Halo: Combat Evolved

 Xbox
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3080 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,658 out of 3080
  2. Mixed: 180 out of 3080
  3. Negative: 242 out of 3080
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. wiredspore44
    Dec 28, 2020
    10
    Revolutionary game with great characters, level design, dialogue and a fantastic story. Xbox probably wouldn't still be around if it wasn't for this game!
  2. HectorDelaRocha
    Aug 28, 2021
    10
    The best game of my childhood. Beat it countless times with my brother. Revisited 20 years later and still as good as I remember.
  3. Osmann
    Oct 15, 2020
    10
    Gaming royalty, embodies the new shooter genre. As iconic as doom was in the 1990's, Halo carries the torch into the new century.
  4. Fernandogza
    Oct 15, 2020
    10
    Halo, una saga hermosa que hasta el día de hoy sigue enamorando a los jugadores
  5. MatBrownie
    Oct 19, 2020
    10
    One of the best games ever to be released up to date, the fact that a game like this reigns supreme after so many years just shows how much of the heart of the developers where poured into making this game. I still remember this game being my first ever game, and it is thanks to this game alone that I am a person who plays this up to this day in October of 2020.
  6. FabricioNery
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Sem dúvida uma dos melhores jogos já feitos, muito divertido, com uma história fantástica.
  7. CFMCritic
    May 16, 2021
    10
    Combat Evolved may have aged quite a bit but Halo's legacy is still visible in video games today. To be honest the only reason Xbox survived in the crowded console market was Halo, Halo built upon other first person games' (Half-Life, Deus X, System Shock) legacy and delivered a perfectly-balanced first person shooter experience. Even today Halo 1 is a must-play for anyone interested inCombat Evolved may have aged quite a bit but Halo's legacy is still visible in video games today. To be honest the only reason Xbox survived in the crowded console market was Halo, Halo built upon other first person games' (Half-Life, Deus X, System Shock) legacy and delivered a perfectly-balanced first person shooter experience. Even today Halo 1 is a must-play for anyone interested in video games.… Expand
  8. Diomarjimenez
    Oct 29, 2020
    10
    Su jugabilidad 10/10 sus primeros 6 mapad 10/10 y solu soundtrack 100/10 gracias bungie gracias odonell por crear tal obra de arte
  9. CarmineChogolat
    Oct 31, 2020
    10
    As a gamer, this game is one of the most important games in my gaming experience.
  10. Fem89
    Oct 31, 2020
    10
    Halo Combat Evolved, the one that started it all is a game about Gameplay and story. When you finish it, it gives you a unique feeling. You have experienced this alien world. I love Halo CE and all the Halo games Up to Halo 5.
  11. LOCritic
    Nov 1, 2020
    10
    When I first played combat evolved I was an 18 year old boy who did not play video games that much back then. But CE opened a whole world to me, it introduced me first person shooters, great visuals and story-telling and a balanced and perfect game play, And since then I can't stop playing it.
  12. makkusu1
    Nov 7, 2020
    10
    Первый ЛУЧШИЙ эксклюзив от Microsoft! Хороший более-менее разнообразный сюжет, приятный геймплей!)
  13. Dom007
    Nov 19, 2020
    10
    Revolutionary for first person shooters and the future of the Xbox. There's so much fun to be had with the combat this game offers. Together with the mystery of the halo ring as you continuously progress through the levels and the story with great moments such as the introduction of the flood it is a game you must play if you haven't played it.
  14. samurai07
    Nov 14, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. very very nice game master chief legendary Xbox original thank you Xbox for this game… Expand
  15. Youngish2k51
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    Halo Ce changed the way video games are made and deserves a perfect 10. I'll be reviewing the game as if I was back in the era the game came out as comparing a game that came out 20 years ago to a game that came out today is not a fair comparison, Halo Ce was revolutionary and absolutely set the gaming world on fire, the story, ideas, gameplay, mechanics, weapons, vehicles, enemy's and theHalo Ce changed the way video games are made and deserves a perfect 10. I'll be reviewing the game as if I was back in the era the game came out as comparing a game that came out 20 years ago to a game that came out today is not a fair comparison, Halo Ce was revolutionary and absolutely set the gaming world on fire, the story, ideas, gameplay, mechanics, weapons, vehicles, enemy's and the soundtrack make this a perfect video game for it's era, and one of the greatest video games of all time.… Expand
  16. Noelington
    Dec 6, 2021
    10
    Halo: CE is a masterpiece of a game that help define the genre. If you have the opportunity to play it I will always recommend it.
  17. KaleSungurCrane
    Nov 18, 2020
    10
    OVERALL - 98%

    Gameplay - 8/10
    Graphics (for time) - 8/10
    Story - 9/10
    Game Length - 8/10
    Characters - 9/10
    Level/Area Design - 8/10
    Atmosphere - 9/10
    Sound Effects - 9/10
    Soundtrack - 9/10
    Replay Value - 9/10

    Halo was a childhood favourite of mine, and playing it now brings back great memories.
  18. HeroMan3000
    Dec 14, 2020
    10
    People Say Halo Combat Evolved did not age well, but they say Half-life aged well! Both games are great and masterpieces in their own genre, but halo combat evolved really helped half-life 2 to became a better game than the original.
  19. Cyborg_TDRK
    Dec 17, 2020
    10
    É o clássico jogo de Xbox que criou uma franquia de jogos muito bons, com uma dificuldade mais difícil do que os outros jogos da franquia, mas sempre será o clássico Halo
  20. vinhemman
    Dec 18, 2020
    10
    Halo Combat Evolved, a game you can trust, halo ce is a place for everything.
  21. Carmina45
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    Combat Evolved is a game filled with brilliant and awe-inspiring. This game was so good it created the phrase halo killer.
  22. AnimalK
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    Halo CE is probably the most important first person shooter game ever made in gaming history, this game single-handedly brought xbox on the map and showed fps shooters can be played on consoles as well.
  23. Humbleman200
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    CE proved that Fps shooters can be Regarded as masterpieces as well, Half-life started it and CE Established it.
  24. Rorok
    Dec 22, 2020
    10
    The one that started it all, halo combat evolved is still to this day one of the most unique games ever made, from it's story to gameplay to soundtrack.
  25. INFORMERDUDE
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    Halo CE is an absolute classic, a must-play for everyone. CE changed my life for better, it showed me games can be special.
  26. Trevorman
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    This game was a masterpiece and still is a Masterpiece. I'm waiting for the Halo Killer!
  27. Surrogate6
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    Combat Evolved is amongst the most important video games ever made. It established the xbox and brought first person shooters back on top again, everything about this game was revolutionary, the controller, the level design, the story and it's difficulty. Easily one of the best!
  28. Travistravel
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    Halo CE is an absolute classic in everyway. The architecture is both Ancient and Alien. The soundtrack is basically Timeless. The Gameplay holds up pretty well, this game is a Masterpiece.
  29. PlagueMan
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    Halo 1 or Combat Evolved is timeless in it's every aspect, visuals, graphics, gameplay, story and so on... This is a must play for everyone who is a fan of fps games, This genre-changing masterpiece is the best reason to buy an xbox now, but the anniversary version sucks.
  30. LastCritic2
    Dec 24, 2020
    10
    Combat Evolved... I just love that this game is Called Halo combat evolved, it just adds another level charm and timelessness to it, combat evolved is basically a timeless masterpiece in terms of story-telling and gameplay and the influence it had on gaming industry.
  31. Buboub47
    Dec 24, 2020
    10
    Combat evolved is a Masterpiece in terms of gameplay and Story, it brought first person shooters to consoles and revolutionized the genre.
  32. Goronox
    Dec 24, 2020
    10
    Halo CE is one of the most well-paced shooters ever, it knows where and when throw story and gameplay elements at you, while i missed this game in 2001, i had the pleasure to play it on MCC on my Series X so, there is no nostalgic opinion here. First of all the game holds up perfectly, the graphics and visuals are still unique and beautiful, the story is basically Timeless and theHalo CE is one of the most well-paced shooters ever, it knows where and when throw story and gameplay elements at you, while i missed this game in 2001, i had the pleasure to play it on MCC on my Series X so, there is no nostalgic opinion here. First of all the game holds up perfectly, the graphics and visuals are still unique and beautiful, the story is basically Timeless and the story-telling is some of the best i've seen in any shooter. The soundtrack is gorgeously executed and it's paced flawlessly.Halo CE is a must-play for everyone and it's huge impact on the video game industry is undeniable.… Expand
  33. RumCritic
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    Halo CE is probably the most influential First shooter of all time and one of the most important video games in the history. Back in the day everybody was buying an XBOX just for this masterpiece.
  34. Hire
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    The first Halo game, Halo Combat Evolved, is the most special for me, maybe because it was my first shooter, but i know one thing and that's i will always love this game along side with Modern Warfare and Half-life.
  35. UmbrellaMan728
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    Halo CE is probably one of the most important launch titles ever made. The original Xbox had so many great classics like KOTOR1 or Morrowwind or Conquer but this game single-handedly brought xbox on the map, it takes nothing but a masterpiece to do that.
  36. YankeeBoy484
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    This game made history with it's gameplay and story, the people who play a shooter with controller should thank bungie and halo CE, cause if it wasn't for CE, people were still playing shooters with mouses and keyboards, well i'm not saying mouse and keyboards are bad, no, i'm just saying they are not the best way to play halo :)
  37. Hyron
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    This game changed my life showed me that shooters can have a deep story, a authentic feel and a memorable gameplay. Definitely one of thr best games ever.
  38. RuthlessMan82
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    Halo Combat Evolved is a Sci-fi epic shooter with a novel story and a timeless gameplay. The soundtrack is probably one of the best in the industry.
  39. GrownT839
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    Halo Combat Evolved Blew my mind back in 2001. Our family just bought XBOX because they thought it was cooler, but when halo came everybody in my family was hooked to it, my brother and father, and my mother loved the story and visuals of the game. Halo CE is a very Special game in many aspects, and probably the best fps ever made.
  40. Poorman3
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    CE is a classic, and probably the main reason i fell in love with XBOX in the first place, Halo CE is one of the most important game in history, CE did everything right.
  41. Hydroman220
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    Halo CE is the definition of Legendary, it revolutionized the fps genre, had beautiful graphics, a detailed and deep story and Split-screen Co-op, even Halo CE's controls changed the industry, just look at the control combination of the fps games that came before and after Halo 1.
  42. Hayaow93
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    Halo CE, it CE 19 years after it's release still a masterpiece? Well, yes. The Gameplay definitely holds up, because Halo 1's gameplay is the most sound out of all gameplays. And the story is deep enough for mature audiences to understand and admire it.
  43. JohnnyTak39
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    Halo CE is a pure experience in everyway. When you first play the game, it feels so unique and different in every aspect, art design, visual architecture, srory, characters... You feel like you're playing an action sci-fi masterpiece, and that's exactly what it is!
  44. DancerofBorel
    Dec 29, 2020
    10
    If it wasn't for Halo Combat Evolved, there wouldn't be no XBOX... Halo CE is definitely one of the best and most influential video games in the industry, and even if you don't like it, RESPECT it.
  45. EnYadir43
    Jan 3, 2021
    10
    Halo Combat Evolved, people say this game doesn't hold up... Hale CE came when even call of duty did not exist, when bioshock didn't exist, when half-life 2 didn't exist, when portal didn't exist... and just to see how revolutionary this game was all you need to do is to take a look at all the fps games that came before and after Halo CE.
  46. Tte93
    Jan 3, 2021
    10
    Halo CE Is truly one of the most unique and iconic games in the history, halo changed the industry in everyway with its AI, level design, Novel-like Story, full filled characters, controls and soundtrack. Basically, a Masterpiece.
  47. HelloDarkness38
    Jan 6, 2021
    10
    Halo CE is one of the weirdest games i ever played. Seriously, i have played a lot of games since 1990 but this game is the most unique and distinct, from its architecture and level design to its impressive soundtrack and gunplay. Another great thing about this game is t he pacing, this game is so well-paced.
  48. RocketManDD75
    Jan 7, 2021
    10
    Man, Halo CE was the THING back in the day, Everybody was praising this game from the critics to the retail stores workers to your friends to your mom and dad and so on... This was actually one of the very first fps games that was like a Sci-fi military shooter, this masterpiece came out of nowhere and blew the world away. The Campaign is the best thing about this game, the multiplayer isMan, Halo CE was the THING back in the day, Everybody was praising this game from the critics to the retail stores workers to your friends to your mom and dad and so on... This was actually one of the very first fps games that was like a Sci-fi military shooter, this masterpiece came out of nowhere and blew the world away. The Campaign is the best thing about this game, the multiplayer is fun but the campaign of this game is the best thing the fps genre has offered to this day.… Expand
  49. ChipsAreGood
    Jan 10, 2021
    10
    This game is amazing, awesome gameplay, interesting story, great atmosphere. A must have if you like FPS games.
  50. XSgtDX
    Jan 19, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best game on the platform. This is a great SCifi based first person shooter. It is the came that actually got me back into console gaming and collecting.… Expand
  51. AliB2020
    Jan 20, 2021
    10
    The best shooter in the history of the game industry. Masterpiece. A charismatic protagonist that you never forget
  52. Uper
    Jan 22, 2021
    10
    After these years it is still fun to play.

    Halo Combat Evolved is for me one of the best FPS games ever made.
    Soundtrack is excellent.
    Game play is still fun and will be still fun.
    Enemies are interesting and fun to play with.
    Story is well written.

    Masterpiece.
  53. Meta_Critzz
    May 25, 2021
    10
    Holy COW! This game is amazing. This may be one of the best FPS games of all time, trust me. The gameplay is always balanced, and the weapons are amazing. The enemies are not crazy overpowered but they can pose a challenge if you are not being careful and on your toes. This game is definitely worth playing and getting an Xbox for!
  54. Axelelc0smic0
    Jan 28, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Totalmente recomendable aún en estas fechas, los gráficos ni presentan un problema ya que las mecánicas de juego están bien pulidas y la historia es magnífica… Expand
  55. junkykunky
    Feb 8, 2021
    10
    Still after 20 years this is one of the best games of all time. The music, Campaign, and Multiplayer are still great. I recommend buying Master cheif collection to play Combat evolved because its much easier.
  56. Edion
    Feb 23, 2021
    10
    Everything about this game is incredible, the influence to create most FPS games, the soundtrack, atmosphere, gameplay, story. A 100% 10/10 game a recommendation for anybody who hasn’t played it yet
  57. SteinZero
    May 19, 2023
    10
    Halo: Combat Evolved é um verdadeiro marco nos jogos de tiro em primeira pessoa. Lançado em 2001, o jogo ainda permanece como um dos meus favoritos até hoje.

    A história de Halo: Combat Evolved me cativou desde o início. Interpretando o papel do icônico Master Chief, embarquei em uma jornada épica contra a ameaça alienígena conhecida como Covenant. A narrativa envolvente me fez mergulhar    Halo: Combat Evolved é um verdadeiro marco nos jogos de tiro em primeira pessoa. Lançado em 2001, o jogo ainda permanece como um dos meus favoritos até hoje.

    A história de Halo: Combat Evolved me cativou desde o início. Interpretando o papel do icônico Master Chief, embarquei em uma jornada épica contra a ameaça alienígena conhecida como Covenant. A narrativa envolvente me fez mergulhar em um universo de ficção científica complexo, cheio de segredos e reviravoltas. A medida que avançava pelos níveis cuidadosamente projetados, desvendava a história e me conectava emocionalmente aos personagens e ao mundo ao meu redor.

    A jogabilidade de Halo: Combat Evolved é simplesmente incrível. Os controles são responsivos e intuitivos, permitindo movimentos suaves e precisos. Os combates são empolgantes e estratégicos, com uma ampla variedade de armas e veículos à minha disposição. Explorar os vastos ambientes do jogo, utilizando veículos como o Warthog ou o icônico tanque Scorpion, adicionou uma camada extra de diversão e estratégia às batalhas.

    O design dos níveis é um dos pontos altos do jogo. Cada ambiente é meticulosamente detalhado e oferece uma combinação perfeita de espaços abertos e fechados. A exploração é incentivada, e eu me encontrava constantemente descobrindo segredos escondidos e rotas alternativas. Além disso, a variedade de cenários é impressionante, desde paisagens alienígenas exuberantes até instalações militares futuristas, cada um deles repleto de detalhes visuais deslumbrantes.

    A trilha sonora de Halo: Combat Evolved é uma verdadeira obra-prima. As composições de Martin O'Donnell e Michael Salvatori criam uma atmosfera emocionante e imersiva, acompanhando perfeitamente as situações de combate e os momentos de suspense. Até hoje, os temas musicais do jogo me transportam de volta aos momentos emocionantes que vivenciei durante a jogatina.    … Expand
  58. Vidmaster117
    Mar 20, 2021
    10
    This game put simply is a masterpiece. This game is almost 20 years old and still can go toe to toe with any game on the market today. This game is the reason we have First Person Shooters on console and is the reason for the dual stick control scheme that all consoles use today. This game still has atmosphere like no other game I’ve ever played and the world of halo intrigues you andThis game put simply is a masterpiece. This game is almost 20 years old and still can go toe to toe with any game on the market today. This game is the reason we have First Person Shooters on console and is the reason for the dual stick control scheme that all consoles use today. This game still has atmosphere like no other game I’ve ever played and the world of halo intrigues you and makes you want to know more about this universe. This game also nails gameplay with revolutionary A.I who have roles that function much like a game of chess. All of the factions function and behave in different ways. Not to mention this game had one of the greatest twists of all time, which I’m not going to spoil here if you don’t know what I’m talking about. It is likely that without Halo Combat Evolved gaming would not be the same as it is today.… Expand
  59. RTCWFAN
    May 6, 2023
    10
    Nothing beats the first Halo game. It's maybe the best console shooter ever released. For me, it was a reason to buy the original Xbox - and still is today. Pure nostalgia! Overall rating: 9,5.
  60. Alex1533
    Apr 2, 2021
    10
    Um clássico de FPS que revolucionou a indústria, um trabalho perfeito da Bungie
  61. RockFigo
    Apr 5, 2021
    10
    Un gran juego, pionero en los juegos de disparos en la jugabilidad, uso de vehículos y una gran historia. Estandarte de Xbox y con una banda sonora sensacional, apartado gráfico increíble y con un multijugador y pantalla dividida con mucha diversión.
  62. Naselone
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    Amazing. The Gameplay is flawless and the storytelling is epic. The Weapons feel trustworthy and reliable.
  63. thegamer105
    Apr 21, 2021
    10
    A must play shooter with 0 flaws 20 years later.
    This game has a masterpiece story and Multiplayer.
  64. FTYVITAL
    Apr 27, 2021
    10
    Solo diré magnífico tanto su narrativa su historia y para tener buenos gráficos en Su época sin duda de los mejores shooters del espacio, la historia sobre el Covenant y como Master chief empatiza con cortaba.
  65. MutedEternal
    Apr 13, 2022
    10
    This is the Greatest game in the entire franchise. Can't beat the classics! It MADE Xbox
  66. MatheusLopes
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Father of first-person shooter games

    Incredible campaign, lots of twists, very pleasant experience, and a lot of nostalgia, I played when I was a kid and I went back to playing for the Master Chief Collection
  67. Politicalgamer7
    May 26, 2021
    10
    In 2001, Xbox intoduced Halo, one of the most revolutionary fps games ever made or was it? Halo wasn't as impactful as Half-Life 2 and Half-Life 2 is a bit richer in experience but Halo brought a 10-year-old genre to a whole new type of players, i never owned an xbox but i played Halo on xbox and for console players, Halo was beyond Heaven. Its cinematic feeling, satisfying gameplayIn 2001, Xbox intoduced Halo, one of the most revolutionary fps games ever made or was it? Halo wasn't as impactful as Half-Life 2 and Half-Life 2 is a bit richer in experience but Halo brought a 10-year-old genre to a whole new type of players, i never owned an xbox but i played Halo on xbox and for console players, Halo was beyond Heaven. Its cinematic feeling, satisfying gameplay (although a bit simple), online multiplayer and beautiful graphics definitely guaranteed a fantastic experience.
    Halo's level design was a bit lazy, it wasn't that much of a concern since CE was the most advanced shooter in the market back in the day but nowadays it can feel a bit repetitive and that's my only problem with Halo. More varied level design could have made Halo a more memorable journey but Halo did its job pretty well. Halo was the next step in the industry, which was surpassed by Half-Life 2 and Half-Life 2 was surpassed itself three years later by Halo 3.    … Expand
  68. phantypengy
    Mar 4, 2022
    10
    i mean, this game is one of the few that i would call an "epic masterpiece" because it started off the halo series and also was probably the best halo to come out because it is simple unlike halo 5 and has an enjoyable story unlike halo 5 and every weapon in the sandbox has a specific use unlike halo 5.

    10/10 halo experience epic masterpiece
  69. Goodbadcritic45
    Jun 30, 2021
    10
    Halo Combat Evolved is known to establish the first-person shooter genre on video game cosnoles. I didn't play the game in 2001 but i experienced some of the levels the most interesting one for me was assault on the control room. Halo's level design is brilliant but lazy at the same time, it seems like Bungie used RTS maps for the game and had to recreate some of the linear parts of theHalo Combat Evolved is known to establish the first-person shooter genre on video game cosnoles. I didn't play the game in 2001 but i experienced some of the levels the most interesting one for me was assault on the control room. Halo's level design is brilliant but lazy at the same time, it seems like Bungie used RTS maps for the game and had to recreate some of the linear parts of the level to save some time. Sometimes the level design works and other times it doesn't, after assault on the control room, 343 guilty spark started really interesting but after you go inside the structure the level just goes downhill after that. The decline in quality in the second half resulted in better presentation and cutscenes. The game had some spawn problems in some places but normally everything played out perfectly. The Story is simple but well-written and expertly-directed. Halo's biggest strength is the music, the adaptive music in halo makes the experience more powerful and immersive than any other shooter in the market. The voice acting is top-notch amd the graphics are still impressive, i like the simplicity of them. The anniversary graphics are an eye sore. What made Half-Life so exciting was the simple premise yet the complex narration. Halo benefits from that as well, Halo tells an epic meaningful sci-fi story dynamically. If you haven't played Halo i highly recommend playing it, i played the steam version of halo but with the original graphics and i ran into no bugs or glitches.… Expand
  70. xDaniloS117x
    Aug 18, 2021
    10
    Meu jogo favorito, incrível como jogar ele hoje em dia continua super prazeroso graças a jogabilidade muito evoluída que revolucionou os FPS, além da trilha sonora e história perfeita.

    Não tem como, esse jogo é bom em tudo e pra mim sempre será o melhor Halo já feito até hoje
  71. FK97
    Aug 26, 2021
    10
    10/10.
    Campaign is amazing. It has a very interesting story with an unexpected plot twist, wide open areas, great weapon sandbox, good graphics for its time, legendary music, perfect difficulty and fun vehicles. Oh and a quick reminder, you MUST play this with a friend. It's the perfect way to make them fall in love with this franchise.
    Multiplayer is meh tho. Weapons are very poorly    10/10.
    Campaign is amazing. It has a very interesting story with an unexpected plot twist, wide open areas, great weapon sandbox, good graphics for its time, legendary music, perfect difficulty and fun vehicles. Oh and a quick reminder, you MUST play this with a friend. It's the perfect way to make them fall in love with this franchise.

    Multiplayer is meh tho. Weapons are very poorly balanced, there isn't much besides shooting and while the maps are good, there isn't much to do in them.

    But the campaign is so good that I just have to give it a 10/10. For real, if you want to play a good Halo multiplayer just play any other Halo.    … Expand
  72. ItsaBroom
    Sep 7, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The original. It's crazy how much this game still holds up and how ahead of it's time it truly was. Let's see why that is.

    Its story is not really that special. It has two things going for it: the characters and the Flood. The characters of Halo are primarily Chief and Cortana with Guilty Spark becoming prominent around the halfway point. Chief and Cortana have a great dynamic, the classic witty and stoic combination. The Flood is a great twist. The whole time we've spent on the ring it's been fighting the Covenant and now we get introduced to something far worse than the Covenant. This further increases the tension as you now have two threats to deal with. The story is good and presented well.

    The campaigns gameplay is amazing. Every gun, every vehicle, every enemy has a purpose. Nothing feels redundant or useless. The level design is great, but the repeated layouts are tedious. This is my biggest problem with the campaign going through the same room five times does not keep me engage, it make me wanna gouge out my eyes. I understand development wise why this happened but that doesn't excuse it. Despite that glaring flaw, the gameplay is fun and engaging.

    The multiplayer is interesting. Combat Evolved has a very distinct multiplayer from the rest of the series, and I'm spilt on whether or not I like it. It's fun, don't get me wrong but compared to something like Halo 3 or Reach? I think it's uniqueness will keep me coming back to it, because there isn't really anything else like it, but I don't think it's even close to the best in the series.

    Overall, this game is amazing. Great story, gameplay and multiplayer. There's a reason why Xbox and Halo go together and why Halo is a franchise. This is a great game and will go down is history as one of the best FPS games (at least on console).    … Expand
  73. saif51
    Oct 7, 2021
    10
    One of the greatest games ever. The story was legendary, the gameplay is soo good and the shooting very smooth and fun. It is a game that has left its own mark in gaming.
  74. Pedroaaaaaaaria
    Oct 1, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. O melhor jogo de 2001 de FPS de história. Muito bom também eu jogo que eu mais adoro… Expand
  75. DaSoldier
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    This game is phenomenal! It has an amazing story and engaging gameplay. The game sets the tone perfectly and gives you a sense of dread before anything has even happened yet! The game has AI I have never seen before. They behave so perfectly, making the game feel almost as a chess match! I love how the different ranks of the enemies causes them to be tougher to defeat and how the ranksThis game is phenomenal! It has an amazing story and engaging gameplay. The game sets the tone perfectly and gives you a sense of dread before anything has even happened yet! The game has AI I have never seen before. They behave so perfectly, making the game feel almost as a chess match! I love how the different ranks of the enemies causes them to be tougher to defeat and how the ranks vary depending on the difficulty! A mission could have a blue elite in a certain spot on normal then a red one in the exact spot on heroic! The difficulty is tuned so perfectly that there is almost no **** in the game whatsoever! Each enemy has its own weaknesses and strengths! For example, the hunters are hard hitting bullet sponges but have a crippling weakness to the pistol and sniper. This game is amazing in every way, from the multiplayer to the Campaign!… Expand
  76. TeemoTime
    Sep 4, 2023
    10
    A game that honestly should have no introduction. This game changed FPS games on console with effects still seen today in it's campaign and multiplayer. What an insane launch title, Xbox would not be the same without the Chief.
  77. Banjo_Reviewie
    Dec 30, 2021
    10
    Although slightly dated in the graphics department, Halo is still a masterpiece and should be played for years to come.
  78. Ostmackan99
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    This game is now over 20 years old and it still hasn't been topped. Everything about this game is fantastic. The story, the atmosphere, the soundtrack, I love everything about it.
  79. Sych3
    Nov 29, 2021
    10
    To this day I'm thankful for the lanhouse dude that showed me this game. Fell in love, the lore. The writing, the characters, the sounds and music. The plasma grenades and needler were jaw dropping first time I got to see them in action. The gameplay is similar to other FPSs of the time, but the guns and everything else make it feel like something out of this world.
  80. SpartanSCDO
    Dec 1, 2021
    10
    Halo is quite simply the closest thing we have ever experienced to a living, breathing alternate universe.
  81. Fnordstingray49
    Dec 6, 2021
    10
    Good game, good jugability, this history andevelopment are good, halo CE is a famous in the 2021. I love this game.
  82. Amir7scorpioN
    Dec 11, 2021
    10
    still playable today!.
    what a Masterpiece...still worth playing,,,level design the setting everything about this game is so AWESOME!
  83. KIrillooss
    Dec 9, 2021
    10
    Великолепнейший шутер с классным сюжетом и геймплеем
  84. Rodrixq1
    Dec 10, 2021
    10
    Excelente juego muy interesante con misiones extensas y difíciles una historia perfecta lo recomiendo
  85. Capitanupula
    Dec 10, 2021
    10
    Amazing game and a masterpiece that is why this game is so famous and good zaaaa
  86. AirmanKhan
    Dec 10, 2021
    10
    El mejor juego de toda la historia de Xbox, honestamente sin está joya, Microsoft estaría muerto
  87. NotaBot2
    Dec 11, 2021
    10
    20 years later and still a wonderful masterpiece, best console fps EVER!!!!!
  88. EseMercantil
    Dec 11, 2021
    10
    It's a classic. And the hit game from everyone's childhood. Despite it's old graphics and clunky physics Halo Combat Evolved remains as the best game in the series, thanks to it's fantastic story and twist, perfect combat and difficulty, and it's timeless multiplayer.
  89. Wither-062
    Dec 12, 2021
    10
    Great soundtrack, the gameplay is just good and one of the most exiting campains ever.
  90. Osbraikeet
    Dec 13, 2021
    10
    Play this game after 20 years of release and still amazing This game is a miracle!
  91. Wingsuit
    Jan 3, 2022
    10
    The game that started it all. It offered some incredible gameplay experiences during that time that still hold up to this day 20 years later. It also helped perfect FPSs and how they play on console.
  92. Treeasdf122
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    So good wish there was a remaster though as graphics today would make it even better
  93. cchenders40
    Aug 25, 2022
    10
    The FPS game that changed it all! Playing this on the original Xbox as a kid we’re some of the greatest gaming moments of my life. There are still very few games that can capture what Halo CE captured. Not only on the combat level or graphical level at the time but the story and wonder in this game were unmatched. The amazing music playing while looking out at the ring and the ancientThe FPS game that changed it all! Playing this on the original Xbox as a kid we’re some of the greatest gaming moments of my life. There are still very few games that can capture what Halo CE captured. Not only on the combat level or graphical level at the time but the story and wonder in this game were unmatched. The amazing music playing while looking out at the ring and the ancient artifacts made you feel like you were seeing something incredible. This game holds up today, especially when playing it on next Gen consoles. This is one of the greats!… Expand
  94. Gotthosue3
    Jan 24, 2022
    10
    I absolutely love this game… and the music is incredible! Such a great way to start a franchise and halo 2 is even better!
  95. Amin34
    Jan 26, 2022
    10
    Good amazing good game
  96. Micaso
    Feb 14, 2022
    10
    One of the best games iv ever played, from story to art and music. This game changed the world of shooters and Xbox.
  97. Mhe2005
    Feb 24, 2022
    10
    Halo combat evolved is simply incredible it deserves every bit of attention it gets and it started off the greatest quadrilogy in gaming history with the bungie developed Halos with 2 3 and reach it essentially kickstarted the Xbox and whats great about Halo is that one cannot work without the other they're deeply intertwined Xbox cannot be Xbox without Halo Halo cannot be Halo withoutHalo combat evolved is simply incredible it deserves every bit of attention it gets and it started off the greatest quadrilogy in gaming history with the bungie developed Halos with 2 3 and reach it essentially kickstarted the Xbox and whats great about Halo is that one cannot work without the other they're deeply intertwined Xbox cannot be Xbox without Halo Halo cannot be Halo without Xbox the level design whilst reused in some places (only on alien architecture which lets be honest realistically the forerunners and covenant would reuse it) it is astounding and it is one of the most revolutionary games of all time Halo proved that a first person shooter could work on a console and it is also one of the rare cases of satisfying gameplay that has actually good gameplay too FPS games like COD and battlefield and pretty much every single FPS game to come out on console ever since Halo owe allot to it the whole reason why cod was so massive was because of its console user base sure it may have come to console without it but would it have had a revolutionary control scheme that Halo pretty much built by itself I mean who can argue that Halo set a standard for how a fps control scheme should be the classic RT to shoot B to crouch X to reload controller scheme gave ease of access that you couldn't get anywhere else at the time with strange controllers blocking games such as golden eye from being perfect and extremely odd controls for games such as rainbow six on PlayStation Halo is just perfect in every aspect even In legendary which (many Halo games fall down on) is always your fault not overpowered Jackal snipers or brutes who one shot you it's extremely balanced so that whenever you die you know it's your fault it is simply a classic that should and will be cherished for all time… Expand
  98. neomoonsevin
    Jan 22, 2023
    10
    Tops man brilliant game only time I ever took shooters seriously was this game before this I hated shooters all of them but I've become a fanatic halo I still very bad at shooting even in 2023 but hey this franchise lives on big up to the creators of this
  99. Zerep31
    Apr 4, 2022
    10
    Gran musica, gran juego, gran todo !! Es un juego excelso. Nadie puede negar que formo infancias
  100. ProbablyNick
    Apr 7, 2022
    10
    Halo Combat Evolved is masterpiece and probably one of the best games of the 2000's
Page:

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Xbox Game of 2001
1
#1 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2001
1
#1 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
97

Universal acclaim - based on 68 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 68 out of 68
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 68
  3. Negative: 0 out of 68
  1. Xbox Nation Magazine
    100
    Halo is quite simply the closest thing we have ever experienced to a living, breathing alternate universe. [Jan 2002, p.72]
  2. GMR Magazine
    100
    The definitive reason to own an Xbox. [Feb 2003, p.95]
  3. Gamestyle
    100
    When you finally set down the controller the first time, and eventually hunger or exhaustion do force all of us to take a break, Halo has pulled you completely into its world and started one of the best sci-fi gaming adventures of all time.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »