Halo 2 for Vista = 67% by PCG

 

Sounds reasonable, lack of coop killed it for me

 

Nitrous2O

wtf??? coop is halo. man thats disappointing

I just got my PCGamer and they reviewed Halo 2 for PC and gave it a 67% which equates to "above average," a major failure if you ask me. They listed

Pros:Epic Storyline, action-packed set-pieces, Live achievements (if you have Windows Live); a map editor

Cons: Abrupt ending, looks very dated, stiff mouse controls, easy AI, requires Vista, pricey ($50 for a 3 year old game)

Bottom Line: Proof-of-Concept for Live and tray/play functionality, but not worth $50 for most people.

 

Any thoughts on this? This may have been posted before since I tend to get my PCG late, which I apologize for if this is a repeat. I expected Halo 2 to be kind of a flop on PC unless they actually worked to get high res textures consistently throughout the game and improved lame console AI, but this is a bit lower than I expected. I think it had the potential to be an AA title on PC, but failed to put the right amount of work into it.

YourOldFriend

Great review.  Thanks! 

[QUOTE="YourOldFriend"]

I just got my PCGamer and they reviewed Halo 2 for PC and gave it a 67% which equates to "above average," a major failure if you ask me. They listed

Pros:Epic Storyline, action-packed set-pieces, Live achievements (if you have Windows Live); a map editor

Cons: Abrupt ending, looks very dated, stiff mouse controls, easy AI, requires Vista, pricey ($50 for a 3 year old game)

Bottom Line: Proof-of-Concept for Live and tray/play functionality, but not worth $50 for most people.

 

Any thoughts on this? This may have been posted before since I tend to get my PCG late, which I apologize for if this is a repeat. I expected Halo 2 to be kind of a flop on PC unless they actually worked to get high res textures consistently throughout the game and improved lame console AI, but this is a bit lower than I expected. I think it had the potential to be an AA title on PC, but failed to put the right amount of work into it.

Jack_Summersby

Great review.  Thanks! 

The review said nothing about the multiplayer since it just went live yesterday. I don't see how you can review a game based on the single player campaign only. I don't agree with the easy AI either. On lengendary it is really difficult. Doubt I will play the single player campaign or maybe I do it for the achievements.

The controls take some getting use to but with the proper settings it's good. It has an option to use the 360 controller and you can use both at the same time. Kind of puts to rest the KB is better than controller argument. The silver live membership is free and includes more features that you will ever see in any PC game. I will give the game itself a 7.8 because the multiplayer is still fun and Windows Live a 9.9. If only more games use the service.

Deihmos, I think you're in the general minority on the basis of FEARS MP.

Also just so you know, HL2 comes with CSS and HL2:DM so I don't know what you're talking about in regards to the game having no MP.  

It has an option to use the 360 controller and you can use both at the same time. Kind of puts to rest the KB is better than controller argument.

Deihmos

Exactly how does it put that argument to rest?  

Deihmos, I think you're in the general minority on the basis of FEARS MP.

 

Also just so you know, HL2 comes with CSS and HL2:DM so I don't know what you're talking about in regards to the game having no MP.  

onemic

I bought HL2 and did not come with CSS. I know there is bundle like that but I played CSS before and it's a cheat and hacking fest. it is hard to get a fair game going and the graphics are also dated. If you like FEAR MP then that is good. Not everyone has the same taste but the fact that hardly anyone plays it online even though it is free says a lot. The game was never popular online.

[QUOTE="Deihmos"]

It has an option to use the 360 controller and you can use both at the same time. Kind of puts to rest the KB is better than controller argument.

onemic

Exactly how does it put that argument to rest?  

The game was optimized to use either. I played with both and it did not make a difference. I was able to get the most kills when using the controller and everyone was using a mouse.

[QUOTE="onemic"]

Deihmos, I think you're in the general minority on the basis of FEARS MP.

 

Also just so you know, HL2 comes with CSS and HL2:DM so I don't know what you're talking about in regards to the game having no MP.

Deihmos

I bought HL2 and did not come with CSS. I know there is bundle like that but I played CSS before and it's a cheat and hacking fest. it is hard to get a fair game going and the graphics are also dated. If you like FEAR MP then that is good. Not everyone has the same taste but the fact that hardly anyone plays it online even though it is free says a lot. The game was never popular online.

You bought HL2 and it didn't come with CSS? You're either cleraly lying, or got it off of steam.(And I'm almost very sure that HL2 on steam already comes with CSS anyway) 

Also CSS is anything but a hack fest. It's probably because you're simply not good enough to play it and if you do encounter hackers you're visiting some pretty crappy servers. The graphics are also anything, but dated and look a whole lot better than halo 2 will ever look like, especially when you factor in the HDR levels. 

...it's a con that Halo 2 Vista requires Windows Vista?CreepyNerd90

I wouldn't say it's a con. It's just a way to showcase Live for windows and the other vista features. Some say it's to get people to buy vista but that is just rediculous.

[QUOTE="CreepyNerd90"]...it's a con that Halo 2 Vista requires Windows Vista?Deihmos

I wouldn't say it's a con. It's just a way to showcase Live for windows and the other vista features. Some say it's to get people to buy vista but that is just rediculous.

It clearly is to get people to buy vista, as they could easily implement live for windows into XP.  

[QUOTE="Deihmos"]

[QUOTE="CreepyNerd90"]...it's a con that Halo 2 Vista requires Windows Vista?onemic

I wouldn't say it's a con. It's just a way to showcase Live for windows and the other vista features. Some say it's to get people to buy vista but that is just rediculous.

It clearly is to get people to buy vista, as they could easily implement live for windows into XP.  

From what i read XP lacks the codes to enable cross platform and Live.

Cheaters haven't "ruined" CS.  If you find a decent server that has admins on regularly, cheaters are few and far between.  I do run into one occasionally but they do not ruin my fun.BlackBart2

Who cares about pubs?  How about competition.  Every time I play in CAL, EVERY match someone gets disputed.  It's ridiculous.  And then it ends up into crazy witch-hunt crap where innocents get burned as well.

[QUOTE="BlackBart2"]Cheaters haven't "ruined" CS. If you find a decent server that has admins on regularly, cheaters are few and far between. I do run into one occasionally but they do not ruin my fun.MyopicCanadian

Who cares about pubs? How about competition. Every time I play in CAL, EVERY match someone gets disputed. It's ridiculous. And then it ends up into crazy witch-hunt crap where innocents get burned as well.

The funny thing is, most likely no ones hacking and someone is complaining because he keeps getting killed by a paticular person.  

[QUOTE="shinian"]It was bound to happen. Bungie just can't make a good PC port. Halo 1 combat evolved recived low scores, Halo2 on PC is reciving low scores and future PC port of Halo3 will recive poor scores. If you want play Halo buy xbox/x360 in other case pass it.Nitrous2O

Which is ironic considering Halo started out on the PC, until Bungie was bought by MS. Actually, it may have started out on the Mac even before the PC --- don't remember. It's usually some other devs doing the PC ports, but I agree, the PC versions could use more attention!!

Halo was originally supposed to be Mac exclusive, yes... then it got shown off at E3, I forget which year, and microsoft pooped their pants and bought out bungie, or something like that because they knew it was going to be a major title and would have done a lot for gaming on macs.

[QUOTE="Deihmos"]

It has an option to use the 360 controller and you can use both at the same time. Kind of puts to rest the KB is better than controller argument.

onemic

Exactly how does it put that argument to rest?

well according to the review, it has stiff mouse control, which means they nerfed keyboard and mouse to even the playing field with the controller/ gamepad users... 

I got it from Steam and you are the first person I heard saying many people don't cheat in CSS. The graphics do look dated since it came out almost 3 years ago. the game is good but cheaters ruined it.Deihmos

[QUOTE="onemic"][QUOTE="Deihmos"]

[QUOTE="CreepyNerd90"]...it's a con that Halo 2 Vista requires Windows Vista?Deihmos

I wouldn't say it's a con. It's just a way to showcase Live for windows and the other vista features. Some say it's to get people to buy vista but that is just rediculous.

It clearly is to get people to buy vista, as they could easily implement live for windows into XP.

From what i read XP lacks the codes to enable cross platform and Live.

You clearly have no idea what you're talking about.  Lacks the code? No really? That's why you DEVELOPE new code to make a program. 

[QUOTE="Jack_Summersby"][QUOTE="YourOldFriend"]

I just got my PCGamer and they reviewed Halo 2 for PC and gave it a 67% which equates to "above average," a major failure if you ask me. They listed

Pros:Epic Storyline, action-packed set-pieces, Live achievements (if you have Windows Live); a map editor

Cons: Abrupt ending, looks very dated, stiff mouse controls, easy AI, requires Vista, pricey ($50 for a 3 year old game)

Bottom Line: Proof-of-Concept for Live and tray/play functionality, but not worth $50 for most people.

 

Any thoughts on this? This may have been posted before since I tend to get my PCG late, which I apologize for if this is a repeat. I expected Halo 2 to be kind of a flop on PC unless they actually worked to get high res textures consistently throughout the game and improved lame console AI, but this is a bit lower than I expected. I think it had the potential to be an AA title on PC, but failed to put the right amount of work into it.

Deihmos

Great review. Thanks!

The review said nothing about the multiplayer since it just went live yesterday. I don't see how you can review a game based on the single player campaign only. I don't agree with the easy AI either. On lengendary it is really difficult. Doubt I will play the single player campaign or maybe I do it for the achievements.

The controls take some getting use to but with the proper settings it's good. It has an option to use the 360 controller and you can use both at the same time. Kind of puts to rest the KB is better than controller argument. The silver live membership is free and includes more features that you will ever see in any PC game. I will give the game itself a 7.8 because the multiplayer is still fun and Windows Live a 9.9. If only more games use the service.

Sorry - I mean great review FOR ME.  It touched on all of the things I was wondering about Halo 2 PC.

Sadly, my internet connection is too laggy to play MP :-(

Bungie is being led off a cliff, thanks to Microsoft. They should have stayed independent.d12malu

indeed. Juts look at creative assembly and SEGA. 

[QUOTE="Deihmos"]I got it from Steam and you are the first person I heard saying many people don't cheat in CSS. The graphics do look dated since it came out almost 3 years ago. the game is good but cheaters ruined it.DarkRecruit

[QUOTE="onemic"][QUOTE="Deihmos"]

[QUOTE="CreepyNerd90"]...it's a con that Halo 2 Vista requires Windows Vista?Deihmos

I wouldn't say it's a con. It's just a way to showcase Live for windows and the other vista features. Some say it's to get people to buy vista but that is just rediculous.

It clearly is to get people to buy vista, as they could easily implement live for windows into XP.

From what i read XP lacks the codes to enable cross platform and Live.

You clearly have no idea what you're talking about. Lacks the code? No really? That's why you DEVELOPE new code to make a program.

If only more PC gamers had programming experience. MS most certainly could have made Halo 2 work on XP AND Vista. But if they didn't want to implement Live and Tray&Play on XP, they still could have made the game run on XP in the traditional way, and on Vista in the "new and improved" way.

THIS WOULD HAVE INCREASED THEIR AUDIENCE IMMENSLEY.

So you see, all those who say "but XP couldn't do Tray&Play or Live FTW!!!" miss the point. Halo 2 Vista could have been developed and sold. For a little more $$$, MS could have ALSO developed Halo 2 XP (with less features) and made a TON more money.

Therefore, I conclude that Halo 2 is a Vista-exclusive exclusively to push Vista, NOT because Halo 2 inherently required Vista.

If only more PC gamers had programming experience. MS most certainly could have made Halo 2 work on XP AND Vista. But if they didn't want to implement Live and Tray&Play on XP, they still could have made the game run on XP in the traditional way, and on Vista in the "new and improved" way.

THIS WOULD HAVE INCREASED THEIR AUDIENCE IMMENSLEY.

So you see, all those who say "but XP couldn't do Tray&Play or Live FTW!!!" miss the point. Halo 2 Vista could have been developed and sold. For a little more $$$, MS could have ALSO developed Halo 2 XP (with less features) and made a TON more money.

Therefore, I conclude that Halo 2 is a Vista-exclusive exclusively to push Vista, NOT because Halo 2 inherently required Vista.Jack_Summersby

QFT

Yes, I am quoting myself for truth. FTW!!!

[QUOTE="Jack_Summersby"]If only more PC gamers had programming experience. MS most certainly could have made Halo 2 work on XP AND Vista. But if they didn't want to implement Live and Tray&Play on XP, they still could have made the game run on XP in the traditional way, and on Vista in the "new and improved" way.

THIS WOULD HAVE INCREASED THEIR AUDIENCE IMMENSLEY.

So you see, all those who say "but XP couldn't do Tray&Play or Live FTW!!!" miss the point. Halo 2 Vista could have been developed and sold. For a little more $$$, MS could have ALSO developed Halo 2 XP (with less features) and made a TON more money.

Therefore, I conclude that Halo 2 is a Vista-exclusive exclusively to push Vista, NOT because Halo 2 inherently required Vista.Jack_Summersby

QFT

Yes, I am quoting myself for truth. FTW!!!

its still QFT. 

Vista is not a fancy looking version of XP it has new and better software and tons of new features. I remember when Xp came out everyone was whining saying it was garbage. Who is still using Win 98?

According to Bungie the ONLY REASON H2 is on Vista is to take advantage of multiplayer options not possible with XP. BS or not? Who knows?

 I don't know the fundamental differences between the way Vista networks and the way XP networks, anyone ever thought that maybe it's not a simple patch that would make it work on XP? XP's networking code simly may not be able to be patched to work with H2V multiplayer.

Until I see a professional come out and say "Hey! All they needed was to re-write code section and it could work on XP!" Then I'm going to assume there is a reason it can't be done

I just got my PCGamer and they reviewed Halo 2 for PC and gave it a 67% which equates to "above average," a major failure if you ask me. They listed

Pros:Epic Storyline, action-packed set-pieces, Live achievements (if you have Windows Live); a map editor

Cons: Abrupt ending, looks very dated, stiff mouse controls, easy AI, requires Vista, pricey ($50 for a 3 year old game)

Bottom Line: Proof-of-Concept for Live and tray/play functionality, but not worth $50 for most people.

 

Any thoughts on this? This may have been posted before since I tend to get my PCG late, which I apologize for if this is a repeat. I expected Halo 2 to be kind of a flop on PC unless they actually worked to get high res textures consistently throughout the game and improved lame console AI, but this is a bit lower than I expected. I think it had the potential to be an AA title on PC, but failed to put the right amount of work into it.

YourOldFriend

It's time to make a stand against Microsoft. Vote with your dollars. Do not buy into Vista monopolization. They should of released it for Xp as well as Lost Planet. Make both games cost 40-50$ together and then you have a fair trade. 

Vista is not a fancy looking version of XP it has new and better software and tons of new features. I remember when Xp came out everyone was whining saying it was garbage. Who is still using Win 98? According to Bungie the ONLY REASON H2 is on Vista is to take advantage of multiplayer options not possible with XP. or not? Who knows? I don't know the fundamental differences between the way Vista networks and the way XP networks, anyone ever thought that maybe it's not a simple patch that would make it work on XP? XP's networking code simly may not be able to be patched to work with H2V multiplayer.Until I see a professional come out and say "Hey! All they needed was to re-write code section and it could work on XP!" Then I'm going to assume there is a reason it can't be doneDeihmos

I don't buy that for one second. This is Micro$oft. Notorious for releasing easily exploitable operating systems that need constant patching. They could of made it work on XP dammit. But hey who really wants live. If you want live you get a 360.

Halo PC did just fine because it didn't try to force gamers into a new operating system. The server browswer was good. Microsoft could of easily done that, put a chat lobby, a ranking system. Why not talk to Blizzard or those that worked on battle.net (now at arena.net AKA Guild Wars)

It's not like they don't have the resources. The money is there, the people aren't. Plus you would have to pay for Live gold just like the 360. Which people won't do because PC online games are mostly free. Blizzard dosen't charge except for WoW and they've released incredible amount of patches for free. Why should Microsoft?

Actions speak louder than words. Gearbox did a better job on Halo PC than was done for Halo 2 it seems so far.

I just noticed one thing. Supposedly you can play online vs other with Live Silver. The specifics aren't released yet but at least you can play online. The whole thing should be free though in my opinion. So I stand corrected in that regard.

I just noticed one thing. Supposedly you can play online vs other with Live Silver. The specifics aren't released yet but at least you can play online. The whole thing should be free though in my opinion. So I stand corrected in that regard.

 

Unstoppable_1

Those specifics were around for a long time. http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Live/Pages/AboutLive.aspx

THey said Live Anywhere wouldn't be possible with XP so unless you can prove other wise that is the reason it is Vista only. Soon cell phones and other devices will be in the mix.

I just noticed one thing. Supposedly you can play online vs other with Live Silver. The specifics aren't released yet but at least you can play online. The whole thing should be free though in my opinion. So I stand corrected in that regard.

Unstoppable_1

[QUOTE="Unstoppable_1"]

I just noticed one thing. Supposedly you can play online vs other with Live Silver. The specifics aren't released yet but at least you can play online. The whole thing should be free though in my opinion. So I stand corrected in that regard.

 

Makari

But you can't host MP games with silver. A major blunder to say the least.  

[QUOTE="Unstoppable_1"]

I just noticed one thing. Supposedly you can play online vs other with Live Silver. The specifics aren't released yet but at least you can play online. The whole thing should be free though in my opinion. So I stand corrected in that regard.

 

Makari

whats fud? 

[QUOTE="Makari"][QUOTE="Unstoppable_1"]

I just noticed one thing. Supposedly you can play online vs other with Live Silver. The specifics aren't released yet but at least you can play online. The whole thing should be free though in my opinion. So I stand corrected in that regard.

 

ForlornHope

whats fud?

Fud:

If they are not trying to control the platform, why make Halo 2 exclusive to vista, Lost planet, and Shadowrun. They are limiting their audience. There are people who just can't flat out upgrade to Vista. Or they just don't want to. They could get one of those three games to run though on Xp.

Also these games I wish they were still 2000 compatible. Corporations use windows 2000. It's security is stronger and more stable OS than XP. 

[QUOTE="Makari"][QUOTE="Unstoppable_1"]

I just noticed one thing. Supposedly you can play online vs other with Live Silver. The specifics aren't released yet but at least you can play online. The whole thing should be free though in my opinion. So I stand corrected in that regard.

 

onemic

But you can't host MP games with silver. A major blunder to say the least.  

You can host dedicated servers but cannot host a game using the standard server-based system. I personally never played a game using the standard server I always played on dedicated servers and there are many available.

You just need to check out Live then you will wish all games were using the system.

[QUOTE="ForlornHope"][QUOTE="Makari"][QUOTE="Unstoppable_1"]

I just noticed one thing. Supposedly you can play online vs other with Live Silver. The specifics aren't released yet but at least you can play online. The whole thing should be free though in my opinion. So I stand corrected in that regard.

Jack_Summersby

whats fud?

Fud:

So I take it you prefer standard servers over deidicated? CoolDeihmos

No, but I do use them when I want to play with a small group of friends. The fact is, MS shouldn't take out features that are pretty much standard within PC gaming and make people pay a premium for it. It just isn't right. Why do you think not only PC gamers, but also major game developers are also hating on windows live? When something like that happens, then you know that there's something wrong.... 

If they are not trying to control the platform, why make Halo 2 exclusive to vista, Lost planet, and Shadowrun. They are limiting their audience.Unstoppable_1

[QUOTE="Deihmos"]So I take it you prefer standard servers over deidicated? Coolonemic

No, but I do use them when I want to play with a small group of friends. The fact is, MS shouldn't take out features that are pretty much standard within PC gaming and make people pay a premium for it. It just isn't right. Why do you think not only PC gamers, but also major game developers are also hating on windows live? When something like that happens, then you know that there's something wrong.... 

If you only knew how easy it is to play with friends you wouldn't say that. I suggest you try it before you say anything else. I was able to play while chatting with some friends on the 360.

[QUOTE="onemic"]

[QUOTE="whgresiak"]You need to review it like it just came out. Don't think about the Xbox version, imagine that doesn't exist, then review it, see how it changesDeihmos

it wouldn't really change a thing. The graphics are still extremely dated and the game is overpriced.  

When was the last good PC FPS game really? UT 2004 or Battlefield or maybe Counter Strike? Come on there isn't that many great recent FPS games out there.

Also the reviewer based his review on the single player and that makes no sense.

Try FarCry or FEAR or Half Life 2 (with or without Episode 1) or Quake 4 or Doom 3 (again, with or without the expansion)....  should I go on?

 There are far more great FPS's on PC than console.  What do you guys have....  Gears of War?  That's one.

[QUOTE="onemic"]

[QUOTE="Deihmos"]So I take it you prefer standard servers over deidicated? CoolDeihmos

No, but I do use them when I want to play with a small group of friends. The fact is, MS shouldn't take out features that are pretty much standard within PC gaming and make people pay a premium for it. It just isn't right. Why do you think not only PC gamers, but also major game developers are also hating on windows live? When something like that happens, then you know that there's something wrong....

If you only knew how easy it is to play with friends you wouldn't say that. I suggest you try it before you say anything else. I was able to play while chatting with some friends on the 360.

......So can I and most other PC gamers. It's a little program called Xfire that, unlike windows live, is absolutly free. 

[QUOTE="onemic"][QUOTE="Makari"][QUOTE="Unstoppable_1"]

I just noticed one thing. Supposedly you can play online vs other with Live Silver. The specifics aren't released yet but at least you can play online. The whole thing should be free though in my opinion. So I stand corrected in that regard.

 

Deihmos

But you can't host MP games with silver. A major blunder to say the least.

You can host dedicated servers but cannot host a game using the standard server-based system. I personally never played a game using the standard server I always played on dedicated servers and there are many available.

You just need to check out Live then you will wish all games were using the system.

That's a bunch of crap. Xfire does everything Live does. Gold is nothing but a way to integrate a pay service into PC Gaming, and it will fail. If you think for a second MS is being honest about what they can and can't do with XP, you sir are one gullable individual. Anyone who takes a look at MS's practices over the years can tell you they are one of the most dishonest corporations on the planet. Just take a look at all their court battles in Europe, let alone the States. Your asking us to trust them, yeah, right, they need to prove it to us. 

Live Gold is a sham for a few reasons. MS will essentially split the PC community by creating a coach and "first class" service but cutting off people that have silver and gold. In game VOIP already exists in games like BF, and in a recent article in GFW Magazine, Peter the Tool Moore wouldn't answer the question as to whether they will force a developer to use Live VOIP over in game options. You cannot host your own games, which is another terible idea on MS's part. Everyone needs to realize that MS is trying to pinch us PC Gamers by taking away certain things in return for our Money!! ie...VOIP, Hosting, and Stat Tracking.

Not to mention, the worst factor with LIVE is that MS has total control over content for a game. Yep, you guessed it, Microtransactions galore. Go over to 1up and listen to the interview the 1up Yours Podcast had with Epic and you will see exactly what everyone is so uptight about. Epic is not comfortable with MS and their view on how to control extra content, and this WILL directly impact PC Gaming and the mod community. Go listen, don't take my word for it. MS is dancing around this issue and frankly I find it disturbing. There not being honest about what their intents are between the people and the developers, although it's not hard to see what they are trying to do, and that's capitalizing on the PC Gaming market. No thanks, and I urge all PC Gamers to boycott MS and their Games Studio.  There are plenty of companies making excellent games that won't infringe on our abilities as PC Gamers, let's show them our support.

[QUOTE="Deihmos"][QUOTE="onemic"]

[QUOTE="Deihmos"]So I take it you prefer standard servers over deidicated? Coolonemic

No, but I do use them when I want to play with a small group of friends. The fact is, MS shouldn't take out features that are pretty much standard within PC gaming and make people pay a premium for it. It just isn't right. Why do you think not only PC gamers, but also major game developers are also hating on windows live? When something like that happens, then you know that there's something wrong....

If you only knew how easy it is to play with friends you wouldn't say that. I suggest you try it before you say anything else. I was able to play while chatting with some friends on the 360.

......So can I and most other PC gamers. It's a little program called Xfire that, unlike windows live, is absolutly free. 

Xfire is nothing compared to Live and basically everything that you were able to use before besides hosting a game is there plus so much more. Like i said try it before you knock it because it would be so good if all games actually used the service.