Halo 2 (Xbox)

Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp. Part number: 79223

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CNET Editor rating:
4.5 stars Spectacular
Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 93 reviews

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Description:: Halo 2 is the sequel to the highly successful and critically acclaimed Halo: Combat Evolved. In Halo 2, the saga continues as Master Chief - a genetically enhanced super-soldier - is the only thing standing between the relentless Covenant and the destruction of all humankind.

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Gamespot editors' review

Halo 2 (Xbox)

price range: $19.99 - $56.49

Reviewed by: Greg Kasavin
Reviewed on: 11/07/2004
Updated on:10/05/2005
Released on: 11/09/2004

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Halo 2, the long-awaited sequel to one of the most widely praised, most influential first-person shooters ever created, has a very tough act to follow. Fortunately, it's built on a foundation that's as strong as they come. The game's success was preordained--publisher Microsoft tallied more than 1.5 million Halo 2 preorders in the weeks leading up to the game's release, which demonstrates just how confident Halo's fans are in the sequel's quality. But how is it, really? The good news is, the sequel to the Xbox's defining action game is an absolutely superb, fully featured game, boasting an excellent presentation, a highly replayable campaign, and the greatest, most complete online multiplayer component in a console shooter yet. A surprisingly disappointing story and a fairly short single-player portion are noticeable shortcomings, but there's just so much breadth of content in Halo 2, and the action itself is so outstanding, that there can be no denying its quality. Overall, it's one of the very best action games available.

It's good to see you, Master Chief.

There are several reasons why the original Halo ranks up there with a very small number of other first-person shooters as one of the definitive games in the genre. For one thing, Halo succeeded at establishing a cohesive, memorable, and original science-fiction universe. For another, the Master Chief, Halo's cybernetic protagonist, made a great hero. A fearless, enigmatic man, the Chief could succeed where pure flesh-and-blood humans could not, and guiding him to victory against the alien menace known as the Covenant, as well as the parasitic creatures called the Flood, made for a gripping story and an intense and satisfying gameplay experience.

Halo's gameplay was amazing in that it seamlessly integrated top-notch first-person shooting with incredibly fun third-person vehicular sequences and outstanding friendly and enemy artificial intelligence. The game's subtle innovations--the tactical consequences of such things as having recharging energy shields, being able to carry only a couple of weapons at a time, the ability to throw powerful grenades in between shots, and the option of dishing out fierce melee attacks--also did a lot to differentiate Halo from other shooters, and proceeded to influence subsequent games. Halo's multiple, well-balanced difficulty settings, two-player cooperative campaign option, and assorted multiplayer modes also ensured that the game had tons of lasting appeal. All these factors contributed to the game's well-deserved success, and they're all back in Halo 2. For the most part, the sequel takes an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach to its gameplay--everything that you loved about Halo's action is back in full effect here. At the same time, the handful of new additions in Halo 2 are well thought out and well implemented, enriching the gameplay and making it seem fresh but still familiar.

Everything that you maybe didn't love about Halo is pretty much back, too. Let's face it: Halo was an incredible game, but some aspects of it were relatively weak. Most notably, many players felt that the game's occasionally repetitive level designs undermined the action, such as when the Master Chief squared off against the Flood in the infamous Library level. Also, though the game's visuals were terrific in the heat of battle, Halo's cinematic cutscenes using the game's 3D engine left a lot to be desired--they looked decidedly rough when compared with the rest of the game. These shortcomings rear their heads again in Halo 2, at least during the game's campaign. Some of the in-engine cutscenes are kind of ugly, though they're much better than those of the original. Meanwhile, the action itself is as dynamic and intense as ever, to the point where it can be tons of fun to replay the same sequence over and over, since you'll find that the friendly and enemy forces you'll be battling with will never act quite the same way twice. However, Halo 2's campaign--though it features a number of memorable, spectacular set pieces--frequently boils down to straight-up run-and-gun corridor crawls, one after another.

Halo 2 plays much like its three-year-old predecessor, and the gameplay's just as fun and intense as ever. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

All your attention tends to get concentrated on the action itself, partly because the action is just so good but also because there's often little of interest in the game's environments. The level design is quite striking at times--you'll find yourself stopping just to gaze at the architecture--but it's occasionally monotonous enough to be confusing. You'll sometimes wander aimlessly for a few minutes, unable to tell which way is forward and which way is backward, until you happen upon the next signs of enemy resistance. Basically, the campaign is still a linear series of shootouts, some of which are open-ended enough to afford you the ability to choose from multiple weapons or vehicles, and some of which are more rigid. If the Flood levels of Halo didn't bother you, then you probably won't mind the similar sequences in Halo 2. If you don't fondly recall those bits of the first game, though, you might find yourself frustrated that Halo 2 follows a similar formula.

Even the content of Halo 2's campaign isn't significantly different from that of the first game. Prepare to take on many of the same foes in many of the same types of situations and locales. Of course, the game does take you into some new territory and pits you against some new threats (such as some hard-to-hit flying enemies and an enormous spiderlike Covenant battle tank), and sure enough, these sequences turn out to be some of the best bits of the campaign. Early on, for instance, you'll be defending Earth itself from a Covenant assault, rampaging through the war-torn streets on foot, at the wheel (or the mounted turret) of a Warthog 4x4, or in the belly of a devastating Scorpion battle tank. All this is thrilling. Yet while it's hard to imagine a better setup for Halo 2's action than putting the fate of Earth's defense in your hands, the game turns out to have other intentions, and rather suddenly changes gears after just a few hours.

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Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 93 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 93

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5 stars

2 YEARS OF HYPE - 7 HOURS OF PLAY

by dslcobra on July 19, 2005

Pros: It looks great on my Shelf

Cons: I wasted $60 on the limited Edition pack

Summary: Halo 2 is probably the most hyped game ever. I mean, to a level of hype surpassing Metal Gear Solid, Super Mario 3 and all the final Fantasy games put ...

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Summary: Halo 2 is probably the most hyped game ever. I mean, to a level of hype surpassing Metal Gear Solid, Super Mario 3 and all the final Fantasy games put together.

What we have here is a cleverly marketed game which fails to meet the expectations that all the E3 talk and all the sneak peek footage built up over the period of time between the release of Halo and November 2004. I don't think anyone knew when they lined up for Halo2 awaiting its release that the sequel was going to pale in comparison to the original. I must admit, after sitting down with it for 5 minutes after getting it out the box, I thought it was simply amaizing. Unfortunately, after sitting down with it for a weekend, beating it and then looking into its replay value, I must say, this was the worst waste of money I have ever participated in.

I won't bother reviewing the game because by now, everyone has played it. Many people went out and bought the rapidly obsolescing XBOX to play it. Other people will play it at a friend's house. The major inclusions of the sequel are dual wielding of weapons, mosre vehicles for multiplayer and more sound and video treats. The graphics have been upgraded with cinematic quality bump mapping and the Sound has been upgrades with all types of codecs and sound scemes to get the most out of a surround sound system or LCD TV.
Unfortunately the gameplay is boring, repetitive and its basic mechanics have been altered since HALO.

The Singleplayer experience is long winded and feels short because many levels aren't very exciting. Master Chief must now share his time with the Covenant arbiter who you must also control to see a different point of view of the game's storyline. The story ends with a cliffhanger and its anyone's guess how the 3rd installment of Halo will end since we were expecting a finale in this game but don't get it.
The levels in SP are heavily scripted at times and don't lend themselves well to freedom of exploration.

Multiplayer games have degenerated into run and gun battles where any player regardless of skill can rush up to the next and kill him prior to the same thing happening to him in turn. Then you have to worry about the X-Box Live cheaters who have figured out ways to MOD their Xbox's.
Other than that, multiplayer is an unrewarding, often boring experience where you jump from server to server battling all types of people based on the games difficult to understand stat system. I perfer the ease of use and fun of COUNTERSTRIKE.

Needless to say, HALO2 still sits unused on my shelf and it has been that way for months. I haven't played it since i can't remember. fortunately Counterstrike, which I purchased way back in Novemeber 2003, remains my favorite, XBOX game and has a multiplayer that is fun, derivative and actually requires skill to play.

I don't know if I will be jumping up to get HALO 3. Frankly, I was much more impressed by the original than this lackluster sequel. If I had known this game was this dissapointing, I would never have purchased it.

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3 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

XBOX LIVE + HALO2 - Revolutionary Game Experience

by Halifax on May 25, 2005

Pros: XBOX LIVE, Great Multiplayer Depth

Cons: Single Player

Summary: Personally I feel that there are really 2 Halo2 experiences - The single player and the XBOX Live experience. Let me first say that the Single Player campaign is great ...

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Summary: Personally I feel that there are really 2 Halo2 experiences - The single player and the XBOX Live experience. Let me first say that the Single Player campaign is great and is not really that short - 10 hours is 10 hours and try playing the more difficult settings..... If you beat it in a week I'd be impressed!
XBOX Live is THE REASON to play this game! There is incredible depth to the online game with numerous game types, and options to please even the most demanding player. Up to 16 players can go to war at one time (CTF, Death-Match and King of the Hill are just s few of the options to play). Play with friends, form a team or just have fun, every type of player is represented and supported by XBOX Live.

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
6 stars

meh... coulda been better

by wassupwasabi3000 on June 8, 2005

Pros: Xbox Live play, dual wielding, vehicle boarding, great soundtrack, just plain fun

Cons: THE FRIGGIN' CRAPPY ENDING, nearly identical to Halo 1

Summary: Yeah, it's fun and the graphics are good, but, save for dual wielding and vehicle boarding, it's exactly the same as Halo 1. If you rush through the ...

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Summary: Yeah, it's fun and the graphics are good, but, save for dual wielding and vehicle boarding, it's exactly the same as Halo 1. If you rush through the single player game, the ending will make you cry- and not it the good way. Dual wielding is mediocre- sure it's great to have two guns, but you can't use grenades, and ammo management can become a drag. Vehicle boarding is great, and it's satisfying to knock those Conenant b*st*rds out of their vehicles. Sure it's a great game (especially mulitplayer) but it's just Halo with some minor adjustments.

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1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

could be better...

by TheVerySpeedyMan7723 on January 23, 2008

Pros: Preety good graphics for a sequel,good that you can dual wield and that there s a bigger weapon selection.

Cons: you cant really explore very much

Summary: A preety good game in its genre

Summary: A preety good game in its genre
9 stars

Awesome...still play it.

by ttfootball60 on June 1, 2007

Pros: Xbox live play in this game will draw you in for hours, days, or even months. I still play it to this day. Aside from that, everything except the short campaign is good.

Cons: Of course, like everyone says, campaign mode is short...although it is not terrible.

Summary: Can't wait until 3 comes out.

Summary: Can't wait until 3 comes out.
10 stars

Halo 2: A Masterpiece

by SteeELerZZ on May 16, 2007

Pros: Outstanding intuitive controlls, great story line, great g raphics, amazing shooter, great campaign, legendary multi-player, challenging, addicting

Cons: none i can think of.

Summary: what a game! best shooter out there
great story line, challenging, outrageous xbox live game, best game to play with friends.

Summary: what a game! best shooter out there
great story line, challenging, outrageous xbox live game, best game to play with friends.
9 stars

This game is great

by ssavoy0329 on April 8, 2007

Pros: Stunning graphics, good story line

Cons: Cannot play with 3+ people on Co-Op

Summary: This game is one of the best games for the xbox. I typically play the splitscreen (player(s) vs. player(s)) more than the Co-Op. All of the games features ...

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Summary: This game is one of the best games for the xbox. I typically play the splitscreen (player(s) vs. player(s)) more than the Co-Op. All of the games features and details + the storyline make it a good buy.

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9 stars

Online on halo rules

by jessev1823 on February 9, 2007

Pros: great online tons of fun

Cons: dont like 1st player mode much

Summary: good thing online is great cuz i really didnt like 1 player mode much

Summary: good thing online is great cuz i really didnt like 1 player mode much
9 stars

Amazing Online play but very short campaign

by DancingDuck21 on January 20, 2007

Pros: AMAZING online play

Cons: relatively boring campaign and very short

Summary: This game is amazing for the most part. i was a little disapointed with the campaign because it was so short and it was a little boring until you reach ...

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Summary: This game is amazing for the most part. i was a little disapointed with the campaign because it was so short and it was a little boring until you reach the last few chapters. The online play is amazing with some nice people and then some not so nice. overall this game is really good and worth the money

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10 stars

Multiplayer keeps you coming back

by XDerkaX on January 5, 2007

Pros: Multiplayer

Cons: Campaign cliffhanger, various online hacking, bridging, etc

Summary: I have been playing Halo 2 online for more than 2 years now. Trust me, get this game!

Summary: I have been playing Halo 2 online for more than 2 years now. Trust me, get this game!

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 93

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
Part number: 79223
Description: Halo 2 is the sequel to the highly successful and critically acclaimed Halo: Combat Evolved. In Halo 2, the saga continues as Master Chief - a genetically enhanced super-soldier - is the only thing standing between the relentless Covenant and the destruction of all humankind.

Product Basic Spec
Platform Xbox
ESRB rating Mature - Sexual Themes,Language,Violence,Blood and Gore
Genre Action
Elements First-Person Shooter
Context Sci-Fi
Number of players 1-16 Players
Number of online players 16 Players Online
Connectivity Broadband Only, Online, System Link
Difficulty Variable
Learning curve About a half hour
Customization Downloadable Content
Offline modes Competitive, Cooperative, Team Oriented
Online modes Competitive, Cooperative, Team Oriented
Sound Dolby Digital 5.1
Resolution 480p (progressive)

Game
Developer Bungie Software
ESRB Mature
ESRB descriptors Sexual Themes,Language,Violence,Blood and Gore
Max number of players 16
Min number of players 1
Release date 11/9/2004

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