Yep It is well worth the praise it has recieved from the press, like you need me to tell you that. The purpose of this review is simply to address one of the games I have neglected to review. Everyone has played this game already, everyone who needed a review to decide to buy it has already done so. It is a couple of years old. But maybe there are some who are deciding to spring for high speed internet for online gaming. Well not many, but in case there are any this review will prove somewhat beneficial. Plus it looks good for the archives.
Single player mode is like Halo 1 on steroids. If you enjoyed the first game, then the sequel will have your mouth watering. The graphics recieved a minor facelift, but, then again, this series has never been about graphics in the first place, but instead, gameplay. And boy is it present here. The new dual weapon feature is a great new way to play Halo. In a sense it has "evolved" combat eveolved. Sorry for the pun, but you get the picture.
Another major addition to the sequel is the story. The game actually has a good storyline this time around. It adresses many of the unanswered questions from the first game with fantastic voice acting and cutscenes. Very well done. The levels themselves are also masterfully crafted this time around. If you recall in my review of the first title, I was not too fond of the bland, overlapping, redundant level design. Not so here. It feels like a unique experience going through these levels, rather than a mundane task.
But here is the big addition, Online Play! This is what we wanted the first time around. This is the type of game that needs to be online to be fully appreciated. The amount of customization is amazing. From forming an online clan, to creating your own party that goes game to game with you, the online experience is fantastic. This game would recieve a 10 even if there was no single player campaign. Trust me, it is addicting. Do yourself a favor and get online!
Overall the game is great offline, but really breaks away from the pack with its online gameplay. Pick this puppy up along with a high speed connection and you just may never put in another game in your XBOX until madden comes out.
