In addition to seeing Halo 2 at the Microsoft press conference, we were fortunate enough to go hands-on with the title on the show floor. During our demonstration, it was revealed that not only can you customize the color of the armor, but also the insignia that appears on it. And thanks to the latest wave of Xbox Live upgrades (code-named Tsunami), your insignia will be displayed on the armor while online. In another cosmetic update, you will now be able to see Master Chief's legs and feet while looking straight down.
During a brief weapons segment, we were informed that the needler weapon was "far more effective" and "actually worth picking up."
The Warthog has undergone two alterations, apart from the change in rear-mounted artillery. There is now a power brake, meaning that the Warthog will now only fishtail when you want it too. A horn has also been added, announcing your presence in the area. This allows teammates to move out of the way while striking fear in enemies. Hopping into a vehicle has been slightly modified, requiring the X button to be held down as a vehicle is approached, rather than just tapping it.
A seasoned Halo veteran, I began the match by zooming in with my weapon. Upon first contact with my opponents, many of whom were wielding two weapons simultaneously, I realized the futility of attacking with my single peashooter as I was repeatedly slain. In an attempt to maintain some dignity, I went for the energy sword. Unfortunately, a few others had the exact same idea. The race for the energy sword had a tragic conclusion, as the winner literally slaughtered everyone else. The energy sword is incredibly powerful, and as it doesn't require any ammo, it may just be the most lethal weapon in the game.
While playing through Zanzibar, it dawns upon you that the maps in Halo 2 are much more intricate and focused than in the previous title. A rotating windmill-like structure in the center gives the map a unique twist as players can actually ride on the blades, revealing a hidden weapon and a perfect sniping spot. Multiple entrances to the base allow you to stage a multi-pronged assault for the flag, and numerous caverns along the beach are the perfect hiding spot when the defenders decide to go hunting.
After the demonstrations, we spoke with Cameron Payne, Halo Product Manager, who confirmed that Halo 2 will support a maximum of 16 players over LAN and Xbox Live. Much like Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow, this decision is based on gameplay rather than technology. While it would be technically possible to support more than 16 players, the gameplay becomes chaotic and loses cohesion. As for a Halo 2 demo disc, Payne told us that it is in the planning stages, though it’s too early to tell when and where the demo will appear.
From what we played, Halo 2 will have no difficulty in usurping the original from its throne. The only thing harder than having to wait for November 9th is reverting back to the original Halo’s multiplayer for the duration of the next 6 months.
In case you missed it, check out what we had to say after seeing Halo 2 at the Microsoft press conference:
The map shown was known as Zanzibar, or Hell on Earth, one of the last human refuges after the Covenant invasion. Joe took control of a Spartan (Master Chief) while Max, confirming what we all dreamed of, took on the role of a Covenant Elite. The team began by demonstrating the dual-wielding system, which is incredibly intuitive. Just hold down Y as you walk over a weapon to equip it in your left hand. Be careful though, you can't throw grenades while dual-wielding. Pull the left trigger to fire the weapon in your left hand, and vice versa. Next, Joe had the Spartan pick up a Covenant energy sword, you know, the ones the Elites are always carrying. A Spartan uses the melee attack in conjunction with the sword to execute deadly combos, while pulling the right trigger performs a fatal rushing attack. At this time it was announced that the new standard rifle, you'll have to forgive me as I forget the official name, fires 3 shot bursts while unzoomed, and single bullet bursts while zoomed. This was utilized to help demonstrate the amazing level of detail in the vehicular models and the damage they can incur. The more damage a vehicle receives, the more difficult it is to drive. After destruction, some vehicles (such as the Ghost) will explode after a delay (it seemed to be 3-5 seconds), giving yet another tactical advantage to taking out an enemy's craft. Hijacking an enemy craft is easy, just approach the craft and hit X. You have to be careful though, if a vehicle is traveling too fast you won't be able to steal it, turning your failed carjacking into a successful suicide. Vehicles shown were the new Warthog and Ghost. The Warthog now has a rocket launcher instead of a chain gun, while the Ghost has a new boost mode that travels quite fast. Upon destruction of the Warthog, tires flew in each direction, littering the landscape.
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