Halo PC refers to the version of Halo: Combat Evolved built for home computers including both the PC and Mac platforms. Halo: Combat Evolved was originally planned to be made for the Mac platform. Bungie changed platforms to the upcoming Xbox after being purchased by Microsoft in 2000. On September 30, 2003, Gearbox Software ported Halo for the PC and added a few extra features as well. Later, a Macintosh version of Halo was made, referred to as Halo Mac.
A demo was also released before the PC version. The game demos and videos that were included in the Xbox version were removed from the PC version.
Features[]
Multiplayer[]
Halo PC contained several new features that the Xbox version of Halo lacked, including several exclusive multiplayer maps: Timberland, Death Island, Gephyrophobia, Danger Canyon, Ice Fields, and Infinity. It also includes discarded weapons from the Xbox version which are the Fuel Rod Gun and Flamethrower and vehicles such as the Banshee and Rocket Warthog.
The PC version was also outfitted with an online multiplayer mode, and a year later with the stand alone custom edition for modding, with downloadable maps from many Internet websites. It was one of the most popular online shooters played until November 2004 before its sequel Halo 2 was released.
Reception[]
Halo PC garnered mixed reactions and received a score of 83% on Metacritic. GameSpot stated that it was "still an incredible action game ... [and] a true classic," awarding it 9.0 out of 10. It received a score of 8.2 out of 10 from IGN, who stated, "If you've played the game on the Xbox, there's not much for you here." Eurogamer called the game "a missed opportunity," but stated that the online multiplayer component was "a massive draw ... for Halo veterans."
System Requirements[]
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Safe Mode[]
Safe Mode runs Halo PC with as many things off as possible. It allows a reduced version of the game to run for computers with lower-end hardware or to troubleshoot errors. To enable Safe Mode:
- Right-click on the Halo shortcut icon and click "Properties."
- In the "Target" field, add -safemode to the end. It should look similar to this:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Halo\halo.exe" -safemode
Trivia[]
- Some changes were made from the Xbox version in the graphics. Jackal shields are not different for Major and Minor, and do not change color as they get damaged (which were probably problems that the bitmaps and animations weren't loaded, from a release-time perspective), Shaders and multipurpose textures were converted incorrectly causing objects such as stationary shields too have a different appearance, the reflection of some weapons reduced their strength, and Shades change as well. Captain Keyes also uses the beta version of his textures. A full list of issues can be found elsewhere.
- Halo PC can be played without the CD as of Patch 1.08.
- The product key for Halo PC can unlock a nameplate for your Spartan in Halo: Reach.[1]
- The Double Vehicle Driving Glitch is a glitch that is unique to Halo PC and cannot be done on the Xbox version.
- GameSpy, the service which provides Halo PC's internet multiplayer, shut down on May 31, 2014.[2] Players are no longer be able to browse for internet multiplayer matches, but LAN and Direct IP are still functional.
Gallery[]
Sources[]
Links[]
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External[]
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