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. BigD
    Nov 29, 2004
    7
    Good Game. Didn't live up to the hype as far as I'm concerned. I wouldn't go as far as some people to say that I'm trading my X-box for a PS2, but it's not as good as I hoped. A few things that come to mind that were disappointing to me were: 1.) I was hoping there would be more battling on earth. I thougth the main plot of the game was going to be the Covenant Good Game. Didn't live up to the hype as far as I'm concerned. I wouldn't go as far as some people to say that I'm trading my X-box for a PS2, but it's not as good as I hoped. A few things that come to mind that were disappointing to me were: 1.) I was hoping there would be more battling on earth. I thougth the main plot of the game was going to be the Covenant invading earth. So I figured there would be more action on the city streets and buildings of earth cities. Instead we are back on alien planets and mother ships like the original Halo. 2.) When I play Halo, whether it's the first Halo or Halo 2, I am playing to kick ass with Master Chief, not to spend half the game playing as a character that is an enemy of the humans. This was a major disappointment for me. Some people I know weren't bothered by that, but it rubbed me wrong. The game is still a good entertaining game and worth the money to me, but I was definitely expecting a little more.… Expand
  2. MasterChef
    Nov 29, 2004
    1
    Without Xbox Live, this game is horrible. Single player is so bad and so short, it's not worth playing. Multiplayer is now so unbalanced there's almost no point, except to see who gets the sword first. Dual-wielding seems to just take up screen space, so you can't see. Even if I had Xbox Live (at $40 above the cost of the game and system), I wouldn't play online, just Without Xbox Live, this game is horrible. Single player is so bad and so short, it's not worth playing. Multiplayer is now so unbalanced there's almost no point, except to see who gets the sword first. Dual-wielding seems to just take up screen space, so you can't see. Even if I had Xbox Live (at $40 above the cost of the game and system), I wouldn't play online, just because there'd be too many idiots who have memorized every map and know where every powerup is. That's not a bad thing in most games, but it is here. When the weapons are THIS unbalanced, you only need to figure out where you start on the map to see if you have a chance of winning. The hype the game received even makes things worse. I've read so many reviews that people give the game 10/10, but then say "Well, it doesn't live up to the hype, and there are problems..".… Expand
  3. LordVader
    Nov 29, 2004
    7
    This was a hard one to call, I have been waiting for this game since completing the first one but having completed this one, have found Halo 2 somewhat...lacking. I'm not sure what it is but it just doesn't have that 'Halo Spark'. The ending is a disgrace, it really does feel like the game has been halved and I cannot help but wonder if Microsoft are going to do a This was a hard one to call, I have been waiting for this game since completing the first one but having completed this one, have found Halo 2 somewhat...lacking. I'm not sure what it is but it just doesn't have that 'Halo Spark'. The ending is a disgrace, it really does feel like the game has been halved and I cannot help but wonder if Microsoft are going to do a surprise announcement in early 2005 to say "Good news Halo 2 fans!!! We have another 15 levels of Halo 2 coming out in Feb 2005, yea for us!. Well, you'll excuse me if I don't applaud, shame on you MS and shame on you Bungie for allowing this to happen, the single player was incredibly short (50% short in fact). But it's not all bad news, the graphics are the best on the box and Multiplayer is fantastic. it's for this alone that the game gets 7/10 from me. I may be wrong about the extra 15 levels in Feb but wait and see. Hey Bill, what's next? Halo 3 - Home and Pro editions? The Pro version having ALL the single players levels???… Expand
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Stingdog
    Nov 26, 2004
    10
    You kow for everyone who has said how crappy the story you havn't named a better fps story ITS NOT AN RPG PEOPLE ITS A FIRST PERSON SHOOTER!!! WHERE U SHOOT THINGS!!! plus the ending was not that bad it was a cliffhanger just because u people were so happy the game was out and u played it for 15 hours straight on normal doesnt mean the game is too short try the other difficulties You kow for everyone who has said how crappy the story you havn't named a better fps story ITS NOT AN RPG PEOPLE ITS A FIRST PERSON SHOOTER!!! WHERE U SHOOT THINGS!!! plus the ending was not that bad it was a cliffhanger just because u people were so happy the game was out and u played it for 15 hours straight on normal doesnt mean the game is too short try the other difficulties they're different. Plus its the best Live game by far. If you dont like this game then u should just throw out ur xbox now.… Expand
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. SteveG.
    Nov 25, 2004
    5
    i dont get it. why is this game supposed to be the best thing out. plz explain to me, cause from what i see it ain't anything special.
  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. 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!
  12. 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.
  13. StephenS.
    Nov 23, 2004
    10
    It lived up to expectations with a more frentic and less repetitive single player. LIVE plays as good as it gets and the MP maps are a must!
  14. DudeSweet
    Nov 23, 2004
    8
    I think it was worth the wait becuase online play is unreal even thought halo 1 did almost beat it in that subject....the whole game was short and the levels were long even though when u played basically 1 u were playin 5. It was pretty good though i did like it. i love online play thats worth it.
  15. 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.
  16. J.J.King
    Nov 22, 2004
    8
    Great game aside from a lackluster single player campaign, but who cares about sp when you ve got stellar multiplayer via xbox live?
  17. RyanG.
    Nov 22, 2004
    8
    I loved this game overall cin. are great gameplay was awsome wasn't as much action as there was in number 1 im a little dissapointed that they took the pistol out but it was pretty cool that you could throw boxes around and onlines great its deffenatly better than counter strike.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. MattP.
    Nov 21, 2004
    7
    Very overrated. I expected tight action with frantic spinning and alot of "oh jesus!" and I got it. But the fights were either way too long or way too short and the ending was the most bitter slap in the face I've experienced in gaming.
  22. 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
  23. SteveB.
    Nov 21, 2004
    7
    [*** SPOILER***] Good action, great story, cool weapons, great characters... but... TOO D*MN SHORT !!! When MC says he's here to "finish the fight" but then the credits roll, I was INSULTED.
  24. ZakA.
    Nov 21, 2004
    10
    One if not da sickest game eva.
  25. Niko
    Nov 21, 2004
    10
    Veri kuud keim. kuud kraphiks änd saunds änd multipleier änd tms.
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. RichardC.
    Nov 20, 2004
    6
    It goes without saying that, after the majesty of the original, I was twisted with anticipation waiting for what I thought would be an experience to savour. Surely the time between games would have been spent bettering the original...surely? All I can say is that the Halo 2 experience is distinctly underwhelming. Graphically, and I really hope it's just me, but is it really, really It goes without saying that, after the majesty of the original, I was twisted with anticipation waiting for what I thought would be an experience to savour. Surely the time between games would have been spent bettering the original...surely? All I can say is that the Halo 2 experience is distinctly underwhelming. Graphically, and I really hope it's just me, but is it really, really patchy and poor? The cutscene quality is appalling at times. I could hardly believe seeing it at first. Was there so much of a rush and pressure to meet deadlines that they cut corners and left rough edges unpolished? Why else would the game look and feel as clunky as it does? Has anyone tried playing the original after a few hours of the newer? How does it feel? The audio is sad as well. 5.1? I'd settle for simple effects being audible and defined. I'd love to gush about how amazing this game is but sadly, as a simple game player, my disappointment has proven more telling and truthful than all the hype Chairman Bill can throw at me. Halo 2: a parasitic doppelganger that imitates poorly the radiance of the original host.… 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

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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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