Gamestock 2001: First Look: Halo

The long-awaited PC sci-fi action game Halo was officially announced for the Xbox console at Microsoft's Gamestock. The game's premise pits humans against an evil alien race known as The Covenant, whom players fight on the alien ring-world Halo. The game promises to be a sort of 3D shooter clearinghouse. Players will be able to use a wide variety of alien and terran weapons, such as semiautomatic pistols, alien plasma swords, rocket launchers and flamethrowers. In addition, Halo will include vehicles, such as alien flyers and hovercraft, as well as buggies, and tanks. The game also promises seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing for larger, more varied battles. Halo will also feature a good deal of mission variety; the game will include rescue, defense, espionage, and sniper missions, as well as good old-fashioned, straightforward action. There will also be head-to-head and co-op multiplayer modes.

Halo promises to have "the most advanced graphic system on the most advanced gaming platform in the world." The game will also feature a deep, engaging sci-fi storyline with complex characters to go along with its advanced graphics engine and varied 3D shooter action. Halo is currently scheduled for release this fall.