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<!-- begin WikiProject Computer and Video Games infobox-->{| cellpadding=2 cellspacing=2 align=right width=256px style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; padding: 6px; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; font-size: 10px; background-color: #f7f8ff; border:1px solid #8888aa;"
{{Title|''Halo 2''}}
|- style=background:#ccccff
{{Status|RealWorld}}
| align=center colspan=2|<font size="2">'''''Halo 2'''''</font>
{{references}}
|-
{{Under construction}}
| align=center colspan=2|http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e5/180px-Halo2box.jpg
{{Game infobox
|- style=background:#ccccff
|name= ''Halo 2''
| style=width:80px|[[Video game developer|Developer]]:
|image= [[File:Halo2-Cover-Large.jpg|300px]]
|[[Bungie Studios]]
|primary-dev=[[Bungie|Bungie Studios]]
|
|support-dev=[[Certain Affinity]] {{C|[[Downloadable content|DLC]]}}
|-
|publisher= [[Microsoft Studios]]
|Publisher:
|engine=[[Blam engine]]
|[[Microsoft Game Studios]]
|writer=[[Joseph Staten]]
|- style=background:#ccccff
|composer=[[Martin O'Donnell]]<br>[[Michael Salvatori]]
|Release date:
|platform= [[Xbox]] <br> Xbox 360 (backwards compatible) <br> [[Personal computer|PC]] - [[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|Windows Vista Exclusive]]
|November 9, 2001
|releasedate= '''US''': November 9, 2004<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=7139 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo 2: One Year Later'']</ref> <br>
|-
'''UK''': November 11, 2004 <br>
|Genre:
'''JP''': November 11, 2004 <br>
|[[First-person shooter]]
'''Vista''': May 8, 2007
|- style=background:#ccccff
|genre= [[First-person shooter]]
|Game modes:
|modes= [[Campaign]]<br>[[Multiplayer]]
|[[Single player]], [[multiplayer]]
|rating= M ([[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]])<br>C ([[Wikipedia:Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]])<br>16+ ([[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]])
|-
}}
|[[ESRB]] rating:
{{Quote|Earth will never be the same.|Official tagline}}
|Mature (M)
|- style=background:#ccccff
|Platform:
|[[Xbox]]
|-
|Media:
|DVD
|}


'''''Halo 2''''' is a [[first-person shooter]] developed by [[Bungie Studios]] for the [[Xbox]] video game console. It is the sequel to the game ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', and features a newly built [[wikipedia:graphics engine|graphics engine]] and the addition of new elements to the game. Like the ''[[Marathon]]'' series, the game will further develop the struggle between the human race and a religiously zealous and technologically superior foe ([[The Covenant]] from the first ''Halo'').
'''''Halo 2''''' is a [[first-person shooter]] video game developed by [[Bungie|Bungie Studios]] for the [[Xbox]] video game console and is forwards-compatible with the [[Xbox 360]]. It is the sequel to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and features a newly built graphics engine as well as many new gameplay elements. Storywise, ''Halo 2'' develops the struggle between the [[United Nations Space Command]], [[Covenant]], and the [[Flood]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]] in the fall of [[2552]]. A sequel, ''[[Halo 3]]'', was released on [[2007 (real world)|September 25, 2007]].


The release date of ''Halo 2'' was November 9, 2004. This is one of the most highly anticipated games on the Xbox. On the morning of October 14, a leak of the French version of the game was posted on the Internet, and circulated widely. [[Microsoft]], the parent company of Bungie, tried to contain the spread, and pledged to bring [[wikipedia:legal action|legal action]] against anyone who spread the leaked version. Regardless, Microsoft later touted that there have been 1.5 million preorders for ''Halo 2'' in the United States alone and that this guarantees it to have the largest first-day revenue of any [[wikipedia:video game|game]] or [[wikipedia:movie|movie]] ever. [http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/10/19/news_6110893.html] The game sold 2.4 million copies and earned up to $125 million US in its first 24 hours on store shelves. [http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/11/10/news_6112915.html]
The game is one of the most successful and actively played video games for the original Xbox console, with 8.46 million copies sold as of November 2008. Despite this, the game's online servers, along with all other original Xbox LIVE services, were discontinued on [[2010|April 15, 2010]].


A [[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|PC version]] of ''Halo 2'' was released in 2007. ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'', a remastered edition of the game, was released for the [[Xbox One]] as part of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' on [[2014|November 11, 2014]], the 10th anniversary of the original game.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-the-master-chief-collection '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'']</ref>


==Synopsis==
===Characters and setting===
''Halo 2'' does not pick up directly after the events of its predecessor, but rather, after the events depicted in the novel ''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', taking place in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' with the events explaining [[John-117|Master Chief]]'s return to [[Earth]] not featured in any game so far. The story dives deeper into the society of the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]], their goals, beliefs, and alliances, as well as continuing Master Chief's story to put an end to the Covenant threat on Earth as well as [[Installation 05|another Halo]]. ''Halo 2'' also introduces the insectoid [[Yanme’e]] and the [[Jiralhanae]], who were first mentioned in ''First Strike''. They are shown as large, hairy, ape-like beasts; although they do not have [[Energy shielding|energy shields]] like the Sangheili, their immense bulk and strength allows them to absorb a large amount of damage before dying.


{spoiler warning}
The game follows a linear series of episodes that differ from ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. The player will play as both the Master Chief and a troubled Covenant Sangheili known as "[[Thel 'Vadam]]".


==Gameplay==
=== Plot synopsis ===
{{Spoiler/begin}}
[[File:CouncilsScorn01.jpg|thumb|300px|Thel 'Vadamee before receiving the Mark of Shame and becoming the Arbiter.]]
The game begins on [[High Charity]], the mobile capital city of the [[Covenant]]. The former [[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]], [[Sangheili Zealot|Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee, is on trial before the [[High Council]] for his failure to protect [[Installation 04|Halo]]. Despite his insistence that the [[The Flood|Flood]] hampered his abilities, the [[Hierarchs]] who lead the council, the High [[San'Shyuum|Prophets]] of [[Prophet of Truth|Truth]], [[Prophet of Mercy|Mercy]], and [[Prophet of Regret|Regret]], deem him guilty of failing to protect the Sacred Ring. 'Vadamee is then stripped of his rank and his armor and is branded with the [[Mark of Shame]] by [[Tartarus]], the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]].


The story then turns to Earth's [[Orbital defense platform|Orbital Defense Platform]] [[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]], where [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]] receives the new [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|MJOLNIR Mark VI]] armor from the [[Master Gunnery Sergeant (Armory)|Master Gunnery Sergeant]]. [[Avery Junior Johnson]], who recently has been promoted to [[Sergeant Major]], arrives to take the Master Chief to an awards ceremony overseen by [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]]. At the ceremony, John-117, Johnson, and  [[Miranda Keyes]], [[Jacob Keyes|Captain Keyes]]' daughter, are awarded medals as those in attendance celebrate. The festivities are soon interrupted by [[Cortana]] reporting that "15 Covenant Capital ships holding position just outside the kill zone," signaling the start of the Covenant siege of Earth. UNSC Marine forces, along with John-117, protect the station from the invading Covenant forces while other stations are overwhelmed and destroyed. A bomb is discovered on Cairo station, and John-117 sends it into space. He detonates it, destroying several Covenant ships, before landing on the hull of Keyes' ship, the UNSC frigate ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]]''. The frigate heads to the Earth city of [[New Mombasa]] to fight off the Covenant troops, which are led by the High Prophet of Regret. After the Covenant invasion force is halted by the UNSC defenses, the Prophet of Regret flees Earth with Keyes and her detachment in pursuit on the ''In Amber Clad''. The hasty in-atmosphere jump devastates the city of New Mombasa, destroying the [[Space elevator|Space Elevator]] and scattering its wreckage for miles around.


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d9/250px-Halo_2_800600_MP_E32004.jpg
The story returns to the disgraced [[Sangheili]] Commander, Thel 'Vadamee, who is given a chance for redemption by the High Prophets of Truth and Mercy by taking up the mantle of [[Arbiter]] and the imminent mortality it entails. The new Arbiter becomes the will of the Prophets, seeking redemption by completing seemingly impossible tasks assigned to him. As his first mission as the Arbiter, 'Vadamee is tasked with the assassination of a [[Sesa 'Refumee|Heretic Leader]], Sesa 'Refumee, who has become disillusioned with the Covenant following the events on Installation 04 and its destruction. 'Vadamee tracks the Heretic Leader through the gas mine where the [[Heretics]] sought refuge, battling the Heretics and the Flood along the way. When the Arbiter finally faces the 'Refumee, he asserts his belief that the Prophets have lied about the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]]. [[343 Guilty Spark]] appears and corroborates 'Refumee's assertion (both Elites consider Guilty Spark to be an Oracle of the [[Forerunner]]s, the ancient race the Covenant hold as gods). Before 'Vadamee can learn more of the claims, 'Refumee attacks 'Vadamee, and the Heretic Leader is killed. Tartarus then appears to extract the Arbiter and Guilty Spark, further preventing 'Vadamee from learning any further information from Guilty Spark. 'Vadamee departs, not learning what caused the Heretics to betray their sacred oaths to the Covenant.


Halo 2 screenshot from press kit
[[File:Regret.jpg|300px|thumb|left|[[John-117|Master Chief]] battles the [[Prophet of Regret]].]]
Returning to SPARTAN-117's story, the ''In Amber Clad'' exits slipspace with the Prophet of Regret unaware that he had been followed. To the surprise of the pursuers, they discover that Regret has led them to another [[Installation 05|Halo Ring]]. Keyes sends John-117 and ODSTs to the surface of Installation 05 to capture Regret while the ''In Amber Clad'' is repaired. In the course of pursuing Regret, John-117 discovers, with the aid of Cortana, that the [[San'Shyuum]]  intends to personally activate Halo, in the belief that it will propel true believers on the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]]. To buy time to acquire the [[Activation Index]] before the Covenant are able, Keyes orders John-117 to kill the Prophet of Regret, a mission he successfully achieves. Before making his escape, however, High Charity and its [[High Charity Defense Fleet|escort]] arrive and attempt to kill John-117 by glassing the area. He survives by jumping into the lake surrounding the structure in which he encountered Regret. Incapacitated from the shock of the Covenant bombardment, John-117 is last seen being dragged into the depths of the lake by tentacles belonging to a sentient creature.


The story now shifts back to the Arbiter on [[High Charity]], in orbit around the ring. The Hierarchs have declared Regret's death to be the [[Sangheili]]'s failure, and the Elites have been removed as the [[Honor Guard of the Covenant|protectors of the Prophets]]. This role has now been given to the [[Jiralhanae]], causing further tension between the Brutes and Elites who were already at odds. Now that the new ring has been discovered, Truth and Mercy query Guilty Spark on how to activate it. They learn of the [[Activation Index|Sacred Icon]] that will light the ring and they dispatch Thel 'Vadamee to recover it. He makes his way through the [[Quarantine Zone]] of Installation 05, fighting scores of [[Flood]] and [[Sentinel]]s, seeking the Activation Index. 'Vadamee arrives at the [[Library]] to find Keyes and Johnson have retrieved the Index from its protective housing. While 'Vadamee fights to take it from them, Tartarus arrives and again intervenes in his task. Upon taking the Index himself, Tartarus reveals the Hierarchs ordered him to kill 'Vadamee and oust the Elites. His treachery revealed, Tartarus knocks the Arbiter down a shaft in the Index chamber to the abyss below.


===Campaign===
Beneath the Library, John-117 finds himself in the clutches of the [[Gravemind]], the creature that acts as the controlling intelligence of the Flood. It is revealed that Thel 'Vadamee has been saved from his fall by the Gravemind as well. It is within the Gravemind's chamber where the Arbiter and John-117 meet. The Gravemind announces to John-117 and 'Vadamee that he has much to tell them. The Prophet of Regret and [[2401 Penitent Tangent]], the Monitor of Installation 05, appear, both now infected and assimilated into the Gravemind's mass. They argue back and forth before the Gravemind reveals that Regret's "Great Journey" and Penitent Tangent's "Containment" are one in the same. Then both the Gravemind and John-117 try to convince 'Vadamee that the Covenant's belief about the Halos is a lie. They reveal that the Halo installations were created not to save life, but to destroy it, causing the Arbiter to question his faith. These new revelations, paired with the imminent genocide of the Sangheili lead 'Vadamee to reluctantly join John-117 in the mission to stop the ring from being activated. The Gravemind then sends John-117 to High Charity to retrieve the Index while the Arbiter is sent to the [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Control Room of Installation 05]] to stop the Covenant from activating the ring.


The game is playable in campaign mode either single-player or cooperative. When playing in this mode the player(s) must complete a series of episodes. Some of these episodes require the player to compete as a Covenant hero called The Arbiter, while the majority are still played as Master Chief. Aside from variations caused simply by switching sides in the conflict, most notably The Arbiter is different from Master Chief in that his armor lacks a flashlight and is equipped with a short duration rechargeable form of [[Active Camouflage]] that will drop if an action other than movement is taken.
John-117 is teleported inside of High Charity in the middle of a broadcast by the Prophet of Truth. Upon John-117's arrival, Truth and Mercy flee to the [[Anodyne Spirit|Forerunner Dreadnought]], and formally transfer command of the Covenant Military to the Brutes. Before the prophets make it to the ship, however, they are attacked by the Flood, and Truth leaves Mercy behind to die. Meanwhile, John-117 pursues the Prophets. Throughout his pursuit, he kills many Covenant troops, witnesses the [[Great Schism|conflict between the Sangheili and the Jiralhanae]] and saves a group of Marines. At the same time, the Flood, under the control of the Gravemind crash into [[High Charity]] using the ''In Amber Clad''. John-117 finds Mercy being infected by the Flood, and the Prophet tells the Spartan that Truth is going to Earth to "finish what [[Hierarchs|we]] started." Cortana implores John-117 to pursue Truth, but he is hesitant as his mission to retrieve the Index is not complete. Cortana devises a plan to complete his mission by detonating the crashed ''In Amber Clad'' to destroy the ring if it is activated. This plan, however, requires Cortana to stay on board High Charity. John-117 boards the Dreadnought through an energy conduit before promising Cortana that he will come back for her.


There are four levels of competition: Easy, Normal, Heroic and Legendary.
[[File:D-Halo.jpg|thumb|300px|Installation 05 sending a pulse to signal the rest of the Halo Array to be put on standby for a remote activation from the Ark.]]
Meanwhile, Thel 'Vadamee is teleported to near Halo's Control Room. There he finds many dead Elites, which he has no doubt were killed by the Brutes. With the help of a few deployed Elites, and sympathetic [[Unggoy]] and [[Mgalekgolo]], he fights his way to meet the [[Special Operations Commander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]]ee, who is surprised to hear that the Brutes murdered the [[Sangheili Councilor|Councilor]]s. Seeing Tartarus land on Halo's Control Room, the Sangheili fight their way to a {{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}}, where Sergeant Johnson is held. Johnson forcefully initiates an uneasy alliance between the humans and the Elites and takes control of the Scarab. With the combined efforts of Johnson and 'Vadamee, the Scarab breaches the Control Room doors by using the Scarab's main energy cannon, and 'Vadamee enters to confront Tartarus. In the Control Room, Tartarus hears the truth of the Halos directly from [[343 Guilty Spark]]. Still blinded by faith, Tartarus forces Keyes to activate Halo. Many [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealots]] and Councilors aid the Arbiter in his final fight against Tartarus, and eventually after a long and tough fight, manage to kill him. Once Tartarus is defeated, Keyes grabs the Index just in time to stop Halo from firing. However, 343 Guilty Spark says that this has activated a failsafe protocol, causing the Installation to send a signal to the rest of the [[Halo Array]], putting them on standby for remote activation from [[Installation 00|the Ark]].


===Multiplayer===
The Forerunner Dreadnought arrives at Earth with John-117 onboard. He alerts Admiral Hood of his presence, and tells him that he is "[[Halo 3|finishing this fight]]."


There are a variety of multi-player competition modes, several of which have returned from the original Halo game. A typical melee game called Slayer, a team based Capture The Flag game, an offense/defense version of capture the flag called Assault, a more esoteric free-for-all form of capture the flag called Oddball, and a game extrapolated from a child's game of "it" called Juggernaut, as well as others and the ability to create one's own variations. Of the preset variations present in the original game, only Race is missing, replaced by a similar but different game.
In a scene after the credits, it appears that High Charity has been completely taken over by the Flood, as thousands of Flood spores are visible floating throughout the air. The Gravemind speaks satisfactorily of being free of his "empty grave," and suddenly Cortana appears as a hologram on a pedestal in his room. The Gravemind tells her that there are questions that linger in his mind which Cortana must answer. Cortana replies, "Alright...shoot," before the screen turns black.
{{Spoiler/end}}


Unlike its predecessor, Halo 2 allows players to compete with each other over the [[Xbox Live]] online service, in addition to the original's support for split-screen and System Link multiplayer. Halo 2's Xbox Live mode offers a unique and, some would say, innovative approach to online gaming that is intended to alleviate some of the problems that have plagued online first-person shooters in the past. Traditionally, one player sets his or her computer or console up as a game [[wikipedia:server|server]] (or [[wikipedia:host|host]]), specifying the game type and [[wikipedia:Level (computer and video games)|map]] and configuring other settings. The game software then uses a service like [[Xbox Live]] or [[GameSpy]] to advertise the game to the world at large; other players choose which game to join based upon criteria such as the map and game options each host is offering as well as the [[wikipedia:ping|ping]] times they are able to receive.  
=== Campaign ===
The [[campaign]] consists of 15 levels, of which 14 are playable.
#[[The Heretic]] - ''"For failure such as this, no punishment is too great."'' (cutscene; unplayable)
#[[The Armory]] - ''"Suit up, prepare for battle."'' (tutorial)
#[[Cairo Station]] - ''"Defend the station's MAC gun from Covenant boarders."''
#[[Outskirts]] - ''"Rally scattered marines, clear hostile contacts from the old-city."''
#[[Metropolis]] - ''"Take the bridge, break the Covenant's grip on the city-center."''
#[[The Arbiter]] - ''"Infiltrate a Forerunner facility, quell the heresy within."''
#[[The Oracle]] - ''"Kill the Heretic Leader. The Prophets' will be done."''
#[[Delta Halo]] - ''"A Covenant army stands between you and Regret. Get to work."''
#[[Regret (Halo 2 level)|Regret]] - ''"You heard the lady. Locate the Prophet, take him down."''
#[[Sacred Icon]] - ''"Succeed where others have failed. Lower the shield protecting the Sacred Icon."''
#[[Quarantine Zone]] - ''"Parasites, humans - no matter. The Icon must be found."''
#[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]] - ''"The Prophets have the Index and plan to use it? Over your dead body."''
#[[Uprising]] - ''"This is certain: The Brutes shall pay for the blood they have spilled."''
#[[High Charity (level)|High Charity]] - ''"Cortana can handle the Index - stopping Truth is up to you."''
#[[The Great Journey]] - ''"Form an unexpected alliance, keep Tartarus from activating the ring."''


In Halo 2, Xbox Live players do not choose to host games, and they do not get to specify individual maps and options to search for. Instead, players sign up for "playlists" that are geared to different ''styles'' of play. For example, the "[[Rumble Pit]]" playlist offers a variety of "every man for himself" game types, primarily Slayer or variations thereof; "[[Team Skirmish]]" offers a number of 4-on-4 team games, which are primarily objective-based games like [[Capture the Flag]]; "Big Team Battle" is similar to Team Skirmish but allows teams of up to 8 players. Other playlists allow head-to-head play and matches between different [[Clans|clans]]. The Xbox Live servers create games automatically from the pool of players that have signed up for each playlist, choosing a game type and map automatically and selecting one player to serve as the game's host. Players can create small "parties" with their friends and enter games together as teammates or, in Rumble Pit, adversaries. If the Xbox console hosting the game drops out, the Xbox Live service automatically selects a new host from among the remaining players so the game can continue.
== Appearances ==
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5
|title-1=Characters|
;Human
*[[Avery Johnson]]
*[[Banks]] {{1st}}
*[[Butkus]] {{1st}}
*[[Joseph Harper]] {{1st}}
*[[John-117]]
*[[Fones]] {{1st}}
*[[Marcus Stacker]]
*[[McKenzie (Marine)|McKenzie]] {{1st}}
*[[Miranda Keyes]] {{1st}}
*[[O'Brien (Mombasa)|O'Brien]] {{1st}}
*[[Palmer (Marine)|Palmer]] {{1st}}
*[[Parsons (Marine)|Parsons]] {{1st}}
*[[Pascal]] {{1st}}
*[[Perez (Marine)|Perez]] {{1st}}
*[[Remi]] {{1st}}
*[[Terrence Hood]]
*[[Unidentified master gunnery sergeant]] {{1st}}
*[[Walpole]] {{1st}}


Since launching in November 2004, the service has been very popular with gamers. While some players resent the loss of individual control inherent in Halo 2's approach to online gaming, others feel it provides a significantly improved gaming experience compared to more traditional online first-person shooters. Bungie's servers match players up by skill level, which tends to eliminate the kind of severely imbalanced games that less-skilled players often consider unfair and unenjoyable. The automatic host selection process also eliminates the ability of the host to exert outsized control over the parameters of the game.
;Sangheili
*[[Rtas 'Vadum|Rtas 'Vadumee]] {{1st}}
*[[Sesa 'Refumee]] {{1st}}
*[[Thel 'Vadam|Thel 'Vadamee]] {{1st}}


Halo 2 players with [[wikipedia:Microsoft Passport|Microsoft Passport]] accounts can log on to [http://www.bungie.net bungie.net] and obtain extremely detailed statistics on their performance, including level maps for several hundred of the player's most recent games that indicate graphically where and when the player scored a kill or was killed him- or herself.
;Jiralhanae
*[[Tartarus]]


===Damage system===
;San'shyuum
*[[Prophet of Mercy]] {{1st}}
*[[Prophet of Regret]] {{1st}}
*[[Prophet of Truth]]


The damage system in ''Halo 2'' is much different than it was in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]].  The player has a regenerating shield and regenerating health.
;AI
*[[343 Guilty Spark]]
*[[2401 Penitent Tangent]] {{1st}}
*[[Cortana]]


* '''Shields:''' The [[Deflector shield|Shield]] in ''Halo 2'' is much stronger than it was in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], and recharges at a higher rate.  It covers the player's entire body, and slowly decreases in power as it sustains damage.  After it takes damage, it starts to recharge 2 seconds after the last time damage was sustained.  The power is displayed above the motion tracker in the bottom-left of the screen.
;Flood
*[[Gravemind]] {{1st}}


* '''[[Health]]:''' In ''Halo 2'', once the shields run out, the player also has a buffer of health.  Unlike [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], the health in Halo 2 regenerates after the shield.  The amount of health left is not visible to the player.
|title-2=Species and entities|
*[[Flood]]
**[[Pod infector]]
**[[Flood combat form]]
**[[Flood carrier form]]
*[[Forerunner constructs]]
*[[Forerunner]] {{Mo}}
*[[Human]]
**[[UNSC Marines]]
*[[Jiralhanae]]
**[[Jiralhanae Captain|Captain]] {{1st}}
**[[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]]
**[[Jiralhanae Major|Major]] {{1st}}
**[[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor]] {{1st}}
**[[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman|Honor Guardsman]] {{1st}}
*[[Kig-Yar]] (''Ruuhtian'')
**[[Kig-Yar Major|Major]]
**[[Kig-Yar Minor|Minor]]
**[[Kig-Yar Sniper|Sniper]] {{1st}}
***[[Jha'kaar]] {{1st}}
*[[Lekgolo]]
**[[Mgalekgolo]]
*[[Sangheili]]
**[[Sangheili Councilor|Councilor]] {{1st}}
**[[Field Master]]
**[[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Honor Guardsman]]
**[[Lights of Sanghelios]] {{1st}}
**[[Special Operations Commander]] {{1st}}
**[[Special Operations Sangheili|SpecOps]]
**[[Sangheili Major|Major]]
**[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]]
**[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]]
**[[Stealth Sangheili|Stealth]]
**[[Sangheili Ultra|Ultra]] {{1st}}
**[[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]]
*[[San'Shyuum]]
*[[Unggoy]]
**[[Unggoy Ultra|Ultra]]
**[[Special Operations Unggoy|SpecOps]]
**[[Unggoy Heavy|Heavy]] {{1st}}
**[[Unggoy Major|Major]]
**[[Unggoy Minor|Minor]]
*[[Yanme'e]] {{1st}}
**[[Yanme'e Minor|Minor]] {{1st}}
*[[Sentinel]]
**[[Constructor]] {{1st}}
**[[Sentinel Aggressor|Aggressor]]
**[[Enforcer]] {{1st}}
*[[Fish]] {{1st}}
*[[Rangmejo]] {{1st}}


===Powerups===
|title-3=Organizations|
*[[Covenant]]
**[[Covenant military]]
***[[Honor Guard]]
***[[Covenant Special Operations]]
**[[Covenant fleet]]
**[[High Council]]
**[[Rh'tol]]
*[[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction]] {{1st}}
*[[UEG]]
**[[United Nations Space Command]]
***[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
****[[A Company]] {{1st}}
***[[UNSC Navy]]
****[[UNSC Home Fleet]]
****[[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Warfare]]
*****[[SPARTAN-II program]]


There are two types of powerups available in ''Halo 2''.
|title-4=Locations|
*[[Sol system]]
**[[Earth]]
**[[Africa]] {{1st}}
***[[East African Protectorate]] {{1st}}
****[[Mombasa]] {{1st}}
*****[[New Mombasa]] {{1st}}
******[[New Mombasa Sector A|Sector A]] {{Fm}}
******[[New Mombasa Sector B|Sector B]] {{1st}}
******[[New Mombasa City Center|City center]] {{Fm}}
******[[New Mombasa Docks|Docks]] {{Fm}}
******[[Section 14]] {{1st}}
******[[New Mombasa industrial zone|Industrial zone]] {{1st}}
******[[Kilindini]] {{1st}}
*******[[Kilindini Park Cultural Center]] {{1st}}
******[[Mombasa Tether]] {{1st}}
******[[New Mombasa 105 East]] {{1st}}
******[[Kilindini Underpass]] {{1st}}
******[[Liwitoni Station]] {{1st}}
*****[[Old Mombasa]] {{1st}}
******[[Grid Kilo 23]] {{1st}}
******[[Hotel Zanzibar]] {{1st}}
******[[Liberty Street]] {{1st}}
******[[Mombasa Quays]] {{1st}}
******[[Sector 0-5]] {{1st}}
****[[Tanzania]] {{1st}}
*****[[Zanzibar Island]] {{1st}}
******[[Wind Power Station 7]] {{1st}}
*[[High Charity]]
**[[Tower Districts]]
***[[High Council Chamber]] {{1st}}
***[[Sanctum of the Hierarchs]]
***[[Hanging Gardens]] {{1st}}
***[[Valleys of Tears]] {{1st}}
***[[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]] {{1st}}
***[[Holding chamber]]s {{1st}}
***[[Mid Tower]] {{1st}}
***[[Far Tower]] {{1st}}
**[[Lower districts]] {{1st}}
*[[Coelest system]]
**[[Substance]] {{1st}}
***[[Installation 05]] {{1st}}
****[[Control Room (Installation 05)|Control room]] {{1st}}
****[[Library]] {{1st}}
*****[[Index chamber]] {{1st}}
****[[Quarantine Zone]] {{1st}}
****[[Sentinel Wall]] {{1st}}
****[[Temple (Installation 05)|Temple]] {{1st}}
****[[Bastion of the Brutes|Bastion of the Jiralhanae]] {{1st}}
****[[Jiralhanae encampment]] {{1st}}


* '''[[Overshield]]:''' An enhanced, non-regenerating shield which is three times the strength of the normal one. The overshield functions on top of the regular shield - when it is active, the normal shield does not take damage. In the single player game, the overshield is reduced only when the player is hit, while in the multiplayer game, it also weakens gradually with time.
|title-5=Events|
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
**[[Battle for Earth]] {{1st}}
***[[Battle of Mombasa]] {{1st}}
**[[Battle of Installation 05]] {{1st}}
**[[Fall of High Charity]] {{1st}}
*[[Great Schism]] {{1st}}


* '''[[Active Camoflauge]]:'''  Drastically reduces the player's visibility for a period of time, making all but a faint outline of him transparent. This effect is reduced if the player is hit by weapons fire, if he or she fires a weapon or throws a grenade, or in some cases if he or she switches weapons.
|title-6=Vehicles|
====UNSC====
;Usable
*[[M12 Warthog]]
**[[M12 Chaingun Warthog]]
**[[M12G1 Warthog]] {{1st}}
*[[M808B Scorpion]]


===Weapons===
;Unusable
*[[D77-TC Pelican]]
*[[D96-TCE Albatross]] {{1st}}
*[[Drop pod]]
**[[M8823 drop pod]] {{1st}}
*[[GA-TL1 Longsword]] {{c|C709 variant}}
*[[Hog]] {{1st}}
*{{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}}
**{{UNSCShip|Feeling Lucky}} {{1st}}
**{{UNSCShip|Say My Name}} {{1st}}
*[[Orbital defense platform]]
**[[Cairo Station (station)|ODA-142 ''Cairo'']] {{1st}}
**[[Malta Station|ODA-143 ''Malta'']] {{1st}}
**[[Athens Station|ODA-144 ''Athens'']] {{1st}}
*[[Tractor unit]] {{1st}}
*[[UNSC frigate]]
**{{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}} {{1st}}
***{{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}} {{1st}}
*[[Überchassis]] {{1st}}


''See [[List of weapons in Halo 2]]''
====Covenant====
;Usable
*[[Spectre]]
**{{Pattern|Wuzum|Spectre}} {{1st}}
*[[Wraith]]
**{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}
*[[Banshee]]
**{{Pattern|Oghal|Banshee}}
*[[Ghost]]
**{{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}


==Storyline==
;Unusable
*[[Covenant carrier|Assault carrier]]
**{{Pattern|Syfon|assault carrier}} {{1st}}
***''[[Day of Jubilation]]'' {{1st}}
***''[[Solemn Penance]]'' {{1st}}
*[[Covenant cruiser|Cruiser]]
**{{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}
*[[Drop pod]]
**{{Pattern|Udka|Assault Carapace}} {{1st}}
*[[High Charity]]
*[[Seraph]]
**{{Pattern|Kai|Seraph}}
*[[Shadow]]
**{{Pattern|Ruwaa|Shadow}} {{1st}}
*[[Scarab]]
**{{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}}
*[[Phantom]]
**{{Pattern|Kez'katu|Phantom}} {{1st}}
*{{Pattern|R'sisho|Tick}}


The game starts with a probing covenant attack on Earth.  [[Master Chief]] begins on one of the many space defense platforms which orbit our planet. After repulsing the covenant boarding parties, the battle shifts to Africa.
===Forerunner===
;Unusable
*[[Keyship]] {{1st}}
**''[[Anodyne Spirit]]'' {{1st}}


The player engages in urban combat in the city of New Mombasa. Meanwhile a Covenant ship makes a slipspace jump above the city, and a human ship with [[Master Chief]] aboard gets swept up in the warp field in an desperate effort to follow it.
|title-7=Weapons|
====UNSC====
;Usable
*[[BR55 battle rifle]] {{1st}}
*[[M231 machine gun]]
*[[M512 smooth-bore high-velocity cannon]]
*[[M6C magnum]] {{1st}}
*[[M7 SMG]]
*[[M9 fragmentation grenade]]
*[[M41 Vulcan]]
*[[M41 rocket launcher]]
*[[M68 Gauss cannon]] {{1st}}
*[[M90 shotgun]]
*[[M247 general purpose machine gun]] {{1st}}
*[[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle#SRS99C-S2|SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle]] {{1st}}
*[[Type 14 Magnetic/Anti-Tank Mine]] {{1st}} {{c|Gametype-specific use only}}


The player is transported to the vicinity of another Halo ring - the Delta Halo - perhaps many tens of thousands of light years from Earth, on which they land. Also, a power struggle within the Covenant is revealed, with Brutes usurping the role of the Elites.  Furthermore, there is a movement, regarded by the Covenant leadership as heretical, which argues that Covenant teachings aren't true. Lastly, we are introduced to an (apparently massive) creature called the Gravemind, which appears to be the controlling mind of the Flood. The creature is obviously highly intelligent and gives the impression of knowing a great deal. It appears to live deep within Halo, out of sight and yet its actual size, although not revealed, may occupy many of the entire hidden underground caverns that encircle the ring.
;Unusable
*[[110mm rotary cannon]]
*[[Anvil-II air-to-surface missile]]
*[[ASGM-10 missile]]
*[[M6D magnum]] {{C|Appears on [[Tombstone]] as model-only}}
*[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]
**[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon#"Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|Super MAC]]
*[[Point-defense gun]]
**[[M870 Rampart point defense gun]]


At some point, (by accident or more interestingly, by her own design) [[Cortana]] becomes separated from the Master Chief and is left within a computer on Halo.
====Covenant====
;Usable
*[[Class-2 directed energy cannon]]
*[[Fuel rod cannon]]
*[[Energy sword]]
**[[Type-1 energy sword]]
*[[Plasma grenade]]
**{{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}
*[[Plasma pistol]]
**{{Pattern|Eos'Mak|plasma pistol}}
*[[Plasma rifle]]
**{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}
**{{Pattern|Kewu R'shi'k|plasma rifle}} {{1st}}
*[[Brute shot]]
**[[Jovokada Workshop Brute Shot]]
*[[Plasma Mortar#Type-26 35cm Directed-Energy Mortar|Type-26 Directed-Energy Mortar]]
*[[Shade]]
**{{Pattern|Eeo'Pimu|Shade}} {{1st}}
*[[Class-1 directed energy cannon#Type-29 Anti-Infantry Weapon Emplacement/Mounted|Type-29 Anti-Infantry Weapon Emplacement/Mounted]] {{1st}}
*[[Needler]]
**[[Type-33 needler]]
*[[Fuel rod gun]]
**{{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun}}
*[[Plasma cannon]]
**{{Pattern|Shepsu|plasma cannon}} {{1st}}
*[[Class-1 directed energy cannon#Type-46 Directed Energy Weapon/Mounted|Type-46 Directed Energy Weapon/Mounted]] {{1st}}
*[[Beam rifle]]
**{{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}} {{1st}}
*[[Carbine]]
**{{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}} {{1st}}
*[[Scarab Gun]] [[:Category:Easter eggs|Easter egg]] {{1st}}


Halo, we learn from [[343 Guilty Spark]], was built to prevent the Flood from spreading throughout the Galaxy, and that the Forerunners who built it were wiped out when they fired it as a "weapon of last resort" at some point in the remote past. In spite of this, the Brute leaders activate the ring in preparation to fire, to bring about - in their eyes - the Great Journey. The player must fight to retrieve the Index and deactivate the ring before it fires and destroys all sentient life in the Galaxy.
;Unusable
*[[Antimatter charge]] {{1st}}
*[[Class-1 directed energy cannon#Medium plasma cannon (Wraith)|Medium plasma cannon]]
*[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]] {{1st}}
**[[Fist of Rukt]] {{1st}}
*{{Pattern|Zo'op|Weevil}} {{1st}}
*[[Energy Projector]]
*[[Energy stave]]
*[[Focus cannon]] {{1st}}
*[[Heavy plasma cannon]]
*[[Plasma cannon (starship)|Plasma cannon]]
*[[Pulse laser turret]]


The Index is retrieved and the Delta Halo cannot fire. [[343 Guilty Spark]] reveals that although the Index was removed before Delta Halo had time to complete it's firing sequence, it sent signals to other Halos in the Galaxy, putting them into standby mode. Now, they can be activated remotely from the Ark (assumed to be on Earth).  The game ends here and the credits roll.
====Forerunner====
;Usable
*[[Sentinel beam]]


===Main characters===
;Unusable
* [[Master Chief]]
*[[Shard cannon]] {{1st}}
* [[Cortana]]
*[[Enforcer missile launcher]] {{1st}}
* [[Sergeant Johnson]]
* [[Miranda Keyes]]
* [[Arbiter]]
* [[High Prophet of Truth]]
* [[High Prophet of Mercy]]
* [[High Prophet of Regret]]
* [[Tartarus]]
* [[343 Guilty Spark]]
* [[2401 Penitent Tangent]]
* [[Chips Dubbo (The Aussie)]]
* [[Gravemind]]


==Future developments==
|title-8=Equipment and technology|
;[[Power-up]]s
*[[Active camouflage]]
*[[Overshield]]


It is revealed that all other Halo rings in the galaxy have been activated and put into standby mode, and that only a device known as the Ark has the capability to shut them all down. Sergeant Johnson, Captain Keyes' Daughter, Guilty Spark and an Elite Commander known as the Arbiter (whom the player plays through much of the Game) ponder this in the Halo control room. It is inferred that this device was sequested away by the forerunner, probably somewhere on Earth in remote pre-history. The Master Chief, meanwhile, returns to Earth in a spaceship he stowed away on when he left Cortana behind at her insistence. The ship that the Chief is on is a Forerunner ship and it is occupied both by the last prophet and it's AI, which Cortana said she had great difficulty with as it fought her, both are probably trying to head to the location of the Ark on earth. The stage is therefore set for a sequel in which a climactic battle between the Covenant and the Humans on Earth to find and gain control of the Ark, which has the power to either shut down or recommence the firing sequence for all of the Halo rings throughout the Galaxy.
;Armor
*[[Kig-Yar combat harness]]
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]
**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]] {{1st}}
*[[ODST armor]]
*[[Sangheili harness]]
**[[Arbiter body armor]] {{1st}}
**[[Heretic Sangheili#Equipment|Artifact retrieval harness]] {{1st}}
**[[Sangheili Zealot#Ceremonial battle harness|Ceremonial battle harness]]
**[[Sangheili High Councilor#Equipment|High Councilor harness]]
**Honor Guard harness
**[[Ranger harness]] {{1st}}
**[[Combat harness]]
**[[Ultra-class armor]] {{1st}}
*[[Unggoy combat harness]]


After the credits, we are treated to a small cinematic. The short movie reveals the omnipresent nature of the controlling intelligence behind the Flood - the massive Halo-wide creature that lives within its depths known as the [[Gravemind]]. He recites a verse:
;Other
*[[Camera drone]] {{1st}}
*[[Plasma battery|Covenant plasma battery]] {{1st}}
*[[Covenant portable shield]]
*[[Roadblock|Covenant roadblock]] {{1st}}
*[[Covenant watchtower]] {{1st}}
*[[Energy shield]]
**[[Sangheili personal energy shield]]
*[[Energy core|Forerunner energy core]] {{1st}}
*[[Forerunner gas canister]] {{1st}}
*[[Power core|Forerunner power core]] {{1st}}
*[[Fusion drive]]
*[[Gravity bridge]] {{1st}}
*[[Holo-drone]] {{1st}}
*[[Holotank]]
**[[Portable holo-pedestal]] {{1st}}
*[[Identification friend or foe]]
*[[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet]]
*[[Methane tank]]
*[[Ordnance pod]] {{1st}}
*[[Pinch fusion reactor]]
*[[Repulsor engine]]
*[[Sentinel manufacturing facility]] {{1st}}
*[[Shield door]] {{1st}}
*[[Torture manacle]] {{1st}}
**[[Ultra-class armor]] {{1st}}
*[[Fusion coil|UNSC fusion core]] {{1st}}
*[[UNSC Navy uniforms]]
**[[UNSC Navy Dress Uniform]]
**[[UNSC Navy Service Uniform]]
**[[UNSC Navy working uniform]]
}}


:''Silence fills the empty grave now that I am gone,''
== Development ==
:''But my mind is not at rest, for questions linger on.''
=== Engine ===
:''I will ask and you will answer.''
Halo 2 features a modified version of the engine from Halo: Combat Evolved. This new engine featured support for online play via Xbox Live, improved visuals, and the implementation of the Havok physics engine that would replace Bungie's in house physics engine used in Combat Evolved.


Cortana appears above a console, it's tentacle reaches out to her but she raises her hand to halt its grasp - "alright, shoot" is her response.
Halo 2 was initially meant to implement a new graphics engine called Pstencil that would allow for objects to cast real-time shadows. This lighting technique proved too expensive for the Xbox's hardware to handle, and was only ever seen in the E3 2003 demo of Halo 2. In order to make the demo playable on stage, massive optimization had to be done across the demo map, such as the deletion of objects that were no longer in frame.
=== Gameplay and design ===
In the aftermath of the success of ''Combat Evolved'' in the multiplayer and LAN scene, there was a desire to double down on multiplayer development. The team was also involved in the development of Xbox Live at this point.<ref name = "LikeLaunch">[https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2020/05/13/what-it-was-like-to-launch-halo-2 '''GameInformer''' - ''What It Was Like To Launch Halo 2'']</ref>


This also leaves open the possibility that Cortana may have become - or may be becoming, [[Rampancy|Rampant]], and either giving some information to or forming some sort of alliance with the Flood.
One of the biggest alterations to gameplay in ''Halo 2'' is perhaps the ability to [[dual wielding|dual wield]] weapons; this tactic allows for twice the firepower at the expense of being unable to throw grenades or [[melee]] without dropping the left weapon. In terms of vehicles, all vehicles from the first game remain except the M12A1 Warthog LAAV (rocket warthog) from the PC version and the [[Dextro Xur-pattern Spirit|Spirit]] dropship. Also, a few new vehicles are introduced. In ''Halo 2'', however, the previously indestructible vehicles can now be destroyed and the player is able to "[[Boarding (gameplay mechanic)|board]]" an enemy vehicle by climbing on and knocking the driver out, as well as planting [[grenade]]s to further damage the vehicle. The same can be done by an enemy to the player when driving.


It should also be noted that Cortana is not a biological lifeform, but a computer program and would likely be unaffected should Halo actually fire. It is likely that Cortana is aware of this, so people should factor that into her reasoning.
When playing as the Arbiter, the player's flashlight is replaced with a rechargeable [[active camouflage]] that lasts for ten seconds, giving the player a preemptive advantage on unsuspecting enemies.  


Cortana going rampant would also be in keeping with the tradition of other rampant AI's in Bungie games - ie: the Marathon series. It appears at least that Cortana has motivations that aren't entirely clear and may in fact be above and beyond her programming.
The player can have a variety of allies; if they are playing as the Master Chief, they will be assisted by [[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marines]], and occasionally [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers|ODSTs]]. However, the Arbiter is joined by [[Unggoy]], [[Kig-Yar]], [[Mgalekgolo]], and other [[Sangheili]], allowing for deeper insight into Covenant culture.


==The "Haunted Apiary" Alternate Reality Game (ARG)==
On the damage mechanics, fall damage now has been reduced considerably. The threshold minimum damage has been increased, such as from 3 stories building height will not cause player any damage while on [[Halo: Combat Evolved|the previous game]], it gives the player some damage. The most benefits come from splatter damage as a slight touch from the object now is no longer kill anyone instantly including player (Except some who are designed to be invulnerable). The player now needs more effort to score a splatter kill.
The website [http://www.ilovebees.com ilovebees.com] (interestingly, the domain [http://www.ihatebees.com ihatebees.com] also points to this website) is currently being used as a publicity site for ''Halo 2'', with the site being pointed to by adverts for the game during movie trailers. Ostensibly a site about bees, the server appears to have been taken over by some mysterious force, which is "counting down to something".


The frontpage had a counter counting down to July 27], 2004 (when it says "network throttling will erode"), August 10, 2004 (when "this medium will metastasize"), and August 24, 2004 (at 8:06 am, when it will be "wide awake and physical") - many thought something big would happen related to ''Halo 2'' on these dates. Other messages relating to the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved|Halo]]'' story are hidden throughout the site.
=== Campaign and story===
{{Quote|I think everybody had their own priorities for the sequel. For me, I felt passionate about exploring this whole other world, that isn’t all about Master Chief. The other side.|[[Joseph Staten]]<ref name="vice">[https://waypoint.vice.com/en_us/article/the-complete-untold-history-of-halo-an-oral-history '''Vice.com''': ''The Complete, Untold History of Halo'']</ref>}}


This style of publicity is similar to that which surrounded the movie [[wikipedia:A.I. (movie)|A.I.]] which featured a grand [[wikipedia:Alternate Reality Game|Alternate Reality Game]]. The ''Halo'' ARG has been dubbed ''[[The Haunted Apiary]]''.
''Halo 2'' has been the only game in the series to have the most content either cut from the game entirely or redesigned completely as evidenced in many forms of media. In the ''Halo 3'' Essentials disc featuring the "Director's Commentary" of the cutscenes, three separate levels were discussed as having been proposed but ultimately scrapped due to time constraints: [[Covenant Ship]], [[Forerunner Tank]], and [[Forerunnership|Forerunner Ship]]. In the "Making of ''Halo 2''" documentary there was concept art seen regarding a level location [[Installation 00|The Ark]], although the design was later placed into ''Halo 3''<nowiki />'s [[The Storm]] as the [[The Portal|Portal]]. The former could have been a part of pre-production for ''[[Halo 3]]''. Marty O'Donnell was also quoted in a [[Bungie Podcast]] (Episode 13, at 21:00) saying that all the actors had recorded the lines to the original ''Halo 2'' ending and that it still exists today, but he will never show it. The [[Flood Juggernaut]] was a character that was modeled and placed in the coding of the game but never had AI programmed or had been placed on any level, similar to the [[Huragok|Engineer]] in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
 
The head writer for ''Halo 2'' was [[Joseph Staten]]. With the ''Halo 2'' campaign, Staten was interested in expanding the game's scope from solely the Master Chief and humanity,{{Ref/Reuse|vice}} fleshing out the [[Covenant]] antagonists through the perspective of the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]]. The core idea behind the Arbiter was to create a character who suffered the consequences of the Master Chief's victory in the first game.<ref>'''[[Remaking the Legend]]'''</ref> According to Staten, Bungie co-founder and the game's project lead [[Jason Jones]] was extremely passionate about including two particular scenes that were ultimately cut. In one of these, the Master Chief would be standing on an orbital above Earth and look down on the carnage inflicted by the Covenant, saying "Only blood will pay for this." A similar scene occurs in the final game, at the conclusion of "[[Cairo Station]]", but the quote is absent. Jones also wanted to have [[Miranda Keyes]] play the role of an antagonist and have her betray the Master Chief, strapping a bomb to his back and throwing him down a hole. Staten was not fond of the idea and, though great effort, convinced Jones it would not work in the context of the story.{{Ref/Reuse|vice}}
 
A key theme in the story's development was bringing the war to Earth.<ref name = "LikeLaunch"/>
 
According to Microsoft Halo Franchise Development Group employee [[Eric Trautmann]], who liaised with Bungie on the development of the ''Halo'' story, Bungie was initially skeptical that fans would recognize the [[ODST]]s during the ''[[Delta Halo]]'' level, and questioned the in-universe purpose they served. This was the last work Trautmann worked on before leaving development on the Halo franchise in November 9, 2004.<ref>[http://scifishow.libsyn.com/005-dc-reboot-trautmann-interview-round-2-of-our-quiz '''The Sci Fi Show''': ''Episode 005: DC Reboot/Eric Trautmann'']</ref>
{{Expand-section}}
 
=== Audio ===
''Halo 2''{{'}}s audio and soundtrack were directed by [[Bungie]]'s composer, [[Martin O'Donnell]]. [[Jay Weinland]] and [[C. Paul Johnson]] served as the team's audio lead and sound designer, respectively.{{Ref/Book|[[Halo 2 Manual]]|Page=30}} A total of 21,090 lines of dialogue was recorded.<ref>[http://nikon.bungie.org/news.html?item=20971 Halo Dialogue Statistics, from the source] - HBO, November 12, 2007</ref>
{{Expand-section}}
 
== Multiplayer ==
[[File:H2 Tombstone Slayer.jpg|thumb|300px|Multiplayer action in ''Halo 2'' on Tombstone: An ongoing Free-For-All battle.]]
Unlike its predecessor, ''Halo 2'' allowed players to compete with each other over the [[Xbox LIVE|Xbox Live]] online service, in addition to the originals support for split-screen and System Link multiplayer. ''Halo 2's'' Xbox Live mode offered a unique approach to online gaming that is intended to alleviate some of the problems that have plagued online first-person shooters in the past. Traditionally, one player sets their computer or console up as a game server (or host), specifying the game type and map and configuring other settings. The game software then used a service like Xbox Live or GameSpy to advertise the game to the world at large; other players choose which game to join based upon criteria such as the map and game options each host is offering as well as the [[wikipedia:ping|ping]] times they are able to receive.
 
In ''Halo 2'', Xbox Live players do not choose to host games, and they do not get to specify individual maps and options to search for. Instead, players sign up for "playlists" that are geared to different ''styles'' of play. For example, the "Rumble Pit" playlist offers a variety of "free-for-all" game types, primarily Slayer or variations there of; "Team Skirmish" offers a number of 4-on-4 team games, which are primarily objective-based games like Capture the Flag; "Big Team Battle Skirmish" is similar to Team Skirmish but allows teams of up to 8 players. Other playlists allow various things such as matches between different [[clans]]. The Xbox Live servers create games automatically from the pool of players that have signed up for each playlist, choosing a game type and map automatically and selecting one player to serve as the game's host. Players can create small "parties" with their friends and enter games together as teammates or, in Rumble Pit, adversaries. They can also play custom gametypes like regular multiplayer. Unranked gametypes allow people on the same Xbox console without an Xbox Live account to play with them as "guests". If the Xbox console hosting the game drops out, the Xbox Live service automatically selects a new host from among the remaining players so the game can continue.
 
Since launching in November 2004, the service has been very popular with gamers. While some players resent the loss of individual control inherent in ''Halo 2''<nowiki />'s approach to online gaming, others feel it provides a significantly improved gaming experience compared to more traditional online first-person shooters. Bungie's servers match players up by skill level, which tends to eliminate the kind of severely imbalanced games that less-skilled players often consider unfair and not enjoyable. The automatic host selection process also eliminates the ability of the host to exert outsize control over the parameters of the game.
 
''Halo 2'' players with [[Wikipedia:Microsoft Passport|Microsoft Passport]] accounts can log on to [http://halo.bungie.net bungie.net] and obtain highly detailed statistics on their performance, including level maps for several hundred of the player's most recent games that indicate graphically where and when the player scored a kill or was killed him or herself.
 
===Maps===
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
;Default ''(released at launch)''
*[[Lockout]]
*[[Ascension]]
*[[Midship]]
*[[Ivory Tower]]
*[[Beaver Creek]]
*[[Burial Mounds]]
*[[Colossus (map)|Colossus]]
*[[Zanzibar]]
*[[Coagulation]]
*[[Headlong]]
*[[Waterworks]]
*[[Foundation]]
 
;[[Bonus Map Pack]]
<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the ''Halo 2'' page-->
*[[Containment]]
*[[Warlock]]
{{col-2}}
;[[Killtacular Pack]]
<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the ''Halo 2'' page-->
*[[Sanctuary]]
*[[Turf]]
 
;[[Maptacular Pack]]
<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the ''Halo 2'' page-->
*[[Backwash]]
*[[Elongation]]
*[[Gemini]]
*[[Relic]]
*[[Terminal (map)|Terminal]]
 
;[[Blastacular Pack]]
<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the ''Halo 2'' page-->
*[[Desolation]]
*[[Tombstone]]
{{col-end}}
 
===Server shutdown===
On April 15, 2010, the ''Halo 2'' multiplayer services, along with all other original Xbox LIVE services, were discontinued. However, some of ''Halo 2'''s fans left their Xbox's running after April 15. Xbox LIVE did not boot the approximately 500 people who had signed into Xbox LIVE before the discontinuation of service on April 15. These players continued playing online amongst one another but no new players could sign on. On April 30, 2010 only 12 fans who had managed to keep their Xbox and Xbox LIVE connections stable remained logged into ''Halo 2'' on Xbox Live. Nicknamed the "Noble 12", they continued to play games among themselves. In response, Stephen Toulouse, director of policy and enforcement for Xbox Live, tweeted "To those noble folk keeping halo2 alive: we see you, and we salute you,". These hardcore fans were awarded ''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta|Halo: Reach Beta]]'' keys because of their attempts to keep ''Halo 2'' alive. Over the next 9 days, 10 of the 12 gamers would experience either Xbox malfunctions or Internet malfunctions. Some were reported as logging off voluntarily to play the ''Halo: Reach Beta'' they received. Only two people remained online in ''Halo 2''. On May 10, 2010, "Agent Windex" was quoted as saying "I just got kicked off guys. Good Job Apache, you're the last one". Later that day, "Apache N4SIR", the very last person on ''Halo 2'', was booted from Xbox LIVE. This marked the end of ''Halo 2'' on Xbox LIVE and the end of the original Xbox LIVE.<ref>'''Official Xbox Magazine's Official Guide to Halo''', ''pages 24-25''</ref><ref name="shutdown">[http://forums.bungie.org/halo/archive36.pl?read=1065222 '''halo.bungie.org''': ''The shutdown of Halo 2'']</ref>
 
==Marketing promotions and release==
{{Halo 2 editions}}
 
===Announcement trailer ===
{{Main|Halo 2 announcement trailer}}
In 2002, Bungie released the first glimpse of ''Halo 2'' in a pre-rendered CG trailer. The trailer featured the [[John-117|Master Chief]] in his new [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|MJOLNIR Mark VI]] armor preparing for battle in a space station. [[Cortana]] is also heard and has dialogue with the Chief. It also featured Earth and {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}s in orbit. The UNSC seem to be losing in the battle. The events of this trailer were featured in the final version of ''Halo 2''. Some of the events and dialogue of this trailer was changed to fit the finished storyline of the game. Most of this now appears in the ''Halo 2'' level [[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]].
 
=== E3 2003 ===
{{Main|Halo 2 E3 demo}}
E3 2003 featured the release by Bungie of footage of a playable in-game demo of the ''Halo 2'' campaign. The demo featured the battle on [[Earth]] in the city of [[New Mombasa]]. [[John-117|Master Chief]], [[Cortana]], [[Avery Junior Johnson|Sergeant Johnson]], [[Perez (Marine)|Corporal Perez]], [[Easley|Major Easley]], and [[Banks|Sergeant Banks]] were all seen/heard in the demo. The demo showed off new features like Dual-Wielding (the [[John-117|Master Chief]] could actually keep both his dual-wielded weapons when he switched to his secondary sidearm; this was changed for the final product), Vehicle Damage, and Boarding. Three new vehicles shown were the [[M12G1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle|Gauss Warthog]], {{Pattern|Ruwaa|Shadow}}, and the Covenant [[Kez'katu-pattern Phantom|Phantom]], which at the time had only one plasma turret on its underside instead of three.
 
Returning vehicles featured the [[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Ghost]], [[Pelican]], [[Covenant cruiser|Covenant Cruiser]], and [[GA-TL1 Longsword|Longsword]] Fighters. New weapons the [[BR55 Battle Rifle|Battle Rifle]], [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|SMG]], and [[Type-25 Grenade Launcher|Brute Shot]] were also shown, although the final Brute Shot design for ''Halo 2'' was vastly different from what was shown in this trailer. New enemies such as the Brutes were shown in this demo, but as a secondary warrior race by the side of the Elites. The events of this demo were featured in the final version of ''Halo 2''. Some of the events and dialog of this demo was changed to fit the finished storyline of the game, such as the AA Gun becoming a Scarab. Most of this now appears in the ''Halo 2'' level; [[Metropolis]].
 
===Halo 2 Council===
To help promote ''Halo 2'', Microsoft established the Halo 2 Council, an off-shoot of its celebrity "Xbox Playaz Club". It had seven members, consisting of actors [[Wikipedia:Wilmer Valderrama|Wilmer Valderrama]], [[Wikipedia:Benjamin Mckenzie|Benjamin Mckenzie]], and [[Wikipedia:Aisha Tyler|Aisha Tyler]]; [[Wikipedia:Jeremy Shockey|Jeremy Shockey]] of the [[Wikipedia:New York Football Giants|New York Giants]]; and bands [[Wikipedia:Hoobastank|Hoobastank]], [[Wikipedia:Incubus (band)|Incubus]], and [[Wikipedia:Linkin Park|Linkin Park]].<ref>[https://www.geek.com/games/halo-2-celebrity-council-557102/ '''Geek.com''' ''Halo 2 celebrity council'']</ref> Members of the Halo 2 Council received advanced copies of the game, as well as an exclusive "Halo 2 Pelican Case", a portable Xbox contained in a personalized suitcase with a 15-inch HDTV, two controllers, Xbox Live headset, and an Ethernet connection.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/1492292/linkin-park-hoobastank-wilmer-valderrama-to-get-first-shot-at-halo-2/ '''MTV.com''' ''LINKIN PARK, HOOBASTANK, WILMER VALDERRAMA TO GET FIRST SHOT AT "HALO 2"'']</ref> They were also offered "VIP tours of Bungie Studios, voice-over recording sessions for game integration, [and] access to Halo 2 during the development process." Members promoted the game through ''Halo''-related events, such as Aisha Tyler's birthday party, where around 100 guests were invited to play an advance version of ''Halo 2''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s multiplayer.<ref name="H2Council">[https://web.archive.org/web/20070219010712/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/personality/guests/20041027-stars.htm '''Xbox.com''' ''Hollywood's Hooked On Halo'']</ref>
 
=== E3 2004 ===
{{Main|Halo 2 E3 Multiplayer Demo}}
''Halo 2'' also had a significant presence at E3 2004 (May 11–13, 2004). On May 8, Microsoft held a preview event in a private home in Beverley Hills, California, which had been transformed into a replica of "the stunning futuristic world of Halo, complete with camouflaged marines and roaming Cortanas." It was attended by the members of the ''Halo 2'' Council, as well as well-known celebrities of the time such as Joe Reitman, Jolene Blalock, Andrew Keegan, Jordana Brewster, Bai Ling, Ben Foster, Kelly Hu, Kyle Boller, Laura Prepon, Brad Bufanda, Lindsay Lohan, Breckin Meyer, Luke Walton, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris Masterson, Danny Masterson, Rick Yune, Good Charlotte, Ryan Phillipe, Gregory Smith, Shannon Elizabeth, Taryn Manning, and Tara Reid.{{Ref/Reuse|H2Council}}
 
During the event itself, ''Halo 2'' held a central position in Microsoft's showcase. At the pre-event Xbox conference on May 10, Bungie released footage of a playable in-game demo of the ''Halo 2'' multiplayer. The demo featured the multiplayer map [[Zanzibar]] and displayed playable character models the [[SPARTAN-II]] model and the [[Sangheili]] model. It also showed off some of the weaponry of the game and some special features. The [[BR55 Battle Rifle|Battle Rifle]], [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|SMG]], [[Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher|Needler]], [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher|Rocket Launcher]], and [[Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword|Energy Sword]] were displayed. The Gauss Warthog and the Ghost also made an appearance. Some features included the lock-on feature of the Rocket Launcher, the Dual-Wielding ability, Explosive Barrels, Ghost's boosting, vehicle boarding, Warthogs horn and Gauss Cannon and Sword Lunging. The demo also featured the official announcement of the release date, November 9, 2004.<ref>[http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/news/200405/033.asp '''Kikizo.com''' ''E3 2004: Xbox Conference: Full Report'']</ref> After the demo's public unveiling, fans were allowed to try it out for themselves throughout the Expo on the showfloor.<ref>[http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/news/200405/046.asp '''Kikizo.com''' ''E3 2004: Halo 2 Hands-On, Screens, Vids'']</ref>
 
===Halo2.com===
{{Main|Halo2.com}}
[https://web.archive.org/web/20040601000000*/http://Halo2.com Halo2.com] was the promotional website registered by Microsoft for ''Halo 2''. It first went live on May 11,<ref>[http://halo.bungie.org/news.html?item=9441 '''halo.bungie.org''' ''Halo2.com Goes Live'']</ref> and had national or regional variants, such as the Australian site (www.halo2.com.au/).<ref>[http://halo.bungie.org/news.html?item=10640 '''halo.bungie.org''' ''Aussie Halo 2 site a wealth of info'']</ref> Initially, it consisted of a straightforward promotional site, featuring screenshots, wallpapers, videos, and news.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.org/news.html?item=9792 '''halo.bungie.org''' ''Halo2.com gets updated'']</ref> Later, it was relaunched by [[Wikipedia:AKQA|AKQA]] on October 15, expanded and updated with a Covenant theme and tied to the [[i love bees]] alternate reality game.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.org/news.html?item=10870 '''halo.bungie.org''' ''Halo2.com has relaunched'']</ref> After ''Halo 2''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s release, it was merged with the official Xbox site.
 
=== i love bees ===
{{Main|i love bees}}
During the summer of 2004, the website [http://www.ilovebees.com ilovebees.com] was used as a publicity site for ''Halo 2'', with the site being pointed to by adverts for the game during movie trailers. Ostensibly a beekeeper's personal site, the server appeared to have been taken over by an unstable A.I. whose thoughts were scattered on the site. These included a number of "[[Axon]]" clips, which when put together formed an [[I Love Bees Axon Clips|audio drama]]. This [[alternate reality game]] acted as a prologue to the story of ''Halo 2''.
 
===Cinematic trailer===
{{Main|Halo 2 theatrical trailer}}
In October 2004, a short trailer for ''Halo 2'' was shown in movie theaters and cinemas throughout the United States. It featured short clips of game play, some newly rendered scenes, as well as materials recycled from the E3 2003 demo. The trailer also featured a brief promotion of i love bees.
 
===Television trailer===
{{Main|Halo 2 commercial}}
In October through November 2004, a television advertisement for ''Halo 2'' aired throughout the United States. It consisted of footage from cutscenes and gameplay. There were two versions of the ad, a 30-seconds and a 60-seconds spot.
 
===Rereleases===
*'''2005''' - Rereleased as part of the ''Halo Triple Pack'' which included ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', ''Halo 2'', and ''[[Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack]]''.
*'''2007''' - Rereleased as part of the ''Halo History Pack'' which included ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', ''Halo 2'', and a sneak peek of ''[[Halo 3]]'', and as part of [[Xbox LIVE]]'s Xbox Originals.
*'''2014''' - Rereleased as ''Halo 2: Anniversary'', a remake of the game included in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.
 
==Soundtrack==
{{Main|Halo 2: Original Soundtrack}}
There are two volumes of the ''Halo 2'' soundtrack, one released alongside the game, and the other released in Early 2006. You can usually find them at any retail store that sells music or games, or eBay.
 
==Reception==
{{Quote|<nowiki></nowiki>''Halo 2'' is the single greatest achievement on the platform.|OXM 038, December 2004 (The OXM verdict: 10/10)<ref>'''Halo: The Master Chief Collection Companion''', ''page 15''</ref>}}
''Halo 2'' was very successful in sales. In company with PlayStation 2's hit of the year, ''[[Wikipedia:Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'', it was the most sought-after video game among critics and gamers in 2004. Three weeks prior to launch, stores in the U.S. alone had pre-sold 1.5 million copies of the game to consumers. When it launched for the Xbox on the 9th of November, over 7000 video game, toy and electronics stores in the U.S. opened at midnight to welcome fanatical fans. ''Halo 2'' instantly began to prosper. One national retailer sold 8,500 copies of the game in just 11 minutes, and another had sold 200,000 units by daybreak. One single store sold 500 ''Halo 2'' units in three hours, 350 of them being sold between midnight and 1 a.m.<ref>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20041110-9999-1b10halo.html</ref> Early on the launch day, Microsoft expected ''Halo 2'' to generate more money in 24 hours on store shelves than any game had done before. Moore said “I'm calling a $100 million day on ''Halo'' today.” ''Halo 2'' went on to be the success that Microsoft was anticipating, selling approximately 2.4 million copies in North America in 24 hours, generating $125 million. The video game software retailer GameStop sold more than half a million ''Halo 2'' copies in one day. In Australia, where more than 42,000 gamers had pre-ordered the game prior to its release, ''Halo 2'' shattered retail sales records by selling more than 104,000 units in no more than one week after launch, generating nine million dollars and beating the previous record holder by 38,000 copies.<ref>http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/games/h/halo2/newsflash20041119.html</ref> In Canada, ''Halo 2'' succeeded in selling 222,000 units in its debut month, making it the biggest premiere month for any game up to ''Grand Theft Auto IV''. Before its release in New Zealand, more than 8000 units of ''Halo 2'' had been pre-sold.
 
Three weeks after its release, ''Halo 2'' had sold over 5 million copies,<ref>http://www.xbox.com/en-US/press/2004/1202-halo2.htm</ref> making it the second-best selling Xbox game, with approximately 19% of all Xbox owners possessing a copy of ''Halo 2''. The game also had the most successful opening night of any game up until ''Halo 3'', and, later, ''Grand Theft Auto 4''. The game had a generally amazing reception, gaining a 9.7 out of 10 from OXM (10 out of 10 from its Australian counterpart), a 9.8 out of 10 from IGN, a 10 out of 10 from Game Informer, a 9 out of 10 from Play Magazine,  a 5 out of 5 from X-Play, and a 9.4 for Xbox from GameSpot. It gained more Game of The Year awards in 2004 than any other game that year. X-Play, in late 2006, included it as #3 in their top 4 greatest shooters of all time (#4 was ''Resistance'', #2 ''Half-Life 2'', and #1 was ''Gears of War''). In early 2007, it made #8 on their top 10 Games of All Time countdown. The game had an average meta-score of 95 out of 100, making it the 3rd most critically acclaimed Xbox game, right behind ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and the ''Grand Theft Auto'' Triple Pack. The games multiplayer was held to be one of the best of all time, staying consistently number 1 the most played Xbox Live title from November 2004 up until November of 2006, when ''Gears of War'' released.
 
Most critics noted that ''Halo 2'' stuck with the formula that made its predecessor successful, and was alternatively praised and faulted for this decision. Edge noted in its review, “It's fitting that we're able to steal a line from the script to sum everything up. No spoilers here, just an epitaph, from the moment Cortana turns to Master Chief and says this: 'It’s not an original plan. But we know it’ll work.'" According to Xbox.com, the game has received more than 38 individual awards. The game's campaign mode has received some criticism for being too short, in addition to some dissatisfaction with the abrupt, cliffhanger ending that sets up the sequel, ''Halo 3''. GameSpot noted that the story switching between the Covenant and Human factions made the plot more intricate, but also distracted the player from Earth's survival and the main point of the game. There is also some criticism of the game's on-the-fly streaming and level of detail adjustment, which can sometimes result in textures loading erroneously and "popping in" when the camera changes in cutscenes. Bungie has stated that this issue had been fixed for ''Halo 3'' and the Windows Vista port.
 
In an interview with Edge magazine in January 2007, Jamie Greisemer, one of ''Halo''<nowiki />'s design leads, said that the main reason for ''Halo 2''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s shortcomings was a lack of "polish" period near the end of the development cycle. Staff member Frank O’Connor admitted the cliffhanger ending was abrupt, noting “we drove off Thelma & Louise style." Nonetheless, in the interview Greisemer promised that they would make ''Halo 3'' a more than worthy successor.
 
==Trivia==
*Originally, there were to be several kinds of [[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]]s including an Arctic model (which was included in the ''Halo 3'' DLC multiplayer map Avalanche), a transport vehicle and a small ATV (known as the [[M274 Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle|Mongoose]] in ''Halo 3'') would make an appearance. These were all cut from the final version of the game. However, in ''Halo: Custom Edition'', fans created the arctic and transport warthogs, as well as the civilian Warthog featured in the multi-player map Headlong. A rocket Warthog was included in ''Halo PC'' and the ATV and variations of the Warthog appear in ''Halo 3''.
*[[Jason Jones]] is known for establishing the quote: "''Halo 2'' is a lot like ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved|Halo 1]]'', only it's ''Halo 1'' on fire, going 130 miles per hour through a hospital zone, being chased by helicopters and ninjas. And, the ninjas are all on fire, too." This led to the famous line of inside jokes, patches and t-shirts, user names, and memes of flaming ninjas.<ref>[http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/halo-2/528851p1.html Gamespy's Halo 2: Everything We Know article]</ref>
*In the final days prior to the deactivation of ''Halo 2''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s multiplayer, Bungie added new sayings to the ''Did You Know?'' section of the lobby including messages of thanks to ''Halo 2'' fans for staying supportive for the half decade that it was active and hints about ''[[Halo: Reach]]'''s gameplay. Many of these were worded in a humorous manner, though several were outright jokes.
*''Halo 2'' has been played for about 100 million hours on Xbox since its release.
*Players who played this game with their current LIVE account before April 14, 2010 will unlock the ''Halo 2'' [[Nameplates|Visual Flair]] in ''Halo: Reach''.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_082010 '''Bungie.net''': ''Express Yourself'']</ref>
*The ''[[Hunt the Truth]]'' marketing campaign for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' reveals that ''Halo 2'''s cover art is based on an in-universe photograph taken by [[Benjamin Giraud]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]].
 
==Gallery==
===Cover art===
<gallery>
File:EPK H2.png|Icon art.
File:H2 Title Art.png|Title art.
File:Halo2-Xbox-GameCover.jpg|Full game cover for ''Halo 2''.
File:Masterchief with sniper.jpg|Full screenshot featured on the back cover.
</gallery>
 
===Concept art===
<gallery>
File:H2 ConceptArt MasterChiefTakingCover.png|Concept art of the Master Chief taking cover.
File:H2 SneakyArby.jpg|Concept art of the Arbiter and the Master Chief, later included on the [[Halo 3 Zune]].
File:H2 InteriorConstructControlRoom Concept.jpg|Concept art of a control room.
File:H2 MachineDrivingComponent Concept.jpg|Concept art of a machine.
</gallery>
 
===Promotional material===
<gallery>
File:H2 Wallpaper Master Chief and ODST.png|A wallpaper used to market the game.
File:H2 Wallpaper Tartarus and Brutes.png|Another wallpaper used to market the game.
File:Halo 2 028.jpg|Artwork featuring the Master Chief during the Battle of Mombasa.
File:H2 Chief EGM.png|EGM cover by Craig Mullins.
File:H2-Concept-Earth-MOUT.jpg|OXM cover by Eddie Smith.
File:H2 OXM Cover.jpg|Another OXM cover.
File:H2_EdgeCover_Concept.jpg|EDGE cover by Eddie Smith.
File:H2 BrigadeDamaged.jpg|"Brigade Damaged" by Zoé Brawley.
File:H2 BrigadeDamaged Wide.jpg|A larger version "Brigade Damaged."
</gallery>
 
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:Halo picture 12.jpg|The ''Halo 2'' main menu screen.
File:H2 mchief cortana.jpg|John-117 and Cortana onboard ''Cairo Station''.
File:UNSCDF.jpg|Lord Hood meeting John-117 and Avery Johnson.
File:Unsc convoy.jpg|A UNSC convoy made up of Pelicans and Warthogs.
File:Brutesarbiter.jpg|Tartarus and his Jiralhanae carry Thel 'Vadamee past a group of Honor Guards.
File:Arby helmet.jpg|Thel 'Vadamee takes on the title of Arbiter.
File:GS-Heretic.jpg|343 Guilty Spark and Sesa 'Refumee, the leader of a heretic faction.
File:Deltahalo.jpg|The UNSC ''In Amber Clad'' approaches Installation 05.
File:Goingtoactivatehalo.JPG|John-117 standing in front of a hologram of Prophet of Regret.
File:Rally.jpg|Rtas 'Vadumee rallies his Sangheili.
</gallery>
 
===20th anniversary artwork===
<gallery>
File:H2 UpperDeck HereticAndHero.png|Official art by Victor Sales  titled "Heretic & Hero" celebrating the game's 20th anniversary.
File:H2 UpperDeck HereticAndHero1.jpg|An initial sketch of the artwork.
File:H2 UpperDeck HereticAndHero2.jpg|The approved sketch of the artwork.
File:H2 UpperDeck HereticAndHero3.jpg|An early colored version of the artwork.
File:H2 UpperDeck HereticAndHero4.jpg|Another work-in-progress iteration of the artwork.
File:H2 UpperDeck HereticAndHero5.jpg|Another work-in-progress iteration of the artwork.
File:H2 UpperDeck HereticAndHero6.jpg|A near-final iteration of the artwork.
File:H2 UpperDeck DemonAndDisgraced.png|Official art by Victor Sales titled "Demon & Disgraced" celebrating the game's 20th anniversary.
File:H2 UpperDeck DemonAndDisgraced1.jpg|An initial sketch of the artwork.
File:H2 UpperDeck DemonAndDisgraced2.jpg|The approved sketch of the artwork.
File:H2 UpperDeck DemonAndDisgraced3.jpg|An early colored version of the artwork.
File:H2 UpperDeck DemonAndDisgraced4.jpg|Another work-in-progress iteration of the artwork.
File:H2 UpperDeck DemonAndDisgraced5.jpg|A near-final iteration of the artwork.
</gallery>
 
== Sources ==
{{Ref/Sources}}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of Halo 2 changes]]
*[[Halo 2 credits|''Halo 2'' Credits]]
*[[List of Halo 2 Did You Know? quotes]]
*[[Early Halo 2 script|Early ''Halo 2'' Script]]
*[[Halo2.com]]


==External links==
== External links ==
* [http://bungie.net/Games/Halo2/ Bungie's Official Halo 2 Site]
*[http://halo.bungie.net/Projects/Halo2/default.aspx ''Official project page'' on '''Bungie.net''']
* [http://www.halo2.com Xbox.com's Official Halo 2 Site]
*[http://halo.bungie.org/halo2updates/ '''halo.bungie.org''': ''"Frankie's Bungie Updates"'']
* [http://halo.bungie.org Halo.Bungie.Org]
* [http://xbox.ign.com/articles/513/513152p1.html IGN E3 2004 Preview]
* [http://halo.bungie.org/halo2updates/ "Frankie's Bungie Updates"]
* The ''Haunted Apiary'' publicity game:
** [http://ilovebees.com ilovebees.com]
** [http://forums.unfiction.com/forums/index.php?c=15&sid=d3a0b20f2c39c269cef1c6e5a442f665 Forum devoted to the ARG]
** [http://bees.netninja.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page Wiki devoted to the ARG]
*[http://howstuffworks.com Howstuffworks] article on [http://stuffo.howstuffworks.com/halo2-ai6.htm the game AI of Halo 2].


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Latest revision as of 00:51, December 24, 2024

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Halo 2
Halo2-Cover-Large.jpg

Primary developer:

Bungie Studios

Support developer(s):

Certain Affinity (DLC)

Publisher(s):

Microsoft Studios

Writer(s):

Joseph Staten

Composer(s):

Martin O'Donnell
Michael Salvatori

Engine:

Blam engine

Platform(s):

Xbox
Xbox 360 (backwards compatible)
PC - Windows Vista Exclusive

Release date(s):

US: November 9, 2004[1]
UK: November 11, 2004
JP: November 11, 2004
Vista: May 8, 2007

Genre(s):

First-person shooter

Mode(s):

Campaign
Multiplayer

Rating(s):

M (ESRB)
C (CERO)
16+ (PEGI)

 

"Earth will never be the same."
— Official tagline

Halo 2 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie Studios for the Xbox video game console and is forwards-compatible with the Xbox 360. It is the sequel to Halo: Combat Evolved and features a newly built graphics engine as well as many new gameplay elements. Storywise, Halo 2 develops the struggle between the United Nations Space Command, Covenant, and the Flood during the Human-Covenant War in the fall of 2552. A sequel, Halo 3, was released on September 25, 2007.

The game is one of the most successful and actively played video games for the original Xbox console, with 8.46 million copies sold as of November 2008. Despite this, the game's online servers, along with all other original Xbox LIVE services, were discontinued on April 15, 2010.

A PC version of Halo 2 was released in 2007. Halo 2: Anniversary, a remastered edition of the game, was released for the Xbox One as part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection on November 11, 2014, the 10th anniversary of the original game.[2]

Synopsis[edit]

Characters and setting[edit]

Halo 2 does not pick up directly after the events of its predecessor, but rather, after the events depicted in the novel Halo: First Strike, taking place in Halo: Combat Evolved with the events explaining Master Chief's return to Earth not featured in any game so far. The story dives deeper into the society of the Covenant, their goals, beliefs, and alliances, as well as continuing Master Chief's story to put an end to the Covenant threat on Earth as well as another Halo. Halo 2 also introduces the insectoid Yanme’e and the Jiralhanae, who were first mentioned in First Strike. They are shown as large, hairy, ape-like beasts; although they do not have energy shields like the Sangheili, their immense bulk and strength allows them to absorb a large amount of damage before dying.

The game follows a linear series of episodes that differ from Halo: Combat Evolved. The player will play as both the Master Chief and a troubled Covenant Sangheili known as "Thel 'Vadam".

Plot synopsis[edit]

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
Thel 'Vadamee before receiving the Mark of Shame and becoming the Arbiter.

The game begins on High Charity, the mobile capital city of the Covenant. The former Supreme Commander of the Fleet of Particular Justice, Commander Thel 'Vadamee, is on trial before the High Council for his failure to protect Halo. Despite his insistence that the Flood hampered his abilities, the Hierarchs who lead the council, the High Prophets of Truth, Mercy, and Regret, deem him guilty of failing to protect the Sacred Ring. 'Vadamee is then stripped of his rank and his armor and is branded with the Mark of Shame by Tartarus, the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae.

The story then turns to Earth's Orbital Defense Platform Cairo Station, where Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 receives the new MJOLNIR Mark VI armor from the Master Gunnery Sergeant. Avery Junior Johnson, who recently has been promoted to Sergeant Major, arrives to take the Master Chief to an awards ceremony overseen by Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood. At the ceremony, John-117, Johnson, and Miranda Keyes, Captain Keyes' daughter, are awarded medals as those in attendance celebrate. The festivities are soon interrupted by Cortana reporting that "15 Covenant Capital ships holding position just outside the kill zone," signaling the start of the Covenant siege of Earth. UNSC Marine forces, along with John-117, protect the station from the invading Covenant forces while other stations are overwhelmed and destroyed. A bomb is discovered on Cairo station, and John-117 sends it into space. He detonates it, destroying several Covenant ships, before landing on the hull of Keyes' ship, the UNSC frigate In Amber Clad. The frigate heads to the Earth city of New Mombasa to fight off the Covenant troops, which are led by the High Prophet of Regret. After the Covenant invasion force is halted by the UNSC defenses, the Prophet of Regret flees Earth with Keyes and her detachment in pursuit on the In Amber Clad. The hasty in-atmosphere jump devastates the city of New Mombasa, destroying the Space Elevator and scattering its wreckage for miles around.

The story returns to the disgraced Sangheili Commander, Thel 'Vadamee, who is given a chance for redemption by the High Prophets of Truth and Mercy by taking up the mantle of Arbiter and the imminent mortality it entails. The new Arbiter becomes the will of the Prophets, seeking redemption by completing seemingly impossible tasks assigned to him. As his first mission as the Arbiter, 'Vadamee is tasked with the assassination of a Heretic Leader, Sesa 'Refumee, who has become disillusioned with the Covenant following the events on Installation 04 and its destruction. 'Vadamee tracks the Heretic Leader through the gas mine where the Heretics sought refuge, battling the Heretics and the Flood along the way. When the Arbiter finally faces the 'Refumee, he asserts his belief that the Prophets have lied about the Great Journey. 343 Guilty Spark appears and corroborates 'Refumee's assertion (both Elites consider Guilty Spark to be an Oracle of the Forerunners, the ancient race the Covenant hold as gods). Before 'Vadamee can learn more of the claims, 'Refumee attacks 'Vadamee, and the Heretic Leader is killed. Tartarus then appears to extract the Arbiter and Guilty Spark, further preventing 'Vadamee from learning any further information from Guilty Spark. 'Vadamee departs, not learning what caused the Heretics to betray their sacred oaths to the Covenant.

Master Chief battles the Prophet of Regret.

Returning to SPARTAN-117's story, the In Amber Clad exits slipspace with the Prophet of Regret unaware that he had been followed. To the surprise of the pursuers, they discover that Regret has led them to another Halo Ring. Keyes sends John-117 and ODSTs to the surface of Installation 05 to capture Regret while the In Amber Clad is repaired. In the course of pursuing Regret, John-117 discovers, with the aid of Cortana, that the San'Shyuum intends to personally activate Halo, in the belief that it will propel true believers on the Great Journey. To buy time to acquire the Activation Index before the Covenant are able, Keyes orders John-117 to kill the Prophet of Regret, a mission he successfully achieves. Before making his escape, however, High Charity and its escort arrive and attempt to kill John-117 by glassing the area. He survives by jumping into the lake surrounding the structure in which he encountered Regret. Incapacitated from the shock of the Covenant bombardment, John-117 is last seen being dragged into the depths of the lake by tentacles belonging to a sentient creature.

The story now shifts back to the Arbiter on High Charity, in orbit around the ring. The Hierarchs have declared Regret's death to be the Sangheili's failure, and the Elites have been removed as the protectors of the Prophets. This role has now been given to the Jiralhanae, causing further tension between the Brutes and Elites who were already at odds. Now that the new ring has been discovered, Truth and Mercy query Guilty Spark on how to activate it. They learn of the Sacred Icon that will light the ring and they dispatch Thel 'Vadamee to recover it. He makes his way through the Quarantine Zone of Installation 05, fighting scores of Flood and Sentinels, seeking the Activation Index. 'Vadamee arrives at the Library to find Keyes and Johnson have retrieved the Index from its protective housing. While 'Vadamee fights to take it from them, Tartarus arrives and again intervenes in his task. Upon taking the Index himself, Tartarus reveals the Hierarchs ordered him to kill 'Vadamee and oust the Elites. His treachery revealed, Tartarus knocks the Arbiter down a shaft in the Index chamber to the abyss below.

Beneath the Library, John-117 finds himself in the clutches of the Gravemind, the creature that acts as the controlling intelligence of the Flood. It is revealed that Thel 'Vadamee has been saved from his fall by the Gravemind as well. It is within the Gravemind's chamber where the Arbiter and John-117 meet. The Gravemind announces to John-117 and 'Vadamee that he has much to tell them. The Prophet of Regret and 2401 Penitent Tangent, the Monitor of Installation 05, appear, both now infected and assimilated into the Gravemind's mass. They argue back and forth before the Gravemind reveals that Regret's "Great Journey" and Penitent Tangent's "Containment" are one in the same. Then both the Gravemind and John-117 try to convince 'Vadamee that the Covenant's belief about the Halos is a lie. They reveal that the Halo installations were created not to save life, but to destroy it, causing the Arbiter to question his faith. These new revelations, paired with the imminent genocide of the Sangheili lead 'Vadamee to reluctantly join John-117 in the mission to stop the ring from being activated. The Gravemind then sends John-117 to High Charity to retrieve the Index while the Arbiter is sent to the Control Room of Installation 05 to stop the Covenant from activating the ring.

John-117 is teleported inside of High Charity in the middle of a broadcast by the Prophet of Truth. Upon John-117's arrival, Truth and Mercy flee to the Forerunner Dreadnought, and formally transfer command of the Covenant Military to the Brutes. Before the prophets make it to the ship, however, they are attacked by the Flood, and Truth leaves Mercy behind to die. Meanwhile, John-117 pursues the Prophets. Throughout his pursuit, he kills many Covenant troops, witnesses the conflict between the Sangheili and the Jiralhanae and saves a group of Marines. At the same time, the Flood, under the control of the Gravemind crash into High Charity using the In Amber Clad. John-117 finds Mercy being infected by the Flood, and the Prophet tells the Spartan that Truth is going to Earth to "finish what we started." Cortana implores John-117 to pursue Truth, but he is hesitant as his mission to retrieve the Index is not complete. Cortana devises a plan to complete his mission by detonating the crashed In Amber Clad to destroy the ring if it is activated. This plan, however, requires Cortana to stay on board High Charity. John-117 boards the Dreadnought through an energy conduit before promising Cortana that he will come back for her.

Installation 05 sending a pulse to signal the rest of the Halo Array to be put on standby for a remote activation from the Ark.

Meanwhile, Thel 'Vadamee is teleported to near Halo's Control Room. There he finds many dead Elites, which he has no doubt were killed by the Brutes. With the help of a few deployed Elites, and sympathetic Unggoy and Mgalekgolo, he fights his way to meet the Special Operations Commander Rtas 'Vadumee, who is surprised to hear that the Brutes murdered the Councilors. Seeing Tartarus land on Halo's Control Room, the Sangheili fight their way to a Protos-pattern Scarab, where Sergeant Johnson is held. Johnson forcefully initiates an uneasy alliance between the humans and the Elites and takes control of the Scarab. With the combined efforts of Johnson and 'Vadamee, the Scarab breaches the Control Room doors by using the Scarab's main energy cannon, and 'Vadamee enters to confront Tartarus. In the Control Room, Tartarus hears the truth of the Halos directly from 343 Guilty Spark. Still blinded by faith, Tartarus forces Keyes to activate Halo. Many Zealots and Councilors aid the Arbiter in his final fight against Tartarus, and eventually after a long and tough fight, manage to kill him. Once Tartarus is defeated, Keyes grabs the Index just in time to stop Halo from firing. However, 343 Guilty Spark says that this has activated a failsafe protocol, causing the Installation to send a signal to the rest of the Halo Array, putting them on standby for remote activation from the Ark.

The Forerunner Dreadnought arrives at Earth with John-117 onboard. He alerts Admiral Hood of his presence, and tells him that he is "finishing this fight."

In a scene after the credits, it appears that High Charity has been completely taken over by the Flood, as thousands of Flood spores are visible floating throughout the air. The Gravemind speaks satisfactorily of being free of his "empty grave," and suddenly Cortana appears as a hologram on a pedestal in his room. The Gravemind tells her that there are questions that linger in his mind which Cortana must answer. Cortana replies, "Alright...shoot," before the screen turns black.

Spoilers end here.

Campaign[edit]

The campaign consists of 15 levels, of which 14 are playable.

  1. The Heretic - "For failure such as this, no punishment is too great." (cutscene; unplayable)
  2. The Armory - "Suit up, prepare for battle." (tutorial)
  3. Cairo Station - "Defend the station's MAC gun from Covenant boarders."
  4. Outskirts - "Rally scattered marines, clear hostile contacts from the old-city."
  5. Metropolis - "Take the bridge, break the Covenant's grip on the city-center."
  6. The Arbiter - "Infiltrate a Forerunner facility, quell the heresy within."
  7. The Oracle - "Kill the Heretic Leader. The Prophets' will be done."
  8. Delta Halo - "A Covenant army stands between you and Regret. Get to work."
  9. Regret - "You heard the lady. Locate the Prophet, take him down."
  10. Sacred Icon - "Succeed where others have failed. Lower the shield protecting the Sacred Icon."
  11. Quarantine Zone - "Parasites, humans - no matter. The Icon must be found."
  12. Gravemind - "The Prophets have the Index and plan to use it? Over your dead body."
  13. Uprising - "This is certain: The Brutes shall pay for the blood they have spilled."
  14. High Charity - "Cortana can handle the Index - stopping Truth is up to you."
  15. The Great Journey - "Form an unexpected alliance, keep Tartarus from activating the ring."

Appearances[edit]

Characters

Human
Sangheili
Jiralhanae
San'shyuum
AI
Flood

Species and entities

Organizations

Locations

Events

Vehicles

UNSC

Usable
Unusable

Covenant

Usable
Unusable

Forerunner

Unusable

Weapons

UNSC

Usable
Unusable

Covenant

Usable
Unusable

Forerunner

Usable
Unusable

Equipment and technology

Power-ups
Armor
Other



Development[edit]

Engine[edit]

Halo 2 features a modified version of the engine from Halo: Combat Evolved. This new engine featured support for online play via Xbox Live, improved visuals, and the implementation of the Havok physics engine that would replace Bungie's in house physics engine used in Combat Evolved.

Halo 2 was initially meant to implement a new graphics engine called Pstencil that would allow for objects to cast real-time shadows. This lighting technique proved too expensive for the Xbox's hardware to handle, and was only ever seen in the E3 2003 demo of Halo 2. In order to make the demo playable on stage, massive optimization had to be done across the demo map, such as the deletion of objects that were no longer in frame.

Gameplay and design[edit]

In the aftermath of the success of Combat Evolved in the multiplayer and LAN scene, there was a desire to double down on multiplayer development. The team was also involved in the development of Xbox Live at this point.[3]

One of the biggest alterations to gameplay in Halo 2 is perhaps the ability to dual wield weapons; this tactic allows for twice the firepower at the expense of being unable to throw grenades or melee without dropping the left weapon. In terms of vehicles, all vehicles from the first game remain except the M12A1 Warthog LAAV (rocket warthog) from the PC version and the Spirit dropship. Also, a few new vehicles are introduced. In Halo 2, however, the previously indestructible vehicles can now be destroyed and the player is able to "board" an enemy vehicle by climbing on and knocking the driver out, as well as planting grenades to further damage the vehicle. The same can be done by an enemy to the player when driving.

When playing as the Arbiter, the player's flashlight is replaced with a rechargeable active camouflage that lasts for ten seconds, giving the player a preemptive advantage on unsuspecting enemies.

The player can have a variety of allies; if they are playing as the Master Chief, they will be assisted by UNSC Marines, and occasionally ODSTs. However, the Arbiter is joined by Unggoy, Kig-Yar, Mgalekgolo, and other Sangheili, allowing for deeper insight into Covenant culture.

On the damage mechanics, fall damage now has been reduced considerably. The threshold minimum damage has been increased, such as from 3 stories building height will not cause player any damage while on the previous game, it gives the player some damage. The most benefits come from splatter damage as a slight touch from the object now is no longer kill anyone instantly including player (Except some who are designed to be invulnerable). The player now needs more effort to score a splatter kill.

Campaign and story[edit]

"I think everybody had their own priorities for the sequel. For me, I felt passionate about exploring this whole other world, that isn’t all about Master Chief. The other side."
— Joseph Staten[4]

Halo 2 has been the only game in the series to have the most content either cut from the game entirely or redesigned completely as evidenced in many forms of media. In the Halo 3 Essentials disc featuring the "Director's Commentary" of the cutscenes, three separate levels were discussed as having been proposed but ultimately scrapped due to time constraints: Covenant Ship, Forerunner Tank, and Forerunner Ship. In the "Making of Halo 2" documentary there was concept art seen regarding a level location The Ark, although the design was later placed into Halo 3's The Storm as the Portal. The former could have been a part of pre-production for Halo 3. Marty O'Donnell was also quoted in a Bungie Podcast (Episode 13, at 21:00) saying that all the actors had recorded the lines to the original Halo 2 ending and that it still exists today, but he will never show it. The Flood Juggernaut was a character that was modeled and placed in the coding of the game but never had AI programmed or had been placed on any level, similar to the Engineer in Halo: Combat Evolved.

The head writer for Halo 2 was Joseph Staten. With the Halo 2 campaign, Staten was interested in expanding the game's scope from solely the Master Chief and humanity,[4] fleshing out the Covenant antagonists through the perspective of the Arbiter. The core idea behind the Arbiter was to create a character who suffered the consequences of the Master Chief's victory in the first game.[5] According to Staten, Bungie co-founder and the game's project lead Jason Jones was extremely passionate about including two particular scenes that were ultimately cut. In one of these, the Master Chief would be standing on an orbital above Earth and look down on the carnage inflicted by the Covenant, saying "Only blood will pay for this." A similar scene occurs in the final game, at the conclusion of "Cairo Station", but the quote is absent. Jones also wanted to have Miranda Keyes play the role of an antagonist and have her betray the Master Chief, strapping a bomb to his back and throwing him down a hole. Staten was not fond of the idea and, though great effort, convinced Jones it would not work in the context of the story.[4]

A key theme in the story's development was bringing the war to Earth.[3]

According to Microsoft Halo Franchise Development Group employee Eric Trautmann, who liaised with Bungie on the development of the Halo story, Bungie was initially skeptical that fans would recognize the ODSTs during the Delta Halo level, and questioned the in-universe purpose they served. This was the last work Trautmann worked on before leaving development on the Halo franchise in November 9, 2004.[6]

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Audio[edit]

Halo 2's audio and soundtrack were directed by Bungie's composer, Martin O'Donnell. Jay Weinland and C. Paul Johnson served as the team's audio lead and sound designer, respectively.[7] A total of 21,090 lines of dialogue was recorded.[8]

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Multiplayer[edit]

Promotional image for Halo 2 Blastacular Pack featuring a battle on the multiplayer map Tombstone. Screenshot from the Halo 2 press kit.
Multiplayer action in Halo 2 on Tombstone: An ongoing Free-For-All battle.

Unlike its predecessor, Halo 2 allowed players to compete with each other over the Xbox Live online service, in addition to the originals support for split-screen and System Link multiplayer. Halo 2's Xbox Live mode offered a unique approach to online gaming that is intended to alleviate some of the problems that have plagued online first-person shooters in the past. Traditionally, one player sets their computer or console up as a game server (or host), specifying the game type and map and configuring other settings. The game software then used a service like Xbox Live or GameSpy to advertise the game to the world at large; other players choose which game to join based upon criteria such as the map and game options each host is offering as well as the ping times they are able to receive.

In Halo 2, Xbox Live players do not choose to host games, and they do not get to specify individual maps and options to search for. Instead, players sign up for "playlists" that are geared to different styles of play. For example, the "Rumble Pit" playlist offers a variety of "free-for-all" game types, primarily Slayer or variations there of; "Team Skirmish" offers a number of 4-on-4 team games, which are primarily objective-based games like Capture the Flag; "Big Team Battle Skirmish" is similar to Team Skirmish but allows teams of up to 8 players. Other playlists allow various things such as matches between different clans. The Xbox Live servers create games automatically from the pool of players that have signed up for each playlist, choosing a game type and map automatically and selecting one player to serve as the game's host. Players can create small "parties" with their friends and enter games together as teammates or, in Rumble Pit, adversaries. They can also play custom gametypes like regular multiplayer. Unranked gametypes allow people on the same Xbox console without an Xbox Live account to play with them as "guests". If the Xbox console hosting the game drops out, the Xbox Live service automatically selects a new host from among the remaining players so the game can continue.

Since launching in November 2004, the service has been very popular with gamers. While some players resent the loss of individual control inherent in Halo 2's approach to online gaming, others feel it provides a significantly improved gaming experience compared to more traditional online first-person shooters. Bungie's servers match players up by skill level, which tends to eliminate the kind of severely imbalanced games that less-skilled players often consider unfair and not enjoyable. The automatic host selection process also eliminates the ability of the host to exert outsize control over the parameters of the game.

Halo 2 players with Microsoft Passport accounts can log on to bungie.net and obtain highly detailed statistics on their performance, including level maps for several hundred of the player's most recent games that indicate graphically where and when the player scored a kill or was killed him or herself.

Maps[edit]

Server shutdown[edit]

On April 15, 2010, the Halo 2 multiplayer services, along with all other original Xbox LIVE services, were discontinued. However, some of Halo 2's fans left their Xbox's running after April 15. Xbox LIVE did not boot the approximately 500 people who had signed into Xbox LIVE before the discontinuation of service on April 15. These players continued playing online amongst one another but no new players could sign on. On April 30, 2010 only 12 fans who had managed to keep their Xbox and Xbox LIVE connections stable remained logged into Halo 2 on Xbox Live. Nicknamed the "Noble 12", they continued to play games among themselves. In response, Stephen Toulouse, director of policy and enforcement for Xbox Live, tweeted "To those noble folk keeping halo2 alive: we see you, and we salute you,". These hardcore fans were awarded Halo: Reach Beta keys because of their attempts to keep Halo 2 alive. Over the next 9 days, 10 of the 12 gamers would experience either Xbox malfunctions or Internet malfunctions. Some were reported as logging off voluntarily to play the Halo: Reach Beta they received. Only two people remained online in Halo 2. On May 10, 2010, "Agent Windex" was quoted as saying "I just got kicked off guys. Good Job Apache, you're the last one". Later that day, "Apache N4SIR", the very last person on Halo 2, was booted from Xbox LIVE. This marked the end of Halo 2 on Xbox LIVE and the end of the original Xbox LIVE.[9][10]

Marketing promotions and release[edit]

Features Standard Collector's edition
Image of contents Halo 2 box art.jpg Halo 2 LCE case and extras.jpg
Game disc & manual Yes Yes
Making of Halo 2 disc No Yes
Metal casing No Yes
Conversations from the Universe booklet No Yes

Announcement trailer[edit]

Main article: Halo 2 announcement trailer

In 2002, Bungie released the first glimpse of Halo 2 in a pre-rendered CG trailer. The trailer featured the Master Chief in his new MJOLNIR Mark VI armor preparing for battle in a space station. Cortana is also heard and has dialogue with the Chief. It also featured Earth and Ket-pattern battlecruisers in orbit. The UNSC seem to be losing in the battle. The events of this trailer were featured in the final version of Halo 2. Some of the events and dialogue of this trailer was changed to fit the finished storyline of the game. Most of this now appears in the Halo 2 level Cairo Station.

E3 2003[edit]

Main article: Halo 2 E3 demo

E3 2003 featured the release by Bungie of footage of a playable in-game demo of the Halo 2 campaign. The demo featured the battle on Earth in the city of New Mombasa. Master Chief, Cortana, Sergeant Johnson, Corporal Perez, Major Easley, and Sergeant Banks were all seen/heard in the demo. The demo showed off new features like Dual-Wielding (the Master Chief could actually keep both his dual-wielded weapons when he switched to his secondary sidearm; this was changed for the final product), Vehicle Damage, and Boarding. Three new vehicles shown were the Gauss Warthog, Ruwaa-pattern Shadow, and the Covenant Phantom, which at the time had only one plasma turret on its underside instead of three.

Returning vehicles featured the Ghost, Pelican, Covenant Cruiser, and Longsword Fighters. New weapons the Battle Rifle, SMG, and Brute Shot were also shown, although the final Brute Shot design for Halo 2 was vastly different from what was shown in this trailer. New enemies such as the Brutes were shown in this demo, but as a secondary warrior race by the side of the Elites. The events of this demo were featured in the final version of Halo 2. Some of the events and dialog of this demo was changed to fit the finished storyline of the game, such as the AA Gun becoming a Scarab. Most of this now appears in the Halo 2 level; Metropolis.

Halo 2 Council[edit]

To help promote Halo 2, Microsoft established the Halo 2 Council, an off-shoot of its celebrity "Xbox Playaz Club". It had seven members, consisting of actors Wilmer Valderrama, Benjamin Mckenzie, and Aisha Tyler; Jeremy Shockey of the New York Giants; and bands Hoobastank, Incubus, and Linkin Park.[11] Members of the Halo 2 Council received advanced copies of the game, as well as an exclusive "Halo 2 Pelican Case", a portable Xbox contained in a personalized suitcase with a 15-inch HDTV, two controllers, Xbox Live headset, and an Ethernet connection.[12] They were also offered "VIP tours of Bungie Studios, voice-over recording sessions for game integration, [and] access to Halo 2 during the development process." Members promoted the game through Halo-related events, such as Aisha Tyler's birthday party, where around 100 guests were invited to play an advance version of Halo 2's multiplayer.[13]

E3 2004[edit]

Main article: Halo 2 E3 Multiplayer Demo

Halo 2 also had a significant presence at E3 2004 (May 11–13, 2004). On May 8, Microsoft held a preview event in a private home in Beverley Hills, California, which had been transformed into a replica of "the stunning futuristic world of Halo, complete with camouflaged marines and roaming Cortanas." It was attended by the members of the Halo 2 Council, as well as well-known celebrities of the time such as Joe Reitman, Jolene Blalock, Andrew Keegan, Jordana Brewster, Bai Ling, Ben Foster, Kelly Hu, Kyle Boller, Laura Prepon, Brad Bufanda, Lindsay Lohan, Breckin Meyer, Luke Walton, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris Masterson, Danny Masterson, Rick Yune, Good Charlotte, Ryan Phillipe, Gregory Smith, Shannon Elizabeth, Taryn Manning, and Tara Reid.[13]

During the event itself, Halo 2 held a central position in Microsoft's showcase. At the pre-event Xbox conference on May 10, Bungie released footage of a playable in-game demo of the Halo 2 multiplayer. The demo featured the multiplayer map Zanzibar and displayed playable character models the SPARTAN-II model and the Sangheili model. It also showed off some of the weaponry of the game and some special features. The Battle Rifle, SMG, Needler, Rocket Launcher, and Energy Sword were displayed. The Gauss Warthog and the Ghost also made an appearance. Some features included the lock-on feature of the Rocket Launcher, the Dual-Wielding ability, Explosive Barrels, Ghost's boosting, vehicle boarding, Warthogs horn and Gauss Cannon and Sword Lunging. The demo also featured the official announcement of the release date, November 9, 2004.[14] After the demo's public unveiling, fans were allowed to try it out for themselves throughout the Expo on the showfloor.[15]

Halo2.com[edit]

Main article: Halo2.com

Halo2.com was the promotional website registered by Microsoft for Halo 2. It first went live on May 11,[16] and had national or regional variants, such as the Australian site (www.halo2.com.au/).[17] Initially, it consisted of a straightforward promotional site, featuring screenshots, wallpapers, videos, and news.[18] Later, it was relaunched by AKQA on October 15, expanded and updated with a Covenant theme and tied to the i love bees alternate reality game.[19] After Halo 2's release, it was merged with the official Xbox site.

i love bees[edit]

Main article: i love bees

During the summer of 2004, the website ilovebees.com was used as a publicity site for Halo 2, with the site being pointed to by adverts for the game during movie trailers. Ostensibly a beekeeper's personal site, the server appeared to have been taken over by an unstable A.I. whose thoughts were scattered on the site. These included a number of "Axon" clips, which when put together formed an audio drama. This alternate reality game acted as a prologue to the story of Halo 2.

Cinematic trailer[edit]

Main article: Halo 2 theatrical trailer

In October 2004, a short trailer for Halo 2 was shown in movie theaters and cinemas throughout the United States. It featured short clips of game play, some newly rendered scenes, as well as materials recycled from the E3 2003 demo. The trailer also featured a brief promotion of i love bees.

Television trailer[edit]

Main article: Halo 2 commercial

In October through November 2004, a television advertisement for Halo 2 aired throughout the United States. It consisted of footage from cutscenes and gameplay. There were two versions of the ad, a 30-seconds and a 60-seconds spot.

Rereleases[edit]

  • 2005 - Rereleased as part of the Halo Triple Pack which included Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack.
  • 2007 - Rereleased as part of the Halo History Pack which included Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and a sneak peek of Halo 3, and as part of Xbox LIVE's Xbox Originals.
  • 2014 - Rereleased as Halo 2: Anniversary, a remake of the game included in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

Soundtrack[edit]

Main article: Halo 2: Original Soundtrack

There are two volumes of the Halo 2 soundtrack, one released alongside the game, and the other released in Early 2006. You can usually find them at any retail store that sells music or games, or eBay.

Reception[edit]

"Halo 2 is the single greatest achievement on the platform."
— OXM 038, December 2004 (The OXM verdict: 10/10)[20]

Halo 2 was very successful in sales. In company with PlayStation 2's hit of the year, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, it was the most sought-after video game among critics and gamers in 2004. Three weeks prior to launch, stores in the U.S. alone had pre-sold 1.5 million copies of the game to consumers. When it launched for the Xbox on the 9th of November, over 7000 video game, toy and electronics stores in the U.S. opened at midnight to welcome fanatical fans. Halo 2 instantly began to prosper. One national retailer sold 8,500 copies of the game in just 11 minutes, and another had sold 200,000 units by daybreak. One single store sold 500 Halo 2 units in three hours, 350 of them being sold between midnight and 1 a.m.[21] Early on the launch day, Microsoft expected Halo 2 to generate more money in 24 hours on store shelves than any game had done before. Moore said “I'm calling a $100 million day on Halo today.” Halo 2 went on to be the success that Microsoft was anticipating, selling approximately 2.4 million copies in North America in 24 hours, generating $125 million. The video game software retailer GameStop sold more than half a million Halo 2 copies in one day. In Australia, where more than 42,000 gamers had pre-ordered the game prior to its release, Halo 2 shattered retail sales records by selling more than 104,000 units in no more than one week after launch, generating nine million dollars and beating the previous record holder by 38,000 copies.[22] In Canada, Halo 2 succeeded in selling 222,000 units in its debut month, making it the biggest premiere month for any game up to Grand Theft Auto IV. Before its release in New Zealand, more than 8000 units of Halo 2 had been pre-sold.

Three weeks after its release, Halo 2 had sold over 5 million copies,[23] making it the second-best selling Xbox game, with approximately 19% of all Xbox owners possessing a copy of Halo 2. The game also had the most successful opening night of any game up until Halo 3, and, later, Grand Theft Auto 4. The game had a generally amazing reception, gaining a 9.7 out of 10 from OXM (10 out of 10 from its Australian counterpart), a 9.8 out of 10 from IGN, a 10 out of 10 from Game Informer, a 9 out of 10 from Play Magazine, a 5 out of 5 from X-Play, and a 9.4 for Xbox from GameSpot. It gained more Game of The Year awards in 2004 than any other game that year. X-Play, in late 2006, included it as #3 in their top 4 greatest shooters of all time (#4 was Resistance, #2 Half-Life 2, and #1 was Gears of War). In early 2007, it made #8 on their top 10 Games of All Time countdown. The game had an average meta-score of 95 out of 100, making it the 3rd most critically acclaimed Xbox game, right behind Halo: Combat Evolved and the Grand Theft Auto Triple Pack. The games multiplayer was held to be one of the best of all time, staying consistently number 1 the most played Xbox Live title from November 2004 up until November of 2006, when Gears of War released.

Most critics noted that Halo 2 stuck with the formula that made its predecessor successful, and was alternatively praised and faulted for this decision. Edge noted in its review, “It's fitting that we're able to steal a line from the script to sum everything up. No spoilers here, just an epitaph, from the moment Cortana turns to Master Chief and says this: 'It’s not an original plan. But we know it’ll work.'" According to Xbox.com, the game has received more than 38 individual awards. The game's campaign mode has received some criticism for being too short, in addition to some dissatisfaction with the abrupt, cliffhanger ending that sets up the sequel, Halo 3. GameSpot noted that the story switching between the Covenant and Human factions made the plot more intricate, but also distracted the player from Earth's survival and the main point of the game. There is also some criticism of the game's on-the-fly streaming and level of detail adjustment, which can sometimes result in textures loading erroneously and "popping in" when the camera changes in cutscenes. Bungie has stated that this issue had been fixed for Halo 3 and the Windows Vista port.

In an interview with Edge magazine in January 2007, Jamie Greisemer, one of Halo's design leads, said that the main reason for Halo 2's shortcomings was a lack of "polish" period near the end of the development cycle. Staff member Frank O’Connor admitted the cliffhanger ending was abrupt, noting “we drove off Thelma & Louise style." Nonetheless, in the interview Greisemer promised that they would make Halo 3 a more than worthy successor.

Trivia[edit]

  • Originally, there were to be several kinds of Warthogs including an Arctic model (which was included in the Halo 3 DLC multiplayer map Avalanche), a transport vehicle and a small ATV (known as the Mongoose in Halo 3) would make an appearance. These were all cut from the final version of the game. However, in Halo: Custom Edition, fans created the arctic and transport warthogs, as well as the civilian Warthog featured in the multi-player map Headlong. A rocket Warthog was included in Halo PC and the ATV and variations of the Warthog appear in Halo 3.
  • Jason Jones is known for establishing the quote: "Halo 2 is a lot like Halo 1, only it's Halo 1 on fire, going 130 miles per hour through a hospital zone, being chased by helicopters and ninjas. And, the ninjas are all on fire, too." This led to the famous line of inside jokes, patches and t-shirts, user names, and memes of flaming ninjas.[24]
  • In the final days prior to the deactivation of Halo 2's multiplayer, Bungie added new sayings to the Did You Know? section of the lobby including messages of thanks to Halo 2 fans for staying supportive for the half decade that it was active and hints about Halo: Reach's gameplay. Many of these were worded in a humorous manner, though several were outright jokes.
  • Halo 2 has been played for about 100 million hours on Xbox since its release.
  • Players who played this game with their current LIVE account before April 14, 2010 will unlock the Halo 2 Visual Flair in Halo: Reach.[25]
  • The Hunt the Truth marketing campaign for Halo 5: Guardians reveals that Halo 2's cover art is based on an in-universe photograph taken by Benjamin Giraud during the Battle of Mombasa.

Gallery[edit]

Cover art[edit]

  • Icon art.

    Icon art.

  • Title art.

    Title art.

  • Full game cover for Halo 2.

    Full game cover for Halo 2.

  • Full screenshot featured on the back cover.

    Full screenshot featured on the back cover.

Concept art[edit]

  • Concept art of the Master Chief taking cover.

    Concept art of the Master Chief taking cover.

  • Concept art of the Arbiter and the Master Chief, later included on the Halo 3 Zune.

    Concept art of the Arbiter and the Master Chief, later included on the Halo 3 Zune.

  • Concept art of a control room.

    Concept art of a control room.

  • Concept art of a machine.

    Concept art of a machine.

Promotional material[edit]

  • A wallpaper used to market the game.

    A wallpaper used to market the game.

  • Another wallpaper used to market the game.

    Another wallpaper used to market the game.

  • Artwork featuring the Master Chief during the Battle of Mombasa.

    Artwork featuring the Master Chief during the Battle of Mombasa.

  • EGM cover by Craig Mullins.

    EGM cover by Craig Mullins.

  • OXM cover by Eddie Smith.

    OXM cover by Eddie Smith.

  • Another OXM cover.

    Another OXM cover.

  • EDGE cover by Eddie Smith.

    EDGE cover by Eddie Smith.

  • "Brigade Damaged" by Zoé Brawley.

    "Brigade Damaged" by Zoé Brawley.

  • A larger version "Brigade Damaged."

    A larger version "Brigade Damaged."

Screenshots[edit]

  • The Halo 2 main menu screen.

    The Halo 2 main menu screen.

  • John-117 and Cortana onboard Cairo Station.

    John-117 and Cortana onboard Cairo Station.

  • Lord Hood meeting John-117 and Avery Johnson.

    Lord Hood meeting John-117 and Avery Johnson.

  • A UNSC convoy made up of Pelicans and Warthogs.

    A UNSC convoy made up of Pelicans and Warthogs.

  • Tartarus and his Jiralhanae carry Thel 'Vadamee past a group of Honor Guards.

    Tartarus and his Jiralhanae carry Thel 'Vadamee past a group of Honor Guards.

  • Thel 'Vadamee takes on the title of Arbiter.

    Thel 'Vadamee takes on the title of Arbiter.

  • 343 Guilty Spark and Sesa 'Refumee, the leader of a heretic faction.

    343 Guilty Spark and Sesa 'Refumee, the leader of a heretic faction.

  • The UNSC In Amber Clad approaches Installation 05.

    The UNSC In Amber Clad approaches Installation 05.

  • John-117 standing in front of a hologram of Prophet of Regret.

    John-117 standing in front of a hologram of Prophet of Regret.

  • Rtas 'Vadumee rallies his Sangheili.

    Rtas 'Vadumee rallies his Sangheili.

20th anniversary artwork[edit]

  • Official art by Victor Sales titled "Heretic & Hero" celebrating the game's 20th anniversary.

    Official art by Victor Sales titled "Heretic & Hero" celebrating the game's 20th anniversary.

  • An initial sketch of the artwork.

    An initial sketch of the artwork.

  • The approved sketch of the artwork.

    The approved sketch of the artwork.

  • An early colored version of the artwork.

    An early colored version of the artwork.

  • Another work-in-progress iteration of the artwork.

    Another work-in-progress iteration of the artwork.

  • Another work-in-progress iteration of the artwork.

    Another work-in-progress iteration of the artwork.

  • A near-final iteration of the artwork.

    A near-final iteration of the artwork.

  • Official art by Victor Sales titled "Demon & Disgraced" celebrating the game's 20th anniversary.

    Official art by Victor Sales titled "Demon & Disgraced" celebrating the game's 20th anniversary.

  • An initial sketch of the artwork.

    An initial sketch of the artwork.

  • The approved sketch of the artwork.

    The approved sketch of the artwork.

  • An early colored version of the artwork.

    An early colored version of the artwork.

  • Another work-in-progress iteration of the artwork.

    Another work-in-progress iteration of the artwork.

  • A near-final iteration of the artwork.

    A near-final iteration of the artwork.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Bungie.net: Halo 2: One Year Later
  2. ^ Halo Waypoint: Halo: The Master Chief Collection
  3. ^ a b GameInformer - What It Was Like To Launch Halo 2
  4. ^ a b c Vice.com: The Complete, Untold History of Halo
  5. ^ Remaking the Legend
  6. ^ The Sci Fi Show: Episode 005: DC Reboot/Eric Trautmann
  7. ^ Halo 2 Manual, page 30
  8. ^ Halo Dialogue Statistics, from the source - HBO, November 12, 2007
  9. ^ Official Xbox Magazine's Official Guide to Halo, pages 24-25
  10. ^ halo.bungie.org: The shutdown of Halo 2
  11. ^ Geek.com Halo 2 celebrity council
  12. ^ MTV.com LINKIN PARK, HOOBASTANK, WILMER VALDERRAMA TO GET FIRST SHOT AT "HALO 2"
  13. ^ a b Xbox.com Hollywood's Hooked On Halo
  14. ^ Kikizo.com E3 2004: Xbox Conference: Full Report
  15. ^ Kikizo.com E3 2004: Halo 2 Hands-On, Screens, Vids
  16. ^ halo.bungie.org Halo2.com Goes Live
  17. ^ halo.bungie.org Aussie Halo 2 site a wealth of info
  18. ^ halo.bungie.org Halo2.com gets updated
  19. ^ halo.bungie.org Halo2.com has relaunched
  20. ^ Halo: The Master Chief Collection Companion, page 15
  21. ^ http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20041110-9999-1b10halo.html
  22. ^ http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/games/h/halo2/newsflash20041119.html
  23. ^ http://www.xbox.com/en-US/press/2004/1202-halo2.htm
  24. ^ Gamespy's Halo 2: Everything We Know article
  25. ^ Bungie.net: Express Yourself

See also[edit]

External links[edit]

v • d • e
 
List of games in the Halo franchise
Original trilogy
Sequel FPS games
Standalone FPS games
Strategy games
Twin-stick shooter games
Virtual reality games
Arcade games
Game compilations
Mobile games
Tabletop games
Board games
Cancelled projects
Rejected pitches and internal prototypes
*Asterisks indicate upcoming releases
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