'Halo 2 (2004)' picks up a little while after the events of 'Halo (2001)', introducing a couple of new key characters before kicking off the action again with an accidental Covenant invasion. It's worth noting that I played the anniversary edition as part of 'Halo: The Master Chief Collection (2014)', but that doesn't have a listing on IMDb so I'm reviewing this original version since the two games are only really separated by a new coat of paint. The piece adds a couple of new mechanics, such as the ability to dual-wield weapons and actually make use of the energy swords that the pesky elites use against you in the first title, and also delves deeper into the lore surrounding both the humans and the covenant. There are a few new weapons and vehicles, too. For the most part, however, the thing just feels like a slightly more mechanically refined version of its predecessor. That's not necessarily bad, since the prior title is so entertaining, but it does mean that the experience is a little bit predictable. The story is what sets it apart, really, as it focuses on a somewhat more nuanced conflict and explores the inner workings of the covenant. It's interesting and, for the most part, well done. One area in which it fails, though, is its ending. In fact, this is the biggest problem with the entire piece. It just sort of stops (apparently due to Bungie running out of budget), providing pretty much no sense of closure or, even, climax. This non-ending really dampens the experience as a whole, leaving things on a very sour note. Looking past that, though, the overall game is still very enjoyable. It also looks phenomenal in its anniversary mode, with its newly recreated cutscenes being a real highlight. Considering its age, it's no slouch in its original mode, either. I would've liked it to have a few more vehicle levels and to have actually had a proper ending, but it's a solid first-person shooter that's entertaining almost all the way through. 7/10.
Review of Halo 2
