For multiplayer be prepared for the most ridiculous amount of content possible. There are 99 multiplayer maps, several with new variants, iincluding newly remastered maps from Halo 2 in the latest engine. Favorites like Lockout and Ascension still play as great as ever, and new environmental additions modernize them along with some of the prettiest looking backdrops (skyboxes) we've seen in games. But if you want to play Halo 1 multiplayer, that's here. Even maps from the PC version are included. Halo 2, 3 and 4's original multiplayer all exist too - including the map packs. Playlists will exists that span games, isolate games, and are for competition.
Map Breakdown
Halo 1: CE - 19 Maps
Halo 2: 25 Maps
Halo 2: Anniversary: 6 Maps
Halo 3: 24 Maps
Halo 4: 25 Maps
Halo has always been about cooperative play. From the very first game to the very last, and even the spin-offs, every single Halo game has supported co-op play. This collection continues that trend and each game's co-op play is preserved. You can see the details in our database entry if you're concerned about numbers. All of the games support split-screen play, though Halo 1 and Halo 2 utilize the full screen in a horizontal split while Halo 3 and Halo 4 switch to a 4:3 ratio.
Sadly you won't find any Firefight gameplay here, one of the most fun and replayable modes from Halo: ODST and Halo Reach. While Halo Anniversary had a small taste of it, it doesn't appear to be included here. Halo 4's Spartan Ops is included, though it's not ready for launch. It'll be added sometime in December. All that said, a lot of the playlists are co-op compatible and there are dozens of cooperative achievements to earn as well. The games are still an absolute blast to play with a friend and I highly recommend giving the series a try with a buddy by your side.
There's very little to dislike in this $60 package to be honest. It's a great way to experience the tale of Master Chief and Cortana, to become attached to the story and gameplay, and catch yourself up to be ready for Halo 5 next year. Halo 2's multiplayer is arguably the best of the series next to Halo 4 and it's included in its entirety here. I've been jumping around sampling a lot from the collection for my review, but I absolutely can't wait to fire up "The Master Chief Saga" playlist and enjoy all 45 missions from start to finish. This collection has set a new standard for re-releases, and its going to be a tough act to follow.
Verdict
Co-Op Score
Overall
The Co-Op Experience: All of the games included with the collection feature Co-Op Campaigns. Additionally, the 4 player survival mode, Firefight, will be a part of Halo: Reach when that is added to the collection. The campaign co-op breakdown is as follows: Halo: Reach - 4 players max online, 2 players max split-screen Halo: CE Anniversary – 2 players max, split-screen or online Halo 2: Anniversary – 2 players max, split-screen or online Halo 3 – 4 players max online, 2 players max split-screen Halo 4 – 4 players max online, 2 players max split-screen With the MCC Update on 8/27/2018, official LAN play is now supported in the Halo: Master Chief Collection, with no Internet connection required. The maximum number of players supported by this is the same as the maximum number of online players as noted above.
Co-Optimus game reviews focus on the cooperative experience of a game, our final score graphic represents this experience along with an average score for the game overall. For an explanation of our scores please check our Review Score Explanation Guide.