Halo: Combat Evolved

After missing out on this game's first release, I've finally got the chance to play this game for the first time. Halo is one hell of a shooter and it reinvigorates the genre in so many ways. Firstly, the story is well told and captivating with humanity's struggle against an alien enemy hell-bent on destroying the human race. Master Chief, the hero of the story is one of the coolest looking characters in video game history along with his spunky A.I. companion, Cortana. The voice acting is first rate, giving one of the most compelling and convincing performances to date and the moment I heard this side of the virtual spectrum. But that's not all. Adding to the atmosphere of the game is the balls-to-the-wall blistering action, suspense coupled with movie-quality cut-scenes with a masterful and epic soundtrack composed by Martin O'Donnell, one the most beautiful compositions ever for a video game. And it's got great multi-player to boot and it's execution is very innovative throughout.

Speaking of action, the best parts of the game are the action sequences. Taking on groups alien soldiers with just a limited selection of weapons, to blowing a Banshee out of the sky with a rocket launcher is immensely satisfying. The action is SO GOOD I felt like I was in an Arnold Schwarzenegger film!!! The fact that you can only carry two weapons makes for some pretty interesting tactical strategic thinking. And I gotta admit, I was certainly enthralled with this aspect of the game.

My only real complaints is that it should've been a little longer and the level design more varied and some of the vehicles, namely the Warthog are hard to control. But since this is an old Xbox game, it's easy to overlook these gripes.

As someone who likes action games with a Sci-Fi setting, I currently consider myself a Halo fan. It wasn't just the story, characters, action that drawn me to this game, but the freedom of strategy and tactical decision making that won me over. After I beat it (which took me a while to do on Legendary) I felt a real sense of accomplishment. Not too many games of this type have that kind of spark that Halo has and for that, I'm glad that I bought it and since I'm new to the franchise, I'll be hunting down Halo 2 and 3.

Master Chief rocks!!!

Upon first seeing Halo I thought: "No thanks!". After playing: well, I was left begging for more! The action and adrenaline level of the game is spectacular.

Whether it be blowing up alien aircraft with an anti-vehicle rocket launcher just as it's about to dive bomb you or going man to man with a battle tank Halo delivers hardcore action on every variety of level. The most realistic thing about it though, has got to be the graphics: they are red hot with realism. Every piece of grass sways with the wind, every vehicle is destructable, every man can die: the physics are amazing in detail.

The best part has got to be commandeering an alien aircraft (unfortunately, this cannot b done until the three quarter mark) and wiping all signs of life from the air. The jeep, tank and alien reconnaisance vehicle are also very good. The game also has a vast array of weaponry ranging from assault rifles, shotguns, rocket launchers, plasma rifles, pistols, sniper rifles and even grenades, making for an explosive and spectacular storyline.

All in all Halo is the one reason for getting an X-Box. Well, it was my reason anyway. Also check out my review for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

Halo is definetely a ten out of ten.

If this were a movie, it would sweep the board on Oscar night - best score, best screen play, best special effects, best costumes, best cinematography, best actors, best directors, best artists, best writers - best everything you can think of.

Quite simply, there is no better video game on this planet. I'm not including the very disappointing sequel 'Halo 2' in this review - that game may be bigger, prettier, more graphically advanced (although I find the overall effects poor - very un-clear) and provide a better online experience, but it in no way compares to the original (rates a 4 in comparison.) I am not an avid gamer, but after a friend introduced me to Halo, I went out and bought an XBox purely so I could practice alone at home - and having now gone through the entire game - all four levels of difficulty, from start to finish - about 30 times each, I think I'm getting the hang of it.

Halo has a story you can follow, it has characters you can identify with, it has weapons that are more realistic in use than any other game could possibly hope to match. The controls and feedback through the pad, provide a truly awesome (I don't use that word often) gaming experience. It's as close to virtual reality on a video game as you can get. Yes, the graphic detail looks poor compared to the latest super-duper offerings, but there is an integrity, an honesty, and above all a completeness about Halo, that makes it the only video game that truly deserves that perfect '10' score. Remember, this game is over 5 years old as I write - a very long time in this industry. If by some freak of nature you don't have a copy - beg, borrow or 'acquire' one NOW! You won't regret it.

I just wanted to add that as great as Halo is there is a big part of the game where you keep going into very similar surroundings over and over again. As a single player experience I would guesstimate about 30% is very samey and it can be a bit boring going through these levels. However the majority of the game is great fun and some brilliant level designs but there is some padding of the levels to make the game last longer. This is not a perfect game but its still fantastic. Graphically it is wonderful. Sound is superb. Its fairly smooth with only occasional slowdown. Handling and control is very good. The story while simple is enough to keep you interested. There is a lot of variety in the gameplay generally.

Story Mode- As Master Chief (Spartan/Cyborg) you kick some serious ass. The best aspect of the game is it's cinematic appeal. Everything is downright gorgeous from the Halo ring always sticking around in the background to a plasma grenade exploding right in your face. You get into the game with non-stop action and incredible music never repeated twice thoroughout the game. In the end, Several alien races, a parasite-like lifeform, an ancient AI construct, battle against each other as you try to get the hell out of Halo. Will yo make it? Multiplayer Mode- The perfect game physics and the incredible engine that the Xbox has allows you to experience realistic combat to the max. You are going to love this. Also, check out RedvsBlue.com.