Push Square Evaluates Halo on PlayStation 5
Push Square has published its critical verdict on Halo: Campaign Evolved, examining how the landmark 2001 shooter translates to Sony's hardware in 2026. Twenty-five years after Microsoft introduced the franchise, the campaign has been rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5 for modern platforms. While the release brings Master Chief to a PlayStation controller for the first time, critics note it remains fundamentally tied to sixth-generation shooter design.
Graphics, Performance, and Visuals
Push Square reports that Halo Studios has delivered a solid visual update that stacks up against other PS5 titles, highlighted by high-quality pre-rendered cutscenes depicting the Halo ring. On a PS5 Pro, the performance mode targets 60 frames-per-second and maintains smooth sessions through the 10-hour campaign, noting only occasional, minor drops during intense combat scenes. However, reviewers advise avoiding the quality mode, as the resulting hit to the framerate compromises the fast-paced combat.
New Additions and Gameplay Tweaks
The remake brings several quality-of-life adjustments to the classic structure, including a sprint option, weapon zoom while aiming, improved vehicle handling, and updated controls. Additionally, the package introduces three brand-new prequel missions where Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson sneak aboard a Covenant ship. Push Square describes these new levels as brilliant additions that feel like cut content from the original release. Replayability is further bolstered by a remixed campaign feature and Skulls modifiers that support up to four online players in co-op with crossplay.
Controller Support and Criticisms
Despite promotional claims regarding the PS5 DualSense controller, Push Square's reviewer was disappointed by the implementation. The review points out a complete lack of adaptive trigger resistance and notes that haptic feedback feels no different from standard controller vibrations. Additionally, while the linear, alien-blasting structure remains refreshingly focused without modern skill trees or open-world padding, firefights still suffer from occasional copy-and-pasted hallways and rooms.