Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2884 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Microsoft
• Released on: 2004-03-26
• Platform: Xbox

Amazon.co.uk Review
More often than not, when a game is in development for over three years it does not live up to the hype. Bungie's Halo is the exception. Not only does the game live up to the hype--it greatly exceeds it. 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 artefact--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 there are numerous opportunities to engage in vehicular combat. Both the enemy and ally 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.

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 death match modes.

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

Manufacturer's Description
Halo is a sci-fi shooter that takes place on a mysterious alien ring-world. Packed with combat, Halo will have you battling on foot, in vehicles, inside and outdoors with Alien and Human weaponry. Your objective: to uncover Halo's horrible secrets and destroy mankind's sworn enemy, the Covenant.

Customer Reviews

Great shoot 'em up - lacks barely anything
I got this game along with Project Gotham Racing and Dead or Alive III (freebie - I wouldn't pay for that!!) and I was truly amazed!! Many people say that the only thing that the X-Box has going for it is its 64Mb graphics card and 750MHz (i think it is) processor, but as said in another review, the story line is faultless. It's difficult to find a game's storyline at all surprising, but Halo definitely did that for me.

The first level is a little dull in terms of story line and action, but at this point I was absolutely astonished by the sharp graphics and brilliant sound.

It probably isn't the best time to buy a games console (in the first term of your AS levels) and I was glued to this game from start to finish. I'm now on the last level, which I suppose doesn't say much for the game's length as I've only had it for 3 or 4 weeks, but there are still two more difficulty levels to do!

Some criticisms are the lack of weapons, the shortness of it, and of course, the fact that there's a PC version coming out in a year, which sort of takes's the rip out of the fact that it says "Only for X Box" at the top of the case. Oh well- that's Microsoft for you.

Halo really is out of this world!!
3 years development of Halo has really paid off. The story plot is deep and unprecedented, action packed and gamer gripping.As a cyborg human Spartan II soldier, you must defend the existence of humanity against a cold blooded alien race - The Covenant who declare a holy war against mankind to rid them of the universe. Alongside truly realistic marines and an arsenal of powerful weapons and vehicles you battle through the ring world - Halo and discover the horrific secrets of the alien world.
Not only does Halo come through as being one of the most well thought, detailed and action packed first person shoot em ups but it also delivers non stop co-operative play and 4 screen multiplayer battles aswell as 16 fighting through a system link together.
However, not every game is perfect and whilst Halo is outstanding to watch and play, the developers (Bungie) have really limited the gamer to the range of weapons but this is overshadowed by the interaction 'Masterchief'(you) can have with both human and alien vehicles and weapons. My favourite vehichle being the Warthog (all terrain buggie) which is capable of supporting 3 marines, one at the back tearing through enemies with the electric powered anti-aircraft gun. Nice :D
The detail in Halo is amazing. From the actions and personalities of the marines, the detail and graphical amazement in the environments and fighting. This game is a definite buy for all gamers who love 1st person shoot em ups and plot twisting action to gamers who crave to see the potential the X-box can perform up to.

Halo- even now, after 5 years, a great game.
I am sure that you do not need me to go over why this is such a good game.
However, i shall have a go. i will be brief.

Halo is without a doubt one of the best games (top 5) i have ever played. For instance, even now, after getting the ps3 and completing resistance fall of man, I still think that halo is by no means outdated.

O, how i love playing through the levels on legendary in co-op mode, and the sensation you get when you see two hunters at the end of the corridor.
I love the frantic driving at the end of the maw and the satisfction you get when completing it with one second left of the clock. Also, when playing on the level halo, when you are faced with multiple dropships. Halo has provided me with some of my greatist gaming memories and i urge you, if you have not already, buy this game. You will not regret it.

In conclusion, i will give it a score.

Graphics: 9.5. Great visuals. getting slightly basic now, but some of the corridors set in the alien ships look outstanding.

Sound: 10. wow. This soundtrack has to be one of best in any game. ( nearly as good as deus ex and mgs.)

Gameplay: 10. In a word, fabulous. From driving frantically to shooting the crap out of everything that's not human. It is incredible

Lipespan: 9. This game will last you a fairly long time. 12 hours campaign, another for co-op, and some slayer, team slayer etc...
Unfortunately, there was no online play though.

In conclusion, i give the game 9.8 out of 10.