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. 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!!!
  2. 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 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    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 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.    … 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. 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
  5. GidBix
    Apr 6, 2012
    7
    This was my first time playing all the way through Halo: Combat Evolved and I gotta say that this game really holds up. While some parts, seemed a little dated, I was blown away when I considered that this game actually came out 10 years ago! The ability to switch between the old graphics and the enhanced is just awesome! Controls are spot on and the game is fun throughout!
  6. 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.
  7. kimi1775
    Nov 9, 2020
    8
    ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎
  8. 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, 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 loreThis 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.    … Expand
  9. IDontMiss
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    It's the game we love, with the faults we love, now with online co-op.
    There are faults; it doesn't run as smooth as its older counterpart, and the new graphics look like the inside of a Chucky Cheese. Still, the faults are cancelled out by online co-op, multiplayer, achievements, and terminals. So while it's not Halo: Combat Evolved as it was 10 years ago, the game is untouched mostly,    It's the game we love, with the faults we love, now with online co-op.
    There are faults; it doesn't run as smooth as its older counterpart, and the new graphics look like the inside of a Chucky Cheese. Still, the faults are cancelled out by online co-op, multiplayer, achievements, and terminals. So while it's not Halo: Combat Evolved as it was 10 years ago, the game is untouched mostly, and that game is still a 10 out of 10, even with it's modern-day drawbacks.    … Expand
  10. 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!
  11. SMDRH
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    I'm very shocked to see the review scores that this game is getting from the critics. While 83 out of 100 isn't at all bad for the usual game, by Halo's standards it is pretty poor. Quite frankly, this game does what it sets out to do perfectly; creates an orgasmic, nostalgic experience that remains completely faithful to the original, while simultaneously boasting an impressive suite ofI'm very shocked to see the review scores that this game is getting from the critics. While 83 out of 100 isn't at all bad for the usual game, by Halo's standards it is pretty poor. Quite frankly, this game does what it sets out to do perfectly; creates an orgasmic, nostalgic experience that remains completely faithful to the original, while simultaneously boasting an impressive suite of new and awesome features. The graphics stay true to the artistic style of Halo, and are much more than passable by today's standards. The Campaign still feels extremely modern, despite using gameplay that is 10 years old, and is able to hold its own against even the most popular of shooters today. The multiplayer component may be the same as Reach's, but with special modes designed to play like the original multiplayer from 10 years ago coupled with the massive amount of features and customization that Halo Reach multiplayer already boasts, this game doesn't falter on value for money one bit. To summarise, the experience to be had with this game as a whole is worth a 10.

    Finally, it is Halo: CE, what's not to love about that?    … Expand
  12. 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
  13. UnlimitedSupply
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    I'll be honest, I hate Halo. I hate what it stands for, I hate its community, and I hate its multiplayer.
    I had never played the very first Halo game until now. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!?! Why did they stop making games this good. Did the designers for Halo: CE dies and new ones had to take over for the other games? This is EASILY the greatest FPS campaign I have ever played, even better    I'll be honest, I hate Halo. I hate what it stands for, I hate its community, and I hate its multiplayer.
    I had never played the very first Halo game until now. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!?! Why did they stop making games this good. Did the designers for Halo: CE dies and new ones had to take over for the other games? This is EASILY the greatest FPS campaign I have ever played, even better than Half Life 2, I kid you not, it's that good! For $40, this is a steal!    … Expand
  14. MakedabestGames
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    There are problems. The graphics overhaul is kiddy and doesn't respect the gritty nature of the original halo. The game doesn't feel so smooth when compared to the Xbox original. The extra features are few and somewhat lackluster.

    Despite these problems, it's still Halo, It's still the great campaign we have grown to know and love. Add that to online co-op and multiplayer, and the    There are problems. The graphics overhaul is kiddy and doesn't respect the gritty nature of the original halo. The game doesn't feel so smooth when compared to the Xbox original. The extra features are few and somewhat lackluster.

    Despite these problems, it's still Halo, It's still the great campaign we have grown to know and love. Add that to online co-op and multiplayer, and the shortcomings are made up for. You are better off playing Halo on it's original format, so this is not a 10 out of 10 for everyone, but it's still a 10 all the same.    … Expand
  15. IWantDaGold
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Beautiful. It's hard to believe that the greatest FPS of all time could get any better. Well... it didn't. There are problems with the smoothness of this game due to the new graphics engine. But add in multiplayer, online co-op, and terminals, and the small flaws are set aside. This is incredible!
  16. KriticalV
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    The game feels exactly like it did ten years ago. It could not be more perfect. The graphical enhancements that have been made are absolutely outstanding. This game gets an easy ten from me just for the campaign. The mutiplayer maps are just a bonus.
  17. ArdentPrayerX
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    It's the best game of Halo (Halo: Combat Evolved). I'm excited with the terminals that explain history of 343 Guilty Spark and Halo 4. I like very much
  18. emcoffey3
    Mar 13, 2012
    9
    Halo: CE still has one of of the best campaigns of any game I've ever played, and 343i was smart to not alter it in a serious way. Instead, they have simply improved it: they've updated the graphics, fine-tuned the audio, and have thrown in some new hidden items. Add online co-op to the mix, and this updated disc is well worth the lower-than-average price tag. It would have been nice toHalo: CE still has one of of the best campaigns of any game I've ever played, and 343i was smart to not alter it in a serious way. Instead, they have simply improved it: they've updated the graphics, fine-tuned the audio, and have thrown in some new hidden items. Add online co-op to the mix, and this updated disc is well worth the lower-than-average price tag. It would have been nice to see them do something more with multiplayer than just a Reach add-on, but beggars can't be choosers.… Expand
  19. Fxd2fght
    Nov 16, 2011
    9
    An amazing game that offers new and old gamers an awesome campaign. Campaign still deserves the 97% Metacritic gave it originally. MP maps, remastered graphics, co-op, achievements and terminals make this well worth the money. To all the haters out there - they just can't defeat the campaign on legendary.
  20. dmanhuh
    Nov 16, 2011
    9
    The game is no doubt a great game. But of course this game felt like a DLC!!!!!!! However, the game can and will improve. But this game and counterstrike are the games that started great shooters in this generation.
  21. PoK3RFaC3D
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Halo: CE got a 10 originally. I'm not sure why it deserves anything less now. People saying that 343 is just being money hungry, well they're not. Halo: CE costs 20 dollars on the xbox live market place, and the map pack is 15. For 5 more dollars you get the disk, terminals, updated graphics, and skulls.

    This game is worth 60 dollars, you'd be a fool to not buy it for 40.
  22. 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
  23. Redzetarobot
    Nov 15, 2011
    9
    The single player is as good as you remember. The music, the enemies, the mystery... I could go on and on about how Ce was the game of a decade. When you play modern shooters be sure to thank this game for the fun your having that very second.
    The only negatives I have about the game is that the original multiplayer was not included. The multiplayer operates from the Reach engine, which I    The single player is as good as you remember. The music, the enemies, the mystery... I could go on and on about how Ce was the game of a decade. When you play modern shooters be sure to thank this game for the fun your having that very second.
    The only negatives I have about the game is that the original multiplayer was not included. The multiplayer operates from the Reach engine, which I despise. So if you play halo only for multiplayer and you dislike Reach this is only marginally better than Reach because of its classic maps and Title update. In general, the best hd remake to come this generation for the best price.    … Expand
  24. Verticity
    Nov 15, 2011
    7
    There is a reason this game is more or less the same with nothing fixed - 343 Industries wanted to make a faithful remake to keep everything true halo fans know and love about the first game. Though the graphics overhaul is kiddy, it's still great to switch between the new and the old graphics at the press of a button. The Online Co-Op provides a new experience for those who want to playThere is a reason this game is more or less the same with nothing fixed - 343 Industries wanted to make a faithful remake to keep everything true halo fans know and love about the first game. Though the graphics overhaul is kiddy, it's still great to switch between the new and the old graphics at the press of a button. The Online Co-Op provides a new experience for those who want to play with old friends, and the Reach Map Pack is a great addition.… Expand
  25. Urano
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    This is a great game for anyone who enjoys shooters.It's a perfect remake.It has a very good gameplay,like any Halo,and the graphics are much superior than the original.The soundtrack it's awesome too,everything is.The story is fantastic,just like the original.

    I recommend it if you like shooters,and if you like Halo you must buy this game.
  26. 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
  27. arielultra
    Dec 3, 2012
    4
    I liked this game quite a lot - the first pics i saw were awesome. But now, it looks just old. A cool game ... 10 years ago. Today it lacks a gripping story, drama and good graphics. The later I can accept - the first two not. Still good - the controls (except the driver controls of the warthog, they still suck).
  28. davestadnik
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    SIMON APPROVED BIATCHESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! i love it so does he!
  29. GiveItATry
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    I'll be honest, I hate Halo. I hate what it stands for, I hate its community, and I hate its multiplayer. I had never played the very first Halo game until now. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!?! Why did they stop making games this good. Did the designers for Halo: CE dies and new ones had to take over for the other games? This is EASILY the greatest FPS campaign I have ever played, even betterI'll be honest, I hate Halo. I hate what it stands for, I hate its community, and I hate its multiplayer. I had never played the very first Halo game until now. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!?! Why did they stop making games this good. Did the designers for Halo: CE dies and new ones had to take over for the other games? This is EASILY the greatest FPS campaign I have ever played, even better than Half Life 2, I kid you not, it's that good! For $40, this is a steal! Oh, and to the idiot that blamed Bungie for this and gave the game a 5, Bungie didn't make this remake, so he's either 12 or mentally challenged.… Expand
  30. spartan117gw
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Great game. It has some hiccups and issues. but reliving a legend is nothing short of awesome. and how you can see the difference is amazing. thanks 343!
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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

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
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