Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is a 2011 science fiction first-person shooter action video game that was developed by 343 Industries, published by Microsoft Studios and released for the Xbox One and Xbox 360.  Serving as a remake of 2001’s Halo: Combat Evolved details the story of a super soldier named the Master Chief and his A.I. companion, Cortana, as they explore the artificial ringworld called Halo while combating the Covenant, a group of aliens bent on mankind’s destruction.

Positives:

• Great characters
• Great story
• Competitive Multiplayer
• Terrific Score
• Great graphics
• Great voice performances

Negatives:

• Linear campaign

Campaign:  Like the original, players take up arms as the Master Chief who leads the UNSC forces against the alien Covenant on the ancient ringworld Halo.  New elements were added to the campaign such as hidden Terminals (with information about the story) and collectible skulls (that can change the gameplay). (3 out of 5)

Gameplay:   Having played Halo 3 and Halo: Reach I expected to be able to run and use the various shields and armor abilities.  The game has some pretty sweet features.  Now, not only is there local multiplayer, but there is also online.  There are also hidden content on every level, this includes video terminals that provide additional information to the overall plot as well as collectible skulls that modify gameplay.  There is the Xbox Kinect which seems like a good idea but at the same time isn’t really a necessity. (3 out of 5)

Graphics:  The graphics are leagues better than the original and that’s all players can pretty much ask for, better so that players can switch between the “classic” graphics and the new graphics. The environments are still beautifully constructed with massive backdrops that are a beauty to behold.  Characters have a lot of great detail and the cinematics are just awesome. (3 out of 5)

Score:  Got to give it to the developers they totally revamped Combat Evolved‘s music and sound effects.  The soundtrack definitely gives players that awesome action packed feel that which is Halo.  The voice performances are just awesome.  Thumbs up to Steve Downes and Jen Taylor for their performances as Master Chief and Cortana. (4 out of 5)

Replay Value: The anniversary definitely does a good job of picking up the slack of the original.  First, there are collectibles on each level.  Some help to flesh out the story while others can alter the style of the gameplay. Second, there is the additional Firefight mode that is just epic, pitting players against waves of enemies who grow increasingly difficult.  Firefight is even improved upon with friendly NPCs that help alleviate the feeling of isolation. (4 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is a great game and an awesome remake.  Although it lacks some features of the sequels it does bring back the euphoric feeling of the original while refreshing it.  The game does have good graphics, challenging gameplay, great score, and an awesome and competitive multiplayer. Halo: Combat Evolved  Anniversary gets 3 out of 5.  Players who enjoy the first Halo will definitely love the revamped features of the gameplay.