Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Since it first debut in 2001, the Halo series has been praised as being among the best first-person shooters on a video game console. Halo: The Master Chief Collection is undeniably the best way to experience some of the greatest games of the last two generations. With a combination of minor and drastic changes, the four games included in the package are stronger than ever before. If you own an Xbox One, you shouldn’t pass up playing through John 117’s great journey.

The most notable updates is the jump to 60 frames per second and the increase in resolution. Each game has been given the universal update and now the games play more fluidly than ever, making it impossible to go back to playing the classic games. This modernization has also been applied to the multiplayer, reinvigorating what’s consider one of the best multiplayer experiences on a console today. The star of the Master Chief Collection, however, is Halo 2: Anniversary.

Similar to Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary back in 2011, Halo 2: Anniversary has been entirely refurbished. The new sound effects, soundtrack, and graphics easily overshadow the original Halo 2. Players can swap between the two versions instantaneously, allowing them to see just how improved the new visuals are. Best of all, where Halo Anniversary had a fade to black, The Master Chief Collection jumps to it instantly. Shifting between the classic and modern versions of Halo 2 highlights creates a heavily impact. Seeing how far video games have come graphically since the original Xbox is staggering.

The beautiful in-game graphics are complimented with stunning cinematics developed by Blur Studio. The elaborate detail presented in these cutscenes not only showcase incredible environments, but reinterpret old characters in meaningful ways. Instead of staring at the emotionless pixelated face of Miranda Keyes, you’re now greeted with a battle-hardened warrior with a fierce sense of honor. As she accepts her medal in the beginning of Halo 2, you can see her face glow with sweat and anticipation. Most impressive is the new Gravemind, who now sports a grotesque and toothy nightmarish look worthy of the title of flood commander. Amazingly the option to switch between the classic and modern style is also available during cutscenes.

It’s clear that the developers at 343 Industries didn’t wish to alter the already notoriously popular multiplayer. All four games play exactly as they did when they were released. Having every game mode and map confined to one disc offers a cornucopia of variety. Jumping from of the Halo games offers gamers a living historical museum of how this legendary franchised evolved into what it is today. Unfortunately, Halo: The Master Chief Collection isn’t without faults, and the biggest is due to performance issues. Similar to EA’s Battlefield 4, Halo: The Master Chief Collection suffered from unacceptably unreliable matchmaking that had players confused and vexed. It’s heartbreaking, but until this issue is resolved only the single-player and cooperative content are accessible.

The Master Chief Collection is a glorious tribute to Spartan warrior who has become one of the most iconic symbol in video games today. Playing through these legendary games in glorious high definition and 60 frames per second is the only way to experience these treasures. While the launch has been rocky, The Master Chief remains on the most prominent figures in video games today and it was because of these game that he skyrocketed. Whether you’re a fan or not, if you own an Xbox One you owe it to yourself to play The Master Chief Collection.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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