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When
one thinks of Microsofts big green machine, there is but one game
that rules the roost. You may have heard of it, its a little game
called Halo. I call it the Xbox's savior, simply because I don't
think the Xbox would have had near the success it is currently
enjoying if not for Halo.
Halo
can only last so long before Microsoft needs its next true killer
app. Its next system seller. The game that tends to get this burden/blessing
is Bungie's follow up to to their masterpiece, Halo2. Halo2 needs
to have what Halo had, but amplify it several times. It needs
to be something that will dissapoint no one.
It
might just have some of the biggest shoes to fill in terms of
living up to expectations. Ok,you were most likely aware of all
this. Take a gander at that screenshot at the top, yeah the one
I used for my logo. Ok, now say, "in game engine." Yeah,
that badass staring at you is rendered in real time. The graphics
are definately shaping up to be what they need to be.
Graphics
are all nice and dandy, but what about the other aspects of the
game. I don't know if you've seen the in game demo shown at E3,
but if you haven't make the necessary clicks to head on over to
your E3 media downloadery of your choice. Ok, yeah, I know you
picked BreakmanX.com. We weren't able to get our own video of
the Halo2 demo, so you'll just have to settle with those other
guys on this one thing. IGN
or Gamespot would do nicely.
Halo2
looks to be a totally immersive experience. The chatter among
your teamates is nothing short of breathtaking. I've always been
a sucker for this type of thing, and seeing it done this well
is almost enough to bring a fully grown BreakmanX to his knees.
The AI controlled players don't seem to react based on preprogrammed
scripted events, they seem to actually be responding to the environment.
And, as Greg tells us, this is the case a lot of the time. Seeing
the enemy make a formation based completely on AI decisions was
a truly wonderful experience. Halo 2 is packed full of so many
little things that it really draws you in. Being able to ride
on the back of the warthog and take down enemies with your heavy
canon, while the completely AI controlled driver makes decisions
and maneuvers the mighty vehicle, is a real treat to the eyes.
Just imagine playing it.
The
gameplay is the only thing we really can't judge yet, as we haven't
gotten to hold the controllers for ourselves. But, the way the
game looks and fits together looks to put together a great gameplay
experience. Dual-fisted weapons, ability to take any position
in a vehicle, and what looks to be many different types of encounters
looks to provide a fun and varied experience. Stealing vehicles
from the enemy is also a new possibility in Halo2.
Halo2
is going to be everything that Bungie wanted Halo to be. It is
my personal pick for best of E3, and is one of my most anticipated
titles. I am glad to see that Bungie is taking their time with
this one. With its already great looking single player elements,
multiplayer, and Xbox Live support; Halo2 is one of those games
that you can just feel the greatness emitting from it.
Knowing
how great Halo2 is, it was a great pleasure to have Greg on the
show with us. I would like to thank him for helping us out, and
for telling all of us more about this game we are all looking
forward to. Without further ado, I present Greg.
And remember that Greg said he would take suggestions for Halo2
here.
With the possibility of him taking them to Bungie with him, and
incorporating them into Halo2.
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