'Absolute garbage' or '9/10'? PlayStation players can't agree on Halo: Campaign Evolved; game now available on all platforms

Halo: Campaign Evolved, the modernized remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign, is now available across all major platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Xbox handheld devices. The release marks the first time many PlayStation users have had the chance to experience the iconic franchise, and early reactions have been mixed.

While some players praised the remake's visuals and gameplay improvements, others were less impressed with the experience.

One PS5 player wrote on social media, "Never played Halo before, never understood the hype behind it. Just finished it on PS5 and I can confirm with no doubts in my soul this game is absolute garbage. It's a badly designed IKEA floor with bullet sponge enemies that look too goofy for how dramatic the story is."


Another player offered a much more positive review, calling it a 9/10 experience.

The user praised the game's visuals on the PS5 Pro, saying it runs at a steady 60 fps in Performance mode. They also highlighted the Unreal Engine 5 graphics, improved lighting, explosions and environmental detail.

The review also applauded several gameplay additions, including sprinting, faster reload speeds, aim-down-sights, vehicle hijacking and the inclusion of new weapons such as the Energy Sword and Needler. The three new prequel missions were described as enjoyable, though not essential to the overall story.

The player appreciated the addition of two-player local co-op and four-player online co-op but noted that multiplayer modes were absent. They also said the DualSense controller features were underused, with only minimal vibration support and no adaptive trigger implementation.

Summing up the experience, the player wrote that Halo: Campaign Evolved is "an essential shooter from 2001 properly remade with deep respect for the original game."

What's new in Halo: Campaign Evolved?

The remake retells the original story of Master Chief, who crash-lands on the mysterious ringworld known as Halo and joins surviving human forces in a battle against the Covenant. Alongside AI companion Cortana, players uncover the secrets hidden within Halo while trying to prevent a galaxy-wide catastrophe.

The game modernizes the classic campaign with high-definition visuals, rebuilt cinematics, refined controls and enhanced level design.

Among the biggest gameplay additions are nine weapons introduced from later Halo titles, including the Energy Sword, Battle Rifle and Needle Rifle. Players can also hijack enemy vehicles and enable an optional sprint mechanic.

The remake does not include competitive multiplayer. However, it supports two-player split-screen co-op on consoles and up to four-player online co-op with full cross-play and cross-progression support.

Original campaign plus three new missions

In addition to the rebuilt original campaign, Halo: Campaign Evolved introduces three brand-new missions featuring Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson. These missions include new environments, enemies, gameplay mechanics and story elements that expand the Halo universe.

The remake also features a remastered soundtrack, updated sound design and newly recorded voice performances from the primary cast.

To increase replayability, the game includes a wider arsenal of weapons, additional vehicles, new enemy types and collectible Skulls—optional gameplay modifiers that alter combat encounters and encourage different playstyles.

Whether playing solo, in local split-screen or online co-op, Halo: Campaign Evolved aims to deliver a modern version of the 2001 classic while staying faithful to the original adventure.