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
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  1. Pplatt
    Jul 19, 2020
    9
    That first time you walked through a level transition and out into a battle between AI Covenant and Marines... that, on a console, blew my mind. The story might be muddled and weird as the series goes on, but the simple thrill of the incredibly well-balance gun fights has just gotten better as it advanced. This is the game that made Xbox the place to go for FPS games and as far as I'mThat first time you walked through a level transition and out into a battle between AI Covenant and Marines... that, on a console, blew my mind. The story might be muddled and weird as the series goes on, but the simple thrill of the incredibly well-balance gun fights has just gotten better as it advanced. This is the game that made Xbox the place to go for FPS games and as far as I'm concerned it's the most fun.… Expand
  2. Justareviewer21
    Jul 19, 2020
    9
    What can i say about this legend, it’s revolutionary, really fun and impressive. But some levels are... bad
  3. ZeSniper70
    Jul 26, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is my opinion is truly a masterpiece in every way I’ve beaten the game about 5 or 6 times and just can’t stop playing I truly think this game defines the FPS genre as a whole I think the way the game was made in terms of level design and story really shows. Overall if you looking to buy this game or haven’t bought it I would, My rating for this game is 98/100 Now I would give this game a 100/100 but there are a few things that I could pick at SPOILER ALERT: the mission “two betrayals” is the only mission in the entire game that I don’t love but also don’t hate I think replaying “assault on the control room” backwards is a bit weird but still A good mission it’s basically just “assault on the control room” but harder. And then there’s rock launcher flood which also kinda suck because it basically never tells you if there going to be there so if your playing it for the first time your going to explode. Other than that this game is fun and a great game even though these things are annoying they still promote challenge and fun. best missions IN MY OPINION: “The Library” “Keyes” “The Maw” -The Library
    Ok so basically I k ow most people hate “the library” for its very repetitive 4 floor level gameplay but I think this mission really is one of the best, see in the mission 343 guilty spark the flood are introduced and then the library is right after that, the library helps you learn your way around the flood for the the next 3 missions in the game so you have experience or at least know what to expect.

    -Keyes
    So even though this is another mission somewhat similar to “two betrayals“ except shorter and more corridor type shooting to be it’s a great mission, taking you back to the beginning we’re you started can show to the player that the game is coming to an end in which Keyes is the 9/10 mission, overall I love this mission i don’t know why but for some reasons it’s entertaining, another thing about this backwards level design is that it’s there to show the player the covenant are being overrun by flood I think this creates a climactic type feel into the game and help rise to the top of the story, anyways overall great mission.

    -The Maw.
    I truly think that this is the BEST FPS ENDING IN HISTORY basically it takes you back to the pillar of autumn but this time it’s override by flood, one thing I love about this mission that I love is that it’s not to long but also not to short this mission has the perfect length to a game ending in my opinion so for those who hate the library this may be a side of relief. The ending with the worth of is really cool and a great ending to a FPS game.

    -Thank You for reading this post.    … Expand
  4. skippiskip
    Aug 3, 2020
    9
    What can I say but this version of the game and Halo Reach are neck in neck as my favorite Halo games. This game has an amazing story with some of the best level designs I've ever seen. What keeps me from a perfect score is the recycled level. Typically I don't care if something was recycled, but this was the most annoying mission they could have recycled. My favorite weapons are theWhat can I say but this version of the game and Halo Reach are neck in neck as my favorite Halo games. This game has an amazing story with some of the best level designs I've ever seen. What keeps me from a perfect score is the recycled level. Typically I don't care if something was recycled, but this was the most annoying mission they could have recycled. My favorite weapons are the Assault Rifle and the Magnum, and they always come in handy. Enemies are diverse and each one requires a certain playstyle. Missions contain a mix of tight corners and wide-open battlefields. Sometimes the wide-open battlefields can feel boring because you have to run across great distances at times or there is not enough combat. One thing to remember about the campaign: BEWARE OF THE ROCKET FLOOD. The graphics are amazing for the art style and IMO, the graphics still hold up today because of the art style. Now for the multiplayer. I haven't played that much multiplayer, but what I have played, it's always fun. I never had 16 people to play with at once, so the big maps are more about screen peaking or playing hide and go seek. The best game modes to play with two to four people are slayer or rocket slayer, and it does not matter what map you are on. This is truly a must-play title.… Expand
  5. ReDFloW
    Sep 23, 2020
    9
    Fué una auténtica revolución de los FPS como lo fue half life en su momento. Su banda sonora destaca por encima de todo junto su cómodo gameplay.

    Story: 9
    Characters: 9
    Gameplay: 10
    Graphics: 10
    Audio: 10
  6. theoren
    Oct 1, 2020
    9
    9/10
    One of my favourite fps campaigns, and a very fun multiplayer. One of the best OSTs to a video game ever. This whole game was revolutionary to the console fps genre.
  7. Cintia-Lira
    Oct 10, 2020
    9
    Un juego que revolucióno a los shooters

    No sólo eso es muy adictiva la jugabilidad y puedes jugarlo varias veces sin aburrirte
  8. ibrahimkhan1234
    Dec 13, 2021
    9
    This game still holds up as one of the best shooters not ass good as halo 2 or 3 but it still is amazing
  9. Aldo_Glz
    Dec 27, 2020
    9
    Easily, one of the games I have finished more than 10 times. The story of the Master Chief exploring Halo is a classic, but it was not there where I spent most of the time with this game, it was in the amazing and funny multiplayer!
  10. Hormanee
    Dec 29, 2020
    9
    Halo 1 built upon the legacy of Half-Life, and delivered an amazing sci-fi experience. The soundtrack is amazing, the gameplay is so balanced and fun, the storyline is intriguing and mysterious, the characters are memorable and the experience is simply timeless. The level design though is a bit questionable, Bungie's decision to reuse the same levels in the second half of the game made theHalo 1 built upon the legacy of Half-Life, and delivered an amazing sci-fi experience. The soundtrack is amazing, the gameplay is so balanced and fun, the storyline is intriguing and mysterious, the characters are memorable and the experience is simply timeless. The level design though is a bit questionable, Bungie's decision to reuse the same levels in the second half of the game made the game feeling less varied. But other than the level design Combat Evolved captured the cinematic sci-fi experience many of us thought we never needed. I can say the Halo 1 is a masterpiece but it is certainly flawed and the replay value isn't as much as other high-quality first person titles like Half-Life, Bioshock or Quake. But the experience is definitely worth it.… Expand
  11. KeremOzen
    Jan 12, 2021
    9
    The game's characters and plot are beautiful, but after the sixth mission, the game starts to get better, but it's a perfect game for two thousand and two years.
  12. Eric_2001
    Jan 20, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game was a revolutionary game for the game industry why sony fan boys rating 0 or 2 for this game… Expand
  13. Ensignjoker
    Jan 27, 2021
    9
    Perfect in All except the audio in Spanish, but at least it have Spanish audio. Halo 2 doesn't have Spanish audio.
  14. Auxta
    Aug 26, 2021
    9
    The game that started it all, very addicting multiplayer and awesome campaign.
  15. J0hnnybuster
    Apr 18, 2021
    9
    I played this game 18 years after it was released and even with the very aged graphics the game still looks and feels amazing. Its gameplay that is still fun all these years later make me call it nothing but a masterpiece. It is one of the most amazing sci-fi experiences of all time and is a must play for all old and new FPS fans.
  16. GogglesofCritic
    May 23, 2021
    9
    Well the level design is a bit weird, felt like bungie just copy pasted the first few levels for the second half of the game but other elements of Halo 1 kick ass. The soundtrack is fantastic and capable of playing with moods and emotions. The characters are one-dimensional but they are all vital for the story, the story itself is so fun. I loved the flood twist it was creepy and perfectlyWell the level design is a bit weird, felt like bungie just copy pasted the first few levels for the second half of the game but other elements of Halo 1 kick ass. The soundtrack is fantastic and capable of playing with moods and emotions. The characters are one-dimensional but they are all vital for the story, the story itself is so fun. I loved the flood twist it was creepy and perfectly written. Halo Combat Evolved is a must-play experience for any fps fan or video game fan out there and it deserves the title of being one of the best video games ever made.… Expand
  17. Ale_Ackerman206
    Jun 9, 2021
    9
    simply one of the best games of the genre, revolutionary for its time, undoubtedly the best Halo
  18. UrbanGoose
    Jun 28, 2021
    9
    This game is just pure thrill and fun. The story is interesting enough and the gamrplay is amazing enough to make this the perfect shooter.
  19. CloudStrife05
    Aug 19, 2021
    9
    20 years later and this game is still as amazing as ever. It single-handedly saved Microsoft from being a complete failure in the console world.
  20. RandomTurtle590
    Aug 21, 2021
    9
    One of my favorite games! The Weapon Sandbox is perfect no weapons overlaps another weapon's purpose. Enemies are very fun to fight and this game is definitely worth multiple playthroughs
  21. RealNoble6
    Aug 30, 2021
    9
    Halo CE is a masterpiece and aged like fine wine. Firstly, the gameplay for 2001 was incredible, such a diverse sandbox in terms of vehicles, weapons and power ups. Each weapon is viable on every difficulty and for the first game to implement the 2 weapon system it worked perfectly as each weapon had a role for example plasma will burn shields faster while bullets do more damage to flesh.Halo CE is a masterpiece and aged like fine wine. Firstly, the gameplay for 2001 was incredible, such a diverse sandbox in terms of vehicles, weapons and power ups. Each weapon is viable on every difficulty and for the first game to implement the 2 weapon system it worked perfectly as each weapon had a role for example plasma will burn shields faster while bullets do more damage to flesh. Furthermore the AI is far superior to most new FPS games as they are fair but smart and you learn to exploit their weaknesses as you pay through the game, there is very little bs even on legendary and most of the times you die it will be your fault not unfair AI. The balancing is perfect. As for the story, its good but quite slow as its setting up the rest of the franchise but conveys the theme of mystery extremely well and the introduction of the flood on 343 Guilty spark is perfect. Bungie did a great way at creating a mysterious atmosphere and you are always left with questions in each mission making you want to learn more. The characters are good, particularly Chief, Cortana and Keyes. My personal favourite missions are Silent Cartographer, Two Betrayals and The Maw. Only problem with the campaign is some of the levels are too repetitive and enclosed but this can be forgiven as it came out in 2001.
    I havent played too much of the multiplayer but from what i have played the maps are great and extremely unique and it's a lot of fun.    … Expand
  22. grimreapersims
    Jan 11, 2022
    9
    ....................................................................................................................................................................................................blank
  23. dplatt45
    Oct 9, 2021
    9
    Just great, amazing! Love the story, love Halo, this is the game that started it all. Must if you own an Xbox
  24. HeroicAge616
    Oct 25, 2021
    9
    Halo: Combat Evolved creates a refreshing and shocking new shooter experience, that adds endless replayability and a creative arsenal of weapons to the FPS genre, as well as a surprisingly gripping story.
  25. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    9
    Hello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don't worry ;)

    My final rate is: 9
  26. FuriaVascaina
    Dec 13, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Jogo revolucionário no gênero fps, da para ver que antes de 2001 não havia nada igual, sem contar que é muito divertido, no meu ponto de vista, superior ao seu antecessor na ordem cronológica, você ter que usar certa arma para counterar tal inimigo é incrível, a Inteligência Artificial é melhor que muitos jogos de hoje em dia. Os conflitos do jogo são interessante, e te faz ter vontade de jogar mais, meu problema com o jogo é o fato de dirigir ser extremamente desgostante e horrível de controlar, e ter aquelas missões insuportáveis de ficar matando uma onda de mini-aliens por uns 10 minutos seguidos sem parar, parece que foi jogado como um enchimento sem motivo. Mas esse jogo é ótimo, um dos maiores acertos do Xbox.… Expand
  27. Kermito_San
    Dec 21, 2021
    9
    Halo Combat Evolved not only is a great game, but it also legitimized Microsoft as a gaming brand. Halo brought to the table an intense story, solid multiplayer, packed with fun and fast shooting.
    The game starts almost immediately with closed combat action, where there are lots of cover spots. This helps the player to get the hands-on the first kills, while also not being too punishing    Halo Combat Evolved not only is a great game, but it also legitimized Microsoft as a gaming brand. Halo brought to the table an intense story, solid multiplayer, packed with fun and fast shooting.
    The game starts almost immediately with closed combat action, where there are lots of cover spots. This helps the player to get the hands-on the first kills, while also not being too punishing and difficult. After landing in the Halo we can appreciate the incredible graphics and setting. The enemies of Halo also look spectacular, from the goofy Grunts to the threatening Sangheili's, the threats in Halo are various and equipped with various weapons, grenades, and even power weapons, like a one-shot sword.
    Perhaps one of the most incredible things about the enemies in Halo it's the AI. At heroic or legendary difficulties, the enemies will not only deal more damage and have more hp, but they will also coordinate to flank while you are taking cover, or rush you when you are low on shields. The AI of enemies in Halo is so good, that 20 years later, the enemy's movements of Halo Infinite feel exactly the same. Bungie developer also did a great job with the music, in fact since the start of the game we are welcomed by an almost religious choir in the menu, and for the rest of the game, we have intense music in fights, alternated with more calm and gentle one during lore related dialogues.
    My only complaint with the game it's the health bar which only refills after finding health packs (which are very rare) or at the end of the level, leaving the player to only count on the shields for most of the game. Also, the weapons feel unbalanced: the handgun feels way too powerful compared to the assault rifle which becomes useless in the late game.
    Halo Combat Evolved it's intense, precise and fun! The first XBOX became a must-buy for this game, and not the other way around like it usually is!

    9.7 / 10 Kermito San    … Expand
  28. kostas_
    May 13, 2023
    9
    An all time classic. Halo combat evolved is a perfect game. Event playing it today fi think is too good.
    The soundtrack is filled with classics. shooting is fun. The deferent maps feel great although they are used repetitively.
  29. cyjoker
    Jun 8, 2022
    9
    The game that started the massive franchise it is today. Halo was such a great game, that I still play it today! My brother and I used to play the campaign and we would often invite friends over with Halo to have LAN parties. I tell ya those were some great times. The gameplay, storyline and multiplayer was so good.
  30. arkantos869
    Aug 10, 2023
    9
    The game that started it all. Halo created a fantastic franchise that held strong for many years for Xbox players. It revolutionized first person shooters. While it is not as good as some of its successors, it deserves to get credit for what it created. Definitely recommend playing through this game, along with the others on Halo: The Master Chief Collection
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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

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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
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