Review: 'Halo 2' bests original
"Halo 2," which went on sale in November, shattered video game sales records, but does it live up to the hype? Yes. And in spades.
The original "Halo: Combat Evolved" is a single-player game that pits a human, Master Chief, against an onslaught of menacing aliens. By navigating through huge locations, the player discovers what weapons work best in a given situation and how best to dispose of the sly extraterrestrials.
"Halo" was one of those rare games that excelled in every department, from the game play and story to the graphics and orchestrated music soundtrack. And now its sequel takes things further. Arguably the most impressive new feature in "Halo 2" is the online play for up to 16 gamers via Xbox Live (service sold separately). Imagine running around stunningly surreal landscapes with more than a dozen of your buddies, each battling on foot or while riding in jeeps and other vehicles.
Game modes include the familiar Deathmatch (here called Slayer; whoever gets the most kills wins), Capture the Flag, King of the Hill and other fun head-to-head options.
