Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1524863
BY ERIC MARKS MPSE 78 M PS E . O R G he fall of 2001 was one of the most exciting times in the entire history of games, as fans witnessed the launch of not one, but two new home consoles. One of those consoles was Microsoft's first-ever dedicated game console, the original Xbox. A big reason gamers were excited to buy an Xbox was its flagship launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, which was being developed by a studio called Bungie. More than 22 years later, it's hard to quantify the anticipation for this awe-inspiring first-person shooter, but it was palpable among millions of fans worldwide. There were so many revolutionary aspects to this game. Silky smooth first-person shooter gameplay on a console, jaw-dropping graphics, a rich and deep sci-fi universe, seamless LAN multi-player gameplay, and the ability to hop into and out of land and air vehicles to pilot them yourself. Two key aspects of this game that elevated the experience and resonated with us long after the end credits were the iconic, evocative music, as well as the detailed and unique sound design. Today, Halo's legacy is stronger than ever, as it's still the flagship Microsoft game series for current Xbox consoles over two decades into the series. Now it's time to look back at the incredible sound and music in the closing cinematic of Halo: Combat Evolved, one of the most important games ever made. T