High-value collection that bundles multiple renowned games in a fairly streamlined experience with nice features like unified interfaces or an instant graphics switch for older entries.
I rated each game separately for their campaigns only and looked at them from a mostly modern perspective having never played anything Halo-related before.
Halo: Reach (7 hours, 8/10):
+ unique narrative of a hopeless defense against an alien invasion
+ atmospheric soundtrack that usually wouldn't be associated with a shooter
+ action-packed maps with impressive war backdrops
+ decent variety in mission types
- occasionally unclear objectives
- minimal story with some abrupt scene changes especially at the start
Halo: CE (8 hours, 5/10):
+ fun, straightforward experience overall
+ significantly more refined if less atmospheric visuals than the original version
+ memorable introduction of a simple but frightening enemy faction
- repetitive environments
- badly designed levels in the second half (making you run and avoid random instakill attacks the whole time)
Halo 2 (7 hours, 8/10):
+ high-quality cutscenes for the first time in the series
+ bold perspective change partway through
+ further improved gunplay with added dual-wielding
+ quite a few spectacular set pieces
+ cleanly remastered sound design
- mediocre ending for a standalone game
- too many tedious stationary arenas
Halo 3 (7 hours, 7/10):
+ more interesting enemy, weapon, and vehicle types
+ new ability system for some extra combat depth
+ decent amount of NPC cooperation
+ varied environmental design
- bothersome gameplay interruptions
- noticeably flawed story writing (with corny dialogue)
Halo 3: ODST (4 hours, 5/10):
+ interesting narrative approach with a more grounded perspective and actual squad relationships
+ a few almost tranquil moments supported by beautiful music
+ decent shooting even with the removal of dual-wielding
- obtrusive HUD
- overall unimpressive and often recycled environments
- clichéd writing that seems ambitious but really doesn't achieve much
- bad implementation of a new map system and object finding missions
Halo 4 (5 hours, 7/10):
+ well-integrated cinematics of consistently awesome quality
+ new set of extremely satisfying weapons — at the cost of nerfing old ones
+ good variety of impressive set pieces in the first half
+ more involved story with notable consequences (ignoring some tired tropes)
+ technically much-improved if aesthetically divisive graphics
- uninteresting main antagonist with an anticlimactic final confrontation
- tedious second half spent in sterile corridors
I rated each game separately for their campaigns only and looked at them from a mostly modern perspective having never played anything Halo-related before.
Halo: Reach (7 hours, 8/10):
+ unique narrative of a hopeless defense against an alien invasion
+ atmospheric soundtrack that usually wouldn't be associated with a shooter
+ action-packed maps with impressive war backdrops
+ decent variety in mission types
- occasionally unclear objectives
- minimal story with some abrupt scene changes especially at the start
Halo: CE (8 hours, 5/10):
+ fun, straightforward experience overall
+ significantly more refined if less atmospheric visuals than the original version
+ memorable introduction of a simple but frightening enemy faction
- repetitive environments
- badly designed levels in the second half (making you run and avoid random instakill attacks the whole time)
Halo 2 (7 hours, 8/10):
+ high-quality cutscenes for the first time in the series
+ bold perspective change partway through
+ further improved gunplay with added dual-wielding
+ quite a few spectacular set pieces
+ cleanly remastered sound design
- mediocre ending for a standalone game
- too many tedious stationary arenas
Halo 3 (7 hours, 7/10):
+ more interesting enemy, weapon, and vehicle types
+ new ability system for some extra combat depth
+ decent amount of NPC cooperation
+ varied environmental design
- bothersome gameplay interruptions
- noticeably flawed story writing (with corny dialogue)
Halo 3: ODST (4 hours, 5/10):
+ interesting narrative approach with a more grounded perspective and actual squad relationships
+ a few almost tranquil moments supported by beautiful music
+ decent shooting even with the removal of dual-wielding
- obtrusive HUD
- overall unimpressive and often recycled environments
- clichéd writing that seems ambitious but really doesn't achieve much
- bad implementation of a new map system and object finding missions
Halo 4 (5 hours, 7/10):
+ well-integrated cinematics of consistently awesome quality
+ new set of extremely satisfying weapons — at the cost of nerfing old ones
+ good variety of impressive set pieces in the first half
+ more involved story with notable consequences (ignoring some tired tropes)
+ technically much-improved if aesthetically divisive graphics
- uninteresting main antagonist with an anticlimactic final confrontation
- tedious second half spent in sterile corridors