Halo Returns, But New Game Announcement Sparks Mixed Reaction

At one point, the announcement of a Halo: Combat Evolved remake would have been welcomed with open arms and cheers, but not so in 2025, it seems.

In case you missed the news, Xbox has announced that the original Halo game is being completely remade in Unreal Engine 5 and will release for Xbox and PlayStation.

While what we’ve seen looks impressive, and there’s certainly a contingent of players who will be happy to experience Halo for the first time, it appears that many long-term fans aren’t too impressed.

One look at social media and message boards shows that fans really wanted more than retrodden old ground, particularly after the lacklustre impact and performance of Halo: Infinite.

“Creative bankruptcy isn't a strong enough word to describe this,” comments one fan over on Twitter, in reaction to the game’s first gameplay trailer.

Another player jumps in to give their view, saying, “So, after taking six years and half a billion dollars to release Infinite, the best you can do with another 5 years of planning and development is... Re-re-release Combat Evolved.”

This isn’t the first time Microsoft and Xbox have gone back to the well - the Master Chief collection has an upgraded version of the first Halo game, and it’s also available separately.

“Halo Studios has lost the plot,” said another fan, who continued, “Can’t wait to see what kind of disaster we have in store when the NEW Halo finally launches.”

Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom. PlayStation users appear to be happy they get to play the game and earn trophies through the campaign.

And some long-time fans are eager to get their hands on the promised new content, along with upgraded visuals and mechanics.

Ending on a positive note, this player comments, “So many cry babies, LOL. THIS LOOKS SICK!”