Halo 2
Binding : Video Game
ProductGroup : Video Games
Manufacturer : Microsoft
Brand : Microsoft
Label : Microsoft
Publisher : Microsoft
Model : XBMSFT 805529792234
Platform : Xbox
Studio : Microsoft
ReleaseDate : 2004-11-09
Lowest Used Price: USD $5.07
Lowest New Price: USD $15.99
- Master Chief can now wield two weapons at once, board Covenant vehicles and steal Covenant weapons like the incredible double energy sword
- Lead an all-new unit of super-soldiers, the ODST -- tougher, badder and deadlier versions of your old comrades
- New enemies, allies and surprises around every corner - intense combat action with enhanced AI and real-time lighting
- Immense single-player action with maassive landscapes and huge cities to explore and defend - destructible and interactive environments
- Take the action online with your Xbox Live and switch sides, to become a Covenant Elite!
Halo 2 continues the story of Master Chief, the heroic super-soldier who defied the invading alien Covenant and survived. The Covenant leaders within Halo are angry at this unheard of event. To save face, they launch an invasion of our planet. Earth's defenses are breached, and we're all in danger -- unless Master Chief can lead a small military squad to victory against Covenant forces, in all-out guerilla warfare!
Amazon.com
Halo 2 is one of those rare video games that garnishes attention from regular folk who wouldn't know which direction to point a game controller. With more than 1.5 million pre-orders and a massive release party in Times Square, the game enjoys the sort of buzz, and sales, generally reserved for boy wizards. But does it merit the hype?
Opening Scene
Halo 2 opens with a cut scene in the Covenant Holy City of High Charity. Much has happened since Master Chief (that's you) created so much havoc for the Covenant in the first Halo, and the Arbiter has much atoning to do for his failures. This first cut scene is long, but the lush graphics, orchestral sound, and polished voice talent for both this and other cut scenes as well as the game itself put most animated television shows to shame.
Much has happened since Master Chief created so much havoc for the Covenant in the first Halo, and the Arbiter has much atoning to do. |
In the end, though, Halo 2 is unabashedly a first-person shooter. It has a Mature rating and is not meant for kids. Gameplay is constant and intense. No sooner is one bunch of aliens taken care of than another descends. The controls are identical to the first game so those familiar with it will be up and blasting in no time. And the sound and graphics have been beefed up so that Halo 2 is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful console games available.
Opening Fire
Most of the weapons from the first game return, although strangely the MA5B Assault Rifle (the default weapon in the first game) is not available. There is a single melee weapon known as the Covenant Sword, but the controls for it are the same as that for all the shooter weapons, making it difficult to direct. Also, for a new twist, you can hold two of the smaller guns at the same time and shoot double-fisted.
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As for vehicles, the old favorites are back and joined by a few new, mostly Covenant wheeled monsters. Some improvements have been made to the AI so that the nonplayer characters can drive without running into too many obstacles while you man the turret. This improved AI also has enemies ducking for cover, and the banter from both the Marines and the bad guys has undergone massive improvements so that it no longer sounds quite so repetitive.
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On Your Own
The most significant change in the single-player game is with Master Chief's much-touted defensive suit. At the beginning of the game, he is told that the suit has been upgraded, but it's really undergone a severe downgrade. In Halo 2, the player has only one lifeline. Unlike in the first game, there is basically no defensive shield on the suit, making gameplay tougher. It can often take multiple--sometimes a maddening number--attempts to make it through thorny parts of the game.
Or with a Friend
Finally, no review of a Halo game is complete without mentioning multiplayer. One of the main reasons to buy Halo 2 is the ability to play through Xbox Live, a feature not included in the first game, which was among the original releases for the Xbox. Multiplayer for Halo 2 uses all of the same weapons and vehicles as in the single-player game, and the types of games available in Halo (King of the Hill, Slayer, Capture the Flag) return with a host of new maps. Multiplayer Halo 2 offers customizable profiles, control layout, and screens as well as a voice proximity feature, where you can talk with other players via an Xbox Communicator so that those closer to you sound louder than those farther away. Players can also create both permanent clans and temporary parties in the Xbox Live world. Undoubtedly, this multiplayer feature alone ensures that Halo 2 will remain a top-selling game for years to come. --David Morel
Pros:
- Lush graphics and orchestral sound
- Constant, thumping shoot-'em-up action
- Multiplayer available through Xbox live
Cons:
- Suit downgrade makes single-player often overly difficult
- Get ready for some bleary-eyed mornings
BAD GAME; RENT IT DON'T BUY IT (2009-05-24)
This is a horrible sequel to the first Halo game. The screen is pitch black 99% of the time and doesn't offer any real challenges.
Don't buy it, you've been warned.
The Best Game Ever (2009-05-16)
It's the best game I have ever played, this is per my 12 year old grandson. I purchased it for him as he has all the Halo games and is waiting for the next one to come out. He loves playing Halo as they are exciting and challenging.
Better than Halo (2009-03-23)
Halo 2 improved over Halo with better controls, dual wielding, and a few new weapons and enemies. One should be prepared for a little confusion, you not only fight as the master chief, in some chapters you fight as an enemy called the arbiter. I found this somewhat confusing and did not really care for playing the arbiter, it seemed like I was betraying my side. While it is a fun game, there are others I like much better.
Sweet game!!! (2009-03-13)
I own Halo Combat Evolved (Halo 1) and its pretty good but when I played Halo 2 at my cousins house it blew Evolved right of the map! Great graphics, awesome game play, about 1000 different weapons (alien and UNSC). You get to play as the alien traitor "THE ARBITER" and Master Chief (rip out guts tough as nails type of guy). Unfortunately as "THE ARBITER" you can's kill humans. Story lines...eh... who am I kiding it sucked but ya' know, ya' win some ya' lose some. I strongly recommend this game! Oh, buy the way this game wouldn't be rated M if when you whack a flood (zombie like creatures) they kinda' explode.
Just as good as the original. (2009-03-13)
Even though it shouldn't have to be said, this game is really good. Really good. If you ever played the first Halo, "Halo: Combat Evolved", then you should immediatly buy this sequel. You won't be dissapointed. My only complaint about this game is the missing Assault Rifle, but it was easy to get over because of the added in SMG. If you play Halo 2, I guarantee you won't ever be able to get enough of it. And just incase you do, I suggest you go buy a 360 and get Halo 3. Just trust me on this one, would I lie to you?
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