Halo 3
News, coverage and analysis tracking Halo 3 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Crackdown Was So Much More Than Just the Halo 3 Beta’s Pack-In Game
The original Crackdown was a standout comic-book power fantasy that offered significant value to Xbox 360 owners, irrespective of its inclusion of the Halo 3 beta. The game provided a compelling experience that deserved attention on its own merits.
Razer's Xbox 25th Anniversary gear has me questioning my PlayStation allegiance
Despite a lifelong allegiance to PlayStation, the author finds Razer's Xbox 25th Anniversary collection appealing, particularly the translucent green aesthetic. While not yet convinced to replace their current setup, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% keyboard, Basilisk V3 Pro mouse, and Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed earbuds make a striking impression, evoking a strong sense of Y2K-era Xbox nostalgia.
GTA 4 Was the Xbox 360’s ‘We Mean Business’ Moment Against the PS3
The article argues that Grand Theft Auto IV's release and subsequent exclusive downloadable content on the Xbox 360 marked a cultural peak for the console in its competition against the PlayStation 3. This period, from Fall 2007 through April 2008, is highlighted as one of the best six-month runs for any console, featuring a strong lineup of titles including Halo 3 and Mass Effect.
2026 is the best year ever for video games and GTA 6 isn’t even out yet - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that 2026 will be the best year for video games, despite industry challenges, citing a packed release schedule including titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered. The author highlights numerous anticipated games across various genres and platforms, suggesting a peak in gaming quality.
Xbox CEO Says Making Halo Popular Again Is A Priority, But Franchise Co-Creator Questions If It’s Possible
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that reviving the Halo franchise is a priority, viewing it as a key part of Microsoft's portfolio with a long-term vision. However, Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto expressed skepticism about the feasibility and cost of making a "great Halo again," citing the immense budget and time required for modern AAA development.
Give Master Chief a break – I want more Halo games like ODST and Reach
The author argues that while Halo's core FPS gameplay is legendary, its narrative potential, particularly seen in titles like Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach, has been underutilized in recent years. With the rebrand to Halo Studios and the release of Halo: Campaign Evolved, there's an opportunity to draw inspiration from these past successes and explore new storytelling avenues within the Halo universe, rather than solely focusing on Master Chief's main saga.
The Original Xbox Is Back, And This Time You Have To Build It Yourself
Mattel is releasing a 1:1 scale replica of the original Xbox console, featuring 3,509 pieces, realistic lights and sounds, and a buildable Duke controller. The replica also includes three dioramas themed around Halo: Combat Evolved, Psychonauts, and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, with shipping expected in October. This release coincides with Xbox's 25th anniversary amidst a turbulent period for Microsoft's gaming division, marked by layoffs and revenue declines.
Shack Chat: What is your favorite piece of physical video game media?
Shacknews staff members share their favorite pieces of physical video game media, ranging from classic console re-releases and collector's editions to rare cartridges and fightsticks. The discussion highlights the sentimental value and importance of physical media for game preservation and personal memories, especially in an era of increasing digital-only releases and subscription services.
How to play the Halo games in order: chronologically and by release date
This guide details how to play the Halo games in both chronological and release date order. It lists all major titles and spin-offs, providing their original release years and their place within the Halo timeline, including platforms where they are currently playable.
Delad glädje är dubbel glädje
The author reflects on their journey from a solitary gamer to someone who highly values multiplayer experiences. Initially preferring single-player games due to limited controllers and competitive anxieties, their perspective shifted with the advent of the Xbox 360 and its co-op-focused titles. Now, shared gaming sessions, both local and online, are the source of many of their fondest gaming memories, reinforcing the idea that shared joy is indeed double joy.
Confession: I like the Flood in Halo
The author expresses a fondness for the Flood enemy type in the Halo franchise, particularly in Halo: Combat Evolved. Despite common player dislike, the article argues the Flood adds a unique body horror element and compelling lore to the series, praising Halo Studios' handling of their missions.
Halo: Campaign Evolved’s Secret Ending Hints at Potential Halo 2 Remake
Players have discovered a secret ending in Halo: Campaign Evolved that hints at a potential remake of Halo 2. This discovery follows rumors of Halo 2 and 3 remakes being in development, contingent on the success of the first game. Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to launch on July 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Secret Ending Seems To Tease A Halo 2 Remake
The secret ending of Halo: Campaign Evolved appears to tease a potential remake of Halo 2. Leaks have previously suggested that remakes of Halo 2 and 3 are in development by the newly rebranded Halo Studios, which is also reportedly working on a live-service title. Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC on July 28.
It looks like we're getting a Halo 2 remake next, but is that really a surprise?
The article discusses the likelihood of a Halo 2 remake, citing a secret ending in the current "Campaign Evolved" game that directly teases the sequel. It explores how Halo Studios' approach to game design might better suit remakes of Halo 2 and 3 compared to the original game. The author also touches upon Microsoft's recent job cuts and studio closures within its gaming division, expressing uncertainty about the future of the Halo remake series despite its potential.
All Halo Campaign Evolved changes and new features
Halo Campaign Evolved introduces significant changes to the original Halo Combat Evolved, including new prequel missions, a Campaign Remix mode, and four-player online co-op. The remake also expands the weapon and vehicle sandbox, adds new enemy types like Jackal snipers and Flood Tank Forms, and modernizes gameplay with features like sprinting and smart-link aiming. Visuals have been updated using Unreal Engine 5, and accessibility options have been greatly expanded.
Secret Halo: Campaign Evolved ending strongly hints that another Halo 2 remake is in the works – "See you in…
The secret ending of Halo: Campaign Evolved, unlocked on Legendary difficulty, strongly suggests that a remake of Halo 2 is in development. Sergeant Avery Johnson's line, "See you in the sequel!", implies a follow-up to the recently released remake, fueling rumors of a complete original trilogy remake project by Halo Studios.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Review – Remaster Chief
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a faithful remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, featuring updated visuals with Unreal Engine 5 and incorporating gameplay elements from later entries. While online multiplayer is absent, it includes expanded co-op and new prequel missions written by Troy Denning. The game preserves the original's art direction and captivating story, offering a refined first-person shooter experience with faster movement and additional abilities.
It Feels Wrong For Halo To Feel Better Than Ever On PS5
Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved, is surprisingly enjoyable on PlayStation 5 despite its Xbox origins. Developed in Unreal Engine 5, this reimagining features new missions, redesigned levels, updated gameplay mechanics like sprinting and aiming down sights, and improved narrative connections to later Halo titles. While the new prequel missions introduce underdeveloped characters and the checkpoint system can be finicky, the overall experience enhances the classic story and serves as a new gold standard for playing the first Halo game.
Am I growing out of live service games?
The author reflects on growing out of live service games, finding it increasingly difficult to re-engage with titles like Marvel Snap and Valorant after breaks due to constant updates and meta shifts. While acknowledging the appeal of thriving game ecosystems, the author now prefers more static multiplayer experiences like Counter-Strike 2.
Halo 3's final mission could have been a flying banshee scene inspired by Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Halo 3's final mission, the Warthog Run, was almost a flying sequence inspired by Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Campaign design lead Robert Stokes revealed that some developers pushed for a banshee escape scene instead of the iconic Warthog Run. Ultimately, the developers opted for the Warthog Run, which paid homage to the original Halo: Combat Evolved.
