chief onboard to transport the ship’s AI Cortana away from enemy hands. But their crash-landing on Halo sets off a chain of events they couldn’t predict. The campaign, spread across 10 levels, is simply brilliant. Swaying seamlessly between open-area combat with vehicles and more intimate corridor shooting, the potent AI proves a good challenge and adapts to your tactics with hesitancy or aggression, depending on the circumstances. Memorable twists, including the introduction of a mysterious enemy type that shakes the game completely, as well as the inherent flexibility with how you approach some scenarios make it a solo experience that is worth seeking out.
Content is spread across two compelling modes, with a fantastic campaign that benefits from being fully playable with a second person in split-screen co-op. As a war between the Covenant and Human races rages on, the Pillar of Autumn is forced to crash land on an unidentified ringworld and leaves a spartan Master Chief onboard to transport the ship’s AI Cortana away from enemy hands. But their crash-landing on Halo sets off a chain of events they couldn’t predict. The campaign, spread across 10 levels, is simply brilliant. Swaying seamlessly between open-area combat with vehicles and more intimate corridor shooting, the potent AI proves a good challenge and adapts to your tactics with hesitancy or aggression, depending on the circumstances. Memorable twists, including the introduction of a mysterious enemy type that shakes the game completely, as well as the inherent flexibility with how you approach some scenarios make it a solo experience that is worth seeking out.
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GoldenEye 007 was considered by many the standard-bearer for console multiplayer shooters, but Bungie would one-up this element with Halo. Four players on a single console or, if you have the equipment, up to 16 via system link, can partake in a slew of modes including Slayer deathmatches, racing and Ball which seeks you trying to hold onto a skull the longest. It’s immensely customisable, allowing you to change settings including match rules, options such as lives and weapon sets, limiting to a certain race and so on. Map design sees the interwoven Chill Out mixed with a Quake-esque Prison map along with the iconic Blood Gulch open space which plays wonderfully with the vehicles you can use. The only real blemish against this mode is a lack of bots, which means you need other players to even begin the mode, but to be honest, the absolute anarchy and over-the-top action you can cause with Halo’s toys of mass destruction is begging to be experienced with others.
Halo would prove an impressive showcase for the Xbox, with the aforementioned frame rate smoothness feeling like a big leap over the previous generation. Bungie would showcase a slew of visual techniques which leveraged the console’s power, including reflective lighting from your torch, dust thrown violently into the air from grenades and lively animations which add personality to each enemy you face. Large levels knock you down with their sheer size and impressive draw distance. Cut-scenes perhaps show some of the rougher edges of textures and models, but the animation looks excellent here too. The sound is perhaps even better. The highlight is the epic soundtrack, a collection of orchestra-powered symphonies that match the tone of every scenario. From the iconic theme which sends goosebumps down your arms, to the pulsating Brothers in Arms track, everything is brilliant. Sound effects sound chunky and add impact to your shots, grenades and melee strikes. The voicework is solid, especially the gruff turn from Steve Downes as Chief and the assortment of banter between enemy forces.
Halo would prove an impressive showcase for the Xbox, with the aforementioned frame rate smoothness feeling like a big leap over the previous generation. Bungie would showcase a slew of visual techniques which leveraged the console’s power, including reflective lighting from your torch, dust thrown violently into the air from grenades and lively animations which add personality to each enemy you face. Large levels knock you down with their sheer size and impressive draw distance. Cut-scenes perhaps show some of the rougher edges of textures and models, but the animation looks excellent here too. The sound is perhaps even better. The highlight is the epic soundtrack, a collection of orchestra-powered symphonies that match the tone of every scenario. From the iconic theme which sends goosebumps down your arms, to the pulsating Brothers in Arms track, everything is brilliant. Sound effects sound chunky and add impact to your shots, grenades and melee strikes. The voicework is solid, especially the gruff turn from Steve Downes as Chief and the assortment of banter between enemy forces.
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Halo: Combat Evolved would prove a turning point for console shooters, ushering in a new era of technical proficiency, excellent controls and epic spectacle, which set the trend for a generation. While the unfortunate “Halo Killer” moniker would be plastered on to competing shooters around this time, it goes to show just how brilliant this sci-fi shooter would be. Saviour of a console launch, the giant hit a developer needed to get their foot into the door of console shooters and an epic shooter that many fans still play to this day, Bungie’s incredible FPS is simply a must for any Xbox collector.
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VERDICT
"Halo: Combat Evolved ushered in a new era of technical proficiency, excellent controls and epic spectacle, resulting in a brilliant shooter. A must-own for any Xbox owner." OVERALL: 10/10 |
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