Halo 3 Graphics Comparison

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Halo 3 Evolved

See how the graphics have evolved through the Halo series.

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Sometimes it can be easy to forget that the original Halo and its sequel Halo 2 both came out on the same console, the original Xbox. The Bungie development team was able to use its experience with the platform to make Halo 2's graphics superior to the original even though both games were designed for the same console. The graphics leap from Halo to Halo 2 was impressive, but it also raised our expectations for Halo 3. If Bungie could make Halo 2 look that good on the Xbox, just imagine what Halo is going to look like on the Xbox 360!

We're relieved to say that Halo 3 has certainly lived up to the hype. The new Xbox 360 hardware and a larger development team gave Bungie the horsepower to bring Master Chief into the "HD Era." The game's overall resolution has increased to 720p. Game environments and character models look sharper. They also look more detailed, thanks to larger textures and excellent art direction. The Xbox 360's graphics capabilities allowed Bungie to add in complex lighting, shadowing, longer shaders, high dynamic range lighting, and spectacular-looking water effects.

Environments

The original Halo map designs made for confusing gameplay because many of the levels had rooms that looked, for all practical purposes, identical. Halo 2 helped alleviate the endless corridor problem by adding more room variation. But Halo 3 has solved the problem altogether by making every room, hallway, and outdoor area unique. You'll rarely get confused as to which way you're supposed to go. Indoor areas have better lighting and textures, while outdoor environments have much more foliage. Water, whether in a river or an ocean, looks vastly better.

Mouse over the game titles in the captions to change the images.