Digital Foundry: Hands-on with Halo: The Master Chief Collection

It arrived earlier this week: an Xbox Live redeem code for one of the most ambitious remastering projects ever undertaken, offering four complete classic Halo titles brought across to Xbox One, spread across 44.5GB of data. Halo: The Master Chief Collection is in the house - the single-player elements final, with multiplayer and co-op currently being fixed up via that forthcoming 20GB Day One patch. With embargoes firmly in place and the multiplayer modes still being polished off as we write, what we can tell you about this fascinating package is limited but enlightening nonetheless.

[insomnium2]

This is THE game that MS has. If this doesn't sell consoles nothing else will. Hell even I want an xbone for this game. I think I might fire up my good ol xbox for the original games on there. Halo 1 and 2 are quite possibly the best games on the series anyway.

[lelo2play]

Halo 5 and Gears are THE games for MS.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection will sell consoles, but not as much as Halo 5 and new Gears. If Microsoft were smart, they would make a Gears collection before they release the new Gears.

[Hellsvacancy]

I'm sure a Gears Collection will be announced before or at E3 2015

[Elit3Nick]

One can hope

[UltraNova]

@above

Do you hope that when you wake up the Sun will be shining? No... Gears Collection is certainly happening by E3 my friend.

As for the Halo collection by what I've seen so far looks to be stunning. A lot of work has been put into this and it shows!

Its a good month to be an xb1 owner for sure!!

[imt558]

LOL @KNWS

You are really on harder drugs.

I smell conspiracy on DF for Evolve on Xbone. I smell 900p on Xbone.

[choujij]

@lelo2play "Halo: The Master Chief Collection will sell consoles, but not as much as Halo 5"

Wait.. You think think the new Halo 5 from 343i is going to sell more Xbones than the 3 best Bungie Halos, plus Halo 4? If you're a diehard Halo fan and don't already own Xbone, then chances are you'll be buying it when the Master Chief Collection drops. By the time H5 drops, most Halo fans will already own an Xbone. All my former tournament buddies who have held out thus far, are buying Xbone with MCC. Not a single one of them is holding out for H5.

[Farmassy]

double post

[XBLSkull]

For those comparing it below, remember TLoU Remastered is one game, one engine. The Master Chief collection spans 5 games (H1-5) and 7 engines (H1-5 + H1-2 Anniversary) Simply an incredible remaster that really puts TLoU Remastered efforts to shame, especially since all 5 games are individually better than TLoU.

[Lulz_Boat]

it can't handle stable 60FPS on HALO 1

wtf?!?

[iistuii]

I played remastered TLOU, check my trophies, that wasn't stable at times either, your next point.....

[hello12]

Richard leadbetter has revealed in the exclusive Mean Machines Archive Interview that EMAP was the main reason for the death of the publication.He joined Computec Media UK in 2000, and published Playstation World (PSW) the same year. The magazine was a runaway success, thanks to its low price point and inclusion of a DVD packed with all the latest news and video footage. In 2003, Computec Media UK was purchased by Future. Rich left and set up his own company Digital Foundry, who specialize in HD video capture for the video game industry. The company has been involved with the production of covermounted DVDs for US magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly, and is now allied with UK-based website EuroGamer.

Df bull again don't trust this guy at all Playstation World hey!

Lukas@ Be quiet hes been found out he published Playstation World he clearly has a bias towards Playstation. The frame rate videos he even posts show that bias. Believe what you like the prove is mounting this guy isn't neutral.

[Charybdis]

Strange indeed "Halo (1) It's interesting to note that elements of the core engine are hard-wired to run at 30fps, so even when the engine is rendering at 1080p60, judder can manifest"
It however does seem work and improve on the original halo "despite some of the rendering glitches, 60fps works here, elevating the experience."

[GarrusVakarian]

@KNWS

WOW, you really need to stay away from MisterXmedia. That is some next-level conspiracy BS right there. The video in the article clearly shows that Halo 1 can't hold a stable 60fps. By telling us that we shouldn't trust this guy, are you implying that video has been tampered with to show dips that aren't actually there? If so, why wouldn't he do the same with the framerate analysis for TLoU:R, to make it appear smoother than it was, seeing as he's obviously a PS fanboy, according to you?

Get a grip.

@KNWS

"Be quiet hes been found out he published Playstation World he clearly has a bias towards Playstation."

No, that's just something you can cling to, to rationalize how you're feeling, because you can't face the fact that this game doesn't deliver a 1080p solid 60fps experience. You're in extreme denial and are just regurgitating conspiracy BS that you heard elsewhere.

"The frame rate videos he even posts show that bias."

No, it simply shows that the game dips frames. What about this is so hard for you to accept? And again, answer me this: if he really did have an agenda and a bias towards PS, then why would he have shown The Last of Us: Remastered dipping under 60fps in the framerate analysis video? Why wouldn't he have carefully picked out a section of the game that has no drops at all?

Your argument is weak sauce. There's no conspiracy here, just plain old denial.

[kevnb]

Halo ce isn't the last of us...

[Kayant]

@KNWS

Loool sure let's forget all the "balance" articles in favor of XB1 around launch.

Really he isn't biased when you look at things.

[CernaML]

@KNWS

Richard Leadbetter biased towards Playstation? LMAO
Now Ive heard it all. Last gen youd get the complete opposite impression when reading his face off articles where he gave almost every single 360 version the win. You must have missed the time he praised Bayonetta being a technical marvel on 360 that just couldnt be done on PS3 and then making excuses as to why FFXIII should have been better on 360.

You are living in so much denial its frightening. Seek a therapist ASAP.

[Majin-vegeta]

@iistui

I played remastered TLOU, check my trophies, that wasn't stable at times either, your next point.....

Uhh look how old Halo 1 is compared to TLOU.Lol you can't compare them.

[DigitalRaptor]

@ KNWS

Ah here comes the desperate fanboy liar again.

DUDE…. Nothing about your suspicions ring true. You are on a conspiracy boat that is never leaving port.

Ledbetter favoured the X360 last-gen and that showed through in his analyses of both consoles, where he would try and make a spin against the PS3 wherever possible. How would a PlayStation-biased magazine editor face those conclusions in their work? And subsequently, why do you have an issue with someone being biased when you are equally, in fact more-so biased that you claim he is? You spin PS4 negatives out of thin air all the time to try and defend the namesake of the console you clearly prefer.

Your insecurities are getting the better of you and I would actually hope you feel confident enough to seek mental counselling if this is how you deal with personal insecurities over video games.
------

@ Lukas

It's all he does. He clings on to lies and paper-thin sources and piles them onto his agenda.

He did the same thing with his laughable attempt to prove that Sony had the exact same DRM in place as MS, when there was no proof of the sort, than a patent and we all know what patent prove about business actions. Next to nothing. He further posted an article interviewing Yoshida that added nothing to his "body of proof".

KNWS is a fanboy fraud who is happier lying and tightly gripping to fallacies to satisfy his own insecurities, than keeping things real.

[donthate]

It has nothing to do with handling it and has to do with hard coded values in the original engine, that is running side by side I may add with the newer engine.

It is quite a feat, and value to gamers here. This game will have the highest adoption rate on Xbox One I'm thinking. I can't really see anyone not buying this, unless they really don't like Halo or shooters.

This will likely have the largest online community on next generation console in one game. I have no doubt about that.

I cannot wait!!! :D

[mkis007]

@ KNWS

"Be quiet"

Lukas pretty much summed it up. You are brainwashed.

[xx4xx]

I suggest you actually read the article before commenting.

If specs are you primary concern over game play. ..then don't play it.

[jrshankill]

Like anything below 60fps is unplayable now. Some of you people have really high standards.

You act like women when it comes to consoles.

[Rocky5]

This preview/hands on I'm assuming doesn't use the non released update (part of the 20GB day one update) as usually they would say if they used the latest TU.

for all we know these issues maybe fixed in the internal builds.

I never understand why, well actually I do, these articles are done to cause bickering between fanboys & get clicks, there is zero point in telling people there are issues when there is a newer version (TU) in the works.

I understand that they are doing this with the disc release version (I'm assuming) & people with out internet would be only able to play this version.

[CertifiedGamer]

It couldn't handle stable frame rate on Halo 1 classic and thats a 14 year old game and MS wants fans to expect Halo 5@60 fps. You fans better expect 30fps max because 60 ain't going to happen.

[Farmassy]

@certifiedgamer

lets forget the fact that you have a massive hard on for sony... it can't run the game at full 60fps because the original engine had some things locked in at 30fps. Read the article instead of just immediately bashing xbox. Also, how could you think that it can do halo4 at 60fps but that it isn't powerful enough to do halo 1? Just use some basic logic instead of hoping for failure. Your own biases deceive you

[Farmassy]

double post

[hardcorehippiez]

lol thats exactly what i have done , playing through halo ce right now . looks kinda crappy on hy hd tv though so will be getting this game . great value i must say game wise bot out 350 now having to buy xb1 .damn expensive xmas for me now :/

[otherZinc]

@insomnium2,

And people jumped the hype train & bought a PS4 for Drive Club, PSN & Indie Games.

Also, TLOU dropped as low as
34fps, that's without:
Campaign Co-op, Uncharted 1, 2, & 3, old & new games switching on the fly, in a non linear game, all the multiplayer maps , A Forge Mode, and a friggin movie.

[Kemosabe]

You sound butthurt brining up Sony exclusive. Fact is this game doesn't do solid 60 fps

[q8kik]

Are you really comparing TLOU's graphics to Halo?
TLOU was developed around the cell processor,then ported to x86 architecture, so maintaining 60 fps most of the time is an amazing accomplishment.

Halo 1 not being able to maintain solid 60 fps is the box's fault for being super potato.

[Letthewookiewin]

I just picked up the Sunset bundle for 350$ from BestBuy for MCC but haven't opened it yet because I'm having second thoughts. I Just spent about 400$ just to play MCC which is ok, but with Dragon Age and Far Cry 4 coming I'm not going to have time for MCC. Hmmm gamer problems.

[s8anicslayer]

I just traded my X1 day one edition for the X1 Advanced warfare bundle....game plus 1tb hardrive was very attractive at $449. Can't wait til tonight

[FanboyKilla]

Lol haters. Count my fps while i play. I mean what else do you have to do untill 2015.

[MaxwellBuddha]

They're still waiting eagerly for that "Greatness" to show up.

[Gazondaily]

Glowing preview and really hanmers home just how big an achievement this is. For all intents and purposes, a package as comprehensive and generous as this, should not exist but this HD Remaster will most likely be the best of its kind for many many years to come.

Assuming everything works fine day one, very few people can be left with any doubt that Halo is back and with a bang. Hail to the king!

[christocolus]

@septic

Man its really great value. Have you watched the documentary?so many things i didnt know about halo..its awesome. Cant wait to boot it up. This and COD AW are going to be taking alot of my gaming time this holliday and into next year... Sorry SSO and FH2 i'll have to give you guys a little break but ill get back to you once im done with these two.

[Gazondaily]

Havent watched the documentary yet. My review of COD AW will he up in a bit. Its not that great.

[christocolus]

@septic

For real?was really looking forward to it. havent pre-ordered though. That would be highly dissapointing.

[DigitalRaptor]

That's what I keep hearing: "it shouldn't exist".

And that line makes me smile. It is so much incredible value, but it's difficult to imagine them treating their brand's biggest legacy any less spectacularly.

[LonDonE]

I agree with u 100%

People on here make me laugh!
The halo games on the master chief collection are 60fps for the most part! yes they drop the occasional frame or two, and i saw and instance of it dropping down to 47fps for a split second but then it was back up to 60fps.

Its like with the cod games on consoles, they are 60 for the most part and do dip at times but as long as the frame rate of any console 60fps title is not dropping below 40fps and for more then 1 or 2 seconds its fine.

Most wont even notice it because its only for a split second.
The halo games look great at 1080p 60fps and people are getting very desperate by complaining about a few dropped frames here and there.

I think the bigger issue is the screen tearing which is in the halo 1 game in the collection.
Its near the top of the screen and it really should be fully vsync.
Tearing is some thing i hate and from the videos above i am glad i saw no tearing in any of the videos above apart from the halo 1 video.

Strange how digital foundry didn't talk about vsync with regards to all 4 games.
Early footage had allot of tearing and as time went on i saw less and less of it, looks like they may have solved it but halo 1 still has it which is a shame as i hate screen tearing.

I think they defo should of just made a option in the menu for switching resolution in halo 2 anniversary and given us native 1080p like with the rest of the halo games included in the collection instead of up scaled to 1080p just for on the fly switching when most people will only do this once or twice.

Either way the collection is AWESOME, a few frames dropped in nothing and is normal in games! even on a mighty pc frames are dropped and rarely does anyone get a locked 60fps! and its the same with games on console like cod and battlefield, and a few dropped frames for a split second did not ruin said games!

[HaydenJameSmith]

It is an amazing collection and any Halo fan should be delighted to say the least that MS are providing this incredible bundle... Still can't believe I am going to get to play Halo 5 a year before it's launch.

#GameON

[urwifeminder]

Every video I have seen is stunning will pre order this week.

[qwerty676]

hmm i kinda agree with them maybe have an option to run the games without the 2 engines side by side

i mean its a cool feature but if its causing some hiccups

idk

[mixelon]

This looks really nice. :O

Dammit, MS are doing a good job of making people want to buy X1s. I told myself I'd only get one once the slim comes out. (partly because the damn thing doesnt fit in my TV cabinet, lol). So I'm going to have a long wait probably.

Good job MS anyway.

It's still a shame this isn't coming to Windows though, but I can totally see why haha.

[green]

The Orange box of this generation.

[GodGinrai]

except , Halo will probably be played for a longer period of time.

[coolbeans]

Which would no doubt be impressive considering there's a solid number of people who still play TF2 on Orange Box (360 version).

[Tedakin]

Anyone saying LOL it can't handle 60fps, you realize it's running 2 games at the same time, both versions, at 1080p 60fps. The classic version never stutters. And the remastered was a far less resolution and only 30fps on the 360 3 years ago. Still no one would even notice a framerate dropping from 60 to 55 if DF wasn't around to tell you it happens. You say you would matter of factly, but really? Really?

[GarrusVakarian]

"both versions, at 1080p 60fps"

The remastered version of Halo 2 is running at 1328x1080. But I get what you're saying, it's still running two engines at once at mostly 60fps. So the dips in performance are understandable.

[donthate]

The entire multiplayer with all the maps across all games are all on 1080p @ 60fps. Only the campaign was affected, and I think it is just Halo 2.

I think we are just nitpicking at this point, because this is just incredible value.

The alternative is like DF said, release one by one and give each title more time to optimize. I will take all four because the community will be so much bigger and the resolution debate is just moot once you are so close anyhow.

watercooler:

I refer to the first Xbox, as original Xbox.

[GarrusVakarian]

@donthate

"The entire multiplayer with all the maps across all games are all on 1080p @ 60fps. Only the campaign was affected,"

You're right, but Tedakin said that the game is 1080p 60fps as a response to people making fun out of the game for dropping frames based on the video in the article, which is a campaign framerate analysis, not MP.

[TheWatercooler]

but one engine is from the Xbox 1. Xbox one (see how confusting this gets) is supposed to be 30 times more powerful than that generation.

It should be able to run the upgraded halo 2 engine along with the ancient one at 1080p. The other console could

[Chris12]

Why are you trolling every single Xbox article thewatercooler? It's pathetic.

[Gamer777]

Games are only allowed to have frame rate dips if they are on the PS4. People were gloating about the unlocked framerates of Infamous Second Son, Killzone: Shadowfall and the PS4 version of Tomb Raider. But when a none PS4 game drops a frame all hell breaks loose.

[kevnb]

This is a nice package, but I don't think its much of a system seller. Most People aren't going to rush out to play the same games they have already played to death.

[Immorals]

The last of us remastered sold well, and that was only one recent game.

[kevnb]

The last of us remastered was bundled and is a newer game that many people hadn't played yet. We are talking old halo games here...

[GodGinrai]

"We are talking old halo games here..."

Exactly. This is halo. A game with endless replay value, running better than it ever has. I dont think comparing it TLOU, is fare on TLOU. Not taking anything away from that game. But halo's MP is pure gold.

[2cents]

Halo originally launched in 2001. 13years ago!

I'm sure there are loads of peeps that are younger that did not get to experience it.

Now all four available on the x1 and all updated, good times!

TLOU is not really in the same ballpark when it comes to nostalgia and content. Also I wouldn't consider TLOU in this conversation at all, unless you are trying to highlight how Halo is showing how a remaster should be done. Silly to try any true of competition between the two.

Edit: SorryImmorals, the reply was supposed to be for kevnb

[DLConspiracy]

I am sure a lot of fence sitters will make the jump now.

[altimako02]

im getting an xone because im getting the sunset overdrive console because i traded in an xbox360 that was just sitting around and getting $100 dollars of an $350 console so im getting a console and game for $250

[2cents]

I'm jelly,

I want that white console :)

I'm also greedy, because I already have an X1 :o

[Dannyh]

The chance to play halo 2 online is going to get people to get buy it. Halo 2 is one of the best online games of all time

[JasonBloodbourne]

Well said that man. I agree mate.

[Snookies12]

It makes me want to get an X1...

[shadowT]

Did expected better graphics.

[GarrusVakarian]

I would have liked Halo 3 to get the remastered treatment as well.

[Sandy_Claws]

Halo 3 already looks good enough. They DID improve the lighting, too. So 1080p/60 and improved lighting engine is pretty close to a remaster.

[DC777]

This really makes getting XB1 tempting for me but I have too many systems, pc, as it is. Otherwise I probably would. The first 2 were so much fun years ago. I'm sure this will make plenty happy this holiday season if they pick up a bundle.

[Gamer4life888]

45fps on a facking 10 years old game?! WTF?

[kevnb]

It's more than 10 years old.

[Ikonic]

You think you could build an engine to run along side another engine almost perfectly? It's not like it is dropping all the time, and I guarentee without that stupid line you would not even notice.

[Gr1mmyshadows]

Ill be picking this up for sure, but maybe in december or january

[alb1899]

Ooooh men!

[iistuii]

The holy grail of gaming seems to be 1080/60 in everyone's mind, if you want that without any compromises then either build a PC or just play your console & accept the odd stutter with 900/60 or 1080/30 compromises...

[MeliMel]

Still day one.

Edit: but I do have to retract my its getting 10s comment. Do to certain limitations.

[altimako02]

getting an xone because im getting the sunset overdrive console because i traded in an xbox360 that was just sitting around and getting $100 dollars of an $350 console so im getting a console and game for $250

[u got owned]

SSOD excellent game

[OOMagnum]

People are just trying anything to cast doubt on the console and Halo Mcc. Guess what its not going to work.

[DigitalRaptor]

Not really. MCC is the best chance Xbone has for a truly successful holiday, with the competition in mind.

And I don't really see people downplaying the superb value on display or the quality of the games cause those are established. You can't really fault this collection, no matter how you try, and I think everyone is aware of this. It's possible that the ones who are trolling MCC are the people who are aware that the same people looking forward to it are the same ones that criticised Sony for releasing HD collections of some of their legacy games last-gen.

[djplonker]

@immorrals

And if the ps4 still outsells the xbox when the exclusives completely outclass the ps4's then Microsoft are in massive trouble.

Especially since 2015 will be sony's in terms of exclusives by a massive margin!

[Immorals]

Wouldn't say they were in massive trouble, Microsoft are still selling a lot of consoles, only fanboys care about who 'wins'.

Xbox is still recovering from the disaster that was their announcement, and is doing everything they can to get back on track, where at the moment the ps4 is selling on hype.

I'm picking up a ps4 next year when there's games that appeal to me, at the moment I'm not going to pick one up just for tlou:r

[Immorals]

Wouldn't say they were in massive trouble, Microsoft are still selling a lot of consoles, only fanboys care about who 'wins'.

Xbox is still recovering from the disaster that was their announcement, and is doing everything they can to get back on track, where at the moment the ps4 is selling on hype. I'm picking up a ps4 next year when there's games that appeal to me at the moment I'm not going to pick one up just for tlou:r

[GodGinrai]

@Kevnb

You troll too hard bro. your in every halo article talking crap, yet you dont even own an xbox. Give it a rest. Go find a friend to talk to.

[SoCalledMe]

The new+classic running at same time should have been optional , like the last of us remaster had higher res shadows but at 30fps locked , I for one would play Halo2 remaster version 100% of time so I would be missing out on better remastered version cuz classic is running in the bacgorund for no real reason , good thing is its only for SP but still ...

[cruzngta]

This is an impressive collection of games either way you look at it. Having the MCC for XB1 is a great addition to any Halo fans' game collection. I am getting mine day one guaranteed. DF and other sites will pick the game apart for what it is and to see what type of performance the dev got out of it but at the end of the day it doesnt change the fact that this is still going to be one VERY HARD game to beat contentwise and haters will always hate what they cant have or wont swallow their pride and give a chance to. Real gamers out there will play a game for what it is and give credit where its due. This is a beast of a collection and I hope they do the same with Uncharted and God of War for PS4 cuz I will pick that up day one as well. Lets hope we get the Gears collection next year.

[brotherlymoses]

Greatest collection/franchise of all time only available on Xbox one. Deal with it.

[ScorpiusX]

1080 60 / 1080 30 doesn't matter to me , what matter is the content I am getting for 60.00 dollars and the ability to play them on Xbox one is good enough for me. So foundry and whoever else can take their findings and jump off.

[lemoncake]

Halo MCC which is 5 games in one, Forza and Sunset overdrive. Microsoft hit a home run and then some this holiday such an amazing lineup.

[Azzanation]

There seems to be a giant misunderstanding with this game. Not sure if these are just fanboys full of hate and jealously or just dont understand. MCC is not a game thats suppose to be graphically demanding. Its a game based on value and a lead up to Halo 5. The main focus is for those who never played the classics and for those who want nostalgia. I am glad Halo 2 HD has the switch mode over 1080p because theres more to it. Halo 5 will be that graphic defining game where as MCC is about the story plot and classic gameplay. Visuals are a bonus bit as we have seem lately that the best looking games are the worst games this generation.

[Sandy_Claws]

Have you seen the video of Halo 4 running at 1080/60? It looks good enough to be a next gen game on the PS4...

[Azzanation]

Halo 4 looks fantastic and looks better than some next gen titles. Its still one of the best looking games to date, and I say this as a PC gamer.