So, one of the most thrown around phrases round these parts is "X isn't Halo". It's been thrown around in terms of the actual game itself (Most common being Reach and 4 these days). But I ask this - What is Halo to you? What makes Halo, "Halo"? Is it the gameplay, the competitive potential or is it the Developer itself?
Personally, what makes Halo, "Halo" for me is the lore and the Forerunners especially. The sense of wonder, excitement and discovery surrounds them. My first real source of Halo (Played Reach casually as my first Halo game, didn't think much of it - probably the game that feels the least "Halo) was Cryptum, and every page turn brought something new to marvel at.
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Story, lore, customization, custom games, forge and competitive multiplayer (well it used to at least).