NEWS
Halo Remake: A Disaster Waiting To Happen?
There is a little bit of buzz around the return of Master Chief at the moment due to the steady approach of E3. Microsoft’s new dedicated Halo studio, 343 Industries, are working away frantically behind closed doors on a game set in the Halo universe. Most predict that as 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of Halo: Combat Evolved, we will see a remake of this first title in one of Microsoft’s most memorable series. As Bungie will play no part in the development of this game, this would also be a logical stepping-stone for the new development team to get a feel for the franchise by visiting its roots. If we are to see a Halo remake though, how many changes do you think you would be happy with to one of gaming’s most treasured?
When Halo: Combat Evolved was first released in 2001 it quickly became the reason why people bought the Xbox. Essentially, the game proved to be why Microsoft’s entry into console hardware was able to stand as a viable competitor. Not only did the game offer an exciting and memorable single player experience, it allowed for one of the best co-operative FPS campaigns of all time and even went so far as to have an enjoyable competitive multiplayer mode. Ultimately though, the epic campaign that Bungie served up 10 years ago is the reason as to why the franchise succeeded the way it did. Consequently the game holds a place close to many gamers’ hearts.
The idea of re-imagining Halo: Combat Evolved could upset a lot of people. The risk is high for 343 Industries if they decide to take this route. The alternative is to simply bring that 10-year-old game as it is into modern day with updated HD graphics and a few tweaks so that it doesn’t feel so old.
Being a rather big fan of the Halo series myself, with Combat Evolved being my favourite by far, I have to say I am worried about the idea of re-imagining the game in any sense. The reason is because I have been hurt before. I am referring to another well-loved game that received the ‘anniversary’ treatment, Tomb Raider. As far as I am concerned, Crystal Dynamics took a hacksaw to the original Tomb Raider experience and what was to be one of my most anticipated games of all time, turned out to be a crappy arcade, chunk blowing insult. Ignoring my fan boy dwellings, what we can learn from TR: Anniversary is that we have to be very careful what we wish for. The question is, what do we want from a Halo: Combat Evolved remake?
As stated, there are two ways of looking at this remake, and both have benefits for different interest groups. Firstly, a HD remake would mean that the original game would be untouched except that it would look gorgeous, and annoyances like the slippy controls would be improved. This approach would ensure that fans could not moan about ruining the game so much and they would probably be more satisfied with the end result. The element coming in to play in this kind of project is fighting nostalgia. People want things to be as they remembered them, but being gamers we always strive for our games to look as good as possible. That is why HD remakes are quite a popular trend currently. I know that I would be very happy if the layout of all the levels, enemy locations and gun mechanics was all left intact. The only potential problem with this would be that 343 would not have much of their own creative input into the game. This could have some bad repercussions in their next title in the franchise as they have not received feedback regarding their own ideas from those that matter, the fans of the series.
Obviously the alternative to this is re-imagining Halo: CE – redesigning guns, levels and potentially the narrative. I admit I do have some faith in 343 but without anything substantial behind them yet, it is hard to truly know what kind of game they are capable of producing. Due to this, I am siding with a HD remake. However, I would love to see some real work gone into creating an atmosphere for the game. I can imagine the first encounter with the flood being made into one of the most horrific experiences ever with some decent environmental work and well-timed horror moments. Best of all, with a HD remake one of my favourite levels of all time, Assault On The Control Room, would remain in its glorious, original state. The length and breadth of that level should never be compromised in my opinion – I have too many memories amongst those snowy cascades and metallic interiors for the level to be reduced in any way.
Considering the risk involved with touching Halo: CE in any way, perhaps 343 will shy away from the idea and go a completely different direction with the franchise. I dare say that whatever they do they are going to upset a lot of fans in one way or another, they just have to find the way to upset the least amount of fans. As much as I would love to see the return of Master Chief, I do not know if I can trust anyone except Bungie with him in their hands. Perhaps it is best that 343 take the franchise elsewhere in the Halo universe. Whatever their approach, it will be very interesting to see if we hear any more on their mysterious project at E3.