Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary

 Xbox 360
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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. PrimalHunter70
    Mar 9, 2012
    10
    Halo Anniversary, to me, is the Halo game that is the best. It is a remastered edition of a classic game, whose only drawback would have been its old graphics. This remake is a good game with great graphics, and leaves me in anticipation for Halo 4!
  2. PP7Silenced
    Mar 9, 2012
    10
    Presentation: 10/10 How do you honor a game that single handedly put the Xbox on the map, spawned countless clones and revolutionized the FPS genre? Remake it to look, sound, and feel like a brand new game while keeping all of the things that make the original great, intact. Weather your a casual Halo fan or just a fan of the genre you owe it to yourself to see where modern First-personPresentation: 10/10 How do you honor a game that single handedly put the Xbox on the map, spawned countless clones and revolutionized the FPS genre? Remake it to look, sound, and feel like a brand new game while keeping all of the things that make the original great, intact. Weather your a casual Halo fan or just a fan of the genre you owe it to yourself to see where modern First-person shooters as we know them today got there start.

    Gameplay: 9/10 It's not a bad thing that Bungie has taken the "if it isn't broke, don't fix it" approach to developing every Halo game since the original. Halo:CEA feels exactly how it did ten years ago. For better or worse, nothing has changed. What does that mean? That means that you will wish you could sprint on many occasion and will want to memorize where health packs are located before tackling the higher difficulties. This also means all of the powerful Halo:CE weapons return as well. All of the weapons feel as they should and enemies aren't the bullet sponges they seem to have evolved into in the sequels. Movement is what you would expect from a Halo title especially if you've played the latest title, Halo: Reach. The game-play as a whole is very solid, if not stretched a little thin at times.

    Graphics: 9/10 Artistically, Halo:CE always felt like the odd man out. Every other game was in sync as far as art style was concerned. It was as if Bungie didn't know what they wanted the environments of a Halo ring to look like in 2001. 343 Industry fixes this in Halo:CEA. Taking art assets from Halo 3 and Reach, 343 has done a fine job at helping this game to look in sync with the rest of the Halo Universe.
    Running on top of the pre-existing graphics engine does bring the quality down, only in one spot though. The character models. These high detail models need to match the old models geometry that exists underneath them. That means you get characters that look great when standing still but mouth movement and facial expressions just look funny in an almost buggy sort of way. Nothing that isn't forgettable but it's a shame they couldn't have at least re-made the cut-scenes from scratch considering you can't do an on the fly graphics change in the middle of them. Oh did I mention you could change the graphics back to how they looked in 2001 at the push of a button? It's awesome!

    Sound: 10/10 I was nervous when I heard they were re-recording all of the music and sound effects for Halo:CEA and for good reason. After 10 years, I know what Halo sounds like. The buzz of a plasma pistol, the pounding discharge of the sniper rifle, and the epic music that starts up as you make the long trek through a snowy battlefield. No matter how little they changed, it would not be for the better. Then I played the game, and was pleasantly surprised. Skywalker Orchestra did a great job at recreating what you heard in the original without trying to improve on it in any way other than improved sound quality. What this provides is an audio experience to match the visual splendor with the option to toggle all the audio back to the way it was in 2001 in the options menu. Like you would ever want to. 343 took great strides to make Halo:CEA feel like a 2011 FPS and it shows in the sound more than anything else. The character voices are just as you remember and fit in very well with the new audio.

    Value: 10/10 You get arguably the best campaign in the Halo series, new collectables in the form of skulls, terminals, and achievements. Multiplayer offers six new multiplayer maps and a new firefight map to play. If you have already been playing Reach for a year than the multiplayer offering may feel more like a map pack rather than a full fledged multiplayer option but with 343 releasing playlists that very closely emulate the Halo:CE experience in the Reach Engine there is plenty of reason to assemble old school Halo Party's for some late night fun. For the true Halo fan it's a must buy and the price is a great deal.
    But you know, James... Goldeneye was always better.    … Expand
  3. Justice_LEEG
    Feb 13, 2012
    7
    I can understand how this might have seemed like a good idea on paper: Give the original a new coat of paint, spruce things up a bit and throw in a few more features to justify the price point. However, without going all-out to completely re-make the game, the improvements contrast sharply with the dated mechanics, level design and yes, even graphics, which while much better than theI can understand how this might have seemed like a good idea on paper: Give the original a new coat of paint, spruce things up a bit and throw in a few more features to justify the price point. However, without going all-out to completely re-make the game, the improvements contrast sharply with the dated mechanics, level design and yes, even graphics, which while much better than the original, just don't hold up to modern standards. It's an admirable attempt at breathing new life into a great game (and it is still great), but something like this Anniversary edition could have been just as easily thrown together by a mod community, because that's what this game feels like. If you've never played halo 1, you should give this a go, just remember that it was originally released more than a decade ago. And if you have played halo 1, then just remember it fondly, and move along. Nothing new to see here.… Expand
  4. mustard_tiger
    Feb 13, 2012
    9
    I love Halo and I was excited to play this but I must admit that the nostalgia wore off kind of fast. I canâ
  5. ArgoLol
    Feb 12, 2012
    9
    I'm not sure why reviewers choose other HD remakes over this one, because this isn't a remake. Instead, it's a remaster of the first Halo title, a title that many college students and children remembered back in 2001, or that newcomers might be interested in picking up. Either way, Xbox owners should definitely look at this game, because it is amazing. The game feels exactly the same as aI'm not sure why reviewers choose other HD remakes over this one, because this isn't a remake. Instead, it's a remaster of the first Halo title, a title that many college students and children remembered back in 2001, or that newcomers might be interested in picking up. Either way, Xbox owners should definitely look at this game, because it is amazing. The game feels exactly the same as a decade ago, and it looks amazing too with Saber Interactive's new engine layering with the original engine. This makes the ability for swapping the new graphics into the old, a feature that fans will love. Even if the graphics are nice, they are pretty jittery and laggy, but maybe it is caused by the old engine. The story was definitely the most cinematic of the series, which I liked. It was very straightfoward and interesting, telling the story of Master Chief arriving on the Halo and finding out its secrets. I don't need to explain the gameplay...well...because every owner of the xbox probably played Halo games already. The multiplayer is amazing, using the reach engine and gameplay, but it's ultimately lacking. There are only 6 competitive maps and one firefight map, all remasters of maps from Halo 1 and 2. I feel there needs to be more maps for this game, but with a price of only 40 dollars, I don't complain much.… Expand
  6. sias
    Feb 11, 2012
    7
    A solid game but also a missed opportunity on almost every front. To call this a remake would be, well, incorrect. This is the exact same Halo we all enjoyed back in the days of the first xbox, just with shiny new graphics. In fact this game actually looks better than Halo Reach, with more of an artistic design and heaps more depth in the environments. But, this game is simply the originalA solid game but also a missed opportunity on almost every front. To call this a remake would be, well, incorrect. This is the exact same Halo we all enjoyed back in the days of the first xbox, just with shiny new graphics. In fact this game actually looks better than Halo Reach, with more of an artistic design and heaps more depth in the environments. But, this game is simply the original with a new graphical overlay which is a massive shame as an update to all aspects of the game would have been brilliant. Why not do an overhaul of enemy animations so they are as fluent and up-to-date as Reach? Why not tweak the story a bit so it links in better with all the sequels and the built upon Halo lore? (well actually the new consoles were a nice touch, but hardly substantial). Overall I was just a bit disappointed that 343/Bungie didn't do anything more than take the original game and smother it in a new graphical overlay. Still, it's the original Halo, which is and always will be a solid shooter, so even though there's nothing new here, it's still a joy to play.… Expand
  7. everlong24
    Feb 7, 2012
    7
    Halo on the Xbox deserves every bit of praise that it receives. It was a great game and has actually stood strong through the test of time. You've played this before, so there's no use in reviewing the actual gameplay. The graphics were updated nicely and at anytime during the game, you can hit the back button to view the classic style. I loved Halo, it was the Goldeneye for the XboxHalo on the Xbox deserves every bit of praise that it receives. It was a great game and has actually stood strong through the test of time. You've played this before, so there's no use in reviewing the actual gameplay. The graphics were updated nicely and at anytime during the game, you can hit the back button to view the classic style. I loved Halo, it was the Goldeneye for the Xbox to me. So why did I give it a 7? It's because the coop is broken for many people. The lag is atrocious and my coop partner actually got motion sickness. Split screen and system link work fine but for some reason, they can't fix the online coop. Great game but if coop is important to you then I'd think twice.… Expand
  8. letsgoiowa
    Jan 10, 2012
    9
    When I first got this, I expected something that it was advertised to be: an expansion pack for Reach.
    However, after I finished the campaign and played some matchmaking, it became evident it is a LOT more than that.
    It was evident how much effort 343 put into this, to keep it faithful to the original. If you haven't played the original yet, then this is a must-buy especially at $30.    When I first got this, I expected something that it was advertised to be: an expansion pack for Reach.
    However, after I finished the campaign and played some matchmaking, it became evident it is a LOT more than that.
    It was evident how much effort 343 put into this, to keep it faithful to the original. If you haven't played the original yet, then this is a must-buy especially at $30. However, it is evident it has aged quite a bit and has improved drastically throughout the other ones in the series, but it still feels new which is an odd feeling.
    Framerate drops and odd glitching in cutscenes is common, but only a minor issue.
    The maps are fantastic and the campaign is one of the longest of an FPS, and it is still fun after a decade. Overall, I'd suggest this one as a buy.    … Expand
  9. zotune
    Jan 9, 2012
    7
    Halo: Combat Evolved proves why it redefined first person shooters on consoles and made the Xbox go from being just another gaming platform to something we resemble with this extraordinary sci-fi universe. The music is phenomenal, the pacing is top notch, and the melee system and grenade options are more enjoyable than most games. The price point is a little high, but considering the careHalo: Combat Evolved proves why it redefined first person shooters on consoles and made the Xbox go from being just another gaming platform to something we resemble with this extraordinary sci-fi universe. The music is phenomenal, the pacing is top notch, and the melee system and grenade options are more enjoyable than most games. The price point is a little high, but considering the care that has been given when remastering the franchise, setting a fine example of how to rerelease an old game, one cannot complain. That they decided to add the option to play with retro graphics shows how much the developers care about the fans of the original game. Sadly however, the campaign is a little bit on the short side and the characters portrayed in the story aren't very relatable nor do they have much depth. In addition, the map design is rehashed a lot, and you often find yourself returning to familiar places over and over again. Ammo and health is scarce as well, leading you having to run to the next checkpoint a lot of times without being able to take down your opponents - and the invisible enemies which spawn behind you have too much of an edge, especially considering how awkwardly your teammates approach them. In conclusion, by playing through this game I can begin to fathom the cult following of the franchise, because it consists of a silky smooth combat system with creative level design, and enlightens me as to why it was one best experiences to ever come out on the original Xbox.… Expand
  10. Larux18
    Jan 6, 2012
    7
    Do I like this game? Hell yes, do I think it's just as good as when the first one came out? Hell no. Halo Combat Evolved: Anniversary is different than many Halo games out there maybe because the campaign has old elements and great style, better than reach to tell you the truth. However the issues that were in the first game are still there and they are quite notable here. I am not hatingDo I like this game? Hell yes, do I think it's just as good as when the first one came out? Hell no. Halo Combat Evolved: Anniversary is different than many Halo games out there maybe because the campaign has old elements and great style, better than reach to tell you the truth. However the issues that were in the first game are still there and they are quite notable here. I am not hating really in fact, this game is quite good, it's just misleading that some things don't work as they should and some missions are in fact confusing. The campaign overall is quite good but it still has its problems and I am really not hating. The multiplayer however is amazing since it uses Halo: Reach and brings some classic maps and game modes that are really fun. The only downside is that there are only 6 maps as of today and forge world has been removed if you are not playing the multiplayer directly from reach. Overall this is a good game that still beats Call of Duty by a mile though it still has its problems.… Expand
  11. kanji_sasahara
    Jan 5, 2012
    9
    I expected the original game with updated graphics and a few extras. It didn't disappoint, except for the voices, it seems a bit off compared to the original. It weirds me out, which is why I docked 1, but otherwise a faithful remake of the original, which is one of my favorite games of all time.
  12. FlagCaptured
    Jan 3, 2012
    9
    Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, despite being essentially 10 years old. really doesn't feel like it, so credit to 343i where it's due. The new graphics look great, and despite the odd mismatched lip sync and relatively tired animations, the campaign still looks really good. I'm not too sure of the art style, but It looks good all the same. Other than that, it's essentially the same HaloHalo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, despite being essentially 10 years old. really doesn't feel like it, so credit to 343i where it's due. The new graphics look great, and despite the odd mismatched lip sync and relatively tired animations, the campaign still looks really good. I'm not too sure of the art style, but It looks good all the same. Other than that, it's essentially the same Halo CE as it was 10 years ago, even with the amazingly powerful Magnum and somewhat confusing level design, though it is much better than previously, thanks to new lighting cues - especially in 'The Library'.
    The multiplayer maps are again old, but don't feel it and have been faithfully recreated in Halo Reach. I am slightly disappointed in the fact that it's not the original CE multiplayer, but I suppose it's for the best, given the fact that you get the map pack code for Reach and as a result, you don't get the whole Halo community split into two games. The updated game modes are great and fix the common complaints with the Halo Reach setup (I.E. high reticule bloom, armour lock etc.) and Multiplayer, whilst not matching the other Halo titles, is still a blast to play. Overall, the game isn't the perfect 'Halo 1 if it was made in 2011' package like it was somewhat described to be, but it is a fantastic single player experience with a tried-and-tested multiplayer.    … Expand
  13. WhiskeyJack
    Jan 2, 2012
    10
    I love this game all over again. And the addition of terminals was a nice treat. I was wondering how 343 would handle the franchise, and I'm pleasantly surprised. I'm totally biased but when you look at the GOW rerelease and even (I hate to say it because I'd STILL give it a 10) the Shadow/Ico rerelease, I have to say that this is the way to do it. I also truly appreciate the ability toI love this game all over again. And the addition of terminals was a nice treat. I was wondering how 343 would handle the franchise, and I'm pleasantly surprised. I'm totally biased but when you look at the GOW rerelease and even (I hate to say it because I'd STILL give it a 10) the Shadow/Ico rerelease, I have to say that this is the way to do it. I also truly appreciate the ability to switch between the original graphics and the new ones. Amazing game, absolutely worth the money, and I suggest that every fan of scifi/1rst person shooters add it to their collection.… Expand
  14. Swimming_MANGO
    Jan 2, 2012
    5
    Microsoft you have milked this as far as it can possibly go! How can you warrant the release of an identical game but looks prettier FOR FULL PRICE?!?! Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is nothing to go out and buy, in any way shape or form. If you've played Halo: Combat Evolved, your not missing anything at all. Of course there isn't anything that I can do about the Halo Fan Boys rushingMicrosoft you have milked this as far as it can possibly go! How can you warrant the release of an identical game but looks prettier FOR FULL PRICE?!?! Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is nothing to go out and buy, in any way shape or form. If you've played Halo: Combat Evolved, your not missing anything at all. Of course there isn't anything that I can do about the Halo Fan Boys rushing out, and **** in their pants for it as they did for the ridiculously priced Halo 3:ODST, and there is also nothing I can do about the general media being biased, and selling out. I will be truthful, and honest. Anniversary was developed by 343 Industries, as Bungie has left the franchise, and thus there was nothing that could be added to this game without the sliver of imagination that was left after Halo 3 was released. The game has nothing added to it beyond a shiny new engine to make it look better. I enjoyed the original Halo very much, but just because you give it up to date graphics, doesn't mean you can sell it at full price. This is more suited for something like a straight to Xbox Live title for $30, but to release it for $60 when there is already a good Halo game with better graphics, and a good story on shelves for only $40 or less now is far worth it over this. Nothing is added to multiplayer in the slightest so save your money, and continue playing Reach if you want to play Halo. The game is pretty to look at, but it's simply not enough to give any more points to it. The game is as average as it gets, and deserves the average game score of a 5. Shame on you Microsoft for trying to make another cheap buck!… Expand
  15. DarrkHawk
    Dec 31, 2011
    6
    One of the pleasures I missed out of in my childhood was owning an original Xbox and thus being unable to play Halo: Combat Evolved on its original platform. I can see why in 2001 this game would have been amazing and redefining but now it just seems a bit out of class with modern games. Because of this I find it really hard to give this game the positive rating that it obviously deservesOne of the pleasures I missed out of in my childhood was owning an original Xbox and thus being unable to play Halo: Combat Evolved on its original platform. I can see why in 2001 this game would have been amazing and redefining but now it just seems a bit out of class with modern games. Because of this I find it really hard to give this game the positive rating that it obviously deserves but not earn in my eyes.
    The campaign is the main focus really as the multiplayer is directed from Halo: Reach so can't really say much about that. I found the campaign to be extremely frustrating with levels being an obvious copy and paste of one another. I felt like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day whilst playing this game (1993 Movie). The only real feature of the game was the ability to take the game back to its original graphics which I ended up doing for a large majority of the campaign just to tolerate the repeated level design. *spoiler? The kinect feature of this game become really frustrating as it would pick up the slightest of sounds and act accordingly to what it thought it heard. The amount of times that I would randomly throw a grenade and kill myself was ridiculous and the constant game pausing rapidly got annoying. If you own a kinect device, I advise you turn this feature off.

    I really do want to give this a positive review but both physically and Mentally, I can't. 10 years ago it would have gotten a 10/10 from me surely but today, sadly not.    … Expand
  16. guiturbo
    Dec 29, 2011
    10
    Jogo e muito bom, o 3d e bakana. como sempre a serie halo esta de parabens, agora estou na espera de halo 4, tomara que não demore para chegar. poderia tambem era fazer o halo 2 remake com graficos em HD e 3d.
    Halo e so jogando para saber como e bom.
  17. wulfenstein
    Dec 27, 2011
    2
    It has begun we thought it was just hollywood but now there doing to games remakes yes it launched the xbox I know I was there I bought my first xbox so happy to know that Bungie would do a half ass reboot later..ooo we can see the sunglare, water splashes, little more details wow really bungie you want us to pay 60 bucks for that how about you actually redid the whole thing with theIt has begun we thought it was just hollywood but now there doing to games remakes yes it launched the xbox I know I was there I bought my first xbox so happy to know that Bungie would do a half ass reboot later..ooo we can see the sunglare, water splashes, little more details wow really bungie you want us to pay 60 bucks for that how about you actually redid the whole thing with the graphics like reach or maybe put some extra stuff say be able to use odst troopers or even design your own marines like in reach..considering this is after reach campaign...Maybe this title has run its course to know that there is a Halo 4 next year really come on, how many more till you realise your flogging a dead horse..Are you gonna go the way of guitar hero or ,et it finish like GOW, M.E, COD MW. Let it go and start something new..… Expand
  18. neilsmif1980
    Dec 27, 2011
    9
    Awsome game! I'm really enjoying it at the moment! This is my first Halo game I've played and I'm finding it hard to put down! Price is well worth it! Well done!
  19. Pivot1022
    Dec 26, 2011
    7
    Yeah, its great you all know that, It's **** halo 1, how can you go wrong... But i'm having aiming problems, i have to turn loo sens up to 8 and it still feels stiff and slow at times. Like sometimes i can look around no problem, but i think because of the aim assist it makes you're look sens lag out or something. it get's rather annoying when you're getting shot at and trying to turnYeah, its great you all know that, It's **** halo 1, how can you go wrong... But i'm having aiming problems, i have to turn loo sens up to 8 and it still feels stiff and slow at times. Like sometimes i can look around no problem, but i think because of the aim assist it makes you're look sens lag out or something. it get's rather annoying when you're getting shot at and trying to turn around but you can't. But anyway, i wouldn't say halo is one of the best games ever. I mean i don't even know if you can say its the best shooter, but best GAME? give me a **** break... Oh and the online is reach, some might like this, but i bought reach so i just bought the multiplayer again... again... **** you odst.… Expand
  20. BRINEY360
    Dec 8, 2011
    10
    Very long waiting for this game, it is the best in the entire series HALO, now in my collection of seven games in this series, too bad Microsoft has decided not to release the legendary
  21. Jerjef
    Dec 8, 2011
    8
    I have to say this remake of arguably the best FPS ever made has it's good and bad points. The campaign is still dynamite because frankly it wasn't touched aside from the new cut scenes which were changed to fit the continuity with Halo: Reach, which is kinda cool. The new graphics, sound, and musical score by themselves would garner a 10. Also the addition of skulls and terminals, whichI have to say this remake of arguably the best FPS ever made has it's good and bad points. The campaign is still dynamite because frankly it wasn't touched aside from the new cut scenes which were changed to fit the continuity with Halo: Reach, which is kinda cool. The new graphics, sound, and musical score by themselves would garner a 10. Also the addition of skulls and terminals, which are ALOT better than the terminals from Halo 3, really jack up the replayability of the campaign. I mean there's nothing funner than turning on the BOOM, Pinata, Grunt Funeral, Grunt Birthday Party, and Bandana skulls and going on a rampage. Simple put, everything we dreamed for when we spent hours on end playing CE 10 years ago has come true. And at $40, spot on guys.

    That being said, with the good comes the bad. First off the framerate issues if you don't install the game to the hard drive. Seriously WTF? Oh yeah Skyrim runs fine, but a remade 10 year old game has issues? Also why no love for the original multiplayer? I know it was unbalanced, but damn was it ever fun. Lastly the online campaign LAAAAAAGGGGGG!!!!! Man does it ever suck. Just like the framerate issue, why does this game have to run so poorly with online coop. Seriously, walk over to Bungie studios and if you ask nicely they might give you their netcode. Maybe.    … Expand
  22. MaxxSwan13
    Dec 1, 2011
    10
    It really f*cking pisses me off that this game isn't getting 10's. It's a remake of ONE OF THE GREATEST GAMES KNOWN TO MAN! It doesn't have to be reviewed because we already know it's the best game ever! I saw people hating on the story for no f*cking reason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF!?!??! There's nothing wrong with this game AT ALL! IT WILL ALWAYS BE BETTER THAN COD NO MATTER HOWIt really f*cking pisses me off that this game isn't getting 10's. It's a remake of ONE OF THE GREATEST GAMES KNOWN TO MAN! It doesn't have to be reviewed because we already know it's the best game ever! I saw people hating on the story for no f*cking reason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF!?!??! There's nothing wrong with this game AT ALL! IT WILL ALWAYS BE BETTER THAN COD NO MATTER HOW MUCH COD TRIES TO MAKE IT BETTER IT WILL FAIL!… Expand
  23. Geoffory2
    Dec 1, 2011
    10
    Just a superb remake. Its the same campaign and it brings back a lot of great memories. Its a great first game for 343 studios and I hope they keep up the work and make an amazing Halo 4.
  24. LOLtrooper
    Nov 30, 2011
    8
    Anniversary is everything you expected it to be. The campaign is back warts and all with beautiful graphics (although not as impressive as modern shooters) The AI holds up well despite their tendency to fire explosive weapons at point blank range (resulting in some cheap deaths). The ability to switch back between graphics layers is great for nostalgic purposes but it can result in someAnniversary is everything you expected it to be. The campaign is back warts and all with beautiful graphics (although not as impressive as modern shooters) The AI holds up well despite their tendency to fire explosive weapons at point blank range (resulting in some cheap deaths). The ability to switch back between graphics layers is great for nostalgic purposes but it can result in some slow loading textures and frame rate drops. Still the addition of terminals, skulls and some tricky achievements will keep you playing this for a while (and the reach multiplayer maps are cool)… Expand
  25. AlphaThreat
    Nov 29, 2011
    9
    I forgot how amazing the Halo: CE campaign was and still remains. It was very nostaligic to play and the updated graphics work perfectly. A must own for any Halo fan.
  26. InsaneMcFries
    Nov 29, 2011
    8
    Halo CE Anniversary delivers a fresh coat of paint to the original Halo CE which provides a refreshing graphical quality while allowing nostalgic fans the ability to enjoy their original campaign untouched. The option to seamlessly change between classic and remastered graphics is a fun experience, although the classic graphics are noticeably darker in comparison. The absence of skulls andHalo CE Anniversary delivers a fresh coat of paint to the original Halo CE which provides a refreshing graphical quality while allowing nostalgic fans the ability to enjoy their original campaign untouched. The option to seamlessly change between classic and remastered graphics is a fun experience, although the classic graphics are noticeably darker in comparison. The absence of skulls and terminals in the classic graphics is a let-down, although switching is easy, but it can disrupt the flow of classic play.
    The multiplayer add-on was disappointing, the option for classic multiplayer should have been an obvious addition, but we are left with a non-exclusive reach map pack that contains only 6 remastered maps. The netcode for xbox live campaign play is disappointing and should have been altered if only to allow client-side aiming at the least. The addition of terminals adds a fun experience to the game and hints to Halo 4. The skulls included are fun, but the ease of achievements due to the Bandanna skull is disappointing. Overall, the game is a well-pieced reskin, and easily creates nostalgia and fun after easing into the campaign. The multiplayer is disappointing.    … Expand
  27. smbz
    Nov 28, 2011
    10
    how could people dislike this its amazing its probes some retarded cod fans. this game isnt just a quick slop of hd graphics its art and really truly amazing. the only 2 downsides are the lips sync is a bit off and the multiplayer is reach multiplayer wish it was halo ce with hd graphics multiplayer but still great multiplayer. this game is far from mediocre and its the best halo so far.how could people dislike this its amazing its probes some retarded cod fans. this game isnt just a quick slop of hd graphics its art and really truly amazing. the only 2 downsides are the lips sync is a bit off and the multiplayer is reach multiplayer wish it was halo ce with hd graphics multiplayer but still great multiplayer. this game is far from mediocre and its the best halo so far. even though its updated graphics its still amazing. in fact i have to say i am glad 343 took over halo. great job 343 and the best 70 bucks aus spent this year. dislikes can suck on **** of duty modern gay **** stupid 3… Expand
  28. NinjaSniperJim
    Nov 28, 2011
    7
    I am dissapointed with this game. 343 remade the same halo we know and love however that comes with glitches. Also the switch from Old to new graphics takes a while. Oh and Multiplayer, 343 was too lazy to make their own multiplayer componet so they HAD to borrow Halo: Reach and make a stupid PLAYLIST. Seriously 343. So far I miss Bungie. I hope Halo 4 will be better.
  29. FormerHuman
    Nov 28, 2011
    6
    Having played the original game both on Xbox and on PC, and enjoyed all of the sequels (bar Halo 2. which is an often tedious and cheesy experience, slightly improved in co-op - never did play it online though to be fair)., my interest was piqued several months ago when this remastered edition was announced at E3. The game was advertised early on as a graphical and audio upscaling, whichHaving played the original game both on Xbox and on PC, and enjoyed all of the sequels (bar Halo 2. which is an often tedious and cheesy experience, slightly improved in co-op - never did play it online though to be fair)., my interest was piqued several months ago when this remastered edition was announced at E3. The game was advertised early on as a graphical and audio upscaling, which is true enough, however there is little else to say about the game beyond this point - in fact, the game offers nothing much more than what PC players have been enjoying with 3rd party (and free) source ports of games like Quake and other id Software games for years - new code that takes advantage of todays modern hardware, without necessarily altering anything in the gameplay. On the one hand, it is pleasantly surprising to see how well the gameplay of Halo stands up after 10 years, and it is still an enjoyable experience and with the graphical extensions now in place, one that that sits more comfortably alongside the more modern games in the series (again, barring Halo 2, which excepting for a Windows Vista exclusive port has had no such modernisation as of yet). All the familiarity is by and large not unwelcome, however it also feels distinctly unadventurous and somewhat cynical, not something that bodes well from the 'new' developer, 343. The multiplayer content also feels tacked on and largely irrelevant, and whilst I look forward to going through the game again with a friend in local co-op, I was somewhat underwhelmed by the game in 2011. The option to switch back to the 'classic' (note: simply crude and dated) visuals of the original also is pure novelty and for me, didn't pose any real interest, and being able to provide such a feature meant that there was no room for any design innovations or even bug fixes that were present in the original game (the same plasma pistol audio bug I remember from all those years ago still happened in this edition). Whilst it is great to see a truly classic game given a new lease of life, the results are less impressive than they could have been should the developers had been less concerned with giving lip service to the original and instead been more interested in giving us something new.… Expand
  30. xXRenTyrellXx
    Nov 28, 2011
    10
    Bringing back to life the game that started it all for shooters; Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is a must own for any real Halo fan. With the improved visuals and a remastered soundtrack, it's great to go back and experience the game that redefined shooters all over again in this modern looking state. Although I still love and cherish the classic version for old time sake, this isBringing back to life the game that started it all for shooters; Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is a must own for any real Halo fan. With the improved visuals and a remastered soundtrack, it's great to go back and experience the game that redefined shooters all over again in this modern looking state. Although I still love and cherish the classic version for old time sake, this is without doubt a beautiful gift from "343" and I thank them dearly for it. Now, let's see what they can do with Halo 4.… Expand
Page:

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Xbox Achievements
    Feb 15, 2012
    83
    Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is almost as good in reality as it ever was in your memory. The graphical update is welcome and the multiplayer maps are decent if not amazing. There are a few rough edges and cracks around the once infallible gameplay, but nothing that would stop you enjoying Halo: CE immensely the second (or first – lucky you) time around.
    Read full review
  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]
  3. EGM
    Jan 3, 2012
    85
    It's an amazing piece of gaming history, to be certain, but a purchase decision still comes down to this: If you're a fan of the series who loved or missed the original, it's a no-brainer. This is one of the best pieces of fanservice our industry has ever produced, and you need to go buy it. On the other hand, if you're an FPS fanatic trying to decide between this or Rage or Deus Ex, you may want to think twice before dropping 40 bones on a shooter that doesn't quite stack up to the competition.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »