Vanguard

Issue date: 10/1/07 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: http://walmart.com [Click to enlarge]

"Halo: Combat Evolved" was released as a launch title for the original XBox in 2001, starting one of the most successful franchises in the world. One reason for this is that "Halo" managed to narrow the gap between first-person shooters on home consoles and first-person shooters that utilized a mouse and keyboard.

However, the main reason for the game's success could be argued in one word: multiplayer. "Halo," like many games before it, featured an option for split-screen multiplayer, in which friends could enter a death match against one another.

The lack of true online multiplayer in "Halo" helped fuel the demand and hype for the release of "Halo 2," because Microsoft announced that the sequel would take full advantage of Xbox Live, Microsoft's online gaming network. No longer would fans have to fight their friends under the same roof; they could now play against people all over the world. Many enthusiasts can attest that "Halo 2" featured an intuitive online experience that rivaled that of any other online game.

Developer Bungie Studios implemented a feature in the online aspect of "Halo 2" called Matchmaking. This system was created to "mirror the on-the-couch experience of playing with your friends in the living room." It also allowed gamers to play against opponents of similar skill level. The Matchmaking system, combined with the various match types, weapons and voice chat, propelled "Halo 2" to accumulate over $125 million on its release date alone.

Fast forward three years, and it's like déjà-vu. "Halo 3" was released on Sept. 25 during a midnight launch, selling over $170 million worth of copies in that single day. So, what do fans say about the "Halo" franchise and its success?

"It's all about the multiplayer …" one supporter stated. The online component of the new Halo game has several new features alongside its already robust selection. These features include Forge, a game type that allows players to insert objects into the map in realtime; Saved Films, which allows players to save films of game sessions so that they may watch and edit at any time; and File Share, which allows games to upload their Forge settings, screen shots, saved films and game types.

Even with all of these new features, is "Halo 3" really worth all the hype? Well, the game has garnered nothing but praise and has received a 95/100 as a review average, according to http://www.metacritic.com.
" … the campaign is, by far, the best of the three and the new features add to the longevity of the online part, so the Collector's Edition is definitely worth the price," Jay Patel, a Halo 3 fan, said.
"Halo 3" is currently available in three editions: the Standard Edition, the Collector's Edition and the Legendary Edition.
The Standard Edition costs $59.99, the Collectors $69.99, while the Legendary Edition's cost is ridiculous. It's actually $130 and is most likely completely sold out.

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