First-person shooters (FPS) have come a long way since their inception, evolving both in terms of gameplay mechanics and technological advancements. One of the most iconic titles in the genre is Halo: Combat Evolved, released in 2001. Although slightly older than 2003, it was still a dominant force in the gaming landscape in that era, influencing countless games in the years that followed. Today, the FPS genre is more varied and sophisticated than ever, but many of the foundations laid by Halo still hold true. This article will explore the differences and similarities between Halo (2003) and modern FPS games, highlighting how the genre has evolved over time.

The Evolution of Graphics and Technology

One of the most striking differences between Halo (2003) and modern FPS games is the evolution of graphics and technology. Halo was considered a graphical marvel at the time of its release, with its vibrant alien landscapes, realistic lighting, and dynamic environments. However, compared to today’s standards, Halo looks simplistic, with blocky character models and textures that would be considered low resolution by modern gaming standards.

Modern FPS games, thanks to powerful game engines like Unreal Engine and advancements in hardware, offer hyper-realistic visuals, intricate details, and larger, more interactive environments. Games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Battlefield 2042 showcase incredibly detailed weapon models, weather effects, and destructible environments that create an immersive experience unmatched by early 2000s games.

What Stayed the Same: Gameplay Focus

While visuals have seen a dramatic shift, the core focus of gameplay has remained consistent. Like Halo, modern FPS games still emphasize strategic combat, precision aiming, and tactical awareness. While the specifics of how combat unfolds have grown more complex, the satisfaction of outmaneuvering an enemy and landing a perfect shot is timeless.

Single-Player Campaigns: A Changing Priority

In 2003, single-player campaigns were the heart and soul of FPS games. Halo: Combat Evolved was celebrated for its engaging story, rich world-building, and memorable characters like Master Chief and Cortana. Its campaign mode offered a blend of cinematic storytelling and varied mission objectives that kept players hooked from beginning to end. Halo was groundbreaking not just because of its multiplayer but because of how it tied that multiplayer experience to a deeply immersive story.

Fast forward to today, and the FPS landscape has shifted. While some modern shooters like DOOM Eternal and Titanfall 2 continue to prioritize single-player campaigns, many games focus more heavily on multiplayer experiences. Games like Call of Duty: Warzone and Apex Legends are largely driven by their online modes, where the competitive or cooperative experience takes precedence over narrative elements.

What Stayed the Same: Storytelling Still Matters

Though multiplayer dominates the landscape, the demand for a compelling narrative has not disappeared. Halo Infinite (2021), a modern installment of the Halo series, proves that players still value rich storytelling in their FPS games. While many modern FPS games lean towards a multiplayer-first approach, the importance of narrative-driven content still exists in games that seek to offer a more complete experience.

Multiplayer: Then vs. Now

In 2003, Halo’s multiplayer was revolutionary. With the advent of LAN parties and split-screen multiplayer, Halo became a social phenomenon. The simple, balanced weapon design and iconic maps like Blood Gulch provided endless hours of fun and competition. Players would gather in living rooms, connect multiple consoles via LAN cables, and compete in thrilling, fast-paced matches.

Today, the multiplayer landscape is much more expansive, and gaming has shifted online. FPS games now support vast numbers of players across the globe through massive online multiplayer matches. Modern FPS titles, such as Fortnite or Battlefield, offer expansive multiplayer experiences with modes that support up to 100 players at once. Battle Royale modes, unheard of in Halo’s era, have become a dominant force in the genre.

Additionally, the introduction of microtransactions and season passes in modern multiplayer games has transformed the player experience. Today’s players are often incentivized to purchase cosmetic items, battle passes, or in-game currency to enhance or customize their multiplayer avatars—features that simply didn’t exist in 2003.

What Stayed the Same: Multiplayer Thrills

Despite the evolution of multiplayer into more expansive and complex experiences, the fundamental joy of multiplayer remains the same. Whether it was battling friends in Halo’s classic split-screen mode or teaming up with strangers in Call of Duty: Warzone, multiplayer in FPS games is still about teamwork, strategy, and the thrill of outplaying an opponent.

Movement and Mechanics: Simplified vs. Complex

In Halo (2003), movement and mechanics were relatively straightforward. Players had a fixed walking speed, simple jumping, and combat often revolved around out-positioning opponents while keeping a steady aim. Halo’s “golden triangle” of gameplay—combining guns, melee, and grenades—was a simple but effective formula that made it accessible to players of all skill levels.

Modern FPS games, on the other hand, have introduced a wide array of movement mechanics. Games like Titanfall 2 and Apex Legends feature wall-running, double-jumping, and sliding, making movement a key element of combat. These advanced mobility mechanics allow for more dynamic engagements, where mastering movement is just as important as mastering aim.

What Stayed the Same: The Importance of Balance

Despite the complexity of modern mechanics, balance remains crucial to the success of FPS games. Just like in Halo, where weapons and movement had to feel fair and accessible, modern FPS titles still rely on finely tuned mechanics to keep gameplay competitive and enjoyable. Developers continue to focus on balance to ensure that no single player has an unfair advantage, whether through superior weaponry or movement abilities.

Conclusion

The FPS genre has evolved dramatically since Halo’s dominance in 2003, with advancements in graphics, technology, multiplayer modes, and movement mechanics reshaping the gaming landscape. However, the core principles that made Halo a classic—strategic combat, balanced mechanics, and a satisfying multiplayer experience—remain essential to modern FPS games. As the genre continues to innovate, it is clear that the legacy of games like Halo endures, influencing new generations of players and developers alike.