Halo: Campaign Evolved Collector's Edition Includes a Relic of a Bygone Gaming Era

Halo: Campaign Evolved isn’t just remaking a 25-year-old game — it's reviving the entire era it comes from. Microsoft recently confirmed that the campaign-only remake of the original Halo game will finally launch in late July. Alongside the standard digital version, the company is offering two special editions, one of which is a premium physical collector's edition that celebrates Halo in a grand way. This edition includes in-game items, a 12-inch Master Chief statue, a steelbook, and art prints. But the standout feature is its inclusion of a "reimagined" version of the original game’s manual — a relic from a time when physical media was king.

A Nostalgic Throwback to Gaming's Past

Video game manuals have largely fallen out of favor for over a decade. The last time games included detailed manuals was during the Xbox 360 and PS3 era, a time when physical media was still the norm. However, that generation also marked the end of the era of thick, informative manuals. As game publishers sought to cut costs and reduce paper usage, manuals were reduced to basic pamphlets with safety warnings and legal disclaimers, lacking the in-depth guides, images, and helpful tips that once made them essential.

The rise of the internet also played a role in this decline. Players could easily find information about games online, making physical manuals less necessary. Over time, consoles even began offering features that provided useful in-game information, further reducing the need for printed guides. This shift has left many physical media enthusiasts feeling disenfranchised, especially with the rise of digital-only collector's editions for PlayStation games that often omit discs entirely.

Microsoft appears to be addressing this concern with the new Halo: Campaign Evolved collector's edition. It includes a physical manual inspired by the original game, as well as a disc for both Xbox and PS5 versions. This move is a welcome nod to the past, though it's worth noting that the disc likely won't include the full game, as the standard edition packaging indicates a download will still be required.

In related news, Halo: Campaign Evolved has released a new trailer captured on PS5 Pro. The trailer’s disclaimer was particularly noteworthy, given Xbox’s recent emphasis on exclusives and reclaiming console power for its brand.

Halo: Campaign Evolved will be released on July 28th for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC. Premium and collector's edition owners will also get five days of early access to the game.

Where to Buy

  • Xbox (Physical):
    • See at Amazon - $49.99
    • See at Best Buy - $49.99
    • See at GameStop - $49.99
    • See at Walmart - $49.99