Game Cover

I think we're just getting started.

Platforms played on: Xbox, PC

# Review

This is one of the earliest games I ever played and in my opinion, it's one of the best first-person shooters ever created. This game single-handedly carried the Xbox console and it's not difficult to see why.

# Campaign

The story takes place in the 26th century, when humanity has colonized planets other than Earth. You play as Master Chief Petty Officer John-117, one of the augmented humans known as Spartans under the UNSC (United Nations Space Command). A technologically advanced race of aliens called the Covenant has waged a holy war against humanity and the Chief is on the forefront of humanity's struggles against Covenant forces.

The engine was incredible for the time and still holds up decently well today. The soundtrack is so good it got its own orchestral arrangement. The AI is also very smart, adding to a fast-paced gameplay.

Fast-Paced Gameplay

The story and level design are both legendary. There are also so many licensed content surrounding the Halo lore; from books to movies, these content greatly enhance the Halo universe and are actually decent to consume. What really drew me in was the community that had spawned around this franchise, encompassing fan-made shows and active forums; Bungie not only tolerated this, but actively encouraged and engaged with fans.

Halo Landscape

There are some things I didn't like about the campaign however, such as some repetitive levels where a level is just a retracing of a prior level and also some levels that were probably longer than it should have been (cough The Library cough), Overall the game is still an excellent classic that withstands the test of time.

# Multiplayer

Although the first Halo did not have an official online multiplayer mode, it did offer split-screen and LAN support. Countless hours were spent with friends playing the co-op campaign and battling one another during LAN parties.

Many a Dispute Was Resolved on Blood Gulch

# Conclusion

This is one of the best games ever made and one that is central to my childhood.

# Overall rating: 9.1

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