Dean PHD Posted August 26, 2011 Report Share Posted August 26, 2011 Posted by IGN a little bit ago. Talks about new strengths and weaknesses with the updated Graphics interface. --------------------------------------------------------------- After 10 years of Halo, the original isn't the challenge it used to be. We've all become better killers behind the Master Chief's helmet, and the Covenant in Halo CE Anniversary haven't evolved to cope. But that's sort of the point. At least, that's the impression that I get after spending some time with Halo Anniversary both a few weeks ago at 343i's offices and again last night at this year's inaugural Halo Fest. While the Covenant was busy falling down amidst plasma grenade chain reactions (just like you remember them), I was busy switching back and forth between the way things were and the world of Halo CE through the lens of 2011. Video http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/119/1190914p1.html It's a strange lens at times. Going from the mysterious and oh-so-2001 fog-plagued view of 343 Guilty Spark of Halo CE to a ominous and alien swamp courtesy of Saber Interactive is... jarring, to say the least. It's distracting wandering around a level you thought you knew to see everything that's been done. Everything looks more alive than it did before, which changes the general vibe of the level in distinct ways. The haunted swamp feel has been pushed aside by a foreboding green and yellow light emanating from the trees. You'll lose track of that when the shooting starts though. In that respect, everything is as it was. Halo CE is filled with moments involving a valley, trees, and a dozen or more Grunts and Jackals. These kinds of encounters dwindled in later games, and playing them again, I realize how much they've been missed. There's a great sense of pacing to timing shots from the Halo CE pistol to maximize efficiency, alternating between close grouped head shots on Grunts and well aimed arm shots on shield-bearing Jackals to leave them vulnerable. No other Halo game has gotten that same pistol-powered rhythm down as well. The one-two-three of effective pistol usage is empowering and distinctive and... I really missed Halo: Combat Evolved. It's good to have it back again. There are some wrinkles in the experience right now though. First, hardcore Halo fans will want to foreswear the wireless controller in lieu of a wired one. The finer points of Halo combat were tuned around the wireless-lag-free response of the original Xbox controller, and things might feel a little more floaty than you recall otherwise. Then there's the 3D. This being 2011 and all, a major title can't seem to hit our greedy little hands without some implementation of 3D, and Saber Interactive and 343i have implemented it pretty well. Aside from the world's longest gun barrel, there's a great sense of depth, and a lot of adjustment options. Plus, it supports passive 3D for compatible televisions, so you can spring for lots of cheap, theater style glasses for everyone you want to suffer through watching you play Halo in 3D. The bad news is that the lag-induced floatiness I mentioned before is even more prominent in 3D mode. All that image processing takes valuable milliseconds, and honestly, playing in 3D with a wireless controller played havoc with my mojo. We'll see how things play out when the game releases later this year though - in the two weeks between my sessions with the game, there were major improvements in framerate and performance. As for how it looks, I could tell you. Or, instead, you could check out the full 11 minute video walkthrough of Halo Fest's 343 Guilty Spark demo above. Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary will be available on November 15th. For all your exclusive Halo Fest coverage needs, including live streams of every Halo Fest panel, check out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurt S-501 Posted August 26, 2011 Report Share Posted August 26, 2011 sweet... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Infinite LuLz Posted August 26, 2011 Report Share Posted August 26, 2011 Looks awesome, cant wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotdogrocks1 Posted August 26, 2011 Report Share Posted August 26, 2011 greeaatt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donut Posted August 26, 2011 Report Share Posted August 26, 2011 Dangit, i was just about to post the same Topic.... oh well, nice job putting detail & what Campaign mission it is, can't wait til Sunday to find out all the Halo 4 details! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurt S-501 Posted August 26, 2011 Report Share Posted August 26, 2011 I just read the halo novel: The Flood, and I appreciate the game more because I know the background and stuff. This game looks AWESOME!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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