Halo Zero

"Decent, it is fun the first time, but gets boring after a while."

Halo Zero is a short, 2D fan-made game that packs the all the weaponry, enemies, multiplayer, level developer, and even the Warthog in a free, colorful side-scroller.

Graphics: 8/10

The graphics, for a game made completely from scratch, are great. There's blood, muzzle flash, and even shell casings ejected from the guns. There's a scrolling background, and even snow falling from the sky in some levels. Lot's of scenery, Very detailed, you can even see shields flare up when an Elite or Chief are shot.

Story: 4/10

The storyline in this game is short and simple, though sometimes slightly hard to understand because of sub par translations. My favorite is, "Johnson's always in the Castle!!!"

Gameplay: 7/10

Gameplay in this game is fun, and has a two minute learning curve. Aiming is easy, the controls are responsive. There are small sections of the game where you can drive the warthog, with a marine in back, blasting the turret. The only gripe I have with this game is the lack of replay value. All you do is shoot, jump, toss grenade, shoot, rinse, lather, and repeat.

Sound: 9/10

Sound in this game is great. The sounds from Halo Zero seem directly copied from Halo: Combat Evolved. The quality is good, there is always the satisfying boom from your Pistol every time you fire, and you get the satisfying scream of agony from Grunts, Jackals, Hunters and Elites when they are slain.

Multiplayer: 1/10

I've tried multiplayer, and I guess I can't fairly judge it, because in the 5 months I've had this, there hasn't been a single other person on.

Extras: 7/10

The extras include a decent drag and drop level creator. It lacks making dialogue, though, which takes out any element of making a story line.

Overall: 7/10

You should download this. It's fun the first run-through, and you can make a few levels and play them, if you're into that. It's a mice little game, and will keep you entertained for a day.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 08/23/06