Halo Combat Evolved is considered innovative because it successfully translated the keyboard and mouse onto a controller with 6 face buttons, two analog sticks, one D-pad, and two triggers buttons. It had incredible graphics for the time, and was really one of the first titles almost anyone who bought an Xbox ever played. It had a deep multiplayer component, and was really the game that put Microsoft on the Gaming Map.
Halo 2 however built on that and made it so much better adding new weapons and elements like the Battle rifle, and the covenant sword, as well as dual wielding all while stripping a lot of the things that made Halo: CE a great game. Nerfing the pistol, getting rid of the Assault Rifle, cock-slap ending.... etc.
Halo 3 is the complete package. Best of Halo 1 2 and new elements included, and it isn't seen as innovative because in the 6-7 years between the games, other games came out and modified the concept to a point where it was in some cases BETTER then Halo. Best game in the series? Possibly. Best game ever made? No far from it. It's a diamond with rough edges which can be approximated to every great game or even movie or music track.
Halo 2 however built on that and made it so much better adding new weapons and elements like the Battle rifle, and the covenant sword, as well as dual wielding all while stripping a lot of the things that made Halo: CE a great game. Nerfing the pistol, getting rid of the Assault Rifle, cock-slap ending.... etc.
Halo 3 is the complete package. Best of Halo 1 2 and new elements included, and it isn't seen as innovative because in the 6-7 years between the games, other games came out and modified the concept to a point where it was in some cases BETTER then Halo. Best game in the series? Possibly. Best game ever made? No far from it. It's a diamond with rough edges which can be approximated to every great game or even movie or music track.