Halo Combat Evolved stands as a breakthrough in the history of console first-person shooters. In 2001, Combat Evolved broke the mold — establishing a unique sci-fi universe while drafting high genre standards still in effect today. It’s also responsible for drawing attention to the Xbox during Microsoft’s fledgling first steps into the console business. Sure, there were plenty of console shooters before Halo, but few titles helped establish a platform or had the same impact.
Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary Edition amasses a collection that celebrates the lauded franchise and, at the same time, gives players an opportunity to sample some of the best elements of the series. While Anniversary Edition sports the expected modes of campaign and multiplayer, they feel like separate gardens that feed into a larger whole — campaign is experienced through the original Halo engine, while multiplayer maps are designed using the engine from Halo Reach.
