Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary

Back in the days of the PS2 generation of hardware, if any game could convince a Microsoft-dissenter to want an Xbox, Halo was it. In the industry, it's called a killer-app, a piece of software that is so good that people will buy the hardware just to use it. Halo was the best first-person shooter to arrive in a long time. To mark the 10th anniversary of the seminal title's release, Microsoft has dusted off the old classic and remastered it in HD and 3D.

Halo's got gameplay to spare. Halo charges you with the deadly mission of trying to destroy the Covenant, mankind's greatest enemy. Players can use an assortment of alien and human technology to blast through the levels. Intelligent computer controlled officers are also on hand to help dish out the punishment. They actually respond to situations that you create. For example, if you park your jeep near them, they will automatically leap in.

One of Halo's strongest points is it's multi-player game, it's easy to get into, but difficult to master: a true learning curve. In the anniversary edition, up to six players can take part in the action using over Xbox Live. But multi-player doesn't end there, of course. They multi-player maps are all there to play over Live.

Halo is something old and something new, something borrowed, but nothing to make you feel blue. All elements combined to produce a hugely impressive first-generation title. Now they're all back to provide the same experience to a new generation of console owners.