GamesRadar - Halo 2

How modern gaming has made us into wimpy gamers (Feature)

Sep 16, 2008

Think you're hardcore? By current standards you might be. But you're still a noob. Here's why. ...

GamesRadar's E3 2008 Awards (Feature)

Jul 18, 2008

Another year, another grueling E3 experience for all involved. As press, we have to be in constant motion, reading, writing and presenting all the information that's blasted at our eyes and ears. As readers, you're tasked with digesting an ocean of content in 72 constantly updated hours. It's a hell of a ride and we're glad to be at the end, especially given the rather dismal nature of this year's show.

Instead of wasting your weekend ...

20 Most Rabidly Patriotic Games (Feature)

Jul 4, 2008

To celebrate Independence Day (the holiday, not the movie), we’ve scoured our encyclopedic minds for the most patriotic games to be developed. But that wasn’t funny enough. So, we dug deeper to find the most rabidly patriotic games every developed. Ya know - the ones with so much love for Old Glory that it starts to get a little ridiculous. Behold - our results!

America's ArmyUS Army | 2002Any game can add the word ...

Sexy Fan Art: Cortana Edition (Feature)

Jun 13, 2008

Why do we love Cortana? After all, she's no more than an intangible chunk of computer software, a particularly well programmed series of 1s and 0s. You can't touch her. You can't look at her without seeing right through her. Even to the fictional characters within the fictional universe of Halo, she is utterly unattainable. And that is precisely what drives our overactive imaginations wild. She is the ultimate dream girl. Sassy, spunky, sexy... but beyond our reach in every possible way. ...

GTA Rules NPD All-Time U.S. Top 10 (News)

Jun 5, 2008

Next-Gen.Biz writes: "The NPD Group has revealed the top 10 selling games of all time in the U.S. market.

Forbes reported earlier this week NPD Group's up-to-date top ten U.S. videogame sales figures by units, revealing a list dominated by the Grand Theft Auto and Madden NFL franchises.

As seen below, GTA: San Andreas from 2004 is the top-selling game in the U.S. with 9.43 million units sold. The franchise shows up on the top 10 three times, while Madden appears four times.

Activision had two 2007 titles already break the top 10 (Guitar Hero III and Call of Duty 4), while EA had one 2007 title on the list in the form of Madden NFL 08."

Red vs. Blue is Back with Reconstructed (News)

May 27, 2008

The gang at RoosterTeeth.com is back at it again with Red vs. Blue Reconstruction. Episode one of an this new Red vs. Blue series appears almost a year after its 100th and "final" episode.

LIVE Activity for week of 4/21 (News)

Apr 29, 2008

These lists are based on global unique users connected to Xbox Live or in the case of Arcade, full versions purchased this week. Here are the top 3 for each charts, see the source for the complete top 10 list.

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles
1. Call of Duty 4
2. Halo 3
3. Guitar Hero III

Top Arcade Titles
1. Lost Cities
2. Ikaruga
3. DOOM

Original Xbox Top Live Titles
1. Halo 2
2. Splinter Cell Chaos
3. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat

LIVE Activity for week of 4/14 (News)

Apr 23, 2008

These lists are based on global unique users connected to Xbox Live or in the case of Arcade, full versions purchased this week. Here are the top 3 for each charts, see the source for the complete top 10 list.

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles:
1. Call of Duty 4
2. Halo 3
3. Gears of War

Top Arcade Titles:
1. Ikaruga
2. Battlezone
3. Brain Challenge

Original Xbox Top Live Titles:
1. Halo 2
2. Star Wars: Battlefront 2
3. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat

LIVE Activity for week of 3/31 (News)

Apr 8, 2008

These lists are based on global unique users connected to Xbox Live or in the case of Arcade, full versions purchased this week. Here are the top 3 for each charts, see the source for the complete top 10 list.

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles
1. Call of Duty 4
2. Halo 3
3. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2

Top Arcade Titles
1. Mr. DRILLER Online
2. DOOM
3. Brain Challenge

Original Xbox Top Live Titles
1. Halo 2
2. Star Wars: Battlefront 2
3. Fable

The Top 7... inanimate objects (Feature)

Apr 7, 2008

Inanimate objects. Wow, we must really be out of ideas, huh? It's true, at first pass this sounds absurd, open to all kinds of interpretation with an infinite number of potential entries, but after careful contemplation (i.e. shouting at one another for hours) we've come up with a list of in-game objects so desirable that every gamer should love 'em - even if all they do is sit there.

For our consideration, the items have to be ...

HaloRadar: Machinima Academy Awards (Feature)

Mar 14, 2008

Watching one Master Chief kiss another Master Chief is funny as hell. So are two SPARTANs arguing over the morality of teabagging, or an Elite ordering food at the drive-thru. A skilled machinima director can make you laugh, cry, feel fear... completely within the confines of the game's environment.

We announce our favorite Halo 3 filmmakers and give you a sampling of their work. The envelopes, please!
...

Live activity for week of 3/3 (News)

Mar 11, 2008

These lists are based on global unique users connected to Xbox Live or in the case of Arcade, full versions purchased this week. Here are the top 3 for each charts, see the source for the complete top 10 list.

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles
1. Call of Duty 4
2. Halo 3
3. Guitar Hero III

Top Arcade Titles
1. N+
2. Rocketmen: Axis of Evil
3. Triggerheart Exelica

Original Xbox Top Live Titles
1. Halo 2
2. Star Wars: Battlefront 2
3. Counter-Strike

HaloRadar: Master Chief Mutations (Feature)

Mar 7, 2008

In games, he's always been the same. Strong. Silent. Steadfast. But in the wild, wild world of unofficial and unregulated fandom, Halo 3's champion is free to be whatever the hell he wants to be. Or, at least, whatever the hell YOU want him to be. Here are 14 of his most surprising and strangest transformations. ...

Live Activity for week of 2/25 (News)

Mar 4, 2008

These lists are based on global unique users connected to Xbox Live or in the case of Arcade, full versions purchased this week. Here are the top 3 for each charts, see the source for the complete top 10 list.

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles:
1. Call of Duty 4
2. Halo 3
3. Guitar Hero III

Top Arcade Titles:
1. N+
2. Triggerheart Exelica
3. Worms

Original Xbox Top Live Titles:
1. Halo 2
2. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat
3. Counter-Strike

HaloRadar: Gears of War vs. Halo (Feature)

Feb 29, 2008

The Halo and Gears of War series are both incredible, but in a world of internet trolls and blind fanboy allegiance, only one can be crowned. So, in an effort to declare a final victor - or at least ignite a flame war - GamesRadar Editors Charlie Barratt and Chris Antista put aside all professional objectivity and fair minded rationality for a bloody (and juvenile) battle royale. ...

Gamers rock out! (Feature)

Feb 27, 2008

When aspiring musicians and the internetz collide, it often results in some of the most unholy power combos the universe has ever seen. We’d even go as far to say that most of these mighty Gods of Rock surpass real-world supergroups like Velvet Revolver and Damn Yankees. YouTube alone holds a treasure trove of musical gems, and these are some of our very most favoritest. And yes, we're including the hand farter. ...

Live activity for week of 2/18 (News)

Feb 26, 2008

These lists are based on global unique users connected to Xbox Live or in the case of Arcade, full versions purchased this week. Here are the top 3 for each charts, see the source for the complete top 10 list.

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles:
1. Call of Duty 4
2. Halo 3
3. Guitar Hero III

Top Arcade Titles:
1. N+
2. UNO
3. Rez HD

Original Xbox Top Live Titles:
1. Halo 2
2. Star Wars: Battlefront 2
3. Counter-Strike

HaloRadar: Silliest Fan Art (Feature)

Feb 22, 2008

Some people's love of Halo is simple. They play the game. Other people's love of Halo, however, goes way beyond simple. It's mad. It's bizarre. It's creative. It's inspired. It's totally unique and completely unexpected. To these superfans, Master Chief can appear anywhere. Everywhere. All they have to do is imagine it... and then build it. Here are their weird, wacky and wonderful creations. ...

Live activity for week of 2/11 (News)

Feb 20, 2008

These lists are based on global unique users connected to Xbox Live or in the case of Arcade, full versions purchased this week. Here are the top 3 for each charts, see the source for the complete top 10 list.

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles
1. Call of Duty 4
2. Halo 3
3. Guitar Hero III

Top Arcade Titles
1. Poker Smash
2. Commanders: Attack
3. Rez HD

Original Xbox Top Live Titles
1. Halo 2
2. Ninja Gaiden Black
3. Star Wars: Battlefront 2

Bungie Charity: Original Mister Chief Art (News)

Feb 13, 2008

"Proceeds of the sale, conceived of by Bungie Studios and executed by bungie.org, a fansite, will go to the Brian Morden Foundation, an organization working towards a cure for Ewing's Sarcoma. 100% of the final bid, minus our costs, goes to this cause.

"The painting rendered in soft pastels on canvas with loving detail and craftsmanship signed by the creator and original artist, Frank "Frankie" O'Connor of Bungie Studios." from Bungie.org's eBay listing.

Halo 2 Decides It Wants To Be a Platinum Hit (News)

Feb 11, 2008

Xbox360 Fanboy writes:

"After being on the market since 2004, earning an average metacritic score of 95 and selling millions upon millions of copies, Microsoft decided Halo 2 could sit among the Max Payne and Shark Tales of the world and officially become a Platinum Hit.

Woohoo! Actually, we bet it was the other way around. Halo 2 finally decided it was time to lower itself to the Platinum Hits catalog and force Microsoft to quit milking its $39 retail price tag as its retail teets have become sore and gone dry (yeah, bad mental picture)."

Has Gearbox Been Hired to Continue Halo? (News)

Feb 7, 2008

"Earlier this week, Gearbox Software President and CEO, Randy Pitchford, revealed that the company is in the early stages of a new project that is the most important development they have ever worked on.

If Gearbox is indeed developing the next Halo game, could this be "Halo: Chronicles," the new chapter co-created by Peter Jackson, or are we looking at the first news of Halo 4?" writes César A. Berardini.

Live activity for week of 1/28 (News)

Feb 7, 2008

These lists are based on global unique users connected to Xbox Live or in the case of Arcade, full versions purchased this week. Here are the top 3 for each charts, see the source for the complete top 10 list.

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles
1. Call of Duty 4
2. Halo 3
3. Guitar Hero III

Top Arcade Titles
1. Rez HD
2. Chessmaster Live
3. Metal Slug 3

Original Xbox Top Live Titles
1. Halo 2
2. Star Wars: Battlefront 2
3. Counter-Strike

HaloRadar: The Halo Suicides (Feature)

Jan 25, 2008

For more of our weekly HaloRadar coverage, click here. Judging by your submissions, most of you share our current obsession with Halo suicides. There's just something about Master Chief's expressionless ragdolling that turns us into giggling school girls. We can't explain why, but our therapists assure us that reveling in the grisly demise of the iconic uber-patriot "doesn't make you a bad person." Good to know, given the "epic lulz" all your videos generated around our office. And we want ...

HaloRadar: Fans Gone Wild (Feature)

Jan 18, 2008

For more of our weekly HaloRadar coverage, click here. Drugs. Gambling. Pornography. Halo. Addiction can take many forms. How do you spot the warning signs? Medical experts that we read about somewhere on the internet tell us harmful overdependence could affect over 23 million people in this country alone, with fewer than 10 percent going untreated. And while the junkies and perverts can always go to Dr. Phil or Dr. Drew for help, those with an unnatural compulsion for Master Chief have ...

A historic day for Major League Gaming / Halo 3 (News)

Jan 15, 2008

If you haven't already heard about it you're either not listening or living under a rock. MLG, the nations biggest video game tournaments powered by the Xbox360 and Gamestop are home to some of the worlds best gamers and biggest video game tournament pay-outs. Amongst all the negative news and competitors attacks, Halo 3 (the worlds #1 online shooter and MLG's premier game)is alive, well and on top of the heap. And as if the MLG tourneys and millions of game owners weren't enough..Now you can watch how the pro's play with coverage from the worlds leader in sports media.

ESPN.com, the leading online sports destination, today announced it has entered a content agreement with Major League Gaming (MLG), the leading professional video game league.

ESPN will serve as a primary outlet for news about MLG, providing extensive digital coverage of MLG's 2008 Pro Circuit Competitions, including exclusive streamed matches, pro player interviews, and scores and stats. Additionally, MLG will host ESPN co-branded online video game tournaments.

This is exciting news for anyone who call's themselves a "gamer"

HaloRadar: Halocide (Feature)

Jan 11, 2008

Jan. 8, 2008 For more of our weekly HaloRadar coverage, click here. Halocide. If that isn't a recognized term, then we're officially coining it here and now. Sure, Forge's map editor serves up some fantastic multiplayer customization, and Theater offers more than an occasional glimpse at ragdoll amusement. But after making the video below, we can honestly say nothing shimmers quite so fine as elaborately laying out the hilariously macabre details of your own demise. The coward's way out? ...

HaloRadar: Gift Guide (Feature)

Dec 21, 2007

Our complete collection of HaloRadar coverage is right here. For true Halo fans, the games are only the beginning. Master Chief's universe extends well beyond the realm of consoles and controllers, after all, into areas both surprising and bizarre. He's in books, toys, art, comics, clothing, kitschy gadgets, even soda. Some of this stuff, of course, is useless junk; quite a bit, however, is incredibly neat and worthy of both your attention and your cash. We've scoured the internet, we've ...

Halo 3 - Halo's filthiest trash talk 10-30-07 (Video)

Oct 30, 2007

Halo's Filthiest Trash Talk (Feature)

Oct 30, 2007

Oct 30, 2007 Game experience may change during online play. This innocuous disclaimer accompanies every game with Xbox Live connectivity, but what it actually means is that you're about to be subjected to a barrage of bigotry so profoundly offensive that it will shake your faith in humanity to the very core. During some recent Halo sessions, we encountered loads of vile, bilious ranting that seemed to know no restraint. Rather than using the mute button, we hit record and captured these ...

Universal and Fox Pull Plug on Halo Movie (News)

Oct 29, 2007

Hollywood trade journal Variety reported on October 19:

It's game over for Universal's and Fox's participation in the feature adaptation of Microsoft's Halo.

Both studios that agreed to co-finance the Halo movie have abruptly backed out of the project after Microsoft and the filmmakers (Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, etc.) refused to reduce their profit participation. The movie budget was rising above the original projected $135 million and rumored to approach $200 million. Microsoft demanded an up-front payment of $5 million for the film right to be made on October 15, a further payment of 10 percent of gross, and a screenwriter (Alex Garland) and a first-time director (Neill Blomkamp) dictated by Microsoft, Bungie and Peter Jackson.

The studios demanded a pay cut at the last minute before the October 15 deadline. Microsoft, Bungie and the filmmakers said no. So Universal and Fox pulled the plug on the Halo movie.

The Top 7... WTF Endings - Halo 2 10-22-07 (Video)

Oct 22, 2007

The history of Halo (Feature)

Oct 8, 2007

Oct 8, 2007 For more Halo coverage, click here. With a team of hundreds working on it, a marketing budget of millions and a fanbase as fanatical, informed and excitable as anything the best TV shows like Lost can throw up, Halo is perhaps - in fact, definitely - the most important videogame franchise currently in existence. But it hasn't always been this way. Although commencing later than the usual bedroom development story, Bungie's rags-to-riches tale does follow similar lines, kicking ...

New Details: Microsoft, "Halo" maker Bungie split (News)

Oct 7, 2007

Bungie president Harold Ryan announced that the studio will continue to develop games exclusively for Microsoft Xbox 360 and Windows for the foreseeable future. Although Bungie will be free to make games for other platforms such as Sony PS3 at some undisclosed time in the future, Ryan said his studio has no plans to do so.

The Settle Times has revealed new details of the circumstances that led up to the Bungie-Microsoft split:

Ryan said Bungie was "used to being able to look around the room and see Bungie people," and they "feel lost" inside of the much-bigger organization of Microsoft. "That desire to be independent is something that a significant number of the people on the team still felt lacking," said Ryan.

Tom Edwards, who worked for Microsoft on the first two "Halo" games, said the split had been inevitable since 2005. Edwards saw firsthand the friction between the two cultures. He recalled Bungie developers being resentful at Microsoft for having him assessing the studio's development.

Microsoft did not disclose the contractual terms with Bungie over the split, leaving analysts and observers to speculate. Even as they go separate ways, Microsoft will continue to invest in Bungie, collaborate on projects with Bungie, and publish games from Bungie.

Bungie Jumping: Bungie's Frank O'Connor: Games on Other Platforms Possible (News)

Oct 5, 2007

Forbes magazine reports (direct quotes):

Bungie Studios will break away from Microsoft, its parent since 2000, both companies said Friday, though Microsoft will keep an equity interest in Bungie and will continue to publish many of Bungie's games--future spin-offs from "Halo," included.

Why would Microsoft allow such a marvelous cash cow to roam free? ... "This is seen as a reward to them for 'Halo' doing so well," says Bungie writing lead Frank O'Connor. Day-to-day interactions with Microsoft will remain the same, he says.

. . .

For what O'Connor calls the "medium term," Bungie is committed to giving Microsoft first choice of any games it develops, and working on programs for the Xbox, Microsoft Game Studios and a spin-off from the "Halo" series. O'Connor says that in the future it is possible that Bungie would develop games for other platforms...

In time, Bungie developers could see their work appear on those platforms and on portable systems and computers, rather than toiling exclusively for Microsoft.

"This lets us not be tied down to the processes inherent in a big corporation," says O'Connor. "We never conformed to the typical Microsoft culture."

Trailer Trash (Feature)

Sep 28, 2007

Sept 28, 2007 Beowulf Beowulf: The Film will be out in November, and will be sharing a publicity budget with a Game of the same name. The film is produced by Robert Zemeckis (this isnt the last Zemeckis reference in this weeks Trailer Trash - youve been warned), and features an all star cast including Angelina Jolie, John Malkovitch, Anthony Hopkins, Crispin Glover, and others. This trailer for the game, however, stars a sword falling into a puddle over and over while some repetitive-looking ...

Red vs Blue - Chupacabras 09-24-07 (Video)

Sep 24, 2007

Halo: The Story So Far (Feature)

Sep 22, 2007

Exactly how well do you know your Gravemind from your Guilty Spark? What about your Forerunner and your Foehammer? Admit it - Halo is confusing as hell. That's why you need our condensed story guide. For the hardcore fans, it's a quick and dirty refresher course on who's who and what's what in Master Chief's world. For the newbies, it's the best introduction available on the web, complete with cutscene montages. ...

Custom Halo 3 Spartan Armor Suit on sale on eBay (News)

Sep 12, 2007

From the eBay auction:

"You are bidding on the best and most accurate Master Chief Costume on Ebay. This suit is my own personal suit that I am now giving up. The suit is so awesome, it has been featured on Spike TV, G4 TV, and in a Dell Commercial. This suit is FAMOUS!

Now it can be yours. The suit is made from a very hard Urethane Plastic. It isn't one of those cheaply casted vacuum formed suits. You could probably pound in a nail with your forearm if you wanted to. I'm 6"1' in the pictures, so you can figure out how well it might fit you from that.

Also included is an Assault Rifle Display. The reason I say display is because it's ONLY HALF OF A GUN - the other side is flat. See pictures for what I mean.

Included is:

The Best Halo Helmet in Creation. Perfectly accurate, and the right size. You can see perfectly out of the visor, and is very comfortable.

* Chest/Back Piece
* Shoulders
* Forearms
* Hand Plates
* Belt/Cod Piece/2 Belt Pouches
* Thighs
* Shins
* Ankles
* Toe Plates
* Boots
* Assault Rifle Display

You can have this suit in time for the halo launch! Wait until people see you walk in the door with this thing on! People will love you. Then, you can win all sorts of costume contests when Halloween comes around."

Is BioShock better than Halo 3? (Feature)

Aug 22, 2007

Aug 22, 2007 Were in for one of the hottest winters on record, and not just because of global warming. The sheer quantity and quality of games coming out before January completely boggles the mind. Nothing, however, is as huge or important as the release of Halo 3 this September. The trilogy capper to one of the most successful videogaming franchises of all time is almost guaranteed commercial success. Okay, okay, it is guaranteed. But just because Halo 3 will be the biggest seller doesn't ...

Japan Gets Halo History Pack (News)

Aug 1, 2007

And by Halo History Pack, Microsoft of Japan means a "Platinum Collection" package featuring both Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2 for a paltry 2,980 yen (about $25 USD). Microsoft is readying the super-budget two-in-one Halo History Pack to get Japanese gamers-okay, Western ex-pats-hyped up for the Xbox 360 release of Halo 3.

Library Hosts Halo 2 Tounament, Community Reacts (News)

Jul 24, 2007

A Chicago area library's planned Halo 2 competition has turned into controversy.

As reported by the Daily Herald, the tournament is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the Mount Prospect Public Library. While the library is requiring parental permission slips before admitting underage players to the event, the game's M-rating is not spelled out. Some worry that parents may not realize that their kids will be playing a violent shooting game.

Halo : Uprising Unveiled (Comics) (News)

Jul 19, 2007

Halo is a science fiction video game series created by Bungie Studios. The Halo trilogy centers around Master Chief Petty Officer SPARTAN-117, or simply "Master Chief", a human cyborg super-soldier equipped with technologically-advanced battle armor, and his Construct AI companion, Cortana. The video games, particularly Halo: Combat Evolved, have been praised as being the best, and most influential, first-person shooters on a game console, with Halo being the Microsoft Xbox's "killer app". This has led to the term "Halo killer" being used to describe console games that aspire to be better than Halo.

Machinima Series Red vs. Blue Ends Tour of Duty (News)

Jun 26, 2007

Red vs. Blue, the cult hit, web-video series created from in-game Halo footage, concludes its genre-defining run as it airs its 100th and final episode Wednesday evening.

Halo 2 Xbox Live Challenge (News)

Jun 7, 2007

A new Xbox Live Halo 2 Challenge is starting next week! With the chance to win some cool prizes, all you have to do is spend a measly $4 to get the new maps. What makes the tournament unique is that it will be played over a period of about 6 weeks and through a Halo 2 Matchmaking playlist! The top 64 on the playlist titled, "H2 Challenge" will be qualified for the final rounds and eligible to win the Elites. All games will be played on Tombstone and Desolation, so this is a bit of a ploy to make some Washingtons¿of course¿if you don't already have the maps¿you shouldn't even consider playing, probably. It's a fun little tournament that will most likely hold off the halo fanatics until Halo 3.

Info from Xbox.com:

Halo 2 Challenge Tournament
First, compete in the Online Tournament from June 11 through July 25, 2007. After a 15-day leaderboard qualification round, the top 64 ranked players on the "H2 Challenge" Rumble Pit playlist will advance to the live bracket round. Matches during the tournament will be played on the new maps, so get them now and practice.

First place prizes: Top three finalists with the highest scores after Grand Final play will receive an Xbox 360 Elite game console with an accessories package including an additional Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (black) and two Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kits.

Runner up prizes: The remaining five finalists not eligible for a Grand Prize will receive a 12 month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership subscription.

Halo 2 Requires Use of New Maps for Matchmaking (News)

May 18, 2007

As we all know, the Halo 2 Blastacular Map pack did not download the way it should have. Now, Bungie has released a statement saying that in order to have any kind of matchmaking in Halo 2, you must have the new maps in order to do so.

Halo Killers (Feature)

May 15, 2007

Halo isn't perfect. Oh, there's no denying the series' greatness. Its brilliance, even. Halo and Halo 2 have done more to revolutionize and shape the way we play console shooters than any other game. Where do you think Gears of War learned the strategic economy of the two gun inventory? Where did GRAW and Call of Duty discover the simplicity of regenerating health? Above all, where did the entire genre realize the importance of online multiplayer? The answer is always... Halo. As the years ...

New Halo 2 maps free in July (News)

May 10, 2007

Another update on the stat reset and of course news that the new Halo 2 maps will be free in July.

Halo 2 hits 5 million players (News)

May 9, 2007

Moments ago, we watched the odometer of Halo 2 players roll over the 5,000,000 mark. Today also happens to be the 2.5-year anniversary of launch.

Blastacular Map Update (News)

May 8, 2007

Frankie has posted an update on the new Halo 2 map pack regarding fixed glitches, people getting the maps for free, and how/why you will need to redownload them.

Halo 2 Blastacular maps fixed (News)

May 2, 2007

Hooray! Map download problems are fixed! If you were one of the (significant) number of people unable for a variety of reasons, to download the recent "Blastacular" map pack, a fix implemented last night should have worked for you. Firstly, our apologies. We (Bungie) realize this has been inconvenient and annoying.

Matchmaking Playlist Update and Rank resets next week (News)

Apr 26, 2007

Frankie has stated that the new Matchmaking update and rank resets will occur sometime next week due to problems with the Halo 2 map downloader.

Halo 2 Map Pack Issues with Xbox 360 (News)

Apr 18, 2007

Numerous reports are coming in from various forums showing users getting multiple error messages when trying to buy the new Halo 2 maps on an Xbox 360. Many users see "Purchase failed. You will not be charged for this transaction. Please try again later." This is happening even with a credit card associated with the Gold account. Another error users are seeing is "Installation of content failed".

There's also many reports of big glitches in the new maps, such as multiple invisible walls in Tombstone.

New Halo 2 maps out! (News)

Apr 17, 2007

Bungie has released the promised two new multiplayer maps for Halo 2's still stupidly-popular multiplayer mode, though it'll cost you some bucks to get your hands on them. $4 is the asking price for the pair, which are both remakes of classic Halo arenas Hang 'em High and ...

Master Chief Shoots Out The Blastacular Map Pack (News)

Apr 17, 2007

Gamerreports.com says that the Halo 2 'Blastacular Map Pack' is now available for download over Xbox Live. This pack is US $4.00, and it contains two maps: Tombstone and Desolation.

Halo 2 Auto-update is up (News)

Apr 12, 2007

Bungie sends out word about their new auto-update.

"As you know by now, we're just over a week away from unleashing two brand new Halo 2 multiplayer maps upon the world. "Desolation", a remake of the Halo 1 map Derelict, and Tombstone, a remake of the classic "Hang 'em High", are both being released on Xbox Live on Tuesday 4/17. For the bargain price of $4.00 you'll be able to unleash a new can of whoop-ass on these completely re-imagined multiplayer arenas. We'll have a lot more to say (and show) about each of these maps next week as part of our continuing coverage on Bungie.net."

Halo machinima series Red vs. Blue to conclude with hundredth episode (News)

Apr 4, 2007

The series that has been the premier machinima for the past four years will be calling it quits. The Blood Gulch Chronicles will conclude with their 100th episode.

Good bye Red vs. Blue, Thank you for the Memories.

Halo 2 (Screenshots)

Mar 30, 2007

New Halo 2 Maps revealed - screens inside (News)

Mar 30, 2007

Two new maps will be available for download from April 17 on Xbox Live for $4. Bungie mouthpiece Frank O'Connor explained, "It's true! Two new maps, both available on April 17 through the Halo 2 downloader in the game itself, and it's just $4 for the pair. The maps are Tombstone and Desolation - remakes of Hang 'Em High and Derelict, respectively." Bungie also released two shots of the remakes, one of which you can see on this very page. See the other behind the Images tab ...

Latest Halo 3 internet update (News)

Mar 26, 2007

It's a new week, which means a new internet update trickling from the Bungie fortress, and this week it focuses on Halo 3's new and improved battle encounters. "Halo 3 encounters are more fun, more challenging, more varied and more enjoyable than those in Halo or Halo 2," the update reads. "The interplay and strategies created among the various Covenant foes is just thrilling." "One weird thing that I just can't get used to (in a good way, I mean) is the fact that you have to plan for ...

Master Replicas Announces Halo Collectibles (News)

Mar 5, 2007

Corgi International and Microsoft have entered into a partnership to bring the exciting and interactive world of Microsoft's "Halo" franchise to life with stunning 3-D merchandise. Slated for release later in 2007, Corgi International will unveil a comprehensive line of replica collectibles and gifts.

Ruined endings - part one (Feature)

Mar 2, 2007

The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Epic quests need epic endings, and theres not much that's more epic than a giant red thing fighting an oversized golden award trophy. The dragon trophy decimates the Vishnu-armed creature by breathing white stuff on it, and the fate of the world is put in your hands. But the games over, so good luck with ...

Warner Music buys Halo rights (News)

Mar 1, 2007

Warner Music and Microsoft have penned a deal that will see a greater emphasis placed on pushing videogame soundtracks in your face. Under terms of the deal Warner Music will claim, administer and license music compositions owned and controlled by Microsoft. Some of these will obviously include scores for Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Age of Empires, Fable, and Kameo: Elements of Power. Ed Pierson, Warner's legal guy, explains: "We're confident we can develop and identify some exciting and ...

Guitar Hero II to include "Halo Mjolnir" theme song (News)

Feb 27, 2007

A rumor coming straight out of the Official Xbox Magazine suggests that gamers will be able to download and rock out to the "Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix," which greets you when you fire up Halo 2. The opening guitar in the theme was recorded by seven-string guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. We've put in a few calls to the right people but they couldn't help us either way. But seeing as though a Spartan featured as an unlockable character in Dead or Alive 4, we reckon there's every chance of this ...

Halo theme performed live - by teenagers! (News)

Feb 23, 2007

Recorded in what looks like someone's living room, these kids jamming the Halo theme tune is good enough to be the real thing. One drummer, one guitarist (no, not Steve Vai who recorded the guitar in Halo 2 ), one bass player and one awesome violinist is all it takes - as well as some serious talent - to play your favorite videogame theme tunes. There's also a hi-fi belting out the famous monks in the room too, but that just adds to the whole performance. This has to be seen to be ...

Bungie on Halo 2: We Screwed Up (News)

Jan 23, 2007

In a recent interview with EDGE magazine, Chris Butcher of Bungie Studios has publicly admitted that Bungie committed many mistakes in the development of Halo 2. Comparing the time dedicated to polish Halo and its sequel, Butcher said:

"We miscalculated, we screwed up, we came down to the wire and we just lost all of that. So Halo 2 is far less than it could and should be in many ways because of that. It kills me to think of it. Even the multiplayer experience for Halo 2 is a pale shadow of what it could and should have been if we had gotten the timing of our schedule right. It's astounding to me. I f*cking cannot play Halo 2 multiplayer. I cannot do it. And that's why I know Halo 3 is going to be so much better."

Bungie veteran sets up new studio (News)

Dec 15, 2006

Former Bungie team lead Max Hoberman has told GamesIndustry.biz that his new studio, Certain Affinity, won't necessarily develop games exclusively for Xbox and Xbox 360 - despite a close relationship with Microsoft.

Certain Affinity officially opened its doors earlier this week, announcing that its first project would be to develop multiplayer maps for Halo 2 in partnership with Bungie Studios and Microsoft Game Studios.

It's also planning to produce a title for Xbox 360, details of which have yet to be announced.

According to Hoberman, "Microsoft has been a great partner for Bungie, so Certain Affinity has every intent of building a strong relationship moving forward.

"We're also huge fans of the Xbox 360 and Xbox Live, but it's too early to say whether we'll ultimately end up exclusive to Microsoft platforms," he added.

Hoberman spent 10 years at Bungie, where he was team lead for the multiplayer sections of Halo 2 and Halo 3 - initiating and overseeing gameplay, interface and online systems.

"What we've accomplished with Halo 3 is extraordinary," he commented. "Halo 2 turned the online world on its head, but Halo 3 is going to rip its head right off."

Hoberman's new staff members have experience of working for a range of developers including Bungie, Origin and Digital Anvil, and have worked on titles such as Ultima, Myth, Ghost Recon and Asheron's Call.

A statement on the Certain Affinity website reads: "Certain Affinity's mission is to create innovative action-oriented games set in immersive worlds. Now, lots of people say things like that, so you're probably wondering what sets us apart.

"Well, there's really nothing we can say to convince you today, but we hope that when we have something ready to show you'll decide for yourself that we aren't full of sh**. In the meantime all we can really do is point to our collective...

Meet Certain Affinity! (News)

Dec 14, 2006

Say hello to our newest friends in the game development biz - Certain Affinity. This new team founded by ex-Bungie multiplayer lead Max Hoberman is hard at work on new Halo 2 maps and a full game of their own.

The Top 7... alien invasions (Feature)

Nov 7, 2006

Gears of War got us thinking: Massive explosions. Guts strewn everywhere. People running in terror. Few things ignite the minds of gamers like a good alien invasion. It may be bizarre or terrifying (and in the case of Gears of War, it may come from underground instead of outer space) but in video games, aliens always bring massive destruction in their wake. This week, we take a look back at the seven games with the most memorable, exciting or disturbing alien invasions... ever. 7. Halo 2 ...

Four billion Halo 2 games played on Live (News)

Oct 31, 2006

A recent post by Bungie revealed that, thanks to database programmer extraordinaire Roger Wolfson, games of Halo 2 online have 'officially surged over the four billion games played mark'. And that's in a little under two years after the game's launch.

Wolfson also notes that they're pretty close to hitting the four million unique players mark. Along with the update Bungie posted a lovely pie chart, which does more than take us back to our school days. It clearly shows that team-based games are by far the most popular.

Halo 2 speed trial becomes Guinness world record (News)

Aug 17, 2006

How fast can you beat Halo 2? In August of 2005, Cody Miller managed to take on the Flood on Legendary difficulty in 3 1/2 hours ... without dying. It's an amazing feat, so much so that the 2007 Guinness Book of World Record lists Cody's stunt.

Boy trades Halo 2 skills for hamster (News)

Jul 28, 2006

Friday 28 July 2006 An eight-year-old boy has bought himself a hamster after earning money as a videogames coach, giving lessons online to gamers wanting to better their Halo 2 skills. He's named the hamster Cortana after the AI character in the sci-fi Xbox shooter. The lad in question is a New Yorker who has the incredible name Victor De Leon III, but is better known on Xbox Live as Lil Poison. He is able to charge $25 per hour for Halo 2 tutoring thanks to being part of a training group ...

Top Xbox Live Games for week of 7/3 (News)

Jul 10, 2006

Last weeks top live games list is broken out two ways. Both lists are based on WW UU's on Xbox Live*
If you combine the lists, then Halo 2 would be number 1 followed by all Xbox 360 games.

Xbox 360 Top Live Games
1 Call of Duty 2
2 Ghost Recon 3
3 Oblivion
4 BFMC
5 Prey Demo
6 Final Fantasy XI
7 EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 3
8 2006 FIFA World Cup
9 PGR3
10 Perfect Dark Zero

Original Xbox Top Live Games
1 Halo 2
2 Battlefield 2: MC
3 Counter-Strike
4 Splinter Cell Chaos
5 Rainbow Six 3 BA
6 Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2
7 Pro Evolution Soccer 5
8 Madden NFL 2006
9 Forza Motorsport
10 Splinter Cell Chaos

This Years MLG Anheim Results (News)

Jul 6, 2006

This year saw the unstopable Team Boss win the Halo 2 4v4, it is also their first major tournament win since they went signed their gaming contract. In the Halo 2 Head to Head Karma took the top spot with another rather impressive performance.

The best XBox headset ever made, for $14.99 (News)

Jun 29, 2006

The Plantronics Halo 2 headset is now only $15, and some of the proceeds go to Katrina victims. What else do you want?

Halo 2 Team Signs $1m Pro Contract (News)

Jun 21, 2006

Major League Gaming has signed the top four-man Halo 2 team for $1 million, and a leading individual pro gamer for a separate $250,000.

Team Final Boss snagged the lucrative $1 million contract, while Tom "Tsquared" Taylor signed up for $250,000. The signings are the largest ever by MLG.

David "Walshy" Walsh, team captain of the four-man Halo 2 team Final Boss said, "It's a huge honor to be part of the first gaming team to get this kind of money. This kind of contract just shows how serious MLG is about building the League. Three years ago I never could have imagined that I'd be making more money than my parents playing video games!"

Halo 2: Unstoppable (News)

Jun 13, 2006

Tuesday 13 June 2006 Halo 2 is still the most popular Xbox Live title, including Xbox 360 games, according to figures released by Microsoft. For the week beginning 5 June, the top five Xbox Live titles for Xbox 360 start with Call of Duty 2 in slot one, with Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter and The Elder Scrolls IV following. A coincidental list for Xbox was also released, with Halo 2 predictably taking up the top slot, followed by Battlefield 2: Modern Combat and Counter-Strike. The ...

Top Ten Games on Xbox Live (June 10) (News)

Jun 12, 2006

Here are the top ten most played games on Xbox Live (based on users playing), for Xbox 1 and 360, from Major Nelson:

Xbox 360 Top Live Games

1 Call of Duty 2
2 Ghost Recon 3
3 Oblivion
4 BFMC
5 Final Fantasy XI
6 PGR3
7 Hitman: Blood Money
8 EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 3
9 Perfect Dark Zero
10 Rockstar Table Tennis

Original Xbox Top Live Games
1 Halo 2
2 Battlefield 2: MC
3 Counter-Strike
4 Splinter Cell Chaos
5 Pro Evolution Soccer 5
6 Rainbow Six 3 BA
7 Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2
8 Madden NFL 2006
9 Forza Motorsport
10 Ghost Recon 2: SS

If the lists were combined, Halo 2 would be at the top, and then all the 360 games.

Halo 2 surpasses half a billion mark (News)

Jun 6, 2006

Bungie have announced that Halo 2 has passed the half a billion barrier on its Multiplayer aspect of the game.

The number accounts for actual Xbox Live games and not just player sessions but Bungie also state this number does not include any game data lost due to website crashes or "other technical issues".

Halo 2 (News)

Jun 5, 2006

Last month at E3, Halo developer Bungie dropped off a cargo container full of unanswered questions surrounding the franchise, but only gave us a styrofoam cup worth of explanations. This week in their update, Bungie maintained that Master Chief's return to the PC will remain a Vista-only experience, but won't take advantage of the cross-platform matchmaking that Vista's Live Anywhere service could offer. Frank "Frankie" O'Connor of Bungie explained that "the gulf - more than two years - ...

No PC vs. Xbox for Halo 2 (News)

May 31, 2006

In the ever illuminating, unfailingly entertaining weekly update from Bungie.net's Frankie he once again treated Halo fans everywhere to nuggets of primo information. According to this week's update Halo 2 for PCs is finally stepped over the rainbow from black and white test version into actual color. He settled once and for all that Halo 2 will not be on Xbox Live Anywhere's service. According to Frankie: "The gulf (more than two years) between the launch of Halo 2 on Xbox and Halo 2 on PC means that a level playing field would be impossible. Add to that the fact that both versions have their controls and aiming system balanced and tuned for that system's abilities and you would have a lopsided situation at best. Halo 2 Xbox players will continue to play against Xbox and Xbox 360 players, and Halo 2 PC players will play against other PC players.

Halo 2 (Review)

Feb 15, 2006

Halo 2 is brilliant. You've probably guessed that already. But it's incredibly hard to talk about in any depth for fear of spoiling it. It's a game you have to experience for yourself. Bungie have seemingly done the impossible in keeping the single-player game under wraps for the totality of its gestation and there's a reason for this. It's full of twists - and one enormous one in particular. Aside from the actual gameplay, Halo 2 is concerned with telling you an epic sci-fi story, and half ...

New Halo 2 maps released (News)

Sep 1, 2005

The Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack - which - has just been made available for free download via Xbox Live. The collection of new maps for Bungie's superb shooter was originally available to buy in July, and four of the nine maps have since been made available to download free of charge. But it's now possible to grab the whole lot for free by simply signing up to Xbox Live and selecting the content download option from the Halo 2 menu. The newly-released maps are Relic, Elongation, ...

Halo 2 boots out the master cheats (News)

Jul 21, 2005

Bungie Studios has moved to permanently ban cheating in Xbox Live-powered games of . The automatically downloaded package is designed to detect hardware and software modifications to the game, such as Action Replay codes, as well as fix a number of newly discovered bugs and glitches in the online modes. Anyone found playing the game with modified Halo 2 content, will be banned from matchmaking and, as Bungie itself says, "It will be permanent, and there will be no appeal process." Anyone ...

Halo 2 maps date confirmed (News)

Apr 19, 2005

Following on from , where we revealed the pack would be released on 28 June, new details have finally emerged regarding the exact date of the four maps planned for early downloadable release. Previously the preceding maps were pencilled in, rather vaguely, for "late April" but Bungie has finally announced the maps will be available to download on 25 April. As a bonus for Xbox Live subscribers, two of the early-release maps will be free, while the others will have to be paid for (expect to ...

Bungie gives Halo 2 online overhaul (News)

Apr 18, 2005

Bungie has announced it plans to release an auto-update for Halo 2 today, via the Xbox Live service, in order to rectify minor bugs and completely readdress the balance of the game. In its third auto-update of Halo 2, Bungie will make the biggest changes to the weapons balance in an effort to nullify any unfair advantages certain weapons may have, and ensure gameplay is kept as varied as possible. "The scale of the auto-update gave us a unique opportunity - a chance to implement balance ...

Xbox 'X-Pack' revealed (News)

Mar 22, 2005

Following on from that the Korean arm of Microsoft's official Xbox website let slip details of a new Halo 2 expansion, US retail site ebgames.com has further detailed what the pack contains. As the story broke yesterday, websites proceeded to speculate regarding the content of the game, with some even suggesting the pack would contain extra single-player levels and a proper ending for the game. We, on the other hand, pointed out it was more likely to be a collection of multiplayer maps. And ...

Halo 2 be expanded (News)

Mar 21, 2005

The Korean arm of Microsoft's Xbox.com website has indicated an expansion pack for popular online sci-fi gunfest Halo 2 is on its way. In the coming soon portion of its release list, the website listed "Halo 2 X-Pack (Expansion Pack)" in between other eventually-to-be-released titles such as Rainbow Six Lockdown and Conker Live & Reloaded. After its highly anticipated release, which impressively broke first day entertainment records in the US, Halo 2 was lightly criticised by slightly ...

Patched up Halo 2 flogs five million (News)

Dec 3, 2004

In the old days, a programmer's job was done the moment those CD presses started rolling. Once the last zero or one was dropped into place, the poor mole-eyed nerd was allowed all the things that had been denied him (or her) for the previous six months - such as daylight, human contact and soap. But no more. These days the reeking geeks have to stay in for another six months after the game hits the shelves to add all manner of patches, mods and multiplayer gubbins. But while the spectacled ...

Halo 2 patched already (News)

Nov 18, 2004

With the cellophane still lying in a crumpled heap where you tore it off with your teeth and Halo 2 only a week out of Bungie's womb, the myth-making developer has already announced the game's first patch. The auto update contains a small piece of software that should help people with high definition TVs see the whole game, speed up the time taken to find friends and foes in Matchmaking and introduces an extra map. But it isn't a new level, oh no. Known as Foundation, this small map is taken ...

Halo 2 makes $100 million in a day! (News)

Nov 10, 2004

Halo 2 hit the shops Stateside yesterday (9 November) and Microsoft were quick to confirm that their killer-app also killed at the tills.With 1.5 million copies already pre-ordered before the doors of the stores even opened, no one was surprised to see shelves emptying at astonishing speed. Corporate vice-president of Microsoft's games division Peter Moore certainly wasn't shocked, especially since he didn't even wait to check the till receipt before "calling a $100 million day on Halo". From ...

Halo 2 TV promo (News)

Oct 26, 2004

On the same day that Microsoft have released the first TV promo for Halo 2 (which you can download via the link below), it's become apparent that there will be no cooperative play via either system link-up or Xbox Live - even though it's been widely assumed that the game would include such a feature. Instead, as per the co-op mode in the first game, two players will be able to make use of a split screen, although you now have the additional option of splitting it either horizontally or ...

Halo 2 leaked on to net! (News)

Oct 14, 2004

On what is just a week after the one year anniversary of the , it's come to light today that a pirated version of Halo 2 is already doing the rounds on an assortment of Usenet newsgroups and peer-to-peer networks.The pirated code is reported to be a complete French language version of the PAL game, which isn't scheduled to be released until 11 November.We've yet to receive confirmation of where the pirated copy of the game has emerged from and Microsoft were unavailable for comment at the time ...

Halo 2 (Feature)

Sep 21, 2004

Asking Bungie about the singleplayer component of Halo 2 is still useless. Journalists do their best, playing the rephrasing game until it becomes embarrassing, but no matter how they twist direct questions into innocent-sounding gambits, Bungie will not budge. "We're not here to talk about the oneplayer game" becomes the familiar refrain.Later, we get to speak alone with Bungie's studio manager, Pete Parsons, and ask if the secrecy is an attempt to give Halo a mystique, to make a geeky sci-fi ...

Halo 2: Explosive new 3D screenshot (News)

Jul 9, 2004

Following last month's suitably impressive , developers Bungie have released another 3D shot of the game - and this time, rather than just showing a freeze-frame, the Quicktime image shows off a Hog in the process of being blown to pieces. And, according to Bungie, you will be able to make similar use of a wad of explosive fusion cores yourself: "It takes some setting up but it's totally possible to do it in the current build of the game," they reckon. Click on the links below (there are both ...

Halo 2: Shots deluge (News)

Jul 1, 2004

Can't. Wait. Much. Longer. Following the recent , Bungie have decided to torture us with a whole slew of in-engine shots and sparkly renders this week. The images focus on enemy renders, the new vehicle hijacking moves and the various Covenant classes you'll be meeting and, hopefully, killing.Halo 2 will be available in ...

Halo 2: Screenshots avalanche (News)

Jun 17, 2004

Bungie, developers of Halo 2 and the undisputed masters of one-shot-a-week-if-you're-lucky image dribbling, have gone on the rampage, releasing multiple images of three multiplayer levels.Lockout is dominated by narrow, twisty corridors but seasoned with more open outdoor areas; Waterworks is a huge battleground ideal for Banshee attacks; and Burial Mounds takes place in a narrow red canyon strewn with wreckage from an earlier Covenant attack. Halo 2 will be out on - wait for it - 9 ...

Halo 2: Explosive new screenshots revealed (News)

May 19, 2004

The killer moment of this year's E3 will be different for many people but all would agree that the Halo 2 multiplayer demo was a jaw-dropping revelation of gaming greatness. We have the two latest screens of the multiplayer in action and some morsels of info direct from developers Bungie.If you haven't seen the demo of , do so now via the link - it truly is spectacular. Not only will you be treated to what will probably become the finest console multiplayer experience ever but it will also ...

Halo 2: We've played it! (News)

May 13, 2004

Microsoft unveiled Halo 2's multiplayer Zanzibar beach level at their Monday E3 conference - and we've since had the chance to play it for ourselves. The beach-based kill-fest pits the Spartans against the Covenant's Elites and it's huge fun.One of the first aspects to leap out at us was the fantastic Energy Sword - the game's most powerful weapon. There are three ways of using it. Press B for a diagonal swipe. Hit the right trigger for a huge uppercut that results in a one hit kill. Or if you ...