Halo: Combat Evolved gets stunning next-gen remaster

Ultra-modded Halo: Combat Evolved is beyond anything the series has done so far, just a shame Xbox players can’t experience it.

Let’s be honest the only thing keeping the Halo franchise going at this point is the fans. What was once the Xbox’s crowning achievement has slowly dwindled in popularity following several disappointing releases, though fans say Halo: Infinite has finally reached its full potential following post-launch support.

That isn’t to say Xbox is short of great exclusives, like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle which releases later this year

While 343 Industries is moving onto its next big project as support for Halo: Infinite slows down, fans have been revisiting some of the classics and bringing them up to modern standards with mods.

You can see some of the progress they’ve made for yourself in a video by Digital Dreams, which shows off an ultra-modded version of Halo: Combat Evolved that puts the original remaster to shame.

Following the release of Halo: Reach and Bungie’s departure from the series, a remaster of Halo: Combat Evolved called Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary released for the Xbox 360. It was a decent remaster but many agreed that it could have been better, which is where this version shines.

It’s got all the bells and whistles of new-gen hardware like ray tracing, 8K resolution and other technical enhancements. Out of everything the fan-made remaster does the highlight is definitely the lighting. The way the dark corridors of the Truth And Reconciliation or the Pillar Of Autumn light up with every burst from the assault rifle is wonderful, and it gives the game an atmosphere the original just didn’t have at times.

If you like what you’ve seen from the video you can find the full mod list in the description, though if you’re just in the mood to play Halo: Combat Evolved again it’s available on Xbox and PC via Halo: The Master Chief Collection.