Halo 2

Overall score:

Imagine being in the body of an intergalactic soldier. The body of one that cannot be destroyed and can always come back even after being shot by an AK-57, sliced with an energy sword, or blown up with a rocket launcher. Halo 2, the sequel to the original Halo for the Xbox game console, is the revolutionized version of its predecessor.

Halo 2 is a video game based on a science fiction world which is the same as Halo. The player can play the game alone and play the role of the hero as the Master Chief and try to protect mankind from destruction by the Covenant. If playing alone is not as fun, simply play it with a friend and save mankind as a team. When playing with more than one person it makes each level that much more interesting than before.

The weapons come in a vast variety and each weapon works well in certain situations where as it fails in others. An example is in the Zombie game. Zombies can only use energy swords, which minimizes their chances of winning because the living players can use all other weapons that can kill from far distances. In any other situation the sword is a great tool because it kills in one strike.

Aside from the array of weapons, the game excels with its graphics. Each environment is made to provide its own feel to the game. Sceneries range from dry deserts with large metal architecture to grassy plains with water and discreet plants. The style of the imagery, far more advanced than Halo, allows the player to feel like they are a part of the character they are playing . The game lighting makes the entire animated world appear to be a reality. The dirt, water, grass, buildings, and everything else in the game, with the exception of the weapons, all look realistic.

The graphics are what grabbed me but the additional attachments are what kept me enticed with the game. With Xbox Live (a way to play against people in all places of the world and on different game consoles) and system linking (a way of playing with people connected to the same phone line), the multiplayer experience became my main reason for playing the game. When playing on one television I can see where each person is going and what they see. This makes it easier to know exactly where they are and it kills the intensity of the game. When playing Xbox Live or on a system link I can only see the few players on my screen and the other players are a mystery to me. It makes me stay on my toes and constantly watch my surroundings to keep myself from being attacked by the enemies. Another perk to playing Xbox Live is when the players split up into separate teams. Each team has its own color to distinguish one team from another so you don't shoot your own teammates (but even if you try to shoot them it won’t harm them). The only way to injure them is to beat them constantly until their health is diminished. This helped me to improve my playing skills by not being able to kill my own man if I shot at them.

The one thing I don't like is the radar. I cannot figure out how to work the radar and find the opponents. All the other people that I play with can find me in a heartbeat without watching my screen to find where I am at. The only time I can find someone is when they are directly in front of me or close to my left or right. Because of this factor I am always the first person to die and have the least amount of attacks on the statistics.  I always think that with practice I will improve my ability to find and attack someone before I am detected.

Halo 2 serves as a well needed change from the original Halo. It provides much better sound and graphics than its predecessor making it the more dominating version even though it's not the original. If you want to have a good game time with your nerved not jumping with every turn you make, Halo 2 is the way to go.

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Written by Roland Boulware on January 15th, 2008