Halo 2

[JustAGuy]

Fantastic game. Lived up to the hype... and more in my mind. The story was, by far, the crowning jewel this time around however. Which is amazing because the game mechanics were what made the original Halo great, and they actually vastly improved for the sequel. It was wonderfully written, had great voice acting, and was perhaps the most imaginative and epic story telling since PS:T. I started the game hoping for great Halo-style combat (the original's story was serviceable, but nothing fantastically great) and ended it eager to continue the storyline along. The story was just that good.

The updated vehicles were all distinct and fun to fight in/against (the scorpion tank is perhaps even more overpowered now in multiplayer) and the new "hijack" technique has provided for some fun moments. The levels all had their own distinct flair and were never boring or too frustrating. Running through city streets with a giant robotic walker overhead, battling your way through huge four-way battles, Banshee dogfights in a huge swirling storm, and so on. Every environment was a joy to battle through.

Perhaps my only complaint is the way the game ends. Without spoiling anything, the game basically ends without truly resolving the main conflict of the story. It was like walking into the Fellowship of the Ring without anyone telling you there were two more movies after it, or seeing Matrix Reloaded thinking it would end the Matrix saga. I litterally put down the controller, laid back waiting to enjoy the between-level cinematics (on a side note, most levels have at 2-3 extremely well-done mid-level cinematic cut scenes and the ingame chatter flows well and adds quite a bit to the game), and was treated to the credits instead. It was abrupt and unexpected, to say the least.

But that is neither here nor there I suppose. We all figured there would be a Halo 3 anyway considering how well both games have sold. I just wish they didn't leave me hanging like that <_<
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Yee haw! I beat it too. Finally found the time to finish it -- it probably took me about 20 hours to beat it. A lot of that time was spent replaying some areas just for the hell of it, though, as a lot of scenarios are just a ton of fun to play.

I tell ya, it sure was fun. All the way through.