Halo 2: Difference between revisions

|developer= [[Bungie Studios]]

'''''Halo 2''''' is a [[first-person shooter]] video game developed by [[Bungie Studios]] for the [[Xbox]] video game console and is forwards-compatible with the [[Xbox 360]]. It is the sequel to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and is the second installment of the ''Halo'' game series. The game features a newly built graphics engine and the addition of many new gameplay elements. ''Halo 2'' develops the struggle between the [[United Nations Space Command]], [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]], and the [[Flood]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]] in the fall of [[2552]].

The campaign in ''Halo 2'' does not pick up directly after the events of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', but rather, after the events depicted in the novel ''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', taking place in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' with the events explaining [[John-117|Master Chief]]'s return to [[Earth]] not featured in any game so far. The story dives deeper into the society of the [[Covenant]], their goals, beliefs, and alliances, as well as continuing Master Chief's story to put an end to the Covenant threat on Earth as well as [[Installation 05|another Halo]]. ''Halo 2'' also introduces the [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]], who were first mentioned in ''First Strike''. They are shown in campaign as large, hairy, ape-like beasts; although they do not don [[Energy Shields]] like the Elites, their immense bulk and strength allow them to absorb a large amount of damage before dying.

One of the biggest alterations to gameplay is perhaps the ability to [[dual wield]] small weapons; this tactic allows for twice the firepower at the expense of being unable to throw grenades or [[melee]] without dropping the left weapon. In terms of vehicles, all vehicles from the first game remain except the M12A1 Warthog LAAV (rocket warthog) from the PC version and the [[Spirit]] dropship. Also, a few new vehicles are introduced. In ''Halo 2'', however, the previously indestructible vehicles can now be destroyed and the player is able to "[[Boarding|board]]" an enemy vehicle by climbing on and knocking the driver out, as well as planting [[grenades]] to further damage the vehicle. The same can be done by an enemy to the player when driving.

When playing as the Arbiter, the player's flashlight is replaced with a rechargeable [[Active Camouflage]] that lasts for ten seconds, giving the player a preemptive advantage on unsuspecting enemies.  

The player can have a variety of allies; if they are playing as the Master Chief, they will be assisted by [[UNSC Marines]], and occasionally [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODSTs]]. However, the Arbiter is joined by [[Unggoy|Grunts]], [[Kig-yar|Jackals]], [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]], and other [[Sangheili|Elites]], allowing for deeper insight into Covenant culture.  

#'''[[Sacred Icon (level)|Sacred Icon]]''' - ''Succeed where others have failed. Lower the shield protecting the Sacred Icon.''

The game begins on [[High Charity]], the mobile capital city of the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]. The former [[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]], [[Zealot|Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadam|Thel 'Vadamee]], is being tried before the [[High Council]] for his failure to protect [[Installation 04|Halo]]. Despite his insistence that the [[Flood]] hampered his abilities, the [[Hierarchs]] who lead the council, the High [[San 'Shyuum|Prophets]] of [[Prophet of Truth|Truth]], [[Prophet of Mercy|Mercy]], and [[Prophet of Regret|Regret]], deem him guilty of failing to protect the Sacred Ring. 'Vadamee is then stripped of his rank and branded with the [[Mark of Shame]] by [[Tartarus]], the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae|Chieftain of the Brutes]].  

The story then turns to Earth's [[Orbital Defense Platform]] [[Cairo Station]], where [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]] receives the new [[MJOLNIR Mark VI]] armor from the [[Master Gunnery Sergeant (Armory)|Master Gunnery Sergeant]]. [[Avery Junior Johnson]], who recently got promoted to [[Sergeant Major]], arrives to take the Master Chief to an awards ceremony overseen by [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]] for the dual purposes of awarding meritorious acts and boosting the morale of the surviving human population and noted as a war hero (John-117 has already received all medals except for the "Prisoner of War" medal). The festivities are soon interrupted by [[Cortana]] reporting "15 Covenant Capital Ships holding position just outside the kill zone," signaling the start to the Covenant Siege of Earth. UNSC Marine forces along with John-117 protect the station from the invading [[Covenant Navy|Covenant Naval infantry]] but other stations were destroyed by the Covenant. After sending the bomb that the Covenant had placed on the station back into space (destroying several ships) he landed on the hull of UNSC frigate, In Amber Clad. The frigate heads to the city of [[New Mombasa]] to fight off the [[Covenant Army]], led by the High Prophet of Regret. After the Covenant invasion force is halted by the UNSC defenses, the Prophet of Regret flees Earth with [[Miranda Keyes]], [[Jacob Keyes|Captain Keyes]]' daughter, and her detachment in pursuit on the ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]].'' The hasty in-atmosphere jump devastates the city of New Mombasa; destroying the [[Space Elevator]] and scattering its wreckage for miles around.

The story returns to the disgraced [[Sangheili|Elite]] Commander, Thel 'Vadamee, who is given a chance for redemption by the High Prophets of Truth and Mercy by taking up the mantle of [[Arbiter]] and the imminent mortality it entails. The new Arbiter becomes the will of the Prophets, seeking redemption by completing the impossible task assigned to him. Thel 'Vadamee is tasked with the assassination of a [[Sesa 'Refumee|Heretic Leader]], who is disillusioned with the Covenant following the events of Installation 04 up to its destruction. Thel 'Vadamee tracks the Heretic Leader throughout the gas mine (battling the Heretics and the Flood) where the [[Heretics]] sought refuge. When Thel 'Vadamee is finally able to face the Heretic Leader, 'Refumee asserts his belief that the Prophets have lied about the [[Great Journey]]. Punctuating this with the entry of [[343 Guilty Spark]], whom both Elites consider to be an Oracle of the [[Forerunner]]s, the ancient race the Covenant hold as gods. Before Thel 'Vadamee could learn more of the claims, the battle resumes, and the Heretic Leader is killed before any meaningful discourse takes place. Tartarus appears to extract Thel 'Vadamee and Guilty Spark, further preventing him from learning any further information from Spark. He leaves, not knowing what caused the Heretics to betray their sacred oaths to the Covenant.  

Turning back to SPARTAN-117's story, Miranda Keyes ship exits slipspace with the Prophet of Regret unaware that he had been followed. To the surprise of the pursuers, they discover that Regret led them to another [[Installation 05|Halo Ring]]. Keyes sends ODSTs to capture the Prophet of Regret while ''In Amber Clad'' is repaired; John-117 is dropped onto the surface of Installation 05 with ODSTs to remove Regret. In the course of pursuing Regret, John-117 discovers, with the aid of Cortana, that the Prophet intends to personally activate Halo, in the belief that it will propel true believers on the [[Great Journey]]. In order to buy time to acquire the [[Activation Index]] before the Covenant can, Keyes orders John-117 to kill the Prophet of Regret, a mission he successfully achieves. But before being able to make his escape, High Charity and its [[High Charity Defense Fleet|escort]] arrive and attempted to kill John-117 by glassing the area. He survives by jumping into the lake surrounding the structure in which he encountered Regret. Incapacitated from the shock of the Covenant bombardment, John-117 is last seen being dragged into the depths of the lake by tentacles belonging to a sentient creature.

The story now shifts back to Thel 'Vadamee on the [[High Charity]], in orbit around the ring. The Hierarchs had declared Regret's death to be the [[Sangheili|Elites']] failure, and they were removed as the [[Honor Guard of the Covenant|protectors of the Prophets]], who bestow the role to the [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]], causing more tension between the Brutes and Elites who are already at odds with each other. With the new ring discovered, Truth and Mercy inquire Guilty Spark on how to activate it, and dispatch Thel 'Vadamee to recover the [[Activation Index|Sacred Icon]] which will light the ring. Making his way through the [[Quarantine Zone]] facing scores of [[Flood]] and [[Sentinels]] on the surface of Installation 05 seeking the Activation Index, Thel 'Vadamee makes his way into the [[Library]] and captures the Index along with Keyes and Johnson after they recovered it from its protective housing. Before he can take possession of the Index, Tartarus again intervenes in Thel 'Vadamee's task. After taking the Index into his own personal possession, Tartarus then reveals that the Hierarchs intended for his death to oust the Elites. His treachery revealed, Tartarus knocks Thel 'Vadamee unconscious down a shaft in the Index chamber to the abyss below.

John-117 then enters the middle of a broadcast by the Prophet of Truth. After escaping assassination, Truth and Mercy flee to the [[Forerunner Dreadnought|Dreadnought]], and formally transfers command of the Covenant Military to the Brutes. John-117 chases him, killing many Covenant troops on the way, witnessing the conflict between the Elites and Brutes. SPARTAN-117 also saves a group of Marines along the way. Meanwhile, the Flood, under the control of the Gravemind crash into [[High Charity]] using the ''[[In Amber Clad]]''. When John nearly meets Truth, he finds Mercy being infected by the Flood; the Prophet tells the Spartan that Truth is going to Earth to "finish what [[Hierarchs|we]] started." In his efforts to reach the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]], he has to fight his way through the Flood and the Covenant. After boarding the Dreadnought through an energy conduit , he leaves Cortana behind, but promises that he will come back for her.  

Meanwhile, Thel 'Vadamee is teleported to near Halo's control room. There, he finds many dead Elites, which were, no doubt, killed by the Brutes. With the help of a few deployed Elites, and sympathetic [[Unggoy|Grunts]] and [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]], he fights his way to meet [[Rtas 'Vadum|Rtas 'Vadumee]], who is surprised to hear that the Brutes murdered the [[Councilors]]. Seeing Tartarus land on Halo's control room, the Elites fight their way to a [[Scarab]], where Sergeant Johnson is held. Johnson takes control of the Scarab and forcefully initiates an uneasy alliance between the humans and the Elites. With the combined efforts of Johnson and 'Vadamee, the Scarab breaches the Control Room doors by using the main energy cannon on the Scarab, and 'Vadamee enters the Control Room to confront Tartarus. In the Control Room, he hears the truth of the Halos directly from [[343 Guilty Spark]]. Still blinded by faith, Tartarus forced Miranda Keyes to activate Halo. Many [[Zealot]]s and [[Councilors]] aid 'Vadamee in his final fight against Tartarus, and eventually after a long and tough  fight managed to kill him. Once Tartarus is defeated, Miranda grabs the Index just in time to stop Halo from firing. However, 343 Guilty Spark says that this has activated a fail safe protocol, causing the Installation to send a signal to the rest of the [[Halo Array]], putting them on standby for remote activation from  [[Installation 00|the Ark]].

'''[[UNSC]]'''

*[[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|04-343 Guilty Spark]]

'''[[Flood]]'''

*[[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Pete Stacker (Marine)|Pete Stacker]]

*[[Staff Sergeant]] [[Marcus Banks]] {{1st}}

*[[Lance Corporal]] [[Jones (Marine)|Jones]] {{1st}}

*[[Private]] [[O'Brian (ODST)|O'Brian]] {{1st}}

*[[Unnamed Lieutenant (Halo 2)|Unnamed Marine Lieutenant]] {{1st}}

*[[M6C Magnum Sidearm|M6C Personal Defense Weapon System]]

*[[M7 Caseless Submachine Gun]] {{1st}}

*[[M19 SSM|M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]]

*[[M68 Gauss Cannon]] {{1st}}

*[[M90A Close Assault Weapon System]]

*[[SRS99C-S2 AMB Sniper Rifle]]

*[[Scarab Gun]] ''([[Easter Egg]])'' {{1st}}

*[[Brute Plasma Rifle|Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle (Jiralhanae)]] {{1st}}

*[[M12 Warthog LRV]]

*[[M12G1 Warthog LAAV]] {{1st}}

*[[M808B Scorpion MBT]]

*[[UNSC Frigate|C709 Longsword Interceptor]]

*[[UNSC Frigate]]

*[[Orbital Defense Platform]]

*[[Type-25 Wraith|Type-25 "Wraith" Assault Gun Carraige]]

*[[Assault Carrier]]

*[[CCS-class Battlecruiser]]

*[[Seraph-class Starfighter]]

Unlike its predecessor, ''Halo 2'' allowed players to compete with each other over the [[Xbox Live]] online service, in addition to the originals support for split-screen and System Link multiplayer. ''Halo 2's'' Xbox Live mode offered a unique approach to online gaming that is intended to alleviate some of the problems that have plagued online first-person shooters in the past. Traditionally, one player sets his or her computer or console up as a game server (or host), specifying the game type and map and configuring other settings. The game software then used a service like Xbox Live or GameSpy to advertise the game to the world at large; other players choose which game to join based upon criteria such as the map and game options each host is offering as well as the [[wikipedia:ping|ping]] times they are able to receive.

*[[Example (Halo 2 Vista Map Editor Example)|Example]] (map used to test the new map builder for Vista)

*'''[[Energy Shields]]:''' The shield in ''Halo 2'' is slightly weaker than it was in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', but recharges at a higher rate. It slowly decreases in power as it sustains damage. After it takes damage, it starts to recharge 2-5 seconds after the last time damage was sustained. It will stop during recharge if the player is hurt during that period. The power is displayed above the motion tracker in the bottom-left of the screen.

*'''[[Active Camouflage]]:''' A powerup that makes the player almost completely invisible for a period of time, making all but a faint outline of him transparent. This effect is reduced if the player is hit by weapons fire, if he or she fires a weapon or throws a grenade, or in some cases if he or she switches weapons. In campaign mode, active camouflage is only available in levels in which you play as the Arbiter. However, note that the Energy Sword will give away the user's position, as while the player is invisible, the sword is not.

In 2002, Bungie released the first glimpse of ''Halo 2'' in a pre-rendered CG trailer. The trailer featured the [[John-117|Master Chief]] in his new [[MJOLNIR Mark VI]] armor preparing for battle in a space station. [[Cortana]] is also heard and has dialogue with the Chief. It also featured Earth and {{Class|CCS|Battlecruiser}}s in orbit. The UNSC seem to be losing in the battle. The events of this trailer were featured in the final version of ''Halo 2''. Some of the events and dialogue of this trailer was changed to fit the finished storyline of the game. Most of this now appears in the ''Halo 2'' level [[Cairo Station]].

In 2003 at E3, Bungie released footage of a playable in-game demo of the ''Halo 2'' campaign. The demo featured the battle on [[Earth]] in the city of [[New Mombasa]]. [[John-117|Master Chief]], [[Cortana]], [[Sergeant Johnson]], [[Corporal Perez]], [[Major Easley]], and [[Sergeant Banks]] were all seen/heard in the demo. The demo showed off new features like Dual-Wielding (the [[John-117|Master Chief]] could actually keep both his dual-wielded weapons when he switched to his secondary sidearm; this was changed for the final product), Vehicle Damage, and Boarding. Three new vehicles shown were the [[Gauss Warthog]], [[Shadow]], and the Covenant [[Phantom]], which at the time had only one plasma turret on its underside instead of three.  

Returning vehicles featured the [[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Ghost]], [[Pelican]], [[Covenant Cruiser]], and [[Longsword]] Fighters. New weapons the [[BR55 Battle Rifle|Battle Rifle]], [[SMG]], and [[Brute Shot]] were also shown, although the final Brute Shot design for ''Halo 2'' was vastly different than what was shown in this trailer. New enemies such as the Brutes were shown in this demo, but as a secondary warrior race by the side of the Elites. The events of this demo were featured in the final version of ''Halo 2''. Some of the events and dialog of this demo was changed to fit the finished storyline of the game, such as the AA Gun becoming a [[Scarab]]. Most of this now appears in the ''Halo 2'' level; [[Metropolis]].

In 2004 at E3, Bungie released footage of a playable in game demo of the ''Halo 2'' multiplayer. The demo featured the multiplayer map [[Zanzibar]] and displayed playable character models the [[Spartan]] model and the [[Elite]] model. It also showed off some of the weaponry of the game and some special features. The [[BR55 Battle Rifle|Battle Rifle]], [[SMG]], [[Needler]], [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher|Rocket Launcher]], and [[Energy Sword]] were displayed. The Gauss Warthog and the Ghost also made an appearance. Some features included the lock-on feature of the Rocket Launcher, the Dual-Wielding ability, Explosive Barrels, Ghost's boosting, vehicle boarding, Warthogs horn and Gauss Cannon and Sword Lunging. Afterward, fans were allowed to try out the demo.

Dealing with the consequences of society and government within the Covenant world, ''Halo 2'' shows that technology alone cannot win wars. Covenant society is deeply troubled with a corrupt government of Prophets who know more than they tell and order an act of genocide against their long-loyal [[Elites]]. While the Covenant is far more technologically advanced than humans, their society is divided and races do not get along. The [[humans]] are shown as more united and exhibit more teamwork while attempting to stop the Covenant, despite being outnumbered and out-gunned. Playing as the Arbiter, the player only fights other Covenant, making it apparent that their forces are not all focused on the humans and their civil war and disorganization makes them a weaker force, despite greater firepower. The Flood is mostly a primitive race but is still able to infiltrate High Charity and Cortana is still able to hack into their system because the Covenant never created a solid foundation and underestimated their enemies. The game shows that the power of determination is more powerful than that of technology. This is evident in both Master Chief's plot line as well as the Arbiter's, who manages to survive because he constantly focuses on his objective. He tells Tartarus that the Index is his only goal when he asks if he would seek revenge against the Master Chief.

*Originally, there were to be several kinds of [[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]]s including an Arctic model (which was included in the Halo 3 DLC multiplayer map Avalanche), a transport vehicle and a small ATV (known as the [[Mongoose]] in ''Halo 3'') would make an appearance. These were all cut from the final version of the game. However, in ''Halo: Custom Edition'', fans created the arctic and transport warthogs, as well as the civilian Warthog featured in the multi-player map Headlong. A rocket Warthog was included in ''Halo PC'' and the ATV and variations of the Warthog appear in ''Halo 3''.

*''Halo 2'' has been the only game in the series to have the most content either cut from the game entirely or redesigned completely as evidenced in many forms of media. In the ''Halo 3'' Essentials disc featuring the "Director's Commentary" of the cutscenes, three separate levels were discussed as having been proposed but ultimately scrapped due to time constraints: [[Covenant Ship (Level)|Covenant Ship]], [[Forerunner Tank (Level)|Forerunner Tank]], and [[Forerunnership (Level)|Forerunner Keyship]]. In the "Making of ''Halo 2''" documentary there was concept art seen regarding a level location [[The Ark]], although the design was later placed into ''Halo 3''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[The Storm]] as the [[Portal]]. The former could have been a part of pre-production for [[Halo 3]]. Marty O'Donnell was also quoted in a [[Bungie Podcast]] (Episode 13, at 21:00) saying that all the actors had recorded the lines to the original ''Halo 2'' ending and that it still exists today, but he will never show it. The [[Flood Juggernaut]] was a character that was modeled and placed in the coding of the game but never had AI programmed or had been placed on any level, similar to the [[Engineer]] in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]].

*If you've played on this game with your current LIVE account before April 14th, 2010, you will unlock the Halo 2 [[Visual Flair]] in Halo: Reach.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_082010 '''Bungie.net''': ''Express Yourself'']</ref> This will automatically be unlocked on Day 1.

*[[Halo 2 Credits|''Halo 2'' Credits]]

*[[List of "Seven" references in Halo|List of "Seven" references in ''Halo'']]

*[[Early Halo 2 Script|Early ''Halo 2'' Script]]

*[[Character Compatibility]]