Halo: Combat Evolved

Friday, January 22nd, 2010 at 7:21 am

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Manufacturer: Microsoft
Customer Rating:
List Price: $9.99
Sale Price: $12.88
Availibility: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

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Product Description

More often than not, when a game is in development for more than three years, it does not live up to the hype. Bungie's Halo is the exception. Not only does it meet expectations, it greatly exceeds them. This sci-fi first-person shooter is a nearly perfect blend of gameplay, graphics, and sound.

The story revolves around the conflict between humans and an alien race known as the Covenant. The aliens have discovered a powerful artifact--on the ring-shaped planet called Halo--that will shift the balance of power, and it's up to the player to stop them. In addition to several first-person-shooter levels, the game offers numerous opportunities to engage in vehicular combat. Both the enemy and allied artificial intelligence are extremely impressive. Enemies will use the terrain and layout to put you in tight spots. Allies will know when to cover and aid you. For instance, if you hop into a jeep, an ally will know to jump in and man the turret on the back of it.

The graphics are exquisitely detailed, but only move at 30 frames per second rather than 60. The sound effects and voice acting are superb. The level design is among the best ever; most of the game is engaging and challenging without being frustrating. There's also high replay value thanks to the built-in single-player, cooperative, and deathmatch modes.

Much like the outstanding GoldenEye 007 for Nintendo 64, Halo raises the bar for console first-person shooters. All console action games will be measured against Halo for years to come. --Raymond M. Padilla

Pros:

Outstanding game design
High replay value
Impressive AI

Cons:

Several maps are used multiple times
Save functions could have been better implemented
Graphics move at 30 frames per second, not 60

Product Details

Control a character during massive firefights as you eliminate as many Covenant soldiers as possible
Engage in guerilla warfare against the enemy, using whatever is at your disposal on the station
Use your tactics skills to command squads and eliminate the enemy
Role-based team & multiplayer combat with over 25 characters onscreen at a time
A wide variety of vehicles & locations designed in perfect detail