Halo: Combat Evolved played a huge part in the success of the original Xbox and was at the time labelled one of the best games ever made, but its development was a difficult and challenging process, as the original development team reminds us.
Speaking to Edge Magazine recently, Bungie co-founder Alex Seropian went as far as admitting "at least one level" made the final version of the original entry that "probably shouldn't have". It's believed he was "likely referring to the infamous" but now iconic level, The Library.
"We made a lot of difficult decisions to make that [release] happen...We canceled [other] projects, we combined three teams together, we compromised on scope, [and] we shipped at least one level that we probably shouldn't have,"
Seropian also mentioned how the tank vehicle was meant to be removed from the original game to make development "easier", but part of the team went against this order and had it up and running "a week and a half later". Here's how it played out, according to Halo's original lead programmer Chris Butcher:
"Four weeks before ship, [designer] John Howard decides we're cutting the tank, because it's not ready," "The designer Paul Bertone was basically like 'f**k that, I'm not gonna listen to you, John - without the tank, this game sucks'. And so he went to the artists and the animators, like 'I know John told you guys that we cut the tank, but we're actually going to do it.'"
What level do you think Seropian might be referring to? Glad to hear the tank wasn't cut in the end? Tell us below.
[source gamesradar.com]
Comments 6
The tank was amazing and maybe made up for the dreadfully monotonous library level.
The library might be infamous, but I've grown to really appreciate it. Some variation on the environment would have been nice, but it was as much of a test of endurance and skill under pressure for the player as it was supposed to be for Chief
Axe my favourite level in the game?? Mental.
The Library isn't a great level from a design point of view, but I do like how methodical it forces you to be. It's a different type of challenge, especially on the higher difficulties. I would argue that the back-tracking setup in Two Betrayals is worse.
@Kaloudz I know the game only launched with 2 ships. I think the 3-man ship came out about a year after launch.
@Blinx I used to be a big Library hater, but I played Halo: CE again this year for the first time in about 10 years and was shocked at how much I enjoyed the level for the reason you stated. It's an awesome survival horror level. You have to manage your weapons effectively, prioritize certain enemies above all others, and just f'ing run.
Even the repeated level patterns add to the hopelessness. How much longer are you going to have to endure? Did you get turned around somewhere? Are you even doing the right thing? Can you even make it with your current weapons? It's brilliant, honestly.
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