Halo 2: Master Chief's Epic Battle Against the Covenant

1. HALO 2 • Developer: Bungie • Game type: First person shooter with 3rd person elements • Price: MSRP 49.99

2. Game Requirements: • Basic Requirements • 1 Xbox Console • 1 TV set • 1 Controller per player • For Online Play • A broadband Internet connection • 1 Xbox LIVE account per player for ranked games • Recommended • 1 Xbox LIVE headset per player for communication

3. Additional Info • Installation • There is no need to install the game, just insert the CD and play! • There are updates available through Xbox LIVE service, and they are only necessary for online play. • User interface • The menus are simple and easy to use • The controls take getting used to for first-time players, but they are the most ideal setup possible for a console FPS.

4. Graphics and Sound • Visuals • The graphics take full advantage of the Xbox's capabilities and provide realistic graphics that top even the almighty Halo • Textures and artwork create a feeling of really being in the game's world • Audio • Immersive sound is crisp and believable. • 5.1 surround allows the player to hear enemies creeping up behind him. • Sound is so detailed, it is possible to tell what weapon an enemy has without seeing.

5. Story • Takes place in the year 2552. • Alien species have bended together to form an organization known as the Covenant. • The Covenant are embarking on a holy crusade against mankind. • The Covenant's primary objective seems to be the activation of the planet-sized rings built by the Forerunners, whom little is known about. • The Covenant are led by a frail species known as “Prophets”, and there is an internal struggle over who shall be thier primary protectors between two other species: the Elites and the Brutes • The humans have built genetically enhanced soldiers, known as SPARTANs, to help fight the Covenant, but all were destroyed except for one: SPARTAN 117, better known as Master Chief • In the orginal Halo, Master Chief succeeded in destroying one of the rings. • Halo 2 opens with an Elite - apparently the general of the fleet appointed to protect the ring from the oringinal Halo - on trial for his failure.

6. Campaign Mode • Campaign Mode • Player assumes the role of Master Chief, and alternates with the role of the “Arbiter”. • This mode exposes the player to the game's story, and the player will fight against computer-controlled enemies. • 2 players may cooperate in the Campaign mode, splitting the screen one Xbox • Computer controlled characters will assist the player, simulating the experience of being in true combat.

7. Multiplayer • Players will play against each other, and form teams as necessary. • No computer-controlled characters • Custom Games • Players can set all game options and choose any game mode they wish • Split screen • Up to 4 players may share one Xbox • System Link • Up to 16 Xboxes on a LAN may join in a single game, so long that the number of players does not exceed 16. • Xbox LIVE • Play opponents over the Internet • Matchmaking • Game options and opponents are selected by the Microsoft server • Rankings are held for matchmade games • Custom • Players can invite people from their friends list and create custom games. • To keep rankings accurate, these games will not be ranked.

8. Driver's License? • Vehicular Combat • Players may use vehicles placed throughout the maps to accomplish objectives or kill enemies • Every vehicle has at least one mounted weapon • Teamwork • Some vehicles have room designed for passengers. • Some vehicles' mounted weapons can only be used by a passenger • A player carrying the opponents' flag may only ride passenger in a vehicle. • Car-Jacked! • Enemies on foot can steal your vehicle if they are in proximity and you are not traveling at full speed. • Try to run over enemies at full speed to avoid getting jacked!

9. Look Ma, Two Hands! • Weapons • Standard Halo design • Players can carry one weapon in hand, and one in reserve. • Halo 2 • Standard design, plus Dual wielding • If the weapon in hand is small enough for single hand operation, and a weapon near the player meets the same condition, the player may pick up the second weapon and operate both at the same time. (one in each hand) • The player does NOT lose any weapon held in reserve • The player may NOT throw grenades while dual-wielding • If the player performs a melee attack, the secondary weapon will be dropped.

10. Balanced Design • BFG 9000? • There is no single weapon that is always desirable in every situation. • Even powerful weapons like the rocket launcher have disadvantages that lead players to pass them up. • Slow reload time • Limited number of shots in clip • Too dangerous for close-range fighting • Skilled players adapt their situation to their weapons, or change weapons to suit their situation • Unlike some other FPS games, there is no clear evolutionary scale of weapons. • I.E. Mighty Boot, poor, okay, good, better, BFG 9000

11. Review • Fun? • Campaign mode • Immersive story, limited replay • Legendary mode offers the most replay in campaign mode, due to its insane challenge • Multiplayer • The number of options available give an insane level of replay value • The original Halo was still the most played Xbox game three years after its release. Halo 2 has even more options than Halo • Xbox LIVE • Voice compatibility offers an increased level of player interaction • Online play allows players to team up any hour of the night • Vs. games in the same genre • Halo is one of the most balanced FPS games ever relased • Vehicular combat offers a refreshing aspect to the game • OOPS! • Some gameplay details were tweaked in an update patch available free online. Updated elements include • Weakened pistol • Stronger grenades