As the video game medium grows and improves, franchises surrounding one or a few characters have become commonplace. From Nathan Drake to Crash Bandicoot, these franchises have multiple installments that tell a compelling and highly entertaining story. The best way for younger generations to enjoy these games is through compilations that encapsulate a character's earliest or best gaming adventures. When Microsoft released Halo: The Master Chief Collection in 2014, it not only changed how gaming collections should be packaged, but it also became one of, if not the best gaming collections of all time.

However, what makes The Master Chief Collection such an amazing compilation isn't something that came with its release. When the collection came out, it included every first-person shooter in the main series and its spin-offs until Halo 4. But its online matchmaking was rocky, to say the least. Gamers could not matchmake quickly or enjoy long online sessions, making the capabilities nearly impossible to play. Even after constant updates, the developers at 343 Industries issued an apology. They offered a free month of Xbox Live Gold and customizable items along with a download for an early version of the Halo: ODST campaign. The collection didn't become the best overnight, but its status as a living anthology helps it rise above its contemporaries over its nearly seven years of existence.

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For The Master Chief Collection, a living anthology means that its developers will constantly add updates to the game, ensuring that the collection will offer a new experience every few months to a year. This has been seen so far with the later inclusion of Halo: ODST and 100 new achievements. Along with the live-action series Halo: Nightfall and a multiplayer beta for Halo 5: Guardians before its release. In addition, an interesting update that came in 2018 brought back glitches from Halo 2, like sword flying. As a result speedrunning became a mode for players to challenge themselves and added another layer of replayability.

With its multiplayer components perfected and continuing to be improved upon, a whole new world of Halo has come to life. The Master Chief Collection offers player customization to create their ideal spartan and even tweak their nameplate. Customization also extends to weaponry, ensuring that no member of the Spartans or Covenant looks the same. With the addition, competitive players have a chance to make their own creations iconic in the community.

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However, while there is a lot of attention being placed on the multiplayer, that doesn't mean the included games are only direct ports. In fact, some are nearly redone from the ground up. For Halo 2, developers worked to bring a completely HD version of the game, complete with improved audio. The same can also be said for some of its maps, as they were completely reworked top to bottom. Each game in the franchise offers a remastered look and consistent updates that ensure it can still stand with current consoles.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection impresses with the developers' level of care and attention put into the compilation. Not only does the franchise get constant updates to improve quality of life, but its multiplayer also gets constant additions, including a new opportunity for crossplay between PC players. But what makes The Master Chief Collection the best compilation of all time has nothing to do with its content. Instead, it's thanks to the developer's support and the promise that each game is just as important now as it was during its release.

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