What does the word "halo" mean to you? To a normal person, it most likely conjures up images of angels and possibly Simon Templar (raises eyebrow). To the rabid gamer however, it can only mean one thing; the hype that has preceded the launch of Bungie's first-person shooter for the X-Box has been massive.

Name: The New halo game.jpg Views: 46 Size: 21.9 KB

Of course, originally this was going to be a PC game (and indeed it is still set to come out on the PC later this year). However, Microsoft wanted a too-hot-to-handle title unleashed exclusively with the X-Box. But is Halo a scorcher worthy of the hype, or has it fizzled in our clammy reviewing mitts? Let's put it this way - best get your asbestos-coated controller out now.

Halo doesn't disappoint, though it does start a little slowly. It's a typical sci-fi scenario. The aliens (called the Covenant) are out to get us and have followed our battlecruiser through hyperspace and boarded it. You step into the shoes of the Master Chief, a genetically engineered cyborg-type soldier who doesn't take crap from anyone, least of all strange little blue and green creatures from the wrong side of Alpha Centauri.