Halo 2

Pros

• Online competitive play
• New combat mechanics
• Updated weaponry
• A familiar storyline with unique twists

Cons

• Limited graphics
• Unresponsive when played with keyboard and mouse
• Non-intuitive vehicle controls

In the long list of games released by Bungie, none have created as massive of a following or received as many accolades as the Halo series with Halo 2 often seen as the pinnacle of the franchise.

With titles stretching back nearly 15 years, gamers from around the world have purchased Halo games at record rates and many have turned to Halo 2 as their title of choice in the franchise. For those individuals looking to take a trip back in gaming history, here is a closer look at the pros, cons, and leading features of Halo 2.

What the game creators at Bungie are renowned for is their ability to push the limits repeatedly, even in a long series of games with similar storylines and controls. This stereotype holds true as the basic premise of Halo: Combat Evolved remains in place but with a variety of enormous upgrades in this 2007 release. The campaign of Halo 2 begins right where Halo: Combat Evolved has left off with the original Halo destroyed and the Covenant forces in disarray. While it may seem like humanity is in for a relatively easy fight, Master Chief will once again be needed in a battle that rages from a new location known as Delta Halo all the way back to a full scale invasion of Earth.

While the original Halo title was relegated to LAN play across just a handful of nearby Xboxs, Halo 2 was the first game in the series that allowed for up to 16 players online. This opened up a wide variety of new tactics and a completely new dynamic to the game that are still used today. The server used to find and match players was fairly advanced for its time and allowed players to quickly skim through potential matches based on the skill level of players and the type of game that they would like to play.

When it comes to the actual mechanics of this first-person shooter, the primary difference that any player will notice is the ability to dual-wield weapons. Master Chief can now wield two of any smaller weapon which has opened up a wide selection of new tactics that was never seen before. This becomes especially important when playing online or on a more difficult setting as some enemies will only be defeated with specific weapon combinations that must be fired in a unique order.

With a great blend of new mechanics, the ability to play online, and a storyline that fans are already engrossed in, Halo 2 stands firm as a great title. As support continues and avid players still engage in competitive play, it is a legend within this ever-growing franchise.

Pros

• Online competitive play
• New combat mechanics
• Updated weaponry
• A familiar storyline with unique twists

Cons

• Limited graphics
• Unresponsive when played with keyboard and mouse
• Non-intuitive vehicle controls