The Visual Art Style of Halo.
Halo: Combat Evolved's art style masterfully balances realism and science fiction, creating a visually striking and immersive universe. The game's environments exhibit vast diversity, ranging from the lush, verdant landscapes of the Halo ring world to the sterile, metallic interiors of ancient Forerunner structures. Each level is intentional, contributing to the narrative of the mysterious Forerunner civilization that created Halo. The art team designed sharp geometric shapes to evoke a sense of otherworldly spectacle, while ensuring the organic elements felt alive. This natural and artificial design mirrors the game's broader themes of humanity's survival against multiple formidable alien forces. The use of light enhances the tone, making every location—whether a tropical cliff side or a dark and claustrophobic corridor—guides the tension and shift the tone.
The character and vehicle designs reflect both the futuristic design and lore, with Master Chief's iconic green power armor serving as a symbol of resilience and hope. The Covenant's designs stand out for their unique alien aesthetics. They utilize vibrant colors and flowing shapes that contrast with the militaristic human designs. Complemented by carefully textured models and atmospheric effects, Halo: Combat Evolved's art style remains timeless, despite it's aging textures. Halo set up an iconic style that Bungee still references to this day in their other games.