The Best Games Of 2011: #10

HALO: COMBAT EVOLVED ANNIVERSARY (9/10)
The Halo franchise has had its fair share of peaks and troughs, but for many who have been playing its various instalments since the very beginning, its landmark point has arguably been where it all started. Halo: Combat Evolved was a smash hit launch title for the original Xbox, so Microsoft's decision to resurrect the game with HD graphics via new franchise developer 343 Industries came as no surprise at E3 2011. What came as a surprise on launch day, however, was the pure attention to detail and passion for all things Halo that had been put into the project, resulting in a new version every bit as groundbreaking as its forebear. Okay, so the campaign's repetitive, recycled levels did grate a little bit more this time around when inevitably compared to Modern Warfare 3, Battlefield 3 and the more recent Halos, but still the sandbox freedom and high-octane setpieces echoed through to rival some of modern gaming's best moments, and the huge multiplayer component sealed the deal on this substantial package for 360 fans. I for one can't wait to see where 343 takes the Master Chief with a new storyline and a new engine next year!