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While PC gamers are busy saving for the next instalment in the Half-Life saga, Xbox owners have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Halo 2.
It's been three years since the release of the console's flagship title, and over 1.5 million pre-orders have been placed for the sequel. Can it possibly live up to the hype surrounding the original Xbox shooter? Oh yes.
Set shortly after the end of the first game, the sequel casts you once again as cybernetic super-soldier Master Chief. The aliens known as the Covenant are somewhat peeved at your previous conduct, given that you've just destroyed a holy relic, and have decided to march across the galaxy for revenge on Earth itself.
There's barely time to re-familiarise yourself with the controls before invading forces have parked their ships in orbit, steamed through the walls and started to redecorate the planet. It's up to you to save humanity and teach the Covenant the error of its ways.
Along with a more detailed Mark VI combat suit, Master Chief has a number of subtle upgrades to help him do the job. He can move around at twice the speed, although he's still no Linford Christie, and his shield regenerates a little faster than before.
The biggest change is the ability to use two weapons at once. You can now carry a total of three guns, along with a handful of grenades, and some combinations can be used simultaneously. All this and you've still got a built-in flashlight. In your face, Doom III.
Switching weapons around to get the balance right takes some getting used to but, once mastered, dual wielding takes combat to a new level.
What's more, you can now swap weapons with the men in your unit. Need a sniper rifle or rocket launcher in a hurry to take out that distant gunner? Simply find a trooper with one, run up to him and swap weapons. It makes perfect sense and works like a charm.
New toys at your disposal include a tweaked human rifle with a small zoom sight, a meaty sub-machine pistol and the infamous Covenant Elite energy sword.
Even better are the new vehicles, with improved Warthog jeeps and the option to fly Banshees. You can even car-jack alien craft GTA style, tossing the current owner onto the floor. All the other favourites are there, just as they should be.
Microsoft has been holding back information on Halo 2's single-player storyline, instead centring previews on a few multiplayer maps. Given the number of brilliant set pieces and twists to both the plot and the game itself, we're not going to be the ones to spoil the fun. Suffice to say there are definitely some big surprises.
However, it's worth noting that audio clues mean you really need to pay attention to what's being said during cut-scenes and missions.
When it comes to the presentation, though, we can't really say enough. From the first few chants of the haunting Halo theme to the Star Wars-inspired entrance of the Covenant and the polished voice acting, complete with some of the funniest banter ever heard in a video game, it just doesn't get any better.
Graphic detail has improved dramatically, especially for US gamers lucky enough to own HDTVs. However, developer Bungie has perhaps pushed the Xbox too hard, resulting in occasional texture pop-up. It's rare, but it's there.
Enemy and ally AI have also been ramped up, with most opponents no longer content to be a sitting duck, even on the normal difficulty setting. The Covenant and your troops will dodge, run, hide and make even better use of their environment than before.
Unlike its predecessor Halo 2 fully supports multiplayer online play via Xbox Live, along with split-screen and direct system link modes.
There are seven types of game, including classics such as 'Slayer' death matches and 'Capture the flag', and the game supports parties and the option to build Clans. A two-month Live trial is included in the box, and the good news is that this time the Americans only have a one-day head start.
But despite all these new elements, Halo 2 is more of the same and is definitely all the better for it. There's no question that Microsoft has another huge hit on its hands.
Details:
Microsoft Game Studios
See also:
Publishers report 270,000 copies sold on first day across the US 12 Nov 2004
Gamers in Los Angeles wait for up to 13 hours to be sure of a copy 09 Nov 2004All Home and Entertainment
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