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
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  1. gameguardian21
    Jul 29, 2016
    9
    The original combat evolved was a huge accomplishment as it started what would be considered to be one of the best video game franchisees of all time. It had a great campaign, multiplayer, and gameplay which would make it a true xbox launch title. Now that its been ten years back in combat evolved anniversary, it's a pleasure to go back and play a instant classic, but the anniversary isn'tThe original combat evolved was a huge accomplishment as it started what would be considered to be one of the best video game franchisees of all time. It had a great campaign, multiplayer, and gameplay which would make it a true xbox launch title. Now that its been ten years back in combat evolved anniversary, it's a pleasure to go back and play a instant classic, but the anniversary isn't as good as the original for a few reasons. One would be the multiplayer. The multiplayer is good, but I was disappointed by it not being the original multiplayer that everybody loved from 2001. Besides that, I enjoyed playing the single player campaign again, with updated graphics that really shine, but not jaw-drop though. Overall, I would recommend this remaster of a pretty good game.… Expand
  2. rdsBR
    Feb 21, 2016
    9
    Muito Bom.
    Gostei do remaster , novas texturas,efeitos,cores... , possibilidade de jogar o modo clássico e ver um outro clima que o jogo mostra.
    Não vi grandes diferenças no áudio, apenas uma conversão para 5.1 .
    Ao jogar esse jogo vemos como halo 3,4 poderia ter evoluído na questão grandiosidade de mapa .
  3. Blindpilot20
    Jan 23, 2017
    9
    A piece of gaming history that no one should pass up. Interesting characters, good gun play, fun campaign with co-op, and excellent multiplayer. Easily one of the best in the series.
  4. FeerFrikazus
    Apr 28, 2017
    9
    Me gusto mucho, fue el primer juego de HALO que jugué y me pareció increíble, hay que prestar mucha atención para entender la historia, la variedad de armas esta bien igual que la de enemigos, el control del personaje es bueno pero el del vehículo no, la dificultad esta bien así como la duración del juego.
    Lo recomiendo
  5. argipent
    Jan 28, 2020
    9
    Halo: Combat Evolved by Bungie redefined the FPS genre once and for all. From its cutting-edge graphics and remarkable animations, down to the action-packed campaign—build upon one of the smartest A.I. systems of the time—and the thrill-giving multiplayer that System Link made possible.
  6. ElSeano89
    Sep 29, 2018
    9
    *Played as part of the Master Chief Collection*

    For a game that is now 17 years old, Halo has aged with exceptional grace. Whilst this remaster has given everything a brush up graphically (and done a fine job of it too) the game itself is obviously unchanged and it is as much of a gem now as it was then. It is worth pointing out obviously that games, consoles and the FPS genre itself    *Played as part of the Master Chief Collection*

    For a game that is now 17 years old, Halo has aged with exceptional grace. Whilst this remaster has given everything a brush up graphically (and done a fine job of it too) the game itself is obviously unchanged and it is as much of a gem now as it was then.

    It is worth pointing out obviously that games, consoles and the FPS genre itself have all come a long way since Halo came out in 2001 but at the time Halo was simply jaw dropping. It was a once in a generation game and it catapulted Xbox into contention with Sony starting the long waged console wars. You can play through this version and switch from the original graphics to the remaster on the fly and it will surprise you the difference between 2001 and was is now a 7 year old, previous gen remaster. But whilst the graphics for it's time were phenomenal there is just so much here that they got right.

    Halo basically reinvented the FPS genre when it landed. The scale of the levels, the level of production, the introduction of the regenerating health shield. It added so much stuff to the genre that we now take for granted as staples of the genre.

    But the levels still stand up to modern scrutiny. They are huge, lush and alive with action. The covenant and the flood prove worthy adversaries even on a normal difficulty play through. Their AI tactics are still great to do battle against and it feels just as bad ass to side step a hunter and one shot him as it did all those years ago.

    The score is iconic, it's choral arrangements are perfectly suited and timed during the story to move it along and get the pulse racing during fire-fights. The enemies, for its time are widely varied if they do tend to be variations on a theme (yellow grunts, red grunts) but they're engaging and fun to fight against.

    The storyline is brilliant and it is delivered with a level of accomplishment that makes you feel as though you are in your own action movie starring as the hero. Cortana and Master Chief have passed into video game lore as some of the best characters ever created for a video game and whilst Chief doesn't get many lines in this one, Cortana certainly shines.

    But it's really just a wonderful demonstration of gaming. The gameplay is stellar and a poorly designed idea with exhaust vent explosions in the final chapter aside it never feels dull or repetitive and it keeps you playing and wanting more. Each firefight feels engaging and great fun to take part in, it retaught the way we fought enemies in FPS games. You can't get away with charging head on against too many of the characters or you'll be mobbed and likely killed. Constant movement, both on the ground and in the air allow you to even the playing field against the large number of enemies you're usually facing and it makes you feel like an absolute badass laying waste to all around you. The physics of the enemies when hit by a blast still look incredible to this day and, again, we are talking about a SEVENTEEN year old game.

    What stops it from getting the all time great level 10 from me? Well the Flood, despite their incredible iconic introduction, get to feel very cheap and bullet spongey by the games end mainly because the designers just throw endless amounts of them at you for the last third of the game. The fact that some of them can resurrect themselves only adds insult to injury. I thought the Flood were a brilliant enemy design and the idea of flipping the script and having you (and the covenant) fighting a whole other species is very clever but I just wish they hadn't swamped you with them as much as they did.

    The finale is irritating. The whole part with throwing grenades into exhaust vents felt like stalling for time and they finish with the Warthog section which is infamous for making you use the fairly poor controlling warthog against the clock. The warthog will flip at a moments notice and it drives like a shopping cart with one broken wheel, it never quite goes where you want it to.

    You can lose a little bit too much progress by dying at times, though this is more a symptom of games at the time than anything Halo expressly does badly. More than once I saw where the game put me back after a death and it was very frustrating how much progress I had lost.

    But these are minor criticisms of a brilliant, iconic game that changed its genre for the better. I've loved reliving my gaming youth for the 8 hours or so it has taken me to complete the story mode and the fact it still impresses you after all this time is just a mark of how brilliant it was. It says something when I'm putting aside playing new releases to replay the Halo series in order.

    This game and the series as a whole is vital and vastly influential not only within its genre but gaming itself and it deserves to be applauded as such.    … Expand
  7. PalpetineSheev
    Mar 20, 2020
    9
    Now this is how you do a remake of a game! I captures everything that made the original such a masterpiece while adding a new paint job to it all.
  8. SteelRaven
    Sep 22, 2019
    9
    I really like this game. It is true that it lacks weapons and varied enemies, but it has a great story and I think it is an excellent way to relive one of the most important games in the history of video games and extremely important in the history of Xbox.
  9. MauryEdson
    Feb 26, 2020
    9
    otimo jogo, o primeiro fps que gostei, vale muito a pena, classico demais, ansioso pelo novo
  10. Rubiales
    Apr 15, 2020
    9
    A modern version of a legend, a classic masterpiece videogame that starts the Halo franchise and the beginning of Master Chief, that incredible supersoldier that will crush the Covenant forever.
  11. Shimmeywill
    Feb 19, 2020
    9
    Visually stunning remake for one of the greatest games but with mediocre console performance.
  12. RoninNinjaXL
    Sep 25, 2020
    9
    GREAT GAME WITH A BADASS SLAP CERTIFIED

    Story: 8
    Gameplay: 9
    ost: 9
    Characters: 10
  13. Darkale702
    Aug 5, 2021
    9
    Great Remaster
    It gives you a choice on the remastered textures and voice lines or the original textures and voice lines

    At times it is difficult to find the objective however the gameplay is very enjoyable and for me personly it holds up quite well in 2021
  14. CloudStrife05
    Aug 19, 2021
    9
    The one that started it all brought back with updated graphics. Best part was the addition of a little feature where from a press of a button you could flip the games graphics from the original to the updated version.
  15. Antonette_87
    Nov 15, 2021
    9
    Halo es y ha sido una de las obras mas influyentes en los videojuegos, entonces como es su primera entrega? esta a la altura de lo que siempre nos lleva diciendo?... sí, Halo CE annyversary es un mal remaster, es decir se ve mas bonito y tal pero tiene un fallo que es que la experiencia de juego es diferente al producto original, me explico, halo (xbox original) es mas oscuro en losHalo es y ha sido una de las obras mas influyentes en los videojuegos, entonces como es su primera entrega? esta a la altura de lo que siempre nos lleva diciendo?... sí, Halo CE annyversary es un mal remaster, es decir se ve mas bonito y tal pero tiene un fallo que es que la experiencia de juego es diferente al producto original, me explico, halo (xbox original) es mas oscuro en los escenarios haciendo que te metas mas en el papel, en cambio del remastered que esta todo iluminado haciendo que no sientas la misma experiencia, pero el caso que tan bueno es Halo, bien, para empezar tiene una muy buena historia, la vdd es que me sorprendio para bien, el gameplay revoluciono a la industria es ese momento aunque a nosotros nos pueda parecer un tanto generica, los graficos estan bastante bien para su epoca, los personajes son carismaticos... el fallo mas importante de Halo CE es su repetitividad en los escenarios, y se nota, no lo hace injugable pero si que vas notar esa repetitividad en los escenarios, lo intentan disimular metiendo nuevos enemigos (los flood) pero fracasan miserablemente, una pena, y eso es todo, lo malo es que el remastered no se siente como el original y es repetitivo en ocasiones, pero aparte de eso, Halo CE es un juegazo que debe ser jugado a cualquier fan del shototer… Expand
  16. ElCosmoXD
    Nov 25, 2021
    9
    Just wonderful, The story, music and gameplay is really good. But the mission "343 Guilty Spark" is really confusing, I played this mission many times and I still confused with this mission.
  17. DorlGaming
    Jun 4, 2023
    9
    Fantastic first person shooter and great remaster. If you want some different view on fps games, that's for you.
  18. niconline
    Nov 5, 2012
    8
    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
  19. ILDUCE
    Nov 16, 2011
    8
    First of all to the negative reviewers you make your own points irrelevant...it was the first Halo game in the series and to stay true to the mechanics from the original all they did was give it up to date HD graphics...so you can't complain about the gameplay since its from 2001 and you're obviously an idiot to do so...also don't mention that the game has no choice how to completeFirst of all to the negative reviewers you make your own points irrelevant...it was the first Halo game in the series and to stay true to the mechanics from the original all they did was give it up to date HD graphics...so you can't complain about the gameplay since its from 2001 and you're obviously an idiot to do so...also don't mention that the game has no choice how to complete objectives and then mention CoD in your defense because that is asinine and completely idiotic...this game pays homage to the original Halo that I had so much fun playing co-op campaign without getting up from my chair back when I was 14...game looks good, same campaign, can't really ask for much more...I still like Reach multiplayer and am fine with getting 7 updated maps from the original to play on...just kind of wish they included Sidewinder as one of them b/c I remember playing 4 player split screen on that map for hours...but you basically get a $15 map pack and a overhauled campaign from the original with new visuals, two engines running at once to allow you to move into classic mode and some kinect features for an extra 25 bucks...so what can you expect, I've supported Halo for the past 10 years and have always been fan so figured why not pick it up for $40… Expand
  20. EastonReviews
    Nov 15, 2011
    8
    Well, well, well... Halo Anniversary could have well been a trainwreck. I suppose it hasn't, with great gameplay, improvements on every feature, and has everything new. I'll admit it's nothing like Halo Reach, but it's not a bad game in the end. It won't be the next biggest thing if you thought there would be nothing like it- because, well, there is... But it's a simple little game withWell, well, well... Halo Anniversary could have well been a trainwreck. I suppose it hasn't, with great gameplay, improvements on every feature, and has everything new. I'll admit it's nothing like Halo Reach, but it's not a bad game in the end. It won't be the next biggest thing if you thought there would be nothing like it- because, well, there is... But it's a simple little game with entertaning add ups and it's cheap price won't let you down.… Expand
  21. battleTerror
    Jul 19, 2012
    8
    A very polished and comprehensive remastering of a classic game. All the core game play and levels are completely faithful to the original. Highly recommended to fans of the original and newcomers alike. Special mention must go out to the Terminal cut scenes that deliver more back story and intrigue. They are superbly done and a nice touch.
  22. 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. Although all of this could have been a DLC, What more did you expect? Happy B day HalO!!!
  23. DesNukem
    Nov 17, 2011
    8
    Overall, a commendable effort but even after a few minutes of playing, some of the poorer design choices are immediately obvious. The lip sync in the cut scenes is still terrible; surely that was something that nobody would have minded improved. The same goes for the burning fire effects on The Pillar of Autumn (and probably elsewhere). These still look ten years old. Another gripe is theOverall, a commendable effort but even after a few minutes of playing, some of the poorer design choices are immediately obvious. The lip sync in the cut scenes is still terrible; surely that was something that nobody would have minded improved. The same goes for the burning fire effects on The Pillar of Autumn (and probably elsewhere). These still look ten years old. Another gripe is the bullet holes or decals. In the surrounding structures, these are mostly just black holes with no feathering or metal tear like in the first game. In some surfaces they don't appear at all. This makes the weapons seem less powerful because they appear to do less damage to the environment. It's one instance where you can use the switch-back feature and be more impressed with the original. The opening vignettes when you first press play seem a little washed out and fuzzy compared to the actual game-play. Even the menus seems less sharp or vibrant. Playing the campaign, I experienced lag at certain points and the cut scenes are incredibly jerky - even with the game installed on the hard drive. Hard to believe that these things couldn't have been fixed prior to release. You get the feeling that a few corners were cut to meet the anniversary deadline.

    Apart from these minor niggles, the game is still as great as I remember it and 343 deserve a big pat on the back for coupling the original gameplay with a mostly superb graphics overhaul. An awful lot of thought and care has gone into this product and it shows. Halo has become my favourite game again.    … Expand
  24. 4newsit
    Nov 17, 2011
    8
    Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary marks the transition of delivery of the historical series from Bungie to 343 Industries. The team has been able to coin a product aesthetically improved with the original feeling, enhanced by a series of characteristics that have marked the evolution in the course of his years. The transition to high definition does not compare with the current products,Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary marks the transition of delivery of the historical series from Bungie to 343 Industries. The team has been able to coin a product aesthetically improved with the original feeling, enhanced by a series of characteristics that have marked the evolution in the course of his years. The transition to high definition does not compare with the current products, but still manages to charm with the most artistic and technical work related to the Halo engine Engine, which is forging new management of the texture and lighting is not used as best could. The gameplay manages to be enjoyed while taking a leap back in time thanks to the excellent balance between impact on enemies and weapons and vehicles. Multiplayer The fund, structured on the basis of Reach, allows users to join the already vast array of online players do battle mode struck for the anniversary. A must buy for all fans of the series and for those who want to come across for the first time in the great, infinite, immersive Halo universe. http://www.4news.it/9709-recensione-halo-combat-evolved-anniversary.php… Expand
  25. Saneschitzo
    Nov 15, 2011
    8
    At first it bothered me that this game was getting scores in the 8 area but now I understand why. The game is beyond remastered, it has been redone and tweaked in most areas other than enemy AI. The guns are darker and sicker looking , the sounds from rifles and the pistol have been tweaked for a deadly hollow echo. The graphics are amazing and if you thought the game would look like theAt first it bothered me that this game was getting scores in the 8 area but now I understand why. The game is beyond remastered, it has been redone and tweaked in most areas other than enemy AI. The guns are darker and sicker looking , the sounds from rifles and the pistol have been tweaked for a deadly hollow echo. The graphics are amazing and if you thought the game would look like the old CE with Halo reach graphics your wrong. The graphics are much more detailed and less brightly colored than reach's fruity gpaphics. The campiegn if nothing else is extremely playable in todays gaming envirment which I think is the key factor. The downside about this game is the failure to include the original MP. When I think Halo CE i think back to the old lan party games that lasted hours not just the campaign. The other downside is the Reach MP maps are the only maps included on the game. This wouldn't be a big deal but the halo odst release came with ALL maps and the full MP experience so it seems like a step backwards to me. All in all it basically the best FPS campaign of all time so if your on the fence about purchasing but think its too much. Buy the game and sell the dl map pack on ebay and save yourself $10.… Expand
  26. uni-ballpen
    Nov 20, 2011
    8
    This game is spectacular in many ways. The well polished campaign does its 10 year old counterpart justice in making everything shine in a way which at least made me smile more than once. The ability to flip back and see the old engine and compare was a big point for me. I love being able to see what the game was on a whim, rather than having to have my computer handy or keep switchingThis game is spectacular in many ways. The well polished campaign does its 10 year old counterpart justice in making everything shine in a way which at least made me smile more than once. The ability to flip back and see the old engine and compare was a big point for me. I love being able to see what the game was on a whim, rather than having to have my computer handy or keep switching discs. The new maps are fun to play and the firefight map is remarkable. It is disappointing, however, that they are done in the Reach engine. While I do love Reach, it detracts from the nostalgia I would like to feel while playing these maps. Nevertheless they are good maps. The $40 price tag makes it more worthwhile and soaks up some of the negatives. I feel sometimes that the game is almost too colorful, however, and the lack of a CE original multiplayer experience is somewhat disappointing. This game would have been worth the full $60 to me, only because I am a hardcore halo fan. For others, it may only be worth the $40. However, if you are not a halo fan, there is little point in picking this game up.… Expand
  27. JAMR92
    Nov 15, 2011
    8
    A very nice reboot for nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. 343 did a great job of not screwing this game up, but it's a 10 year old game and it doesn't hold up as well as modern games. Nevertheless it's a great trip back to memory lane for those who bought this for the original xbox and well worth the price tag.
  28. thoughtful_salt
    Nov 16, 2011
    8
    There are some weird graphical issues (poor lip-syncing animations, lots of pop-in textures, bad human character models, especially cortana who is out of place) and there's a lot of bad sound decisions (the annoying magnum melee, lots of distortion, lackluster re-imagining of the original score). But the game looks so much better overall (the silent cartographer is gorgeously redone), andThere are some weird graphical issues (poor lip-syncing animations, lots of pop-in textures, bad human character models, especially cortana who is out of place) and there's a lot of bad sound decisions (the annoying magnum melee, lots of distortion, lackluster re-imagining of the original score). But the game looks so much better overall (the silent cartographer is gorgeously redone), and still holds up so well that these are minor gripes. The lack of the original multiplayer is a big issue, reach multiplayer just does not gel with the classic game. Kinect requirements are also a big black mark on the game, we're not all rich ya know. A great game, but not perfect.… Expand
  29. biscuitboy46
    Nov 24, 2011
    8
    First off, I would like to say that this game is WELL worth the $40. Finally the right price on a brand new game! This remake is amazing; I really have no problems with the AI or controls. The map remakes are also very well done. Blood Gulch is back!
  30. YipManSays
    Nov 21, 2011
    8
    Did you like the original Halo Combat Evolved? Yes? Then you'll probably love this game. The HD graphics are pretty cool and the game lets you flip back and forth from HD graphics to the original graphics and it's fun to see the differences. The gameplay in the campaign is exactly the same in terms of the weapons, enemy ai, and level design. This will bring back old memories of fun andDid you like the original Halo Combat Evolved? Yes? Then you'll probably love this game. The HD graphics are pretty cool and the game lets you flip back and forth from HD graphics to the original graphics and it's fun to see the differences. The gameplay in the campaign is exactly the same in terms of the weapons, enemy ai, and level design. This will bring back old memories of fun and frustration is you play Halo back in the day or showcase the blemishes Halo had when it released 10 years ago. Overall a good buy for 40 bucks! I would caution those who are new to Halo from purchasing this brand new though...… Expand
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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

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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
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