Halo: Campaign Evolved launches on PS5 to positive reviews

Halo: Campaign Evolved, a full remake of the original 2001 campaign, launched on PlayStation 5 today for Premium Edition owners. Built in Unreal Engine 5, the release holds an OpenCritic score of 83 with 89% of reviewers recommending the game.

Early reviews released with the PS5 debut highlight an extensive visual overhaul. The remake updates textures, lighting and level detail while keeping the original narrative and combat flow intact.

One review described the project as a reinvention rather than a reproduction. Another review said the release affirms the series’ timelessness while calling the package a lean retread and a test run for future work in Unreal Engine.

The remake adds modern gameplay options: refined controls, a sprint function, nine additional weapons including the Energy Sword, Battle Rifle and Needler, and new skull modifiers that increase challenge. The campaign supports two-player split-screen on console and up to four-player online co-op.

The release includes three newly created prequel missions set before the events of the original game that introduce new environments, characters and enemy types.

Reviews note the remake provides nostalgia for returning players and a more accessible entry point for new players deterred by dated visuals. Some reviewers described parts of the release as cautious and resembling a rebuilt familiar experience rather than a full redesign.

The game is available now to Premium Edition buyers on PS5, with a full release scheduled for all players in a few days. It is the first official offering of the original Halo campaign on PlayStation hardware rebuilt with current-generation tools and updated cooperative and control options.