I was a little unsure of how I would like Halo: Evolutions given the fact that it was simply a compilation of many short stories. Typically I find myself to be a fan of longer overarching stories, however, I thoroughly enjoyed Evolutions. Since the stories are condensed into a much smaller page number, they get to the point right away.

“Pariah” by B.K. Evenson tells the gripping story of Soren-66 who was given a choice by Dr. Halsey, if he wanted to become a Spartan or not. The ramifications of that decision on Halsey are evident by the end of the story which becomes one of the more gripping stories in the anthology.

“Headhunters” by Jonathan Goff tells the story of a bunch of Spartan pairs, with focus lying on Jonah and Roland, and their epic struggle to do some damage before a full-scale assault on a Covenant moon.

“The Mona Lisa” by Jeff Vandermeer and Tessa Kum is the longest tale in the book, highlighting the events of the UNSC Red Horse and it’s journey into the remains of the first Halo. A team from the ship is sent to investigate a derelict ship which may still contain the location of Earth, but there are other factors unknown to the team as they struggle to get out alive.

“Palace Hotel” by Robt McLees is the only story that has Master Chief as the central focus. This is a must read for any Halo fan, as you will gain valuable insight into John’s history. Let’s just say the Chief finds himself face to face with someone from his old life, back when he was only eight years old.

“Human Weakness” by the epic, excuse the pun, Karen Traviss, on the other hand, gives you insight into Cortana. Highlighting the events when the Chief leaves her on High Charity after the events of Halo 2 until he rescues her in Halo 3, the story also gives you a deeper understanding of the Gravemind and Flood infestation.

However, it’s the final short story, “The Return” by Kevin Grace that is the single, most important story to read in the entire book. They saved the best for last, per se. This one is told through the eyes of a single Elite Shipmaster on his return to a planet he glassed by hand and his personal struggle to find direction, now that the truth has finally emerged.

Put simply, any hardcore Halo fan that’s bothered to read the other books should make no exception here. With three crucial stories to be read, it would be stupid not to give these short stories a read through. After all, it’s pretty hard to read the Chief and Cortana sometimes, what could possibly be better than to experience something through their own eyes?

Tor Books released the second book in the Halo Forerunner saga today. The sequel to Halo: Cryptum; Halo: Primordium picks up right where the last book left off. “Greg Bear’s high concepts and deep characterization are the perfect complement to the beloved world of Halo,” says Tor editor Stacy Hill. “The implications of his thoughtful Forerunner books are shocking and far-reaching, illuminating the satisfying complexity of the Halo universe.”

We won’t go into details as to what the story contains as to limit spoilers from the last book and this one. If you are interested in picking up the book, details are available on Amazon.

According to the most recent issue of Official Xbox Magazine, the next special edition Xbox 360 will be for Halo 4. The Crystal Ball reads, “The next special-edition Xbox 360? That’s easy, according to The Ball: Halo 4.”

If this were to be true it would also debunk any rumors that the next Xbox could be releasing next year. It makes zero sense for Microsoft to release a special edition Xbox 360 anytime around the launch of the next Xbox.

Beaver Creek returns in all it’s glory as Battle Canyon which remains largely the same, if you want it to. 343 has made some changes to accommodate for Reach’s online and to generally improve the experience. The steam in the center of the map now has small tunnels circling around back as to provide means of moving without always being under fire. Behind each base now lies an alleyway which contains the teleporters as to help keep campers out and act as spawn points. Replacing the teleporters are air lifts. Overall, the map plays largely the same, you get the original map along with the new an improved, which allows for a great amount of fun.

Damnation returns as Penance, which features a massively overhauled, beautiful backdrop. The map plays almost exactly the same with weapon spawns having only been tweaked a little bit. The rocket launcher and sniper are both where they originally were. Navigating this map while keeping your cranium perched upon your body is certainly a challenge as someone who knows how to handle the sniper can dominate the crossways which remain pretty much wide open.

Hang ‘Em High is now High Noon which is probably tied for the most impressive map visually. Sure the blockiness was kind of cheap and simplistic back in the day but now that no game features anything like it, I have a much larger appreciation for it. Out of all the maps returning, this brings back the most nostalgia. With the same spawns, including overshield, the map still plays amazingly. With an amazing view outside the window, I found myself going into a custom match just to look around. Check out some gameplay in the video below.

Halo PC players will recognize Ridgeline as a remake of Timberland. The fun continues to spiral out of control on such a small and obscenely bumpy map with both teams attempting to move their Warthog efficiently. Many times I found myself being squashed by a misplaced jump or two which just happened to land on my head. This map is the equivalent of the barrel roll button that many noobs are fond of. The bases (which are identical to the basses from Sidewinder) serve as chokepoints which make for awesome Capture the Flag matches.

The other impressive map visually is Solitary which is a remake of Prisoner. Besides the Cold Storage feeling that emanates throughout the blue side of the map, a quick look outside will reveal a breathtaking scene of more spires like the one you’re fighting in, perched on top of thin spires thousands of feet in the air. The map plays well with the air lifts which allow the shotgun users to move around rather efficiently, while the sniper can still control things pretty well from the top. Basically a smaller (and better) version of Sword Base.

The crane returns in Breakneck, a remake of Headlong, minus the Wraith. Both teams now spawn with two Ghosts and a Warthog, while the (now single) Banshee has been moved to the wall side of the bridge, making for a frantic struggle. The teleporters have been swapped out for a one-way man cannon, and the bridge/crane have been reangled to make traversing the area easier. The layout of the map makes for a lot of vehicular carnage resulting in bodies flying everywhere while close quarters battle rage on the inside parts of the map.

Installation 04 is the new firefight map taken straight from the level Halo. For the first time fight alongside ODSTs against the Covenant onslaught. The map features a good amount of variance, from close quarters to long range, the choice is yours. This enters the fray as one of the better firefight maps to date.

Anyone who’s been a long time Halo fan needs to experience these maps in all their beautiful glory. Hang ‘Em High and Solitary are certainly my favorite out of the bunch and look absolutely jaw-dropping. Just don’t get caught staring for two long, those baddies love a chance at your backside.

Pros:

• The new maps are gorgeous.
• Hang ‘Em High!
• Firefight with ODST buddies is pretty cool.

Now’s your chance to snag a code for the Anniversary Map Pack, just use the widget below to enter! Contest ends December 8 at 12:01 AM.

343 Industries and Microsoft have released the Halo Anniversary launch trailer. Get excited and feel the nostalgia as the trailer shows off just a few of the moments that you will remember from the original Xbox launch title.

It was rumored that the Cortana avatar props that were being handed out at HaloFest were exclusive to the event, but it appears that this is no longer the case. Instead, everyone can pay 240 Microsoft Points ($3), and grab one for themselves. You can check out the video below to help you decide if you want to grab one for yourself.

343 Industries has just formerly announced that Headlong will indeed be making its return to the front of the franchise that is Halo. You might remember that we originally reported a supposed image of Headlong during one of 343′s vidocs, but later that day was confirmed by IGN gameplay from HaloFest. One of the many changes you will notice is in the name as the map returns under the identity of Breakneck.

Headlong – Section 21 once looked out onto the New Mombasa Orbital Elevator with pride and optimism. Now, with much of the city eviscerated by the Covenant’s brutal assault, the skyline remains only a shattered ghost of what it once was. Headlong provides a large, skyscraper-hemmed construction site with numerous vantage points for clever snipers as well as a large central basin for excellent vehicle combat. (8 – 16 players)

Along with that Microsoft demoed the Pillar of Autumn, as in the first level of the campaign. You can see the screens below for both that and Headlong.

The 2554 AMG Transport Dynamics M12 Force Application Vehicle will be made available in Forza 4′s Autovista feature, which will allow players to interact but not race with it.

With Halo: Reach transferring hands from Bungie to 343 Industries just yesterday many in the gaming industry are feeling a somber tone. The ViDoc doesn’t help at all as it highlights the story of Bungie from it’s conception all the way up to current day. Particularly the Halo parts will ring true especially towards the end when they finalize Reach. The video goes behind the scenes on all their project including footage from the 90s. What seems somber ends up happy as the end of the video begins hinting at their next project with Activision. The video is a must watch for anyone who considers themself a gamer, especially if you’re an Xbox fanboy. This is what made the Xbox what it is today. Be prepared for a 55 minute long video of -blaming- awesome content!

343 Industries has revealed the pre-order bonuses for this falls Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary. Players will receive a full MJOLNIR Mk. V Powered Assault Armor for their avatars along with an exclusive in game skull. The Grunt Funeral skull, unlike its cousin the Grunt Birthday Party Skull, causes all grunts to explode after their death, this of course due to their methane tanks.

The game is set to ship November 15 for $39.99.