The original Halo was one of that rare breed of games that was so compelling it persuaded millions of people to go out and buy a new console just to play it. Without Halo the Xbox would probably have failed instantly, which gives this long awaited sequel an incredible amount to live up to. So far relatively little has been seen of the game but what has been revealed seems to surpass the original with startling ease.

Widely regarded as the best first-person shoot-'em-up ever made for a home console, Halo 2 follows in its forebear's footsteps with a perfect blend of single and multiplayer action. The former offers far more variety than the first game as the battle is brought to Earth and the incredible advances in the game's AI, as well as just its graphics, become immediately obvious. There are now a lot more friendly troops to help you out and the evil Covenant invaders have become even more organised and intelligent.

In the all-important multiplayer mode, the most significant change is that you can now play the game online on Xbox Live against anyone in the world. This is the feature fans have been clamouring for and it's supplemented by new gameplay features such as the ability to steal vehicles, man fixed gun emplacements and play as the bad guys. If you don't yet own an Xbox, Halo 2 is all the reason you need to change that.???Harrison Dent

Halo 2 is a wicked game by itself. Short single player, but an absolutely classic and infinately enjoyable multiplayer. When the Limited Edition was announced, my palms itched, as they always do when my money needs spending on said item.
The Limited Edition not only comes in a swanky tin, but also includes a behind the scenes video, concept art, early level design images... a massive amount of bonus content.
The manual itself is, instead of being human related, is written from the Covenant's point of view.
Altogether, if you can afford this or are a fan of Halo, or both, I recommend this. It is a very impressive Collector's Edition package that should show Half Life 2 how it's done.

The story mode on this game is no where near as good as that in halo 1. Most of the game you play as an elite which sucks big time, and there only about 3 good levels worth playing, the others are pants. The new weapons, dual-weilding and the rocket-launcher being able to lock on to enemy vehicles and turrets are very good additions. Another good factor is that during single player, if u enter the side seat of a vehicle, one of your team mates will drive you, if you don't feel like driving yourself. The graphics are also improved alot.
One thing i dont understand, is tat on posters advertising the game, it says 'Earth will never be the same...' and on the back of the collectors edition it says 'to protect the dearest prize of all, EARTH' yet you only play on earth for 2 levels. Whats up with that?
I would only suggest buying this if you are planning on playing it online with xbox live, or playing multiplayer with system link.

So the sequel to the original Halo. Well what a sequel it is. This is by far the best first person shooter on the XBOX to date and I doubt it will be bettered until XBOX 2 is released although the release of Doom 3 may give it a run for its money.

The graphics, gameplay and storyline are just superb and what you know and love from the original Halo is still here only its double the fun this time around!

Multi-Player is also back with XBOX Live compatibility and this just awesome.

Please go out and buy this! You will not regret it!

Master Chief is well and truly back!

In short, the game is put together very well. The graphics engine has had a slight tuning since Halo. The story line is average & the whole thing is over in a couple of days with a VERY sudden poor ending. Yes there are some great bits in the game but it looks like they rushed the ending when making it.

Xbox Live FPS fans will be dissapointed as this is a Fisher Price version of a FPS for kids. The live lobby or finding a game is unfriendly & once your in a game there is no structure, teamwork or stealth as seen in games such as the Rainbow 6 series. Options for adapting the game to your rules are very limited, for instance you cannot turn off the radar in Head to Head mode so all you end up doing is run around until you find the red dot on the radar. The best thing about Halo 2 is the web site where you can see your stats, for instance where abouts on the map you keep getting shot, who shot you etc & so on.

Let sleeping dogs lie, this game should not have been made as it had a huge mountain to climb to beat Halo. Halo has better impact & keeps you gripped from start to finish. Remember the first time you experienced the Flood.

You will find that this very short review is telling you as it is, next time you are in a games store, just look at how many second hand copies there are for sale, need I say more.

Where to start??
This is the best game in the history of gaming without a shadow of a doubt!! I was a diehard PS2 fan, until Halo converted me! Now with HALO 2 the PS2 is useless, anyone who does not own an XBOX buy one for this game!! Oh and get XBOX Live!

Now to the game! The campaign mode is.....a Holywood Blockbuster!! The story is phenomenal and moves at a pace to complement the gaming experience. Multiplayer on Live is the peak of online gaming and is reason enough to buy this game, what can I say without spoiling the story??

Oh yes, BUY THIS GAME!!!