A Quarter-Century of Combat: Halo Returns to the Spotlight
When Bungie launched the original Halo on the Xbox console back in 2001, it didn’t just release a game; it fundamentally altered the trajectory of interactive entertainment and global pop culture. The visceral thrill of wielding an energy sword for the first time remains a core memory for many veterans of the franchise-a moment that signaled we were witnessing the birth of a new gold standard for first-person shooters. Now, as we approach the 25-year milestone of this legendary series, players have the chance to relive that groundbreaking journey, with a modernized iteration arriving on Xbox Game Pass this July 28.
The Evolution of the Xbox Ecosystem
The platform hosting this revival, CNET Editors’ Choice award winner Xbox Game Pass, has become the definitive way to experience gaming today. Whether you are playing on an Xbox Series X, the more compact Series S, an older Xbox One, a high-end PC, or even via cloud streaming on a mobile device, the service offers unparalleled flexibility. With entry-level subscriptions starting at just $10 a month, it has democratized access to high-fidelity gaming.
For those seeking the full breadth of the library, the Game Pass Ultimate tier-priced at
