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
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  1. 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.
  2. JamesA.
    Apr 23, 2007
    4
    This game is nothing different. The graphics are 7 but weapon choice gets a 1. The physics are 0, compare to Half Life 2. The online system is very well made but the habitual game play brings it down to a 4. The single player story is like watching a train wrech in slow motion.
  3. 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.
  4. C.H.
    May 16, 2007
    4
    95/100 based on 91 reviews. I never owned an xbox and I only just got Halo 2 to use on the Xbox 360. After years of hype and years of "omg this game is so amazing", I was pretty excited to play. I have never been so disappointed. Everything about the game feels weak or wimpy. They took away the Chief's health bar, they stuck a giant "Shields are recharging!!!" in the middle of my 95/100 based on 91 reviews. I never owned an xbox and I only just got Halo 2 to use on the Xbox 360. After years of hype and years of "omg this game is so amazing", I was pretty excited to play. I have never been so disappointed. Everything about the game feels weak or wimpy. They took away the Chief's health bar, they stuck a giant "Shields are recharging!!!" in the middle of my screen when I try to shoot. They took away my 60rd and massive 600rd reserve assault rifle and give me a crummy machine pistol and an M16-knock off burst-rifle with 180 reserve. Lame. I resent splitting the assault rifle, that on it's own was moderately useful, into two completely useless weapons. One is too weak, and the other doesn't have enough bullets. Who goes into a fight with 6 spare magazines? Sound effects are poor, level design is boring, the whole game is just... ugh. I cannot believe a game that is so mediocre is so popular.… Expand
  5. 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.
  6. ConnorB.
    Nov 20, 2004
    4
    I played and fell in love with the first Halo. In fact it's the reason i purchased an xbox. But WOW; this game was so boring i couldnt even bring myself to play it for more than 20 minutes at a time. I understand the first game was a labour of love. Years in the making, well scripted, innovative, compelling and just damn entertaining; so i expected something at least of the same I played and fell in love with the first Halo. In fact it's the reason i purchased an xbox. But WOW; this game was so boring i couldnt even bring myself to play it for more than 20 minutes at a time. I understand the first game was a labour of love. Years in the making, well scripted, innovative, compelling and just damn entertaining; so i expected something at least of the same caliber. That was a major error of logic on my part. This was obviously a cash-cow for bungie and microsoft. It was a sure thing for them, all they had to do was dress up the old halo, toss in some new guns and a meager few new gameplay additions and they had themselves a top seller. Well i, as a paying customer feel quite cheated. This game was as elementary in gameplay as the original castle wolfenstein seems today. … Expand
  7. MikeR.
    Nov 28, 2004
    4
    Frankly, I'm tired of the worshiping Halo 2 has received.Single player is disappointing, both in story and originality. When there are two characters in the story going against each other, what's the point? Dual-wielding, while a great add to put on the back cover, completly overbalances the weapons. Going into battle with a rifle on multiplayer?Dead. Especially when some prick Frankly, I'm tired of the worshiping Halo 2 has received.Single player is disappointing, both in story and originality. When there are two characters in the story going against each other, what's the point? Dual-wielding, while a great add to put on the back cover, completly overbalances the weapons. Going into battle with a rifle on multiplayer?Dead. Especially when some prick has the energy sword. Graphics are about the same as Halo 1, which is still impressive,but there was just so much potential. A disappionting follow up, and terrible when compared to Halo1.… Expand
  8. Nathan
    Jun 12, 2005
    4
    People, u all need to learn something about the video game industry. in order for a game to get a '10' it would have to be perfect. Those e3 demos we all saw? probly were pre rendered since most games arent finished to be shown at e3. id say more, but i dont have forever to tell u all that you are brainwashed morons, so now to the review. i played multiplayer at my friends housePeople, u all need to learn something about the video game industry. in order for a game to get a '10' it would have to be perfect. Those e3 demos we all saw? probly were pre rendered since most games arent finished to be shown at e3. id say more, but i dont have forever to tell u all that you are brainwashed morons, so now to the review. i played multiplayer at my friends house for 4 hours totla. multiplayer is supposed to be the highlight, right? i got my ass beat. im not mad about that. The gameplay sucked. The maps blew chunks. the graphics were decent, but nothing stunning. u want stunning? try RE4. overall, halo 2 is nothing new, just a mix of things that have been done before. attack on earth: done. aliens: done. vehicles: done. guns: done. running around and hopping like a frickin noob: done. come on people, look at the whole game THEN review it. and i dont believe all those 10's. where are the reasons? o wait, there arent ne, cause u guys are all xbox fanboys.… Expand
  9. 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.
  10. Halo2Stinks
    Nov 24, 2004
    4
    This game was way too hyped up. The E3 scenes that everyone drooled over didn't even make it into the game. Poor controls, lack of real weapons, and repetitive screens. That's what I took away from this game. Crappy storyline doesn't exactly help either. Halo 3 is supposed to be the first game for Xbox2 so I hear, but I won't waste my money after this pile of crud.
  11. Berik
    Aug 17, 2021
    4
    I tried finding the page for Halo 2 anniversary edition on the Xbox One, but couldn't find it. Therefore i'm posting my review here.

    After years of resisting the urge to buy a Xbox to play games like Fable, Halo and others i finally caved, and bought a Xbox Series S. Great console. And naturally i got a gamepass to play games, including Halo Master Chief Collection. Unfortunately the    I tried finding the page for Halo 2 anniversary edition on the Xbox One, but couldn't find it. Therefore i'm posting my review here.

    After years of resisting the urge to buy a Xbox to play games like Fable, Halo and others i finally caved, and bought a Xbox Series S. Great console. And naturally i got a gamepass to play games, including Halo Master Chief Collection. Unfortunately the experience has been quite disappointing.

    Halo: Combat Evolved was alright, though it feels dated by now. Sadly Halo 2 is faaaar worse off. This game **** sucks now. The story is a collection of horde mode stand off's. I've been shooting up hordes of enemies with less than stellar gameplay until some door opens, with little context as to what i'm supposed to do. Master Chief lands on a Halo ring, and boom! Another horde mode stand-off! What happened with this game in comparison to Combat Evolved? The levels in Halo 2 feel lazy.

    I tried to persuade myself in playing it longer, but i was getting so frustrated with these lazy moments where you are just waiting for a door to open, the world's longest tunnel with barely anything in it, and messy gameplay.

    I remember playing this game in 2007 at a friends house, and i was obsessed with it. So taking that memory in consideration, i think the game has aged too much and many games since then have improved beyond Halo 2 in 2004. Unfortunately that's no excuse in an anniversary edition, I give it a 4/10. I hate it.    … Expand
  12. bramchvh
    Feb 10, 2023
    4
    The most overrated game of all time. This game does nothing new to add to what the first game apart from the Arbiter who was a fun character to play as. Apart from that The game is very boring and the physics are horrible I found myself falling of the map a lot more than I normally do. The music is the exact same as in Halo CE and becomes extremely repetitive.
  13. CraigK.
    Nov 10, 2004
    3
    Craig's Review 4U: The Guns are to damn big and in your face obstructing most of the visible area, especially in dual equipt mode. There is to much flashing to see what you are doing. Sets are to dark due to the new eviromental shaders. Story is awsome though but once again it takes a lot to get used to the interface. They should have left well alone.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. BryanM.
    Jun 5, 2007
    3
    I hope 3 will be way better. The story was ok until the end. and now they want me to buy 3 it better not have the gayest ending in the world or I will say good bye Halo and spend my $60 on a better game. Multiplayer is the only reason you should still have this game.
  19. RichardS
    Jul 4, 2007
    3
    Quite simply, the second most over-rated game of all time behind the even worse Gears of War. This took everything that was great about Halo - best game of all time - and ruined it. Horrid.
  20. RichardR.
    Dec 1, 2004
    3
    I loved Halo 1 and played it incessantly on every level. I loved the tactics, the choosing weapons etc. The only level that annoyed me was the Library which was really repetitive and I hate the Flood. I was hoping for more of the same. Instead the graphics are worse IMHO, the gameplay boring - more flood but now indestructable. New useless weapons. The whole thing is lacking. Even the I loved Halo 1 and played it incessantly on every level. I loved the tactics, the choosing weapons etc. The only level that annoyed me was the Library which was really repetitive and I hate the Flood. I was hoping for more of the same. Instead the graphics are worse IMHO, the gameplay boring - more flood but now indestructable. New useless weapons. The whole thing is lacking. Even the lighting effects on the needler you hold are rubbish now. Aagh! All the reviews giving it top grades are wrong. As a single player game it is miles below Riddick and the original Halo. It sucks. as with the majority of gamers, I don't have Live. The only trustworthy reviews are those at the bottom of the list who tell it like it is.… Expand
  21. 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 $40 per month for the ability to play online. Overall disappointing. I will be going back to favorites like Counter Strike and Unreal on PC before I touch Halo 2 again.… Expand
  22. MattC.
    Mar 22, 2005
    3
    This game is absolute !@#$ the original was much better i dont know how many times i replayed the levels in the original i did not enjoy this game as much
  23. Ricardo
    Jan 11, 2006
    3
    Horribly over-rated and possibly the most boring FPS I have ever played. I loved Halo and have played it all through many times. The story was great, the levels were either intricate or expansive but always well thought out, the weapons were all brilliant too. Halo 2 however just plain sucks and is a letdown in every department. The graphics now look small and clunky instead of neat and Horribly over-rated and possibly the most boring FPS I have ever played. I loved Halo and have played it all through many times. The story was great, the levels were either intricate or expansive but always well thought out, the weapons were all brilliant too. Halo 2 however just plain sucks and is a letdown in every department. The graphics now look small and clunky instead of neat and shiny. The weapons are mostly weak and useless - why ruin the superb handgun? The level design is truly horrific - an appalling mess passing for cities or spaceships. The first level sums it all up - boring, ugly, pointless and a mess. The gameplay is just not on the level of the first game. The reviewers giving 100% are just cowards going with the crowd. There is one good thing - the dual weilding weapons. But that can't overcome the stench from the rest of the game. I finally completed it in spite of the boredom but won't pick it up again.… Expand
  24. JohnW.
    Nov 21, 2006
    3
    Halo 2...well...it sucks. Yes, yes it does, Halo 1 slaughters this game, usually I woulden't think this, but after going through and playing Halo here in 2006 (almost 2007) I realized how fun it truly was! Sure the lack of on-line play was disappointing, but Halo 2 online play sucks, it's PAINFULLY repetitive and so...unintelligent. I guess the only GOOD part of this game is the Halo 2...well...it sucks. Yes, yes it does, Halo 1 slaughters this game, usually I woulden't think this, but after going through and playing Halo here in 2006 (almost 2007) I realized how fun it truly was! Sure the lack of on-line play was disappointing, but Halo 2 online play sucks, it's PAINFULLY repetitive and so...unintelligent. I guess the only GOOD part of this game is the graphical upgrade, second character, and beam-sword...everybody gotta love dat beam sword.… Expand
  25. ArkonBlade
    Mar 11, 2011
    3
    wow this was and maybe one of the biggest dissapointments in a sequel ive ever had the misfortune of playing. the good of this game can be sumed up very fast .controls are tight and graphics where great in there day and that would be it. every thing els about this game falls flat on its face . the story starts out kinda intresting then you start playing as the arbator which was likewow this was and maybe one of the biggest dissapointments in a sequel ive ever had the misfortune of playing. the good of this game can be sumed up very fast .controls are tight and graphics where great in there day and that would be it. every thing els about this game falls flat on its face . the story starts out kinda intresting then you start playing as the arbator which was like WTF!!!! i dont wana play as this **** i want to play as the master chief . i wouldnt have minded if it was a seperate campahn mode i could pick from the start but no it jumps back and forth and its HORRABLY annoying. then there is the wepons balance OMG! they just took a huge dump on that all the wepons ammo got cut by 1/2 or 2/3 of what they use to hold on top of that they gimped alot of the old guns. remember how sweet the pistol was? yeah now you might as well shoot spitballs as the enimy. the old machine gun use to be a pretty solid wepon to use now they tossed that for the gimp little smg which is like shooting a FKin BB gun. the enimy AI has takin a major dump . the brutes are complete idiots they just charge you over and over and over and never stop . so you eather get cheap killed up against a wall or you jump up on some thing high and laugh at them as they run into the object over and over again like a retard tryin to hump a door knob on speed. the ending is one of the worst in gaming history . it pretty much sets you up to what you think will be the final mission only to give you a big F U wait 3 damn years to play the next one HAHA dumbass . now you would think ok well the online will be awsome right i mean that was one of the coolest things about Halo 1 was how bad ass a multiplayer game it was . well WROOOOONG!!!! another Epic fail by bunjie . first off im not sure how many maps there are but i can say this much i played the same 2 FKin maps for 10 hours and thoose 2 maps sucked. this games search set up SUCKS and suck HARD! now toss in how the wepons where all gimped and you have a piss poor pathetic waste of a online game . people giving this any thing higher then a 7 ... try to defend that . you cant . this game sucks end of story.… Expand
  26. Jmsbpp
    Jul 20, 2013
    3
    Un total asco de juego unos estupidos con traje apretadito matando simios disfrazados.................................................................
  27. JakubTyszko
    Feb 14, 2021
    3
    Continuation of a boring game of mindless shooting. Story is like written by kids.
  28. EthanL.
    Apr 30, 2007
    2
    I really don't see how this game got so overrated in the first place. Graphics aren't bad, but with a stupid, repetitive, and predictable story line it isn't even comparable to Half-life 2. Also, gameplay offers nothing new, everything is been there done that. MUultiplayer isn't bad, but with an online community filled with immature 12 year olds it isn't worth it, I really don't see how this game got so overrated in the first place. Graphics aren't bad, but with a stupid, repetitive, and predictable story line it isn't even comparable to Half-life 2. Also, gameplay offers nothing new, everything is been there done that. MUultiplayer isn't bad, but with an online community filled with immature 12 year olds it isn't worth it, especially since you can get the same online experience buy getting HL2 and dling mods with the same multiplayer modes as Halo 2.… Expand
  29. RombieR.
    Mar 17, 2007
    2
    This game is highly overrated and no game reviewer wants to admit it. The graphics looked like a downgrade, the character acting was abysmal and the gameplay just sucked. If your a true fanboy of the series none of that would have affected you but as for me, I'll stick with Halo 1.
  30. 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
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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.
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  3. Gamestyle
    100
    One of Halo 2 Online's best features - if not the best - is the statistics tracking system. [Online review]
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