User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2394 Ratings

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  1. Sep 7, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Halo 2 is the best Halo game, and is easily the best game in history. The multiplayer was VERY good, and at the time, everyone would learn the button combos, which was a lot of fun, and the maps were incredible, and to this day, my friends have game nights playing Halo 2 multiplayer the most in MCC. But that doesn't even hail to just how AMAZING the campaign was. The campaign is perfect. There is literally nothing wrong with the campaign. Yes the sniper jackals were bad in legendary mode, but Heroic is the way the game was meant to be played anyways, and the dialogue of this campaign is undefeatable. The switching between playing as the Arbiter and the MasterChief is mind blowing story writing. The introduction of XBOX LIVE in this game was SOOOO good. Absoutely the best game in history. Expand
  2. Sep 4, 2023
    10
    Imagine making one of the best FPS campaigns ever and then doing it again. Despite some difficulty issues on Legendary, the campaign is a worthy successor to CE. Furthermore, it revolutionised online multiplayer as we know it, and set up the behemoth that would be 360 era Xbox Live. Of course, this game feels more responsive than CE while also carving out is own, more competitive identityImagine making one of the best FPS campaigns ever and then doing it again. Despite some difficulty issues on Legendary, the campaign is a worthy successor to CE. Furthermore, it revolutionised online multiplayer as we know it, and set up the behemoth that would be 360 era Xbox Live. Of course, this game feels more responsive than CE while also carving out is own, more competitive identity as it is known for today, with additions like the battle rifle and the mistake that was button combos, carving out it's eventual legacy. Expand
  3. Sep 3, 2023
    8
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees! halo
  4. Aug 31, 2023
    10
    El primer juego que sentí una historía sólida y envolvente, con mucho que pensar y descubrir siendo un juego de acción en primera persona. Perfecta continuación de un clásico. Una ambicioso juego adelantado a su época que da más detalles a las motivaciones no solamente de tu personaje, si no de sus enemigos.
  5. Aug 25, 2023
    9
    O jogo pega tudo que era bom no primeiro e melhora, Halo 2 é incrível, uma obra de arte que deve ser apreciada por todos, história excelente, gameplay excelente, personagens excelentes, definitivamente um jogo memorável.
  6. Aug 22, 2023
    10
    This is the pinnacle of Halo. Amazing campaign, multiplayer, and took Halo to even further heights.
  7. Aug 18, 2023
    8
    HALO 2 was about as good as Halo CE... nothing much to hate about it. currently playing Halo 3
  8. Jul 11, 2023
    10
    The game that launched online console shooters nearly two decades ago still holds up today. Not only does it have the amazing multiplayer that popularized Xbox Live, but it delivers one of the greatest stories in gaming.
  9. Jul 8, 2023
    10
    The greatest Multiplayer game of all time, 1 and 2 are simultaneous and for me almost a singular experience. Loved this game, everything has already been said, but it is for sure in my top five games of all time.
  10. Jul 6, 2023
    9
    Halo 2 was a perfect successor for the overwhelming Combat Evolved. From campaign to multiplayer (local and online), everything is very polished. Not as groundbreaking as the first part, but still one of the best Xbox shooters. Overall rating: 9.4.
  11. Jul 5, 2023
    10
    Playing Halo Infinite and how horrible it has gotten made me respect the OGs.
  12. Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Emocionante y explosivo de principio a fin. A pesar de las.quejas por la introducción de la campaña del inquisidor. Este es sin duda uno de los mejores personajes de la saga. Lo mejor del juego son las Boss fights
  13. Jun 19, 2023
    10
    probably one of the best games I've ever played everything about this game is literally perfect.
  14. Jun 17, 2023
    10
    Halo returns in this bigger, bolder adventure set during the Covenant invasion of Earth, More weapons including a new dual wield system, more vehicles, spectacular set pieces and an enhanced multiplayer makes for the best game on the Xbox, bar none.
  15. Jun 9, 2023
    10
    What is there to say? One of the best singleplayer and multiplayer FPS games ever. Took everything great about 1 and improved it. Too many memorable campaign moments to count. Cliffhanger ending is a bummer but the rest of the game is so good it doesn't matter. Iconic for so many reasons.
  16. May 19, 2023
    10
    Como um fã dedicado da série Halo, Halo 2 foi um jogo que me deixou extasiado desde o momento em que comecei a jogar. Lançado em 2004, esse título superou minhas expectativas e se tornou um marco na história dos jogos de tiro em primeira pessoa.

    A continuação direta do primeiro jogo, Halo 2 expande e aprofunda ainda mais o universo de ficção científica que me cativou anteriormente. A
    Como um fã dedicado da série Halo, Halo 2 foi um jogo que me deixou extasiado desde o momento em que comecei a jogar. Lançado em 2004, esse título superou minhas expectativas e se tornou um marco na história dos jogos de tiro em primeira pessoa.

    A continuação direta do primeiro jogo, Halo 2 expande e aprofunda ainda mais o universo de ficção científica que me cativou anteriormente. A narrativa continua a saga do Master Chief e do conflito entre humanos e Covenant, adicionando novos personagens, reviravoltas emocionantes e uma trama mais intrincada. A história envolvente me manteve preso ao jogo do início ao fim, ansioso para descobrir o que aconteceria a seguir.

    A jogabilidade de Halo 2 é simplesmente excepcional. Os controles são responsivos e aperfeiçoados em relação ao jogo anterior, proporcionando uma experiência ainda mais suave e satisfatória. O combate continua empolgante, com a adição de novas armas e a possibilidade de dual-wield (uso de duas armas simultaneamente), que acrescenta uma camada extra de estratégia e diversão às batalhas. Além disso, o jogo introduz o uso de veículos aéreos, como o icônico Banshee, e permite aos jogadores pilotarem os temíveis Scarabs, proporcionando momentos épicos de ação.

    O design dos níveis em Halo 2 é outro ponto alto do jogo. Os ambientes são visualmente deslumbrantes e variados, desde paisagens alienígenas até cenários urbanos futuristas. Os níveis são bem construídos e oferecem uma mistura equilibrada de desafios táticos e momentos de ação intensa. A jogabilidade é enriquecida pela adição de novos elementos, como a habilidade de usar um jetpack, permitindo uma maior verticalidade nas batalhas.
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  17. May 11, 2023
    10
    I don’t have many memories from this game. But i remember when I was addicted to play it with my siblings. Kinda miss them
  18. May 5, 2023
    10
    The game that made Xbox Live into what it is today with the online. A worthy sequel to an amazing game with a better story, GREAT multiplayer as online multiplayer had just started two years ago at the time, and overall, an even better sequel to an amazing game.
  19. Apr 13, 2023
    9
    Brilliant. The first level is one of the best set pieces i've played in all games. Great game to play with a friend.
  20. Apr 2, 2023
    9
    This game has amazing story, amazing combat and great level design. Very smart giving us two perspectives of the Masterchief and the Arbiter. The multiplayer was also amazing for its time as well. The only flaw I see with this game is the fact the legendary mode is a bit broken as the enemies have way too much health and can one hit you- Second weakest entity in the game.
  21. Feb 6, 2023
    8
    Halo 2 is a really great sequel. Halo: Combat Evolved set a high bar when it released in 2001, 3 years later it exceeded the bar. A lot of positive changed were made in Halo 2: Shields recharge quicker, enemies (at least on normal difficulty) are easier and more fairer to fight, especially the flood. Lot of new fun weapons such as the Covenant Carbine or the Brute Shot. Speaking of Brutes,Halo 2 is a really great sequel. Halo: Combat Evolved set a high bar when it released in 2001, 3 years later it exceeded the bar. A lot of positive changed were made in Halo 2: Shields recharge quicker, enemies (at least on normal difficulty) are easier and more fairer to fight, especially the flood. Lot of new fun weapons such as the Covenant Carbine or the Brute Shot. Speaking of Brutes, as tough as the flood were in the previous game, the brutes take the cake in this game but they're nowhere near as bad and annoying as the flood were in Combat Evolved. Mission design and the story blows Combat Evolved out of the water. Halo 2 allows the player to play from the perspective of Master Chief, a spartan, and now as The Arbiter, part of the Covenant. This feature alone is what makes Halo 2 one of my favourite games in the franchise, I loved playing as The Arbiter and following the story of the elites. Overall, the single-player experience was really really good and I recommend playing this game if you have played Combat Evolved.

    Halo 2 also introduced the first matchmaking online servers through Xbox Live, something Combat Evolved didn't implement in time. Co-op split-screen is still available and it's a nice feature being able to choose between playing as a Spartan or an Elite in multiplayer. Unfortunately, Xbox Live servers were shut down by the time I got around to playing this game :(
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  22. Jan 30, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es de los mejores titulos de Halo y de los FPS en general, la historia es de las mejores, y con la integración de jugar como uno de los enemigos y descubrir lo que pasa del otro lado de la guerra y sin quitarle protagonismo al Jefe Maestro es increible. Las armas y vehiculos estan bien balanceados y dan la oportunidad de usar todo.
    El Multijugador es de los mejores, ahora se puede jugar como uno de los elites y personalizar los colores y los emblemas, con modos y mapas variados, y con la oportunidad de jugar online.
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  23. Jan 26, 2023
    10
    este juego es una obra de arte en todos los sentidos, excelente historia, jugabilidad, el online de lo mejor en años.
  24. Jan 26, 2023
    8
    Hello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don't worry ;)

    My final rate is: 9
  25. Jan 22, 2023
    10
    Another awesome title I had this day one and I liked it halo is a great franchise dispite all the bad negativity with the franchise through it all there still rumbling in 2023
  26. Dec 24, 2022
    10
    Answer: 75 characters is between 10 words and 19 words with spaces included in the character count. If spaces are not included in the character count, then 75 characters is between 12 words and 25 words.
  27. Dec 16, 2022
    9
    How can a disgraceful game be a masterpiece by a company with almost no gaming experience. The answer to Halo 2 is let's get into the review. Actually there are no incredible things to say, there is a game that came out as a result of fixing everything that was bad in the previous game. What was this bad thing? reasons ? Mechanics, section designs and repetitive gameplay. First of all,How can a disgraceful game be a masterpiece by a company with almost no gaming experience. The answer to Halo 2 is let's get into the review. Actually there are no incredible things to say, there is a game that came out as a result of fixing everything that was bad in the previous game. What was this bad thing? reasons ? Mechanics, section designs and repetitive gameplay. First of all, let's start with the mechanics and gameplay. The game is still limited to using a maximum of two weapons, and this is the basis of the game, especially the company prefers this design, but this time, too many weapons have been added to the game and they are all different and effective. This is where the section designs come into play. Unlike the previous game, we see a large and detailed map, not a closed box anymore. This map affects the gameplay incredibly with different sections and detailed designs until the end of the game. The weapons and vehicles you use are in harmony with the section designs, and everything in the game including the music. Unlike the previous game, Halo 2 is really a competitor to the FPS games we call masterpieces. Undreal gold, Quake 2, even almost half life 2 game is not as good as Half life 2 in certain aspects. Actually, what I want to talk about is not important. there is one more issue Multiplayer.O Since yun did everything very well, it is very effective in Multiplayer gameplay, even at a level that can continue to be played even for many years. Unreal tournament 2004 looks like a great competitor. As for the result, we have a game that can be one of the best games ever, if a little more effort is made. As for the grade 94/100 Expand
  28. Dec 11, 2022
    9
    No se si es mi favorito o no pero que maravilla, una gran mejoría en la campaña a comparación de la primera entrega y el online fue de los pilares de xbox live en ese tiempo.
  29. Dec 6, 2022
    9
    Halo 2 - não tem muito oque dizer já que ele melhora quase tudo em relação ao primeiro. A história é melhor; a ambientação está incrível; o jogo continua desafiador; a jogabilidade é melhor e conta com novas mecânicas incríveis; os gráficos são bons para a época; a trilha sonora e a dublagem melhoraram muito também; tem maior variedade de armas e inimigos; o protagonista e os personagensHalo 2 - não tem muito oque dizer já que ele melhora quase tudo em relação ao primeiro. A história é melhor; a ambientação está incrível; o jogo continua desafiador; a jogabilidade é melhor e conta com novas mecânicas incríveis; os gráficos são bons para a época; a trilha sonora e a dublagem melhoraram muito também; tem maior variedade de armas e inimigos; o protagonista e os personagens estão bem mais cativantes. As únicas coisas que me incomodaram mesmo foi: o fato de não ter legendas in game, só tem legendas em cutscenes o que é bem ruim e tem alguns cenários que são bem claustrofóbicos, algo que me incomodou em vários momentos. Mas sem dúvidas é um jogo ESPETACULAR merece o selo "Must Play"! Expand
  30. Oct 18, 2022
    10
    even tho I like the first halo more but this game is nothing short then a masterpiece great campaign and even greater multiplayer
  31. Sep 25, 2022
    8
    A good game that was obviously rushed and put out before it was ready, this is evident by how unbalanced the combat is with enemies, the abrupt ending, and shorter cut up levels compared to Halo: CE. That being said it has great music, amazing characters, good story, and solid level design. My only other gripe with this game is the weapons don't feel as hefty when you shoot them like Halo:A good game that was obviously rushed and put out before it was ready, this is evident by how unbalanced the combat is with enemies, the abrupt ending, and shorter cut up levels compared to Halo: CE. That being said it has great music, amazing characters, good story, and solid level design. My only other gripe with this game is the weapons don't feel as hefty when you shoot them like Halo: CE and they got rid of the assault rifle, but dual wielding is nice, overall felt it was a step down from Halo: CE. Expand
  32. Aug 25, 2022
    10
    Halo two is maybe the best FPS of all time. It is a masterpiece without rival. The story is amazing especially with the Arbiter. The gameplay flawless. The world and worldbuilding/lore is expansive and engulfing. The religious commentary on blind faith is striking. The multiplayer endlessly addictive and so fun with friends. This is the Empire Strikes Back of FPS games.
  33. Aug 3, 2022
    10
    This game was a wild rild so many funny xd lol moment's but also so many badass moments and the graphics on the remaster are mega drippy and the gameplay is halo the energy sword is so fun. I kinda like this game
  34. Jul 26, 2022
    10
    This game, like the original, is responsible for shaping most of my childhood. This game iterates on the Halo formula to create a truly special experiences entirely distinct from the first, introduction of elements like the brutes, the arbiter and dual-wielding became fan favorite inclusions for many games to come. A worthy successor the original that in some way surpassed it, but viewingThis game, like the original, is responsible for shaping most of my childhood. This game iterates on the Halo formula to create a truly special experiences entirely distinct from the first, introduction of elements like the brutes, the arbiter and dual-wielding became fan favorite inclusions for many games to come. A worthy successor the original that in some way surpassed it, but viewing the Bungie trilogy as a package, this is the game that hammered home the point that Halo was here to stay. Expand
  35. Jun 3, 2022
    10
    Шедевральная игра, отличная всем, игра заслуженно имeет статус бесптлеера первого Xbox , в игре xopoшо все, минусов нет.
  36. May 5, 2022
    9
    Played it with the MCC. Took everything Halo 1 did and put it to the next level. Aged well, is still fun. Play this with your best friends. The remastered is astonishing. Cool fun.
  37. Apr 7, 2022
    10
    Halo 2 is the perfect sequel to Halo Combat Evolved, nearly every aspect of the game has been improved, easily the best shooter of 2004.
  38. Mar 27, 2022
    9
    Amazing campaign. Arbiter is the best character in the series. This was so ahead of its time in 2004
  39. Mar 26, 2022
    9
    My favorite in the Halo series especially multiplayer.

    Dual needlers dominated!

    Still play this with the nephew on The Master Chief Collection.
  40. Mar 6, 2022
    10
    Greatest Shooter ever made. I wont waste my time saying much else. Except that I have to for the word count.
  41. Feb 27, 2022
    10
    A master-class in multiplayer game design that puts all modern Halo games to shame.

    Featuring the best dual wielding weapons in any video game, ever.

    Combat feels fun, rewarding and balanced. With a killer soundtrack.

    Easily one of the best shooters in history.
  42. Feb 24, 2022
    10
    This is my favourite game of all time :))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
  43. Feb 20, 2022
    10
    Halo 2 took Halo to another level and introduced what online multiplayer was capable of. Halo 2 was revolutionary and to give it anything less than a 10 would be uncivilized!
  44. Feb 19, 2022
    10
    Una verdadera obra maestra: El soundtrack, Los personajes, Su jugabilidad, El inquisidor ahora es personaje jugable, Es uno de los mejores franquicias que han creado bungie y Microsoft. Es una verdadera lastima que bungie haya abandonado no saben lo que me han dolido que hayan dejado a halo.
  45. Feb 14, 2022
    8
    Halo 2 is a great advance on Combat Evolved, it expands the universe of the saga with new species, enemies and allies, it introduces the story of the Inquisitor very well and has much more lore than its predecessor. Sadly the ending feels incomplete and it's just making way for an even bigger story in Halo 3.
  46. Feb 6, 2022
    10
    El primer halo que jugue fue este y es genial... espero tenerlo en físico para guardarlo en la coleccion
  47. Jan 24, 2022
    10
    The absolutely best halo game hands down. I love the parallel story line and the music should be illegal it’s so good. This is how you tell a story
  48. Jan 4, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Perfection. Halo 2 has aged very well, you will have a better time playing halo 2 than any other halo games Expand
  49. Jan 3, 2022
    10
    Arguably the best Halo in my opinion. It offers a lot of fun. It has an insane multiplayer depth and still holds up to this day
  50. Dec 23, 2021
    9
    Halo 2 is a fantastic sequel that takes everything from CE that worked and improves on it and then adds so much more. Gunplay is a lot smoother and still feels great today. Vehicles feel much better to handle AI across the board have been improved and the soundtrack is just iconic. Visually the game looks a lot better like its really impressive for a OG Xbox game to look like this and theHalo 2 is a fantastic sequel that takes everything from CE that worked and improves on it and then adds so much more. Gunplay is a lot smoother and still feels great today. Vehicles feel much better to handle AI across the board have been improved and the soundtrack is just iconic. Visually the game looks a lot better like its really impressive for a OG Xbox game to look like this and the anniversary graphics also look a lo better then its CE counterpart. Along with all these improvements to the core gameplay and presentation the story has been made so much grander in scale with the audience getting to see how the covenant operate and really humanize the enemy a bit. Being able to play as the covenant was also a genius move. Considering that the actual development for the finale version of Halo 2 was about 10 months the fact that this game is as good as it is and for its time has such a grand story to it is really impressive. But considering that development time it would explain why at times the game can be a little glitchy at times. Its almost never anything game breaking and again given that time to make the game the fact the game runs so well is astonishing. If I had to find complaints for the game it would be that the inclusion of boss battles were very underwhelming and unnecessary because there just not really fun to play. Flood levels are still the weakest levels granted their still not nearly as bad as the Library in Halo 1. And the difficulty is a lot more unfair in this game and if you've ever played the legendary you know what I'm talking about as Halo 2 has one of the most difficult legendary modes in the entire series. Honestly that's probably the biggest thing for me keeping it from a 10 for me if these issue had time to of been addressed then maybe although the ending is notorious for being a big cliff hanger although that's not as big a deal now seeing as you can readily play Halo 3 today. One last note the multi[layer is also still a ton of fun today to play. Overall the game is amazing and its defiantly one of my favorite games of all time and I look forward to playing through it again and again with people I know to make them experience it to. Expand
  51. Dec 14, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This was truly the best Halo game, it is just an amazingly told story with a brilliant main character in the Arbiter. His character ark was truly inspiring to watch as we the player see him grow as a “person”, and in the iconic “Tartarus, the prophets lied to us”, that is where his story is finally complete. Also Master Chief was at his coolest in this game, with the opening level ending with him riding a bomb into space. In general, everyone should play this masterpiece. Expand
  52. Dec 13, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The story in this games is so amazing the character development of the arbiter how he gets betrayed and how he reacts is just awsome just amazing Expand
  53. Dec 13, 2021
    10
    The best chief in all halo games
  54. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    My favorite Halo game of all time, the gameplay still feels very good and the story is incredible. Oh and also the soundtrack rocks.
  55. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Halo CE was awesome and It set the settings for halo 2 to make its way to another level , halo 2 was more about story telling! it has the best story in halo franchise and will forever be in my mind as one of the greatest FPS games of all time.
  56. Dec 10, 2021
    10
    Excelente juego es el juego con mas misiones y demasiado largas mucha diversión y catálogo extenso de armas
  57. Dec 10, 2021
    10
    This game is part if my childhood and everybody who has an xbox should play it
  58. Dec 9, 2021
    8
    Хороший шутер, но из за того как я горел в нём для меня он стал худшей частью, хоть и очень классной
  59. Dec 9, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ha sido el mejor juego de halo en toda la saga prácticamente he jugado casi todos los juegos de está gran franquicia y es una obra arte respecto a los juegos de los ultimos años halo 2 es y sera por siempre una obra de arte en todos los sentidos sí es una secuela pero era necesario y Bungie lo hizo muy bien , la historia, el diseño de niveles , es increíblemente genial eso si tambien partimos del hecho de que realmente hablando de la parte gráfica se ve genial incluso para su epoca , vi muchos comentarios de hate y de gente relativamente poco racional y podria decir que halo 2 no es unreal tournement en mucho mas que eso y por mucho el unico parecido sera en ser de la categoría de fps pero en niveles ,mapas multijugador , historia , graficos , banda sonora es muy bueno , efectos de sonido , enemigos , easter eggs, armas , vehículos , simplemente es perfecto y junto con muy buenas mecanicas , puedes pasar horas y horas repitiendo la campaña o jugar en el multijugador con mapas como encerrona o centro de nave, además la introducción de jugar con el inquisidor es tan geniales encanta simplemente halo 2 es perfecto Expand
  60. Dec 8, 2021
    9
    After Halo CE set the foundation of the Halo franchise, Halo 2 comfortably and solidly managed to expand and improve the series with its second attempt. Halo 2's more earth focused missions and twists around its plot make this game one of the best in the series. An amazing title that managed to improve in almost every category its predecessor and redefine the fps genre on its own.
  61. Dec 8, 2021
    8
    Un juego muy divertido que aunque no envejeció a la perfección es muy disfrutable y adictivo sin contar su gran Lore y historia
  62. Dec 1, 2021
    10
    Halo is quite simply the closest thing we have ever experienced to a living, breathing alternate universe.
  63. Nov 27, 2021
    10
    The best halo for me. Great story,levels,weapon,and cortana. I'm was sad when i watched a story in halo 5, and i hope 434 will change it to better side in halo infinite. 10/10 halo 2
  64. Nov 25, 2021
    10
    The best Halo in the series. Amazing for it’s time, and still worth playing. 2004 was peak of fps.
  65. Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Jogo fora de série, um marco para geração, gameplay maravilhoso e ótima história.
  66. Nov 20, 2021
    9
    This review is tailored to people who are thinking about playing Halo 2 for the first time and as such will be subjected to today's standards.

    Halo 2 is for many the defacto Halo experience and I would have to agree. All the complaints I seemed to have with Halo: CE have been fixed in its sequel, which is even more surprising when you take into consideration that Bungie had to crunch a
    This review is tailored to people who are thinking about playing Halo 2 for the first time and as such will be subjected to today's standards.

    Halo 2 is for many the defacto Halo experience and I would have to agree. All the complaints I seemed to have with Halo: CE have been fixed in its sequel, which is even more surprising when you take into consideration that Bungie had to crunch a lot to get the game done in time. Everyone knows the massive failure that was Halo 2's E3 demo, yet they prevailed.

    The combat stays intact, giving the player more weapons and the ability to dual handle guns, that while niche, contributes a lot to the power fantasy that Halo 2 desperately needs.
    The graphics, by today's standards, aren't the best, but there is a notable improvement from its prequel, undoubtedly pushing the hardware of the OG Xbox. The art style is still a classic and it feels distinct to Halo.
    The soundtrack is very well executed and there are some pieces that I'll never forget. The same can be said for the narrative. Halo 2 makes up in spades for the lack of narrative in Halo: CE. The story has various twists and from the moment the first cutscene starts, I was immediately hooked and taken aback because I wasn't expecting such a major shift in the way the game told its story. The game, in my eyes, delivered the best campaign out of every single entry in the franchise, that to this day, is still undefeated. Were it not for its controversial ending, the story would have been perfect.
    The mission design is a step up from Halo: CE (since you don't traverse around the same looking rooms for a whole level, now), however there are some sections that ask you to defend a single part of the map for a set amount of time, that sometimes drag longer than you'd like them to.
    To this day there are some glitches associated with multiplayer, that for some offered a new layer of skill gap, while to others, made the online experience less entertaining. To me, they aren't very important.

    Overall, Halo 2 is, without a doubt, the essence of what Halo is. In my eyes, it was the best one out of the original trilogy, which is funny, since it definitely was the worst one for Bungie, the developers, due to massive amounts of setbacks they faced.
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  67. Nov 19, 2021
    10
    El mejor juego del mundo!! El mejor FPS de la historia y el mejor multi jugador sin duda alguna.
  68. Nov 17, 2021
    10
    my favourite halo, really good gameplay and campaign is the definition of perfection! made my childhood :)
  69. 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
  70. Oct 9, 2021
    10
    I absolutely love Halo 2! Took everything from the first game and made it better. This is done by expanding multiplayer and making it feel faster, run smoother. Must own if you have an Xbox, be silly not to
  71. Aug 31, 2021
    10
    This is by far one of my favorite games of all time and learning how the production of this game went I'm surprised that this held up with the introduction of dual-wielding and mounted guns as well as introducing so many new weapons and vehicles this game was put on the map with making over $125 million in 24 hours of launch and so much talk about it on the news i was so hyped
  72. Aug 28, 2021
    9
    The only reason it is not a 10 is because on higher difficulties the game feels very unfair. Very hard to pass certain sections without cheesing it out. Great story, great gameplay and IMO the best soundtrack in the series, even Halo 3's.

    Multiplayer was the best when it released and on the MCC is still great and the reason to purchase it.
  73. Apr 17, 2021
    9
    Halo 2 is one of the most badass games of all time. It is possibly one of the best sequels to a videogame as it feels very new but also goes extremely well with the original. It was the first game that took on a movie-like style. Playing as the chief has never felt better

    The game also has a brilliant rock soundtrack that adds to the already amazing atmosphere. The level design is not
    Halo 2 is one of the most badass games of all time. It is possibly one of the best sequels to a videogame as it feels very new but also goes extremely well with the original. It was the first game that took on a movie-like style. Playing as the chief has never felt better

    The game also has a brilliant rock soundtrack that adds to the already amazing atmosphere.

    The level design is not great, as most levels are on linear paths which was not impressive compared to halo ce.

    The legendary difficulty is also horrendously unfair and is only for people looking for a rage fest.

    The multiplayer is very fun and has amazing maps that have even been remade in later games and you can spend hours with your friends in it.

    Overall, this game is a must play.
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  74. Aug 19, 2021
    9
    There is one small feature that was added to Halo 2 that was awesome and that was, for the first time you could have duel weapons.
  75. Jul 25, 2021
    9
    Some of the best storytelling and world building the series has offered. I will say that the level design is my least favorite in the trilogy for feeling more linear. Such an amazing game.
  76. Jul 15, 2021
    8
    A fantastic sequel that improved many things from the first game. It's not my favorite Halo game, but it's up there and still very fun to play to this day.
  77. Jun 30, 2021
    10
    Halo 2 was a thrill ride from start to finish. I couldn't stop playing this thing.
    I was hooked so to the plot that i couldn't stop playing; it was like a thrilling novel told with vivid colors, beautiful scenery and fluid gameplay. Now halo 2's story is not perfect but how bungie handles different characters and plot lines is so fascinating. In 11 hours Bungie opened up a whole new side
    Halo 2 was a thrill ride from start to finish. I couldn't stop playing this thing.
    I was hooked so to the plot that i couldn't stop playing; it was like a thrilling novel told with vivid colors, beautiful scenery and fluid gameplay. Now halo 2's story is not perfect but how bungie handles different characters and plot lines is so fascinating. In 11 hours Bungie opened up a whole new side of the Halo universe to me; something that i never thought i wanted but definitely needed. The gameplay felt a lot more balanced than combat evolved; the level design specifically. As i mentioned Bungie used RTS map design for Halo 1 and in some places it felt a bit off but Halo 2's level design is more like Half-Life 2. The graphics are gorgeous and the soundtrack is even better than the original game; for some reason Halo 2 is even more epic than the original Halo. The sandbox elements added to the gameplay simply makes it a lot more satisfying to play. The pacing in Halo 2 is a bit problematic though to so many cut content that happened during development. Halo 2 on normal is shorter than CE but on heroic and legendary you should prepare yourself for a 12 to 15 hour action-packed journey. After playing Halo 2, there were so many things that i wanted to be in the game; so many ideas were scratched but Halo 2 is still a a masterpiece of a game and in my opinion a more modern experience than combat evolved. I can say i enjoyed Halo 2 more than combat evolved but both games have their problems. In general Halo 2 is a superb sequel that is worth playing at least once.
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  78. Jun 13, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Definitivamente GOD este juego es uno de los mejores que e jugado 30/10 y obra maestra Expand
  79. Jun 9, 2021
    8
    Compared to the first Halo, this game was disappointing as it had a choppy campaign and marketing that promised things that were not shown in the game in the end.
  80. May 25, 2021
    10
    Probably my favorite war shooter multiplayer game. One of the best multiplayer games ever made.
  81. May 16, 2021
    9
    I never fancied getting an Xbox console because there's no reason to but i have to admit the halo franchise is a very unique and special one. Halo 2 is quite a sequel itself, it kind of remined me of the godfather part II, just like that movie Halo 2 is a sequel that is superior to its predecessor but it's a bit messy and convoluted in its narrative. Halo 2 ia a perfect story-driven firstI never fancied getting an Xbox console because there's no reason to but i have to admit the halo franchise is a very unique and special one. Halo 2 is quite a sequel itself, it kind of remined me of the godfather part II, just like that movie Halo 2 is a sequel that is superior to its predecessor but it's a bit messy and convoluted in its narrative. Halo 2 ia a perfect story-driven first person shooter with expert writing and iconic characters. The cut-scenes are well-directed and the soundtrack is fabulous. The middle game in the legendary Halo trilogy is a must-play for every first person shooter fan out there. Expand
  82. Apr 30, 2021
    10
    BEST HALO EVER !!
    BETTER than the newer Halo games. Perfect gameplay mechanics,
    Perfect movement speed, Perfect in-game player features, etc.
    EXCELLENT MULTIPLAYER !! AWESOME GAME"."
  83. Apr 5, 2021
    10
    Un juego de disparos en primera persona excelente, 15 niveles y una duración muy buena, historia genial continuando la primera entrega, apartado gráfico descomunal, muy buena banda sonora, sin fallos, excelente jugabilidad y un multijugador pionero en consolas.
  84. Mar 22, 2021
    10
    Halo 2 was one of the games I grew up with.
    Story wise it's the best of the halo franchise alongside reach. It's full of brilliant moments.
    Combat wise it has dual wielding which is amazing and it feels more complex than Halo CE.
    In terms of level design it's more consistent than Halo CE but less consistent than Halo 3. There are some great missions in this game.
    Overall a masterpiece.
  85. Feb 10, 2021
    10
    My 2nd favourite Halo game after Halo CE. This game is a BANGER and I promise you it will bring fun experiences. The new weapons and maps really add to the original.
  86. Jan 28, 2021
    10
    EL MEJOR JUEGO DE LA HISTORIA ALV, TREMENDA JOYA VAMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoODDD GODBOX
  87. Jan 22, 2021
    10
    My favourite game and simply one of the best games of all time!

    Halo 2 is brilliant. Story is awesome and more well written. Game play is still fun to play, after all these years. More fun guns, more fun enemies. And finally the soundtrack ... the soundtrack is something special ... something you will still hear after the game is finished ... the soundtrack is just EXCELLENT! And
    My favourite game and simply one of the best games of all time!

    Halo 2 is brilliant.
    Story is awesome and more well written.
    Game play is still fun to play, after all these years.
    More fun guns, more fun enemies.
    And finally the soundtrack ... the soundtrack is something special ... something you will still hear after the game is finished ... the soundtrack is just EXCELLENT!
    And multiplayer is one big fun thing!

    Masterpiece.
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  88. 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
  89. 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.
  90. 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.
  91. 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.
  92. 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.
  93. 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.
  94. 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.
  95. 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.
  96. 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.
  97. 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.
  98. 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.
  99. 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.
  100. 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.

Awards & Rankings

1
1
#1 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2004
2
#2 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2004
Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 91 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 91
  2. Negative: 0 out of 91
  1. 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]
  2. 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.
  3. 100
    One of Halo 2 Online's best features - if not the best - is the statistics tracking system. [Online review]