Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary

 Xbox 360
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 73 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 73
  3. Negative: 0 out of 73
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  1. AusGamers
    Nov 14, 2011
    74
    It's just a shame that it didn't have some more time behind it, as it seems that the pressures of a 10-year game anniversary were more important than finessing certain areas. My treasured memories haven't been completely destroyed, but the technical woes make this Halo remake more for the fans than anyone else.
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 19, 2012
    70
    Nicely done remake of one of the essential games among console FPS genre has the potential to surprise newcomers and thrill the veterans. [Christmas 2011]
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  3. DarkStation
    Dec 12, 2011
    70
    Halo: Combat Evolved is a good overall package. Playing the campaign is like visiting with an awesome old friend that you haven't seen in a while. The multiplayer, though, is too barebones to feel like it's worth the $40 price tag. Couple that with the fact that the multiplayer doesn't quite emulate the feel of the original Halo and you're left with a game that is likely to disappoint many longtime fans.
  5. MEGamers
    Nov 30, 2011
    70
    Fans of the original will only see him in his glory days as they did 10 years ago, but modern gamers will see the rotten body for what it is and will, hopefully, stay away.
  6. Games.cz
    Nov 21, 2011
    70
    A very touching remaster of one classic title that is like a reward for all the fans. At the same time it is a perfect time for the new gamers that missed the start of the series. This title brings along a new graphics engine and more or less of big and small improvements and also several enjoyable bonuses. Yes – Halo is still a bit old, but not old enough to hold you from your enjoyment.
  7. Gamekult
    Nov 17, 2011
    70
    Quotation forthcoming.
  8. GameWatcher
    Nov 14, 2011
    60
    In the end, Combat Evolved Anniversary is a strange package. Its campaign feels half hearted, neither fully remaking nor preserving the original game.
  9. GameShark
    Nov 30, 2011
    50
    It's still an important and hugely influential game and it should probably be played by anyone interested in first-person shooters. But unless you're part of the generation of gamers that are now in their 20s and you're looking to recapture your Halo heydays, this is definitely most gamers can skip even at its budget $40 retail price.

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
14
#14 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
41
#41 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 677 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 517 out of 677
  2. Mixed: 112 out of 677
  3. Negative: 48 out of 677
  1. bluemonkeyguy
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    I'm starting to doubt the value of the score in video game reviews (83 is fine, not my point). There is such an inflation issue with theI'm starting to doubt the value of the score in video game reviews (83 is fine, not my point). There is such an inflation issue with the perspective of readers that devalues anything less than 90 to pure trash.

    Anyways, for Halo CE fans this game is a 100. It's the game we love, with the faults we love, now with online co-op. Nothing gets better than that.

    I get lost on Pillar of Autumn and the Maw every time.    … Full Review »
  2. MusicJJJ
    Nov 15, 2011
    8
    There you have it gamers and gents, "Halo: Combat Evolved". The only game that beats COD to the death, only back with better graphics.There you have it gamers and gents, "Halo: Combat Evolved". The only game that beats COD to the death, only back with better graphics. Although all of this could have been a DLC, What more did you expect? Happy B day HalO!!!… Full Review »
  3. Big_E33
    Nov 15, 2011
    9
    This is really a pretty simple concept, remake halo CE ten years after the original release with HD graphics, widescreen support, addThis is really a pretty simple concept, remake halo CE ten years after the original release with HD graphics, widescreen support, add terminals and skulls and online coop to a "legendary" campaign, If you loved the campaign then you will love it now, not much has changed as far as content. The missions are exactly as you remember them, although the terminals give halo fans more lore behind the series and achievement hunters something to hunt for. Sidenote : halo waypoint integration is pretty sick

    Outside of the actual campaign they remade 6 multiplayer maps, 4 from CE, 1 from CE for PC and 1 from halo 2. The multiplayer maps can be played on disc with their own set of playlists in the reach engine or can be exported with an included voucher for playing along with all other halo reach content and playlists. They added installation 04 as a firefight map and really excels as such. Honestly this part of the halo work is where firefight was born, posted up on a structure fighting off waves of aliens. Feels really good in the mode that was basically built around this idea.

    If you are a halo fan it is well worth the $40 for the remastered campaign, the firefight, the online coop, and the remaster multiplayer maps. Really the only reason I dont give it a "10" is that if you hate reach multiplayer or dont own the game anymore the export DLC code is no good to you. But if you arent smart enough to buy the game from amazon with a $10 credit and sell the DLC voucher on eBay or to a friend for another $10 effectively making it $20 I dont know what to say to you. This game is a VERY awesome purchase for $40 and im stoked that 343/microsoft decided not to gouge the community with a $60 release. This game is not only a really fun way to relive the past but gives me great hope for 343 industries and where they will take the series.



    This is not part of the review, just a message to a few of the people on here who are complaining

    Stop directing complaints at Bungie, they are gone and no longer affiliated with this game or future halo titles. 343 industries is the new team for halo and have gotten off to a good start with this one. Also to anyone who just wants the maps for reach you can buy the 6 map DLC pack for $15 bucks which is pretty solid as well. The maps play awesome both in their classic format with no AAs and with the new revamped formats like "Battle Canyon"

    If you played it 10 years ago its still amazing, if you never played Halo 1 you owe it to yourself to play the game that started it all, now in HD and online coop allows you to enjoy it with a buddy.    … Full Review »
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