Halo Zero

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Halo Zero

Developer(s)	Dobermann Software
Publisher(s)	self-published
Release date(s)	December 12, 2005
Genre(s)	2D sidescrolling platform game
Mode(s)	single player, online multiplayer.
Platform(s)	Microsoft Windows
Media	Internet content delivery
System requirements	1 GHz CPU, 256MB RAM
Input	mouse, keyboard

Halo Zero is a free fan-made two-dimensional platform game based on Bungie Studios' Halo series. The game was developed by Dobermann Software, a French independent game studio, and was released for online distribution on December 12, 2005.^[1] In Halo Zero, the player assumes the role of Master Chief as he battles Covenant forces on Reach, prior to the events of Halo: Combat Evolved.

Halo Zero was created using Multimedia Fusion Pro, a software authoring tool designed by Clickteam. Being derived largely from Halo: Combat Evolved, the game features sprite representations of Halo:CE characters and weapons, some of which were borrowed from Halo: Blood Covenant, another fan-made game.

Dobermann Software has no plans to port Halo Zero to any video game console due to legal concerns and a lack of funding. Mac or Linux ports of the title are also unlikely, as the Multimedia Fusion Pro program was developed exclusively for Windows. The developers have noted that they do not wish to release their code or development rights to any third party. However Dobermann Software has released a level development tool, currently available for download at the official Halo Zero site.

In addition to its non-console status, the game is incompatible with the Halo games and book series, and as such, is considered non-canonical.

Although the game features an online multiplayer mode, players may experience technical difficulties because of several design flaws. Two players can join the same server, but lag and other connection failures occur, and players with routers cannot host servers even with correct port configuration. These and other technical concerns are addressed in the official Halo Zero FAQ.^[2]