When Halo 1 first came out for the x-box it was the most amazing thing to happen to gaming. In its time the graphics were insane, the action was great, and the weapon selection was quite nice. Halo 2 was still great but it was a down fall to halo 1. Halo 3 has extremely great graphics and in my opinion it is the best halo game out there. I hope they make another Halo(besides halo wars).
it depends on what style of game you like... for me, I'd have to say HALO3 only because it's very complex. Not that i wouldn't play HALO1 if i had the chance, that game's classic.