Publisher: Microsoft
Ages: Teens & up
Parental
Advisory:
Violent shooter
The follow-up to the popular and highly acclaimed Halo, Microsoft's Halo 2 improves on the shooter experience with new weapons, abilities and environments. It's a superb game and a satisfying sequel that is exhilarating to play. And, as one would expect for a first-person shooter, it's also an ultra-violent title.
In Halo 2, players continue as Master Chief—a genetically enhanced super-soldier—who is the only thing standing between the evil Covenant and the destruction of all mankind. In this game, it's all about fighting the bad guys in vehicles, on foot, and with the help of the last Marines on Earth. And there are some new threats that include battle tanks and enemies that can fly.
Interestingly, the health meter in the original game is gone and players now only have to worry about recharging their energy shields. For a more violent turn, players can wield two weapons-one in each hand-and independently fire each weapon. Driving vehicles is lots of fun and players can now hijack vehicles. There are also some intriguing new weapons that include a beam rifle, which is essentially a sniper rifle on steroids, and an energy sword.
As before, the game does a superb job of integrating and mixing the running and vehicular sequences and offers strong artificial intelligence that results in convincing computer-controlled characters. Those who enjoyed the original game will feel right at home and welcome the improvements. The single play campaign is a blast to play.
A great cooperative mode allows two players to mix it up in the action. Unfortunately, the cooperative mode may only be played on a split screen and doesn't support system link or online play. The title also features thorough online play that lets up to 16 players battle via Xbox Live and join clans, customize armor, communicate with friends and engage in a variety of fun activities. One can practically make a career out of this game.
Graphically, Halo 2 is impressive, and the action is convincing and compelling. We recognize Halo 2 as a first rate shooter. But with intense violence at its core, it's not appropriate for the youngest players.
2/1/05 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
