Microsoft has officially announced Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, the long rumoured HD remake of original Xbox title Halo: Combat Evolved (pictured).
Set for release on November 15 to mark the franchise's tenth anniversary, it's described as "the epic game that launched a universe, remastered for a new generation" and is being developed by Saber Interactive (with support from Certain Affinity).
The game was leaked earlier today on Xbox.com, before its listing was pulled.
Here are the official facts (in Microsoft's words):
Stunningly remastered campaign. Relive the award-winning adventure that defined "Halo: Combat Evolved" as one of the best games of the decade with breathtaking next-gen graphics and audio remastered for the Xbox 360. Engage in epic-scale battles against the backdrop of the eponymous "Halo" ringworld, and relive nostalgic memories with the ability to toggle Classic mode to play the original version.
Online campaign co-op. For the first time, experience the story that started it all witha friend on Xbox LIVE and launch a cooperative assault against the Covenant,whether you live across the street or halfway around the world.[*Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for online multiplayer.]
Classic "Halo multiplayer maps reimagined.Wage battle on six detailed remakes of some of the most beloved "Halo" multiplayer maps of all time, and bring the fight to the Covenant on a stunning and resonant new Firefight map.
Remastered in the "Halo: Reach" engine and inspired by maps from "Halo: Combat Evolved" and "Halo 2," these iconic battlefields reignite the heart-pounding multiplayer action of the original favorites and let you relive epic confrontations like you've never experienced them.
Developed in collaboration with Certain Affinity, the new multiplayer maps are included on the "Halo: Anniversary" game disc, which means players will not need to own the original "Halo: Reach" game to play. The first of the new remakes to be revealed at E3 Expo 2011will be the fan-favorite map Damnation.
New challenges and enhanced story. Unlock up to 1,000 Achievement points as you clash with online opponents and battle through the campaign, and uncover never-before-revealed backstories told in motion-graphic form that foreshadow new mysteries in the story of "Halo 4."
Comments
17 comments so far...
Mandatory Grape on 6 Jun '11 said:
For PC as well? What about support for Halo: Custom Edition... How it brings back memories of blood gulch.
cooloneuk on 6 Jun '11 said:
If the HD version includes online multiplayer, which I would be extremely surprised if it wasn't, then I will consider this worth buying
dannyhulse on 6 Jun '11 said:
It says in the article, it will have Multiplayer and Co-op,
Anyway, I kinda like the visuals, updated, but still looks like Halo CE.
Megatrons_Fury on 6 Jun '11 said:
Im slightly happy about this announcement, however......
All i want is the same game with nicer graphics, faster movement and exactly the same maps from the multiplayer side of things, no remix editions, no added features etc etc, to be completely honest no duel wielding rubbish either, just keep it simple and fun like the first one was all those years ago.
If i want a mindless fragfest i can always play halo reach or 3 with the 12 year old idiots, i don't need another same old same thank you.
altitude2k on 6 Jun '11 said:
Looks like the Reach engine. Not a bad thing at all.
MrPirtniw on 6 Jun '11 said:
If you don't want to play with the 12 year old idiots then stop stop adding them to your friends list! The guys (and girls, actually) I play Halo online with range from 20 - 30+. You should try it.
As for the remake- looks sweet. Loving the addition of the assassinations from Reach too.
Black Mantis on 6 Jun '11 said:
Yeah, I'm in!
shiwayb on 6 Jun '11 said:
Nah, thats abit sad tbh, ill stick to my 15 - 21 year olds.
After 21 years, they tend to be sad lonely people with nothing else to do...
budge on 6 Jun '11 said:
Does this have a decent single player story? I'm not really into FPS games but i'm a sucker for good sci-fi.
MrPirtniw on 6 Jun '11 said:
Damn you 'cool' kids and your music.
cooloneuk on 6 Jun '11 said:
LOL Ignore me I didn't pay much attention to the words cus I was just lookin at the pics
Imaduck on 6 Jun '11 said:
This is man kinds greatest invention since pot noodles I reckon. Challengers welcomed of course.
SkyBlueJukeBox on 6 Jun '11 said:
Ok, so it's a remake, so I was expecting some changes to the gameplay. But Damnation being a fan-favourite? What happened to Blood Gulch?????
Mmmmgrolsch on 6 Jun '11 said:
Did anybody else get goose bumps from watching that video
I f**king can't wait.
MrPirtniw on 7 Jun '11 said:
... Goosebumps?
...
Yeah, me too.
Spartan116 on 7 Jun '11 said:
Chief's armor sucks....
Imaduck on 7 Jun '11 said:
Yeah, Chief's gear is obviously just a placeholder. Surprised they didn't bling it up for E3 though. Check out how much even CE changed from first trailer
I imagine it'll be shaped like that on the cover art shown when finished, which is awesome news!