Combat Evolved: The 10 Most Memorable Moments From The Halo Franchise

7) Warthog Escape – Halo 3 

The Arbiter reappears in Halo 3 and helps Chief make it off Halo during the game’s madcap final salvo. That salvo is, of course, the Warthog escape level, which delivers a fitting swansong to a brilliant ride and can be played with a co-op partner for an added thrill.

With the Arbiter taking shotgun and the planet on the brink of destruction, you bid a hasty retreat before it goes up in flames, avoiding falling debris and navigating jump ramps to safety. Set to the backdrop of an epic orchestral soundtrack, Chief and the Arbiter navigate through the minefield just in time.

It’s an epic setpiece and a brilliant change of pace, while the chance to play alongside a co-op partner makes it more satisfying still. The resulting blast separates Chief from the Arbiter and forces him towards Requiem, the setting for Halo 4. Despite this, the final level in Halo 3 is a satisfying conclusion to an epic trilogy.

6) Return To Sender – Halo 2 

Chief’s at his daredevil best in this classic cutscene from the early going of Halo 2. 

After discovering a bomb aboard the Cairo station, and having vanquished the Covenant on board, Chief decides to return the bomb to its sender. He grabs the spiked monstrosity and directs it towards the rear of the ship. Opening the station’s doors, he waits for the bomb to fly towards space and leaps after it, directing it to the Covenant ship.

Ask anyone about the cutscene they remember best in Halo 2 and this will likely be top of the list. It establishes Chief at his badass best and lets you know that Halo 2 will pull no punches. Most games wait until their final act to wow the audience, but the sequel to Combat Evolved makes waves beginning to end.