Halo: The Birth of a Legend - A Retrospective Look at One of Gaming's Most Iconic Titles

Released initially for the Microsoft Windows and Mac OS platforms in September 2003 under the moniker 'Microsoft Halo,' this first-person shooter would later go by its more widely recognized name, simply titled 'Halo.' Developed exclusively by Bungie Studios (now known as Infinity Ward), a renowned American video game development company founded in November 1994, and published worldwide through Microsoft Game Studio's subsidiary label Microsoft Game Studios.

This seminal release marked the debut of one of gaming's most beloved franchises - Halo. The series would go on to spawn numerous sequels, prequels, spin-offs, merchandise tie-ins, live-action television adaptations (including a critically-acclaimed science fiction action-drama webseries produced by 343 Industries and Xbox Entertainment Studios), comic book miniseries published through Dark Horse Comics' imprint under license from Microsoft Game Studio's parent company at the time - and naturally countless pieces of fan-made content across every medium imaginable.

But back to our main topic: Halo. The game itself follows an elite supersoldier codename 'Master Chief Petty Officer John-117' (or simply Master Chief) as he awakens aboard UNSC (United Nations Space Command) Pillar Of Autumn, a human starship under attack by alien forces known collectively as the Covenant.

With limited information available about his past or purpose beyond being humanity's last hope against an impending alien invasion force intent on exterminating all organic life forms within their reach - Master Chief must fight tooth-and-nail through hordes of genetically-engineered super-soldiers called Elite (also referred to simply as Elites) and other deadly Covenant troops while attempting to escape from the doomed vessel before it collides with a mysterious ringworld hurtling towards Earth at breakneck speeds.

Halo's release marked an era-defining moment in gaming history. It introduced players worldwide to one of its most iconic protagonists - Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 - and cemented Bungie Studios' place as masters of first-person shooters.

Halo 1 release date