The Gamer Girlfriend 12.18.08: Halo: Combat Evolved

Posted by Greg Bruno on 12.18.2008

Have you ever wanted to get your girlfriend into gaming but weren't quite sure how? The Gamer Girlfriend will give you insight into how to get your girlfriend to play!



Welcome to the brand spankin' new column for 411 Games. In this monthly column, you'll find ways to see how you too can get your girlfriend to play some of the video games you love while simultaneously getting the girl's perspective on the games. Taking her suggestions may lead you to find a game she does enjoy, if not the one you pick out for her.

And hey, guess what? I'm going to do all the hard work for you. I've enlisted my girlfriend to play one game a month. After playing the game, I'll collect the important research on the experiment, analyze the data, and present to you the findings. Hopefully, this will give you the insight you'll need to get your girlfriends, or girls who are friends (I'm aware of who my audience is) to play some games with you.

For this month, we're starting off old-school and going with Halo: Combat Evolved. My girlfriend, Andi, has never understood my obsession with first person shooters. Therefore, I'm introducing her to the one that really got me going. Sure, 007 Goldeneye would have been ideal, but my N64 and I haven't talked for years. Not since (insert dramatic pause here)…the incident.

Anyway, we'll break this down somewhat like a review for a game, but with the female psyche at the helm.
Got your safety goggles on? Ok…let's do this.



The Game:
Halo: Combat Evolved for the Xbox. This is considered to be the game that allowed the Xbox entrance into the console wars. I figured this would be a great place to start.




The Girl:
Andi : Girlfriend Evolved. Not much into gaming other than Spider Solitare, Word Scramble, and Zuma.


The Review

Halo Combat Evolved is one of the highest rated video games to hit the market. As a launch title, it gave Microsoft the kick it needed to enter the console race, then primarily dominated by Sony and Nintendo. From Bungie Studios, creators of Marathon, came Halo.

Just by looking at the cover of this game, what do you think it is about?
Andi:
Some type of futuristic war most likely against aliens


Graphics:
While certainly a bit outdated, Halo: CE boasts impressive graphics to this day. Texture detail is still impressive, even after all these years. The mouth animations are a bit stiff, as are some character movements. The environments in Halo: CE have continually been a source of criticism, especially The Library level (ugh). A lot of the levels feel as if they are being repeated and that you're looking at the same wall or hallways the whole way through. The assault on the beach is superbly done and a blast to play.

What do you think of the graphics in this game?
Andi:
I think that they're decent for a fairly older game. The flood, covenant and chief all look good but human faces are a little sketchy and not very realistic. Scenery is alright but not very detailed or textured.


Sound:
Marty O'Donnell and company really started off with a bang with Halo: CE. The musical score is fantastic (as usual) and the sound effects are top notch. Bullets and plasma generate realistic sound when flying past your helmet, explosions boom loud and strong, and voice acting is pretty good all around.

What do you think of the voice work and sound in this game?
Andi:
I think the voice acting is good. Chief doesn't say much but he sounds cool when he does. I think Cortona is humorous but can be taken seriously as well. As for guns and explosions they all sound pretty realistic, or at least similar to what I think a covenant gun would sound like if it existed.

Fun Factor:
Playing through Halo: CE again (this would be my 5th time through the game) was a treat. Regarded as the best in the trilogy, it stands the test of time. Players who have been stuck on Halo 3 should go backwards and start from the beginning to relive the story that began it all.

Do you think the typical non-gamer girlfriend would enjoy this game?
Andi:
No, probably not. The controls can be a little overwhelming and are really hard to get used to. The story line is also hard to follow. I played the game hoping to finally understand what Halo is about and still feel pretty confused. I also think the maps are confusing and it probably would have taken me forever (or never because I would have walked away) to beat if I weren't playing with my boyfriend.

What would be a good way for a boyfriend to get his girlfriend into this game, if at all?
Andi:
I think it would be rough for a guy to get his girlfriend into this game. Mine tried the whole "Cortana & Chief" romance thing (nice try, babe). And even if she tried it, I think most girls would get frustrated with the controls and give up pretty quickly. But if you do convince her to play, be patient. Walk her through the buttons and the joysticks. Explain things like weapons and vehicles, and most importantly HAVE FUN with it. I feel self conscious enough playing video games and there is nothing worse than my boyfriend getting pissed off and aggravated. Encourage and coach her. It'll help. All in all I'd say give it up boys. This is one for you and your friends to play at home online and you can corpse hump each other all you want and not be called gay by the girls ;-)

Final Girlfriend Approval Rating: 5 out of 10
Andi:
Girls- If you're really trying to show your boyfriend how much you love him (or lost a bet like me) don't give up. The controls seem hard at first, I know I was running into walls and looking at the ceiling. But you really do get used to it. My biggest advice- back up! When things are flying at you and you don't know up from down just back up and get your grounding. It makes it a lot easier.

Well there you have it folks, you're first glimpse into the mind of a hot girl when she plays a hot game. Tune in next month for the next installment. Special thanks to Andi for being so awesome and to my brother Dave for the kick-ass logo.

Leave some comments suggesting games you'd like to see in a future column.