Halo 2, the ultimate multiplayer experience. Too bad I don't have X-Box Live!

User Rating: 7 | Halo 2 XBOX
By seniordrtanner | Review Date:
Halo 2 is a game most people have played by now, even if for only the excellent multiplayer (so I hear). Well, I am going to review the single player aspects of the game for those of you who have spent all of your time fragging online and perhaps haven't made it all the way to the end of single player yet. Halo 2 the single player game has plenty of exciting scenarios and enemies you will come across. You will fight the covenant on space stations, alien warcraft, even tropical environments. All of which are rendered quite nicely. The enemy AI was very impressive with this game. Enemies will take cover, try to flank you, and throw grenades like crazy when they have them. Therefore, the firefights in this game will tend to get quite tactical so you don't wander into the middle of a hornets nest and get taken out quickly. Everyone seems to have their own preference about the weapons in this game and what they want to be strapping when the crap goes down. I really liked the Covenant carbine rifle and the Marine rife, although I wish they would have left it full auto like it was in the first game. It was good to see the Needler wasn't as useless as it was in the first game. I didn't actually cringe this time when it was my only option for a weapon. Grenades are quite plentiful in this game and you are encouraged to use them often. Sticky grenades being the best since, as advertised, they stick to what you thrown them on. Another weapon I really learned to enjoy was the plasma sword. It can take care of enemies in a big hurry.

In Halo 2 you will play as Master Chief of course, but then you will switch and play as an outcast Elite, who for some reason everyone calls the "Arbitor". At the outset of the game to get some respect back from his peers I suppose, the Arbitor's job is to find someone leading a revolt among the Elites called the heretic, and kill him. Of course things get more complicated after you accomplish that mission. As Master Chief your job throughout the game is mainly to kick behind and don't bother with any names. As the story progresses it become more and more confusing, until at one point Master Chief and the Arbitor are being given a lesson in plot advancement from what looks like the man eating plant in "Little Shop of Horrors". (Believe me, I wish I was kidding) However, plot confusion and nonsence will not prevent you from enjoying the many excellent confrontations you will be experiencing in this game, although the game in general would have benefited from a few more boss battles, I believe. The final boss battle is a bit of a letdown considering the fact all you do is fight a Brute carrying a big hammer. I guess he usually uses the hammer for tenderizing his hamburger.

So, get of multiplayer and enjoy (and be baffled) by the single player version of Halo 2!

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    The Best First Shooter made to date.

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  • Rating:9.8

    If 'good' games arent good enough for you, then you have to get this!

    By GazzaB | Review Date: Feb 11, 2006 | XBOX

    Halo 2 is a worthy sequel to Halo. While the story does lack in some parts, overall, the game is still excellent, one of the best games ever. To get the bad points out of the way, i didn't like the single player campaig... Read Full Review

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