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Halo: Campaign Evolved Remake Reportedly Heavily Outsourced, New Trailer Released

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Halo: Campaign Evolved – A Comprehensive Look at the Upcoming Remake

A remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved, titled Halo: Campaign Evolved, is expected to release later this year across multiple platforms. Reports indicate the project was developed primarily by external studios, while a new trailer has showcased the game's updated visuals.

Development and Outsourcing

According to a report from Halo insider Rebs Gaming, Halo: Campaign Evolved was developed largely by external studios rather than by Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries). The report, citing a source familiar with the project, states that "a lot of outsourcing was used to create Campaign Evolved, even for core programming and design, so much so that it's not really an in-studio project."

"A lot of outsourcing was used to create Campaign Evolved, even for core programming and design."

Per the report, Halo Studios primarily oversaw the project while Abstraction, a subsidiary of Virtuos, contributed to level and technical design.

Game Features

The remake, which is being built using Unreal Engine 5, is reported to include the following additions and changes:

Level Adjustments

  • Modifications to "The Library" and other sections described as monotonous.

"Campaign Remix" Feature

  • This will offer gameplay modifiers, including a third-person mode and the option to add Brutes to the campaign.

New Weapons

  • Three new weapons will be added: the SMG, Spiker, and Brute Plasma Rifle.
  • These join returning weapons such as the Energy Sword, Fuel Rod Cannon, Sentinel Beam, Battle Rifle, and Needle Rifle.
  • One additional weapon has not yet been announced.

Recent Trailer and Pre-Release Details

A cinematic story trailer for Halo: Campaign Evolved was released, with the footage noted as captured on a PS5 Pro. The trailer includes cinematics, gameplay, and reworked environments from the original Halo: Combat Evolved, featuring scenes from the game's opening aboard The Pillar of Autumn and a voiceover by Jen Taylor as Cortana.

Some observers have commented that Forerunner structures appear "overly clean" for ancient architecture. Halo Studios has not shown the Flood enemy type in the trailer, potentially preserving it for new players.

The game was previously featured during Xbox's June showcase. Pre-release demand has been noted, including a sold-out Collector's Edition and high rankings on the Steam platform.

Release and Platform Information

Halo: Campaign Evolved is expected to release this year on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox Game Pass, and PS5. A possible release date of July 28 has been reported. Pre-order bonuses include a statue, five-day early access, and cosmetic items.

This is among the last single-player Microsoft titles to be released on PlayStation platforms.

According to Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, Halo: Campaign Evolved is among the last single-player Microsoft titles to be released on PlayStation platforms. Future single-player games not already announced for PS5, such as Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution, are stated to be Xbox exclusives.