Eric Ruth, the man behind 8-bit makeovers for such titles as DJ Hero and Left 4 Dead, has recently released an 8-bit version of Halo: Combat Evolved.

Ruth has previously faced the threat of legal action from Activision (no surprise there) for his Pixel Force DJ Hero title. Evidently undeterred, he’s gone on to release Pixel Force Halo as a side-scrolling NES-styled remake of the original game. Pixel Force Halo features simplified NES-style controls, graphics, and even its own soundtrack in chiptune form.

Pixel Force Halo is available for download here.

Here’s hoping Ruth’s creativity won’t be squelched by understandable but misguided IP protection suits. It’s obvious that the biggest targets for games like these are fans who already follow the franchises’ official releases. Besides, it might be protected under Fair Use!