Microsoft Holding Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Launch Parties Across The U.S.

The 10th anniversary of Halo: Combat Evolved is coming up quick, and to celebrate the launch of the remake, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Microsoft is holding massive launch parties at MS Store across the U.S.

• VIDEO: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Launch Trailer Here To Psych You Up

On November 14 there will be 13 MS stores holding festivities like 16 player Red vs. Blue matches with free food and friendly competition. Plus, the first 100 fans at each store will get neat Halo swag like a Halo: Anniversary” poster, a Red or Blue team identifier and more. If you're one of the first 100 to actually buy the game you'll also get a limited-edition Grunt plushie.

On top of that, everyone who plays in a launch event tournament will also get the chance to win a limited-edition “Halo: Anniversary” Xbox 360 console skin and other special prizes.

Microsoft is also giving away $25 gift cards if you pre-order Halo: Anniversary at their store. The events will run from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. local time, and you can RSVP on Facebook.

Here's the list of MS Stores that will be holding launch parties:

• Atlanta, Georgia (Lenox Square Mall)
• Bellevue, Washington (Bellevue Square Mall)
• Bloomington, Minnesota (Mall of America)
• Costa Mesa, California (South Coast Plaza)
• Houston, Texas (Houston Galleria)
  • Special appearance by Certain Affinity developers and the creators of “Red vs. Blue” from Rooster Teeth
• Lone Tree, Colorado (Park Meadows Mall)
• Los Angeles, California (Westfield Century City)
  • Special appearance by “Halo” franchise development director Frank O’Connor and the 343 team
• Mission Viejo, California (The Shops at Mission Viejo)
• Oak Brook, Illinois (Oakbrook Center)
• San Diego, California (Fashion Valley Mall)
• Santa Clara, California (Westfield Valley Fair)
• Scottsdale, Arizona (Scottsdale Fashion Square)
• Seattle, Washington (University Village)
• o    Special appearance by “Halo: Anniversary” executive producer Dan Ayoub, community manager BS Angel and the 343 team

We got to check out Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary at PAX and I found it to be a great throwback to the original Halo. With all the new features and reimagined maps it was a fun way to jump back in to that world.

• DETAILS: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Hands-On Impressions -- Combat Evolved...Evolved

Will you be picking up Halo: Anniversary, and if so, do you plan on checking out one of the Microsoft Stores' launch parties?

Have something to share? Sitting on a news tip? E-mail me. You can also follow me on Twitter!