[Review] Halo: Campaign Evolved proves great FPS design never goes out of style

Not long ago, the idea of playing Halo anywhere but on an Xbox seemed unthinkable. Halo, with its iconic hero Master Chief, helped define the Xbox brand. When Halo: Combat Evolved launched in 2001, its innovative gameplay, rich worldbuilding, and online multiplayer made Xbox a household name by bringing deathmatches from internet cafes right into your living room. Now, as the series approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026, Halo is back with a fresh update that lets you relive the original experience – and this time, you’re not limited to just one console.

This isn’t the first time that Halo has been modernised – it got a terrific glow-up in 2011’s Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary – but Halo: Campaign Evolved is undeniably the definitive way to play this genre-defining game. As super-soldier Master Chief, fresh out of cryostasis and tasked with leading the charge against a genocidal alien collective that wants to turn humanity into a bad memory, it’s not long before you find yourself organising troops on an ancient ring-world floating in the cosmos.

Bungie, the original developer, left Halo in 2010, but Halo Studios has done a great job updating the game with new visuals and technical improvements. Thanks to Unreal Engine 5, the game captures the early 2000s style, even if some animations feel outdated now. New weapons make the world more exciting, and being able to sprint through levels is a much-needed upgrade.

Throw in some solid co-op missions and small tweaks to the gameplay, and you’ve got a nostalgic blast from the past that you can enjoy on your lonesome or with a friend. On PS5 Pro, Halo: Campaign Evolved looks especially good, as the game doesn’t skip a frame or run into any issues. It might be heretical to say it, but Halo plays at its best on PlayStation, not Xbox, thanks to the beefier console specs if you have the Pro model, and the extra haptic feedback features from the DualSense controller.

But how does Halo compare to today’s first-person shooters? Halo: Combat Evolved set a high bar for the genre, and since then, other games have raised the stakes. Call of Duty became a yearly hit with its fast-paced action, Battlefield is known for huge multiplayer battles, and the latest Doom mixes classic style with intense action.

Compared to newer games, Halo feels a bit old-fashioned with its simple weapon choices, awkward vehicles, and campaign section with the Flood that many players don’t enjoy. Still, there’s something special about it that other shooters haven’t matched. The original game featured smart enemies who could give orders and hide under fire; the gunplay is still satisfying, and the atmosphere is unique – even compared to later Halo games.

The early 2000s design in Halo is still among the best in gaming, mixing organic shapes with futuristic tech to create a world full of mystery. The soundtrack is impressive, too. Even though Halo: Campaign Evolved is a classic at heart, it doesn’t feel outdated. The core gameplay, including driving warthogs, still makes you feel like humanity’s last hope. Playing on higher difficulties or with game-changing “Skulls” turned on is still some of the most fun you can have on a Friday night.

How much you enjoy this version of Halo might depend on how well you know the series – or if you were around when it first launched. Still, this is the best way to play Halo. It keeps everything great about the original and adds new graphics and smart improvements.

Having released on 28 July, Halo: Campaign Evolved is out now for PC, Xbox Series console and PS5.