Halo 2 (XBOX)
Publisher: Microsoft Developer: Bungie Genre: First-person Shooter Release: Nov. 9th
Before Halo was released on the Xbox gaming system, people were very apprehensive not only to
the fact that this was Microsoft’s first console, but they were unsure of what Bungie was truly capable of. Once Halo
made it‘s first debut, gamers and media everywhere immediately praised the game. Now boasting their “Game of the
Year” award from multiple media sources, it’s time to take Halo to the next level of play with Halo 2.
How can you possibly improve upon such a masterpiece? With these details, you will soon see why Halo 2 is the most anticipated
game ever.
Bigger & Better Weapons... in both hands
Weapons in Halo 2 have drastically improved upon ones sported
its predecessor. Aside from all of the new weapons, you can now battle with a newly named Assault Rifle (now known as the
“Battle Rifle”) which now produces a Sniper Scope for Zoom-in features. All weapons boast a rapid new firing-rate,
which means that taking out enemies will be much easier and faster. With the new rapidly fast firing-rate feature, we can
now look forward to using weapons that seemed useless in the first game. Even the Needler weapon will be much more useful
thanks to the increased Fire-rate.
It’s nice to know that all weapons will
be improved upon the first game, but you’ll now be able to hold one weapon in each hand and fire simultaneously. However,
you must make judgments as to how you shall use this new ability. If you hold a weapon in each hand, then you will lose the
ability to throw grenades and frag grenades, etcetera with your left hand. With this newly added feature, it will now take
more time for you to strategize and make decisions.
Vehicles
were great, but now they are now... greater
Luckily, all of
the vehicles from the first Halo game return, but now feature new abilities. First and foremost, the Warthog now features
a stunning new rocket launcher (along with previous weaponry) that features unlimited ammo, and can be used by both A.I. opponents
and you. Aside from having an improved gun mounted on the back, A.I. controlled opponents can now take charge of the vehicles
that lead you to your next destination marker. You can either handle the weapon while your opponent drives, or you can drive
while your opponent takes charge of the weapon. Although it may be a blast to drive the Warthog, A.I. controlled characters
control the jeep-like vehicle very, very well. Recently released game footage from Bungie shows the Warthog driving near cliffs
and ditches, very precisely when controlled by A.I. opponents.
The
Ghost vehicle will now feature a new boosting technique that will allow you to rush past enemy areas and territories very
quickly. Also, if you see a Covenant Elite and/or enemy controlling a Ghost, you can now take charge of the vehicle by pushing
the enemy off. However, don’t get too cocky. Although you may be able to push off an Elite, they can do the same to
you, so you will have to stay away from alien territory or nearby enemy clans. However that’s when the boost feature
comes into play. If you feel threatened by your surroundings, you can quickly use this feature to escape and keep your vehicle.
Bungie has once again redefined the graphical detail
Even though the graphics already seem first-rate, Bungie has imported all of the beautiful detail and
graphics right into Halo’s successor. Now you can look forward to incredible new detail. While riding vehicles, enemies
can now shoot, and take down your vehicle to the point where it’s un-useable. As this happens, you will soon find little
pieces from your vehicle deteriorate. From chipped paint, to flat tires, there is no boundary to the realism in Halo 2.
The conclusion of Halo
The storyline in the first Halo was far past superb, but now Bungie explains
that the battle will now take place on earth and... a second Halo ring. Cut-scenes already shown for Halo 2 are simply perfect.
With wondrous music, and a perfectly set atmosphere, Halo 2’s storyline not only looks promising, but looks to be very
emotional as well.
New enemies... that you can now play as
Halo 2 will introduce us to a new breed of smarter
and more intelligent alien life forms. New alien species such as Prophets and brutes will be added to the mix this time. Of
course our beloved Grunt and Elite aliens will return as well. Not only will you battle against them in an overwhelmingly
good single-player mode, but also you’ll now be able to play as them during multiplayer battles. Playing with different
characters won’t be the only joy; vehicles will be much more involved in the multiplayer mode. Bungie has revealed new
Banshee battles that will allow us to compete via split-screen, and/or via Xbox Live.
I know what you’re
thinking... Live anyone?
The challenge will now be
taken to the next level. Halo 2 features full Xbox Live support. This new feature will introduce us to new types of
gameplay methods such as 16-player death-matches along with Team battles (eight teams of two, or four teams of four). Challenge
and difficulty settings from Xbox Live will definitely add to the intensity of Halo 2, and will make battles fun for
everyone, including newbies. During LAN parties, it was hard to find Halo fans of your rank. Being a veteran was no fun when
you would win within seconds of battle, but since Bungie is providing Xbox Live support, Halo 2 will bring new meaning
to the word “replay”.
Overall,
Halo 2 will be an extraordinary game, and will revolutionize gaming as we know it. Jump higher, explore new levels... what
is there not to like? Of course there’s always the question of “should I play Halo 2 if I haven’t played
the first”, however a simple answer to that question would simply be “yes”. Even though the experience won’t
be quite the same, Halo 2 looks and plays wonderful. However, if there’s still time to pick up the first Halo before
the release, then do so. All in all, both Halo games will be subsequent to each other (within the storyline), so it’s
best to experience this game to the fullest of your ability.
If you haven’t pre-ordered Halo 2 yet, then it’s best to do so immediately. Some
game stores are only receiving what’s pre-ordered. You pay five dollars, and you’re guaranteed the game. Also
that five bucks you threw in goes toward your purchase. If you haven’t pre-ordered Halo on the other hand... good luck.
Trying to find Halo 2 on the release date will be very hard to do, unless of course you pull an all-nighter at your local
EBgames or Wal-mart store. Although you may think it’s just a game... this is one fine game, that most of the world
will be rushing toward immediately. Catch the Launch of Halo 2 November 9th worldwide (U.K. gets Halo 2 two days later than
the U.S.). You will soon see why Halo 2 is everyone’s most anticipated game.
Preview
Written by: Michael Figueredo
