One of the very first things that made me interested in electronic gizmos such as computers were computer games, I can still remember having my own Grandstand Game Console which allowed me to play ping-pong amongst other things way back in the Seventies.

Since then I've been fascinated with computer games, and in particular with the god style and combat style games. These two styles more than any other have always held my fascination, so much so that I jumped at the chance to review Microsoft's latest game Halo: Combat Evolved.

Halo, the first person shooting game, captured the hearts and imagination of the gaming community in 2002 when it was launched on the Xbox, with awards such as "Game of the Year" by electronic Gaming Monthly, and the Academy of Interactive Arts and Science.

Now available for the PC with additional extras including new maps and levels, further vehicle and weapon choices and online interactive features that are only available on the PC version.

Tess Mion, Product Marketing Manager for Microsoft Home Entertainment Division, said:  "Game fanatics will not be disappointed with the launch of Halo for PC - combining all your favourite elements but also jam packing it with special features enhanced for your PC. Halo transports you into a science fiction universe, fresh out of a Hollywood movie - a mysterious alien ring-world, with more detailed twisting storylines, complex characters, cunning enemies and realistic settings."

The concept for the game is simple; the universe it creates is most certainly not. You take on the role of Master Chief, a soldier that has been held in suspended animation and reviewed just moments before an alien race know as the Convenant attempt to take over your space ship. The aliens are intent upon destroying all human life and Earth is pretty high up on their priority list of places to destroy, it therefore falls to you as Master Chief and the remaining Earth forces to wipe out the aliens before they achieve their goal, your destruction.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the game I found is the astonishing ability of the games creators, to actually take you and put you inside a science fiction type universe and then unfolds the story before you; this is extremely engrossing and entertaining. When reviewing the software here I have to purposefully stop myself from saying too much about the storyline, as I would like for it to capture your imagination as it captured mine.

The graphics within the game are amazing with games structures, buildings and vehicles being visually stunning and the shift in shadows as you move through the game being extremely impressive, this is what will strike you first once you start the game.

As with many combat type games you take on the first person perspective for the most part, this means that you take the role of the main character (master Chief) and as you move your head so what you see changes, just as it does when you move your head in real life. Where Halo differs from most games is that in certain parts you can actually move away from this first person perspective and have other computer controlled human characters interact and fight on your side. Let me tell you now that there is noting quite like fighting with a squad of marines or driving your Warthog whilst others take control of the gun turret.

 

Let's mention some key features shall we:

• Rich sci-fi experience - Halo transports gamers into an amazing science fiction universe. With crisp graphics, a detailed and twisting storyline, characters and sly enemies, Halo will hold you enthralled and fulfil every sci-fi enthusiast's dreams (well almost).
• Vehicle and foot based action - Gamers can tackle missions anyway they choose, be it storming an enemy base or taking the wheel or gunnery position in a variety of powerful vehicles. Vehicles range from stolen Convenant flyers to human tanks and more.
• Intense Online Multiplayer shootouts - Take the battle online with gamers from around the world in a variety of individual and team based games such as King of the Hill, Capture the Flag, Race, Oddball, Death match and more.
• Huge weapon variety - Enemies can be crushed with avast array of Convenant or human weaponry, ranging from stealthy semiautomatic pistols and needler guns to fierce rocket launchers and fuel-rod guns.
• Incredible Mission Variety - Gamers can fight the Covenant in a variety of missions as they uncover the dark secrets of Halo. Among the many objectives: to attack enemy outposts, raid underground laboratories for technology, rescue fallen comrades, steal alien vehicles and weaponry, and snipe at enemy forces.
• Indoor and outdoor combat - Fights are seamless in Halo's ultra realistic indoor and outdoor environments as gamers hunt the Covenant in a variety of single and multiplayer battles.
• Optimised for the PC - With the precision of mouse and keyboard support, playing Halo takes a little getting used to, however once mastered the control system is extremely flexible and intuitive. Gamers can also take advantage of their high-end graphics cards and see Halo in super high 1,600 x 1,200 resolution.
• Dolbyy 5.1 compatible - You will enjoy a complete surround-sound experience. Enemy troops yell out the front speakers, while friendly troops yell assistance from the right. Meanwhile, you will hear bullets fired from behind and watch them strike targets in front of you, it really is that good.

Halo is rated as an M certificate, meaning that it contains some scenes of graphic violence and as such parents need to be made aware of this rating.

Over all I have to say that Halo is perhaps setting a standard that other game developers have to strive to achieve, the game play it just out of this world and the graphics would make any graphic designer proud, well done to everyone involved with the development of this game.

It just shows what can be achieved and raises the bar just that little bit higher for every other game to achieve.