Over the past three years since its release, Halo has been the most popular, most talked about, and quite simply, best game on the Xbox.  Gamers have suffered, begged, dreamt about the day they would finally get their hands on the follow-up.  Gamers rejoice-that day is here.  No doubt, Halo 2 is the most widely anticipated game ever.

Bungie has had three years to work on the sequel, and I am proud to say, they haven't wasted that time.  The game takes place in a variety of huge levels, four times the size of Halo.  You will find yourself killing the Covenant in the Snow, on a beach, in a forest, or in those wonderful ol' dark corridors. 

However, while the levels are wonderful, they can get confusing.  After fighting, you may find yourself confused on which door to open or which corridor to go down.  In Halo we saw arrows guiding us, in Halo 2, we don't see nearly as many. 

The average gamer will be thrilled to find themselves playing Halo 2 for about 15 hours and 15 levels before seeing it's, not so satisfying end. 

On the good side, the storyline is incredible, even if you don't like the ending.  I won't tell you what happens, but there has been a huge expansion in the story and events that take place.  This game will keep you interested, trust me.

Gamers will also be happy to note that the cut scenes were excellently directed and produced.  It is because of these cut scenes though that you will become addicted.  Each scene leaves you demanding answers to your questions.  You will be pushed on to try to find those answers for hours and hours.  Also, these cut-scenes make load times seem non-existent almost.  This is definitely a great way to streamline the game.

If you have read this far and still can't really tell how good the game actually is, put it this way, the game is far better than the first.  Every single aspect of Halo has been improved and expanded to an extremely impressive game. 

Once again, you will find yourself interested in both single and multiplayer modes.  In each, you will find a variety of new and old weapons for both the humans and the Covenant.  Weapons include the Covenant's Energy Sword, M6C pistol, M7 Submachine Gun, Shotgun, BR55 Rifle, 2 Sniper Rifles (improved), Needler (stronger), Rocket Launcher, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Pistol, and the Brute Shot (grenade launcher).  Those are the common weapons, but there are some extras I will let you be surprised to find for yourself.

The game has yet again become more realistic as well.  For example, you can jump onto a vehicle, punch a hole in the door, throw in a grenade, and kill the occupants.  With a tank, you can tear a whole in the side and kill anyone controlling it.  You can also steal vehicles from the enemies; if a Banshee is flying very close to you, you can actually take the driver out in mid-air.  Also, the A.I. has improved quite a bit.  You will see the Covenant attacking in groups and moving in strategic patterns.

There have been tons of new additions to the game.  First of all, you can carry several weapons at once, something called dual-wielding.  This allows you to become a power-force that no enemy can stop.  Simply go up to a weapon, pick it up with X, then pick up the second with Y. If you want to change weapons, you can trade with a your allies.  You can also steal enemy vehicles, use binoculars, perform tricks with the Banshee, and take out vehicle's tires to slow them down.  It is obvious that Bungie has tried to satisfy any want a game could have. 

Gamers will be happy to see that the graphics have been greatly improved in Halo 2.  You will definitely notice a difference–this game is gorgeous.  Now, considering the fact that this game is so huge and the graphics are so good, it probably won't surprise you when I say that there is the occasional slow-down.  However, it is nothing to bad and is only occasional.  You'll get used to it.

Sound was well done in this game as well.  There is a mix of pump-up, eerie, and quite moments throughout the game to keep your emotions and nerves on edge.  If you got what it takes, Halo 2 supports Dolby Surround 5.1 as well.  This game just sounds good.

On Xbox Live, Halo 2 is amazing.  It is definitely the best live game on the system.  You can play anywhere from 2 to 16 players and trust me, you will be addicted.  There are 13 standard maps (two old); any others you will have to unlock yourself.  Once again, the games on Halo 2 are ranged an very nice.  You will find old games such as Kind of the Hill, Capture the Flag, and more.  Players can join clans of up to 100 people, and you can only be in one clan at a time.  One player founds the clan, and then they can recruit more people to have on their squad. 

Simply put, this game is amazing.  Besides a few minor, almost unnoticeable glitches or afterthought requests, this game is perfect.  This game is not to be missed.  Seriously, if you don't have an Xbox, you may consider buying one just to get this game.  It's that good.

-Mike