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. PriscillaS.
    Nov 16, 2004
    10
    This game rocks. IMHO, it offers the best FPS experience to date. The reviewer from Cinescape is obviously unqualified for the job.
  2. DinoF.
    Nov 16, 2004
    7
    [***SPOILERS***] Great game with fantastic scenery and set pieces, however I thought the plot was no where near as good as the first, with the biggest plot twist being the unexpected ending just 10 hours into the game as things were beginning to heat up! Unlike the first game there where no massive and unexpected plot twists (who can forget the unexpected appearance of the flood in the[***SPOILERS***] Great game with fantastic scenery and set pieces, however I thought the plot was no where near as good as the first, with the biggest plot twist being the unexpected ending just 10 hours into the game as things were beginning to heat up! Unlike the first game there where no massive and unexpected plot twists (who can forget the unexpected appearance of the flood in the first game), or dramatic ending as the Halo explodes and the covanent and humans drop their weopans and make up that made the game feel like it was a complete story.... Although visually stunning and with the incredibly high production values, the game really delivered more of the same with some extra weopans, vehicles and enemies. I was a bit disapointed to find that the flood storyline was re used, and if it were not for the online part of the game, I would question what exactly Bungie have been doing all this time ? When this game ended I was absolutely stunned. The game just ended leaving me in a state of disbelief and like other reviewers I was actually expecting the game to continue after the credits as I could not believe that was it !! … Expand
  3. EvanC.
    Nov 17, 2004
    10
    Awesome! This game... goes beyond the reaches of space. (no pun intended) Definitely one of the best games I've played in my 7 years of gaming... Even better than the first 1000000/10
  4. ZakneomSpartax
    Nov 17, 2004
    10
    I passed all level of Halo 1, and for me Halo 1 was the best game on Xbox, but now a new game is number one. Halo 2 is the perfect sequel of Halo 1. I passed the level easy and normal of the Halo 2 and its awesome. Watch out xbox live!!
  5. BenL.
    Nov 18, 2004
    10
    Incredible Game.
  6. Kabootle
    Nov 18, 2004
    9
    The good definItely outweighs the bad. Some repetitive level design is a bit of a problem but some of the great cinematic feelings of some of the levels make them easily forgetable. Legendary sets a whole new level compared to the old halo and multiplayer is going to keep me busy for a very long time. Graphics aren't the greatest for cutscenes but are very nice for xbox and the music The good definItely outweighs the bad. Some repetitive level design is a bit of a problem but some of the great cinematic feelings of some of the levels make them easily forgetable. Legendary sets a whole new level compared to the old halo and multiplayer is going to keep me busy for a very long time. Graphics aren't the greatest for cutscenes but are very nice for xbox and the music is a thing of beauty. One other minus is the plot. But if you're like me, you're just playing campaign to get skilled for multiplayer.… Expand
  7. JohnH.
    Nov 19, 2004
    10
    I think that this game is the best 1st person shooter since goldeneye on the nintendo 64. I have never been so impressed with the quality of design in my life. GET 'ER DONE!
  8. AndresM.
    Nov 19, 2004
    10
    A great game, don't miss it!!!
  9. AaronL.
    Nov 19, 2004
    8
    I have to say this is the best game of the year for a first person shoot-m up. I loved the fact that you confiscate a vehicle that is being driven by an enemy. I also appreciate that they evened out the weapons (pistol, sword) and you can use them all. What other game allows you to use what the enemy was actually trying to kill you with. I also enjoyed the CO-OP multi-player version. Very I have to say this is the best game of the year for a first person shoot-m up. I loved the fact that you confiscate a vehicle that is being driven by an enemy. I also appreciate that they evened out the weapons (pistol, sword) and you can use them all. What other game allows you to use what the enemy was actually trying to kill you with. I also enjoyed the CO-OP multi-player version. Very smooth and the action never ends. I liked the fact that I was able to use the arbiter. Switch of senory and great commentary from the foot soldiers. The only real problem that I had was the game was to short with a blah ending (compared to the first). I need more hours of game play to rank this game any higher. For those who ranked this game anything lower need to get off their high horse and admit that this is the best 1st person shoot-m up game of the year (except for Halo 1 but that was 3 yrs ago so it doesn't count, so get over it.)… Expand
  10. NakedClam
    Nov 21, 2004
    5
    I've only played single-player mode thus far, but to date, I'm thoroughly underwhelmed. The story line is interesting enough, but I think I'd rather have read the book than wasted so many hours of my life for such a lame ending. The entire game was only about as long as one chapter of the original HALO, and the graphics are really no better. I do like the additional I've only played single-player mode thus far, but to date, I'm thoroughly underwhelmed. The story line is interesting enough, but I think I'd rather have read the book than wasted so many hours of my life for such a lame ending. The entire game was only about as long as one chapter of the original HALO, and the graphics are really no better. I do like the additional vehicles though. All in all, this game was NOT worth the two year wait. Unless multi player is better, I'll be returning this one to the store...… Expand
  11. JamesW.
    Nov 21, 2004
    6
    Umm well. wot the helll was that. i like fps games , and u can find me playing pretty poor games until i complete them, but. i couldn't wait to play halo 2, although i wasn't the biggest fan of halo. i still thought halo 2 would be fantastic. but it was just repetitive and boring. there is always the feel that the game has been rushed just to make deadlines. a game that had soUmm well. wot the helll was that. i like fps games , and u can find me playing pretty poor games until i complete them, but. i couldn't wait to play halo 2, although i wasn't the biggest fan of halo. i still thought halo 2 would be fantastic. but it was just repetitive and boring. there is always the feel that the game has been rushed just to make deadlines. a game that had so much potential, has become an almost exact copy of number 1. and if you want a game that really deserves 10/10. check out half life 2 on pc.… Expand
  12. Daniel
    Nov 20, 2004
    10
    HALO.When the word first hits you, the definition of absolute classic comes into mind but now Bungie have come up with a new definiton.Greatest xbox game ever to have been released.Halo 1 was awesome but Halo2 has beaten it in every way.Flawless,if not perfect execution and well worth the wait.what made it even better is new graphics,dual weapon wielding and energy sword.There could never HALO.When the word first hits you, the definition of absolute classic comes into mind but now Bungie have come up with a new definiton.Greatest xbox game ever to have been released.Halo 1 was awesome but Halo2 has beaten it in every way.Flawless,if not perfect execution and well worth the wait.what made it even better is new graphics,dual weapon wielding and energy sword.There could never have been a better sequel.A high 10 but the rating option doesn't go any higher.My favorite game.Keep it up guys!!!… Expand
  13. Mr.Chicken
    Nov 20, 2004
    10
    The first Halo is still one of the greatest games ever and Halo 2 improves on it in nearly every category. Don't miss it.
  14. FoxFactor
    Nov 22, 2004
    9
    Single play started great, but my jaw hit the floor at how shortly we were leaving earth. and as i was lifting my jaw, the game ended with a b**** slap in my face. Multiplayer on the other hand... Bungie, you guys did something magnificent on the multiplayer.
  15. ChrisS.
    Nov 22, 2004
    9
    If you're expecting campaign levels like Halo 1 had, you will have to adjust. You are now thrown into some real world type environments. It's easy to get lost and there aren't nearly as many waypoints as there should be. Some points in the game I was finding myself running in circles because I had no idea what to do. Also there are a lot of times where you sit in the same If you're expecting campaign levels like Halo 1 had, you will have to adjust. You are now thrown into some real world type environments. It's easy to get lost and there aren't nearly as many waypoints as there should be. Some points in the game I was finding myself running in circles because I had no idea what to do. Also there are a lot of times where you sit in the same room while enemies come, you kill them, enemies come, you kill them over and over and you never know when it will end. I prefer moving along through maps than having to sit in one room clearing endlessly. I hate the new pistol. If you used the pistol a lot in the first one for multiplayer, you will be disappointed with the new one. You can't really do the 2 headshot kill like you used to be able to. I really don't like having to play as the covenent guy throughout the game. It's not as much fun and you can never tell who is a good alien and who's a bad one. I ended up killing all my helpers by accident on several occasions. Overall though, this game rocks and the multiplayer is sweet. You might as well just buy it because all your friends have it and they will whoop your --- if you suck. … Expand
  16. PandaSlayer
    Nov 22, 2004
    9
    This game by far contains the best multiplayer options available in the world to date. however some poor features drag this game down, but still a must buy game
  17. JamesH.
    Nov 22, 2004
    9
    The phenomenal hype that surrounded this release meant that some people were always going to feel a sense of disappointment when a computer game, no matter how good, failed to change their lives. Those of us who were able to resist the temptation of allowing our expectations to run wild and to maintain a degree of objectivity when playing will have enjoyed a truly great game. The The phenomenal hype that surrounded this release meant that some people were always going to feel a sense of disappointment when a computer game, no matter how good, failed to change their lives. Those of us who were able to resist the temptation of allowing our expectations to run wild and to maintain a degree of objectivity when playing will have enjoyed a truly great game. The graphical and sound quality are, at times, breathtaking and the campaign gameplay (best experienced in Co-Op) improves (if not excessively) on the original. If Halo 2 is the last in the Halo series then the ending of the game could be seen as a huge disappointment by some. The new depth that Halo 2 brought to the Halo universe and the cliff-hanger ending mean that, for me, it is now inconceivable that Halo 3 will not follow this title. All this aside, the enduring joy of this game is in the incredible multiplayer experience (especially on Xbox live). When people reminisce about Halo 1, part of the nostalgia relates back to the great multiplayer experiences that they had with it. The same is likely to be true of Halo 2 and IMO this is the area of the game where the lasting judgement on Halo 2 will be made. To summarise, the campaign mode gets an 8 and Xbox live multiplayer a definite 10 … Expand
  18. TomA.
    Nov 24, 2004
    10
    WOW, This amazing game has lived up to all expectations, anyone rating this any lower than 8 must have a serious problem. What a bombshell, The Arbiter is a playable character. The storyline is ace, I thought the graphics were spot on, the only criticism I could give would be its rather easy, evn on Herioc, but this is cancelled out by its amazing and in depth multiplayer modes. WOW!
  19. TheSoup
    Nov 24, 2004
    7
    Overrated, the campaign is incredibly repetitive. Does anyone else remember when the plot was supposed to be Master Chief defending Earth form the covenant? That lasted about two levels then back to another halo. Also the legendary difficulty has changed form challenging to virtually impossible. Furthermore the dual wielding has completely unbalanced the weapons.
  20. Rav
    Nov 25, 2004
    10
    There are so many Gamecube lovers out there who have given this game a bad rating. GC owners, i wonder if u have an internet connection, b/c halo 2 on xboxlive is the best thing ever. Friends and internet connection, if u dont have either that probably why you have a gamecube. Halo 2 is simply amazing, game of the year...easily.
  21. Userguy
    Nov 28, 2004
    9
    After playing and beating the first Halo, I couldn't wait for the prequel. Just the first game chalked out about 135 hours for me, and thats not including multiplayer. Not much later after Halo 2 came out I got it, and was amazed. Well really amazed, and then a tiny bit disappointed. Halo 2 is amazing, the graphics, the AI, everything. I love all the new weapons as well as the After playing and beating the first Halo, I couldn't wait for the prequel. Just the first game chalked out about 135 hours for me, and thats not including multiplayer. Not much later after Halo 2 came out I got it, and was amazed. Well really amazed, and then a tiny bit disappointed. Halo 2 is amazing, the graphics, the AI, everything. I love all the new weapons as well as the vehicles. I have to say, those rock. But as for the new covenant members, I have to say, that I didn't like them. In my opinion, I think the original covenant troops were better, way better. The flying guys were just weak and annoying, and distracted me from the battle. They seemed more like mutant rejects than members of the covenant, so it kind of disappointed me there. The furry strong guys were pretty bad also, they are mostly beefed up versions of elites, and I prefer elites anyways, they are better looking and cooler... Mostly I didn't like them because they mostly melee and fuck up my screen whenever I get hit. That was bloody annoying. The prophets were just freakly looking and extremely weak. I didn't really see them as strong enough (or religious enough) to lead the whole covenant. A bunch of arbitors would have been excellent leaders ^^. Yeah, so I would have prefered the original covenant crew. I have to say I have another pretty funny complaint... I seriously think the shields are too powerful... In Halo 2, the enemies and allies alike seem a bit too beefed up; it takes forever for any of them to die, including yourself. I really think they should gave you weaker shields and make the enemies a bit weaker. Its not who has the strongest weapons and shields, its who has the best tactics. Halo was much better, where you had to keep more cover and lay down some fire. By the way, I'm not talking about easy, I'm talking about normal and hard. I also kind of miss the assult rifle, it was such a kickass weapon instead of the smg which just shoots willy nilly. Double weapons was a good idea, I love having double mags ^^. The levels and cutscenes were pretty good, but in my opinion Halo is still much better. There really wasn't much of a good story and plot to this sequel compared to the original. Half the time, you have no idea why the hell you are doing shit, and how it influences the story. Also, the maps in Halo 2 are way smaller and shorter than its original. I remember travelling through a shitload of maps before even finishing a level in the first Halo. In this game, all the maps are pretty tight and dark, and you never really come across any large environments. That was kind of disappointing. One thing that I can't help but be proud of is the AI. Daaamn! I remember in the first Halo, the marines kept stepping behind my warthog and getting run over. But now, they can drive vehicles!!! I always wanted them to do that. I also like being able to play the covenant missions. Those were pretty kool. I would suggest a better storyline though and better maps. Nothing so far in Halo 2 can match the last level of the game, or half the maps at that. THe only thing that is better in Halo 2 right now would have to be the multiplayer maps which just kick ass. IN short, Halo just kicks the ass of Halo 2 so far in storyline and maps, but I have to say, in multiplayer, Halo 2 just shines... I'll go play Halo now, and then play my friends in Halo 2!… Expand
  22. TorH.
    Nov 29, 2004
    10
    This is the best damn game to come out for the XBOX since the first Halo! So to all you haters out there...there must be something wrong with you...because the campaign alone is amazing...the multiplayer on XBOX Live is undescribable it's so awesome...
  23. MarkC.
    Nov 4, 2004
    9
    Man the d-wield is gonna be nice.
  24. BobM.
    Nov 4, 2004
    10
    IT ROCKS!
  25. DanJ.
    Nov 4, 2004
    10
    Best game eva!!! Bungie kicks ass.
  26. RichardT.
    Nov 6, 2004
    10
    This game will be the benchmark for ALL 2nd generation X Box (or PS2) games. I have seen nothing else that comes close to delivering what this game will.
  27. JamesM.
    Nov 8, 2004
    10
    The penultimute [Ed: huh?] gaming experience on any platform.
  28. TerryB.
    Nov 8, 2004
    6
    Same as the first one. New levels. 6 on 10
  29. CraigS.
    Nov 9, 2004
    5
    My initial thoughts are that it is to similar to Halo1, little or no improvement in graphics. Can hardly expect it to live up to the hype - the first version was the ultimate...and still is in my opinion. Damn.
  30. JeffA.
    Nov 9, 2004
    10
    To say the graphics, sound, controls and storyline are superb is an understatement. Halo 2 is by far the best video game on any platform. Peroid. Bungie spent three years and 6000 making this game...and it shows.
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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

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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]
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  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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