Ever since2001, sci-fi and first-person-shooter games were forever changed with the release ofHalo: Combat Evolved. This game was the beginning of an intergalactic franchise,Halo, which has since spanned other games, a TV show, books, and comics. The popularity of theHaloseries knows no limits, with the iconic mascot character, Master Chief, even guest starring in other popular games likeFortnite.
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With games being the central way for audiences to experience theHalofranchise, there is an abundance of them. Each of theHalogames has something distinct and new to offer players, but only someHalogames have the most replay value.
8Halo 3: ODST
With cool one-liners and plenty of explosive and action-packed cutscenes,Halodelivers a great experience for many gamers to enjoy. However,Halo3:ODSTdoes something unique. The game is a far somber installment, featuring a new cast of characters. Players are the Rookie,instead of Master Chief. Rain falls aplenty, as does the beautiful soundtrack of smooth jazz.
The pacing is far different from otherHalogames and has the player go through flashbacks and memories of their teammates, to find their current location. The replay value comes from both the co-op experience and the subtle details that can be missed upon the first playthrough.
7Halo Wars
For the first time in the franchise’s history,Halobecomes a real-time strategy game. This game, set in theHaloUniverse, begins in the year2531,21 years before the originalHalogame,Halo: Combat Evolved. Players must command the armies of UNSC units during the firstencounters against the Covenant, a collection of alien races that seek the eradication of humanity.
With the guidance of the Al Serina, players can lead UNSC soldiers and vehicles against Covenant foes. This real-time strategy game is a lot of fun for fans of the genre, and those familiar withHalolore and characters. The replayability comes from the many ways to strategize.
6Halo 2
As a sequel to the original,Halo2was released3years after the original. The game had a lot of anticipation upon its release, considering it was going to be a follow-up to one of the most popular andhighly received sci-fi shooters of all time. The game certainly delivered, with bigger locations, exhilarating combat, and a richer story.
There’s a lot of fun in replayingHalo2, due to the many weapons in the game. Players may find themselves experiencing different runs of levels depending on what guns they picked up. The change of difficulty makes for a new experience each time.
5Halo Infinite
HaloInfiniteis the 6th mainline game in theHalofranchise.HaloInfinitefollows Master Chief once more. The game is somewhat of a “spiritual reboot”, as the franchise returns to theHalorings, whilst also wrapping up story threads from previous games. Players must fill the shoes of Master Chief once more, and stop the Banished from gaining control of the Ring, whilst learning the mysteries surrounding Cortana’s ultimate fate.
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There’s a lot of innovation and care inHaloInfinite. The gameplay has been fleshed-out to a great degree, and the campaign is set in a sandbox. There’s a lot of fun to be had in the endless content of multiplayer, which has seasonal content and new maps.
4Halo: Reach
After the events ofHalo3, fans would have to wait a little longer to continue Master Chief’s story.Halo:Reachtook place directly before the events ofHalo: Combat Evolved, and told the emotional story of the fall ofReach. The game follows the story of the Noble Team,a close group of SPARTAN characters, with distinct personalities and driving forces, relatable through their love of the nation and their team.
Although many of theHalogames feature co-op and a high level of emotion,Halo:Reachcertainly takes the cake for being the most emotionally rich story. The characters are adored, and losing them every time never gets easier with each exciting playthrough.
3Halo 3
When Bungie developedHalo: Combat Evolved, they envisioned a conclusion to their story of Master Chief.Halo3seeks to close the chapter on Master Chief and became a curtain call for Bungie to move on from the franchise. The game once again follows Master Chief, assisted by the Arbiter, as the two new allies find a common enemy. Together, they battle the covenant, put an end to the Flood, and save Cortana.
Although the story is a lot of fun, and there are plenty of exciting challenges players can set themselves,Halo3shines in its multiplayer.The Forge offers playersthe chance to create their fun and is still rather active in theHalocommunity to this day.
2Halo Wars 2
As the sequel to the originalHaloWars, the real-time strategy game,HaloWars2, sought to be bigger and better than its predecessor. The game is set28 years after the first and focuses on a conflict for control of the Ark between both the UNSC and the Banished.
HaloWars2is a very capableHalospin-off and gives players the freedom to fight for the UNSC and the Banished. There’s a deep-rooted structure of a military strategy, and as a bigger game than the first, replaying can be unique every time.
1Halo: Combat Evolved
Perhaps no game in theHalofranchise is more replayable than the very first. This2001 classic has remained one of the most popular video games of all time forthe Xbox-led franchise.Halo: Combat Evolved, delivered a new experience, and an entirely new franchise ripe for exploration. The gamefollows Master Chiefand the crew of the UNSC Pillar of Autumn, as they stumble across the mysterious ForerunnerHaloInstitution.
For2001, the game has a brilliant rendition of levels and seems as if it’s an open world. Not only is the story entirely exciting, and worth a replay for itself, but the challenges players can put upon themselves, and the attempt at speedrunning, makes for an enjoyable experience.
Halo Infiniteis available now on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
