Games Asylum (Feb 2002)
During a CEX event in the UK, lucky visitors were able to get an early play test of the title's second level before it's European release. Games Asylum were initially impressed with the lack of fog and pop up for a game with such massive draw distances. Further yet, sophisticated A.I. and a rock solid framerate didn't fail to impress. Now impressions turn a little negative as despite being graphically superior to FPS games found on PS2, they note how the game doesn't really impress graphically compared to games found on high end PC's. Funnily enough they state how they struggled with the controller layout and aiming with the dual stick layout that's become standard for every FPS game. Comparisons to Half Life are made with hit indicator as well as noting how the reload aren't as funky as those found in Perfect Dark (okay they have a point). Lastly they highlight how the inclusion of alien vehicles is becoming too common place in FPS titles as well as labelling the game "slightly generic". However despite all this they do go on to say that the game has enough unique elements to make it worth getting excited for.
Total Games (14.05.01)
From this presumably early build, first impressions sees Total Game making comparisons to Half Life which includes the enemies, weapons and the environments. However they are ultimately more impressed with Halo having a greater abundance of outdoor environments compared to Half Life which allows for a number of different strategies. From reading the impressions it seems they're not too blown away by the game as they note how the game is "too by the books". The one thing that did excite them the most was the notion of co-op despite not knowing whether that will be in the form of; split-screen, LAN or online. One thing they do mentioned as being worrying is that the textures in the game don't fit those of the aesthetics due to them being a bit too clean. Despite them playing an older build, it does seem that the final game doesn't have this issue with many of the environments exhibiting rust as well as overgrown vegetation.
CVG (19.06.01)
Ever since the 1999 and 2000 demo's of the game, CVG have been continuously impressed by Halo. In this latest build they note that whether the game is viewed in motion or by picture, the game is able to graphically rival the best looking games currently out. PC and Mac versions where questioned as to whether they would ever materialise while stating the Xbox version is highly unlikely to feature online play. From the demo it's clear they're playing the Silent Cartographer, the fourth level in the game that's known for some dodgy framerate issues. CVG picks up on this and states how if Bungie are able to get the engine running smoothly, they will have a winner on their hands. Despite the final game still having framerate hiccups, it's unclear how bad these framerate issues are compared to the final game. Next the control scheme is praised for having an intuitive layout with confidence that the final game shall retain the excellent aiming found in the demo. Praise was directed to it's amazing visuals as well as the little touches such as shifting from first to third person when entering a vehicle. One strange feature they mention is the inclusion of being able to issue commands to fellow marines. Maybe this was a feature Bungie wanted to implement but was unfortunately cut?
Games Domain (16.08.01)
Although Games Domain didn't play test the game, they do offer their opinion on the much anticipated game. First the different game modes the game has available and the different approaches you can take during missions has them seriously impressed with the scope on offer. Their positivity and excitement are reassured with the numerous E3 show floor reports. Interestingly the article mentions the inclusion of the flamethrower as being a usable weapon in the game, something which never featured in the final game but did appear in the PC version a year later. Finally the article ends with them stating how they're interested in seeing whether a PC exclusive developer like Bungie can bring the definitive FPS experience to consoles (the answer is yes).
Game Watch (2002)
Despite the game already being available in the west as launch titles, Japan had to unfortunately wait till the 25th of April to get their hands on it. Game Watch notes how by only having a 2 weapon limit creates a strategic choice for the player about which weapon they choose. Additionally they also liked that any vehicle the player finds within the game can be drivable. Furthermore having red arrows display where you're getting shot from is praised as it removes the frustration of not knowing where you're getting shot from. While they do enjoy being able to run over enemies with their vehicles, they would like more indication as to where their fellow marines are so they don't accidentally kill them. The multiplayer is praised as being "solid" that will see people return to play again and again thanks to the customisable options that can be tailoured to your tastes. There is mention of LAN implementation of up to 16 players but when not playing in LAN mode, encountering others players is said to be difficult.
So there you have it. Despite the final game being a monumental success for Bungie and Microsoft, the previews for the game weren't all as positive as some of you may think. Recent games like Half Life and Deus Ex revolutionised the FPS genre and it was unclear whether Halo could match the same heights. Halo also had some serious hype behind it and with the game being developed by a PC exclusive developer on a console made by a PC software giant, it's understandable that people were sceptical. Never the less reading the previews it's clear that the environments, graphics and multiplayer were impressive stand outs that propelled it above mediocrity. Throughout you get a sense that these websites knew that the game was going to be big, but I don't think they quite realise just how big Halo would end up being.
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