Okay, so today I’m diving into something I’ve been messing with for a while: finding games that scratch that Halo itch. You know, that sci-fi shooter vibe with cool weapons, a decent story, and maybe some sweet vehicles. I’m not looking for straight clones, but games that capture a similar feeling.
First up, I actually started by replaying some of the older Halo games. Sounds obvious, right? But I hadn’t touched Combat Evolved in ages. Booted it up on PC, cranked the graphics, and man, that game still holds up. It reminded me of what I loved about the series: the open level design, the enemy AI, and that feeling of being a super-soldier against overwhelming odds.
Then, I figured I’d explore some games people always mention in the same breath as Halo.
- Destiny 2: I’ve played it on and off since launch. I know, I know, it’s got its issues, but the gunplay is fantastic, and the raids can be a blast with friends. It’s got that power fantasy thing going on, where you’re basically a space wizard who can also shoot really well. I tried to get back into it with the latest expansion, spent like a week grinding, and realized I was still feeling the grind instead of the fun.
- Titanfall 2: This one always gets hyped, and for good reason. The movement is incredible, and the Titan battles are epic. The single-player campaign is surprisingly good, too. Only complaint? It’s kind of short. I blasted through it in a few evenings and wanted more.
- Warframe: This one is a bit of a wildcard, but hear me out. It’s free-to-play, and it’s got a ton of content. The gameplay is fast and fluid, and you get to play as a space ninja. It’s not exactly Halo, but it’s got that sci-fi shooter thing going on, and it’s fun to just mess around in. I downloaded it, played for like 3 hours, and then got completely lost in all the menus and customization options. Felt overwhelming.
Next, I started digging deeper, looking for some less obvious choices. I looked for some sci-fi shooters that were maybe under the radar.
- DOOM Eternal: Okay, this isn’t exactly Halo, but the relentless action and over-the-top weapons are a blast. It’s pure, unadulterated fun. What I liked best was the non-stop action.
- Crysis: Yeah, the game that used to melt PCs. I replayed the first one recently, and even though it’s showing its age, the Nanosuit powers are still cool. Sneaking around cloaked and taking out enemies is satisfying. I tried cranking the settings up, but my PC started chugging. Maybe it’s time for an upgrade.
- Bright Memory: Infinite: This one is short, but it’s got some cool ideas. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed shooter with some fun abilities. It’s pretty linear, but it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for something different. I saw some gameplay footage online and was intrigued by the visuals. Downloaded it, played for a couple of hours, and was pretty impressed.
My final thoughts? Halo is unique, and nothing truly replicates that exact experience. But there are a ton of great sci-fi shooters out there that can scratch a similar itch. Destiny 2 and Titanfall 2 are solid choices, and DOOM Eternal and Bright Memory: Infinite offer a different, more intense experience. It really depends on what you’re looking for.
What’s next for me? I think I might give Splitgate a try. I’ve heard good things about its portal mechanics. Maybe I’ll report back later with my thoughts.
