When Halo: Combat Evolved launched alongside the original Xbox in November 2001, it was more than just a game — it was the system’s killer app. Bungie’s cinematic storytelling, sprawling alien landscapes, and refined console-friendly FPS controls gave Microsoft the credibility it needed to compete with PlayStation and Nintendo. Halo became synonymous with Xbox itself, moving millions of consoles and shaping the brand’s identity as a home for cutting-edge shooters.