As a Halo fan I’m very excited for Halo: Campaign Evolved, but the promise that it’ll be a faithful remake of the first game leaves me wanting more.
After previewing the game last year I came away very impressed. Visually the game looks stunning and while it’s already receiving criticism for its artstyle not mimicking what we saw in the Bungie-era, I think it’s close enough.
Gameplay-wise additions like sprint are obviously going to turn some away but the worst offence to me was how different the physics felt. For example, grenade jumping felt nearly impossible despite being such a beloved tool on the original game’s belt.
I came away from the preview feeling hopeful but something was bothering me, and a recent interview between Creative Director Max Szlagor and GamesRadar has reminded me what it was.
In the interview Szlagor reiterates that Halo: Campaign Evolved aims to be a faithful remake of the game that started it all.
Here’s Why I’m Disappointed With That ‘Faithful Remake’ Take
One of the biggest issues with Halo Studios’ (formerly 343 Industries) handling of the Halo series has been a lack of identity. Halo 4 was bold. It tried something new and while it didn’t please everybody I have a lot of time for it. Halo 5: Guardians took the changes too far and failed to feel like a natural progression. Halo Studios’ response to the backlash over Halo 5: Guardians was Halo: Infinite, which was much better but felt like damage-control.
I can only sympathise with the studio on this as continuing a series you had no prior involvement with was always going to be tough, and Halo 3 felt like such a definitive ending that making a sequel was always going to turn some heads. That’s why I was excited to hear about Halo: Campaign Evolved.
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This felt like Halo Studios’ golden opportunity to start over. A chance to reboot the franchise and inject its own personality, without accusations of tarnishing the legacy Bungie left behind.
In short, rather than remake Halo: Combat Evolved I wanted Halo Studios to make its own Halo: Combat Evolved, and so far I’m not getting that vibe.
There will be some new content like weapons and vehicles that weren’t usable in the original game as well as three prequel missions set on Reach.
This is great but it’s treading too familiar ground for my liking, at least for the time being.
I’m trying not to be too critical as I’m sure I’ll love the game, and I know exactly why Halo Studios would prefer this remake to be faithful than completely different.
Many Halo fans haven’t been kind to this studio so I more than understand the hesitate to try something new, but a remade origin like this feels like a more appropriate opportunity than partway through an existing series.
With more remakes reportedly on the way after Halo: Campaign Evolved drops, perhaps Halo Studios will find its footing and gain the confidence to put its own spin on the Halo universe again. As much as I love the Bungie games they’re not going anywhere, so let’s try something new again.
