HD remakes have become a hot topic within the gaming industry in the recent months - and with the upcoming release of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, 343 Industries aims to give gamers a dose of nostalgia by taking them back to the beginning of one of the most recognizable FPS series ever.

Even though numerous companies are planning their own HD remakes, Konami included, 343 Industries wants gamers to know that this title will be a "specific event" - not a trend of remaking Xbox games.

While many would be quick to jump at the idea that the release of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary may mark the beginning of a whole rash of remade classic Xbox games, 343 Industries states that the project doesn't represent a trend in this respect. The purpose for its creation was to go along with the ten-year anniversary of the Halo franchise. Studio chief Frank O'Connor stated that:

"This isn't part of pattern. We started work on Halo Anniversary conceptually a couple of years ago because we know the ten-year celebration was coming up. It was something people had asked for really specifically, like: 'Give us an HD remake of Halo.' A lot of people just wanted everything on the same platform, Halo 2 as well. They don't span the platform. This is a gift to the fans and it's not part of some sort of movement at Microsoft... If this was the 12th year [since Halo launched] we probably wouldn't be doing it. It's a specific event."

Even though this is sure to dash many gamers' dreams of getting their hands on an HD remake of games such as Crimson Skies, it also opens up the doors for speculation regarding a now-possible remake of the insanely popular Xbox title Halo 2. With no solid yes or no answer regarding that release, it would not be out of the question for it to eventually see the light of day, especially considering 343's statement that people want "everything on the same platform."

This all comes at the same time as Konami releasing HD remakes of their Metal Gear Solid Collection and Zone Of The Enders. Even though they state that there is no trend planned, it would definitely please a large number of gamers to see a release of Halo 2 on the Xbox 360. Regardless, if the upcoming release of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary can live up to the hype created by 343 Industries who "feel great" about the future of the series, as well as the fact that it includes Kinect support, it will no doubt be one of the year's biggest releases.

Do you think that an HD remake of Halo 2 is a possibility? Which classic Xbox games would you have liked to see remade?

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary returns gamers to the beginning of the iconic Halo saga when it hits store shelves on November 15, 2011 for the Xbox 360.

Source: CVG