When people say Halo 2 did not meet expectaions, they are right. It did not. The game had way to much hype.Meeting such high expectations is almost impossible. But, that dosn't change the fact that it is the most complete shooter of this generation.
Gameplay: 9.6/10
Halo 2 offers terrific gameplay that will appeal to many gamers.
+ Duel Wielding
+ Vehicles are even better than the first (They blow up!).
+ Weapons are all fun (Especially the sword!).
- Run n' Gun action can get a little repetitive.
Campaign: 9.0/10
The campaign is great, but is still the most lacking part of the game.
+ Huge levels
+ New Enemies
+ No load times
+ Easter Eggs and Glitches!
+ Co-op. The best part of the campaign. Offers tons of replayability.
+ You get to play as the Covanent.
- Still some repetitive level design
- You're given powerful weapons too often and too early on in the game(By the 3rd level, you've already had a shotgun, both snipers, rocket launcher, and a sword). This is the part of the game that really bothered me. These weapons shouldn't be thrown at you left and right. It takes away from their appeal.
- I liked it better when the Covenant were mean and had no personalities. It made them more fun to kill. They've softened up since the first Halo.
- The Ending
Multiplayer: 10/10
Hands down the best part of Halo 2. If there was one part of the game that justified my $55, this is it. Halo 2 combined with Xbox Live is the best multiplayer experience you can buy.(Can't wait for the new Maps!)
+ Terrific level design
+ Tons of gametypes to choose from
+ You can create your own gametypes
+ Matchmaking and rankings. Should be in every online shooter.
+ While the fun on Xbox Live is neverending, Halo 2 is still the best game to play with your friends via splitscreen and system link. An excellent party game.
*No complaints. This is the best multiplayer game ever.
Graphics: 9.3/10
Halo 2 is a gorgeous game and one of the best looing games on the Xbox.
+ Normal maps and Bump maps really improve the visual quality of the game.
+ The game's lighting is very well done.
+ The Chief looks better than ever!
- Cut scenes are fun to watch but suffer from texture loading problems. It just takes you out of the game and makes you go "What the hell?".
Audio: 10/10
Halo 2 has the best audio ever in a game. Everything is done to perfecion.
+ Musical Score is outstanding. It puts everything else to shame.
+ Sound effects are expertly done as well. The sounds of the weapons are great. They combined with the cool voice ("Killing Spree!") makes every kill as satisfying as the last.
+ Halo 2 plus 5.1 surround sound...my ears have never been happier.
* Again, no complaints. This is another category where Bungie went above and beyond.
Overall Average: 9.6/10
Halo 2 is an great offline shooter but an outstanding online one. It's a shame only 1 of every 7 Halo 2 owners has Xbox Live. I believe that is the main reason so many people are underwhelmed with the game. They havn't experienced it online. I'm sure it would change their minds.
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