Key information
Polygon reports that playing through the first half of Halo: Campaign Evolved brings back decades-old memories, retaining the feel of 2001’s Halo: Combat Evolved alongside a complete visual overhaul and modest gameplay upgrades. The reviewer notes that while the opening missions remain thrilling and propulsive, the sixth level, “343 Guilty Spark,” abruptly shifts the epic sci-fi shooter into full-on horror.
Before this mission begins, Cortana stays behind at the control center, leaving Master Chief completely alone and creating an eerie silence in the swamp. The reviewer describes creeping through a quiet, rain-soaked jungle and discovering a subterranean facility filled with disorganized Covenant forces, blood stains, and the mauled body of an Elite warrior.
The reviewer highlights how the Flood shatter the established combat rules of fighting the Covenant hierarchy. Instead of tactical positioning or retreating enemies, the Flood attack in swarms, ignoring cover and reviving intact bodies if infection forms are not eliminated first, which the reviewer found frightening even on Normal difficulty when replaying the game.
The reviewer concludes that “343 Guilty Spark” sets the tone for the rest of the game and its sequels, revealing that Halo was always meant to be horror. Despite knowing what to expect during the replay, the reviewer admits they were still very scared and jokingly states they refuse to replay the level on Legendary.
