Microsoft has sought to indulge Xbox fans with a graphical overhaul of the original Halo: Combat Evolved for the Xbox 360. Like all trips down memory lane it's bitter-sweet, but the emphasis is firmly on the latter.

Graphical upgrades; Classic multiplayer maps and a new firefight map; The magnum

Occasionally loses something in the translation; 343's additions are a bit flat; No four-player split-screen

You know how awesome the last-gen of consoles were, when you see a spate of remakes hogging shelf space, time and most importantly reviews like this. The Halo series is legendary for reasons more than one.

Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary Review Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary is a full recreation of the game that launched the Xbox brand, warts and all, brought up to date with a lovely visual makeover, plus optional 3D and Kinect support.

Very well done remake, but a second play through does highlight the flaws in Halo that the excitement of the original didn't. Notably The Library level, which is just pure repetition and frustration. Very difficult as well.

It's hard to believe it's been a full 10 years since the first Halo debuted. But if you were to pop in that game now, it's not hard to imagine a Combat Evolved first-timer or anyone who hasn't played the game since the Xbox days pausing at its creaky, decade-old visuals.

+ Beautiful facelift to the classic game; + Impressive array of extra features

? How did we play games with no sprint; regenerating health or cover mechanic

When Microsoft handed the Halo torch from Bungie to 343 Industries in 2010, fans of the series were distraught that their beloved franchise was no longer going to be in the hands of its creator.

Seamlessly switch between old and new graphics; Gorgeous redone maps from Halo: CE and Halo: 2; Campaign collectibles explore Forerunner history

No energy swords in campaign; Campaign remains tedious in parts

Good review. Sounds kind of like it's around a 7ish in 2011 at its core and an 8 with the enhancements. At that rate, the millions of people who thoroughly enjoyed the original Halo will probably be able to play the game relatively and enjoy their 9.5+ rated experience from so long ago.

Ten years on and Halo Anniversary's worst bits are more numerous than you remember - but its best bits are better than you could ever have hoped.

Some of the best levels in shooter history; Beautiful new HD mode courtesy of Saber Interactive; A solid combat model that works as well in 2011 as it did in 2001

Were there; Bonus features locked away for everyone without a Kinect

Bungie built the house, 343 has redecorated it for the modern marketplace. It would be criminally negligent not to stress the importance of Bungie's contribution to this re-release; this is still, at its heart, the game they lovingly created all those years ago.

Halo's 10th anniversary certainly deserves celebrating but a HD remake only serves to underline how little the series has moved forward over the years.

An excellent remake with a loving attention to detail and a useful range of extras, including full online multiplayer; Classic gameplay and levels for a very reasonable price

Too much of the game looks indistinguishable from later sequels; New graphics are not top flight and the loading waits for them to cache are annoying