Much-hyped Xbox remake of classic game gets the update we all feared
Everybody loves a good remake in the gaming world, as it often revives a classic title with updated graphics, improved performance, and quality of life features that make it the definitive experience of something that was already well loved.
The nature of console generations means that some of history's best games are effectively trapped on the platform they originally released, meaning that younger gamers and those who want to replay a classic don't necessarily have the option to.
Gamers typically have wish lists of titles they are desperate to receive the remake treatment, and one major Xbox classic appears to be on everyone's lips and in line for a refresh in the near future.
However, a recent insider update has seemingly confirmed the biggest fear for fans, leaving many with a sour taste in their mouth and their anticipation in the gutter.
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What Xbox classic is likely getting a remake?
As reported by the Metro, Halo: Combat Evolved appears to be all but confirmed to receive a remake within the next year, with even Xbox boss Phil Spencer hinting towards its existence.
While it has fallen by the wayside with recent entries, Halo is without a doubt the Xbox brand's biggest series, heavily influencing what the first person shooter genre would become in the 21st century, and it all began back in 2001 with the release of Combat Evolved.
It lines up perfectly timing wise too, as 2026 marks not only the 25th anniversary of Combat Evolved and Halo as a series, but also the same birthday for the Xbox as a whole, and there would be no better way to celebrate it than with one of the games that ensured its success.
We're still yet to get an official confirmation of its existence, but notable leaker Rebs Gaming - who previously accurately reported on Halo Infinite's delay - has verified its existence, and even suggested that it'll make its way to PlayStation for the first time like the Gears of War remake.
However, Rebs Gaming's leak did come with a major caveat that fans won't want to hear, and it could dramatically change how excited you'll be for Combat Evolved when it officially drops.
What has Rebs Gaming said about the Halo: Combat Evolved remake?
According to Rebs Gaming's sources, there is currently no suggestion that the Halo: Combat Evolved remake will feature multiplayer, and it instead will likely focus solely on the campaign mode.
It's unclear whether this would also rule out split-screen and online co-op multiplayer for the campaign, but it remains a major blow to what could have been a return to form following the disappointment of Infinite.
Having no multiplayer would serve as an accurate recreation of the original Combat Evolved experience, as it wasn't until its sequel, Halo 2, that online PvP action was added.
You could still fight against your friends and family using a LAN connection though, with support for lobbies up to 16 players, and the Halo name has become so synonymous with multiplayer that this would prove to be an incredibly strange move.
It's even weirder when you consider that Combat Evolved technically had multiplayer as part of the Halo: Master Chief Collection, even if it was just remade maps using the Halo: Reach engine.
Leaks do always have to be taken with a pinch of salt though, and things might change when (or if) a Combat Evolved remake is officially announced.