No LAN or online co-op in Halo 2

The white-hot anticipation of Halo 2's release was extinguished a little this week, when Microsoft confirmed the game will not support LAN or online co-op play. "Halo 2 only supports two-player campaign co-op on one Xbox," a company spokesperson told GameSpot. "No system link or Xbox Live." The confirmation quashes rumors that originated from a widely circulated series of pictures purporting to show system-link play.

However, Microsoft reps were keen on reminding the public of Halo 2's numerous online multiplayer options. Xbox Live will offer full clan support, and up to four players will be able to play online on a single Xbox. GameSpot's multiplayer beta hands-on takes an extensive look at the game's online and LAN carnage.