Halo 2, baby!

Apparently, Microsoft sent out a big list of stuff reviewers weren't allowed to write in their articles before the game's release. Something about not spoiling the storyline. I have to abide by no such rules and, for those of you who haven't played the game yet, I shall now spoil the storyline:

You're the Master Chief and you fight aliens.

I know. I was as shocked as you are, expecting as I was some kind of "gotta catch 'em all" or "can I have a Red Elite and a Grunt live together and meet each of their life aims" sort of game. But, no, you're running around with guns and shooting bad guys. Who'd'a thunk it?

And what guns! John Woo-ing SMGs or plasma rifles is seriously fun. The new additions - , the aforementioned SMG, a Covenant sniper rifle (which will be strangely familiar to anyone who's played UT - lightning gun, anyone?), homing rockets for the launcher - fit in beautifully. And the sounds! The soundscape is fantastic, with echo-y tunnels and crisp, metallic gun noises that are just a treat. In fact, just play around with brassing up the room with the SMG, my personal favourite sound. Oh, and everyone must have been taking their chatty pills. Even the Elites will taunt you.

The physics and environment have also had a seeing to, with explosions now effectiong the crates that are lying around, and if you see an abandoned car, pump some lead into it and watch it blow up!

Did I mention the visuals! Mmmm... textures... lighting... detail... *drool*

A couple of criticisms, though. The initial "here's what you do" level is good, but given that new things are explained by a large line of text appearing in your vision, and given that one of the times new things happen is when you are attacked and given when you are attacked, you want to see as much as possible... you get the idea. Maybe a little more subtlty in updating you would be good. And some of the cut scenes have odd graphics glitches that look like the layers for the characters are being added as it plays. Very odd.

Basically, Halo 2 is what every game sequel should be, an overall improvement on the original with some excellent touches and a few odd moments.

And who'd have though that the Green Elite was really the Master Chief's father?