If you are a Halo (H1) fan, you may be disappointed by Halo2 (H2). I am.
This is not to say that H2 is a bad game, because it isn't. Let me just say I was hoping for H2 to simply be H1 with new maps and on XBOX Live, while keeping it's proven and highly regarded base gameplay. This did not happen. H2 has been changed, to my understanding, it has been completely rebuilt. As to WHY, I am not sure? It is possible things have been catered to new players. This seems to be the most logical reason and is supported by the changes; see my list at the end of this review.
Let me just give a quick rating to the game, and then get on to the heart of my review, which is the changes in gameplay between Halo: Combat Evolved (H1) and Halo 2 (H2).
OVERALL: 8.8
H2 is a really good game, and has the best console online game experience I have ever played. But it will likely disappoint the avid H1 fan and is not the classic game that H1 is. This is a disappointment because it really could have been, if Bungie would have simply kept the same engine and built upon it. But, all that aside, it is still a highly polished game and a lot of fun.
Gameplay: 8.5
This is a solid FPS engine. The online modes on XBOX Live are AWESOME. The Campaign mode is superior and more fun than H1. Multiplayer is good fun and a solid game. However, multiplayer is far inferior to H1. See list at end of this review:
Graphics: 9.0
When things look good they really look nice. The bump and normal mapping look stunning when in close. The explosions and dirt flying is nicely done. I actually like the idea of being blinded somewhat by the explosions. However, the flickering is a real EYE SORE. While normal mapping is a nice trick, objects and creatures change shapes when you get close to them, this looks CHEAP.
Sound: 9.5
Things sound good overall. Great orchestral score. Some of the effects are a bit weak, like the grenade.
Value: 9.5
This is definitely a highly polished product. You can tell that a lot of good effort went into the game.
Tilt:8.0
Being such a fan of H1, I can't help but compare this game to it. It is a sequel. Most franchise games will use the policy: "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Well, I think Bungie opted against this. WHY? I don't know. My GUESS is they wanted to dumb the game down to new users and make it into more of an immediate rush of close combat and more an Unreal Tournament type game. To me this is disappointing, because H1 had a nice niche of balance in gameplay, where H2 pushes you into much more of closer combat and to me takes away from skill and allows the unskilled players greater success.
Here is my list of some changes in H2 as compared to H1:
No Health, shields only:
This means if you get in a fight you won't last as long.
No fall damage:
Only exception is the bottomless pit areas.
Rockets home on target: I have tested it out. if you aim clearly 3 feet above your target, but the aiming reticule is red, it will home in and kill in ONE shot. In H1 it would fly by.
Grenades are weaker:
One perfectly placed grenade will not kill a fully charge shield.
Sword: Wow, this is the focal point of H2. It is all about getting control of the sword. It is just too powerful.
No good midrange weapon:
The pistol received much malign in H1, but it was a very skillful weapon to use. Some will say that a pistol is not realistic to be so powerful from mid-range. I say, who cares what it is called, the fact is I would take any weapon in H2 that was decent at midrange. The Battle Rifle and Covenant Carbine have been added, but they are too weak. 4 to 5 PERFECT shots at the head are necessary to take down an opponent.
Vehicles will push enemies:
In order to run someone over, you have to hit them square. What is the secret to "splatter kill" I don't know yet.
Power ups are not moveable:
Neither are weapons or anything. In H1 you could throw a grenade and have the over shield bounce to you…this took skill and though.
Dual wielding
Totally changes the game to a close quarters game.
Higher jumping and maneuvering:
It is MUCH easier to jump and get to things in H2. In Beaver Creek for example, the precision of getting to the Rocket Launcher or on top of the bases is now much easier and takes little skill to do in comparison to H1.
Melee lock-on
Aiming is really not required. get the melee somewhat close and it will lock on for you. Again much easier.
Vehicle physics:
While the destruction of vehicles looks and sounds cool. It really doesn't play much of a role in the gameplay. Collisions in H2 are dull and toned down. There was something very cool about colliding a ghost with a tank in H1 or tossing a grenade under a warthog in H1 and seeing it do a double flip. All these GAMEPLAY physics are basically gone. It just looks cool now.
The HUD:
The HUD (heads up display) shows a lot of info, too much actually. It is actually too cluttered and adds confusion.
The announcer: Very similar to H1, but the "lost the lead, takes the lead" stuff needs a toggle, esp. for split screen and LAN games.
Create an Account
Member Login
