1) Stepping Out Onto Halo – Halo: Combat Evolved
Crash-landing on an alien planet known only as Halo, you exit the pod to be faced with a strange world dominated by an arcing ring that extends across the skyline. Those first few steps out of the pod and onto this hallowed turf signal the start of a monumental journey, one that has rewritten the course of video gaming history. Halo: Combat Evolved remains a work of art, and it has helped redefine what’s possible on consoles.
Before long, you’re leaving the pod well behind and engaging Covenant troops, commanding the Warthog and taking the first steps towards immortality. The size and scope of the levels, the brilliance of the enemy AI, and the sheer breadth of options in combat continues to keep the original Halo apace with contemporary shooters.
Given its age, that’s pretty remarkable, and Combat Evolved is packed with twists, turns and surprises from start to finish.