A breath of fresh air
You start the game as Master Chief, the last of his race of super soldiers (Spartans), who had been preserved and awakened for a time of need. The ship that you are on is hijacked by a race of aliens although you don't exactly know why, you are trying to get out live. When the alien ships leave you follow and it leads you to a mysterious halo floating in space. The halo is extremely ominous and surprisingly earth-like. As you fight your way to the inside of the halo you begin to realize that the halo is a religious object to the alien race (the Covenant). This is what, I feel, distinguishes halo from other shooter games. Both sides can appear to be correct. It is a religion to the alien race to worship and protect the halo while as the master chief you know that it can't end well if the aliens unlock the halo. The soldiers are able to open the halo first and you lose communication with them. Of course, as the game's hero you must investigate. When you arrive you see a soldier screaming on the floor shooting at anything that moves. Once past him you search for what exactly was unlocked. Master Chief then discovers that the great religious weapon that has been opened in the halo is actually a Parasite. The parasite rapidly infects those exposed to it and causes those who are dead to fight again. You must battle your way out and destroy the halo before the infectious Parasite escapes and lays siege to earth and space.
Although the description above sounds a bit like a horror movie at times it never plays out exactly like a super freaky horror movie. You are never super grossed out or feel the need to leave the room screaming. It does however, keep you on the edge of your seat much like a suspense movie does. Halo offers a solid set of controls that are easy and responsive to all players which is a big reason that the game has become popular. The other reason for it's large gain in popularity is the incredible multiplayer mode that the game features. With maps that are always fun to traverse and well balanced for all playing styles. Overall, Halo is a very solid game and I only hope that they make a movie soon that lives up to the game.