10 Awesome Video Game Levels That Ended Painfully Soon

Most entries on this list are remembered because they introduce a unique weapon or an awe-inspiring mechanic. But in Halo: Combat Evolved, The Silent Cartographer assignment is a fan-favourite simply because every aspect of it is flawlessly designed.

The level starts with a D-Day-style assault on a Covenant-controlled beach, immersing players immediately and showcasing large-scale action. Your tasks alternates between intense combat, quiet exploration, and vehicle traversal, keeping things varied and engaging.

Rather than following a linear path, you can take whatever approach you desire to complete your objectives. You can decide whether to rush the beach, storm bunkers, or take the Warthog for a spin. Since you can travel through different paths, it's easier to miss certain objectives, adding an extra layer of strategy.

It's also important to know that finding the Cartographer lets Master Chief locate the control room for the Halo ring. Since the stakes have never been higher, players should be more determined than ever to achieve their goal.

The Silent Cartographer is reasonably long, taking about 30 minutes to complete. However, it offers a riveting experience unlike anything else in the game, so it's a shame there wasn't more like it.