Editing Halo 2 (Windows Vista)

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{{Title|''Halo 2'' (Windows Vista)}}
{{Era|RW}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{Game Infobox
{{Disambig header|the Windows Vista port|the original [[Xbox]] title|Halo 2}}
{{Game infobox
|name= ''Halo 2 Vista''
|name= ''Halo 2 Vista''
|image= [[File:Halo 2 box art (PC).jpg|300px]]
|image= [[File:Halo 2 box art (PC).jpg|250px]]
|developer= [[Hired Gun]]
|developer= [[Hired Gun]]
|publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]]
|publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]]
|engine=[[Blam engine]]
|platform= [[Personal computer|PC]] - Windows Vista or 7
|platform= [[Personal computer|PC]] - Windows Vista or 7
|releasedate= May 31, 2007
|releasedate= May 31, 2007
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[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+ (Europe only)
[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+ (Europe only)
}}
}}
'''''Halo 2''''' received a PC port, commonly nicknamed ''Halo 2 Vista'', which was developed by Hired Gun for use on the '''[[wikipedia:Windows Vista|Windows Vista]]''' operating system exclusively and as a release title for the "Games for Windows" category. The release date was originally planned for May 8, 2007. However, the release date was delayed to May 22, 2007, because the team needed "to make some improvements to the installation experience and address other technical issues."  
'''Halo 2 Vista''' is a ported PC version of ''Halo 2'' by Hired Gun for use on the '''[[wikipedia:Windows Vista|Windows Vista]]''' operating system exclusively and as a release title for the "Games for Windows" category. The release date was originally planned for May 8, 2007. However, the release date had been delayed to May 22, 2007 because the team needed "to make some improvements to the install experience and address other technical issues." However, release dates had been erratic, as Australia had publicly available copies, and some stores in the United States were selling copies as well. Microsoft had stated that the release date had been pushed back one final time, due to partial nudity found in the Halo 2 Vista Map Editing Kit, making the release date May 31st for the United States.
 
The release dates for the game were erratic, as Australia had publicly available copies, and some stores in the United States were selling copies as well. Microsoft had stated that the release date had been pushed back one final time, due to partial nudity found in the ''Halo 2 Vista'' Map Editing Kit, making the release date May 31, 2007, for the United States.


==Features==
==Features==
''Halo 2 Vista'' has been reworked graphically for the PC, including high-resolution textures and support for very high resolutions. While the single player campaign does not differ from the Xbox version, the player can earn newly implemented single and multiplayer achievements. One of the selling points of ''Halo 2 Vista'' is an included map editor. It has included the same programs as previously used in the [[Halo Editing Kit]] and also includes a pre-made "custom" map by default, named ''[[Example]]'', which was made for players to observe as an example for making their own custom maps.
Halo 2 Vista has been reworked graphically for the PC, including high-resolution textures and support for very high resolutions. While the single player campaign does not differ from the Xbox version, they can earn firstly tried and all new single- and multiplayer achievements. One of the selling points of Halo 2 Vista is an included map editor. It has include the same programs as previously used in the [[Halo Editing Kit]] and also includes a pre-made "custom" map by default, named ''[[Example]]'', which was made for players to observe as an example for making their own custom maps.


A new ability pushed by the Microsoft team is a feature called "[[wikipedia:Tray and Play|Tray and Play]]". It is an attempt to emulate the ability of consoles to instantly play new discs in a DVD drive without installing them, allowing the end-user to play the game as it is installing. ''Halo 2 Vista'' was the only game released with this technology.
A new ability pushed by the Microsoft team is a feature called "[[wikipedia:Tray and Play|Tray and Play]]". It is an attempt to emulate the ability of consoles to instantly play new discs in a DVD Drive without installing them. It allows the end-user to play the game as it is installing.


[[File:HAV.jpg|thumb|200px|Screenshot of ''Halo 2 Vista'', showing high resolution.]]
[[File:HAV.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Screenshot of Halo 2 Vista, showing high resolution.]]
===Multiplayer===
===Multiplayer Additions===
''Halo 2 Vista'', being a release for the Games for Windows service, includes support for Xbox Live for Windows system. It intertwines with the [[Xbox LIVE|Xbox Live]] system, allowing communication with someone who has an Xbox. However, cross-platform play is not supported, despite being planned, initially. The GFWL interface is similar to that of the Xbox 360 dashboard. Instead of using peer to peer matchmaking, players are able to create dedicated servers, which are created with a program that comes with the disc.
Halo 2 Vista, being a release title of Games for Windows, includes support for the Live for Windows system. It intertwines with the [[Xbox LIVE|Xbox Live]] system, allowing communication with someone who has an Xbox. However, cross-platform play is not supported (this feature was planned). The interface is similar to that of the Xbox 360 dashboard. Instead of using peer to peer matchmaking, players are able to create dedicated servers, which are created with a program that comes with the disc.


Gamertags, which are used on Xbox Live, are also used on Live for Windows. If a player were to have an Xbox Live gamertag, they would be able to log on using that. Otherwise, a free account can be registered for a player. Players can also match up in parties, and the party leader can specify maps and game types to play on the go.
Gamertags, which are used on Xbox Live, are also used on Live for Windows. If a player were to have an Xbox Live gamertag, they would be able to log on using that. Otherwise, a free account can be registered for a player. Players can also match up in parties, and the party leader can specify maps and game types to play on the go.


Exclusive to ''Halo 2 Vista'' are 2 new maps, [[District]] and [[Uplift]]. However, ''Halo 2 Vista'' does not include the maps [[Desolation]] or [[Tombstone]]. Modders have managed to port [http://h2v.halomaps.org/index.cfm?pg=3&fid=2350 Desolation] & [http://forum.halomaps.org/index.cfm?page=topic&topicID=30500 Tombstone] to ''Halo 2 Vista''.
Exclusive to Halo 2 Vista are 2 new maps, [[District]] and [[Uplift]]. However, Halo 2 Vista does not include the maps [[Desolation]] or [[Tombstone]]. Modders have managed to port [http://h2v.halomaps.org/index.cfm?pg=3&fid=2350 Desolation] & [http://forum.halomaps.org/index.cfm?page=topic&topicID=30500 Tombstone] to Halo 2 Windows Vista.
 
On January 16, 2013, citing declining online population (consistently 20 players or fewer) [[343 Industries]] announced that online multiplayer for ''Halo 2 Vista'' would be discontinued February 15, 2013. Although players will still be able to play custom LAN multiplayer matches, network services will cease to operate, ending online matchmaking However, it was later announced that the multiplayer would be extended to June 2013. As of February 2015, Halo 2 Vista servers are still up and running. <ref>[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/01/16/The-Halo-Bulletin-11613.aspx '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''The Halo Bulletin: 1.16.13'']</ref> All official severs have been shutdown as of September 2015.


On January 16, 2013, citing declining online population (consistently 20 players or fewer) [[343 Industries]] announced that online multiplayer for ''Halo 2 Vista'' would be discontinued February 15, 2013.<ref>[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/01/16/The-Halo-Bulletin-11613.aspx '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''The Halo Bulletin: 1.16.13'']</ref> However, it was later announced that the multiplayer would be extended to June 2013. ''Halo 2 Vista'' multiplayer servers eventually went offline in July 2015.
=== H2V Mod ===
A unofficial mod for Halo 2 Vista makes it so that you can play multiplayer online again, it uses the network browser instead of the live browser to view the active servers. [[Project Cartographer]]


==System Requirements==
==System Requirements==
The minimum system requirements to run ''[[Halo 2]]'' on Windows Vista is a Windows Experience Index of 3.0. The recommended system requirements is a WEI of 5.0. Users can play the game with a rating of less than 3.0, but they will have to reduce graphics quality in order to run the game smoothly. The game can be set on different levels of detail (low, medium, or high) to change performance and appearance. Anti-aliasing and the game's resolution can be changed, as well.


{{scrollbox|
The minimum system requirements to run [[Halo 2]] on Windows Vista is a Windows Experience Index of 3.0. The recommended system requirements is a WEI of 5.0. Users can play the game with a rating of less than 3.0 but they will have to reduce graphics quality in order to run the game smoothly. The game can be set on different levels of detail (low, medium, or high) to change performance and appearance. Anti-Aliasing and resolution can be changed, as well.
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
;Minimum
'''Operating system''': Windows Vista<br />
'''CPU''': 2 Ghz Pentium 4 class processor (or x64)<br />
'''GPU''': DX9 graphics card: WDDM driver, PS 2.0/32BPP, At least nVidia 6000 or ATI x700 or above<br />
'''VRAM''': 128MB<br />
'''RAM''': 1GB<br />
'''HDD''': 7GB<br />
'''DVD-ROM''': required<br/>
{{col-3}}
;Recommended
'''Operating system''': Windows Vista<br />
'''CPU''': Dual Core processor<br />
'''GPU''': DX9 graphics card: WDDM driver, PS 3.0/32BPP, At least nVidia 7800 or ATI x1800 or above<br />
'''VRAM''': 256MB<br />
'''RAM''': 1GB<br />
'''HDD''': 7GB<br />
'''DVD-ROM''': required<br/>
{{col-end}}
}}


===DRM===
*Requires Windows Vista
''Halo 2 Vista'' is limited to three installations per copy. Although there is no mechanism to deactivate an installation, Microsoft will typically activate additional installations via the 'telephone activation' system, providing the user explains their situation and has a legitimate serial number.
*2GHz Pentium 4 Class Processor (or x64)
*1GB of RAM
*7GB of hard drive space
*Nvidia 6100/ATI x700 video card or above
*DVD-ROM drive


==Reception==
==Reception==
''Halo 2 Vista'' was considerably less popular than its predecessor on the Xbox. Metacritic aggregated a score of 72%, whereas the original Xbox version had earned an aggregate score of 95% and the coveted "Must-Play" accolade.<ref>[https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/halo-2 '''Metacritic.com''': ''Halo 2 for PC Reviews'']</ref><ref>[https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/halo-2 '''Metacritic.com''': ''Halo 2 for Xbox Reviews'']</ref> {{citation needed}}Game Informer cited the outdated graphics and lack of innovation, which they said made the game feel "too outdated for a next-generation PC game, especially compared with how stunning ''Halo 2'' had been on Xbox".{{citation needed}}
Halo 2 Vista was considerably less popular than the Xbox version of the game. Besides selling incredibly low due to the negative reception of Windows Vista, it also was far less highly rated than the Xbox version. The game netted a mere 72% from Metacritic, a site which regulates and moderates reviews from other websites.<ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/halo2?q=Halo%202%20Vista '''Metacritic.com''': ''Halo 2 Vista Review'']</ref>{{citation needed}} Game Informer cited the outdated graphics and lack of innovation, which they said made the game feel "too outdated for a next-generation PC game, especially compared with how stunning Halo 2 had been on Xbox".{{citation needed}}
 
Halo 2 Vista was made to be even more unpopular, when it lacked basic features like online co-operative gameplay or other game modes, which were to be included in Halo 3 for Xbox 360. Halo 2 Vista's Dedicated Server had been severely stripped down of it's important features which were part of ''Halo: Combat Evolved's'' Dedicated Server commands.


''Halo 2 Vista'' lacked features such as online cooperative play, and while the Xbox version never supported this feature, compared to ''[[Halo 3]]'', which launched on the Xbox 360 also in 2007, this lack of parity between both games released only months apart contributed to its lackluster reputation. ''Halo 2 Vista's'' dedicated server functionality was also severely downgraded in comparison with ''Halo: Combat Evolved's'' dedicated server commands.
==DRM==
Halo 2 Vista is limited to 3 installations per copy. Although there is no mechanism to deactivate an installation, Microsoft will typically activate additional installations via the 'Telephone Activation' system, providing the user explains their situation and has a legitimate serial number.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*[[Achievement]]s were included with the PC version of ''Halo 2'', though they can only unlock while players are logged into Games for Windows Live. These achievements are shown on the player's Live profile and go towards their Gamerscore, just like Xbox 360 and Xbox One games.
*[[Achievement]]s were included with the PC version of Halo 2, though they can only unlock while you are logged into Games for Windows-Live. These Achievements are shown on your Live profile and go towards your Gamerscore, just like Xbox 360 games.
*''Halo 2 Vista'' is the first and only ''Halo'' game thus far to feature Tray and Play. In addition, no other Games for Windows Live title has implemented this feature.
*Halo 2 Vista is the first and only Halo game thus far to feature Tray and Play. In addition, no other Games for Windows-Live title has implemented this feature.
*It is suspected that the ''Halo 2'' Editing Kit has had many features disabled or deleted, which would disallow all types of custom tag creation. As of April 2011 there has been no custom map that has been created with custom player models, vehicles, scenery/objects, scripts.
*It is suspected that the Halo 2 Editing Kit has had many features disabled or deleted, which would disallow all types of custom tag creation. As of April 2011 there has been no custom map that has been created with custom player models, vehicles, scenery/objects, scripts.
*''Halo 2 Vista'' is the only game prior to ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' that is able to truly run at 60 frames per second in all game modes, not just including the menus, which also ran at 60FPS in the Xbox version. ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' for PC]]'' is also technically capable of running at 60FPS, but all animations for characters, vehicles, effects, etc. are locked at 30FPS, like the [[Xbox]] and [[Xbox 360]] versions of the games.
*Halo 2 Vista is the only Halo game that is able to truly run at 60 frames per second in all game modes, not just including the menus (which also ran at 60 FPS in the Xbox version). [[Halo PC]] is also technically capable of running at 60 FPS, but all animations for characters, vehicles, effects, etc. are locked at 30 FPS, like most of the other titles in the series.
*''Halo 2 Vista'' was rated M for violence, language, blood and gore, and also partial nudity, which the Xbox version lacked. It turns out that a bug in a .ass error appeared to show the butt of a naked man. This could be removed simply with a patch downloadable from the ''Halo 2 Vista'' website.
*Halo 2 Vista was rated M for Violence, Language, Blood and Gore, and also Partial Nudity, which the Xbox version lacked. It turns out that a bug in a .ass error appeared to show the butt of a naked man. This can be removed simply with a patch downloadable from the Halo 2 Vista website.
*This is the only ''Halo'' game that gives achievements that are not tracked on ''[[Halo Waypoint]]''.
*This is the only Halo game that gives achievements that are not tracked on [[Halo Waypoint]].
*Through the use of third party, unauthorized patches, ''Halo 2 Vista'' was able to work on certain versions of Windows XP.
*It has been reported to work on certain versions of Windows XP.
*Although the Example map did ship with the game, there were several [[Cut Halo 2 levels#Halo 2 for Windows Vista map editor examples|similar maps]] intended to be included to further-demonstrate the modding toolset available.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
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==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
<references/>


==Related links==
==Links==
===Internal===
===Internal===
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*[[Halo 2]]
*[[Achievements (Halo 2)|List of achievements]]
*[[List of Achievements for Halo 2 Vista|List of Achievements]]
*[[Halo 2 Vista Patches|List of patches]]
*[[Halo 2 Vista Patches|List of Patches]]


===External===
===External===
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*[http://h2v.halomaps.org Halo Maps, an archive of Halo 2 Vista maps and tools]
*[http://h2v.halomaps.org Halo Maps, an archive of Halo 2 Vista maps and tools]


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