Score: 94
Overall User Average: 9.39 / 10 (94.1%)
Gameplay User Average: 9.30 / 10
Graphics User Average: 9.47 / 10
Sound User Average: 9.41 / 10
speedy931
Date reviewed: January 24, 2009.
Overall: When I first get Halo 2 in my hand and put it to my xbox I was amazed. So great graphics, sound and everything. I played the campaign with my friend EASY and it was hard.
After beating campaign we went to live try that it was the best game I have tested, lot's of players, balanced and everything.
Gameplay is amazing, you can't get bored to Halo2. Campaign is hard with legendary.
Visual side of the game is great, I think it uses all of the Xbox, and still don't lag.
Music tracks are great too, performed by great orchestera.
So if you haven't tried Halo 2 yet, I'd say you HAVE to buy that, you won't spend money to nothing :P
Overall: 97 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 98 %
Sound: 96 %
ShadowSniper
Date reviewed: August 17, 2007.
Overall: Any body who says that Halo 2 is less than 5 is not a real gamer. This game has every thing you need in a game Awsome graphics perfect sound and most importantly a good stroy line. I cant even explan to you about the mutliplayer for Halo 2. It hard to explain just how addictive it is. In Halo for the PC I have a reputation as a sniper. I can take down anyone if you give me a sniper and also i can take you down with just 3 shots form the pistol. That is Halo1 multi player. Now Halo 2 Muti player is different you never want to put that controller down. Also you gain freinds there. Allies that come on the same time as you to play along side you. That's it for multi player as for the Campain.... IT IS TOO GOOD. I kinda expected it but I still lost my cool when in the end the master chief said "Sir finishing this fight". I can still imagine seeing people throwing ther controllers at the screen because they never got to finish their game. And as for the rating if 5 stand for an awsome game i give it a 10 on this rating scale.
Gameplay: Perfrect game play that is all i can say. I wonder every time i play that game who thought of that story line and also when is I am i going to start playing halo3
Graphics: Perfect graphics i cant imagine other games except Tom Clancy's game's competing with those kinds of graphics. Their so good if you were to imagine them in real life you would only need to chang a bit to make them have as detailed as this world.
Sound: To good to be true kinda sound. You can grenades bouncing and foot steps, you hear moaning from your enemy as you throw them on the ground in defeat.
Suggestions: Please let us drive the pelicans and all those other vehicles like the phatom and the ones that were right in front of in perfect condition that we couldn't get in to and make new vechiles. One last thing i have seen the new brutes on you tube everything you said about them in halo 2 is true, and thankyou for inproving on them for halo 3 you guys a geniuses thank the whole crew for me.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Beezy
Date reviewed: June 13, 2007.
Overall: Some people ought to be locked up for giving this game less than a 5 overall. Blind Whiplash is mental, this game is by far the BEST game on the xbox. The campaign is not quite as good as Halo's but the multiplayer kicks ass! It couldn't get any better, especially for those who can play online with a wireless internet connection. If you have an xbox and dont have Halo 2 you are crazy, you need to get it.
Gameplay: It's incredible, even better than the first, there are alot of new vehicles, like the "scorpion tank" this is an extremely powerful, heavily armored tank, with machine guns and a cannon that is more powerful than anything else in the game, it can take out a banshee in one shot. There are also alot of sweet new weapons. The "energy sword" is one of the most powerful of the weapons that are not on a vehicle. It is a long sword made of energy that slices through people and aliens and kills them in one attack in the body or head. It is very fun to use and if you get it you are pretty much unstoppable. Most of the multiplayer maps are new and addicting, and feature the "energy sword". The game never gets boring, I am telling you, If 6 was an option for the gameplay I would give it a 6.
Graphics: Visuals are great for the xbox. This game really has nice weapon deatail and graphics for the map. The characters and the covenent graphics are not great though, (for those of you who havent played this game or the first, they are your enemy aliens).
Sound: Sound is very good on this game. The sounds of the covenent are great, and all the moans and groans when shooting other people and covenent are cool, and the sound effects for all the weapons are sweet.
Suggestions: Just like Slab95 said, it would be nice to have computer players for multiplayer in Halo 3.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
Slab95
Date reviewed: June 13, 2007.
Overall: OMFG! This game is definitly the
very best game on the Xbox. The campaign
does get a little boring, but I still find my self
coming back and playing it when my brother is not around. And the multiplayer, oh that sweet multiplayer, its what makes Halo 2 shine. It is soooo addictive, once you play it, you will never want to stop.
Gameplay: What can I say? Its awesome! I never get bored from shooting stupid grunts in the head with a carbine.
Graphics: It is good, but not the best. Since you mostly see metal armor and aliens, you can't really tell if their good or not.
Sound: The sound in this game is fantastic. You hear the aliens shreik when they see you coming, and yell when they get shot. And the sound effects for the guns are good and unique.
Suggestions: I would like to have bots for multiplayer in Halo 3. Some people don't have any brothers or sisters or might be stupid nerdy geeks that everyone hates. So that would be cool to see in Halo 3.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
Blind Whiplash
Date reviewed: January 29, 2007.
Overall: For how much this game was anticipated it was a real disapointment in campaign. Multi-player was also lacking a bit.
Gameplay: Short gameplay that was boring most the time. Only the battles with huge groups of elites of brutes made it some-what interesting. There are too many glitches in this game cause it was rushed out onto the market.
Graphics: Aside from the horrible campaign the graphics were pretty good considering how fast they rushed halo into production.
Sound: Sound also was in good quality and was highly better than i expected it to be , i figured the sound would distort online but it didnt.
Suggestions: Dont rush halo 3 or you will have another laggy and glitchy game.
Overall: 50 %
Gameplay: 40 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 80 %
mattgame
Date reviewed: October 13, 2005.
Overall: I can't believe I have yet to review this game. Excuse me, for my ignorance and denying the people what they want. I feel compelled to do this now because of the rash of bad rapping Halo 2 is getting. Simply put Halo 2 is the best game that has ever hit any console. There is no game in the vast history of gaming that has had such an impact on an already booming industry. There has been no game that gives you so much bang for your 50 bucks. Not one. Oh sure there have been others that made feeble attempts to mimic Halo but they have all fallen miserably short with a resounding "thud we suck". Halo2 is what every game should be. Fun, exciting, riveting, and good for almost anyone to enjoy. It is the greatest gaming experience bar none.
Gameplay: We all know the differences Halo2 has from it's predecessor. Dual wielding, higher jumps, death defying falls, and in the campaign you get to play as the bad guy. You also get to wield the sword, or as some call the sword, the noob stick. It has multiplayer via lan, co-op, and online play. It's online where this game has separated itself from the rest of the games ever made. The multiplayer will take up at least 1/100 of your lifespan. In total, you will spend the time it takes to do a 364 in the county playing this game. For those who don't know what that means ask any guy named Big Bubba. Multiplayer continues to add new gameplay, maps, and millions of people you would ordinarily wouldn't shake a stick at. In one word, the gameplay is excellent.
Graphics: Visually this game holds it's own with the best of them and even still continues to look !&%$@#* fine during online play. With the exception of some little issue when you get closer to objects they appear to get clearer, the game is beautifully done.
Sound: Halo 2 has the bet music I ever heard in a game. Period. And of course, that sound that introduces the game will stay in my mind and in my soul forever.
Suggestions: The only minor complaint in the story mode is, the conclusion. A little anti-climactic. Multiplayer has too many lucky shots and make the sword lose energy in multiplayer like it does in the campaign. And nowwwwwwwww, the Ugly Truth; Best. Game. Ever.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
Liquid Gears
Date reviewed: September 30, 2005.
Overall: Overall I think the game is great but it isn't as great as I thought after Halo 1. But it has a ton of replay value and does look great. There has been a lot of attention paid to online play and fixing bugs so I like that a lot.
Gameplay: It is a really fun game to play with a really good story. The controls are relatively simple and there is a lot of skill involved in the game. I don't like how at times the weapons control who wins the game but they have tried to fix this. I also don't like no co-op online and really think this should have been included.
Graphics: It is a very smooth looking game with a ton of attention paid to every aspect. I love almost everything in it except for the instances in the cinematics when the environment is all smooth then the graphics kick in and it looks how it should.
Sound: It has great sounds and music that really make the game great to play. The loud explosions, voice overs, and everything that comes with the game is just very well done.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
Big Shakey
Date reviewed: September 1, 2005.
Overall: A good game over hyped, Alot of improvement from the first but lacks what to first game had. Still right up there as a legendary game but online play is overated and dependant to much on luck
Gameplay: Heartbreaking is all i can say! i really hate the new health system. in halo one i liked to run aqnd gun, just charge into the largest amount of enemy and slay them down, impossible in halo 2 no matter what level you play it on anymore that 3 covenent shoot at you your dead in seconds, the sheild drains so fast and theres no life system. bring back old health, i like the new weapons exept the pistol.
Graphics: Visuals are great but the only reason it doesnt get the full 5 is for the slight loading lag in cut scenes, its as if it takes a wee half second for rendering to catch up.
Sound: the score isnt as good as halo 1 but still really good. it lacks the grip the music from the first game did
Suggestions: GEt back to what worked, dump the new health system and more MC!
Overall: 70 %
Gameplay: 50 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
JediMasterChief
Date reviewed: August 31, 2005.
Overall: Halo 2 - what more can you say? It was the most eagerly waited Xbox game and remains the all-time fastest-selling piece of entertainment. As is known, Halo 2 is the sequel to the first Halo, which launched together with the Xbox in 2001 and gathered critical success. Halo 2 builds upon Halo with the continued storyline, new additions to gameplay, improved graphics and sound, as well as expanded multiplayer. Unlike the first Halo, the course of this game takes players across many locations. Halo was set 90% on, well, Halo - the rest being in space on the Pillar of Autumn. Halo 2, on the other hand, takes players from an orbiting platform above Earth, to our home planet itself, to Covenant ships, other planets, and a whole other ringworld. The storyline of Halo 2 is actual two storylines that meet together at the end. In one, you take the role of Master Chief, the Spartan super-soldier from the original Halo, while in the other, you play as The Arbiter - an Elite and part of the Covenant. Halo 2 has very few weak points, however, it is the storyline that is often considered one of these. The game, although excellent, goes by too quickly and the game ends on an unexpected (or ?unfinished?) note - significantly stripping a gamer from that feeling and excitement achieved in the first Halo. Nevertheless, Halo 2?s amazing new multiplayer features, ?upgraded? gameplay, and improvements in visuals and sound fill up this gap - making it one of the most thrilling game experiences on the Xbox. I firmly recommend Halo 2 to fans of the first Halo, to fans of first-person shooters, or to anyone with an Xbox. This is one game that should not be missed.
Gameplay: Gameplay is very similar to the original Halo, yet has been given a new layer. The basics of this new ?layer? are new weapons, new vehicles, new enemies, new moves (like jumping onto a Ghost and kicking the driver off), and the capability to carry two weapons (like pistols or the sub-machine guns) at once. Both the single-player and multiplayer components of Halo 2 introduce the ability to play as the Covenant: an Elite (named The Arbiter in the single-player storyline). Multiplayer has also been expanded and can now be played on Xbox Live too with some great new maps and modes to choose from. Generally, gameplay flows very well. The structure and objectives in levels remain fresh and develop upon the already spectacular gameplay experienced in the first Halo. The overall scale of gameplay has also increased. It has become more epic (if the earlier Halo weren?t epic enough). The environments are bigger, there are more enemies and characters around, greater battles, and smarter AI. In general, the style of gameplay in Halo 2 is mostly the same as it was in its predecessor. The HUD, the nature of fighting, and the game controls - all of which are amazing - remain virtually identical.
Graphics: The visual power of Halo 2 is nearly double of that seen in 2001. The game is just beautiful to look at. Most notable is the improved Master Chief. His Mjolnir armor has been redesigned and now looks more human-like rather than its near robot-like appearance in the first Halo. The modeling on characters has enhanced tremendously. Same goes for the environments and the extensive implementation of details everywhere. Visually, the first Halo was very ?traditional sci-fi and action?. Meanwhile, Halo 2 is more ?polished space epic and war?, in my opinion. Hopefully, this can be understood. In terms of realism, Halo 2 is a step forward, as could be expected. However, its graphic style is somewhat different to that of the original Halo. It might have something to do with the addition of playing as an Elite - or the fact that Cortana has a different look. Moreover, cinematics add to Halo 2?s visual splendor. In between or within levels, gamers are treated to thrilling and entertaining cut-scenes. Overall, Halo 2 has excellent graphics and is thus visually powerful.
Sound: Sound is one of the most important and magnificent aspects of Halo 2, as it was with the previous Halo. The game not only plays good and looks good - it sounds good. The variety and employment of sound effects is remarkable, making it even more epic. Halo 2 includes many of those classic sound effects heard in the first Halo (those that become trademark sounds of the Xbox) such as a Warthog engine, an assault rifle firing, a Grunt screaming, and so on. The voices in Halo 2 are amazing and most, if not all, the original voice cast of the first Halo returns. Most people?s favorite, like mine, is the bad-ass talk of Sergeant Johnson. Finally, there is the game?s unforgettable music, which is as good (if not better) as the music of first Halo. Martin O?Donnell?s brilliant compositions add to excitement of the game - and are, quite possibly, one of the best parts of the game. The sound in Halo 2 is mind-blowing.
Suggestions: Suggestions? Make the next Halo?s visuals, sound, and gameplay EVEN better. Also try to make the game longer and fix up the storyline.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Xbox Masta 4
Date reviewed: August 27, 2005.
Overall: Halo 2 is as great as many say it is. It made more improvements from Halo and no matter how much you play this game, it never gets boring!
Gameplay: Wow, this game is addicting. Those are some words that may come to some, after they have been playing this game for quite some time. I loved the first Halo, and with Halo 2 it made improvements that helped out. More variety of vehicals, weapons were a plus. If you like playing games on Xbox Live this is one of the funnest games to play on Live! Period.
Graphics: Comparing Halo vs. Halo 2 again, I believe Halo 2 graphics were just that much better. Masterchief is not only better, but so is the surrounding area. It's awesome, lol.
Sound: Once I heard Halo 2 was going to be making more music for the game, I didn't know what to think. I thought it may or may not ruin the game because of it. However when I started playing the music went with the game like always. Sound is perfect for the game.
Suggestions: I read someones suggestions and I couldn't agree more with them. It said to make Master Chief more moddable as well as have a map editor. Reason I think modding Master Chief is cool is so you can show yours off on Xbox Live. Also what you wear can help you not be as noticeable in certain maps, but it depends how you mod it. I think if you could create your own logos and stuff it would be more different. That way when people play on Xbox Live they can know who is who, or if you are in a full out battle and want to show off your Xbox Tag that you can represent, haha.
Map editor I thought was a good idea, brings tons of variety. Also hearing that just reminded me of Rogue Spear and how much I realized how fun map editor made it. Let's do the same for the upcoming Halo!
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
mrmp3
Date reviewed: August 22, 2005.
Overall: People with all this standbying/hacking complaints mustn't realize this stuff happens in every XBL title. Only difference is, Bungie, with the blue screen and the connection bars next to gamertags let you know when it's occuring. RS3 and many other XBL titles just show it as a simple lag spike. These problems are prevalent in most XBL titles except A) like I said before, now you know it's happening and B) Bungie is always doing something about it.
With that being said, Halo 2 is in everyway better than the original. So many people love to argue, but the fact still remains the story (despite the cliff hanger at the end) and the multiplayer outdo the original. The graphics are amazing, the netcode is the most rock solid I've seen in any XBL title, the story is great (maybe not better than the original, but still awesome and really isn't touched by any other Xbox title other than a few select RPG's and the original), and of course balance, something severely lacking from the original pistol whoring days of Halo 1. True, on certain big maps, if you have the sniper you have a huge advantage, but there are ways of countering that. So overall, just buy the game. It's thee reason for owning the game.
Gameplay: Gotta love the addition of dual wielding, sometimes it's a bit finicky when a bunch of weapons are grouped together, but for the most part works great. Customization of your characters colors and logos helps you stand out. Many of the maps are enjoyable and well laid out (excluding Waterworks which I think just sucks no matter how many players are in the game). Certain things that are a little bothersome though are superjumping and standbying, which used to be a pain in the arse but it's cut down drastically. Again, the layout is perfect with the B Melee, A Jump, Left-Click Crouch Right-Click Zoom R Fires L Grenades etc. etc., the usual affair, but still works great. Plenty of customization in game options too to make some really awesome game modes for LAN parties. The balance of the maps with weapons placement and vehicles choice has generally been perfect excluding BR on Ascension since the Banshee barely took any damage but that's been since changed. So overall, it's a complete package. Online co-op would be nice, but you'll spend too much time building your rank in other modes.
Graphics: The graphics are still great, my jaw doesn't drop like when I first saw it, but my judgement of other games graphics is much more strict since I've been playing this for so long. Excluding some of the ground textures, the characters, environments, guns, explosions, etc. are all just look great and you gotta love the detail on everything.
Sound: Voice acting is like the top-tier in regards to games, really can't get much better. Explosions caused by rockets or grenades still sound great on surround sound and just fill the lil pyro in you with glee even after all this time. I still love hearing a guy talking trash on XBL and when he's in the middle of a sentence you just hear a death scream. Soundtrack is great as well, all the music seems in place too, meaning it's not like they put a soft song when your chargin in against 2 Wraiths and 10 Elites.
Suggestions: Make a sequel and maybe incorporate some more customization to characters and maybe a map editor. That would be sick.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
T-Dub
Date reviewed: August 7, 2005.
Overall: I though this game was a hit before i bought it myself. I played multiplayer first and it beat its predeccesor. The graphics are much better and the heightened gameplay make it awesome. I thought the game was short but i was still satisfied with the end result.
Gameplay: The gameplay was awesome and i enjoyed every second of playing. When you turn up the difficulty the gameplay gets even more intense. This doesn't even include the amazing multiplayer. The updated levels and even co-op make it a must have game. XBOX Live just adds to this spectacular game.
Graphics: The cutscenes show off the crazy world of Halo. I thought the new characters were awesome and the graphics were also sweet. I think that they could have spent some more time and created a few extras. But im not complaining becasue i loved the game and cant wait for another.
Sound: The new soundtrack sounds great adn the new weapons sound effects are crazy. There is nothing better than hearing your energy sword slice through an enemy grunt. The in gameplay sound is great and adds to the amazing gameplay. If you make use of the didgital surround sound it makes you feel as if you were there fighting the convenant.
Suggestions: Bungie did a great job in the timframe they had. I think they delivered a great game. If only we could have been patient they would have probably blown our minds. Thanks for making the gaming experience awesome. Great Job
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
wbio
Date reviewed: August 6, 2005.
Overall: It didn't quite live up to expectations, but it is by no means a bad game. It's much different than Halo:CE, which take a while getting used to, but if you actually look at it as an individual game instead of comparing it to Halo:CE, then it is very good.
Gameplay: Good gameplay, some things I would fix such as the sword, rocket lock-on, and plasma pistol, but still a very fun game to play. Like I said earlier, the gameplay is much different than Halo:CE, but that doesn't mean it's bad.
Graphics: Very good graphics, definetly one of the better looking Xbox games out there. You can see a lot of detail on the characters as well as on the environment.
Sound: There was a good choice of music for the campaign IMO, and the game sounds are also very good. I don't really notice anything bad with the sound, but I'm no expert.
Suggestions: Denoobify the game
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 90 %
Shawn-XBA
Date reviewed: August 5, 2005.
Overall: One of the Best Games Ever! Xbox Live is out of this world. The single player game will keep you entertained for hours and hours. Single player game is so much better than the original Halo.
Gameplay: Up to 16 players on Xbox Live, rumble pit, team battles, clan matches. There are so many different game types like slayer, capture the flag and king of the hill as well as many more. Best Xbox Live game!
Graphics: The destructive environments and vehicles are the first thing I noticed in this one. All environments are amazing and they are also pretty big. Master Chief has never looked so good.
Sound: Wow, this game has the best sound, the weapons, vehicles, and explosions sound real in surround sound.
Suggestions: Keep it up Bungie, can't wait for Halo 3!
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
vman
Date reviewed: July 15, 2005.
Overall: Very great FPS but sadly, not worthy of the name Halo. I don't know what compelled Bungie to butcher a classic game by changing the engine and making it noob friendly but it did not serve justice to the millions of harcore Halo fans. A truly overhyped flop of a game.
Gameplay: Pfft, if you can even call it that. The sword is probably the worst thing to ever happen to the MP part of the game. The game is all about weapon control and all because they took out the pistol. Facinating how important that one weapon was. The closest thing is the BR but MM won't have it as the default so please, stick to customs.
Graphics: Very good game visually but certainly does make up for the game's flaws. Honestly, all the maps look amazing and deserve recognition for the designers.
Sound: Incubus on the soundtrack? You can go wrong. The sound is one of the most appealing aspects of the game. And with the new 3-D sound engine, it is a treat for people with surround sound.
Suggestions: "You need to take a step backwards to take a step forwards"-Plewis
If you want to win back the fans of Halo, make Halo3 a true sequel worthy of the name "HALO"
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 50 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
X-Box23
Date reviewed: June 19, 2005.
Overall: The most hyped game ever. The best FPS shooter. This game is simply amazing. Take the insanely popular Halo: Combat Evolved and improve it. Dual wielding, Graphics, Music, X-Box Live, but this game. Now.
Gameplay: Extremely addictive. After owning this game for almost a year this game honestly has not lost any replay value. It. Just. Keeps. Getting. Better.
Graphics: The visuals have improved SO much from Halo: Combat Evolved. It appears that Halo 2 is on a whole new system. The graphics are nothing to complain about.
Sound: I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E could this soundtrack be more impressive? No. It constantly re-amazes me as i play the campaign. The BEST soundrack in any video-game period.
Suggestions: ffworks.co
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Shadow20002
Date reviewed: June 14, 2005.
Overall: Even there are lot of reviews by all over the world about this fantastic FPS game, i will STILL review in my way. This is more than a FPS, everyting is just like a movie when you are the hero.
Gameplay: I don't know but this game has captivate me from the first time i get my hands on it. My friend and i just keep playing it in coop-mode for at least every week-end we meet. Sure, we play it on Legendary mode, which are so freaking difficult every level. Now, you can dual-wielding weapons which is a advantage over a ennemy but in legendary, the elite covenants got this trick too so there are just balanced. Sure it just a little bit repetitive but always fun to bring down some covenants. With more vehicles, more weapons, new ennemies, what do you want more? This is just great, even if sometime we got stuck in a level about 3 hours it's still so !&%$@#* fun. The ennemy is the smartest one i never see in a FPS. They dogde your bullets, try overtake you by running around you, hide behind a rock or anyting they could, use obstacles to block your way, etc.
Graphics: The visual of this game is far than any game can get. The Xbox is just being abused like never before. Sure there are some frame dropped when there are everything going frenzy but it do not take your fun in like 2 sec of that.
Sound: The soundtracks are just in dept with the story. Everything seems like in the right place, since you will hear amusic when you are near the end of each level.
Suggestions: Halo 3 with better graphics.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
blonks
Date reviewed: June 5, 2005.
Overall: sequel to halo 2, dual weilding new maps story and so forth, nice single player very sexy multiplayer
Gameplay: run and gun, little stratagy but the game shines with online multiplayer, split screen gets kinda cramped, so stick with live
Graphics: one of the best looking games on xbox, nice bumpmapping but the game needs another layer of anti aliasing...badly
Sound: great for DD5.1 owners... get every grunt from an elite and every shot from every gun from any angle imaginable
Suggestions: it needs to be more skill full... wayy less auto aim next time
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 50 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Conchord
Date reviewed: June 5, 2005.
Overall: Well, what can I explain about Halo 2's gameplay that most of you don't already know? A semi-realistic, futuristic first-person shooter, Halo 2's storyline follows that of the cliffhanger tale told in the first game. It also brings the long-awaited battle of the Covenant vs. Earth that much closer to being fully realized. Some of you may think Halo 2 is all about the Covenant invasion of the human planet. Well, sort of. The first few levels are, but soon the fight is taken to another alien ring world. Bummer! Actually, Halo 2's storyline is solid, and will not dissapoint.
Gameplay: The gameplay this time around is a little different. Firstly, dual-wielding is brought into view. Much of the action revolves around this feature, which allows the player to pick up any two (or a combination of) of these guns-the needler, Elite plasma, Brute plasma, plasma pistol, magnum, or the SMG. Each trigger controls the corresponding gun. For those who opt for single-wielding, you have the choice of throwing grenades. Another giant change is the health system. No longer do you carry 'bars' of health...now, its you and your shield against enemy fire. This higher reliance on the sheild to resupply itself will cause many Halo vets to change strategies, being more careful and sticking to cover more often. The A.I. is extremely impressive...playing this game on Legendary should be great practice for those waiting for Xbox Live.There is also a suprise twist for Halo fans...you can now play as a Covenant Elite. Named the 'Arbiter,' this once great Elite commander now bears the mark of shame for his failure at the first Halo. Now, chosen to be the real spearhead of Covenant special ops, you control him on several high risk missions to quell uprisings, turn off shields, and ultimately, save the universe.
Graphics: The graphics are incredible. To say they are better than Halo's is a severe understatement. The bump-mapping on nearly every surface gives everything a detailed, realistic look. The sky seems to be alive with explosions. The cityscape seems to stretch on for miles. Without a doubt, some of the freshest graphics on xbox.
Sound: Turn it on, and turn it UP. The game sounds great. Elites now speak English instead of Alien gibberish (how conveniant), giving you an edge on what they are thinking. Gunshots echo and sizzle realisticly, and there's nothing better than hearing a banshee explode after a successful rocket hit.
Suggestions: Keep up the good work, Bungie...Halo 2 is what I expected, but that doesn't mean it's not a !&%$@#* good game.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 90 %
the_geek
Date reviewed: June 4, 2005.
Overall: this game kicked ass. enough said. it has an amazing, immersive story, the best multiplayer in a game ever, sweet gameplay, and stunning graphics.
Gameplay: almost perfect in every way. made even more so because of the auto update recently. everything is balanced and feels like a natural extension of the first game.
Graphics: beautiful, only gripe is the small amount of popup at when a level is loaded and during the cutscenes, this is forgiveable however considering there is no load times, and everything else looks REALLY good.
Sound: halo has the best sound of any game. in 5.1 dolby digital surround, you feel like you are actually in the game. nothing compares, and the musical score is impressive to say the least
Suggestions: NO BOSS BATTLES IN HALO 3, it was forgivable this time, but i wont be happy if there are any in the next game.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
BunnyRabbit
Date reviewed: June 4, 2005.
Overall: This game is all out (In my opinion) one of the very best Xbox games out there. Its campaign offline mode is absolutely astonishing. It leaves you hanging at the end and alot didnt like that, but I was only so happy that it left a door for Halo 3. -_0 LoL. Xbox Live play is this games biggest feature. It is conquering my life. Ive played it a couple hundred hours im sure, but the downside to the online play for most is a horrid ranking system... I find the biggest problem is the online community has too many ridiculous players that talk wayyyy too much trash winning. lol
Gameplay: The gameplay is absolutely great. At some times I will have a dub grenade that never explodes or find myself stuck with horrid spawn points and no balance in countering the weapons currently held against me, but overall it is absolutely incredible. It seems that if I got on a winning streak online id be likely to tell you the gameplay is flawless, but surely it has its problems here and there either way. (Foundation and rockets.. omfg) =)
Graphics: The visuals are just omg skeet skeet. However, in contrast to the new Xbox 360.. It just makes it seem like it could have been done better.. Brilliant none the less.
Sound: Just like in Halo 1, but so much better. I couldnt spot or tell you anything wrong with it. Sound effect are divine and unique and the music within the game as I saw in the "making of" was awesome.. Had some good work put into it.
Suggestions: Keep up the good work.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
Tarathiel
Date reviewed: June 2, 2005.
Overall: Amazing Game. Personally, I don't believe it is as good as Halo 1. But that's just me. It is amazing. Even with new and great methods for improving games constantly coming out. Bungie always does a fantastic job creating games. Single Player was fun except for the sheer lack of an ending. But who buys Halo for the single player. Multiplayer is awesome.
Gameplay: Single Player left a bit to be desired. Well, i don't know...an ENDING maybe? But, it is always good to run through the game, get used to it. Controls are very similar to Halo 1 (good job) except with the few minor alterations, dual wielding weapons etc etc. Multiplayer is amazing. XBox Live support is just what the doctor ordered for this game.
Graphics: It looks amazing. Halo 1 looked great. Halo 2 is breathtaking. The detail that was put into designing this game is awe inspiring. Thank you Bungie.
Sound: The sound was done very well in this game. Even the soundtrack is great(Go Incubus). The music is not distracting or irritating. The fx run smoothly with the game, it creates a very fun environment to game in.
Suggestions: Let's hmmm, maybe finish the story before release next time. jk, it's great, don't ever change the controls.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 50 %
thAshAdyOne
Date reviewed: March 6, 2005.
Overall: GREAT GAME!! Even though it was shafted in the award shows (**** you, spike tv!!) I think this game was the best of '04, hands down. Even though the game's ending left you hanging, that's what developers wanted. No doubt there's more in store in the 3rd installment Live is teh ownage!
Gameplay: Gameplay was repetitive again but much better than the first Halo. I spent basically the whole time dodging brutes and the flood and everythign else that came my way....mix it up bungie, make it more fun!
Graphics: Visuals were spectacular...you have to see a comparision between oother games and this...this game knocks your freaking socks off!!
Sound: Sound was okay. I like how they incorporated rock songs into the gameplay and my favorite monk chant returned, Marty & the music dept held it down...
Suggestions: Mix it up bungie. Give us more variation in our objectives and more levels...Cut off another game when, I'm just getting into it and you'll have a riot on your hands.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
stinkypuffs
Date reviewed: February 22, 2005.
Overall: THis game is pretty good. The campiagn is awesome, but its kinda short...the campaign doesnt suffer so much from repetative level appearance like the first halo, and the story's just as good...though the end is a MAJOR dissapointment. they cut the campaign rite where there was gunna b sum major action. U also get to play as an Elite half the time, and see the covenant's side of the story. Multiplayer isnt as good as the first halo but its not too bad. The levels made for LIVE play are awesome.
Gameplay: mostly the same as the first halo but you get to dual-wield guns...but im sure everyone knows that by now...ill just rate this and leave it at that...
Graphics: Great graphics. All the environments look great, again the structures and stuff vary much more than in the first halo.
Sound: Pretty good, but the elites dont scream as awesomely as they did in the first one...i kno thats minor...but i loved that scream.
Voice acting is great. What bothers me in halo 2's sound is the guns...most of em sound WAY too wimpy.
Suggestions: ...it would seem from the campaign that you gave us only half of it and are saving the rest for Halo 3...thats Bull$#!%...dont rip us off like that again...the 3d Halo better have more campaign play to make up for it or ill b PISSED!...other than that..
Good Job Bungie =)
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 90 %
kylman49
Date reviewed: January 21, 2005.
Overall: I really loved playing this game. I think the improvements were good. There are a lot more options and things you can do on Halo 2 than Halo. However, I think the campaign on Halo is better, but not by a lot. I'm not going to rate this game up to Halo because Halo was the first game in the sequel and usually everyone thinks the first is better because it was brand new. Anyway, Halo 2 was pretty amazing and I loved the game. It was worth waiting for. I love all the weapons and the multiplayer maps are awesome. Me and friends play against each other every Saturday and sometimes Sunday and Monday. Overall, great game that is really addictive.
Gameplay: The gameplay is awesome. It all starts out a lot like the first Halo. The dual wielding is a great new add on which I love. There are a lot more turrets, weapons, vehicles, and things you can do. For example, you can kick somebody out of a Ghost or Banshee. The weapons are awesome (ex: Energy Sword, SMGs, Battle Rifle, and the ability to lock on with the rocket launcher). The combat is pretty intense too. Trust me, you will like this game if you love First person shooters.
Graphics: The graphics are pretty good. The marines and aliens look realistic. Also, the guns look cool when you are blazing with SMGs. If it's your first time playing either Halo or Halo 2 it will be breathing taking. The maps are realistic. The levels look good. Everything is good with the visuals.
Sound: Good sound also. Except when Keyes (the chick) is talking to you through her microphone, they might have meant for it to be this way but come on it's like 400 years from now, they should have better communication. The grunts say hilarious stuff. The voices accurately fit everyone. The grunts have high pitched voice, the elites have low pitched voices, the marines sound like human from around the world. The mouth and sound are correctly matched. The weapons sound cool. The vehicles all sound cool.
Suggestions: I highly recommend anyone that likes video games of any type to get Halo and Halo 2 if they don't already have them. This game is great, fun, and you will be talking about it at work or school.
For the developers- keep the awesome Halo games coming.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Cloud Wolf
Date reviewed: January 19, 2005.
Overall: Halo 2 probably the most wanted game in the gaming history, has arrived, Master Chief has evolved and improved, some improvements have been fatal to what we should or would expect from Bungie, we waited are years for Halo 2 and it has been served I am thankful for it but the game drags down so much, if you?re a massive fan of the first Halo: Combat Evolved you will find yourselves frustrated and upset. The game is amazing if you look hard at it there are just so many flaws that corrupt the vision. The game is amazing I am not saying its not but the flaws are endless and you will have to play the game yourselves to understand it properly.
Gameplay: The great thing about Halo: Combat Evolved was the amazing fire fights the sneakiness of the plasma grenade the satisfying crunch as you guns butt digs deep into your foes spinal cord, it?s all there and much more the game play is still stunningly amazing. The only problem I have is that Master Chief has slowed down and is not as fast on the ground as he was, witch leaves you in a tight spot when you have thousands of elites swarming you and you feel like a slug, but if you mange to get used to it its brilliant. The levels are expanding and not one moment is boring nothing much changed but heck it feels so much meatier. Xbox Live is just like playing Halo: Combat Evolved with your mates, but your mates glitch, the glitching in the game at this moment is outstanding and spoils the game totally it makes the new game modes and great maps loom in the shadows because all your energy is focusing on the glitchers not the main point.
Graphics: The visuals are nice and neat and makes you stare in wonder, Master Chiefs looks so much more badass than he did and well its all so much more appetizing than the original, the detail is immensely captivating staring down upon the elite you just killed it is amazing everything is there. The vehicles have had the immense update too and have more features to them not to mention the totally destructible, the ghost now have this amazing effect where a hover beam shows underneath it all just too much for the eyes and after the first hour of checking that everything was correct and in order I had a blistering head ache, why. . . because I couldn?t find a fault and my brain did not like it detail in this game is spot on.
Sound: The sound effects have changed and the Covenant now talk in the English language and in there own, the gunshot?s feel chunky and heavy and gives the game that more boom than in the last. Every surface of the game including the little things has its own little sound effect when you shoot at it, the sound track is immensely filling to the game and charges you up to battle and fight just like the last one. Much improved.
Suggestions: This game has been spoiled immensly to the people who play Xbox Live the glitching is out of order and you need to get your fingers out and sort out the mess, you have done an amazing job but its a shame you connot put that little bit more effort in too sort out your problems with the game. people are going and if the glitching is not cleaned I dont think they will be coming back. Sort It Bungie.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 90 %
GTA3 Dude
Date reviewed: January 11, 2005.
Overall: Quite possibly my biggest disappointment in gaming. Bungie's Halo 2 was a significant downgrade from their masterpiece, Halo: Combat Evolved. What we are left with is a game filled with glitches and unbalanced weapons.
Gameplay: The gameplay is stiff. You are not as light on your feet as you were in Halo 1. Sure, it may be more "realistic", but in a Sci-Fi shooter, it isn't meant to be realistic. The game should be balanced and it simply isn't.
The weapons are a large part of the disappointment as they lead to why the game is unbalanced. The game has roughly nine short-to-pointblank range weapons, 2 midrange weapons, and 2 long range weapons. There are not enough midrange weapons. Right away, Bungie is clearly showing that the focus of the game is short range combat. Yes, I am aware that the midrange and long range weapons are very effective at close range. The sniper is amazing at close range due to the auto-aim in Halo 2. What the game lacks is a good spawning weapon. With the SMG, you can't defend yourself from spawn. You are forced to find another weapon. In Halo: Combat Evolved, while you were at a disadvantage, you could still compete from spawn.
With all of these problems in the weapon balance, the game isn't very fun. Too much emphasis is based on luck of spawn points and too little is placed on skill.
Graphics: While the visuals are technically nice, I don't like the artistic side of the weapons. I think the new Spartan model isn't very good. The Covenant Carbine is quite ugly. Were it not for my artistic views, the score would have been higher.
Sound: Some of the weapons do not sound powerful enough. This is the same problem that plauged Doom 3. The battle rifle sounded much better when it was fired in single shots (how it should still fire). The soundtrack is hit or miss. While some of the songs are perfect, some are lacking.
I think the main problem for me is that the music rarely fits the battle. You are often in a firefight while you are forced to listen to soft music. The song "Peril" is a perfect example. Great song, but not good for battles.
Suggestions: Take back many of the new "improvements". Bring back Halo's physics engine, rebalance the weapons, but keep the emblem options.
Overall: 60 %
Gameplay: 40 %
Graphics: 60 %
Sound: 80 %
hardy01
Date reviewed: January 4, 2005.
Overall: The hyper-anticipated sequel to Halo: combat evolved. And the game carrying the hopes and dreams of xbox live players around the world. I feel it has been a spectacular failure though, as I am a huge fan of this type of game and after a month I do not feel like playing it at all. The storyline is boring and I only play a couple of the levels repeatedly, the rest are one-offs.
The multiplayer, while making some huge improvements and getting the basics right, does nto interest me as the game has been turned into a competitive sport. All the fun elements have been removed and If you cant have fun you will get bored fairly quickly.
Gameplay: The gameplay is very similar to halo with some changes designed to improve the playability and improve the balance of multiplayer.
Some of these changes do work and the multiplayer is somewhat improved although most novices wont see any real difference.
Graphics: The graphics are a huge step forward for the FPS genre. excellent detail and bump-mapping and very little frame-rate drop
Sound: Very good sound, no faults there. excellent surround sound and terrific speech from NPC's. Althogh i dont think Aliens should be speaking english!
Suggestions: Never.... EVER make a game whos story is a set-up for the sequel.
If the story cant stand on its own two feet it shouldnt be published.
Overall: 60 %
Gameplay: 70 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 90 %
EvilTed
Date reviewed: December 15, 2004.
Overall: First I'd like to say that I just completed the single player campaign, and I am furious. Mad at myself for not quitting sooner. Mad at the hype leading up to this game. This has to be the worst story line EVER in any game. There is no plot that I can make out, and the various levels barely tie into each other. The ending is the coup de grâce. WORST ENDING EVER!!!!! If you were expecting a great campaign game, you are out of luck. This game does not live up to its hype there. It doesn't even come close. One redeaming factor is the solid Live play. This is one of the funnest games I've ever played on-line.
Gameplay: If you can ignore the weak plot and story line, this is a very fun game to play. The different levels are challenging, and actually less repetetive than in the first Halo. Gameplay-wise This is pretty much the same game as Halo. So go and read the game play description for Halo. Seriously, I do not think much has changed except that they made it easier to get killed. Since Halo was a great game to play, you know this one is.
Superb on-line gaming experience. Lots of different game types, and rules, and maps. There should be something there for everyone. The ability to form clans is kind of cool.
Graphics: Its Halo. The visuals are the same as Halo. The one thing I found annoying is the cut scenes seem to use the game engine. This had the odd effect of having things appear and dissapear from the scene at add times. One time Sgt Johnson didn't have a head at the start of the scene, it was just a uniform and a hat standing there. and then the head appeared a second or two later.
Sound: I don't like commenting on sound since I only use the speakers on my TV. I really like the sound track for this game. The music for the ending-credits is pretty good. Game sounds OK.
Suggestions: Lay off the weed and then go to any elementary school to get help with this story. I'm sure almost any 4th grader could come up with a better game plot and story line than what you have here. And for the people who say this is so they could make a Halo 3, that is a load of B.S. The ending to Halo didn't make me angry, and they were able to make a Halo 2. There should be a definitive end to each campaign. This is not some sit-com that you can flash "To be continued..." at the end. People who shell out that much money deserve something atomic.
Overall: 60 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 80 %
LiquidX
Date reviewed: December 13, 2004.
Overall: If you dont think of this game as the second coming of Jesus you will see that it is in fact the best console shooter ever. Sure it was a bit overhyped but if you realize that nothing is perfect you will see it is a phenominal game. Sure there are some bad points but every game has them and they are few and far between in Halo 2.
Gameplay: It does feel different but its a good different. Once you get used to all the new features you will be switching out your secondary weapon and picking up dual SMG's in a matter of 2 seconds. The campaign starts out great. The last mission is great. Theres really only one section of the game that gets boring and drags on. The part where you fight the good ol' Flood as the Arbiter. It just seemed to go on and on and on. Its not NOT fun, but its definately not the high point of the game. The ending will !&%$@#* you off but once you step back and think it not that bad. Did you really believe MS was gonna let such a huge series end after only one sequel?
Graphics: Beautiful. Only problem is the switching of low res textures for high res textures. Its most noticible during cut scenes but can occasionally be seen during gameplay. I was so immersed in the game it didnt really affect me. Besides, its a small price to pay for having only one load time everytime you start up.
Sound: Best, sound, ever. I though that the music was gonna be worse than the first since there are all kinds or popular bands in it but its better than ever. The guns sound more realistic. I especially like the sound of the Magnum even if it is a lot weaker. Voice acting is perfect and there is no lame dialogue. Perfect.
Suggestions: Start planning your games out better. For those who watched the LE DVD you know what I mean.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
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