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“Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” Commemorates 10 Years of Gaming’s Most Iconic Franchise

The award-winning game that defined a decade of Xbox gaming returns today in a stunning new remake

The wait is finally over. At 12:01 a.m. last night, legions of “Halo” fans worldwide celebrated the 10^th anniversary of the genre-defining franchise that elevated gaming to mainstream entertainment, as the spectacular remake of the original classic, “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary,” hit retail shelves worldwide.

“‘Halo’ has made an indelible impact on gaming and pop culture over the past ten years,” said Bonnie Ross, general manager of 343 Industries. “Whether you’ve followed the story from the beginning or want to experience it for the first time, ‘Halo: Anniversary’ offers everyone a chance to relive the iconic classic before they embark on a brand new adventure with Master Chief next year in ‘Halo 4.’”

Praised by critics for its “mesmerisng^[1]” visuals and myriad of new features, “Halo: Anniversary” has been hailed as the “definitive edition^[2]” of the “most influential console first-person shooter of the past two generations.^[3]”

“As a studio, we’re incredibly thankful for the enthusiasm and support our fans have shown for this project,” said Dan Ayoub, executive producer of publishing for 343 Industries. “We know many of them have been waiting years for a remake of the original ‘Halo,’ so we’re elated to deliver a faithful re-mastering of the original classic that breathes new life into the legendary adventure.”

Developed by 343 Industries in partnership with Saber Interactive and Certain Affinity, “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” is a spectacularly re-mastered version of the original “Halo” campaign, packaged with some of the most memorable multiplayer maps in “Halo” history.  With a bounty of new features, including cooperative play over Xbox LIVE, six re-imagined multiplayer maps and one new Firefight mission, a Classic graphics mode, Achievements, innovative Kinect and 3D support, and new challenges and story to uncover, “Halo: Anniversary” is a must-have experience for veteran Spartans and new fans alike.

For updates on “Halo: Anniversary” and the “Halo” franchise, visitHaloWaypoint.com and follow the 343 team on Twitter and Facebook at@HaloWaypoint and http://www.facebook.com/HaloWaypoint.