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As expected, Microsoft Game Studios released the PC version of their highly-anticipated first person shooter Halo: Combat Evolved Tuesday.

The Gearbox Software conversion of the Bungie Studio title, originally released for the Xbox gaming console in 2001, features the original version's first person shooter aspects, while enhancing the multiplayer side of the game to incorporate internet play. The game's graphics and sound engines have also been updated to take advantage of today's much more powerful computer hardware.

In conjunction with the game's release, IMG is posting an in-depth preview of the Mac version of the game. Over on the other side of the fence, PC gaming website Gamespot has published a three page review of the new PC title. Click on the link below to check out the article.

As most IMG readers know, Westlake Interactive's Duane Johnson, Ken Cobb and Phil Sulak are currently working on the Mac port of the game. The port's progress was upgraded to Alpha stage early in September, and is expected to ship for the Christmas season. Veteran Mac game publishers MacSoft, who will be publishing the mac version, have yet to set the game's official minimum system requirements.

An interesting side note - while the game was only released yesterday, Gearbox is reportedly already working on a patch for the game. While details about the patch haven't yet been released, Mac users can be sure that the upcoming fix will be included in Westlake's port of the code.

Mac gamers drooling to play through this long-awaited title should head over to the IMG Store and place a an order for an advanced copy of the game. Pre-orders for the Mac version are being offered at $43.99 USD for MacGames CD and IMG Pro subscribers, and $48.99 USD for non-subscribers. Check out the links below for more info.

Halo PC Review At Gamespot

MacSoft (add to watch list)

Bungie Studios (add to watch list)

Westlake Interactive (add to watch list)

Halo: Combat Evolved (add to watch list)

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