Halo 2 Updated Fact Sheet

By: César A. Berardini - " Cesar"

What: Halo 2
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Bungie Studios
Format: DVD exclusive for the Xbox video game system; Xbox Live-enabled
Price: Standard Edition, $49.99 (U.S.) estimated retail price
Limited Collector’s Edition, $54.99 (U.S.) estimated retail price (details below)
ESRB Rating: M for Mature
Availability: Nov. 9, 2004
Preorder: Both the Standard and Limited Collector’s editions are available for preorder at select retailers.



The mission: Save Earth.

With the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance, he is the only thing standing between the Covenant juggernaut and the fate of humanity. Play as the Master Chief, the last of his kind, a warrior born for combat, bred for war.



The Last Hope: Master Chief, the last Spartan.

Having destroyed the vast and mysterious artifact known as Halo, Master Chief, a genetically altered, cybernetically enhanced Spartan supersoldier, must race back to Earth to halt the Covenant’s advance. Master Chief faces the Covenant onslaught equipped with his Mark VI MJOLNIR battle armor, the help of his artificial intelligence (AI) companion Cortana, and support from the last surviving human combat troops, ODSTs (Orbital Drop Shock Troopers) or “Hell Jumpers” and the “First to Fight” Marines.


The Enemy: The Covenant.

They' ve burned our planets, billions have perished. Controlling the Orion Arm of the Milky Way Galaxy, the technologically-advanced collective of alien species known as the Covenant has spent more than 30 years trying to wipe out humankind. Because their efforts have been so successful, and because few Covenant troops have ever been captured alive, little is known about their origins, society or motivations. Intercepted communications and battlefield reports indicate a caste-based society and religious underpinning to their genocidal campaign.


The Saga: The Covenant have reached Earth, and the final annihilation of mankind is at hand.

In the highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning “Halo: Combat Evolved” the action picks up where the first game ended. Master Chief, with the help of a small group of marines, has destroyed the religious artifact and artificial world known as " Halo," and is making his way back to Earth. There, he and the last surviving Earth forces, will mount a titanic final struggle against the marauding Covenant armada.

The battle hits home Nov. 9. Earth will never be the same.


The Gameplay:

* Single-player. Be the hero. Take on the Covenant on your own and live firsthand the epic saga of the Master Chief. Wield dual weapons. Use previously undiscovered Covenant arms. Drive vehicles and pilot aircraft. Battle intelligent enemy AI, and all-new alien opponents.

* Cooperative play. Team up with a friend and together save humankind.

* Xbox Live multiplayer. Take gameplay to a new level.


o Improving upon the original “Halo,” “Halo 2” will be Xbox Live-enabled, allowing up to 16 gamers to play against people around the world.

o “Halo 2” will redefine the social experience of online gaming. New technology will allow groups of friends to stick together, find games and meet new opponents.

o Players can split into multiple teams, form clans or go head to head against new friends or old enemies.

o Players can personalize Covenant Elite or Human Spartan armor with custom colors and emblems to enhance battlefield recognition.

o Players can visit Bungie.net for additional game enhancements, including in-depth statistics and worldwide rankings.

The Technology:

* Superior graphics, cinematic excellence. Vast, imaginative environments, detailed animation and realistic lighting effects bring the world of “Halo 2” to life.

* Improved AI. Fight side by side with fellow human survivors who will react quickly and naturally to events and circumstances; they’ll help you when needed, man guns and even drive vehicles for you. No two games will seem the same as enemy attackers coordinate, triangulate and annihilate. They’ll duck to take cover, clamber over obstacles or smash their way through debris to reach you.

* Fully positional Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Duck as a rocket sizzles over your head. Take action as a Covenant Elite growls behind you. Every sound in “Halo 2” is fully positional, bringing the world of “Halo 2” to an even more vivid level of realism.

Limited Collector’s Edition: Available while supplies last, the Limited Collector’s Edition includes a copy of “Halo 2” in a shiny, metal DVD box. In addition to the game, the exclusive two-DVD set includes the following content:

* The Making of Halo 2: Behind the Scenes of Bungie Studios
* Featurettes on game design, animation, music and more
* Deleted scenes and outtakes
* Art gallery including both concept and game art
* Commentary from the development team

The Limited Collector’s Edition will be available for a limited time at all retailers where “Halo 2” is sold.