Retro Spectives18 Nov 2019

Episode 23 - Halo: Combat Evolved

On the 15th of November, 2001, the Xbox launched with a tremendous bang. Not since Super Mario World for the SNES had a launch title been so well regarded. Halo invented, and went on to define how console FPS games should be made - limited weapons, regenerating health, slight auto-aim - Halo made these the industry standard. Halo was seen as a masterpiece - not just for its single player campaign, but for its fun couch co-op mode and competitive multiplayer.

But has Halo actually stood the test of time, 18 years later? With a million sequels to its name, and the Masterchief Collection delivering a remaster of the games, is it just a nostalgic trip to visit the grandfather of console FPS? Or does it stand up strong alongside its peers, and show the world that Halo is a true classic?

On this episode, Patrick, James and special guest Cameron Boozarjomehri of the Sweating the Small Stuff Podcast discuss:

How well implemented is the two-weapon system in Halo? Is it needlessly restrictive and punishing? Or does it add to the strategic depth and tactical approaches available to you?
How good is Halo’s level design? Are it's inside areas just as strong as its outdoor ones? Is its use of backtracking and reuse of assets a novel twist, or just boring and lazy?
Will Patrick ever admit the benefits of a controller for an FPS, or will he continue to obnoxiously proclaim the superiority of mouse and keyboard?

We answer these questions, and many more, on the 23rd episode of the Retro Spectives Podcast!

If you enjoyed the show and would like to continue the conversation, feel free to head on over to our Discord which you can find here or on our website. Thanks for listening!

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