Halo: Combat Evolved

Halo: Combat Evolved, a 2001 launch title for the Xbox, redefined the console FPS experience with its revolutionary control scheme and compelling gameplay loop. Prior to Halo, console shooters often struggled with clunky controls, but Bungie’s implementation set a new standard, making precise aiming and movement intuitive with a gamepad. This title also played a pivotal role in bringing online multiplayer to the mainstream on consoles, boasting robust features that were significantly more accessible than the typical PC-centric multiplayer options of the time. Selling over 5 million copies, it became a flagship title for the Xbox, demonstrating the viability of competitive FPS gaming beyond the PC, a feat that Counter-Strike: Global Offensive would later replicate on that platform.