Are you a Halo fan? If so, you’re probably already familiar with the history of this awesome franchise. But for those who may not know, let’s dive into the evolution of Halo.
Game History
Back in 2001, Halo: Combat Evolved (developed by Bungie – published by Microsoft Game Studios) was released alongside the original Xbox console on November 15th of that year. While the game was a huge success, it didn’t feature multiplayer capabilities until its anniversary release years later in 2011. It wasn’t until 2004, with the release of Halo 2, that fans were able to experience the game’s legendary multiplayer mode.
Fast forward to 2007, and we were introduced to Halo 3, the first game in the franchise to include matchmaking. But perhaps one of the most interesting features of Halo 3 was the ability to play as two players against yourself, which provided a unique and challenging experience for fans.
In 2009, we were treated to Halo 3: ODST, a prequel to Halo 3 that allowed players to experience the game from a new perspective. And in 2010, we got our hands on Halo Reach, which offered an exciting new feature in the form of blank forge maps.
Then came Halo 4 in 2012, the only game in the franchise to span two discs. The first disc was the base game, while the second disc contained the install components for multiplayer.
In 2014, the Halo Master Chief Collection was released, featuring updated versions of the first four Halo games. While the game originally launched without Halo Reach and 3 ODST, they were later added via an update.
And who could forget 2015’s Halo 5 Guardians, which introduced new characters and storylines to the Halo universe.
Finally, in 2021, we were treated to the latest addition to the franchise: Halo Infinite. This game had been in development for a long time and was highly anticipated by fans, especially after the release of the Xbox Series X/S.
Keeping Fans Engaged
Each Halo game has brought something new to the table, from the introduction of multiplayer in Halo 2 to the addition of forge maps in Halo Reach. And with each new release, fans have eagerly awaited the next chapter in the Halo universe.
But it’s not just the gameplay that has made Halo so iconic. The game’s storyline, which revolves around the Master Chief and his fight against the Covenant, has captivated fans for years. From the early days of Combat Evolved to the latest release of Halo Infinite, the game’s universe has expanded to include new characters, enemies, and alliances.
And it’s not just the main games that have kept fans engaged. The Halo franchise has also spawned numerous spin-off titles, including Halo Wars, Halo Spartan Assault, and Halo Fireteam Raven. These games have allowed fans to explore different aspects of the Halo universe and have provided even more hours of gameplay.
But perhaps one of the most exciting developments in the Halo franchise has been the advent of esports. Competitive Halo has become a huge part of the game’s culture, with players from around the world competing in tournaments and leagues.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – a brief history of the Halo franchise. I’ve been playing Halo now from one game to another for years and it still remains one of my favorites.
If you’re a Halo fan or just looking for a new game to play, anytime is a good time to dive into the world of Halo. With the Master Chief Collection, you can experience the entire Halo saga from start to finish. And with the release of Halo Infinite, you can jump right into the latest chapter in the story.
