Halo: Campaign Evolved overhaul finally makes Marines useful

Halo: Campaign Evolved marines are finally useful, all thanks to this mod that you can download for free right now.

As much as we love the UNSC NPC marines, they can sometimes be as useful as a speedo in a gun fight. OK, sure, the Halo marines are better than most NPC soldiers, but for some reason in Halo: Campaign Evolved, it feels like they’ve regressed.

In 2001’s Halo: Combat Evolved, as much as we love their charm and funny remarks, they acted like a headless chicken on an inflatable popgostick, wielding an MA5 Assault Rifle. Though it was always funny, handing them a rocket launcher to witness their unparalleled destruction of the Covenant forces.

Pretty much with each game that followed, the AI of the UNSC NPCs improved, and by the time we got to 2007’s Halo 3, they really were useful little minions. For some of the game's faults, arguably, the peak of UNSC Marines' AI usefulness peaked with 2021’s Halo Infinite.

Halo: Campaign Evolved marines aren't the best UNSC has to offer

However, it could be that the remake is perhaps too faithful, but the AI in Halo: Campaign Evolved is dumb. Sure, they do hit targets some of the time, but there have been a few occasions where they’re caught aimlessly running about, spraying bullets and spewing NPC one-liners.

Still, we’d take those one-liners any day of the week over Lt Williams disrespectful comments towards our Master Chief. Maybe, whatever developers remain at 343 Industries…, sorry, Halo Studios are left, they might be able to improve marine AI in a future patch.

READ MORE: Halo Studios hit by Microsoft layoffs following Campaign Evolved launch

We can only hope such a patch will arrive for Halo: Campaign Evolved, but until then, PC gamers can at least take advantage of the ever-vibrant modding community. One such mod is called ‘Superior Marines’, created by Eridnus, and it’s available to download now via Nexusmods.

“Superior Marines is a friendly AI overhaul that transforms UNSC Marines into disciplined, dependable soldiers who fight with greater intelligence and tactical awareness,” reads the description of the mod. “Rather than charging mindlessly into danger, Marines prioritise survival, hold defensible positions, and provide meaningful support throughout every engagement.”

After installing this mod, the marines will apparently seek and hold cover, establish a strong firing position, support each other, attack from a longer range if necessary and will even cover fire for fellow marines in the squad. Seriously, if this talented modder can achieve this, surely someone at Halo Studios can too, right?

We reviewed Halo: Campaign Evolved

“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,” said GAMINGbible’s Sam in his review.

“In many ways, I still think it’s a shame that we had to go all the way back to the beginning to get a truly excellent Halo game, but Halo: Campaign Evolved does give me hope for the future of this franchise.”

Halo: Campaign Evolved is out now on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. It’s also currently included with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.

READ MORE: Free Halo: Campaign Evolved mod restores classic Cortana fans remember