Halo 2

 Xbox
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2394 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,035 out of 2394
  2. Mixed: 192 out of 2394
  3. Negative: 167 out of 2394
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    10
    Probably my favorite war shooter multiplayer game. Had so much fun with this one. One of the best multiplayers ever.
  2. Itztoxin
    Jun 2, 2012
    10
    Halo CE came out and it was awesome and I couldn't think it could get better. But it did, Halo 2 will forever be in my mind the greatest FPS of all time. The campaign was well thought out and a great continuation of the first. And the multiplayer was so addicting. Its the one game I have played until that sad day when the shut down the servers. I will miss you Halo 2 MP.
  3. bradtheman123
    Jun 12, 2014
    10
    This game didn't only change my life but I'm sure it changed other peoples too. This was not only the start of Xbox Live and Xbox, but the start of something bigger. Life. Yes Halo 2 was life for me back then. What I like about this game is that everybody can relate to it. It is by far the best Xbox game created. It really changed how gamers thought (Considering there werent a lot backThis game didn't only change my life but I'm sure it changed other peoples too. This was not only the start of Xbox Live and Xbox, but the start of something bigger. Life. Yes Halo 2 was life for me back then. What I like about this game is that everybody can relate to it. It is by far the best Xbox game created. It really changed how gamers thought (Considering there werent a lot back then). This game not only boosted its series but it boosted Xbox, gaming, and even some peoples lives. Including mine. I know they will continue to make Halos and I believe it will continue to succeed. I… Expand
  4. GamerSpin
    Mar 31, 2014
    10
    Halo 2 is the best games that have been created in history, by the fact the gameplay, story, soundtrack and others, this is my favorite video game, and no one can change it
  5. bxrHalogod
    Mar 11, 2014
    10
    better tahn teh butt seckz. halo 2 was perfect, is perfect, and halo 2 anniversary will save the franchise. 343 made a terrible game called halo 4 and killed our franchise. let's get it back by pressuring microsoft to release a halo 2 remake. halo 2 is better than halo 5 because we know 343 can't do anything right.
  6. Cazanator
    Jul 21, 2013
    10
    Halo 2 to this day is one of the greatest games I have ever played. And to my personal opinion it is the best Halo game. There was such hype for this game upon release because the first Halo redefined the FPS genre and put Xbox on the map so much was expected of this game, and it did not disappoint. It returned with some innovative features such as dual wielding weapons, hi-jackingHalo 2 to this day is one of the greatest games I have ever played. And to my personal opinion it is the best Halo game. There was such hype for this game upon release because the first Halo redefined the FPS genre and put Xbox on the map so much was expected of this game, and it did not disappoint. It returned with some innovative features such as dual wielding weapons, hi-jacking enemy vehicles and new weapons. This may not seem like a big deal but it really did change the experience.

    It not only tells the story of the main character Master Chief but also a new protagonist called the Arbiter. He is a disgraced Elite from the Covenant who has been given one last chance to redeem himself. Some people did not like the Arbiter's side of the story but personally I felt it was the highlight of the game, the political struggle for the Covenant was incredibly interesting. In my eyes its an almost faultless game, the most fun I have ever endured in a campaign and had the best and most intriguing story line.

    10/10    … Expand
  7. Jonathan117
    Aug 5, 2013
    10
    The best Halo in my honest opinion, no game has thus far been able to beat this games amazing story, amazing gameplay and amazing characters. This is where the amazing halo games ended and started going down the hill.
  8. savagejoe444
    May 26, 2013
    10
    This was the first Halo game Iv'e played on the Xbox when I was young and this one will always be the best Halo game in the franchise! Dual wielding weapons in this game was exciting, especially with SMG's, which were my favorite weapons in the entire game. Just to bad that Halo 3 didn't have the same spark this one had.
  9. Montes6384
    Dec 22, 2020
    10
    Sinceramente, este fue el primer shooter que jugué. He jugado el juego unas 8 veces y de verdad nunca me aburro al jugarlo nuevamente. Creo que es el unico shooter que de verdad considero un gran y maginifico juego.
  10. Cyborg_TDRK
    Dec 17, 2020
    10
    O melhor jogo da franquia Halo, a remasterização ficou linda também, o tema musical de Halo em guitarra me deixa arrepiado até hoje...
  11. vinhemman
    Dec 18, 2020
    10
    halo 2 is a true fps exprience and i love it for that, it's a great game in every way.
  12. RumCritic
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    Halo 2 boasted the first person shooter genre to the next level. Between Half-life 2's story and halo 2's i really think halo 2 wins, about the Gameplay halo 2 might be inferior to Halo Combat Evolved but still it felt so innovative amd fresh.
  13. ChipsAreGood
    Jan 10, 2021
    10
    Amazing sequel from an amazing game, more weapons, more enemie types, more vehicules, great story and a better gameplay with the introduction of dual wielding.
  14. JoseQ.
    Nov 5, 2004
    10
    Absolute perfection!
  15. GodComplex
    Feb 1, 2005
    10
    I would like to state that this game is not broken. You H2-haters are. You are broken because you are blind, and comfortable in being that way. I hate people that are ignorant because they want to be. Any real Halo fan would know this. I lost many hours of my life at lan-parties for years because of the first game, and many things that made me say: "bullsh.t" were taken out. Face it. The I would like to state that this game is not broken. You H2-haters are. You are broken because you are blind, and comfortable in being that way. I hate people that are ignorant because they want to be. Any real Halo fan would know this. I lost many hours of my life at lan-parties for years because of the first game, and many things that made me say: "bullsh.t" were taken out. Face it. The pistol took too little skill to be effective. I could kill you in 2-3 shot all the time, everytime. Even noobs could kill you in 5-7 shots. Were's the skill in that old-school fans? Hell, you could snipe a Spartan from a Scorpion tank. Yeah right. They fixed the Devil-pistol. In Multiplayer you cannot go Lone-Ranger as much anymore. You can be good, but any team that works well together will make short work of you. They will hunt you in packs. Have all the weapons. They will own you. I owned people by myself in the first game. I can't do that as much now. I need tactics, not just brawn to win. As for match making, it's good. You play against people of your lv. They system works. People also complain about online problems, like swearing and glitching. Bungie fixes these problems. People can also report you if you are bad! YOU WILL BE EXPLELLED OR WORSE! Trust me, I see it everyday. I also haven't had much problems with lag, which surprised me. Also old-school fan's bitch about duel weilding. Old-school fans can be idiots and not try things, because they are afraid of change. Besides, duel-weilding isn't that effective! I own people that do that! A well place nad' and a single smg clean house all the time, everytime. You guys could also try a battle rifle with a plasm gun. So deadly it's scary! Owns the duel-weilding freaks so much it's scary! I don't understand people hatred for the single player mode. Halo had me going "holy shit" everytime. Halo 2 did that for me and more. I love the Arbiter too. I guess people expected a different game. I feel sorry for these pathetic masses of rage and hatred. They are broken relics. Note: Pc games and console are like judging fresh water from salt water. That's why I don't mention Half-Life 2 or World of Warcraft.… Expand
  16. AidanB.
    Mar 20, 2005
    10
    The game is an exellent sequel to halo, and both multiplayer modes are amazing.
  17. Charlie
    Jun 15, 2005
    10
    This is the best game ever. The graphics are some of the best ever on X-Box. I see that Nathan complained about plants? Who cares about plants materializing 5 feet in front of you when every other part of the game looks simply amazing? Nathan didn't like the multi-player because he got his ass handed to him. If he won he would say it was great. I dont know how you could say something This is the best game ever. The graphics are some of the best ever on X-Box. I see that Nathan complained about plants? Who cares about plants materializing 5 feet in front of you when every other part of the game looks simply amazing? Nathan didn't like the multi-player because he got his ass handed to him. If he won he would say it was great. I dont know how you could say something is wrong with the maps when they are beautiful. The gameplay sucked? The gameplay definitely doesn't suck. It is action packed and fluent. Even on x-box live there aren't problems with framerate or anything. Shoaib complained about not really saving earth. You saved earth by forcing the covenant to leave earth. Then you followed them to stop them from ever coming back to earth. Yes, being the arbiter sucked, but the gameplay with the arbiter was awesome. Being invisible was freaking sweet! When the arbiter talked then it was stupid, because i agree with you. I just want to kill elites, but you barely notice them when you are playing as the arbiter. in first person as along as you dont look straight down you dont even notice. To wrap it all up Halo 2 is the best game ever and everyone who doesn't agree with me and complains about the game are ...… Expand
  18. JasonM>
    Nov 6, 2004
    10
    as the xbox official will agree this is quite possibly the best first person shooter game ever to be released on this generation of consoles.
  19. Two-YearOldAdult
    Nov 8, 2004
    10
    Got this game one hour ago. This is better than Halo 1, and is one of the Xbox's very best.
  20. PatrickW.
    Nov 9, 2004
    10
    Fantastic only people who dislike it have never played it.
  21. Seriosity
    Mar 22, 2013
    10
    Following up Halo: Combat Evolved is no small feat. Luckily, Halo 2 was open to the challenge and succeeded in every way. The multiplayer speaks for itself. The only nitpick is the brevity of the campaign and the cliffhanger ending. Still, the campaign, while short, is incredibly original containing a twist you will never see coming.
  22. emoney
    Nov 28, 2012
    10
    This game will make your dick hard and thats not a lie. You can debate on weather this halo or halo 3 being the best halo. The gameplay was insane. Did I mention it makes your dick hard?
  23. CineAutoctono
    Jul 21, 2017
    9
    Halo 3 was a very good video game that is part of this incredible franchise, the story, the gameplay, and the graphics were great, just as now it is still a classic.
  24. draxlink
    Apr 1, 2017
    9
    The best game of Halo saga!! Halo 2 is amazing, good history, good graphics, excellent controls and the action never stop after this game Halo saga fell in bad games, boring history and nothing to enjoy! Bungie we miss you con Halo saga
  25. SparkzPlayzGame
    Jan 20, 2018
    9
    The next installation in the Halo Series, it is great like its big brother combat evolved

    Graphics=9.5, AMAZING FOR THE TIME, So good Music=10, STILL EPIC LIKE CE Story=10, Just like CE, EPIC Story and amazing Replayability/Length=9, Worth it so good Gameplay=8, Very good, BUT **** HIGH CHARITY ON LEGENDARY IS SOOOOOOO **** HARD, very hard on legendary but fun, especially the    The next installation in the Halo Series, it is great like its big brother combat evolved

    Graphics=9.5, AMAZING FOR THE TIME, So good
    Music=10, STILL EPIC LIKE CE
    Story=10, Just like CE, EPIC Story and amazing
    Replayability/Length=9, Worth it so good
    Gameplay=8, Very good, BUT **** HIGH CHARITY ON LEGENDARY IS SOOOOOOO **** HARD, very hard on legendary but fun, especially the multiplayer

    This leads to a grand total of .......

    93!

    Very fun and worth the experience, do it and you wont regret it    … Expand
  26. halo124
    Apr 3, 2019
    9
    This game has the best campaign cut scenes but however great you make the weapon sandbox, you cant get past the fact that the difficulty settings in this game are unfair and for once i am not saying that because i am trash at the game. I have 2 problems with this game but there are 200 positives starting with the best part of this game the boss battles which i can not spoil but they areThis game has the best campaign cut scenes but however great you make the weapon sandbox, you cant get past the fact that the difficulty settings in this game are unfair and for once i am not saying that because i am trash at the game. I have 2 problems with this game but there are 200 positives starting with the best part of this game the boss battles which i can not spoil but they are better than the warden eternal and 343 guilty spark. Another positive are the flood and to be honest i hated the flood in Halo CE probably because of the library level and rocket launcher flood but in this game they added a lazer which lets you cut off body parts which is so satisfying the flood will become the best enemy to fight. Now the bad stuff which starts with the difficulty and one of many examples of this is there are one shot kill sniper jackels which have such good aim competitive players would have about as much chance as the master chief vs a single grunt. The other problem is a spoiler so i can not say it here. The master chief collection does have this game with improved graphics and a multiplayer so i would recommend playing it on there. The multiplayer of this game is worth buying the game without the campaign and for a halo game you know its good but the multiplayer has got one huge problem as button combos are in the game and are very annoying… Expand
  27. Robert88
    Jan 16, 2021
    10
    The game that defined what modern fps are today , a game that paved the way for every single title of fps . Halo is king of all first person shooters .. with out it we would still be playing genres like quake , and doom in 2d .. bungee opened open a whole new world of possibilities for the first person shooter genre . Love it or hate it you can not , nor any body can not deny what it hasThe game that defined what modern fps are today , a game that paved the way for every single title of fps . Halo is king of all first person shooters .. with out it we would still be playing genres like quake , and doom in 2d .. bungee opened open a whole new world of possibilities for the first person shooter genre . Love it or hate it you can not , nor any body can not deny what it has brought to the table and what it has contributed to gaming as whole Greatest fps series ever… Expand
  28. Skurttish
    Dec 21, 2020
    9
    An improvement over Halo: CE in nearly every way.

    The biggest improvement was in the story—it was very interesting. It did a great job of fleshing out and expanding the Halo universe, something I loved. The gameplay was the same great, classic Halo FPS. Don’t fix what ain’t broken. The graphics were good, certainly good enough to do the job, and the cutscenes looked really great.    An improvement over Halo: CE in nearly every way.

    The biggest improvement was in the story—it was very interesting. It did a great job of fleshing out and expanding the Halo universe, something I loved.

    The gameplay was the same great, classic Halo FPS. Don’t fix what ain’t broken.

    The graphics were good, certainly good enough to do the job, and the cutscenes looked really great. Finally, the music and sound never got in the way (although I didn’t like the bits that sounded like they could have been from a Phil Collins outtake—stay away from acoustic percussion, Halo, and stick to synthesized sounds! It fits the genre better).

    I did take off one point, and it was because the game was too difficult. There were some sections that were overly challenging. But other than that, it’s a game I absolutely recommend.    … Expand
  29. wiredspore44
    Dec 28, 2020
    9
    Great follow up to a perfect Xbox launch title. The level design feels a lot more restrictive than the first game and it feels a little jarring that it ditched the open world style from the original. The arbiter was also a cool addition to the halo series.
  30. Carmina45
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    Probably the best sequel ever.!? This game is so good, i just couldn't stop playing it, the story and dialog are top-notch.
  31. AnimalK
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    this game is not going to waste you time , instead it's going to give you brilliant story and characters combined with a perfect gamplay.
  32. Humbleman200
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    Probably the best fps shooter out there...? I mean halo 3 was great but this was something else entirely.
  33. Trevorman
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    Halo 2 came so strong. Easily one of the best shooters and sequels ever made.
  34. PlagueMan
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    Halo 2 established online gaming basically, and with it's great narrative and complex character arcs, halo 2 was another great entry in this franchise.
  35. LastCritic2
    Dec 24, 2020
    10
    Halo 2, a sequel that was even more beloved by millions, whether you praise the story or the new sandbox elements added to it, halo 2 is truly a flawless sequel.
  36. Haekan
    Dec 24, 2020
    10
    For me, 2004 is one of the best years for gaming, Half-life 2, halo 2 and... Now halo 2 did not disappoint at all and i still think it did some stuff better than Half-life 2, now don't get me wrong, Half-life 2 is a great game but compared to halo2 it lacks some stuff like revolutionary sandbox elements, the best story told in any fps ever and so on... Both games are great but for me haloFor me, 2004 is one of the best years for gaming, Half-life 2, halo 2 and... Now halo 2 did not disappoint at all and i still think it did some stuff better than Half-life 2, now don't get me wrong, Half-life 2 is a great game but compared to halo2 it lacks some stuff like revolutionary sandbox elements, the best story told in any fps ever and so on... Both games are great but for me halo 2 takes the cake.… Expand
  37. Goronox
    Dec 24, 2020
    10
    Halo 2 is both superior and inferior to Combat Evolved, the level design and gameplay are not as fluid and balanced as CE, but the sandbox elements are way better and some of the best in any Video game ever. But where Halo2 Shines is it's story and online multiplayer. The story-telling in this game still to this day blows me away, and the story itself is among the top 3 best stories everHalo 2 is both superior and inferior to Combat Evolved, the level design and gameplay are not as fluid and balanced as CE, but the sandbox elements are way better and some of the best in any Video game ever. But where Halo2 Shines is it's story and online multiplayer. The story-telling in this game still to this day blows me away, and the story itself is among the top 3 best stories ever in any fps ever. Halo 2's soundtrack has it's own personality and uniqueness and the online multiplayer of this game turned the industry upside-down because how perfect and innovative it was.… Expand
  38. Hire
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    Halo 2 is a must play sequel. I remember playing this with my dad and now he's gone, i play it myself.
  39. Padro
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    Halo CE and Halo 2, Probably two of the most important and influential games ever made. Halo 2's story and Multiplayer and Halo CE's gameplay and Narrative. While halo 2's gameplay is not as balanced as CE and cannot reach Halo CE on level Design, halo 2's sandbox elements and story just make it a worthwhile sequel. Not to mention the revolutionary online multiplayer it offered back in 2004.
  40. Hyron
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    With a greater emphasis on story, bungie proved that they are capable of telling stories that no other shooter can offer.
  41. RuthlessMan82
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    Halo 2 doesn't have the flawless gameplay of Halo CE but it's story is one of the best in the fps genre.
  42. GrownT839
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    I finished Halo 2 in one sitting with my brother, it took us 12 hours to finish the game. But after we finished it, we both said "i love it! ". Halo 2 is truly one of the very rare sequels that did so many things better.
  43. Poorman3
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    Halo 2 Refined CE's formula and gave us a perfect sequel, the game may seem short on coop but when you play on heroic or legendary, it will take twice of your time, because how challenging the Gameplay is. What can i say about the story? Well it's perfect.
  44. Hydroman220
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    Halo 2's story is just enough for you to buy this game, this game understood how to handle deep character arcs and story-telling, the narration in halo 2 is perfect, the Gameplay lacks some of the novelty of halo ce but it is still so fluid and flexible.
  45. Hayaow93
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    Halo 2 is probably the greatest original xbox exclusive, it had everything, a perfect and a meaningful story, complex character arcs, a revolutionary online multiplayer... My only problem with this game is the ending.
  46. Aldo_Glz
    Dec 27, 2020
    9
    Maybe better than the first game. But I did not love it that much. The campaign is great, showing us both sides of the conflict.
  47. DancerofBorel
    Dec 29, 2020
    10
    Halo 2 may not be as great as CE, But man, this game is really great, from its story, dialog, character arcs to its action packed gameplay and brilliant sand box elements.
  48. EnYadir43
    Jan 3, 2021
    10
    Halo 2 is probably the second most important game in the franchise and one of the most influential games in the industry, the game's multiplayer just pushed the industry forward, it was the first time that a shooter had such an emotional and an amazing story, the sandbox elements where unbelievable for the time.
  49. Tte93
    Jan 3, 2021
    10
    Halo 2 is a sequel to care about, it pushed the industry forward in many levels, the story-telling simply added so many aspects to the stories a game could tell. The Gameplay and sanbox elements represent the modern shooters.
  50. BikerNotes863
    Jan 6, 2021
    10
    Halo 2 brought so many new things to the table, say anything you want to say about halo 2, you can't say it didn't felt fresh and with its thought-provoking and deep story, halo 2 proved shooters can be deep and fun at the same time.
  51. RocketManDD75
    Jan 7, 2021
    10
    Aw Man, how Halo 2 managed to be this good is a mystery, how bungie managed to create a sequel as epic as Halo 2 is so unbelievable, there was so much hype around this game back in 2004 and the amount of pressure that was on bungie was alot. They didn't want to ruin Halo Brand or disappoint the fanbase either but you know what they did? They gave us the best sequel ever made.
  52. tatsatvats
    Oct 21, 2021
    10
    dear humanity ,we regret being alien bastards
    we regret comin to earth,
    and we most definitely regret the corpse just blew our raggedy ass feet
  53. Watermelon789
    Jul 10, 2011
    9
    This is where the multiplayer started getting hype. Thanks to Bungie doing an almost perfect game, no other game have made an addictive multiplayer game. Halo 2 kicked ass back then, and it still does.
  54. hydeks
    Dec 11, 2010
    10
    It's hard to believe you could improve in anyway on the first, but they did! recommend playing this one after playing the first though. The game continues on the story of the original game and adds cool key things in the game like new weapons and the feature of dual wielding which was a great feature added in. Definitely a BUY.
  55. TheQuietGamer
    Mar 6, 2011
    9
    Halo 2 did what I thought was impossible it improved upon what Halo: Combat Evolved did, it improved on gameplay, story, sound, and graphics, and created the best multiplayer experience ever that set the pace for games like the Call of Duty and Battlefield series, in my personal opinion this is the best in the Halo series, the only reason this does not get a perfect 10 is that there is noHalo 2 did what I thought was impossible it improved upon what Halo: Combat Evolved did, it improved on gameplay, story, sound, and graphics, and created the best multiplayer experience ever that set the pace for games like the Call of Duty and Battlefield series, in my personal opinion this is the best in the Halo series, the only reason this does not get a perfect 10 is that there is no more multiplayer, but this is still a absolute must play.… Expand
  56. CarsonRGB
    Oct 3, 2011
    9
    Story: 7
    Characters: 8
    Graphics: 8
    Setting: 8
    Multiplayer: 10
    Soundtrack: 10
    Audio: 9
    Gameplay: 10
    Re-Playability Value: 9
    Fun Factor: 9

    Score: 8.8/10
  57. LukeP
    Jan 2, 2010
    10
    I can't tell you how great the moment i got this game and looking at the graphics. After playing NOTHING but Halo 1 for three years, seeing this games graphics stuned me. I spent hours just looking at the games graphics in awe. a great game in everyway
  58. EricM.
    Oct 16, 2004
    10
    This game is so tight.
  59. JoshC.
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    It is awesome.
  60. ZacheryG.
    Jul 8, 2006
    10
    Good game but one was the most original.
  61. BenW.
    Feb 6, 2007
    10
    This game is a great, quality shooter that easily captures the attention of all gamers.
  62. KeeenenFunk
    Nov 10, 2004
    10
    Multiplayer perfection.
  63. Dave
    Nov 12, 2004
    10
    Its great fun to pick up and play. What more do you want?
  64. BenP.
    Nov 8, 2004
    10
    Easily the most immersive multiplayer experience in existence on any platform.
  65. SukjeetK.
    Nov 8, 2004
    10
    AMAZING!!!!!
  66. GeorgeL.
    Nov 9, 2004
    10
    It's HALO. Enough said.
  67. SykotikW.
    Dec 6, 2004
    10
    this game is the most kick ass ive ever played, and i cant get over the graphics. way to go bungie! Dont give my email to anyone!
  68. DeanK.
    Aug 11, 2006
    10
    This game kicks ass, the weapons, vehicles, levels, and multiplayer are all awesome, a must buy for any xbox owner.
  69. Deanna
    Mar 19, 2007
    9
    I don't see why there are so many people who dislike Halo 2. I will admit, that it is not as good as the 1st, but is it still a terrific game! I like that they put in new weapons, espically the plasma sword and the beam rifle. I also like being both the Arbitur and the Master Cheif. It is fun, fighting for both sides and then joining together, to kick the crap out of some brutes. I I don't see why there are so many people who dislike Halo 2. I will admit, that it is not as good as the 1st, but is it still a terrific game! I like that they put in new weapons, espically the plasma sword and the beam rifle. I also like being both the Arbitur and the Master Cheif. It is fun, fighting for both sides and then joining together, to kick the crap out of some brutes. I think Halo 2 was also more challenging, I found it harder to beat on heroic than Halo 1. (which is a good thing). I also liked the introduction of the Prophits. They made it very interesting, adding a sort of religious aspect to the game. ( am athiest btw). The only thing[s] I didn't like was that they got rid of the assult rifle!!! That thing whipped butt. I also sometimes found it difficult being the Arbitur and having to right against other Grunts and Jackals, it was sometimes hard to figure out who was good and who was bad.… Expand
  70. StevyC.
    Nov 13, 2003
    10
    Best game ever made.
  71. JS
    Dec 16, 2009
    10
    Amazing game. Possibly the best of the Halo series. A huge step forward from the drool that was Halo 1. The storyline was great, the comparison is unfathomable... No storyline to spectacular storyline. The graphics, a huge step forward from Halo 1; the gameplay was immensely improved from the old bare-bones format. Overall, a masterpiece of a game. How did this come out of Halo 1's Amazing game. Possibly the best of the Halo series. A huge step forward from the drool that was Halo 1. The storyline was great, the comparison is unfathomable... No storyline to spectacular storyline. The graphics, a huge step forward from Halo 1; the gameplay was immensely improved from the old bare-bones format. Overall, a masterpiece of a game. How did this come out of Halo 1's mediocrity? Oh, massive budget from previous game's advertising campaign. The people who didn't like this were just upset about a character change for 2 levels, and the fact that one of their favorite guns was 'nerfed'. I, for one, suggest the gamey gamers go back to Atari.… Expand
  72. zotune
    Feb 3, 2012
    7
    Halo 2 is a more versatile journey than the first game, and it comes with brand new characters, gameplay elements and weapons that improve upon the original. I encountered some bugs with a frozen image over the display when emulating the Original Xbox version on Xbox 360, but other than that the game performed very well. Although not up to par with the likes of Half-Life 2 technically, itHalo 2 is a more versatile journey than the first game, and it comes with brand new characters, gameplay elements and weapons that improve upon the original. I encountered some bugs with a frozen image over the display when emulating the Original Xbox version on Xbox 360, but other than that the game performed very well. Although not up to par with the likes of Half-Life 2 technically, it is still quite an impressive game in regards to the art design, pacing and music. The story has some interesting elements here and there as well, and the characters are more relatable than ever before. However, the narrative felt a bit stretched out, and went back and forth a lot. The gameplay also lacked something to look forward to after a while, and became very repetitive. And it didn't help that the developers, similarly to the first, rehashed a lot of the level design, in addition to tossing the same enemies at you over and over again. And although I didn't need a walkthrough, I wouldn't mind being given better directions, especially in areas where you are supposed to pass by enemy fire and trying to figure out where to go. Similarly to Halo: Combat Evolved, I didn't appreciate the flying and driving as much either, since the controls are quite clunky and getting through enemy fire alive in this particular type of combat can often be more of a coincidence than determined by skill. Furthermore, the enemy AI is not very impressive, and basically runs towards you or shots at you while waiting from a distance. In the end though, this is arguably one of the richest experiences on the original Xbox, but not a giant leap forward from an already remarkable game.… Expand
  73. flametail23
    Dec 9, 2014
    8
    While not quite as good as the first one, Halo 2 does a great job at continuing the story of Master Chief. This time around though you play as two characters in their own stories. Arbiter and Chief.
    The only problem I have with the game is that the cliffhanger at the end annoyed me a bit.

    Verdict:
    A great game which continues the legacy of the Chief and introduces a new character
    8/10
  74. XBOXftw
    Oct 4, 2014
    10
    Look, I've played hundreds of video games throughout my lifetime, but I must say, Halo 2 was the greatest game I ever played. I was always afraid to buy an Xbox 360, out of fear that an "Xbox 720" would come out the day after I bought one, so basically, i played halo 2 for 4 years straight until 2010 when I finally got a 360. But you know what? During those 4 years, i never EVER got boredLook, I've played hundreds of video games throughout my lifetime, but I must say, Halo 2 was the greatest game I ever played. I was always afraid to buy an Xbox 360, out of fear that an "Xbox 720" would come out the day after I bought one, so basically, i played halo 2 for 4 years straight until 2010 when I finally got a 360. But you know what? During those 4 years, i never EVER got bored of Halo 2. That's just how perfect a game it was, and still is, and always will be. Can't wait until the remastered edition on Xbox One!… Expand
  75. Marc.D.
    Sep 28, 2007
    8
    I recently played this game after I got myself a 360. Therefore, my review of the game is decidedly influenced by the arrival of newer and flashier games like Gears. That said, Halo 2 stands as a fine example of videogames as an interactive medium for storytelling. The epic sci-fi plot boasts a wonderfully rich narractive and succeeds in engaging the player on some many levels. The single I recently played this game after I got myself a 360. Therefore, my review of the game is decidedly influenced by the arrival of newer and flashier games like Gears. That said, Halo 2 stands as a fine example of videogames as an interactive medium for storytelling. The epic sci-fi plot boasts a wonderfully rich narractive and succeeds in engaging the player on some many levels. The single player admittedly lacks innovation. However, it takes many elements of the FPS genre, adds in a deep level of strategy and meshes it with the ace plot. Like everyone else has been saying...Halo 2 is about the multiplayer. And this is where is ruled until Gears arrived on the scene last year. Check it out if you haven't...then jump straight into Halo 3. After completing the second installment...you'll be compelled to finish the fight.… Expand
  76. KenE.
    May 19, 2004
    10
    The rating scale is maxed out at 10!! What the f**k!! Halo 2 has an all new graphics engine and basically all the problems from the first have been corrected and with the inclusion of xbox live Halo 2 = Winning every single game award imagineable!! What's this about Killzone on PS2 being the Halo killer?! Bring it on Sony.
  77. ChadB.
    Nov 8, 2004
    1
    This game dissapointed me very much. I can't believe I was lied to or led the wrong way. I got it and the game is not all that it is hyped to be. The multiplayer is good... yea yea so what. But there is a thing called single player, and that is what counts to me. That is what the first person counts to me. O yea... Bungie... you suck.
  78. Halo1Fanatic
    Nov 9, 2004
    0
    Extremely disappointing.. not a sh.tty game.. but for all they hype that it got... it sucks... weapons are not fun to use for hte most part.. grenades bounce all over the place.. you can fall from 100000 feet and live without losing any energy.. you jump about 50 feet in the air.. enemies look small and not intimidating.
  79. Ghost
    Nov 9, 2004
    0
    This game sucks. the weapons are weak, and i swear ive seen them somewhere else...oh yeah Unreal Tournament 2004. and that game is way better. like the other reviews said, you can fall from any distance and nothing happens. the maps look the same, just with different names, and the other maps are way to big if you only want to play with like 4 people.
  80. MasterChief
    Jul 18, 2004
    0
    Poor level design Uninteresting story Uninteresting enemies Dated gameplay Unbalanced weapons Sluggish controls only 30 frames per second Some poor multiplayer maps Those were all problems of the first, and so far it doesn't look like much has changed. While Halo 2 has some new features, it still features dated gameplay, and uninteresting enemies, story and levels.
  81. RayS.
    Nov 17, 2004
    4
    I LOVED Halo, the gameplay, the story, the music, Playing it I felt like I was in a movie. With much hype and anticipation I awaited Halo 2. Boring.. they kept pushing the release date back for this?!?!?! save your money or play halo 1.
  82. ChristianB.
    Nov 17, 2004
    4
    Great presentation. Unfortunately this game is simply a sequel to an already bland game. Maybe if Halo 1 wasn't like a million other video games this would be impressive. Improving an engine and making better graphics is what every single sequel does. Let's try something original for once. Overall it's a waste of money unless you're a diehard fan.
  83. C.T.
    Nov 9, 2004
    1
    What a waste of 3 years, we now have a new version of Unreal Tournament 2004, that's about it. The look and feel has now changed, and the first thing I can think of is...where's my Halo ONE disk!
  84. JakeS.
    Nov 9, 2004
    2
    Just old and tired ideas.
  85. K-Rap
    Dec 13, 2004
    3
    After reading a bunch of reviews, it's pretty obvious to me that the average player of this game is one of two types. 1 - mindless idiot who just likes the run/gun game. 2 - Envolved player who likes to master every gun, controls, storyline, and feature of the game to its fullest. I am the second one. That's where this game falls flat on its face. No story, no difficult After reading a bunch of reviews, it's pretty obvious to me that the average player of this game is one of two types. 1 - mindless idiot who just likes the run/gun game. 2 - Envolved player who likes to master every gun, controls, storyline, and feature of the game to its fullest. I am the second one. That's where this game falls flat on its face. No story, no difficult gameplay, no real challenge except how fast you can pump bullets into the next 50 enemies that pop on screen. I'm bored of this gametype. The multiplayer is better, but not by much. A "No bots" feature doesn't help fill the huge maps, and X-box Live costs too damn much to justify it's existence. I refuse to shell out $200+ for the system, $60 for the game, and $40 per month for the ability to play online. Overall disappointing. I will be going back to favorites like Counter Strike and Unreal on PC before I touch Halo 2 again.… Expand
  86. MankeeOfDoom
    Jan 8, 2005
    0
    Rarely does a game come along and absolutely blow our wildest expectations away. Well this game is one of them. And boy did it blow them away into the darkest voids of our universe, never to be seen again. Good god, what happened? Let me emphasis one inherent flaw plaguing the Halo 2 Single-Player campaign: the level design. Good grief. You'd think the most acclaimed console game of Rarely does a game come along and absolutely blow our wildest expectations away. Well this game is one of them. And boy did it blow them away into the darkest voids of our universe, never to be seen again. Good god, what happened? Let me emphasis one inherent flaw plaguing the Halo 2 Single-Player campaign: the level design. Good grief. You'd think the most acclaimed console game of just about all-time would demonstrate aptitude in level design prowess. But no. Every stinking dirt-ridden, crap-spewing level I was forced to endure not only had the gall to be LONG but also unnecessarily repetitive. If you can survive the SP, then you are either brain-dead or a devout Halo fanboy. Or both. I guess one implies the other, doesn't it? As for the graphics. Screenshots don't do the graphics in this game as much justice as they should. The screenshots look amazing. The in-game graphics look like they were constructed by soggy non-fat milk cartons straight from the dumpster. And did I mention they were melded together using fecal matter? And that they were constructed by traumatized children without hands, covered in bloodthirsty bees and screaming in absolute pain? I should have. Music is equivalent to the vilest blasphemy from the 80's. Halo 1, despite it's mediocrity in the gameplay department, had an excellent soundtrack. Halo 2 doesn't. Multiplayer. From a person who's used to the convenienve of online PC gaming, Xbox Live was a catastrophe of monumental proportions. No server browser? *croak* NO SERVER BROWSER?! Dual-wielding, in my opinion, was utterly useless (how could you sacrifice the use of grenades?). Melee attacks are oddly awkward in this iteration. And the new shield system encourages cowardice. Ladies and gentlemen, if you haven't realized by now, I hate Halo 2 with all my heart. I absolutely hate how such an overrated game with virtually no talent behind can get so much more recognition and support than other VERY deserving games. The Halo fanboys reading this and going "OMG WTF BBQ U IZ TOTALL LIEING L0LZ." Seriously. Step back from your ignorant delusion, and begin to look at this game that you've been blindly and fanatically supporting for so long.… Expand
  87. GTARocks
    Dec 1, 2004
    3
    Halo 2 is so unfairly rated by everyone else it's not even funny. In order to give a game 100%, there has to be new, innovative things that make you want to play it again and again. I felt this with a couple games like Vice City and Tribes Vengeance, but not here. There's little changed from Halo 1. Certainly not enough to scream about. The new additions are nice, but they Halo 2 is so unfairly rated by everyone else it's not even funny. In order to give a game 100%, there has to be new, innovative things that make you want to play it again and again. I felt this with a couple games like Vice City and Tribes Vengeance, but not here. There's little changed from Halo 1. Certainly not enough to scream about. The new additions are nice, but they don't really improve the game. Some of the weapons are a big step backwards. Too much hype, not enough substance. And for those of you who disagree - The single player campaign sucks! Admit it!… Expand
  88. JimK.
    Dec 4, 2004
    4
    I enjoyed playing the new version but not worth the hype. The ending a shameless setup for HALO 3 on X-Box 2. The game was just getting intresting when it quit and ended. It was like microsoft pulled the plug on development and rushed it to market in time for christmas. They would have been better served to develop it fully.
  89. ShoaibA.
    Jun 2, 2005
    0
    It was not a very good game i would not give it more then a 0 because it is always the same missions over again and i thought we were supposed to save earth and we end up playing only 2 levels on earth it was nothing to do with earth will never be the same since it hardly had much to do with earth i enjoyed the first 1 much more. A lot of people got caught up with the hype just because itsIt was not a very good game i would not give it more then a 0 because it is always the same missions over again and i thought we were supposed to save earth and we end up playing only 2 levels on earth it was nothing to do with earth will never be the same since it hardly had much to do with earth i enjoyed the first 1 much more. A lot of people got caught up with the hype just because its halo if halo was good it doesnt mean halo 2 will be good is well. I also didnt like to play with arbiter because who really wants to know about the covenant we want to destroy them the ending was even worse all these people who are giving it a high score play the game again and see the diffrence between halo 1 and halo 2… Expand
  90. HenryN.
    May 20, 2008
    6
    I'm really a fan of the first halo, and this game starts out delivering good gameplay, but after the first few levels the level designs become extremely repetitive (think library). The multiplayer is redeeming but many of the levels don't really feel balanced like halo1. This is a solid shooter but the first halo was superior. i would only check this out if you are a huge fan of I'm really a fan of the first halo, and this game starts out delivering good gameplay, but after the first few levels the level designs become extremely repetitive (think library). The multiplayer is redeeming but many of the levels don't really feel balanced like halo1. This is a solid shooter but the first halo was superior. i would only check this out if you are a huge fan of the series. Just don't go in expecting greatness.… Expand
  91. MonsterMash
    Nov 26, 2004
    3
    Sorry, I can't give this game a good review. I live in a rural area, so Xbox Live is no option for me. I otherwise have found a bland, repetitive, boring game with no improvements from Halo 1, and a much worse storyline. It's too bad that Halo3 won't be out for probably another three years, but then again, maybe it's not such a bad thing. After this stinker, I Sorry, I can't give this game a good review. I live in a rural area, so Xbox Live is no option for me. I otherwise have found a bland, repetitive, boring game with no improvements from Halo 1, and a much worse storyline. It's too bad that Halo3 won't be out for probably another three years, but then again, maybe it's not such a bad thing. After this stinker, I won't be holding my breath for the next game. I'm trading my Xbox in for a PS2 so I can get GTA:SA.… Expand
  92. DoodleBerry
    Dec 1, 2004
    4
    Not a bad game, but not worth the hype. I waited too long for this game, and I'm disappointed. Like someone else said, the great scenes that were at E3 aren't in the game. Unreal 2004 is a much better structured game, and more balanced. Give me my pistol back! Too much hype over this game. Microsoft just lost one Xbox2 sale.
  93. ZackO.
    Dec 11, 2004
    3
    I agree with C tunnel. This game is not near worth the hype it is getting. i just played it for about 2 hours at my friends house, both single player and multiplayer, and there is nothing great about this game. it is identical to any other decent FPS out there. The multiplayer requires no brains or strategy, and all you do is jump around and blast your SMG. The capabilities of the playerI agree with C tunnel. This game is not near worth the hype it is getting. i just played it for about 2 hours at my friends house, both single player and multiplayer, and there is nothing great about this game. it is identical to any other decent FPS out there. The multiplayer requires no brains or strategy, and all you do is jump around and blast your SMG. The capabilities of the player are so limited that it is hard to try to do anytyhing smart. all you can do is run jump and crouch. wow, thats AMAZING. The maps are god awful, and the mechanics of the sword are horrible. i played a swords only match, and it was the most boring experience of my life. there is no variety to what will happen. you just run up to the guy and try to hit him first. wow, thats fun. If you want a really good FPS, get Call of Duty for the PC. … Expand
  94. C.Tunnel
    Dec 10, 2004
    1
    Halo 2 doesn't live up to it's hype. I was waiting a long time for this game - watching all of the previews, buying all the magazines, reading all the boards. I waited in line for this game, got it home, turned it on, and almost cried. It was CRAP! Single player was horrible, multiplayer has no small maps, no bots or anything. The weapons now suck and are all automatic for the Halo 2 doesn't live up to it's hype. I was waiting a long time for this game - watching all of the previews, buying all the magazines, reading all the boards. I waited in line for this game, got it home, turned it on, and almost cried. It was CRAP! Single player was horrible, multiplayer has no small maps, no bots or anything. The weapons now suck and are all automatic for the stupid players. I'm risking Carpal Tunnel syndrom for this piece of garbage? Not anymore. I think it will be funny. Ten years from now people who spent a whack of money on that game will be in debt, have bad wrists, and still will be delusional about the game's success. I agree with one of the guys here who said that people who give the game perfect don't ever point out why. A game needs to be flawless to get a ten. This game is nowhere near flawless. It might be a good rental, but that's about it.… Expand
  95. MasterChump
    Dec 8, 2004
    2
    Is it just me that notices that people who give the game perfect scores have no reason? Answer - They've been brainwashed by Microsoft's advertising, waiting for the game, and preordering schnanegans. Meanwhile, those who didn't have a clock on their wall counting down the days to the release, see the game for what it really is. It's a weak, watered down version of the Is it just me that notices that people who give the game perfect scores have no reason? Answer - They've been brainwashed by Microsoft's advertising, waiting for the game, and preordering schnanegans. Meanwhile, those who didn't have a clock on their wall counting down the days to the release, see the game for what it really is. It's a weak, watered down version of the first game. The first game was linear, repetitive, and not that imaginative. There was so much more potential. The second game improves in some areas, but also makes others worse. Dual-weiliding is nice, but more tedious and ammo-wasting than anything else. The storyline stinks, and the multiplayer can't be played with anything less than 16 or so people - the maps are just too damn big. Vehicles are done much better in Unreal Tournament 2004. Halo 2 doesn't have the flair and solid performance of the first game. Hopefully, Halo 3 will be better, but I'm not holding my breath. It if is the first game for Xbox2 like people have been saying, I won't be paying my hard earned money for it.… Expand
  96. BillyBob
    Oct 29, 2004
    2
    After completing the game i found that this game is no diffrent from the first game. because there are no improvments over the original gamplay and the fact that that they are being lazy in stating that halo 2 is all about multiplayer this game deserves a big 2
  97. Jared
    Feb 13, 2005
    1
    I didnt like the alien levels. all others were good the first time but only the first time except the first earth level and kind of the second. multiplayer was ok. 1'D
  98. PaulM.
    Jun 18, 2005
    3
    [***SPOILERS***] Simply the worst ending of any video game I have ever played. Switching from Master Chief to the Arbiter ruined the game. Overhyped trash. Halo was much better. At least it wasn't a rip off. Someone said who cares that plants get drawn in from 5 feet away. You know nothing about video games. Four years into the life of the Xbox console and Bungie should have done a[***SPOILERS***] Simply the worst ending of any video game I have ever played. Switching from Master Chief to the Arbiter ruined the game. Overhyped trash. Halo was much better. At least it wasn't a rip off. Someone said who cares that plants get drawn in from 5 feet away. You know nothing about video games. Four years into the life of the Xbox console and Bungie should have done a much better job. The game was supposed to take place mostly on Earth. It probably would have if Bungie wasn't concentrating all their efforts on Halo 3 for Xbox 360. A below average FPS with tons of hype still equals a below average FPS. We were all ripped off. Gaming sites and people scoring this game higher than 510 are mindless drones.… Expand
  99. KevinC.
    Nov 10, 2004
    2
    Good game for Xbox, really bad game for anything else. I mean, come on, face it - Halo honestly isn't that good. Especially if compare it to the likes to Half Life and Unreal Tournament. It's the same tired repeating scenes, limited number of weapons and enemies, and only semi-decent multiplayer capacity. Microsoft has a reputation for bad games, and this one just continues it. Good game for Xbox, really bad game for anything else. I mean, come on, face it - Halo honestly isn't that good. Especially if compare it to the likes to Half Life and Unreal Tournament. It's the same tired repeating scenes, limited number of weapons and enemies, and only semi-decent multiplayer capacity. Microsoft has a reputation for bad games, and this one just continues it. A large number of reviews I've read say that Halo 2 doesn't live up to the hype it's been given - but they still give it top score? Bottom Line: There's WAAAY better games out there. Halo 2 is mediocre at best, but it will sell a gazillion copies, because most people who buy an Xbox in the first place are too dumb to care.… Expand
  100. Bob
    Nov 13, 2004
    5
    At first it was the greatest game ever!!! When i completed it the next day, it wasn't. Everything about it was so great and then when the ending sucked so much, i don't even consider it to be an ending.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Xbox Game of 2004
1
#1 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2004
2
#2 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 91 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 91
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 91
  3. Negative: 0 out of 91
  1. Xbox Nation Magazine
    100
    Microsoft and Bungie have created a gigantic bell that sounds like thunder and reverberates with a fury worthy of a gale-force hurricane. It's not perfect, but get in front of it, and wonderful things - wonderful destructive things - are bound to happen. [Dec 2004, p.72]
    Read full review
  2. GMR Magazine
    100
    The digital surround sound is phenomenal (and the voice-acting peerless), and players with a good A/V system will enjoy hearing enemies approach from all sides due to the sharp positional sound.
    Read full review
  3. Gamestyle
    100
    One of Halo 2 Online's best features - if not the best - is the statistics tracking system. [Online review]
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »