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H2 = Second To None!!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 17 / 27
Date: November 10, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Damn it must surely suck to be all you people that pre-ordered the game. Thats exactly the reason I never look for stuff like this on the net. Go to a game store or something and reserve a copy. Well hopefully you won't make the same mistake twice.

On to the game. Halo 2 (H2) is without a doubt the best game out right now...besides Burnout 3. Although I agree with most that they could have done plenty more with the length of the game. My opinion:

THE GOOD:
Marine A.I. - bout some time they actually help you out instead of being useless bulletcatchers. Most of the time they charge into battle without you.

Voices - You'll laugh at all the different voices and the things they say. Even the elites are funny.

New Stuff: All the new vehicles, car-jacking, weapons, enemies...all these are a great plus.

THE BAD:
TOO SHORT: For all the hype and hoopla you'd think they would have made the game a little more longer than what it is. We already know there will be a Halo 3 but do we need the ending to scream "WAIT UNTIL HALO 3!!!" I don't think so.

DIFFICULTY: After playing on Normal you'll be itching to play it on Hard or Legendary. Normal is almost easy.

THE UGLY:
XBL: XBox Live for Halo 2 sucks big time. The limited options and long loading times all suck. I got a T1 connection and I'm still waiting 10 mins to play.

Overall this game is great. Burnout 3 and H2 are at a deadheat for me right now as Console Game of the Year. Here's to hoping they'll release a Halo 2 extension pack or something to download more levels like they did with the Ninja Gaiden Hurricane pack.

Hate Mail

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 9
Date: November 10, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only gamer who hasn't received there Halo 2 game yet? I also ordered Halo 2 (limited Edition) and Street Fighter Anniversary Collection on 24 Sep 04 for the xBox and haven't had a chance to play it. This kinda sucks, I ordered the game in Sept and haven't even received an email that my order is being shipped. Never again will I order through Amazon (video games) again. Well, hopefuly I can canx, and order some where else.. (EB Games?)

Great game - typical sequel

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 9 / 11
Date: November 15, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I know I am going to get a lot of bad comments because of my 4 star rating, but hear me out. I am an average to modest gamer, do not find much time for games and have to admit that I loved Halo 1 for originality and playability. The hype for Halo 2 even got to me, I could not wait until it's release, and now that I have it, I want to know how I finished it so fast. Played Saturday & Sunday over probably 10 total hours on Normal level, but don't recommend playing on heroic or legendary to extend gameplay unless you like the feeling of having 10 linebackers pile on top of you.
The game was great, but didn't live up to a lot of the reviews posted by total Halo fanatics, especially who say this is the best game ever. It is good, but there are better. I am reviewing the Limited Edition as that is what I bought.
There are improvements to the first game, but this game lacks in the same way the movie Attack of the Clones pales in comparison to the original Star Wars series. Here are my reasons:

How better:
Graphics - A step up from the first game, obviously more time was spent in designing.
Deathmatch - Play is better on some levels and the weapons & equipment offer more options to take out your friend. There is even an updated version of Blood Gulch.
Vehicles - More vehicles to choose from, and you can steal from other players both friends and computer.
Better AI - Marines are smarter, and this time, they can drive while you shoot.
Limited Edition Extra - DVD included with metal cased Limited Edition is full of more extra's than I have time to watch. Well worth the extra $5.

How not better:
Story - story is the same as first Halo, with no new elements added. Covenant are still dumb enough to think Halo is a salvation tool.
Playability - If you liked the library scene and the Flood (character in 1st) you will love Halo 2. Lots of flood and dark scenes. Some levels you find yourself running for the checkpoint rather than digging in and fighting. Too many obstacles and clutter.

Overall, this is a great game and will probably break the game sales record. Sorry to the Halo fans who think everyone should give this a 5 star all around. If you have not tried Halo 1, you might want to buy it first as it has levels you will want to play over and over. Halo 2 is better for people with Xbox Live, and true fans of the original - so try that one first, as it will be a classic - if not already.

BEST GAME ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH!!!!!!!!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 16 / 26
Date: November 24, 2004
Author: Amazon User

THERE IS NO POSIBLE REASON WHY YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS GAME LET ALONE JUST HAVE RENTED IT!!!!! HALO 2 IS MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH BETTER THAN ANY VIDEOGAME ON THE EARTH!!!!! IF YOU DONT HAVE IT THAN GO GET IT RIGHT NOW!!!!! ok.
-graphics are unbelievable
-new and better weapons like the beam rifle (from unreal tournement)
-new veicles like the wraith
-most awsome game ever
-must have
but the one thing i have noticed: (this has been tested) in Halo 1 if you go to splitscreen but not co-op just multiplayer, bring the 2 players together so that they are facing each other and make one of the players do a melee attack (B). the person who got hit will NOT see the other player move at all but he will! in Halo 2 you can accually see the other person do the melee attack! isnt that amazing!? THIS IS A MUST HAVE GAME FOR SURE! it doesnt matter if your a racing fan or a sports fan cause you will absolutly love this game if you dont become obsessed with it first! good luck gamers cause it takes a heck of a lot of skill, patience, and time to beat this game (just forget about that last part and go get yourself a copy)!

CLOSET JUNKIE

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: December 12, 2004
Author: Amazon User

OK OK I'm a 42 year old mom with a great 11 year old son.I admit
I'm a Halo junkie.
When Halo first came out, I played with my son and was hooked. How many times have we played Halo? About 15-20 times altogether.
How many times will we play Halo 2? 15-20 on heroic and legendary alone.
I read the review and he was dead on about alot of stuff, but I disagree with the cons regarding the suit. I think it makes the experience more realistic.
The creators at Bungie did a wonderful thing. Creating a universally appealing story that combines myth, a great spiritual quest to be part of and is bigger than yourself, soul renching music and a peek into the male swaggering military humor we women now have the rare priviledge to enjoy (HOO RAH)...uuummm...and really cool weapons (Scorpion tank is my fav).
The fact that they balance the story by giving the Covenant a face to provide insight and depth for the gamer, goes a long way to promote a richness and compassion any good classic provides....did I mention the weapons? OH...OK...I did...

Single moms everywhere...rent or buy this game...get into sweats on a Friday or Saturday night, serve munchies you have to eat with your hands and soda to help you burp out loud...and have the fun of being a guy with your son for the next 6-8 hours.This game is worth giving up that Friday or Saturday night date for

no XBOX Live life before Halo 2!! Long live Bungie!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: March 29, 2006
Author: Amazon User

The first time I bought this game I traded it in coz it was so unlike my idiolized GR2-all the rays, plasmas, aliens-intolerable. Alas, I was shamefully wrong;i bought it again.

The campaign is 4 star good; the story line makes sense especially after visiting the addicts at halopedia.org. The cinematics help too. I have finished the game once on campaign mode will start over a level harder.

Halo 2 will awaken you when you continuously get killed by 10 year olds on XBOX Live. The 5.1 sound is flawless-5 stars! If you like FPS and have XBL, then you have to try this.

Halo 2 lives on XBL

X-factor

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: November 13, 2004
Author: Amazon User

After all the hype, all the anticipation, the rumors, the bits and pieces of information, the desire to own it, and most importantly, the hype, the greatest game ever released for the X-Box has arrived, Halo 2. Even newbies to the Halo universe will get a kick out of this and much more. Truly a worthy successor to Halo: Combat Evolved and setting a whole new standard.

The story goes like this (I'll try not to spoil anything). Master Chief (otherwise known as John 117) returns to battle the alien Covenant, a group of religious fanatics bent on wiping out humanity because they see humans as an affront to their gods. When they launch an attack on Earth, Master Chief takes the fight to them. While the situation is already bad, there's more going on than meets the eye. Another Halo ring, the Delta Halo, is discovered, and this is when things get even more interesting. We learn more about our antagonists, the Covenant, and get a little insight into their motives, such as a look into the Covenant hierarchy. What they, along with the Master Chief will discover, will shock you. As for how it ends, well, let's just say you'll love it or hate it. Simply put, the single-player/cooperative campaign alone is worth the buy.

In addition to an amazing single-player mode, the multiplayer experience (which includes LAN support) will rock us all. This game can also be played on X-Box Live, and even there are many options where that's concerned. Also, the addition of dual-wielding, which is the ability to fire two weapons simultaneusly is very appealing. Almost all the weapons from the first game are back, along with new ones (some of them are weapons you couldn't use in Halo). There are new vehicles you can pilot, new enemies, and all new surprises. Your own armor is much improved as well, in the sense that they recharge much faster. It's also possible to "jack" other vehicles. It takes a little practice, but if you can pull it off, you can steal someone else's ride. Also, you encounter new enemies, among them, the Brutes. If you thought the Flood from the first game was bad, the Brutes will knock them outta the park.

Graphically speaking, this game is beautiful. Even after you've beaten the game, there's still a lot you can do, many more possibilities even in the single-player/co-op campaign. The areas you wander around in are so big it's a wonder how Bungie pulled it off.

This game is not without at least one shortcoming, however it's are not worth getting angry about. Whenever the cut-scenes play, there tends to be some texture pop-in, as in some things in the cut-scene just pop in after it starts playing. It may also happen when a mission loads, but chances are it's not even noticeable. It's not something that will ruin the game in any sense of the word.

Those who buy the Limited Edition get two discs, the actual game itself, and the second disc is a DVD loaded with bonus features, mostly documentaries detailing the making of the game, deleted material, and much more.

We've waited three years, so let's lock and load!

GO WITH BEST BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: November 10, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I ordered from amazon months ago, and it didn't ship. I ordered on line from my local best buy yesterday(November 9th) at 3pm and picked it up at 6 on my way home from work. My Neighbor got it from best buy and had it over nighted, they shipped on the 8th, it arrived on the sale date November 9th. Much Better than Amazon.

The game is pretty much more off the same - but the original was so good they can get away with it. The vehichles and weapons are cool, and the controlls and displays are improved. All in all worth $50 if you loved halo

Angry Customer

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: November 11, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I preordered Halo 2 in August in order to guarantee that I would have it on its release date. After I ordered it, it said "Delivery estimate: Nov 8, 2004." I checked on it Nov 8th and it said "preparing these items for shipment." Its know Nov 11th and it still has the same message. I e-mailed them and they say that they sending it soon and I still have to wait 3 to 5 business days to recieve it. They go on to say because the order is being processed that I cant cancel or upgrade the shipping. I was pissed.

Early today, I decided to check a local game store (GameStop) and they have it them all over the wall, orginal and limited edition. Same price as amazon. So I picked it up, got home at 6pm and played to 11pm. Personally I think Halo 1 was better but 2 is definitely good. Problems with it are: 1)Normal difficulty is too easy. Need to select Heroic. 2)When you as a covy elite fighting the covy rebels, its hard to tell who to kill and whos on your side. 3)Its short! I only played for 4 hours and Im half-way done the game. 4) Xbox Live is very slow. I hope to see improvements later.

All in all its an awesome game. Its just like the first game(even the storyline is close to the same) but some improvents made.

Too much online focus & polarized difficulty...unfortunate.

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 8 / 11
Date: November 19, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I'm sure I'm going to bear the brunt of some "Review Not Helpful" people who simply look at the score I gave and not read why I did, and if that's the case get bent; I don't get why video game magazines and reviewers blindly give this game a perfect score when even in their reviews they admit rather damaging faults.

Reason one; I'm sick of online focused games. Not everyone lives in an area blessed with a cable connection, yet game developers are pressing online all the time and if a game doesn't have online abilities people get annoyed. Reason two; I'm sick of every developer assuming that the harder a game is, the more fun and more replay value it has; there has to be a balance between too easy and too hard, and this game failed in both directions. This game certainly isn't a total failure, though.

GAME CONCEPT: Halo 2's campaign is an expansion to the story of Halo. And with that, the gameplay can be seen as basically an expansion pack. Very little has changed; controls are identical, weapons are practically the same minus a few new ones that basically do the same thing as weapons from the first Halo (I'm sure you're all aware of the energy sword, though...an awesome addition), and the action is pretty much the same as before as well (although that may not be a bad thing). I'm not criticizing the game for sticking true to it's former formula, though, because it does work and they stuck with it. A lot of acting talent lend their voices (Keith David, David Cross, Laura Prepon, Michelle Rodriguez, Ron Perlman to name a few) to the intriguing cutscenes that flesh out the story, and this is a welcome addition to the game. Multiplayer is a blast, and to get the most of it you need X-Box Live...which brings me to the irritation factor of the game.

Any game with the "X Box Live Enabled" mark on the box basically tells you that if you don't have X Box Live, you're missing out, and to me that's not a good thing. Some games give a few extra things with X Box Live such as downloadable content, but some games make the main focus of the game X Box Live...I've played this on Live at a friend's and it's a blast, but after playing it seems like all the hype and all the hub-bub is about Live. For those of us without it, it's basically "screw you". All that I wanted was the addition of Bots to the multiplayer mode for when an online connection isn't to be had and you can take on a ton of enemies (one thing I loved about Timesplitters 2). As I said above not everybody has the luxury of a broadband connection, and when much of the focus is online, it is irritating. Halo 2 disappointed here.

But "reuber1 LOL there's a whole entire game besides multiplayer WTF!?!" Yes there is, and that irks me too. This game has faltered in the difficulty category in a big way. Easy and Normal are WAY too easy, and heroic (the most fun way too play) is still too easy; co-op or not anybody can beat the game on these difficulties. However, Legendary is something to behold. First of all, remember in the first Halo where you could play co-op and when one person died the other one could flee and have the dead player respawn? Well, Bungie decided that was too easy and removed that, so when one person dies on co-op you BOTH restart at the last checkpoint (only on Legendary, not the other difficulties). I agree with that decision to remove that cheap trick (although some wimp players may not), however the overall difficulty of Legendary is ridiculous. You can have full shields and get killed in less than half a second. Ammo is scant although enemies take tons of hits, and speaking of enemies there are nearly three times as many, and therefore the distance between checkpoints is huge...you can spend a half hour trying to get past one part in between two checkpoints and still die and have to start over. Let's put it this way, your marine partners can take more hits than you. Legendary difficulty is far too hard and I think the difficulty could have been brought down a shade. The second hangar of the Cairo space station is a prime example.

If it weren't so easy (or Hard) the game would be much better, but as soon as you beat the story mode, you'll want to focus on multiplayer, and for the people without Live, they're at a loss. I will state though that like the last game, some of the levels drag on quite a bit (Quarintine Zone comes to mind) and that can be a downer, making me wish that there were more/shorter levels.

GRAPHICS: The graphics have been given a bit of an overhaul, although this isn't the best looking game out there (for those with awesome PCs, don't expect much), but it's certainly better than the original. Animation seems to be a bit improved, but overall there's nothing outstanding that comes to mind. And is it me or is this one of the few First Person Shooters that when you look down your character actually has feet (you can actually shoot/kill yourself!)?

MUSIC/SOUND: This area is a slightly mixed bag. The original game score is excellent, the NU Metal/EMO thing or whatever that happens in one of the later levels is not. The score is amazing, with some familiar tunes, and there's one down-temp techno track that I think is very cool and fitting and wish there was more of, but that's a minor nitpick. Get rid of the NU Metal tuned down guitar crap and let the orchestra take over. Commercialy driven bands like Incubus, Breaking Benjamin and Hoobastank need to do us all a favor and stop making music and start bagging my groceries; they have no place recording music towards anything.

CONTROLS: Identical to the first game for the most part, except certain vehicular changes such as L button boosts and the Fuel Rod cannon on the Banshee (B button) are all that you need to worry about here.

OVERALL: I don't want to use the exhausted "hype" term, but this game certainly was that. I didn't wait in line to buy this, but I got it when it was convenient to me, and I'm still let down. The super-skewed and polarized difficulty levels and the fact that if you don't have a broadband connection you're screwed out of online combat really stinks. This game is not a total disaster, but I think that as soon as I can clear Legendary, or as soon as I get fed up trying, this game is going to be collecting dust. Rent this first and if you beat it in a week and you don't happen to have X Box Live, you've just got your money's worth.

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