Does everyone else feel as strongly as us? We've had a quick browse around the web to see what the critics are saying about Halo: Campaign Evolved as things stand, picking out a few quotes and scores to share below in the process.
Here's what the critics are saying about Halo: Campaign Evolved so far:
"Halo Studios has doubled down on the core, sandbox-driven gameplay that made Combat Evolved a genre-defining classic, preserving everything that made the original so special whilst introducing thoughtful, restrained improvements that respect its core fanbase. Campaign Remix offers the most replayable Halo campaign in the series’ history, and the excellent bonus missions provide an exciting glimpse into the future of the franchise."
"Halo Studios’ Unreal Engine 5-powered upgrade of the original Halo campaign elevates the original with sublime visuals, smart tweaks, and broad respect for the gameplay feel, design, and aesthetic that makes this game so beloved."
"Updated and enhanced gameplay, graphics and arsenal make this iconic experience of the holy trinity of guns, grenades and melee a delight from start to finish, maintaining the soul of the original while introducing modern elements that make it shine. The perfect way to rebegin the fight…again."
"Halo: Campaign Evolved has brought back a true classic in style, faithfully remaking and expanding one of the best shooters of all time. With bonus missions that feel like they’ve always been there, expertly slotting into the original Halo experience, Campaign Evolved presents an incredible package of old and new that’s never looked better. Welcome back, Chief."
"The main game was exceptional, and the Remix mode adds so much replay value for both single-player and multiplayer playthroughs. It was only the prequel missions that I found to be a tad disappointing, but I wouldn’t go as far as to say they were bad or unenjoyable. I just wish they were a little bit more."
"Halo: Campaign Evolved beautifully reimagines the legendary Xbox flagship that kickstarted the iconic series, elevating the original title with gorgeous Unreal Engine 5 audiovisual presentation, thoughtful gameplay and level adjustments, three enjoyable new prequel missions, and more. Though I ultimately wanted more out of the remake considering its $50 price, it's still an awesome way to enjoy the game that started it all during Xbox's 25th anniversary."
"Campaign Evolved is a little more than what we got a decade ago, as it contains additional features rather than a simple graphical upgrade, but it’s not quite on the level of a full-blown remake or reimagining. Campaign Evolved feels like a half-step, but one in the right direction. The number of quality-of-life improvements can’t be understated as most of them only help elevate the experience. At the same time, some of them put a damper on things."
IGN (7/10)
"It's no secret that Halo: Campaign Evolved is a test run for developer Halo Studios and its future using the Unreal Engine, and from that perspective, it makes sense why this is a pretty slim package that retreads well-worn territory. The fact that I still had a blast revisiting the original Halo story in 2026 speaks to its timelessness, however, and the gunplay that revolutionized first-person console games and co-op multiplayer make it worth playing today."
"Halo: Campaign Evolved is a faithful remake of the 2001 classic that highlights exactly why the original Halo holds up so well 25 years later. Bullet-spewing combat feels satisfyingly simple, while a handful of modernizations keep action slick. But, largely insignificant changes and superfluous bonus missions make me wonder why anyone other than PS5 players should care."
At the time of writing, Halo: Campaign Evolved has a Metacritic rating of 81 and an OpenCritic score of 83, which means Xbox has achieved yet another strong reception here after the release of Forza Horizon 6 back in May. 2026 has been impressive for Xbox so far in terms of first-party launches, and there's still Gears to come!
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