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Halo 2
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Game Name:
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Halo 2 |
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Console:
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PC |
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Reviewed:
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Unknown |
When the world first set its eyes on Halo 2, it was a sight we couldn’t forget. From the video from E3 2004, to the eyes of gamers across the world. Now that it is here, does it live up to the expectations? Does is surpass the original? In two words, yes and no. The game is split into two halves, offline and online; and the sequence for it surpassing the original is offline – no, online – yes.
Seeing the game back in 2004, it was intriguing to see the game set on Earth; whilst you do, it’s about 1/5 of the actual game is set on Earth, the rest, space and beyond. The environments do look good, but by no means fabulous. From fallen blocks from buildings, to overturned vehicles, the environments are run down; at least on the Earths surface. Those who haven’t played the game will be in for quite a shock; you are not just Master Chief, but we’ll let you know who the other ‘character’ is.
New weaponry has found its way over to Halo 2. Original default gun in Halo has now been changed to a smaller, more compact gun, the SMG. Other weapons return such as the needler and the pistol, which has been redesigned, and is much smaller than the original. A new weapon that has made its way into the game is the ‘Energy Sword’. This ‘sword’ allows an enemy to be killed within one swipe. Effective yes, but it can run out of ‘energy’ if it’s used too much, and there’s no other swords that have been left by ‘murdered’ enemies.
The game offers 15 immense levels that can be completed both on the single player setting, and co-op; this allows a friend to help you against the flood. The levels can sometimes get repetitive; too many enemies running at you and hitting you. One thing you will notice on-screen is the fact that you don’t have health bars anymore. Those of you who remember, in the original, you had health bars along with a shield, Bungie have no took them health bars out, leaving you with just a shield. Fun it is, repetitive it is too, sometimes.
The game absolutely shines when taken online. Featuring a variety of game types and maps, the fun-factor is certainly there. Game types range from ‘Capture The Flag’ (CTF) to ‘Assault’ in which you have to plant a bomb in the enemies base; either while they’re defending it or when they’re trying to take the bomb of you and bomb your base (Neutral Bomb). There’s that many modes for the taking, that it’s so addictive. Maps are on there that have been ‘taken’ from the original and ‘modified’ to suit the players needs; as well as DLC (Downloadable Content).
Halo 2 is somewhat a two-way affair. You’ll either love it or hate it; most people will love it. But with the single player not rewarding, at all, and the online been somewhat ‘laggy’ at times, players may turn to somewhat more fashionable, lag free games. Halo 2 has it, but it also has some annoying cheaters that still manage to cheat, even though Bungie released a patch. Halo 2 is certainly a quality title, but in the future, we expect more from the next instalment of Halo; yes, there will be a third instalment that will hopefully put a smile on gamers faces and not leave them frustrated, and will put the franchise to rest.
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