Official Halo 2 Thread
- Thread starter LukeSmith
- Start date
The Prophets blame the Elites for the loss of the first Halo.
Tartarus turns up at the end of the Heretic mission to collect the Oracle and take credit for The Arbiter's accomplishment.
The Elites have proven unworthy, while the Brutes are "worthy" since they get the credit for leading the Prophets to the new Halo(s). So they replace the Elites.
Tartarus turns up at the end of the Heretic mission to collect the Oracle and take credit for The Arbiter's accomplishment.
The Elites have proven unworthy, while the Brutes are "worthy" since they get the credit for leading the Prophets to the new Halo(s). So they replace the Elites.
border said:
Yeah, but Tartarus says he did it under orders from the Prophets. So they must have planned to screw the elites from the beginning.
I also would like to know how the Jackels, other Elites and Hunters learned of this and turned on the prophets. All I can remember is MC walking down that hall and all of a sudden they all turn o neach other
I also would like to know how the Jackels, other Elites and Hunters learned of this and turned on the prophets. All I can remember is MC walking down that hall and all of a sudden they all turn o neach other
Tartarus says that he is killing The Arbiter by order of the Prophets just after he steals the Index....which is at least 1-2 stages after he first returns Guilty Spark/The Oracle, and well after he has already led them to the Delta Halo.
Jackals and Grunts turn on the Prophets because they don't like the idea of a new Brute regime either (so I assume).
Jackals and Grunts turn on the Prophets because they don't like the idea of a new Brute regime either (so I assume).
My brief impressions so far (currently in Chapter 11):
HALO 2 LET ME TOUCH YOU!
I love love love the story, but I love the way they present it and how they develop the characters in a subtle manner. The vistas... omg... gorgeous panoramas and architecture. This is one of the most impressive, if not the most impressive game, from a scope perspective. It just screams EPIC EPIC EPIC, and I love it.
It's not perfect, but the overall feeling you get from the game is just so encompassing and fulfilling that the flaws become really minor and certainly forgivable details.
Overall I'm having an absolute great experience with this game. If it continues this way, it will take the top spot on my favorite games' list.
HALO 2 LET ME TOUCH YOU!
I love love love the story, but I love the way they present it and how they develop the characters in a subtle manner. The vistas... omg... gorgeous panoramas and architecture. This is one of the most impressive, if not the most impressive game, from a scope perspective. It just screams EPIC EPIC EPIC, and I love it.
It's not perfect, but the overall feeling you get from the game is just so encompassing and fulfilling that the flaws become really minor and certainly forgivable details.
Overall I'm having an absolute great experience with this game. If it continues this way, it will take the top spot on my favorite games' list.
how the hell can anyone hate on the battle rifle?
it takes some getting used to, buts its extremley helpful is you want acurate head shots. Also discovered an awesome dual weilding combo. Plasma + magnum = ownage
Charge the plasma and let it loose as soon as it hits your target then fill him up with magnum bullets. I mowed down the prophets "protectors" in no time
it takes some getting used to, buts its extremley helpful is you want acurate head shots. Also discovered an awesome dual weilding combo. Plasma + magnum = ownage
Charge the plasma and let it loose as soon as it hits your target then fill him up with magnum bullets. I mowed down the prophets "protectors" in no time
Not really. I queue up a list and order it by ping, but to say that the map and game type are not a factor is silly. I always pick a map I like, with the game type I like, with the lowest possible ping.....I really don't wanna get stuck playing games I don't care for (Assault, team-oriented games).m0dus said:
XboxGamers
Member
Only played about 1 1/2 hr of single player but having a blast on Live! 
DjangoReinhardt
Thinks he should have been the one to kill Batman's parents.
I do think that the Campaign has been improved over the original, if not as much as I would've liked (or Bungie had intimated). At an absolute minimum, they have delivered more big battles than the first with a greater sense of immersion. I'm still on the fence about the story; however, the
was an excellent idea - even if the story is terrible, the game is plenty fun.
The multiplayer is predictably terrific. There seems to be enough variety to the size and design of the maps so games can be tailored to the number of players without becoming repetitive, which is great given the sheer number of effective ways to shame your friends.
Weapon balance feels spot-on: it allows for players to play the game the way they want and not be at a disadvantage.
Live is excellent as well, though I suspect it will take some time to fully judge the success of its implementation. I am still wary of how much matching takes place behind the scenes, and hope that it will be a sacrifice for the better. So far, so good. And I'll add to the chorus: NO LAG
It's not revolutionary by any means - it's damn fun, nonetheless.
Arbiter level
The multiplayer is predictably terrific. There seems to be enough variety to the size and design of the maps so games can be tailored to the number of players without becoming repetitive, which is great given the sheer number of effective ways to shame your friends.
Weapon balance feels spot-on: it allows for players to play the game the way they want and not be at a disadvantage.Live is excellent as well, though I suspect it will take some time to fully judge the success of its implementation. I am still wary of how much matching takes place behind the scenes, and hope that it will be a sacrifice for the better. So far, so good. And I'll add to the chorus: NO LAG
It's not revolutionary by any means - it's damn fun, nonetheless.
Mike Works
Member
Mike Works' Halo 2 Impressions
Just bought and beat the game today. I was playing on Normal, and beat the game inbetween 5-6 hours, which is surprising, as I normally take longer to complete games than the average person. I only played 1 multiplayer match (still can't find my fucking headset), so I can't really comment on that. As for the game itself;
Graphics: Impressive and underwhelming, depending on what you look at. On one hand, the graphical glitches are quite adamant, which is surprising, given Bungie's technical prowess. It basically boils down to their LOD engine, or at least in that realm of things. During cutscenes, you'll often see a second or two where the character model(s) which are up close and focused on will be the low grade models. For the unfamiliar, if you've played any of the GTA's, and you're driving really fast, and you drive up to or next to a building, and it's all blurry for a second or two, and then the detail fades in? That's what happens a lot in the cutscenes.
As previously mentioned in this thread, it's apparently there to eliminate loading, and it's true that there is no loading inbetween levels- or at least no prominent stuff like Halo 1. The other problem is the LOD on dead enemies. It switches much too soon, and often makes the model look like it's still moving (and no, I'm not attributing the jerking/ragdoll to this situation). Personally, if possible, I would've preferred they had an extra second of loading even if it was just a black screen, to mask those cutscene glitches. There are also times where you'll open a door and certain things in the next room won't be rendered-there, such as floors, for a second or two. It's just weird, since Halo 1 didn't have either of these problems.
The enemies look terrific though. The humans don't look as good, as the amount of bump mapping and contrast of shadows blends in much better with the purples of the aliens skin than that of human. The lighting is terrific too, as you'll see a huge improvement over, say, a warthog gunner going nuts in a dark corridor, compared to the original. There are some minor visual quips one can render (some of the rocket explosions come off in a "box" effect, it's pretty strange), and there are some blurry and re-used textures (which is fine, considering you're dealing with the same architecture seen in the first game), but as a whole, the visual package is great. I'm being tough on the game, since it's Halo fucking 2, and the original blew us all away in many regards. Is it the best looking XBox game? Probably. One could make arguments using Riddick or Conker. It's just hard to make a discernable conclusion thanks to the handful of odd graphical flaws.
Everything Else: You don't care, you're posting at Gaming-Age.
Just bought and beat the game today. I was playing on Normal, and beat the game inbetween 5-6 hours, which is surprising, as I normally take longer to complete games than the average person. I only played 1 multiplayer match (still can't find my fucking headset), so I can't really comment on that. As for the game itself;
Graphics: Impressive and underwhelming, depending on what you look at. On one hand, the graphical glitches are quite adamant, which is surprising, given Bungie's technical prowess. It basically boils down to their LOD engine, or at least in that realm of things. During cutscenes, you'll often see a second or two where the character model(s) which are up close and focused on will be the low grade models. For the unfamiliar, if you've played any of the GTA's, and you're driving really fast, and you drive up to or next to a building, and it's all blurry for a second or two, and then the detail fades in? That's what happens a lot in the cutscenes.
As previously mentioned in this thread, it's apparently there to eliminate loading, and it's true that there is no loading inbetween levels- or at least no prominent stuff like Halo 1. The other problem is the LOD on dead enemies. It switches much too soon, and often makes the model look like it's still moving (and no, I'm not attributing the jerking/ragdoll to this situation). Personally, if possible, I would've preferred they had an extra second of loading even if it was just a black screen, to mask those cutscene glitches. There are also times where you'll open a door and certain things in the next room won't be rendered-there, such as floors, for a second or two. It's just weird, since Halo 1 didn't have either of these problems.
The enemies look terrific though. The humans don't look as good, as the amount of bump mapping and contrast of shadows blends in much better with the purples of the aliens skin than that of human. The lighting is terrific too, as you'll see a huge improvement over, say, a warthog gunner going nuts in a dark corridor, compared to the original. There are some minor visual quips one can render (some of the rocket explosions come off in a "box" effect, it's pretty strange), and there are some blurry and re-used textures (which is fine, considering you're dealing with the same architecture seen in the first game), but as a whole, the visual package is great. I'm being tough on the game, since it's Halo fucking 2, and the original blew us all away in many regards. Is it the best looking XBox game? Probably. One could make arguments using Riddick or Conker. It's just hard to make a discernable conclusion thanks to the handful of odd graphical flaws.
Everything Else: You don't care, you're posting at Gaming-Age.
Anyanka said:
Levels feel a lot bigger to me, level 4 was huge. Complaint about not enough enemies is weired. I think there's plenty of different types, the new addition of those flies are brilliant. The way they just pop out and start swarming you, taking them out in mid air is very, very satisfying.
The hunters are much better this time round too, much more agressive. And the AI is so challenging and unpredictable making the gunplay incredibly fun. So enemies dont really matter, i just love taking them out in different ways, using the environment to my advatage and experimenting with different weapons.
Im constantly thinking BRING IT ON!
After playing for a while I realize the lobby system really is screwed up. There's absolutely no reason I shouldn't be able to filter for a specific map or gametype, especially when in matched games you can't just continue playing after a match is over. Why in the name of god did they do it this way? It's just so fucking stupid.
captainbiotch
Banned
Played to the tank section on the second level twice, once co-op, the second time by myself. A few comments:
The weapons and aiming are SOooooOOoo much better. The first Halo was only good for a co-op playthrough for me, but I can see myself really getting into this game thanks to these changes.
The battle rifle is KEY for taking out long range enemies and grunts. I really prefer cartridge weapons over plasma weapons, and I'm happy there are some good guns to choose from in this game. The SMG is alright, I'm more pleased that they added recoil and more realistic behavior to the weapon.
The plasma sword is wicked. I tossed a grenade around a corner and charged in, and took out 6 grunts and two elites in seconds, sickest gaming moment ever(I have a feeling I'm gonna I'm gonna have more). I was so depressed when it ran out of energy. :lol
The Starship Troopers book/movie touches are awesome. The single soldier pods falling from the sky, bug swarms, bla... every scene is just so damn cool.
I hate the pop in(only negative I have so far, but its very apparent). The cutscenes are still beautiful. Bungie pulls a Perfect Dark =(
I want one of those mouse/keyboard adapters. This game needs a perfect PC port!
Halo2 is awesome... time to get some sleep.
The weapons and aiming are SOooooOOoo much better. The first Halo was only good for a co-op playthrough for me, but I can see myself really getting into this game thanks to these changes.
The battle rifle is KEY for taking out long range enemies and grunts. I really prefer cartridge weapons over plasma weapons, and I'm happy there are some good guns to choose from in this game. The SMG is alright, I'm more pleased that they added recoil and more realistic behavior to the weapon.
The plasma sword is wicked. I tossed a grenade around a corner and charged in, and took out 6 grunts and two elites in seconds, sickest gaming moment ever(I have a feeling I'm gonna I'm gonna have more). I was so depressed when it ran out of energy. :lol
The Starship Troopers book/movie touches are awesome. The single soldier pods falling from the sky, bug swarms, bla... every scene is just so damn cool.
I hate the pop in(only negative I have so far, but its very apparent). The cutscenes are still beautiful. Bungie pulls a Perfect Dark =(
I want one of those mouse/keyboard adapters. This game needs a perfect PC port!
Halo2 is awesome... time to get some sleep.
Mike Works
Member
Random Notes:
MULTIPLAYER ROCKS HARD. I never played multiplayer in Halo 1, didn't like it. Online just makes it ten fucking million times better (which is impressive, as online usually only creates a multiplier of one million).
End Spoiler Questions:
It's okay to answer "unknown" to any of those questions if need be.
One more thing;
Oh, and is there a GA Clan?
MULTIPLAYER ROCKS HARD. I never played multiplayer in Halo 1, didn't like it. Online just makes it ten fucking million times better (which is impressive, as online usually only creates a multiplier of one million).
End Spoiler Questions:
1) So did Cortana just betray (or begin to) Earth in the cutscene after the credits? I know she's sassy and all, but she didn't exactly sound resistant to Audrey.
2) What the fuck is that plant thing? People say he controls the flood... does he control ALL of them on EVERY Halo ring, or is there one of him on every ring? How did he teleport Master Chief and Tortured Guy?
3) Does the main prophet guy, the one who ended up surviving, KNOW that the Halo's will destroy all life? Is it his believe that the Halo "clensing" will send him to heaven? Or is he unaware of their power? Or just a madman in a high position?
4) Why did the Jackals team up on the "bad" side? I always figured they were of the same race- or at least close descendants- of the elites? No matter, as all the cool enemies ended up being on the "good" side of the revolt.
5) Just to perfectly clarify, what was the title that the tortured elite was given? I'm not looking for the official name, but what was he? Initially I thought he was going to be a pawn leader of the resistance, or at least infiltrate by joining them and being a spy, but it turned out he was the leader of the resistance to the resistance, if you will, so I was in the wrong mindset watching the cutscene explaining it. Was his "title" that of glory (you will be killed, but remembered as a hero), or an embarassing one?
2) What the fuck is that plant thing? People say he controls the flood... does he control ALL of them on EVERY Halo ring, or is there one of him on every ring? How did he teleport Master Chief and Tortured Guy?
3) Does the main prophet guy, the one who ended up surviving, KNOW that the Halo's will destroy all life? Is it his believe that the Halo "clensing" will send him to heaven? Or is he unaware of their power? Or just a madman in a high position?
4) Why did the Jackals team up on the "bad" side? I always figured they were of the same race- or at least close descendants- of the elites? No matter, as all the cool enemies ended up being on the "good" side of the revolt.
5) Just to perfectly clarify, what was the title that the tortured elite was given? I'm not looking for the official name, but what was he? Initially I thought he was going to be a pawn leader of the resistance, or at least infiltrate by joining them and being a spy, but it turned out he was the leader of the resistance to the resistance, if you will, so I was in the wrong mindset watching the cutscene explaining it. Was his "title" that of glory (you will be killed, but remembered as a hero), or an embarassing one?
It's okay to answer "unknown" to any of those questions if need be.
One more thing;
Punching that guy in the face was one of the greatest things the XBox controller has ever allowed me to do.
Oh, and is there a GA Clan?
eso76
Member
i'm not really liking the multiplayer thus far.
I thought it was just a matter of getting used to, but after a good 8 hours i still don't feel like i have everything under control like i did in halo.
The first person view feels slightly 'narrowed' and gives quite a claustrophobic feeling compared to halo 1 (split screen especially)
Coupled with the fact maps are a lot larger and more complex, both in structure and graphic detail, it makes the game slightly messier.
It's obviously not as suited for 2 vs 2 split screen, system link battles; as mentioned earlier, they certainly focused on live and larger scale battles; for small lan parties, i don't find it as fun as the original halo, unfortunately.
Weapons don't give the same 'solid' feeling, not to mention the shorter ranged, dumbed down melee attack...
We'll probably keep going back to halo often i'm afraid.
Loving the single player, though
I thought it was just a matter of getting used to, but after a good 8 hours i still don't feel like i have everything under control like i did in halo.
The first person view feels slightly 'narrowed' and gives quite a claustrophobic feeling compared to halo 1 (split screen especially)
Coupled with the fact maps are a lot larger and more complex, both in structure and graphic detail, it makes the game slightly messier.
It's obviously not as suited for 2 vs 2 split screen, system link battles; as mentioned earlier, they certainly focused on live and larger scale battles; for small lan parties, i don't find it as fun as the original halo, unfortunately.
Weapons don't give the same 'solid' feeling, not to mention the shorter ranged, dumbed down melee attack...
We'll probably keep going back to halo often i'm afraid.
Loving the single player, though
Mike Works said:
1) Dont think so, the whole hand movement suggested that the flood guy was going to infect her somehow so she just decided to co-operate, i didnt really notice anything else to suggest betrayal.
2) He was definitely flood (you can tell because he had the prophet of reget in him at one point, i would guess hes the equivilent of the alien queen (he creates infection forms which infect people/aliens etc etc) so theres probably one on each Halo, you just never got flung to the bottom of the ocean in Halo so you never met him. I guess he could be the result of flood evolution or something like that. He injested one of the Guilty sparks (his name was different, but you saw him in a cutscene, which is how he is able to use the rings technology to teleport people.
3) The prophets said they had aquired information of the oracle after one mission, so maybe truth does know whats going to happen, like the brutes though, his faith is probably powerful enough to make him think the destruction of the galaxy is his ticket to the great journey. (I have a personal opinion that he's actually correct in that assumption, but thats just my thinking)
4) There probably is a story reason that will come out sooner or later, but it was probably just gameplay reasons, so you fight something other than rooms full of brutes
5) He's known as the arbiter, "One chosen or appointed to judge or decide a disputed issue; an arbitrator" in the english language, in the Covenant he's a leader for the troops in a time of crisis, i guess mainly he's a religious figure (eventually a martyr) to unify and motivate the troops against the rebellion, his creation cutscene lists some of the other tasks arbiters have faced such as the grunt rebellion and the taming of the hunters
I guess you could probably answer Unknown to all those questions, but thats my interpretation
2) He was definitely flood (you can tell because he had the prophet of reget in him at one point, i would guess hes the equivilent of the alien queen (he creates infection forms which infect people/aliens etc etc) so theres probably one on each Halo, you just never got flung to the bottom of the ocean in Halo so you never met him. I guess he could be the result of flood evolution or something like that. He injested one of the Guilty sparks (his name was different, but you saw him in a cutscene, which is how he is able to use the rings technology to teleport people.
3) The prophets said they had aquired information of the oracle after one mission, so maybe truth does know whats going to happen, like the brutes though, his faith is probably powerful enough to make him think the destruction of the galaxy is his ticket to the great journey. (I have a personal opinion that he's actually correct in that assumption, but thats just my thinking)
4) There probably is a story reason that will come out sooner or later, but it was probably just gameplay reasons, so you fight something other than rooms full of brutes
5) He's known as the arbiter, "One chosen or appointed to judge or decide a disputed issue; an arbitrator" in the english language, in the Covenant he's a leader for the troops in a time of crisis, i guess mainly he's a religious figure (eventually a martyr) to unify and motivate the troops against the rebellion, his creation cutscene lists some of the other tasks arbiters have faced such as the grunt rebellion and the taming of the hunters
I guess you could probably answer Unknown to all those questions, but thats my interpretation
Theres a stickied thread in the online forum for the clan.
Mike Works
Member
5) But why would you publically humiliate, ridicule, torture, and nearly execute someone, only to turn around and have them lead an uber important resistance force? Even if it was just to give the luxury of killing him off after he's done your bidding, I don't understand the reasoning.
Thanks for the Audrey answer though, that makes a lot of sense to me now as to why the prophet was absorbed, and especially how he was able to teleport the two characters.
I still think that Cortana is going to betray the human race.
Thanks for the Audrey answer though, that makes a lot of sense to me now as to why the prophet was absorbed, and especially how he was able to teleport the two characters.
I still think that Cortana is going to betray the human race.
I'm just a few hours in (You break it, you buy it).
I hope they got that shit out of the way early, but I'm probably way wrong. 
On the graphics side, anyone else notice the really shaky cutscene models? :\ I'm hating the skin in this game too. Looks like everyone's made of bumpy plastic; especially the older folks.
I like the shit talking the AI does, but why the hell do the soldiers change accents every other line? I'll be all alone with one guy and he's ranging from Johnny England to Miguel. Other than that and the fact that everyone talks through their teeth, the voice acting is decent to great. I love how the got Keith David in.
Every Sgt Johnson moment is hillarious.
Anyway, Gamer Tag = r0rschach
Hope to be online tomorrow after some more single player playtime.
In other words, I just spent hours reliving the last level from Halo 1 and sitting in elevators with flood -_-
On the graphics side, anyone else notice the really shaky cutscene models? :\ I'm hating the skin in this game too. Looks like everyone's made of bumpy plastic; especially the older folks.
I like the shit talking the AI does, but why the hell do the soldiers change accents every other line? I'll be all alone with one guy and he's ranging from Johnny England to Miguel. Other than that and the fact that everyone talks through their teeth, the voice acting is decent to great. I love how the got Keith David in.
Every Sgt Johnson moment is hillarious.
Anyway, Gamer Tag = r0rschach
Hope to be online tomorrow after some more single player playtime.
Mike Works said:
Well they tortured him as punishment for letting Halo get destroyed, i dont think an arbiter has ever lived very long, so rather than have him executed truth was probably hoping that he would die fighting the rebels (and somehow advance his own cause to kick the elites out of the sacred guard gig).
but i agree, i dont understand why it had to be this one elite, who already proved he was a royal screw up, surely they could have picked anyone to be the arbiter, maybe that was just their way of linking the stories together
but i agree, i dont understand why it had to be this one elite, who already proved he was a royal screw up, surely they could have picked anyone to be the arbiter, maybe that was just their way of linking the stories together
dskillzhtown
keep your strippers out of my American football
bishoptl said:
We are pretty much in the same boat there. More often I can't shoot anything to save my life, but every few games I am Doc "freakin'" Holliday. Maybe as I get used to the game I will get better, but probably not.
Hey, anyone here play Halo 2 online without a headset? I'm thinking about signing up with the free 2 month card, but I don't have a headset, is it actually all that crucial? I know in Socom 2 I'd rather not talk to most of the other players.
It'd be a temporary ('bout one month) lack of voice com. by the way, not planning on playing all that long without a headset.
It'd be a temporary ('bout one month) lack of voice com. by the way, not planning on playing all that long without a headset.
dskillzhtown said:
I know how you guys feel. On the PC Halo I am one of the best players at CTF and killing people, but on Halo2 it's like I am the worst player ever! I am going to play with the keyboard and mouse adapter tonight to see how much of a difference it makes; if it doesnt make a huge difference I will wait for the PC version of Halo2.
MightyHedgehog
Member
Team goal games, such as CTF, Assault, and such will lose a layer of communication without a headset...but everything else will be the same...without the ability for you to smack-talk, of course.
WhippinSean
Banned
Anybody figure out how to play Halo 2 on live, like how to have a quickmatch or see a list in the optimatch menu?
Because the only way for me to play on live is to get invited or make my own room...
This is the stupidest thing I have ever seen!
All I wanted was to be able to pick a room and play, just like Rainbow Six 3 and any other Xbox Live game!
Because the only way for me to play on live is to get invited or make my own room...
This is the stupidest thing I have ever seen!
All I wanted was to be able to pick a room and play, just like Rainbow Six 3 and any other Xbox Live game!
Those IGN fuckers can suck my ass. Here's what it comes down to; if I feel like playing a big game of CTF on Zanzibar, but I don't feel like sending out a ton of invites and waiting around for people to show up, I have no choice but to take my chances on a matched-up game.
It's not so bad as I can still choose "Big Team Battle" from the playlist, but that still encompasses several maps and gamemodes. Nothing sucks more than waiting five minutes to find a game only for it to be territorial control and be over in a minute.
I understand they're worried about stat whores, but the lack of accomodation is really over the top. I mean, all they needed to do was add more specific optimatch playlists like "Big Team CTF Zanzibar" or what have you and noone would be complaining (at least I wouldn't) because they'd be able to play what they want.
Late Stage Marxist
Member
Bought it last night and played Team Slaughter for 2 hours straight.
Single player is OK, but multiplayer is THE SHIT! I never got the opportunity to play Halo 1 with more than a couple people, and now I know what I was missing. I can't really put my finger on it, but the game just feels right. Kind of like Goldeneye split-screen did all those years ago.
Single player is OK, but multiplayer is THE SHIT! I never got the opportunity to play Halo 1 with more than a couple people, and now I know what I was missing. I can't really put my finger on it, but the game just feels right. Kind of like Goldeneye split-screen did all those years ago.
http://insider.ign.com/videos/articles/564/564906p1.html
multiplayer video interview with Bungies Pete Parson
multiplayer video interview with Bungies Pete Parson
WhippinSean
Banned
WTF? Start your own game and it will all be good? Well of course nobody is going to join my game either if they can't see it in a list of other games. I swear, I sat there in my own game waiting.
What the hell are guys supposed to do who just bought an Xbox and don't have a friend list... just sit there in their own game? I mean really!
What the hell are guys supposed to do who just bought an Xbox and don't have a friend list... just sit there in their own game? I mean really!
I had a blast with the game yesterday. Xbox live play is really incredible, and I'm suprised how well it worked for the first day. I didn't play much of the single player,(probably only an hour) but I definitely noticed the pop up textures that everyone is talking about. It doesn't really matter to me, but it is kind of a WTF?
Other than that though, the online game is awesome. I'm kinda liking the proximity chat. I've had a few CTF games where i've been guarding the base, and all of a sudden heard the other team strategizing, meaning they must be close. Very cool.
Another thing, the bonus disc that comes with the special edition sucks.
questions about the chat.
I talk into the mike without pressing a button = people near me can hear, team doesn't matter?
I press the white button = only my teamates, wherever they are, will hear me?
Other than that though, the online game is awesome. I'm kinda liking the proximity chat. I've had a few CTF games where i've been guarding the base, and all of a sudden heard the other team strategizing, meaning they must be close. Very cool.
Another thing, the bonus disc that comes with the special edition sucks.
questions about the chat.
I talk into the mike without pressing a button = people near me can hear, team doesn't matter?
I press the white button = only my teamates, wherever they are, will hear me?
The level design in the campaign is for the most part incredible so far. Love the earth levels.
Question from the start of the middle of the game:
But I wish there was alot more of them!
Question from the start of the middle of the game:
Is the covenant energy sword the best way to deal with the flood. I've been one hit killing them with it. It works great, much better than the shot gun from Halo.
Hitler Stole My Potato
Banned
I just finished for the first time...on heroic even....and I gotta say that it was a blast. Obviously we're going to see another Halo the way it ends. It reminded me of the ending to Soul Reaver....very episodic. I haven't even touched multiplayer yet.
Alright here are my impressions, after one play through on normal.
The good...
Visuals are incredible. From the skies to the architecture, top notch stuff, both technologically and artistically. As people have said, the engine just seems more polished than Halo's, but the sheer scale of the levels blows it away. The models for weapons, allies and enemies is amazing, and the superb animation just adds to this. Effects are drastically improved, and the lighting seems a little bit better than Halo, that was pretty good to begin with though. I think the best part of the visual package is the engine is smooth as butter 99% of the time. The only slowdown Ive noticed is during cinematics.
The AI is again most impressive, there are a few dumb bugs though this time, Ill get into that later. Every encounter that I died at, played out differently the next try, great stuff. As with Halo this will just add to its replayability.
All the covenant have new tricks now, sniper jackals can be a pita. The drones are fun, though you dont see that many. Hunters will really beat the shit out of your allies this time, and that behind the back slam really surprised me. Elites are elites, just improved a bit. The brutes though, they really make the later levels a blast for me, and a huge challenge. My heart was pounding during the level you encounter them, I died so many times, and had to really change strategy.
Anyways we all knew that would be standard, I think what has really been improved for me is the choices to make with weaponry. Lets just forget duel weilding for a minute, your still left with huge choices, almost too many, I think the energy sword is what really added to this. It kicks ass, its something you always want as a backup, however it comes with consequences. It uses battery fast against covenant, but what really gets me is you only have one weapon now. I love it, I find myself constantly debating to drop the sword for a sniper weapon, or a brute shot. So just with the addition of this sword, it changes up your strategy drastically, but thats just the beginning.
Duel weilding is a pretty cool idea, and is implemented well. I didnt use it all that much, just cause I love 'nades and melee, but it does add alot to the game. First off its just fun to do it, and cut through covenant, well untill you gotta reload. You can also do it without problems untill some of the later levels, pretty much untill you encounter brutes. Its no big deal to drop grenades and melee for standard covenant, but damn did things change for me when the brutes are introduced. Honestly I didnt spend too much time with it, just more reason to play through again. There is also just a ton of choices to be made with weapons, if the sword and duel weild wasnt enough. I also almost forgot about equiping your allies, yet another layer.
Now the negative...
Cinematic glitches, doesnt really hurt the gameplay, but it is a big WTF?
AI glitches this time around. Elites use cover, but also seem to think theyre safe when your pointing a shotgun to their head. This doesnt occur alot but as flawless as Halo's AI was its another WTF?
The lunge as you melee sometimes was weird. I missed alot of times just cause I wasnt sure if I was gonna lunge, or just standard melee, has to do with distance I guess. Also the brute shot melee is about impossible to land on a grunt or jackal, I even missed elites alot.
The flood still suck, they just are not fun to fight.
Just as the game gets much more challenging and fun......it fucking ends....ugh
"someone" obviously wanted some of the game cut for a sequel, it sucks.
Overall this shit was a blast, certainly lived up to my expectations, and I havnt even touched multiplayer (cant wait for coop today).
The good...
Visuals are incredible. From the skies to the architecture, top notch stuff, both technologically and artistically. As people have said, the engine just seems more polished than Halo's, but the sheer scale of the levels blows it away. The models for weapons, allies and enemies is amazing, and the superb animation just adds to this. Effects are drastically improved, and the lighting seems a little bit better than Halo, that was pretty good to begin with though. I think the best part of the visual package is the engine is smooth as butter 99% of the time. The only slowdown Ive noticed is during cinematics.
The AI is again most impressive, there are a few dumb bugs though this time, Ill get into that later. Every encounter that I died at, played out differently the next try, great stuff. As with Halo this will just add to its replayability.
All the covenant have new tricks now, sniper jackals can be a pita. The drones are fun, though you dont see that many. Hunters will really beat the shit out of your allies this time, and that behind the back slam really surprised me. Elites are elites, just improved a bit. The brutes though, they really make the later levels a blast for me, and a huge challenge. My heart was pounding during the level you encounter them, I died so many times, and had to really change strategy.
Anyways we all knew that would be standard, I think what has really been improved for me is the choices to make with weaponry. Lets just forget duel weilding for a minute, your still left with huge choices, almost too many, I think the energy sword is what really added to this. It kicks ass, its something you always want as a backup, however it comes with consequences. It uses battery fast against covenant, but what really gets me is you only have one weapon now. I love it, I find myself constantly debating to drop the sword for a sniper weapon, or a brute shot. So just with the addition of this sword, it changes up your strategy drastically, but thats just the beginning.
Duel weilding is a pretty cool idea, and is implemented well. I didnt use it all that much, just cause I love 'nades and melee, but it does add alot to the game. First off its just fun to do it, and cut through covenant, well untill you gotta reload. You can also do it without problems untill some of the later levels, pretty much untill you encounter brutes. Its no big deal to drop grenades and melee for standard covenant, but damn did things change for me when the brutes are introduced. Honestly I didnt spend too much time with it, just more reason to play through again. There is also just a ton of choices to be made with weapons, if the sword and duel weild wasnt enough. I also almost forgot about equiping your allies, yet another layer.
Now the negative...
Cinematic glitches, doesnt really hurt the gameplay, but it is a big WTF?
AI glitches this time around. Elites use cover, but also seem to think theyre safe when your pointing a shotgun to their head. This doesnt occur alot but as flawless as Halo's AI was its another WTF?
The lunge as you melee sometimes was weird. I missed alot of times just cause I wasnt sure if I was gonna lunge, or just standard melee, has to do with distance I guess. Also the brute shot melee is about impossible to land on a grunt or jackal, I even missed elites alot.
The flood still suck, they just are not fun to fight.
Just as the game gets much more challenging and fun......it fucking ends....ugh
"someone" obviously wanted some of the game cut for a sequel, it sucks.
Overall this shit was a blast, certainly lived up to my expectations, and I havnt even touched multiplayer (cant wait for coop today).
Was there any explanation as to why the flood were kept around that I missed? In the first game 343 GS says they were kept and studied so the forerunner could survive (which gives me the impression they could work like medical leeches or something) but if they spread too much they'd have to activate the halos. Now it seems like (as other people have agreed) the Forerunner got the flood under control, and then wiped themselves out for no logical reason. So not only was the reason for the flood being kept around not really explained, but why the hell would you bother to contain a threat and then cause mass extinction? It would be like somebody surviving cancer and then shooting themself in the head.
Mooreberg said:
The Flood was contained in HALO just to keep them locked up, and to be studied(possibly to find a way to eliminate it completely). I don't recall them using the Flood to survive.
What confuses me, is that if the Flood could be starved to death by removing all sentient life in the galaxy, what of the Flood that were contained in the Halo installations all that time? If there was no threat of the Flood that were obviously let loose outside of the Halo installations, and were starved to death through use of the Halos long ago, how would the others still be alive and threatening?
I don't think the Forerunner ever did get the Flood problem completely under control when they first used the Halos. They probably contained what they could, then the threat grew so large before they could thoroughly study the parasitic lifeform, and they were then forced to activate the Halos.
What confuses me, is that if the Flood could be starved to death by removing all sentient life in the galaxy, what of the Flood that were contained in the Halo installations all that time? If there was no threat of the Flood that were obviously let loose outside of the Halo installations, and were starved to death through use of the Halos long ago, how would the others still be alive and threatening?
I don't think the Forerunner ever did get the Flood problem completely under control when they first used the Halos. They probably contained what they could, then the threat grew so large before they could thoroughly study the parasitic lifeform, and they were then forced to activate the Halos.