A great ride from start to finish, Halo proves that the FPS genre isn't out of fresh ideas.

User Rating: 9.7 | Halo (Xbox Collection) XBOX
By dreminemike | Review Date:
Ever since id Software broke into the market with their very successful franchise "Doom" (some might appeal, saying their "Wolfenstein" franchise was their first success, and I agree that "Wolfenstein" was a success but only in terms of successfully getting their foot in the door), many developers have been trying to come up with a similar equation in hopes of creating their own "Doom"-like franchise. Few have been able to reach this level. (Rare and their 'Goldeneye' and 'Perfect Dark', Sierra with 'Half-Life' and its spawns, 3D Realms with the beloved 'Duke Nukem') Enter Bungie Software, the very-low key developer that brought you the luke-warm espionage game 'Oni'. With all the faults this title had, nobody could foresee the Wildcard Bungie had up their sleeve. Cinderella never had it this good.

From the moment you load 'Halo' onto your Xbox, you realize you're not in Kansas, or, say, your living-room anymore. You take the helm of a soldier that will be referred to as "The Master Chief". From the get-go, the presentation is prestine, as if Bungie had somehow known that this game would redefine what a console-FPS should be. Its story, somewhat confusing at first, is top-notch, sending you to places that you've witnessed only in films (or in well-written novels), with life and danger meeting you each step of the way. If you don't believe me, ask someone about 'The Final Run'. Be willing to have about 30 minutes of time to spare, as the answer that would ensue this question will be full of beautiful detail, recounting the times that their protagonist was faced with certain and impenetrable doom.

From a visual standpoint, one cannot stand but in awe as you first touch soil on the planet "Halo". Through its wonderful, crackling rivers to its snowy, Frost-like battlegrounds, the image that travels through one's mind is that of a real, living/breathing world. From a hearing point of view you imagine the soundtrack being written solely for a highly-acclaimed motion-picture, not a videogame. With the well-placed drumrolls being cued right before you face an army of swarming Covenants, you're immediately absorbed into the experience. A breeze of thought gradually consumes your mind, bringing about the following epiphany as you take on your foes: You Are the Master Chief.

With "Halo", Bungie has given the bird to its cookie-cutter competitors, embracing a franchise that seems intent on delivering a unique experience. Microsoft, hot on its heels with the release of their XBOX console, played its cards right with this developer, making sure that the title was available for launch. With a game as great as 'Halo', the FPS genre, with its laundry-list of stale shooters, has a new marquee player. Not only is this the must-have launch title for the Xbox, this is the must-have title for any person who has a slight interest in being entertained.

-Mike Palma.
November 9 2005
2020 Hrs.

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