Halo 2: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|H2|RW}}
{{infobox
{{Ratings}}
|image=[[Image:Halo2 box.jpg|220px|Halo 2]]
{{Game Info Box
|developer=[[Bungie Studios]]
|name = ''Halo 2''
|platforms=[[Xbox]]
|image = Halo 2 box art.jpg
|released=November 9, 2004 (US)
|imageSize = 200
|modes=[[Single player]], [[multiplayer]]
|Developer = [[Bungie Studios]]
|publisher=[[Microsoft Game Studios]]
|Publisher = [[Microsoft Game Studios]]
|genre=[[First-person shooter]]
|US Date Released = November 9, 2004              
|ratings=[[ESRB]]: Mature (M)
|UK Date Released = November 11, 2004               
|media=DVD
|PC US Release Date= May 8th, 2007             
|Genre = [[First-person shooter]]
|Game modes = [[Campaign]], [[Multiplayer]]
|ESRB= Mature (M) for Blood and Gore, Language, Violence               
|Platform = [[Xbox]]<br />Xbox360 (original disk works with newer console) <br />[[PC (realworld)|PC]] - Windows Vista Exclusive.
|Designer= [[Paul Bertone]]<br/>
[[Jaime Griesemer]]
|Writer= [[Joseph Staten]]
|Composer= [[Martin O'Donnell]]<br/>
[[Michael Salvatori]]
|Media = DVD, PC-DVD                                 
|Website = [http://www.bungie.net/Projects/Halo2/default.aspx '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo 2 Project Page'']
}}
}}


'''''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 the second installment of the Halo game series) and features a newly built graphics engine with the addition of new elements to the game. ''Halo 2'' develops the struggle between the [[United Nations Space Command]], [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]], and the [[Flood]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]] in the fall of [[2552]].
'''''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'').


The game was also [[Halo 2 Vista|released for the PC]], and 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 as of April 15, 2010.
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 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 game or 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]


==Gameplay==
== Gameplay ==
The campaign in ''Halo 2'' does not pick up directly after the events of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', 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]] ring. ''Halo 2'' also introduces the [[Brutes]], who were first mentioned in ''First Strike''. They are shown in campaign as large, hairy ape-like beasts; although they do not wear [[Energy Shields]] like the Elites, their immense bulk and strength allow them to absorb a large amount of damage before dying.
{{spoiler}}


The player can play the campaign alone on a single-player mode or on a split-screen co-operative mode. 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 new character, a troubled Covenant Elite known as [[The Arbiter]]. The player has an adjusted arsenal of weapons, some of which have been altered or removed from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', and new weapons being introduced.  
=== Campaign ===
[[Image:Arbiter gameplay - banshee.jpg|right]]
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. There is, however, no difference in weapon use. Both characters still cannot reload the power cores of Covenant plasma weaponry or use the twin plasma cannons on [[Wraith|Wraiths]] that NPCs can use.


One of the biggest alteration to game-play is perhaps the ability to [[dual wield]] small weapons; this 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 "[[Boarding|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.
There are four levels of competition: [[Easy]], [[Normal]], [[Heroic]] and [[Legendary]].


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.
=== Multiplayer ===
[[File:Halo2multiplayer1sh.jpg|left|Halo 2 multiplayer]]


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 [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODSTs]]. However, the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]] is joined by [[Grunts]], [[Jackals]], [[Hunters]], and other [[Elites]], allowing for deeper insight into Covenant culture.  
There are a variety of multiplayer 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.


The [[campaign]] consists of 15 levels, of which 14 are playable.  
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 server (or host), specifying the game type and 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.  


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


===Plot===
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.
[[File:Pain.png|thumb|right|The [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae|Brute Chieftain]] [[Tartarus]] about to brand Thel 'Vadamee, who was once a Supreme Commander, with the [[Mark of Shame]].]]
It begins on [[High Charity]], the mobile capital city of the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]. The former [[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]], [[Zealot|Commander]] Thel 'Vadamee, is being tried before the [[High Council]] for his failure to protect [[Installation 04|Halo]]. Despite his insistence that the [[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 branded with the [[Mark of Shame]] by [[Tartarus]], [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae|Chieftain of the Brutes]].  


The story then turns to Earth's [[Orbital Defense Platform]] [[Cairo Station]], where [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117|SPARTAN-117]] receives the new [[MJOLNIR Mark VI]] armor from the [[Master Gunnery Sergeant (Armory)|Master Gunnery Sergeant]]. [[Avery Junior Johnson]], recently promoted to [[Sergeant Major]], arrives to take the Master Chief to an awards ceremony overseen by [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]] for the dual purposes of awarding meritorious acts and boosting the morale of the surviving human population and noted as a war hero (John-117 has already received all medals except for the "Prisoner of War" medal). The festivities are soon interrupted by [[Cortana]] reporting "15 Covenant Capital Ships holding position just outside the kill zone", signaling the start to the Covenant Siege of Earth. UNSC Marine forces along with SPARTAN-117 protect the station from the invading [[Covenant Navy|Covenant Naval infantry]] but other stations were destroyed by the Covenant. After sending the bomb that the Covenant had placed on the ship back into space (destroying several ships) he landed on a UNSC ship and then they head to the surface of Earth to [[New Mombasa]] to fight off the [[Covenant Army]], 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 [[Miranda Keyes]], [[Jacob Keyes|Captain Keyes]] daughter, and her detachment in pursuit on the ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|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.
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.


The story then turns back to the disgraced [[Sangheili|Elite]] Commander, Thel 'Vadamee, who is given the chance of redemption by the High Prophets of Truth and Mercy in taking up the mantle of [[Arbiter]], along with the imminent mortality of the task. The new Arbiter accepts and becomes the will of the Prophets, seeking to complete the impossible task assigned for redemption from his crimes. Thel 'Vadamee is tasked with the assassination of a [[Sesa 'Refumee|Heretic Leader]], who is disillusioned with the Covenant following the events of Installation 04 up to its destruction. Thel 'Vadamee tracks the Heretic Leader throughout the gas mine (battling the Heretics and the Flood) where the [[Heretics]] sought refuge. When Thel 'Vadamee is finally able to face the Heretic Leader, 'Refumee asserts his belief that the Prophets have lied about the [[Great Journey]], punctuating this with the entry of [[343 Guilty Spark]], whom both Elites consider to be an Oracle of the [[Forerunner]]s, the ancient race the Covenant hold as gods. Before Thel 'Vadamee could learn more of the claims, the battle resumes, and the Heretic Leader is killed before any meaningful discourse taking place. Tartarus appears to extract him and Guilty Spark, preventing Thel 'Vadamee from learning any information from Spark. He leaves, not knowing what caused the Heretics to betray their sacred oaths to the Covenant.  
=== Damage system ===
The damage system in ''Halo 2'' is much different from what it was in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]]. The player has a regenerating shield and regenerating health.


[[File:MC attacks Regret.jpg|300px|thumb|right|[[Master Chief]] battles the [[Prophet of Regret]].]]
* '''[[Shields]]:''' The 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.
Turning back to the SPARTAN-117's story, Keyes exits slipspace in her ship undetected with the Prophet of Regret unaware that he had been followed. To the surprise of the pursuers, they discover that Regret led them to another [[Installation 05|Halo Ring]]. Keyes soon determines that their objective is to Capture the Prophet of Regret and stop the Covenant from firing the Halo Rings; SPARTAN-117 is dropped onto the surface of Installation 05 with ODSTs to remove Regret. In the course of pursuing Regret, SPARTAN-117 discovers with the aid of Cortana that the Prophet intends to personally activate Halo. Keyes decides that the new revelation about Regret's intentions warrants his death, which SPARTAN-117 successfully achieves. But before being able to make his escape, the Covenant and High Charity, which has just arrived, attempt to kill SPARTAN-117 by glassing the area, and he jumps into the lake surrounding Regret's location. Incapacitated from the shock of the Covenant bombardment, SPARTAN-117 is last seen being dragged into the depths of the lake by the tentacles of the [[Gravemind]], an ancient and highly intelligent [[Flood]] form.


The story now shifts back to Thel 'Vadamee on the [[High Charity]], in orbit around the ring. The Hierarchs had declared Regret's death to be the [[Sangheili|Elites']] failure, and they were removed as the [[Honor Guard of the Covenant|protectors of the Prophets]], who bestow the role to the [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]], causing more tension between the Brutes and Elites who are already at odds with each other. Despite this Thel 'Vadamee is given a new mission to recover a [[Activation Index|Sacred Icon]] from the Library, having not died in his previous mission as all had expected. Making his way through the [[Quarantine Zone]] facing scores of [[Flood]] and [[Sentinels]] on the surface of Installation 05 seeking the Activation Index, Thel 'Vadamee makes his way into the [[Library]] and captures the Index along with Keyes and Johnson after they recovered it from its protective housing. Before he can take possession of the Index, Tartarus again intervenes in Thel 'Vadamee's task. After taking the Index into his own personal possession, Tartarus then reveals that the Hierarchs intended for his death to oust the Elites. His treachery revealed, Tartarus knocks Thel 'Vadamee unconscious down a shaft in the Index chamber to the abyss below.
* '''[[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.


Beneath the Library, SPARTAN-117 finds himself in the clutches of the [[Gravemind]], the creature that acts as the sentient intelligence of the Flood. Although Thel 'Vadamee had fallen from a great height, he is saved from plunging to his death by the Gravemind's tentacles. It is within the Gravemind's chamber where Thel 'Vadamee and SPARTAN-117 meet. In addition, the Prophet of Regret is infected and assimilated into its mass. Also introduced is [[2401 Penitent Tangent]], Monitor of Installation 05. Both characters act as exposition to Thel 'Vadamee, as Regret remains steadfast to his faith, and the Monitor is fully aware of its status as a weapon. Thel 'Vadamee is further led to question his faith by both the SPARTAN-117 and the Gravemind itself, as they both try to convince the Elite that the Covenant's belief on the Halos is a lie, revealing that the Halos destroy life, not save it. This information, as well the information of the imminent genocide of the Elites lead Thel 'Vadamee reluctantly joining SPARTAN-117 in the mission to stop the ring from being activated. The Gravemind sends both the SPARTAN-117 and Thel 'Vadamee to different locations to help stop the Index from reaching its destination. SPARTAN-117 was sent to High Charity to retrieve the Index while Thel 'Vadamee was sent to the area where the Control Room of Installation 05 to halt the Covenant from activating the rings.
=== Powerups ===
There are two types of normal powerups available in ''Halo 2''.


SPARTAN-117 then enters the middle of a conference of Truth. The Prophet of Truth, after escaping assassination, flees to the [[Forerunner Dreadnought|Dreadnought]]. John-117 chases him, killing many Covenant troops on the way. He also witnesses the conflict between the Elites and Brutes. SPARTAN-117 saves a few Marines along the way. Meanwhile, the Flood, under the control of the Gravemind crash into [[High Charity]] using the ''[[In Amber Clad]]''. When John nearly meets Truth, he finds Mercy being infected by the Flood; the Prophet tells the Spartan that Truth is going to Earth to "finish what [[Hierarchs|we]] started". In his efforts to reach the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]], he has to fight his way through the Flood and the Covenant. After boarding the through an energy conduit Dreadnought, he leaves Cortana behind, but promises that he will come back for her.  
* '''[[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.


Meanwhile, Thel 'Vadamee is teleported to near Halo's control room. There, he finds many dead Elites, which were, no doubt, killed by the Brutes. With the help of a few deployed Elites, and sympathetic [[Unggoy|Grunts]] and [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]], he fights his way to meet [[Rtas 'Vadum|Rtas 'Vadumee]], who is surprised to hear that the Brutes murdered the [[Councilors]]. They fight their way to a [[Scarab]], where Sergeant Johnson is held. Johnson takes control of the Scarab and forcefully initiates an uneasy alliance between the humans and the Elites. With the combined efforts of Johnson and 'Vadamee, the Scarab breaches the Control Room doors by using the main energy cannon on the Scarab, and 'Vadamee enters the Control Room to confront Tartarus. In the Control Room, he hears the truth of the Halos directly from [[343 Guilty Spark]]. Still blinded by faith, Tartarus forced Miranda Keyes to activate Halo. Many [[Zealot]]s and [[Councilors]] aid 'Vadamee in his final fight against Tartarus, and eventually after a long and tough  fight managed to kill him. Once Tartarus is defeated, Miranda grabs the Index just in time to stop Halo from firing. However, 343 Guilty Spark says that this has activated a fail safe 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]].
* '''[[Active Camouflage]]:''' 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.


The Forerunner Dreadnought arrives at Earth with SPARTAN-117 onboard. He alerts Admiral Hood of his presence, and tells him that he is "[[Halo 3|finishing this fight]]".
More unique powerups known as [[skulls]] exist in the game, as hidden items for the player to find.


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 throughout the air, floating along the view. The Gravemind speaks of satisfaction of being free of his "empty grave", and suddenly Cortana appears as a hologram on a pedestal in the room. The Gravemind then states that there are questions that linger in his mind, which Cortana must answer. Cortana replies, "Alright...shoot." The screen then turns black before any question is heard.
=== Weapons ===
 
*[[Battle Rifle]]
====Characters====
*[[Brute Plasma Rifle]]
{{col-begin}}
*[[Brute Shot]]
{{col-2}}
*[[Carbine]]
=====Major Characters=====
*[[Frag Grenade]]
'''[[UNSC]]'''
*[[Fuel Rod Cannon]]
*[[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]]
*[[Magnum]]
*[[Cortana]]
*[[Needler]]
*[[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Junior Johnson|Avery J. Johnson]]
*[[Plasma Grenade]]
*[[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]] {{1st}}
*[[Plasma Pistol]]
*[[Fleet Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood|Sir Terrence Hood]]
*[[Plasma Rifle]]
 
*[[Plasma Sword]]
'''[[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]'''
*[[Arbiter (Title)|The Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam|Thel 'Vadamee]] {{1st}}
*[[Special Operations Commander of the Covenant|Commander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum|Rtas 'Vadumee]] {{1st}}
*[[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae|Chieftain]] [[Tartarus]] {{1st}}
*[[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] {{1st}}
*[[Prophet of Mercy|High Prophet of Mercy]] {{1st}}
*[[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] {{1st}}
 
'''The [[Heretics]]'''
*[[Heretic|Heretic Leader]] [[Sesa 'Refumee]] {{1st}}
 
'''[[Forerunner]] Constructs'''
*[[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|04-343 Guilty Spark]]
 
'''[[Flood]]'''
*[[Gravemind]] {{1st}}
{{col-2}}
=====Minor Characters=====
'''UNSC'''
*[[Fleet Admiral]] [[Harper]] {{1st}}
*[[Major]] [[Easley]] {{1st}}
*[[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Pete Stacker (Marine)|Pete Stacker]]
*[[Staff Sergeant]] [[Marcus Banks]] {{1st}}
*[[Corporal]] [[Perez]] {{1st}}
*[[Lance Corporal]] [[Jones (Marine)|Jones]] {{1st}}
*[[Private]] [[Butkis]] {{1st}}
*[[Private]] [[O'Brian (ODST)|O'Brian]] {{1st}}
*[[Private]] [[Parsons (Marine)|Parsons]] {{1st}}
*[[Private]] [[Walpole]] {{1st}}
*[[Unnamed Lieutenant (Halo 2)|Unnamed Marine Lieutenant]] {{1st}}
*[[Master Gunnery Sergeant (Armory)|''Cairo Station'' Armorer]] {{1st}}
 
'''Covenant'''
*[[Prophet of Disdain]] {{1st}}
*[[Prophet of Objection]] {{1st}}
 
'''Forerunner Construct'''
*[[2401 Penitent Tangent|05-2401 Penitent Tangent]] {{1st}}
{{col-end}}
 
==Features==
===Weapons===
{{Main|Weapons}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
====[[United Nations Space Command]] Standard====
*[[BR55 Battle Rifle]] {{1st}}
*[[M6C Magnum Sidearm|M6C Personal Defense Weapon System]] {{1st}}
*[[M7 Caseless Submachine Gun]] {{1st}}
*[[M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade]]
*[[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]]
*[[M19 SSM|M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]]
*[[M68 Gauss Cannon]] {{1st}}
*[[M90A Close Assault Weapon System]]
*[[M247 General Purpose Machine Gun]] {{1st}}
*[[SRS99C-S2 AMB Sniper Rifle]] {{1st}}
 
====Forerunner Weapons====
*[[Sentinel Beam]]
*[[Sentinel Beam]]
{{col-2}}
*[[Shotgun]]
====Covenant====
*[[Sniper Rifle]]
=====Standard=====
*[[Sub-Machine Gun]]
*[[Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade]]
*[[Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword]]
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol]]
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle]]
*[[Type-26 ASG|Type 26 Anti-Infantry Stationary Gun]]
*[[Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher]]
*[[Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon]]
*[[Type-50 Sniper Rifle System]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-51 Carbine]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon]] {{1st}}
*[[Scarab Gun]] ''([[Easter Egg]])'' {{1st}}
 
=====Jiralhanae=====
*[[Fist of Rukt]] {{1st}}
*[[Brute Plasma Rifle|Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle (Jiralhanae)]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-25 Grenade Launcher]] {{1st}}
{{col-end}}


===Vehicles===
== Game Levels ==
{{Main|Vehicles}}
=== Campaign ===
{{col-begin}}
*[[The Heretic (Level)|The Heretic]]
{{col-2}}
*[[The Armory]]
====UNSC Vehicles====
*[[Cairo Station (Level)|Cairo Station]]
=====Usable=====
*[[Outskirts]]
*[[M12 Warthog LRV]]
*[[Metropolis]]
*[[M12G1 Warthog LAAV]] {{1st}}
*[[The Arbiter (Level)|The Arbiter]]
*[[M808B Scorpion MBT]]
*[[The Oracle (Level)|The Oracle]]
*[[Delta Halo (Level)|Delta Halo]]
*[[Regret (Level)|Regret]]
*[[Sacred Icon (Level)|Sacred Icon]]
*[[Quarantine Zone (Level)|Quarantine Zone]]
*[[Gravemind (Level)|Gravemind]]
*[[Uprising]]
*[[High Charity (Level)|High Charity]]
*[[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]]


=====Non-Usable=====
=== Multiplayer ===
*[[D77-TC Pelican|D77-TC Pelican Dropship]]
*[[Albatross|Albatross Heavy Dropship]] {{1st}}
*[[UNSC Frigate|C709 Longsword Interceptor]]
 
*[[UNSC Frigate]]
:*[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]] {{1st}}
*{{Class|Marathon|Cruiser}}
*[[Orbital Defense Platform]]
**[[Cairo Station|ODA-142 ''Cairo'']] {{1st}}
**[[Malta Station|ODA-143 ''Malta'']] {{1st}}
**[[Athens Station|ODA-144 ''Athens'']] {{1st}}
{{col-2}}
 
====Covenant Vehicles====
=====Usable=====
*[[Spectre|Type-?? "Spectre" Infantry Support Vehicle]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-25 Wraith|Type-25 "Wraith" Assault Gun Carraige]]
*[[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Type-26 "Banshee" Ground Support Aircraft]]
*[[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Type-32 "Ghost" Rapid Assault Vehicle]]
 
=====Non-Usable=====
*[[Assault Carrier]]
*[[CCS-class Battlecruiser]]
*''[[High Charity]]'' {{1st}}
*[[Seraph-class Starfighter]]
*[[Shadow|"Shadow" Troop Carrier]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Type-47 "Scarab" Ultra Heavy Assault Platform]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-52 Troop Carrier|Type-52 "Phantom" Troop Carrier]] {{1st}}
{{col-end}}
 
==Halo 2 Multiplayer==
[[File:HAVsmall.jpg|thumb|right|320px|Halo 2 Vista Multiplayer.]]
 
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 his or her 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>'</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://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.
 
On April 15, 2010, the ''Halo 2'' multiplayer services, along with all other original Xbox LIVE services, were discontinued.
 
====Maps====
=====Standard Maps=====
*[[Lockout]]
*[[Lockout]]
*[[Ascension]]
*[[Ascension]]
*[[Colossus]]
*[[Beaver Creek]]
*[[Ivory Tower]]
*[[Midship]]
*[[Midship]]
*[[Ivory Tower]]
*[[Waterworks]]
*[[Beaver Creek]]
*[[Burial Mounds]]
*[[Burial Mounds]]
*[[Colossus]]
*[[Foundation]]
*[[Headlong]]
*[[Coagulation]]
*[[Zanzibar]]
*[[Zanzibar]]
*[[Coagulation]]
*[[Headlong]]
*[[Waterworks]]
*[[Foundation]]
====Bonus Map Pack====
{{Main|Bonus Map Pack}}
The Bonus Map Pack is a downloadable content package for ''Halo 2''. It was released on April 25, 2005 as a free download sponsored by Mountain Dew. The maps included in this Map Pack are:
*[[Containment]]
*[[Containment]]
*[[Warlock]]
*[[Warlock]]
 
*[[Turf]]
====Killtacular Pack====
{{Main|Killtacular Pack}}
The Killtacular Pack is a downloadable content package released on April 25, 2005 for $4.99, and was made permanently free on June 28, 2005. The maps included in this Map Pack are:
*[[Sanctuary]]
*[[Sanctuary]]
*[[Turf]]
====Maptacular Pack====
{{Main|Maptacular Pack}}
The Maptacular Pack is a downloadable content package released on July 5, 2005 for $11.99, and was made permanently free on August 30, 2005. The maps included in this Map Pack are:
*[[Backwash]]
*[[Backwash]]
*[[Terminal]]
*[[Relic]]
*[[Gemini]]
*[[Elongation]]
*[[Elongation]]
*[[Gemini]]
*[[Relic (level)|Relic]]
*[[Terminal (level)|Terminal]]
====Blastacular Pack====
{{Main|Blastacular Pack}}
The Blastacular Pack is a downloadable content package released on April 17, 2007 for $4.00, and re-released as an updated package on May 7, 2007 (still for $4.00), as several glitches discovered in the included content had been fixed. It was made permanently free on July 7, 2007, [[Bungie Day]]. The Blastacular Pack is included with neither the [[Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack]], or ''Halo 2'' Vista. The maps included in this Map Pack are:
*[[Desolation]]
*[[Tombstone]]
====Halo 2 Vista Exclusive Maps====
{{Main|Halo 2 Vista#Multiplayer Additions}}
Exclusive to ''Halo 2'' Vista are two new maps which are:
*[[District]]
*[[Uplift]]
*[[Example (Halo 2 Vista Map Editor Example)|Example]]
===Player Damage System===
The damage system in ''Halo 2'' is much different from what it was in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. The player has a regenerating shield and regenerating health.
*'''[[Energy Shields]]:''' The shield in ''Halo 2'' is slightly weaker than it was in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', but recharges at a higher rate. It slowly decreases in power as it sustains damage. After it takes damage, it starts to recharge 2-5 seconds after the last time damage was sustained. It will stop during recharge if the player is hurt during that period. The power is displayed above the motion tracker in the bottom-left of the screen.
*'''[[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. Bungie's explanation for this new system is the addition of a biofoam dispenser in the armor (so health regenerates after time).
===Powerups===
There are two types of normal powerups available in ''Halo 2'':
*'''[[Overshield]]:''' An enhanced, non-regenerating shield which adds an additional two layers to your shield (red, then green). The Overshield functions on top of the regular shield - when it is active, the normal shield does not take damage. However, the Overshield will gradually reduce in power until it is gone, at which point the player's normal shields will be vulnerable to damage. Unlike ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', the Overshield powerup is not available in the single player campaign.
*'''[[Active Camouflage]]:''' A powerup that makes the player almost completely invisible 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. In campaign mode, active camouflage is only available in levels in which you play as the Arbiter. However, note that the Energy Sword will give away the user's position, as while the player is invisible, the sword is not.
''Note'': If the Overshield technology and the Active Camouflage are used in conjunction the Active Camouflage is not sophisticated enough to hide the enhanced over shields.
==''Halo 2'': Original 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.
==Marketing Promotions and Release==
===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 are scattered on the site.
===Trailers===
{{Main|Halo 2 Announcement Trailer|Halo 2 Cinematic 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 {{Class|CCS|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]].
===Promotions===
====E3 2003====
<div class="floatright"><youtube height="167" width="200">eoqGLS1U6GQ</youtube></div>
In 2003 at E3, Bungie released 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]], [[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 (Vehicle)|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 than 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]].
== Storyline ==
The game starts with a probing [[Covenant]] attack on [[Earth]]. [[Master Chief]] begins on one of the many space defense platforms which orbit the planet. After repulsing the [[Covenant]] boarding parties, the battle shifts to Africa.


====E3 2004====
The player engages in urban combat in the city of [[New Mombasa]]. Meanwhile a [[Covenant]] ship makes a [[slipspace]] jump which destroys the city, and a [[UNSC]] [[In Amber Clad|ship]] with [[Master Chief]] aboard gets swept up in the warp field in an desperate effort to follow it.
In 2004 at E3, 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]] model and the [[Elite]] 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. Afterward, fans were allowed to try out the demo.


===Sales and Reception===
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 [[Brute|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 [[Delta 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.
{{Halo 2 Versions}}
''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, and a 5 out of 5 from X-Play. 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 of 2004 up until November of 2006, when ''Gears of War'' released.
At some point, when she does not want a remote detonation of ''In Amber Clad'', [[Cortana]] becomes separated from the Master Chief and is left within a computer on [[High Charity]].


===Reaction===
The [[Halos]], we learn from [[343 Guilty Spark]], were 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]] leader [[Tartarus]] activates the ring in preparation to fire, to bring about - in his 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.
Generally, the game was positively received. Multiplayer especially was noted in being the best on Xbox Live at the time. Game Informer, along with numerous other publications, rated it lower than ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', citing enhanced multiplayer and more repetitive gameplay. ''Halo 2'' received multiple awards, including Best Console game of the month.


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 has been fixed for ''Halo 3'' and the Windows Vista port.
The [[Index]] is retrieved and the [[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.


In an interview with Edge magazine in January 2007, Jamie Greisemer, one of ''Halo''<nowiki>'</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.
There is no novelisation of this game yet. It is possible that a novelisation that follows the canon laid down by the previous three novels might differ somewhat plotwise from the game, due to various plotholes in the game.


===Statistics===
=== Main characters ===
''Halo 2'' was released November 9, 2004. The game was one of the most highly anticipated games on the Xbox and went on to sell more than the original. 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 legal action against anyone who spread the leaked version. Thanks to the hype, Halo 2 sold one of the most copies of any games of all time.
* [[Master Chief]]
* [[Cortana]]
* [[Sergeant Johnson]]
* [[Miranda Keyes]]
* [[Arbiter]]
* [[Half-Jaw]]
* [[High Prophet of Truth]]
* [[High Prophet of Mercy]]
* [[High Prophet of Regret]]
* [[Tartarus]]
* [[343 Guilty Spark]]
* [[2401 Penitent Tangent]]
* [[Gravemind]]
* [[Heretic Leader]]
* [[Lord Fleet Admiral Sir Terrence Hood]]
* [[Sergeant Banks]]
* [[Corporal Perez]]


Regardless, Microsoft later touted that there were 1.5 million pre-orders for ''Halo 2'' in the United States alone and that this guaranteed it to have the largest first-day revenue of any game or movie ever.<ref>http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/10/19/news_6110893.html</ref> The game sold 2.4 million copies and earned up to $125 million US in its first 24 hours on store shelves.<ref>http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/11/10/news_6112915.html</ref> As of March 2006, the game has sold over eight million copies worldwide<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/Inside/content.aspx?link=HistoryofBungie_p8 The History of Bungie, Page 8] Accessed 6-20-2007</ref>.
== Walkthroughs ==
{{main|Halo 2/Walkthroughs}}


==Themes==
== Glitches and Tricks ==
''Halo 2'' greatly expanded the plot introduced in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', and many themes and parallels to the real world can be drawn.
{{main|Halo 2/Glitches and Tricks}}


Dealing with the consequences of society and government within the Covenant world, ''Halo 2'' shows that technology alone cannot win wars. Covenant society is deeply troubled with a corrupt government of Prophets who know more than they tell and order an act of genocide against their long-loyal [[Elites]]. While the Covenant is far more technologically advanced than humans, their society is divided and races do not get along. The [[humans]] are shown as more united and exhibit more teamwork while attempting to stop the Covenant, despite being outnumbered and out-gunned. Playing as the Arbiter, the player only fights other Covenant, making it apparent that their forces are not all focused on the humans and their civil war and disorganization makes them a weaker force, despite greater firepower. The Flood is mostly a primitive race but is still able to infiltrate High Charity and Cortana is still able to hack into their system because the Covenant never created a solid foundation and underestimated their enemies. The game shows that the power of determination is more powerful than that of technology. This is evident in both Master Chief's plot line as well as the Arbiter's, who manages to survive because he constantly focuses on his objective. He tells Tartarus that the Index is his only goal when he asks if he would seek revenge against the Master Chief.
== Skulls ==
{{main|Halo 2/Skulls}}


The game also has element of a monomyth, a common structure in many stories of adventure. ''Halo 2'' begins with Master Chief being awoken and called for combat while the Arbiter is spared and is given the choice to become a martyr. The Arbiter is put through a series of trials which he is expected to fail; when he doesn't, he realizes that the Prophets have turned against him and learns where his true alliances lie, becoming a central role in the Covenant Civil War. These events fit into the description of the first half of a typical monomyth.
== Limited Collector's Edition ==
[[Image:LCE.jpg|right|100px]]
The LCE came with a "Behind the Scenes" DVD, a Halo 2 manual from the Covenant's perspective, a booklet called ''[[Conversations from the Universe]]'', as well as a 7-Eleven Slurpee coupon, and an Xbox Live coupon. ''Conversations'' contains:


==Trivia==
*A log from [[343 Guilty Spark]].
*The "vine" that [[Miranda Keyes]] uses to make it to the [[index]] is actually one of the [[Gravemind]]'s tentacles. It is speculated by some players that the Gravemind was planning on letting Miranda get the Index, and then making her fall into his pit, which would lead her and the index to his "lair". There, the index would be, theoretically, unobtainable by the Covenant, which would keep him and the rest of the Flood safe on the ring (Delta Halo). This would also be a way for [[Gravemind]] to learn the location of [[Earth]] and seal humanity's doom.
*A letter from an archaeologist on [[Coral]].
*Originally, there were to be several kinds of [[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 [[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''.
*A transcript of the last moments aboard the ''Sacred Promise''.
*[[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>
*A conversation between [[Cortana]] and an ONI AI, Solipsil.
*A song, known as "Remembrance" at the start up screen, (the unedited version found on the “''Halo 2'' Original Sound Track Volume 1") just happens to play for exactly 1:17 (John's serial number) or 77 seconds.
*A conversation between two Elites.
*There are 21,090 lines of dialogue, most of them randomly triggered during combat.<ref>[http://nikon.bungie.org/news.html?item=20971 Halo Dialogue Statistics, from the source] - HBO, November 12, 2007</ref>
*An encrypted letter from the [[Prophet of Truth]], and the unencrypted responce from the Prophet of Supposition.
*Originally, at the end of Cairo Station there wasn't going to be a bomb, but another level taking place on the Covenant carrier where you would fight a [[Drinol]]. At the end of the level when you destroy it, you get to free fall onto the ''In Amber Clad'', and can look around when falling. This level wasn't completed<ref>''[[Halo 3|Halo 3 Legendary Edition]]'', Cut-scene Commentary</ref>.
*A conversation between two Grunts.
*''Halo 2'' has been stated to be the reason that there is a limit to the number of friends on the friends list, and to get around that limit, Microsoft would have to end original Xbox Live compatibility.
*A letter from Cassandra to the [[Master Chief]].
*''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 (Level)|Covenant Ship]], [[Forerunner Tank (Level)|Forerunner Tank]], and [[Forerunnership (Level)|Forerunner Keyship]]. 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''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s {{Levelname|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]].
*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.


==Sources==
== Related Links ==
<references/>
* [[List of Halo 2 changes]]
* [[I Love Bees]]


==Related Pages==
== External Links ==
{{col-begin}}
* [http://bungie.net/Games/Halo2/ Bungie's Official Halo 2 Site]
{{col-2}}
* [http://www.halo2.com Xbox.com's Official Halo 2 Site]
===Internal===
* [http://halo.bungie.org Halo.Bungie.Org]
*[[Halo 2 Credits|''Halo 2'' Credits]]
* [http://xbox.ign.com/articles/513/513152p1.html IGN E3 2004 Preview]
*[[List of Halo 2: Did You Know? Quotes]]
* [http://halo.bungie.org/halo2updates/ "Frankie's Bungie Updates"]
*[[List of "Seven" references in Halo|List of "Seven" references in ''Halo'']]
* [http://howstuffworks.com Howstuffworks] article on [http://stuffo.howstuffworks.com/halo2-ai6.htm the game AI of Halo 2].
*[[Early Halo 2 Script|Early ''Halo 2'' Script]]
* [http://Halowiki.net Another halo wiki], focusing mainly on multiplayer. Extremely in-depth.
*[[Character Compatibility]]
{{col-2}}
===External===
*[http://bungie.net/Games/Halo2/ Bungie's Official Halo 2 Site]
*[http://www.haloeastereggs.net/eastereggs.php?gamename=Halo%202 Halo 2 Easter Eggs]
*[http://www.halo2.com Xbox.com's Official Halo 2 Site]
*[http://halo.bungie.org/halo2updates/ "Frankie's Bungie Updates"]
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{{Halo Games}}
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[[Category:Halo 2]]

Revision as of 09:10, August 7, 2010


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 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).

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 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 game or movie ever. [1] The game sold 2.4 million copies and earned up to $125 million US in its first 24 hours on store shelves. [2]

Gameplay

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Campaign

File:Arbiter gameplay - banshee.jpg

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. There is, however, no difference in weapon use. Both characters still cannot reload the power cores of Covenant plasma weaponry or use the twin plasma cannons on Wraiths that NPCs can use.

There are four levels of competition: Easy, Normal, Heroic and Legendary.

Multiplayer

Halo 2 multiplayer

There are a variety of multiplayer 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.

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 server (or host), specifying the game type and 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 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 "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. 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.

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.

Halo 2 players with Microsoft Passport accounts can log on to 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.

Damage system

The damage system in Halo 2 is much different from what it was in Halo: Combat Evolved. The player has a regenerating shield and regenerating health.

  • Shields: The 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.
  • 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.

Powerups

There are two types of normal powerups available in Halo 2.

  • 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.
  • Active Camouflage: 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.

More unique powerups known as skulls exist in the game, as hidden items for the player to find.

Weapons

Game Levels

Campaign

Multiplayer

Storyline

The game starts with a probing Covenant attack on Earth. Master Chief begins on one of the many space defense platforms which orbit the planet. After repulsing the Covenant boarding parties, the battle shifts to Africa.

The player engages in urban combat in the city of New Mombasa. Meanwhile a Covenant ship makes a slipspace jump which destroys the city, and a UNSC ship with Master Chief aboard gets swept up in the warp field in an desperate effort to follow it.

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 Delta 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.

At some point, when she does not want a remote detonation of In Amber Clad, Cortana becomes separated from the Master Chief and is left within a computer on High Charity.

The Halos, we learn from 343 Guilty Spark, were 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 leader Tartarus activates the ring in preparation to fire, to bring about - in his 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.

The Index is retrieved and the 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.

There is no novelisation of this game yet. It is possible that a novelisation that follows the canon laid down by the previous three novels might differ somewhat plotwise from the game, due to various plotholes in the game.

Main characters

Walkthroughs

Main article: Halo 2/Walkthroughs

Glitches and Tricks

Main article: Halo 2/Glitches and Tricks

Skulls

Main article: Halo 2/Skulls

Limited Collector's Edition

File:LCE.jpg

The LCE came with a "Behind the Scenes" DVD, a Halo 2 manual from the Covenant's perspective, a booklet called Conversations from the Universe, as well as a 7-Eleven Slurpee coupon, and an Xbox Live coupon. Conversations contains:

  • A log from 343 Guilty Spark.
  • A letter from an archaeologist on Coral.
  • A transcript of the last moments aboard the Sacred Promise.
  • A conversation between Cortana and an ONI AI, Solipsil.
  • A conversation between two Elites.
  • An encrypted letter from the Prophet of Truth, and the unencrypted responce from the Prophet of Supposition.
  • A conversation between two Grunts.
  • A letter from Cassandra to the Master Chief.

Related Links

External Links

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