Halo 2 - Four multiplayer maps now available
28th Apr 2005It's time to reload the SMGs and unpin the grenades, as Microsoft Game Studios announce that four new Halo 2 multiplayer maps are available on Xbox Live. Two of the maps, Containment and Warlock, are available for free to Xbox Live members. The other two maps, Sanctuary and Turf, are available together for download via Xbox Live for £2.99.
All four maps will be included in the retail Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack, which will contain a total of nine maps and is set for a 1st July retail release. The retail package will also contain two new videos: an animated side-story from the single-player story in New Mombasa and a mini-documentary that includes interviews with the map designers, combat strategies and fly-throughs of the new maps. The retail package will be available at a suggested retail price of £14.99. All nine maps will be available for gamers to download for free from 30th August. More information on the individual maps and the Multiplayer Map Pack can be found at http://www.bungie.net.
Set in a Forerunner environment on Delta Halo, Containment is a massive, icy outdoor environment suitable for vehicle combat and large team-objective games such as Capture the Flag. Warlock, a small to midsized indoor arena set in ancient Forerunner ruins, offers ample opportunities for a variety of gametypes such as Territories, Slayer, Team Slayer and more. Located in the streets of Old Mombasa near the wreckage of a downed Covenant Scarab, Turf is a midsize asymmetrical urban combat environment with narrow streets, dark alleyways and heavily defended buildings. The sunlit remains of an ancient Forerunner temple, Sanctuary is a medium-sized symmetrical environment excellent for Capture the Flag, Assault, Territories and Slayer games.
Halo 2, the most popular Xbox game to date, has sold more than 6.7 million copies worldwide since its November 2004 release. Launched to critical and consumer acclaim, the game has earned more than three dozen awards, including several for "Game of the Year," "Best Soundtrack" and "Best Shooter."
As well as these Halo 2 maps, there is a huge range of downloadable content available to enhance your favourite Xbox Live games. From free maps and missions to cars and courses, you can find out the latest on Xbox Live downloads in the Downloadable Content Catalogue at the following URL:
http://www.xbox.com/en-b/live/downloads/default.htm
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Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack released 28th June 2005
29th Mar 2005Console gaming will never be the same again, as Microsoft Game Studios has announced a June 28 release date for the highly anticipated Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack. The multiplayer expansion pack, which is the first of its kind for a console title, contains nine new multiplayer maps to push gamers' skills to their limits. The retail package also contains two new videos: an animated side-story from the single-player story in New Mombasa and a mini-documentary that includes interviews with the map designers, combat strategies and fly-throughs of the new maps. The retail pack also allows gamers who prefer offline play via system link and split-screen to upgrade their Halo 2 experience with new maps. The retail version of the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack carries a suggested retail price of $19.99 (U.S.).
As a special bonus, Xbox Live subscribers will get an early chance to check out four maps from the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack in late April. Two maps, Containment and Warlock, will be presented by Mountain Dew at no cost to Xbox subscribers. Two additional maps, Sanctuary and Turf, can be purchased via Xbox Live for $5.99 (U.S.). To complete the Map Pack collection, subscribers can download the five remaining maps on June 28 for $11.99 (U.S.).
Set in a Forerunner environment on Delta Halo, Containment is a massive, icy outdoor environment suitable for vehicle combat and large team objective games such as Capture the Flag. Warlock, a small to midsized indoor arena set in ancient Forerunner ruins, offers ample opportunities for a variety of gametypes such as Territories, Slayer, Team Slayer and more. Located in the streets of Old Mombasa near the wreckage of a downed Covenant Scarab, Turf is a midsize asymmetrical urban combat environment with narrow streets, dark alleyways and heavily defended buildings. The sunlit remains of an ancient Forerunner temple, Sanctuary is a medium-sized symmetrical environment excellent for Capture the Flag, Assault, Territories and Slayer games.
More information on the individual maps and the Multiplayer Map Pack can be found at http://www.bungie.net.
Halo 2, the most popular Xbox game to date, has sold more than 6.5 million copies worldwide since its November 2004 release. Launched to critical and consumer acclaim, the game has earned more than a dozen awards, including several for "Game of the Year," "Best Soundtrack" and "Best Shooter."
Pushing the Xbox hardware to its very limits, Halo 2 expands on everything that made the original game great, while adding a wealth of technological and gameplay advances. Significantly improved graphics, enhanced artificial intelligence (AI), an advanced real-time lighting engine and destructible interactive environments are just a small part of Halo 2's evolution of design and technology. Every improvement in Halo 2 is designed to take gameplay to a new level - and in the end, to tell a more compelling story.
Utilizing Xbox Live to redefine online play, Halo 2 delivers superior online multiplayer capabilities. Whether playing with a clan on a new multiplayer map, boarding a friend's Warthog, dogfighting in Banshees or checking player stats, brings the social experience to a higher level via Xbox Live. More information about Halo 2 is available at http://www.halo2.com/.
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Halo 2 - First Xbox Live Championship
8th Mar 2005Pick up your weapons, gather your strength and prepare yourself for ultimate combat in the first ever European Halo 2 Championship.
Answer the call to save Earth and all of humankind in the tournament we've all been waiting for. Gamers have two weeks from today, 7th March, to register in what is the first stage of the Halo 2 Championship, hosted on the Xbox Live service. Registration closes on 20th March when eight winners will battle to win the title of UK Halo 2 Champion and, ultimately, the chance to take part in the Xbox Live Halo 2 Worldwide Finals in April.
What is the prize?
The top eight players from UK will fight it out in the second stage of the tournament which takes place on Saturday 9th April, 2005. But there can be only one national winner. The winner will not only take the title of UK Halo 2 Champion but they also win a state of the art Samsung digital camcorder, an exclusive, special edition half-sized Master Chief statue plus a Halo 2 Championship Plaque and commemorative Halo 2 T Shirt all worth nearly £1000. Of the 14 European countries taking part, one Halo 2 Champion from each nation then has the opportunity to go through to the Worldwide Finals which will be announced later in March.
How do I take part?
First you need go to the following URL and register for the tournament: http://www.xbox.com/en-gb/community/halo2tournament.htm
Registration 7th March 12:00 GMT and will close at 12:00 GMT on 20th March. Once registered gamers can begin the epic journey to the top of the Rumble Pit Leaderboard. Just sign into Xbox Live, select OptiMatch and start playing in the Rumble Pit. The top eight eligible players who are registered on the Rumble Pit leaderboard from the UK will win a place at the UK final.
To be eligible, gamers should subscribe to Xbox Live, be over 16 and be in one of the participating European countries – UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.
Terms and conditions of the tournament can be found at the following URL: http://www.xbox.com/en-gb/community/halo2tournamenttsandcs.htm
To find out about other great Xbox Live events including Game With Fame, tournaments and Winning Weekends visit the Xbox Live Calendar on: http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/live/calendar/default.htm
There are now more than 1.4million members of the growing Xbox Live service, which enables gamers to easily find their friends and play together online; talk to other members while they're playing through the Xbox Voice Communicator, download current statistics, new levels and characters to their Xbox hard drive. The service is constantly evolving with new features like voice messages and alerts, plus "Game with Fame", 'Winning Weekends' "Play and Win", and "Mystery Gamer." There are now 200 Live-enabled titles available world-wide including Halo 2 which has so far logged over 61 million sessions on the game, with an average session lasting nearly 92 minutes – the approximate length of a feature film. |
Halo 2 has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide
3rd Dec 2004Xbox gamers around the world can't get enough of Halo 2 – the global phenomenon has sold more than five million copies worldwide since its launch in early November. In total the Halo franchise has exceeded the 11 million unit mark, with cumulative sales from Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2 and Halo for Windows.
Gamers are also loving Halo 2's innovative new Xbox Live features - the global Xbox Live community has logged a record-setting 28 million hours playing Halo 2, which is more than any other Xbox Live game in the history of the global service.
The instant action and immersive gameplay in Halo 2 propelled gamers to play online for an average of 91 minutes per session, approximately the same length as a major motion picture. Out of a universe of more than one million Xbox Live members, Halo 2 on Xbox Live has already attracted more than 900,000 unique users.
In addition to the Halo 2 phenomenon, Xbox is satisfying the entertainment appetites of adults and children, all ages and personalities. "Fable," the ground-breaking Xbox role-playing adventure game from Lionhead Studios and Microsoft Game Studios, has reached new heights, racking sales of more than one million units worldwide in only two months since its availability at retail. |
Halo 2 hits $125 Million in 24 Hours
12th Nov 2004Halo 2 broke entertainment retail records in its first 24 hours on store shelves. Microsoft Game Studios have announced that the highly-anticipated game sold through 2.4 million units in the U.S. and Canada, driving cash register receipts to the $125 million mark.
Not only has Halo 2 exceeded video game sales records, but entertainment records as well. Halo 2 has generated more money on day one than any of the biggest movies in box office history including Spider-Man 2 (Sony), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (WB) and The Matrix Reloaded (WB).* In addition, Halo 2 surpassed this past weekend's box office favorite, "The Incredibles," which grossed $70.5 million (U.S.) in three days compared to the $125 million pulled through by "Halo 2" in one day.
Halo 2 will expand on everything that made the original game great, plus add a wealth of technological and gameplay advances. Significantly improved graphics, enhanced artificial intelligence (AI), an advanced real-time lighting engine and destructible interactive environments are just a small part of Halo 2's evolution of design and technology. Every improvement in Halo 2 is designed to take gameplay to a new level - and in the end, to tell a more compelling story.
Utilizing Xbox Live to redefine online play, Halo 2 delivers superior online multiplayer capabilities. Whether playing with a clan on a new multiplayer map, boarding a friend's Warthog, dogfighting in Banshees or checking player stats, Halo 2 will bring the social experience to a higher level via Xbox Live.
More information about Halo 2 is available at http://www.halo2.com/.
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Halo 2 to be promoted by MSN
10th Nov 2004MSN UK, have announced a new six-figure advertising deal with Xbox to promote the launch of the most eagerly awaited game Halo 2.
The campaign, which is part of a larger EMEA deal, will run from November 11th 25th. Halo 2 is officially the most highly anticipated console game with pre-sales already topping 1.5 million units the highest pre-order numbers for any game ever.
The three-phase promotion will see a homepage takeover, large 300x250 ad placements on the entertainment homepage and an email marketing campaign. The centerpiece of the campaign is a live streaming television homepage ad on the day of the launch November 11th. This activity continues from a successful pre-launch teaser campaign which ran on the games channel homepage in September.
Online is a significant part of the Halo 2 marketing campaign and is Xboxs biggest commitment to using online as a key element of its marketing activities. Almost half of the total online spend is on MSN with additional online campaigns running in The Sun, FHM, Maxim, XFM and Megastar.
The promotional campaign follows on from previous successful MSN UK campaigns with Xbox, including the launch of Project Gotham Racing 2, Splinter Cell and Rally Sport Challenge 2. |
Halo 2 - Over 7,000 retailers open for the 12.01a.m. release on 9th November 2004
8th Nov 2004Long lines of clamoring fans? Check. Thousands of stores open at midnight? Check. Genetically enhanced super soldiers? Check. The entertainment industry is bracing for a big night tonight as thousands of fans around the globe finally get their hands on one of the most highly anticipated games of the year: "Halo 2," available exclusively on Microsoft Xbox. Gamers, celebrities, adrenaline junkies and industry paparazzi worldwide will converge at hundreds of lively launch soirees and thousands of retail outlets when the game officially goes on sale just after midnight.
In New York, Toys "R" Us Times Square will be the epicenter of "Halo 2" activities in the United States. Legions of dedicated fans are expected to line the streets waiting for the chance to be among the first to own the coveted game. Across every time zone, more than 7,000 retailers are also planning "midnight madness" events. A complete list of retail outlets opening at 12:01 a.m. can be found online at
http://www.xbox.com/en-us/halo2/storelocator.htm.
The Nov. 9 launch will extend beyond U.S. borders with retail events and parties in Canada, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan as well as throughout Latin America and Down Under in Australia and New Zealand. On Nov. 10, the launch will roll out in movie-premiere-style red carpet celebrations in Belgium, France and Switzerland, followed by a Nov. 11 release in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. "Halo 2" will be available in eight languages (traditional Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish) and will be distributed in 27 countries.
Made exclusively for Xbox, "Halo 2" will be sold for $49.99.* While supplies last, a limited edition two-DVD set that includes the game and bonus content such as "making of" footage, deleted scenes and commentary from the development team will be sold for $54.99.* Copies of the game can be purchased at retailers Toys "R" Us, GameStop, Electronic Boutique, Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Circuit City, to name a few.
The highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning "Halo: Combat Evolved," "Halo 2" picks up where the action in the first game ended. Heavily-armored super-soldier Master Chief, with the help of a small group of Marines, has destroyed the religious artifact and artificial world known as Halo, and is making his way back to Earth. There, he and the last surviving Earth forces will mount a titanic final struggle against the marauding Covenant armada.
Exploiting the superior graphics capabilities of the Xbox console, "Halo 2" will expand on everything that made the original game great, plus add a wealth of technological and game-play advances. For example, playing on Xbox Live, gamers can engage with or against friends from around the world in an effort to save humankind.
Developed exclusively for Xbox by Bungie Studios, part of Microsoft Game Studios, the original "Halo: Combat Evolved" has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide and spawned a legion of devotees who frequently participate in competitions, tournaments and game nights. |
Halo 2 launched midnight in Los Angeles 8th November 2004
5th Nov 2004Halo 2, the successor to the largest selling Xbox game to date, is set to release at midnight on Monday, November 8, 2004. The premiere West Coast launch event will be at EB Games' Universal CityWalk location, and the event will also feature gameplay of never-before-seen Xbox titles on the Xbox Console Coach.
Halo 2, the long-awaited sequel that continues the story of Master Chief, has accumulated an astonishing 1.5 million pre-orders (and counting). Developed by Bungie Studios, the game will be released exclusively for the Microsoft Xbox. With over five million units sold worldwide, the Halo franchise, which includes the first release, Halo: Combat Evolved (2001), and now Halo 2 (2004), has received worldwide recognition and critical acclaim, raising the bar for first-person shooter games.
EB Games expects the Universal CityWalk launch to be an extremely popular event, with swarms of dedicated fans eager to get their hands on the new title. New Halo 2 accessories will also be available, further exciting the gaming community. Microsoft and EB Games representatives will also be on location to meet with fans and answer questions.
The launch event is scheduled for Monday, November 8, 2004, at 9 P.M. Pacific (12 A.M. Eastern) at the EB Games Universal CityWalk store at 1000 Universal Studios Blvd, Ste 101, in Universal City, California.
For more information about Halo 2 visit http://www.halo2.com. |
Halo 2 - Official Guide released 11th November 2004
3rd Nov 2004Piggyback, Europe's official strategy guide publisher has been working in-house at Bungie Studios in Redmond since July 2004 to develop the exclusive Halo 2 Official Guide. The book will be released simultaneously with the game across the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
The 224-page tome is an encyclopedia of Halo 2's multiplayer component, a full, highly accessible walkthrough for the epic Campaign mode and everything on basic play. The Halo 2 Official Guide has been researched, written and designed over four months to include detailed annotated maps covering single player and multiplayer modes as well as an exhaustive rundown on preset and custom game types. The guide also features hundreds of digital screenshots to illustrate key points and is packed with tips, tactics and techniques from the Bungie team.
Quick Facts:
Instant Recognition: All Piggyback guides, including the Official Halo 2 Guide use official game cover art.
Quality Production: All Piggyback guides are produced to the highest standards. The Official Halo 2 Guide features a matt laminated cover with spot UV varnish and the book is printed on 135 g/m² paper to ensure gamers receive a perfect guide.
Free Demos: Visitors to http://www.piggybackinteractive.com can download 12 sample pages of the Official Halo 2 Guide free of charge from 11th November 2004.
Halo 2 Official Guide Details:
RRP: £12.99/ AUD 29.95 - Available in all good videogames retail outlets and bookstores.
ISBN: English - 1-903511-68-2
Launch Date: 11th November 2004 |
Limited Edition Halo 2 offer
22nd Oct 2004Xbox, the video game system from Microsoft, have announced a European limited edition retail offers available from the 11th November in the UK.
The limited edition Halo 2 Xbox Live Starter kit contains a full copy of Halo 2, an Xbox Live Voice Communicator and twelve months subscription to Xbox Live.
It means gamers who already own an Xbox Console but have not yet signed up to Xbox Live can take advantage of the great value limited edition Halo 2 Xbox Live Starter Kit for £59.99 (RRP).
There is also another way to find out what it's like to be a part of the growing Xbox Live community – with no obligation to purchase a subscription. Anyone with an Xbox and broadband internet connection can trial the online gaming service absolutely free for two months by purchasing one of a selection of 1st and 3rd party titles including; Halo 2, EA SPORTSTM FIFA Football 2005, and many, many more. Just ask in store for details or look for the trial card sticker on the cover of the games.
Limited Edition Halo 2 Xbox Live Starter Kit contains:
* Xbox Live Voice Communicator
* One full copy of Halo 2
* 12 months subscription to Xbox Live |
Halo 2 destroys pre-order record eclipsing the previous 1.5 million mark
19th Oct 2004There hasn't been this much anticipation for an otherworldly touchdown since Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon. With three weeks to go before the game hits store shelves, pre-orders for "Halo 2" -- the highly anticipated Xbox exclusive from Microsoft Game Studios -- have eclipsed the 1.5 million mark in the United States. With phenomenal record-breaking video game pre-orders, "Halo 2" is poised to generate more revenue in 24 hours than day one sales of any full feature movie in entertainment history, including "Spider-man 2," "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" and "Matrix: Reloaded."
In the U.S., the anticipation builds to a fever pitch on Nov. 9 when thousands of shoppers line up to be among the first to get their hands on the action-packed thriller. The first copy of "Halo 2" will be distributed at a Midnight Madness event at the largest Toys "R" Us in the world located in Times Square, New York. Toys "R" Us Times Square will open its doors at 12 midnight on November 9, and deliver the first retail copy of the game to a lucky fan.
More than 6,500 U.S. participating retailers - including Gamestop, EB Games, Best Buy, Gamecrazy, Game Rush, Circuit City, Kmart Super Center stores and FYE, will open their doors at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9 to allow for sales of "Halo 2," Xbox consoles and Xbox Live Starter Kits.
The global launch of "Halo 2" will also be marked by celebrations from November 9 through November 11 at more than 1,125 retail stores in cities around the world including London, Seoul, Toronto and Sydney. "Halo 2" will be translated into seven languages (Japanese, Korean, traditional Chinese, Spanish, French, German and Italian) and will be distributed in 27 countries.
"Halo 2," the follow up to the marquee Xbox title, "Halo: Combat Evolved," was selected for the Toys "R" Us Joy List as one of the expected top sellers this holiday season. "Halo 2" utilizes Xbox Live to redefine online play, delivering superior online multiplayer capabilities, which allow gamers to engage with or against friends from around the world in an effort to save humankind.
Developed exclusively for Xbox by Bungie Studios, part of Microsoft Game Studios, the original "Halo" has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide and spawned a legion of powerful devotees who participate in competitions, tournaments and game nights. |
Halo 2 Soundtrack due for release 9th November 2004
11th Oct 2004Sumthing Else Music Works, Inc., through its licensing relationship with Microsoft Game Studios, presents Halo 2: Original Soundtrack Volume One. The highly anticipated soundtrack will be released on November 9 to US retail outlets through Nile Rodgers' Sumthing Else Music Works label http://www.sumthing.com.
Taking center stage on the Halo 2: Original Soundtrack CD are the new symphonic compositions by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori, the composers behind the best-selling Halo: Combat Evolved soundtrack.
The soundtrack also includes all new compositions from some of today's most exciting rock bands, including "Blow Me Away" by Breaking Benjamin, "Connected" by Hoobastank and "The Odyssey" by Incubus; which serve to fulfill the ultimate vision of Marty O'Donnell's epic orchestral score.
"Blow Me Away" is now available on http://www.nilerodgers.com and the new MSN Music site, http://www.music.msn.com. MSN Music provides music fans with an easy, comprehensive service for discovering and downloading legal, digital music.
Producer Nile Rodgers has also contributed by writing, performing and co-producing the track "Never Surrender" in collaboration with renowned songwriter, artist and remixer, Nataraj. This exclusive cut as well as the "Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix" includes masterful guitar work by acclaimed rock guitarist Steve Vai. |
Win a preview copy of Halo 2
8th Oct 2004Gamers eager to get their hands on Halo 2, the most-anticipated game of the year, now have the opportunity to do so by visiting their local 7-Eleven store. Mountain Dew is teaming up with Xbox and 7-Eleven, Inc. to offer gamers an improved, intense Mountain Dew Slurpee and three limited-edition Halo 2 collector cups, available at participating 7-Eleven stores nationwide. They can also enter the "Win it Before You Can Buy It" sweepstakes for a chance to win an early copy of Halo 2 before it's released on November 9. Additional prizes include a trip to the 2004 Spike TV Video Game Awards, a trip to Bungie Studios for an opportunity to play against the Halo 2 developers at a private event, Xbox video game systems, Xbox Live Starter Kits and more. For more information and official sweepstakes rules, please visit http://www.slurpee.com/.
Pushing the Xbox hardware to its very limits, Halo 2 will expand on everything that made the original game great, plus add a wealth of technological and gameplay advances. Significantly improved graphics, enhanced artificial intelligence (AI), an advanced real-time lighting engine and destructible interactive environments are just a small part of Halo 2's evolution of design and technology. Every improvement in Halo 2 is designed to take gameplay to a new level - and in the end, to tell a more compelling story.
Utilizing Xbox Live to redefine online play, Halo 2 delivers superior online multiplayer capabilities. Whether playing with a clan on a new multiplayer map, boarding a friend's Warthog, dogfighting in Banshees or checking player stats, Halo 2 will bring the social experience to a higher level via Xbox Live. More information about Halo 2 is available at http://www.halo2.com/.
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Halo 2 Desktop Agent due for release November 11th 2004
10th Sep 2004Xbox has announced the launch of a Halo 2 desktop agent. Microsoft partnered with Skinkers communications to create the interactive Master Chief, downloadable from
http://www.xbox.com/en-gb/halo2/
will keep fans up to speed with regular news bulletins about the most eagerly awaited console game in years, Halo 2.
As well as regular news bulletins, Master Chief will also be on hand with hints, tips and tasters for the eager gamer, in game footage and trailer videos as well as exclusive competitions and offers.
Due to hit shelves on the 11th November, Halo 2 will expand on everything that made the original game great, plus add a wealth of technological and gameplay advances. Significantly improved graphics, enhanced AI, an advanced real-time lighting engine and destructible interactive environments are just a small part of Halo 2's evolution of design and technology. Every improvement in Halo 2 is designed to take gameplay to a new level; and in the end, to tell a better story.
Utilising Xbox Live to redefine online play, Halo 2 delivers superior online multiplayer capabilities. Whether playing with a clan on a new multiplayer map, boarding a friend's Warthog, or checking player stats, Halo 2 will bring the social experience to a higher level via Xbox Live. |
Limited Collectors Edition Of Halo 2
9th Aug 2004The future generation video game system from Microsoft®, have announced it will be releasing a Limited Collector's Edition of the highly anticipated Halo 2, that includes a copy of the game plus a 2nd DVD packed with extra content.
Xbox gamers will be able to get their hands on this unique offer, available across the UK from 11th November for an estimated street price of £44.99.
The Limited Collector's Edition of Halo 2 is, a 2 disc set that will come in a very collectable and stylish metal box.
The 2nd DVD features extra content such as a Making of Halo 2 documentary, features on game design, animation, music, outtakes of cinematics and characters, art galleries - from concept to game, commentaries from the development team, and much more.
"We are very excited about this Limited Collector's Edition of Halo 2 and feel that fans will jump at the chance to add this exciting limited edition offer to their games collection," said Michel Cassius Senior Director, Xbox Platform and Marketing. "We are expecting a high demand for the Limited Collector's Edition of Halo 2 and since quantities are strictly limited, we suggest fans pre-order now to avoid disappointment."
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Halo 2 Hits the Big Screen This Summer With Cinematic Trailer
21st Jul 2004Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios have announced a movie-style promotional campaign for the launch of the most anticipated game this year, Halo 2. Beginning today and continuing through August, a Halo 2 theatrical trailer will be shown in more than 1500 Loews Cineplex Entertainment movie screens in the U.S. before many of the hottest films of the summer; including Spider-Man 2, The Village, King Arthur, I Robot, Catwoman and Alien vs. Predator.
The trailer sets the stage for Master Chief's arrival on Earth to stop Covenant forces from destroying all mankind. Halo 2 lands on store shelves on November 9; but gamers can reserve their copy now, as a special limited edition copy of Halo 2 is currently available for pre-order at most retailers.
The cinematic Halo 2 trailer was created by The Ant Farm, the Hollywood company renowned for their work on trailers for blockbuster films such as The Lord of the Rings, Spider-Man 2, Shrek, Kill Bill and the Harry Potter series.
Pushing the Xbox hardware to its very limits, Halo 2 will expand on everything that made the original game great, plus add a wealth of technological and gameplay advances. Significantly improved graphics, enhanced artificial intelligence (AI), an advanced real-time lighting engine and destructible interactive environments are just a small part of Halo 2's evolution of design and technology.
Every improvement in Halo 2 is designed to take gameplay to a new level - and in the end, to tell a more compelling story.
Utilizing Xbox Live to redefine online play, Halo 2 delivers superior online multiplayer capabilities. Whether playing with a clan on a new multiplayer map, boarding a friend's Warthog, watching a game replay or checking player stats, Halo 2 will bring the social experience to a higher level via Xbox Live. |
UK Halo 2 release update
15th Jul 2004Xbox®, the video game system from Microsoft®, have announced that the highly-anticipated Halo 2 will hit UK retail shelves on Thursday, 11th November 2004.
"Halo 2 is the hottest game heading to Europe for Christmas and it will be in-stores in UK from 11th November," said Michel Cassius, Senior Director, Xbox Platform and Marketing. "We know people are waiting for it and Halo 2 is everything people expect it to be – a fitting sequel to Halo and the most hotly anticipated title on any platform. With multiplayer online capabilities that expand online gaming to another level, Halo 2 is a significant launch."
Pushing the Xbox hardware to its very limits, Halo 2 will expand on everything that made the original game great, plus add a wealth of technological and gameplay advances. Significantly improved graphics, enhanced AI, an advanced real-time lighting engine and destructible interactive environments are just a small part of Halo 2's evolution of design and technology. Every improvement in Halo 2 is designed to take gameplay to a new level; and in the end, to tell a better story.
Utilizing Xbox® LiveTM to redefine online play, Halo 2 delivers superior online multiplayer capabilities. Whether playing with a clan on a new multiplayer map, boarding a friend's Warthog, watching a game replay or checking player stats, Halo 2 will bring the social experience to a higher level via Xbox Live. Halo 2 hits store shelves on 9th November in North America and 11th November in UK. |
Halo 2 - E3 Factsheet and release date
12th May 2004The epic saga continues with "Halo 2," the much anticipated sequel to the highly successful and critically acclaimed game "Halo: Combat Evolved." In this sequel, the battle comes to Earth, and Master Chief, a genetically enhanced super soldier, is the only thing standing between the relentless alien Covenant and the destruction of all humankind.
Pushing the Xbox hardware to its very limits, "Halo 2" will expand on everything that made the original game great, plus add a wealth of technological and gameplay advances. Significantly improved graphics, enhanced AI, destructible and interactive environments, and an advanced real-time lighting engine are just a small part of "Halo 2's" evolution of design and technology. Every improvement in "Halo 2 is designed to take gameplay to a new level, and in the end, to tell a better story.
The closely guarded plotline of "Halo 2" will feature new vehicles, new weapons and new environments as well as new enemies, allies and surprises around every corner. Players will wield dual weapons, board opponents' vehicles, and in multiplayer mode you can even switch sides and take the role of a Covenant Elite.
Working in concert with Xbox Live to redefine broadband gameplay, "Halo 2" delivers superior online multiplayer action. Whether joining your clan on a new multiplayer map, customizing the look of your armor, or checking player stats in-game and on Bungie.net, "Halo 2" will bring "Halo's" unique social experience to a higher level with Xbox Live.
Released in November 2001, "Halo: Combat Evolved" became recognized as one of the greatest achievements in video game entertainment. To date, "Halo" has sold more than 4 million copies worldwide and continues to be a top-selling title.
Title: "HaloTM 2"
Publisher: Microsoft® Game Studios
Developer: Bungie Studios
Format: DVD for the Xbox® video game system; Xbox LiveTM-enabled
ESRB Rating: Pending
Availability: November 9
Pricing: $49.99 (U.S.) estimated retail price |
Halo 2 Image
23rd Mar 2004Microsoft have teased us a little more by releasing a solitary screenshot or piece of artwork from their hotly anticipated release, Halo 2.
Developed by Bungie, Halo 2 is being thought of by many as THE XBox release of 2004.
Anyway, here is the image:
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