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{{Title|''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''}}
{{Title|''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''}}
{{Era|RW}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{New Content}}
{{Game infobox
{{Upcoming}}
{{Game Infobox
|name= ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''
|name= ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''
|image= [[File:HCEA box art.png|250px]]<br>
|image= [[File:Haloceanniversary.jpg|300px]]<br>
|developer=
|developer=
*[[343 Industries]]
*[[343 Industries]]
*[[Wikipedia:Saber Interactive|Saber Interactive]]<ref name="ign">[http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/117/1172870p1.html '''IGN.com''': ''E3 2011: Microsoft Announces Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'']</ref>
*[[Wikipedia:Saber Interactive|Saber Interactive]]<ref name="ign">[http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/117/1172870p1.html '''IGN.com''': ''E3 2011: Microsoft Announces Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'']</ref>
*[[Certain Affinity]]<ref name="ign"/>
*[[Certain Affinity]]{{Ref/Reuse|ign}}
|publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]]
|publisher= [[Microsoft Studios]]
|platform= [[Xbox 360]]
|engine=
|releasedate=[[2011|November 15, 2011]] (worldwide release)<ref name="waypoint01">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/video/halo-anniversary-exclusive/7ed1f10f-349c-4c47-a07a-831d12f94d63 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Exclusive'']</ref>
*[[Blam engine]] {{C|Classic graphics, ''Reach'' multiplayer}}
*[[Saber3D engine]] {{C|Remastered graphics}}
|composer=[[Martin O'Donnell]]<br>[[Michael Salvatori]]
|platform= *[[Xbox 360]]
*[[Xbox One]] {{C|Via ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''}}
PC
*Windows 10 {{C|Via ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''}}
*[[Steam]] {{C|Via ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''}}
|releasedate=November 15, 2011<br/>November 17, 2011 (Japan)<br/>March 3, 2020 {{C|Halo: The Master Chief Collection PC}}
|genre= [[First-person shooter]]
|genre= [[First-person shooter]]
|modes= [[Campaign]]
|modes= [[Campaign]]
|rating=
|rating= [[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]]: Mature (M) for Blood, Gore and Violence<br>
[[Wikipedia:Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]]: (D) Ages 17 & up<br>
[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+ (Europe only)
}}
}}
{{Quote|Heroes never die.|Official tagline}}<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/titles/haloanniversary '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: Anniversary'']</ref><ref>[http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Halo-Anniversary/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d8024d5309b1?cid=search '''Xbox.com''', ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'']</ref>
{{Quote|Heroes never die.|Official tagline}}<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/titles/haloanniversary '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: Anniversary'']</ref><ref>[http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Halo-Anniversary/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d8024d5309b1?cid=search '''Xbox.com''', ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'']</ref>
'''''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''''', commonly referred to as '''''Halo: Anniversary''''', is a [[first-person shooter]] video game and a graphical remake of [[2001]]'s ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.<ref name="waypoint01"/> It was developed by [[343 Industries]] in collaboration with [[Wikipedia:Saber Interactive|Saber Interactive]] and [[Certain Affinity]] as part of 343 Industries' celebration of the original game's tenth anniversary. The game features remastered graphics and audio, using assets from ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.<ref name="waypoint01"/><ref name="audio">[http://www.videogamer.com/news/halo_remake_does_not_feature_original_audio.html '''VideoGamer''': ''Halo remake does not feature original audio'']</ref> Available with the game are six multiplayer maps from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', ''[[Halo PC]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]'', along with a [[Installation 04 (level)|Firefight map]] based on the level [[Halo (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|''Halo'']] for ''Halo: Reach'' multiplayer.<ref name="waypoint01"/>
'''''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''''', commonly referred to as '''''Halo: Anniversary''''', is a [[first-person shooter]] video game and a graphical remake of [[2001]]'s ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.<ref name="waypoint01">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/video/halo-anniversary-exclusive/7ed1f10f-349c-4c47-a07a-831d12f94d63 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Exclusive'']</ref> It was developed by [[343 Industries]] in collaboration with [[Wikipedia:Saber Interactive|Saber Interactive]] and [[Certain Affinity]] as part of 343 Industries' celebration of the original game's tenth anniversary. The game features remastered graphics and audio, using assets from ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint01}}<ref name="audio">[http://www.videogamer.com/news/halo_remake_does_not_feature_original_audio.html '''VideoGamer''': ''Halo remake does not feature original audio'']</ref> Available with the game are six remade multiplayer maps from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', [[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' for PC]] and ''[[Halo 2]]'', along with a [[Installation 04 (map)|Firefight map]] based on the level [[Halo (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|''Halo'']], for ''Halo: Reach'' multiplayer.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint01}}
 
An interactive overview of the game, the [http://halo.xbox.com/guides/anniversary/ ''Halo Anniversary Digital Experience''], was released on the day prior to the launch, and was viewable on [[Halo Waypoint]].
 
Along with ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'', ''Halo 3'' and ''[[Halo 4]]'', ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' was released on the [[Xbox One]] as part of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' on November 11, [[2014]]. The campaign portion of ''Halo: CE Anniversary'' was initially included while the multiplayer and Firefight portions of the game are a part of ''Halo: Reach''. On March 3, 2020, ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' was released on PC as part of ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAsX01K75ys '''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary PC''']</ref>


==Features==
==Features==
The game will feature a graphics layer running on top of the exact ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' physics and gameplay engine.<ref>[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2011-halo-4/714845| '''GameTrailers''': ''E3 2011: Halo Returns Interview (Stream)'']</ref> As such, gameplay mechanics from the original game, such as the [[M6D Personal Defense Weapon System|M6D pistol's]] three-shot kill, will all be present. The game also features an online campaign cooperative mode over Xbox LIVE. Pressing the ''Back'' button allows the player to switch seamlessly between the graphics of the original 2001 title and the 2011 remake.  
[[File:Halo CEandCEA comparrison.jpg|thumb|250px|A graphical comparison of ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' and ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.]]
The game features a graphics layer running on top of the exact ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' physics and gameplay engine.<ref>[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2011-halo-4/714845 '''GameTrailers''': ''E3 2011: Halo Returns Interview (Stream)'']</ref> As such, gameplay mechanics from the original game, such as the [[M6D Personal Defense Weapon System|M6D Pistol's]] three-shot kill, are all present. The game also features the ability to play the campaign cooperatively over [[Xbox LIVE]] with another player. Pressing the 'Back' button allows the player to switch seamlessly between the graphics of the original 2001 title and the 2011 remake. In the original 2011 version, this switch involves a fade to black; the toggle is instantaneous in the ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' version of the game, similar to ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.<ref name="pax">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGn4YXXZyDo '''YouTube''': ''Halo and the Journey of the Master Chief- PAX Prime 2014'']</ref>


The game will integrate the [[Wikipedia:Kinect|Kinect]] to further enhance the gameplay experience for the single-player component.<ref name="kinect">[http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/120/1200549p1.html '''IGN''': ''First Halo Kinect Details Revealed'']</ref> For example, players can reload their weapon, throw grenades, and switch between "legacy" and "remastered" graphics via voice commands.<ref name="kinect"/> Two new features to this integration are [[Analyze]] and [[Library (Anniversary feature)|Library]]. Analyze allows players to scan characters,vehicles and certain objects in the Campaign, and Library is essentially an index for the scanned information.<ref name="kinect"/> The remastered graphics is also available in 3D, provided that the player has a 3D television.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/video/343-guilty-spark-level-demo/ed041717-3134-463a-9fdd-5187e7349448 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''"343 Guilty Spark" Level Demo'']</ref>
The game features [[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary skulls|skulls]], including five that have never appeared in previous ''Halo'' games. [[Achievements (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Achievements]] are also available. As the multiplayer component is actually running on the ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' engine, [[Theater|Theater mode]] is available there, but not for the remastered single-player.<ref>'''OXM Special Edition - Halo: The Game That Changed The World''', ''page 116''</ref>


The game will feature [[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Skulls|skulls]], including at least five that never appeared in previous Halo games. [[List of Achievements for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Achievements]] will also be available.
===Kinect integration===
[[File:AnniversaryLibrary.png|left|thumb|200px|A [[Sangheili Minor]] as seen in the Kinect-exclusive feature  [[Library (feature)|The Library]].]]
The game integrates [[Wikipedia:Kinect|Kinect]] to further enhance the game-play experience for the single-player component.<ref name="kinect">[http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/120/1200549p1.html '''IGN''': ''First Halo Kinect Details Revealed'']</ref> For example, players can reload their weapons, throw grenades, and switch between 'legacy' and 'remastered' graphics via voice commands.{{Ref/Reuse|kinect}} A new feature to this integration is the [[Library (feature)|Library]]. When the vocal command "analyze" or "scan" is given, specific characters, vehicles and objects can be scanned. The Library, which cannot be accessed at all if the player does not have a Kinect, is essentially an index of detailed information on the scanned items.{{Ref/Reuse|kinect}} The remastered graphics are also available in 3D, provided that the player has a 3D television.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/video/343-guilty-spark-level-demo/ed041717-3134-463a-9fdd-5187e7349448 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''"343 Guilty Spark" Level Demo'']</ref> Kinect integration was not included on the disc; the feature was released as an automatic update on November 15.


[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminals]] will be found throughout the game, which, unlike the text-based [[terminal]]s of ''[[Halo 3]]'', contain full-motion video narrated by [[monitor]] [[343 Guilty Spark]]. These terminals will link the game's story to that of ''[[Halo 4]]''.<ref name="waypoint01"/><ref>[http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/117/1173462p1.html '''IGN.com''': ''E3 2011: Halo CE Anniversary - New Secrets for an Old Friend'']</ref> ''Anniversary'' will also have subtitles available for in-game and combat dialogue.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUAU5giE2_4 '''YouTube''': ''SDCC 2011: Halo Universe Panel Part 3 '']</ref>
The Kinect features are not available in the ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' version of the game.<ref>[http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/10/07/the-horse-you-rode-in-on-a-halo-the-master-chief-collection-story-ign-first '''IGN''': ''The Horse You Rode In On (A Halo: The Master Chief Collection Story) – IGN First'']</ref>
{{Clear}}
===Terminals===
{{Main|Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)}}
[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]] are found throughout the game, which, unlike the text-based [[Terminal (Halo 3)|terminal]]s of ''[[Halo 3]]'', contain full-motion video narrated by [[343 Guilty Spark]]. These terminals link the game's story to that of ''Halo 4''.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint01}}<ref>[http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/117/1173462p1.html '''IGN.com''': ''E3 2011: Halo CE Anniversary - New Secrets for an Old Friend'']</ref> ''Anniversary'' also has subtitles available for in-game and combat dialogue.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUAU5giE2_4 '''YouTube''': ''SDCC 2011: Halo Universe Panel Part 3 '']</ref>


[[Theater|Theater mode]] will be available for multiplayer, but not for the remastered single-player.<ref>'''OXM Special Edition - Halo: The Game That Changed The World''', ''page 116''</ref>
===Campaign===
The game's campaign consists of ten levels:
#[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|The Pillar of Autumn]] - ''"Escape intact as Covenant forces board your ship."''
#[[Halo (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|Halo]] - ''"Seek out surviving Marines and help them fight the Covenant."''
#[[The Truth and Reconciliation]] - ''"Board a Covenant ship in an attempt to rescue Captain Keyes."''
#[[The Silent Cartographer]] - ''"Search for the map room that will lead you to the secrets of Halo."''
#[[Assault on the Control Room]] - ''"Defend the Control Room against wave after wave of Covenant troops."''
#[[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]] - ''"Creep through a swamp to meet the only enemy the Covenant fear."''
#[[The Library]] - ''"Fight your way through an ancient security facility in search of the Index."''
#[[Two Betrayals]] - ''"Re-activate the weapon at the heart of Halo... and learn the truth."''
#[[Keyes]] - ''"Stage a one-cyborg assault on a Covenant ship and bring back the Captain."''
#[[The Maw]] - ''"Destroy Halo before Halo destroys all life in the galaxy."''


==Multiplayer==
==Multiplayer==
''Anniversary'' will include ''Halo Reach''<nowiki/>'s multiplayer component, (similar to the ''[[Halo 3: Mythic]]'' disc that accompanies ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''), and will include six competitive maps and one [[Firefight]] map. These competitive maps are remakes of maps from earlier games; each has both an exact remake and a modified version that utilizes the new features of ''Halo: Reach''. These maps will feature [[Forge]] support.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/Content/assets/en-us/Podcast/343Sparkast_005.mp3 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''343 Sparkcast <nowiki>#5</nowiki>'']</ref> The [[M6G Personal Defense Weapon System|M6G magnum]] can be modified to function like the M6D magnum from the campaign.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/media/latestvideos/video/bts-anniversary-multiplayer/22c7b7e6-8106-4ac9-a5cd-c53660d02434 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''BTS: Anniversary Multiplayer'']</ref>
{{Main|Anniversary Map Pack}}
{{Col-begin}}
[[File:HCEA Multiplayer Menu.png|thumb|300px|The multiplayer menu of ''Halo: Anniversary''.]]
{{col-2}}
A result of a collaboration between 343 Industries and [[Certain Affinity]], ''Anniversary'''s multiplayer component runs on the ''Halo: Reach''<nowiki/> game engine, and includes six competitive maps and one [[Firefight]] map. The maps can also be played on ''Halo: Reach'' itself via the [[Anniversary Map Pack]], a downloadable add-on bundled with the game. Alternatively, the map pack is available on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 1200 Microsoft Points.<ref>[https://halo.xbox.com/en-us/news/headline/the-halo-bulletin-11911-/290676 '''The Halo Bulletin''': ''11/9/11'']</ref>
 
The multiplayer maps are remakes of maps originally featured in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''[[Halo 2]]''. Each map has both an exact remake (minus visual aesthetic details) and a "remastered" version that takes advantage of ''Reach''-era gameplay options. [[Forge]] and [[Theater]] support is available.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/Content/assets/en-us/Podcast/343Sparkast_005.mp3 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''343 Sparkcast <nowiki>#5</nowiki>'']</ref> The [[Magnum#Halo:_Reach|M6G magnum]] can be modified to function like the M6D magnum from the campaign.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/media/latestvideos/video/bts-anniversary-multiplayer/22c7b7e6-8106-4ac9-a5cd-c53660d02434 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''BTS: Anniversary Multiplayer'']</ref>
 
;Multiplayer
;Multiplayer
'''Default'''
*''[[Battle Canyon]]''
*''[[Battle Canyon]]''<ref name="bulletin817">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/news/headline/the-halo-bulletin-81711/168336 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 8/17/11'']</ref>
**''[[Beaver Creek]]''
**''[[Beaver Creek]]''<ref name="bulletin817">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/news/headline/the-halo-bulletin-81711/168336 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 8/17/11'']</ref>
*''[[Penance]]''
*''[[Penance]]''<ref name="bulletin817"/>
**''[[Damnation]]''
**''[[Damnation]]''<ref name="bulletin817"/>
*''[[High Noon]]''
*''[[High Noon]]''
**''[[Hang 'Em High]]''
**''[[Hang 'Em High]]''
*''[[Ridgeline]]''<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=1076639 '''HBO forums''': ''"Map... never been seen on console before."'']</ref><ref name="Halo - Ridgeline Flythrough">[http://www.ign.com/videos/2011/08/26/halo-anniversary-ridgeline-flythrough '''IGN.com''': ''Halo - Ridgeline Flythrough'']</ref>
*''[[Ridgeline]]''
**''[[Timberland]]''<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=1076639 '''HBO forums''': ''"Map... never been seen on console before."'']</ref><ref name="Halo - Ridgeline Flythrough">[http://www.ign.com/videos/2011/08/26/halo-anniversary-ridgeline-flythrough '''IGN.com''': ''Halo - Ridgeline Flythrough'']</ref>
**''[[Timberland]]''
*''[[Solitary]]''<ref name="Halo - Solitary Flythrough">[http://www.ign.com/videos/2011/08/26/halo-anniversary-solitary-flythrough '''IGN.com''': ''Halo - Solitary Flythrough'']</ref>
*''[[Solitary]]''
**''[[Prisoner]]''<ref name="Halo - Solitary Flythrough">[http://www.ign.com/videos/2011/08/26/halo-anniversary-solitary-flythrough '''IGN.com''': ''Halo - Solitary Flythrough'']</ref>
**''[[Prisoner]]''
*''[[Breakneck]]''<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/news/headline/the-halo-bulletin-91411-/239029 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 9/14/11'']</ref>
*''[[Breakneck]]''
**''[[Headlong]]''
**''[[Headlong]]''
{{col-2}}
 
;Firefight
;Firefight
*''[[Installation 04 (level)|Installation 04]]''<ref name="Halo - Installation Flythrough">[http://www.ign.com/videos/2011/08/26/halo-anniversary-installation-04-flythrough '''IGN.com''': ''Halo - Installation 04 Flythrough'']</ref>
*''[[Installation 04 (map)|Installation 04]]''
{{col-end}}


==Development==
==Development==
===Audio===
===Audio===
{{Main|Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary: Original Soundtrack}}
{{Main|Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary: Original Soundtrack}}
All non-vocal audio for the game will be re-recorded by [[Skywalker Sound]],<ref>[http://www.ign.com/videos/2011/08/27/halo-fest-halo-anniversary-campaign-discussion '''IGN.com''': ''Halo Fest: Halo Anniversary Campaign Discussion'']</ref> while the original voice-acting will remain untouched.<ref name="waypoint01"/> The soundtrack will have both a normal CD release and a 5,000-edition vinyl limited release.<ref>[http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-9754-343-Industries%E2%80%99-Frank-O%E2%80%99Connor--%E2%80%9C3D-Will-Always-Be-Like-5-1%E2%80%9D.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter '''Xbox360Achievements.org''' - Frank O'Connor Interview]</ref> Both editions will be released on [[2011|November 15, 2011]].<ref>[http://www.gamestop.com/toys/movies-tv/halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-original-soundtrack-cd-2-disc-set/97534 '''Gamestop.com''' - ''Halo: Anniversary'' soundtrack]</ref><ref>[http://www.gamestop.com/toys/movies-tv/halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-original-soundtrack-limited-edition-vinyl-with-download-card/97533 '''Gamestop.com''' - ''Halo: Anniversary'' soundtrack, limited Vinyl Edition]</ref>
{{#widget:Vimeo|id=37334671|width=300|thumb|caption=Terminal cutscenes by Sequence}}
All non-vocal audio for the game has been been re-recorded by [[Skywalker Sound]],<ref>[http://www.ign.com/videos/2011/08/27/halo-fest-halo-anniversary-campaign-discussion '''IGN.com''': ''Halo Fest: Halo Anniversary Campaign Discussion'']</ref> while the original voice-acting remains untouched.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint01}} The soundtrack has both a normal CD release and a 5,000-edition vinyl limited release.<ref>[http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-9754-343-Industries%E2%80%99-Frank-O%E2%80%99Connor--%E2%80%9C3D-Will-Always-Be-Like-5-1%E2%80%9D.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter '''Xbox360Achievements.org''' - Frank O'Connor Interview]</ref> Both editions were released on [[2011|November 15, 2011]].<ref>[http://www.gamestop.com/toys/movies-tv/halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-original-soundtrack-cd-2-disc-set/97534 '''Gamestop.com''' - ''Halo: Anniversary'' soundtrack]</ref><ref>[http://www.gamestop.com/toys/movies-tv/halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-original-soundtrack-limited-edition-vinyl-with-download-card/97533 '''Gamestop.com''' - ''Halo: Anniversary'' soundtrack, limited Vinyl Edition]</ref> Players have the option to choose between the original and the remastered score in the Options menu when pausing a campaign game.<ref name="BTS: Music">[http://youtu.be/quk-fTMvE-w '''YouTube:''' ''BTS: Anniversary Music'']</ref>


===Design===
===Design===
The game's ability to alternate between legacy and remastered graphics in the Campaign was made possible thanks to a rendering engine developed by [[Wikipedia:Saber Interactive|Saber Interative]].<ref name="render">[http://www.computerandvideogames.com/321507/interviews/the-man-whos-rebuilding-halo-combat-evolved/ '''Computer and Video Games''': ''The man who's rebuilding Halo: Combat Evolved'']</ref> The technology allowed the developers to both update the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s visuals while preserving the original gameplay at the same time.<ref name="render"/>
The game's ability to alternate between classic and remastered graphics in the Campaign was made possible thanks to a rendering engine developed by [[Wikipedia:Saber Interactive|Saber Interactive]].<ref name="render">[http://www.computerandvideogames.com/321507/interviews/the-man-whos-rebuilding-halo-combat-evolved/ '''Computer and Video Games''': ''The man who's rebuilding Halo: Combat Evolved'']</ref> The technology allowed the developers to update ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s visuals while preserving the original gameplay at the same time.{{Ref/Reuse|render}}


Because of their previous contributions to the series - the [[Blastacular Map Pack|Blastacular]] and [[Defiant Map Pack|Defiant]] map packs - [[Certain Affinity]] was approached once more by [[343 Industries]] to streamline the multiplayer maps to take ''[[Halo: Reach|Reach]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s gameplay options into account.
The graphics and audio for the [[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]] were produced by [[Sequence|The Sequence Group]],<ref name= "Sequence">[http://thesequencegroup.com/blog/halo-anniversary-terminal-trailer '''Sequence - Terminals Teaser''']</ref> while most of the writing was done by 343 Industries Managing Editor [[Kevin Grace]].<ref>[http://www.ign.com/videos/2011/08/27/halo-fest-halo-universe '''IGN''': ''Halo Fest - Halo Universe'']</ref>
 
Because of their previous contributions to the series - the [[Blastacular Map Pack|Blastacular]] and [[Defiant Map Pack|Defiant]] map packs - [[Certain Affinity]] was approached once more by [[343 Industries]] to streamline the multiplayer maps to take ''[[Halo: Reach|Reach]]''<nowiki />'s gameplay options into account.
{{clear}}


==Marketing promotions==
==Marketing promotions==
===Preorder bonuses===
Customers who preordered the game received a code to download John-117's Mark V MJOLNIR armor for their Avatars. Preordering the game also gave access to the [[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary skulls#Grunt Funeral skull|Grunt Funeral skull]], which causes [[Unggoy]] to explode like {{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}s when killed.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/news/headline/special-halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-pre-order-bonuses/111729 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Special Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Pre-order Bonuses'']</ref>
===Announcement trailer===
===Announcement trailer===
{{main|Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary announcement trailer}}
{{main|Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary announcement trailer}}
Line 71: Line 109:
===''Waypoint Exclusive''===
===''Waypoint Exclusive''===
{{Main|Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Exclusive}}
{{Main|Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Exclusive}}
''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Exclusive'' is a video documentary, in which various 343 Industries employees comment on the development and features of the game.<ref name="waypoint01"/>
A video documentary in which various 343 Industries employees comment on the development process and features of the game.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint01}}
 
===Pre-order bonuses===
Customers who pre-order the game will receive a code to download John-117's Mark V MJOLNIR armor for their Avatars. Pre-ordering the game also gives access to the "Grunt Funeral Skull", which causes [[Unggoy]] to explode like plasma grenades when killed.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/news/headline/special-halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-pre-order-bonuses/111729 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Special Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Pre-order Bonuses'']</ref>


===Terminals teaser===
===Terminals teaser===
{{Main|Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary terminals teaser}}
{{Main|Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary terminals teaser}}
A short trailer which originally debuted during the Halo Universe panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2011. It showcases the animation used in the terminals with a narration by [[04-343 Guilty Spark]].<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/video/anniversary-terminals-teaser/67d71fe1-b586-4f6a-bc82-50974502b31e '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Anniversary Terminals Teaser'']</ref>
A short trailer which originally debuted during the Halo Universe panel at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con. It showcases the animation used in the terminals with a narration by [[04-343 Guilty Spark]].<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/video/anniversary-terminals-teaser/67d71fe1-b586-4f6a-bc82-50974502b31e '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Anniversary Terminals Teaser'']</ref>
 
===BTS: Anniversary Multiplayer===
{{Main|BTS: Anniversary Multiplayer}}
A behind-the-scenes look at the remastered multiplayer of ''Halo: Anniversary''. Featuring exclusive interviews with [[343 Industries]] employees, the video traces how the developers have chosen which maps should be remade for ''Halo: Anniversary'', as well as the development process for the maps themselves. Integration with ''[[Halo: Reach]]'''s multiplayer component is also discussed.<ref>[http://youtu.be/tab_mInnY80 '''YouTube:''' ''Behind The Scenes - Halo: Anniversary Multiplayer'']</ref><ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/video/bts-anniversary-multiplayer/22c7b7e6-8106-4ac9-a5cd-c53660d02434 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''BTS: ANNIVERSARY MULTIPLAYER'']</ref>
 
===BTS: Anniversary Campaign===
{{Main|BTS: Anniversary Campaign}}
A behind-the-scenes look at the remastered campaign of ''Halo: Anniversary''. The trailer feature exclusive interviews with [[343 Industries]] and [[Wikipedia:Saber Interactive|Saber Interactive]] employees, as they reveal the development process behind the campaign.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/titles/haloanniversary/video/bts-anniversary-campaign/8a902cd8-dc45-4a35-88ae-39ba04ba8a41 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''BTS: ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN'']</ref><ref>[http://youtu.be/1ROZDEdi1Sg '''YouTube:''' ''BTS: Anniversary Campaign'']</ref>
 
===BTS: Anniversary Music===
{{Main|BTS: Anniversary Music}}
A behind-the-scenes look at the remastered music of ''Halo: Anniversary'', featuring exclusive interviews of [[Skywalker Sound]] employees as they discuss the recomposition of the [[Halo: Original Soundtrack|original Halo soundtrack]].<ref name= "BTS: Music"/>
 
===BTS: Anniversary Terminals===
{{Main|BTS: Anniversary Terminals}}
A behind-the-scenes look at the new Terminals of ''Halo: Anniversary''. The trailer feature exclusive interviews with [[343 Industries]] employees and the motion design group [[Sequence]], as they reveal the development process behind the [[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|terminals]] in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.<ref>[http://youtu.be/mTwkrMUkNyk '''YouTube:''' ''BTS: Anniversary Terminals'']</ref>
 
===Anniversary Campaign Trailer===
{{Main|Anniversary Campaign Trailer}}
A trailer for the remastered campaign, with a voice-over by [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Jacob Keyes|Keyes]]. It shows several aspects of the campaign, including in-game cinematics and scenes from the [[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|terminals]]. Footage from ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' was used to explain the story's background.<ref>[http://youtu.be/uW_GT2OP3X0 '''YouTube:''' ''Halo: Anniversary Campaign Trailer'']</ref>
 
===Halo Living Monument===
{{Main|Halo Living Monument}}
The Living Monument allows fans to upload pictures that are composited into an image of John-117,<ref>[http://www.halolivingmonument.com/en/default.aspx '''Halo Living Monument.com''']</ref> similar to the [[monument to NOBLE Team]] from the ''[[Remember Reach]]'' ad campaign. ''Heroes Never Die'', a live-action short made to promote the monument, features an [[Unidentified commander (Living Monument)|unidentified Navy commander]] presenting a eulogy dedicated to the men and women of the [[UNSC]] who gave their lives during the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref>[http://youtu.be/5yVPaI5oRXo '''YouTube:''' ''Halo: Anniversary Tribute]''</ref>
 
===Pizza Hut tie-in===
The American restaurant chain [[Wikipedia:Pizza Hut|Pizza Hut]] offered a unique pizza tailored for the release of ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''. Those who ordered the pizza would receive a promo code for two free days of Xbox Live Gold membership.<ref name="Halo pizza">[http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/224506/pizza-huts-halo-pizza-is-a-real-thing/ '''Gamepro.com:''' ''Pizza Hut's Halo Pizza is a Real Thing'']</ref> The pizza itself was prepared with onions, pepperoni, chicken, and peppers as toppings.<ref>[http://kotaku.com/5857917/halo-anniversary-edition-pizza-unboxed-eaten-and-unappreciated '''Kotaku.com:''' ''Halo Anniversary Edition Pizza Unboxed, Eaten, and Unappreciated'']</ref> This promotion was available from November 7 until December 19, 2011 and was limited to those who resided in the United Kingdom.{{Ref/Reuse|Halo pizza}}
 
===Re-releases===
*'''June 2013''' - Re-released as part of ''Halo: Origin Pack'', which also included ''[[Halo 4]]'', the ''[[Halo 4: Original Soundtrack]]'', and a three month Xbox Live Gold membership.<ref>[http://www.play-asia.com/halo-origin-pack/13/706kt1 '''Play-Asia.com''': ''Halo: Origin Pack'']</ref><ref>[http://www.xbox.com/ja-JP/Marketplace/Product/Halo4/topics '''Xbox.com Japan''': ''Halo: Origin Pack'']</ref>
*'''November 2013''' -  Re-released as part of the ''Halo Origins Bundle'', which also included ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Halo-Origins-Bundle-Xbox-360/dp/B00GV8QTPU '''Amazon.com''': ''Halo Origins Bundle - Xbox 360'']</ref>
*'''2014''' -  Re-released as part of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', which also included ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'', ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''Halo 4'' for the Xbox One.
*'''2020''' - Re-released as part of ''The Master Chief Collection'' on Windows 10 and Steam.
 
==Reception==
''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' received generally positive reviews. Among the features which were praised were the game's remastered graphics and initial price. [[Wikipedia: The Guardian|The Guardian]] stated that, "It's a mighty fine game – for my money, the best in the Halo franchise – that deserves to accumulate a cult following. Microsoft should be applauded for having the balls (and the money) to exhume it in such a magnificent manner."<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2011/nov/14/halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-review '''Guardian.co.uk:''' ''Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary – review'']</ref> [[Wikipedia: Official Xbox Magazine|Official Xbox Magazine UK]] said, "The love that's gone into this HD remake makes it more than worth its budget price. If you've never checked out this series, don't get bogged down by details: Halo is about a big bloke shooting cool guns at cool aliens in cool places. Ten years later, that's still enough."<ref>[http://www.oxm.co.uk/36038/reviewshalo-combat-evolved-anniversary-review/ '''OXM.co.uk:''' ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Review'']</ref>
 
However, the decision to integrate ''[[Halo: Reach]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s multiplayer within ''Halo: Anniversary'' instead of remastering the original ''Halo'''s multiplayer mode received criticism from various publications. [[Wikipedia: IGN|IGN]] criticized such a decision, though they noted that, "If you can approach the experience with an open mind and are willing to take a few frustrating old-school design choices, and you're fine with a 'best of' map pack versus a full redo, then this is a great way to bide the time before Halo 4."<ref>[http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/121/1212377p1.html '''IGN.com:''' ''Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary Review'']</ref>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Images}}
*The game was internally referred to as "''Spark''" during development.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/Content/assets/en-us/Podcast/343Sparkast_004.mp3 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''343 Sparkcast <nowiki>#4</nowiki>'']</ref>
*The game was internally referred to as "''Spark''" during development.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/Content/assets/en-us/Podcast/343Sparkast_004.mp3 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''343 Sparkcast <nowiki>#4</nowiki>'']</ref>
*The original game built onto for the ''Anniversary'' graphics is the PC port of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' rather than the original Xbox version. This means the game's original graphics feature broken bump mapping, as well as all the bugs created during Gearbox's original port, such as Cortana not shifting colors while in Halo's Control Room and the Jackal's shields not reacting to being shot.
*The ''[[Marathon]]'' logo is removed from the original ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' logo and is replaced by the outline of a Forerunner monitor. This is because the ''Marathon'' intellectual property is owned by Bungie, not by Microsoft Studios or 343 Industries.
*The ''[[Marathon]]'' logo is removed from the original ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' logo and is replaced by the outline of a Forerunner monitor. This is because the ''Marathon'' intellectual property is owned by Bungie, not by Microsoft Studios or 343 Industries.
*According to Frank O'Connor, [[John-117]]'s abnormally proportioned helmet from the announcement trailer was being fixed prior to the trailer's release, though it was not completed in time to appear in the final E3 trailer.<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=1076456 '''Halo.Bungie.Org''': ''Frankie's Back. With an update ;-)'']</ref>
*According to [[Frank O'Connor]], [[John-117]]'s abnormally proportioned helmet from the announcement trailer was being fixed prior to the trailer's release, though it was not completed in time to appear in the final E3 trailer.<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=1076456 '''Halo.Bungie.Org''': ''Frankie's Back. With an update ;-)'']</ref>
*The pistol [[John-117]] was wielding on the cover of ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' was the ''Halo: Reach'' [[M6G]]. The ''Reach'' skin was used as a placeholder for the original [[M6D]] pistol seen in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. Although the ''Halo 3'' skin is now used, the ''Reach'' version is still featured on the cover.
*Split screen in Anniversary has an incorrect field of view for each player. This was fixed in the [[Halo: The Master Chief Collection|Master Chief Collection]].
*This was the last ''Halo'' game for the Xbox 360 to include a [[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary manual|game manual]].
*After the credits, while on the Extras menu, the credits for ''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Halo 3]]'', ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' and ''[[Halo Wars]]'' are shown. All of the credits videos are sped up by 1.25x. On ''Halo 2'', the credits are based on the [[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|Vista]] version. On ''Halo 3'', there is no background in the credits. This is because it runs on a Bink video format.
*In the beta version, the assault rifle used the [[MA37 assault rifle|MA37]] model from ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' while still having a 60-round magazine. This was changed to a model more closely resembling the original MA5B in the release version.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 89: Line 169:
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Halo CE Anniversary Logo Huge.png|Title art.
File:Halo CE Anniversary Logo Huge.png|Title art.
</gallery>
===Box art===
<gallery>
File:Halocea.png|Full jacket cover art for ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 95: Line 180:
File:Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary wallpaper.png|A promotional wallpaper of ''Halo: Anniversary''.
File:Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary wallpaper.png|A promotional wallpaper of ''Halo: Anniversary''.
File:HaloCEA wallpaper 2.jpg|An alternate version of the wallpaper.
File:HaloCEA wallpaper 2.jpg|An alternate version of the wallpaper.
File:HCEA Cover Art Variant No Logos.jpg|Cover art variant.
File:Mark_V_Avatar.jpg|John-117's Mark V armor, as a pre-order bonus for Xbox 360 Avatars.
File:Mark_V_Avatar.jpg|John-117's Mark V armor, as a pre-order bonus for Xbox 360 Avatars.
File:HCEA 1920x1080.jpg|Promotional artwork featured in the October 2011 issue of Xbox Magazine.
File:HCEA 1920x1080.jpg|Promotional artwork featured in the October 2011 issue of Xbox Magazine.
File:HCEA_MakeMyDay_Concept.jpg|"Make My Day" promotional artwork created for an OCM cover.
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Concept art===
===Concept art===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Halo_anniversary_ost_concept_cover.jpg|Concept art featuring John-117.
File:HCEA-Concept-SilentCartographer-Chief.jpg|Concept art featuring John-117.
File:Halo_anniversary_menu_concept_1.jpg|Concept art of Installation 04 in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary's'' menu.
File:HCEA_Installation04Menu_Concept_1.jpg|Concept art of Installation 04 in the main menu.
File:Halo_anniversary_menu_concept_2.jpg|Another concept of the menu.
File:HCEA_Installation04Menu_Concept_2.jpg|Another concept of the menu.
File:Halo_anniversary_pillar_of_autumn_concept_1.jpg|Concept art of the level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''.
File:HCEA_AutumnInterior_Concept_1.jpg|Concept art of the level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''.
File:Halo anniversary pillar of autumn concept 2.jpg|Concept art of a corridor on the ''Pillar of Autumn''.
File:HCEA_AutumnInterior_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art of a corridor on the ''Pillar of Autumn''.
File:Halo_anniversary_assault_on_the_Croom_concept.jpg|Concept art of the level ''[[Assault on the Control Room]]''.
File:HCEA_AssaultOnTheControlRoom_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the level ''[[Assault on the Control Room]]''.
File:Halo_anniversary_two_betrayals_concept_1.jpg|Concept art of the level ''[[Two Betrayals]]''.
File:HCEA_TwoBetrayals_Banshee_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the level ''[[Two Betrayals]]''.
File:Halo_anniversary_two_betrayals_concept_2.jpg|Concepts of ''Two Betrayals''.
File:HCEA_TwoBetrayals_Comparison_Concept.jpg|Concepts of ''Two Betrayals''.
File:Halo_anniversary_the_maw_concept.jpg|Concept art of the level ''[[The Maw]]''.
File:HCEA-Concept-Maw-WarthogRun.jpg|Another concept of ''The Maw''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Screenshots===
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Anniversarymenu.png|Screenshot of the current menu in a demo.
File:Anniversarymenu.png|The main menu, a recreation of the original pan around [[Installation 04]].
File:Anniversary Marines.jpg|Marines storm the beach on the level ''[[The Silent Cartographer]]''.
File:Anniversary Marines.jpg|Marines storm the beach on the level ''[[The Silent Cartographer]]''.
File:HA SC 1.jpg|A view of the beach on ''The Silent Cartographer''.
File:HA SC 1.jpg|A view of the beach on ''The Silent Cartographer''.
Line 122: Line 209:
File:Penance.jpg|An image of the multiplayer map ''[[Penance]]''.
File:Penance.jpg|An image of the multiplayer map ''[[Penance]]''.
File:HA - Beavercreek.jpg|An image of the multiplayer map ''[[Battle Canyon]]''.
File:HA - Beavercreek.jpg|An image of the multiplayer map ''[[Battle Canyon]]''.
File:CE_AR.PNG|The MA5B as it appears in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:HCEA-MA5B-AR-FirstPerson.png|The MA5B as it appears in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:Halo_CE_T%26R.PNG|A screenshot of the redesigned level ''[[The Truth and Reconciliation]]''.
File:HCEA-TNR-Needler-FirstPerson.png|A screenshot of the redesigned level ''[[The Truth and Reconciliation]]''.
File:2817468-gallery.jpg|Captain Keyes and John-117 standing on the ''Pillar of Autumn'''s bridge in the redesigned level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''.
File:2817468-gallery.jpg|Captain Keyes and John-117 standing on the ''Pillar of Autumn'''s bridge in the redesigned level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''.
File:2817470-gallery.png.jpg|Two Grunts near a set of blast doors on the ''Pillar of Autumn''.
File:2817470-gallery.jpg|Two Unggoy near a set of blast doors on the ''Pillar of Autumn''.
File:2817466-gallery.jpg|The Master Chief and a Marine engaging [[Sangheili Minor|Elite Minors]] onboard the ''Pillar of Autumn''.
File:2817466-gallery.jpg|The Master Chief and a Marine engaging Sangheili Minors onboard the ''Pillar of Autumn''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Ref/Sources|2}}


{{Halo Games}}
{{Navbox/Media/Games}}
[[Category:Halo: Combat Evolved| ]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:1: Anniversary, Halo}}
[[Category:Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary| ]]
[[Category:Canon]]
[[Category:343 Industries games]]

Latest revision as of 01:39, February 4, 2024

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
Haloceanniversary.jpg

Developer(s):

Publisher(s):

Microsoft Studios

Composer(s):

Martin O'Donnell
Michael Salvatori

Engine:

Platform(s):

PC

  • Windows 10 (Via Halo: The Master Chief Collection)
  • Steam (Via Halo: The Master Chief Collection)

Release date(s):

November 15, 2011
November 17, 2011 (Japan)
March 3, 2020 (Halo: The Master Chief Collection PC)

Genre(s):

First-person shooter

Mode(s):

Campaign

Rating(s):

ESRB: Mature (M) for Blood, Gore and Violence
CERO: (D) Ages 17 & up
PEGI: 16+ (Europe only)

 

"Heroes never die."
— Official tagline[2][3]

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, commonly referred to as Halo: Anniversary, is a first-person shooter video game and a graphical remake of 2001's Halo: Combat Evolved.[4] It was developed by 343 Industries in collaboration with Saber Interactive and Certain Affinity as part of 343 Industries' celebration of the original game's tenth anniversary. The game features remastered graphics and audio, using assets from Halo 3 and Halo: Reach.[4][5] Available with the game are six remade multiplayer maps from Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo: Combat Evolved for PC and Halo 2, along with a Firefight map based on the level Halo, for Halo: Reach multiplayer.[4]

An interactive overview of the game, the Halo Anniversary Digital Experience, was released on the day prior to the launch, and was viewable on Halo Waypoint.

Along with Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3 and Halo 4, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary was released on the Xbox One as part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection on November 11, 2014. The campaign portion of Halo: CE Anniversary was initially included while the multiplayer and Firefight portions of the game are a part of Halo: Reach. On March 3, 2020, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary was released on PC as part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.[6]

Features[edit]

A graphical comparison of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and Halo: Combat Evolved.

The game features a graphics layer running on top of the exact Halo: Combat Evolved physics and gameplay engine.[7] As such, gameplay mechanics from the original game, such as the M6D Pistol's three-shot kill, are all present. The game also features the ability to play the campaign cooperatively over Xbox LIVE with another player. Pressing the 'Back' button allows the player to switch seamlessly between the graphics of the original 2001 title and the 2011 remake. In the original 2011 version, this switch involves a fade to black; the toggle is instantaneous in the Halo: The Master Chief Collection version of the game, similar to Halo 2: Anniversary.[8]

The game features skulls, including five that have never appeared in previous Halo games. Achievements are also available. As the multiplayer component is actually running on the Halo: Reach engine, Theater mode is available there, but not for the remastered single-player.[9]

Kinect integration[edit]

File:AnniversaryLibrary.png
A Sangheili Minor as seen in the Kinect-exclusive feature The Library.

The game integrates Kinect to further enhance the game-play experience for the single-player component.[10] For example, players can reload their weapons, throw grenades, and switch between 'legacy' and 'remastered' graphics via voice commands.[10] A new feature to this integration is the Library. When the vocal command "analyze" or "scan" is given, specific characters, vehicles and objects can be scanned. The Library, which cannot be accessed at all if the player does not have a Kinect, is essentially an index of detailed information on the scanned items.[10] The remastered graphics are also available in 3D, provided that the player has a 3D television.[11] Kinect integration was not included on the disc; the feature was released as an automatic update on November 15.

The Kinect features are not available in the Halo: The Master Chief Collection version of the game.[12]

Terminals[edit]

Main article: Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)

Terminals are found throughout the game, which, unlike the text-based terminals of Halo 3, contain full-motion video narrated by 343 Guilty Spark. These terminals link the game's story to that of Halo 4.[4][13] Anniversary also has subtitles available for in-game and combat dialogue.[14]

Campaign[edit]

The game's campaign consists of ten levels:

  1. The Pillar of Autumn - "Escape intact as Covenant forces board your ship."
  2. Halo - "Seek out surviving Marines and help them fight the Covenant."
  3. The Truth and Reconciliation - "Board a Covenant ship in an attempt to rescue Captain Keyes."
  4. The Silent Cartographer - "Search for the map room that will lead you to the secrets of Halo."
  5. Assault on the Control Room - "Defend the Control Room against wave after wave of Covenant troops."
  6. 343 Guilty Spark - "Creep through a swamp to meet the only enemy the Covenant fear."
  7. The Library - "Fight your way through an ancient security facility in search of the Index."
  8. Two Betrayals - "Re-activate the weapon at the heart of Halo... and learn the truth."
  9. Keyes - "Stage a one-cyborg assault on a Covenant ship and bring back the Captain."
  10. The Maw - "Destroy Halo before Halo destroys all life in the galaxy."

Multiplayer[edit]

Main article: Anniversary Map Pack
The multiplayer menu of Halo: Anniversary.

A result of a collaboration between 343 Industries and Certain Affinity, Anniversary's multiplayer component runs on the Halo: Reach game engine, and includes six competitive maps and one Firefight map. The maps can also be played on Halo: Reach itself via the Anniversary Map Pack, a downloadable add-on bundled with the game. Alternatively, the map pack is available on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 1200 Microsoft Points.[15]

The multiplayer maps are remakes of maps originally featured in Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2. Each map has both an exact remake (minus visual aesthetic details) and a "remastered" version that takes advantage of Reach-era gameplay options. Forge and Theater support is available.[16] The M6G magnum can be modified to function like the M6D magnum from the campaign.[17]

Multiplayer
Firefight

Development[edit]

Audio[edit]

Main article: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary: Original Soundtrack

Terminal cutscenes by Sequence
All non-vocal audio for the game has been been re-recorded by Skywalker Sound,[18] while the original voice-acting remains untouched.[4] The soundtrack has both a normal CD release and a 5,000-edition vinyl limited release.[19] Both editions were released on November 15, 2011.[20][21] Players have the option to choose between the original and the remastered score in the Options menu when pausing a campaign game.[22]

Design[edit]

The game's ability to alternate between classic and remastered graphics in the Campaign was made possible thanks to a rendering engine developed by Saber Interactive.[23] The technology allowed the developers to update Halo: Combat Evolved's visuals while preserving the original gameplay at the same time.[23]

The graphics and audio for the Terminals were produced by The Sequence Group,[24] while most of the writing was done by 343 Industries Managing Editor Kevin Grace.[25]

Because of their previous contributions to the series - the Blastacular and Defiant map packs - Certain Affinity was approached once more by 343 Industries to streamline the multiplayer maps to take Reach's gameplay options into account.

Marketing promotions[edit]

Preorder bonuses[edit]

Customers who preordered the game received a code to download John-117's Mark V MJOLNIR armor for their Avatars. Preordering the game also gave access to the Grunt Funeral skull, which causes Unggoy to explode like Anskum-pattern plasma grenades when killed.[26]

Announcement trailer[edit]

Main article: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary announcement trailer

The Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary announcement trailer was released on June 6, 2011. It showcases the differences between the original Halo: Combat Evolved and Anniversary.

Waypoint Exclusive[edit]

Main article: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Exclusive

A video documentary in which various 343 Industries employees comment on the development process and features of the game.[4]

Terminals teaser[edit]

Main article: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary terminals teaser

A short trailer which originally debuted during the Halo Universe panel at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con. It showcases the animation used in the terminals with a narration by 04-343 Guilty Spark.[27]

BTS: Anniversary Multiplayer[edit]

Main article: BTS: Anniversary Multiplayer

A behind-the-scenes look at the remastered multiplayer of Halo: Anniversary. Featuring exclusive interviews with 343 Industries employees, the video traces how the developers have chosen which maps should be remade for Halo: Anniversary, as well as the development process for the maps themselves. Integration with Halo: Reach's multiplayer component is also discussed.[28][29]

BTS: Anniversary Campaign[edit]

Main article: BTS: Anniversary Campaign

A behind-the-scenes look at the remastered campaign of Halo: Anniversary. The trailer feature exclusive interviews with 343 Industries and Saber Interactive employees, as they reveal the development process behind the campaign.[30][31]

BTS: Anniversary Music[edit]

Main article: BTS: Anniversary Music

A behind-the-scenes look at the remastered music of Halo: Anniversary, featuring exclusive interviews of Skywalker Sound employees as they discuss the recomposition of the original Halo soundtrack.[22]

BTS: Anniversary Terminals[edit]

Main article: BTS: Anniversary Terminals

A behind-the-scenes look at the new Terminals of Halo: Anniversary. The trailer feature exclusive interviews with 343 Industries employees and the motion design group Sequence, as they reveal the development process behind the terminals in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.[32]

Anniversary Campaign Trailer[edit]

Main article: Anniversary Campaign Trailer

A trailer for the remastered campaign, with a voice-over by Captain Keyes. It shows several aspects of the campaign, including in-game cinematics and scenes from the terminals. Footage from Halo: Reach was used to explain the story's background.[33]

Halo Living Monument[edit]

Main article: Halo Living Monument

The Living Monument allows fans to upload pictures that are composited into an image of John-117,[34] similar to the monument to NOBLE Team from the Remember Reach ad campaign. Heroes Never Die, a live-action short made to promote the monument, features an unidentified Navy commander presenting a eulogy dedicated to the men and women of the UNSC who gave their lives during the Human-Covenant War.[35]

Pizza Hut tie-in[edit]

The American restaurant chain Pizza Hut offered a unique pizza tailored for the release of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. Those who ordered the pizza would receive a promo code for two free days of Xbox Live Gold membership.[36] The pizza itself was prepared with onions, pepperoni, chicken, and peppers as toppings.[37] This promotion was available from November 7 until December 19, 2011 and was limited to those who resided in the United Kingdom.[36]

Re-releases[edit]

Reception[edit]

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary received generally positive reviews. Among the features which were praised were the game's remastered graphics and initial price. The Guardian stated that, "It's a mighty fine game – for my money, the best in the Halo franchise – that deserves to accumulate a cult following. Microsoft should be applauded for having the balls (and the money) to exhume it in such a magnificent manner."[41] Official Xbox Magazine UK said, "The love that's gone into this HD remake makes it more than worth its budget price. If you've never checked out this series, don't get bogged down by details: Halo is about a big bloke shooting cool guns at cool aliens in cool places. Ten years later, that's still enough."[42]

However, the decision to integrate Halo: Reach's multiplayer within Halo: Anniversary instead of remastering the original Halo's multiplayer mode received criticism from various publications. IGN criticized such a decision, though they noted that, "If you can approach the experience with an open mind and are willing to take a few frustrating old-school design choices, and you're fine with a 'best of' map pack versus a full redo, then this is a great way to bide the time before Halo 4."[43]

Trivia[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • The game was internally referred to as "Spark" during development.[44]
  • The original game built onto for the Anniversary graphics is the PC port of Halo: Combat Evolved rather than the original Xbox version. This means the game's original graphics feature broken bump mapping, as well as all the bugs created during Gearbox's original port, such as Cortana not shifting colors while in Halo's Control Room and the Jackal's shields not reacting to being shot.
  • The Marathon logo is removed from the original Halo: Combat Evolved logo and is replaced by the outline of a Forerunner monitor. This is because the Marathon intellectual property is owned by Bungie, not by Microsoft Studios or 343 Industries.
  • According to Frank O'Connor, John-117's abnormally proportioned helmet from the announcement trailer was being fixed prior to the trailer's release, though it was not completed in time to appear in the final E3 trailer.[45]
  • The pistol John-117 was wielding on the cover of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary was the Halo: Reach M6G. The Reach skin was used as a placeholder for the original M6D pistol seen in Halo: Combat Evolved. Although the Halo 3 skin is now used, the Reach version is still featured on the cover.
  • Split screen in Anniversary has an incorrect field of view for each player. This was fixed in the Master Chief Collection.
  • This was the last Halo game for the Xbox 360 to include a game manual.
  • After the credits, while on the Extras menu, the credits for Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST and Halo Wars are shown. All of the credits videos are sped up by 1.25x. On Halo 2, the credits are based on the Vista version. On Halo 3, there is no background in the credits. This is because it runs on a Bink video format.
  • In the beta version, the assault rifle used the MA37 model from Halo: Reach while still having a 60-round magazine. This was changed to a model more closely resembling the original MA5B in the release version.

Gallery[edit]

Logos[edit]

  • Title art.

    Title art.

Box art[edit]

  • Full jacket cover art for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    Full jacket cover art for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

Promotional images[edit]

  • A promotional wallpaper of Halo: Anniversary.

    A promotional wallpaper of Halo: Anniversary.

  • An alternate version of the wallpaper.

    An alternate version of the wallpaper.

  • Cover art variant.

    Cover art variant.

  • John-117's Mark V armor, as a pre-order bonus for Xbox 360 Avatars.

    John-117's Mark V armor, as a pre-order bonus for Xbox 360 Avatars.

  • Promotional artwork featured in the October 2011 issue of Xbox Magazine.

    Promotional artwork featured in the October 2011 issue of Xbox Magazine.

  • "Make My Day" promotional artwork created for an OCM cover.

    "Make My Day" promotional artwork created for an OCM cover.

Concept art[edit]

  • Concept art featuring John-117.

    Concept art featuring John-117.

  • Concept art of Installation 04 in the main menu.

    Concept art of Installation 04 in the main menu.

  • Another concept of the menu.

    Another concept of the menu.

  • Concept art of the level The Pillar of Autumn.

    Concept art of the level The Pillar of Autumn.

  • Concept art of a corridor on the Pillar of Autumn.

    Concept art of a corridor on the Pillar of Autumn.

  • Concept art of the level Assault on the Control Room.

    Concept art of the level Assault on the Control Room.

  • Concept art of the level Two Betrayals.

    Concept art of the level Two Betrayals.

  • Concepts of Two Betrayals.

    Concepts of Two Betrayals.

  • Another concept of The Maw.

    Another concept of The Maw.

Screenshots[edit]

  • The main menu, a recreation of the original pan around Installation 04.

    The main menu, a recreation of the original pan around Installation 04.

  • Marines storm the beach on the level The Silent Cartographer.

    Marines storm the beach on the level The Silent Cartographer.

  • A view of the beach on The Silent Cartographer.

    A view of the beach on The Silent Cartographer.

  • Another screenshot of The Silent Cartographer.

    Another screenshot of The Silent Cartographer.

  • John-117 as he appears in Anniversary.

    John-117 as he appears in Anniversary.

  • An image from the redesigned level 343 Guilty Spark.

    An image from the redesigned level 343 Guilty Spark.

  • An image of the multiplayer map Penance.

    An image of the multiplayer map Penance.

  • An image of the multiplayer map Battle Canyon.

    An image of the multiplayer map Battle Canyon.

  • The MA5B as it appears in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    The MA5B as it appears in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • A screenshot of the redesigned level The Truth and Reconciliation.

    A screenshot of the redesigned level The Truth and Reconciliation.

  • Captain Keyes and John-117 standing on the Pillar of Autumn's bridge in the redesigned level The Pillar of Autumn.

    Captain Keyes and John-117 standing on the Pillar of Autumn's bridge in the redesigned level The Pillar of Autumn.

  • Two Unggoy near a set of blast doors on the Pillar of Autumn.

    Two Unggoy near a set of blast doors on the Pillar of Autumn.

  • The Master Chief and a Marine engaging Sangheili Minors onboard the Pillar of Autumn.

    The Master Chief and a Marine engaging Sangheili Minors onboard the Pillar of Autumn.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b IGN.com: E3 2011: Microsoft Announces Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
  2. ^ Halo Waypoint: Halo: Anniversary
  3. ^ Xbox.com, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
  4. ^ a b c d e f Halo Waypoint: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Exclusive
  5. ^ VideoGamer: Halo remake does not feature original audio
  6. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary PC
  7. ^ GameTrailers: E3 2011: Halo Returns Interview (Stream)
  8. ^ YouTube: Halo and the Journey of the Master Chief- PAX Prime 2014
  9. ^ OXM Special Edition - Halo: The Game That Changed The World, page 116
  10. ^ a b c IGN: First Halo Kinect Details Revealed
  11. ^ Halo Waypoint: "343 Guilty Spark" Level Demo
  12. ^ IGN: The Horse You Rode In On (A Halo: The Master Chief Collection Story) – IGN First
  13. ^ IGN.com: E3 2011: Halo CE Anniversary - New Secrets for an Old Friend
  14. ^ YouTube: SDCC 2011: Halo Universe Panel Part 3
  15. ^ The Halo Bulletin: 11/9/11
  16. ^ Halo Waypoint: 343 Sparkcast #5
  17. ^ Halo Waypoint: BTS: Anniversary Multiplayer
  18. ^ IGN.com: Halo Fest: Halo Anniversary Campaign Discussion
  19. ^ Xbox360Achievements.org - Frank O'Connor Interview
  20. ^ Gamestop.com - Halo: Anniversary soundtrack
  21. ^ Gamestop.com - Halo: Anniversary soundtrack, limited Vinyl Edition
  22. ^ a b YouTube: BTS: Anniversary Music
  23. ^ a b Computer and Video Games: The man who's rebuilding Halo: Combat Evolved
  24. ^ Sequence - Terminals Teaser
  25. ^ IGN: Halo Fest - Halo Universe
  26. ^ Halo Waypoint: Special Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Pre-order Bonuses
  27. ^ Halo Waypoint: Anniversary Terminals Teaser
  28. ^ YouTube: Behind The Scenes - Halo: Anniversary Multiplayer
  29. ^ Halo Waypoint: BTS: ANNIVERSARY MULTIPLAYER
  30. ^ Halo Waypoint: BTS: ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN
  31. ^ YouTube: BTS: Anniversary Campaign
  32. ^ YouTube: BTS: Anniversary Terminals
  33. ^ YouTube: Halo: Anniversary Campaign Trailer
  34. ^ Halo Living Monument.com
  35. ^ YouTube: Halo: Anniversary Tribute
  36. ^ a b Gamepro.com: Pizza Hut's Halo Pizza is a Real Thing
  37. ^ Kotaku.com: Halo Anniversary Edition Pizza Unboxed, Eaten, and Unappreciated
  38. ^ Play-Asia.com: Halo: Origin Pack
  39. ^ Xbox.com Japan: Halo: Origin Pack
  40. ^ Amazon.com: Halo Origins Bundle - Xbox 360
  41. ^ Guardian.co.uk: Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary – review
  42. ^ OXM.co.uk: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Review
  43. ^ IGN.com: Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary Review
  44. ^ Halo Waypoint: 343 Sparkcast #4
  45. ^ Halo.Bungie.Org: Frankie's Back. With an update ;-)

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List of games in the Halo franchise
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