Even though Halo: Combat Evolved has been around for over 20 years, the Halo franchise is still a staple in gaming culture. Consequently, Master Chief is one of the most iconic video game figures of all time. Over the years, the Halo franchise has branched into toys, books, animated movies and even a live-action series. Not to mention, Halo has an equally legendary soundtrack that is epic enough to make you feel as badass as the mean green Spartan.
The Master Chief Collection, released in 2014, graced us with remastered versions of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo 4 and Reach. It is described by the developers as the definitive Halo experience.
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Since the remastered versions were released, I have played bits and pieces of the campaigns and tons of multiplayer matches. However, I have not played the campaigns from beginning to end since the original release. My husband and I decided to tackle the entire Master Chief Collection, and I’d like to take you along on the ride. So, hop in the warthog, load up your guns and try not to die.
Halo: Combat Evolved
Halo: Combat Evolved is a first-person shooter that takes place in the 26th century. Earth can now easily traverse space, which allows them to colonize other planets. The United Nations Space Command (UNSC) developed augmented super soldiers called Spartans to aid in a decades-long religious war with an alien race known as the Covenant.
Step into the massive boots of Master Chief, a Spartan who has just landed on a mysterious ringworld after being pursued by the Covenant. Captain Jacob Keyes entrusts Master Chief with their ship’s artificial intelligence program, Cortana, to protect the location of Earth.
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Captain Keyes learns the ring is called “Halo,” and he believes it to be a weapon that must be destroyed. The truth about Halo turns out to be more horrifying than just a weapon. Will Master Chief stop the Halo from fulfilling its true purpose?
Because I was so young at the time of release, I didn’t completely grasp the gravity and depth of the plot. Playing through it now, I was surprised to see heavy topics like colonization, religious warfare, and the power of Artificial Intelligence.
Revolutionary Multiplayer
One of the most exciting things about Halo was playing multiplayer matches on the couch with your friends. I remember being at a birthday party when I was about 13 years old and walking into my friend’s room playing Halo multiplayer. It was pure pandemonium and some of the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. At that very moment, I knew Halo was going to revolutionize gaming.
Since then, multiplayer remains the bread and butter of the Halo franchise for many fans, especially with the addition of online multiplayer in later installments. Halo multiplayer even inspired a comedy web series called Red vs. Blue that boasts 18 seasons from 2003 to 2020.
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Multiplayer matches offer a variety of customization options where you can modify things like weapons and maps. Thanks to The Master Chief Collection, you can now play maps from all Halo games online. Just know that these matches can result in rage quitting and ruined relationships.
Upgraded Graphics
The graphics of the original Halo were extremely impressive at the time of release and still look pretty good, considering how long ago it was. However, the remastered visuals in the Master Chief Collection are noticeable. The gameplay and cutscene graphics are as smooth as silk, and Master Chief looks sharper than ever. And the landscapes? Breathtaking. A good portion of our time on every map was spent wandering around in awe.
Enemies are also much more defined, making them even more intimidating, especially The Flood. Some of these enemies and scenes look like something dreamt up by H.P. Lovecraft. The first time around, I do remember being terrified of The Flood. However, I don’t remember the story being quite so horrifying. Just a heads up, the Keyes storyline gave me actual nightmares.
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Vehicles
Ah, the infamous Halo vehicles. Love them or hate them; they are a huge part of the game. Some quests pretty much force you to operate a vehicle. They can be tons of fun to goof around in, especially because the physics are so well done. Anytime I see a ghost, I have to have it; even better if I pull off a hijack.
However, maneuvering a warthog around obstacles or cliffs can be frustrating when completing quests. It may result in death—or trying to maintain position in a flying banshee while being bombarded by enemy fire. Seriously, the banshees almost made me rage quit. The tanks are clunky to drive, but the gun packs a wallop. Plus, it is really satisfying to blow things up.
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Weapons
Because you are a Spartan, you start with pretty standard military-issued weapons like a battle rifle or assault rifle. The rocket launcher is great for eliminating enemy vehicles. Use the shotgun for quick kills in close quarters. Trying out all the different weapons in Halo is part of the fun.
The iconic Covenant weapons are way more unique and interesting. With its purple glowing needles, the needler is pretty but not my favorite in action. If you are wondering what my preference is, I completed most of the game (bosses included) using a plasma pistol. I know, it’s a little pew pew laser gun, right? Try it; the plasma pistol is seriously overpowered.
We Had a Fraggin Blast
My husband and I truly did have a blast with this replay. We almost died laughing when a grunt stuck me with a plasma grenade, and after I blew up, it screamed, “That was me!” Or, when an elite ran over my husband in a ghost and then laughed in his face. The grunts are weirdly adorable, from the goofy way they run to their hilarious dialogue. Oh, and how could I forget the ridiculously overdramatic death wail of the elites? We couldn’t help but chuckle and mimic them every time.
We laughed, we cried, we were even horrified. Oh, and we blew stuff up, a lot of stuff. I may have even shed a nostalgic tear or two as we watched the final cut scene. If you like first-person shooters and, for some reason, haven’t gotten around to playing Halo, put it at the top of your queue.
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Or if you are like me and haven’t played the campaigns in a while, they are a worthwhile replay. In other words, The Master Chief Collection is great for both n00bs and veterans of the Halo franchise. Halo: Combat Evolved is an excellent beginning to one hell of a ride.
The Master Chief Collection is available for $39.99 on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows. Get it here on Steam.
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