Summary The plot of the first of the legendary Halo franchise involves a conflict between the human race and a race of aliens called The Covenant. At the time this game takes place (the 26th century) earth has become overpopulated and humans have colonized other planets. Halo, an artificial world named because of its ringed shape, is the setting for this faction of the war between humans and aliens. The main character, Master Chief Petty Officer John-117, or Master Chief, is occupied by the player as this is a first person shooter game. Following a crash landing, he is stranded on Halo and wages war against the aliens trying to wipe out the human race. The main objective is to destroy the aliens before they figure out how to reach Earth. There are multiple, complex levels with tons of room in which to navigate and several different choices of sophisticated weapons as well as modes of transportation.
Critical Analysis
This game became an instant classic very quickly after its release, setting the bar for future first person shooter games. At the time it was groundbreaking in its visual rendering, attention to detail, voice acting and sound effects, and overall quality of play. The world created for Halo is completely unique, vast enough to allow for a great deal of replay, and rich with detail. From the beautifully rendered landscape, to the accurate look and feel of the weapons discharging, to the articulation and interactive participation of other characters aiding Master Chief, the player becomes absorbed in this world. The story line is also superb - which is probably why an entire line of comic books was created based on the Halo franchise after this game was released. The acting is another component that is superior to any game that preceded Halo. The voice actors give believable performances and there is background chatter and sound effects that contribute to the lifelike feel of this game. There are many options for play, such as deathmatch mode, and multiple player mode both in person as well as online. The fact that it can be played online is another element of Halo that was brand new and galvanizing to video gamers when it was released. In addition to all of this, Halo is the type of game that is completely accessible to players who are not lifelong gamers. It is easy to learn and master, rather than so difficult it becomes frustrating as some of the more sophisticated games are.
Why I Included This Game
Without a doubt, Halo is one of the classics of the first person shooter games. Rated mature like most modern games, it is very popular with all age groups, young adults in particular. Halo was a game-changer, so to speak, when it came out, and no video game collection would be complete without it.
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