Just continuing a
thread from the pastand to put up the
Halo2 FAQ from the Halo2 ForumHalo 2 FAQ
Version 8.0
Written by: Thesomeone
Below is Xbox.com?s Halo 2 FAQ, updated with the most current information available.
When is Halo 2 going to be released?
Bungie and Microsoft have announced that Halo 2 will be released on Tuesday, November 9th, 2004. To read Bungie?s press report regarding the release date, look here.
Will Halo 2 have a simultaneous worldwide release?
No, Halo 2 will not have a worldwide release. Bungie has not announced the exact date for Halo 2?s release in other markets, but they have confirmed that the game will be released a little later then in the United States.
How many Halo 2 demos or trailers have been released to the public?
Currently four official Halo 2 videos have been released to the public; the Halo 2 announcement trailer, the E3 2003 campaign demo video, the X03 documentary, and the E3 2004 multiplayer demo video. The announcement trailer can be viewed here, the E3 2003 demo video can be viewed here, the X03 documentary can be viewed here, and the E3 2004 video can be viewed here (WMP9). Windows Media Player formats of the videos can be found here. An unofficial twenty second multiplayer video, produced by IGN at E3 2004, can be seen here.
Is Halo 2 Xbox Live compatible?
Yes! Halo 2 will be fully compatible with Live with online multiplayer, and Bungie has hinted at the possibility of content downloads. The game will take full advantage of Xbox Live?s latest update, code named "Tsunami", using features such as voice messaging and clan support. In an online game, the host has the option to lock the server, preventing any more players from coming in. If the host drops out of the game, hosting abilities will automatically transfer to another player in the game. People can also join a game in progress while online. Halo 2 is currently set to support 16 players over Live. To see more information about Xbox Live, please look here.
What is new in Halo 2?s multiplayer?
Lots! Xbox Live compatibility is the biggest change from the original game, although there will be many other alterations as well. There will be several new multiplayer game modes, one of which has been named "Assault". The purpose is to carry a bomb into the other team?s base to get a point. The other known new multiplayer mode is known as "Single Flag CTF", in which one team guards a flag for the entire game period, while another team must break in and steal the flag, bringing it back to their spawn point. This time around however, a player cannot drive a vehicle while holding the flag. Another multiplayer change is players having the chance to choose from four different teams, instead of just Red and Blue. Green and Gold are the two new team colors. On top of that, Covenant Elites will be playable in at least one multiplayer mode. In addition to teleports in Halo 2?s multiplayer, there will also be a new contraption, described as an "energy elevator". If the player steps into it, they will rise up as if in a strong air current. It will be used primarily as an alternative to a ladder, and best of all, the player can fire their weapon while in the current. One of the best new features of multiplayer is the ability to fully customize a player?s armor. Everything from hue color, to colored bands on the player?s arms and legs, and even logos on the player?s back and shoulders, can and will be done in Halo 2. Last but not least, there has been an update to system link games. 16 individual Xboxes can now be linked for a LAN game.
Are maps from the original game back in Halo 2? What new maps are there?
Bungie understands that many fans would like the classic multiplayer maps back for a second round, and it is being considered. However, the development team has not come to any conclusion to include old maps yet. As for new multiplayer maps, four have been confirmed at this time; Zanzibar, Waterworks, Burial Grounds, and Lockout. Zanzibar is a map that takes place on the east coast of Africa. One section of the map is a sunny beach, while the rest of the map is occupied by a decommissioned reactor station and several surrounding buildings. Waterworks is set in a giant cave, with its only light source being a huge hole in the cave?s ceiling. A giant alien structure is set in the middle of the map, which stretches from the bottom to the top of the cave. Burial Grounds is a map set in a desert climate, and contains the metal remains of ancient ships and structures. The last known map, Lockout, is a narrow concrete building that is built into the side of a rock outcropping. It contains several stories that are joined by ramps and bridges.
Is Earth in Halo 2? What other new locations will there be?
Yes, Earth will be in Halo 2. There will also be a moon level, not known if it?s Earth's or another planet's, complete with low gravity. The Covenant homeworld will also come into play. Bungie has said that Halo 2 will also take the player to new Halos, wreckage of previous Halos, gas giants, and even huge space stations. Some of the locations may change though, since it?s still early in the development process.
Is the Master Chief, and are the marines back in Halo 2?
Yes, the Master Chief will be back and is getting upgraded with the new Mark VI armor and new equipment, although Bungie has not stated what kind of equipment. The marines are also back in Halo 2, as well as marines with new specialties, like the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, which are similar to Army Rangers. They are an airborne unit that drops into areas of heavy combat and harsh environments. Medics, Pelican Dropship pilots, and reconnaissance teams are just a few more of the many new marines making an appearance in Halo 2. To see a render of the ODSTs, look here.
Is 343 Guilty Spark back in Halo 2?
It has not been confirmed or denied by Bungie, but they hinted that he will be back, and he is shown flying away at the end of the credits in Halo.
What new races and characters are there in Halo 2?
The Covenant Brutes and Prophets have been confirmed to make an appearance in Halo 2. The Brutes are being described as a cross between a gorilla and a rhino, and Bungie has stated that they will have the intelligence of Elites, and power of Hunters. The Prophets are the spiritual leaders of the Covenant, and have been described as "giant space popes". There has also been a mention of a new "Covenant Soldier" in one of Frankie's Halo 2 updates, but nothing more is known about it. In a more recent weekly update, there was mention of another character, which will according to Frankie, "will rock harder than a quarry". Nothing more is known about the character though. To see more information about the known species of Covenant that will be in Halo 2, look here.
What new weapons are in Halo 2?
Two new Human weapons have been shown; the Battle Rifle, and the Sub-Machine Gun. The SMG is a fast firing automatic weapon, but is very inaccurate. Although the weapon itself can?t zoom in, the player can use a set of high-powered binoculars while wielding the SMG. The Battle Rifle acts as an upgraded assault rifle, with a slower rate of fire, and a scope. When un-zoomed, the rifle fires three shot bursts, and when zoomed in it fires single shots. As for the Covenant arsenal, the Brutes have a weapon that seems to be similar to a high velocity Plasma Rifle or Fuel Rod Gun, but its unknown if it will be usable or not. The Covenant Carbine, which has been described as the Covenant?s answer to the Battle Rifle, was seen in a video segment at X03. It will have some sort of zoom function, but not too much more is known about it at this time. The other known addition to Halo 2?s arsenal is the Covenant energy sword, which the Elites used in the original Halo, but was never useable by the Master Chief. They player can use it by swinging it once at a time, or string together a devastating charge attack with the sword. There have been several upgrades to old weapons in Halo 2 as well. The Rocket Launcher now has a "target tracking" feature, giving it a minimal homing ability. The Needler also has an upgrade, and will fire at a much faster rate then in the first game. Images of the Battle Rifle and SMG can be viewed here, the Covenant Carbine can be seen here, and the energy sword can be viewed here.
What new vehicles are in Halo 2?
There will be several new types of Warthogs in Halo 2; The Snowhog is white and has treads but is currently thought to be unarmed, the Junglehog is a camouflage version of the Warthog with camouflaged tires and armor, the Troophog is a troop carrier version of the Warthog, with the back LAAG replaced with seats, but it's also unarmed. There is also the original Warthog, but without a weapon in the rear, and a Warthog with a mounted Gauss Rifle, which shoots a magnetically accelerated rod of metal at incredibly high speeds. A Warthog fixed with a high powered rocket launcher was shown at E3 2004. It seems to be similar to the Rocket Warthog from Halo PC, but with an upgraded appearance and accuracy. An ATV will also be useable. It is unarmed, but the Master Chief can lean over and fire any one-handed gun while riding it. The Covenant Shadow is a Covenant version of the Warthog with a plasma turret on the back instead of a Human LAAG. It seats four soldiers; a driver, gunner, and two passengers. The Creep, also known as the Covenant Bus, is an armored personnel carrier, with a mounted plasma weapon. There is also a new Covenant dropship, the Phantom, which is bigger and more well armed then its counterpart from the original game. There have also been alterations to the Banshee and Ghost from the original game. If the player holds down the left trigger, the engines will flare and the vehicle will momentarily move at double the normal speed, leaving a glowing contrail behind. But, if the player turns or attempts to fire the vehicle?s weapon, it will go back to normal speed. The Ghost will also hover closer to the ground in Halo 2, have sleeker plasma shots, and show dust particles fly around underneath its fuselage. Concept art, renders, and in-game screenshots of the vehicles can be viewed at Bungie?s Halo 2 page.
Will Captain Keyes be back in Halo 2?
Captain Keyes was consumed by The Flood, and died on Halo. His body then blew up with the ring. In Bungie?s interview with Electronic Gaming Monthly, it was stated that there is a 0.001% chance of his return. Captain Keyes will not be back in Halo 2.
Will The Flood be back in Halo 2?
Yes, the Flood will tie into the storyline of Halo 2, and will make another appearance, but it?s not known to what extent, or how they will return.
What is Halo 2's storyline?
Not much is known at this point, but Bungie has confirmed that Earth is attacked, and at some point in the game the assault will end. The Flood return in Halo 2, at least one other Halo comes into play, and the war is taken to the Covenant. Bungie has also added that much more of the Covenant and Forerunner history will be revealed in Halo 2.
Will there be a public beta test for Halo 2?
No, there will not. The only people that have been known to beta test Halo 2 were 1,000 carefully selected Microsoft employees. They received a beta package known as Alpha Beta, which contained three multiplayer levels from Halo 2; Lockout, Burial Grounds, and Waterworks. The testers had to sign a non-disclosure agreement however, and are not permitted to talk about the testing period. If anyone says that they know a beta tester, or are one, chances are that they are not creditable. To read an article about the Alpha Test period, look here.
How is the Artificial Intelligence improved in Halo 2?
The Covenant will scurry under ledges, leap over obstacles, and climb up structures. They'll fluidly move with animal-like grace while talking and coordinating amongst their squads. They'll even use flashlights to hunt down the Master Chief in the darkness. The Human forces will also be smarter in Halo 2 though. They'll work better as a team and flip over objects to create cover. The Marines will also know how to call in support from a Warthog or point out an enemy sniper for an ally to take down.
Will more Spartans be in Halo 2?
Bungie has not confirmed or denied it at this time. But there are some Spartans still alive, according to the newest Halo novel, Halo: First Strike. So, there could be some Spartans in Halo 2, it is currently unknown.
Will the Halo 2 environments be interactive?
Yes! In Halo 2, there will be destructible objects to add to the realism and strategy. Windows, columns and doors will shatter when they take too much damage. Enemy soldiers will be able to recognize these objects and strategically destroy them to make the player an easier target. In addition, the Master Chief will be able to shoot out lights and hide in the shadows when stealth makes more sense than confrontation. In the video released at X03, pillars can be seen getting thrown across a room when a grenade goes off nearby, and in the E3 2003 demo, the same effect occurs with tables. Both are good examples of the new environment interaction. It has also been confirmed that the multiplayer maps are somewhat destructible. The E3 2004 demo video showed walls collapse when a rocket hit nearby, and balconies cave in after an explosion. Small fusion cores could be knocked around and blown up at will, creating immense explosions. A narrow bridge could even be shot out of place, allowing players to get across a structure.
Will vehicles in Halo 2 be destructible?
Yes, all of the vehicles in Halo 2 will be fully destructible. They will show damage based on where they are hit, and everything from the Warthog?s hubcaps to the Ghost?s wings can be destroyed. The vehicle damage is not just for show either; they will behave based on how much damage they have taken. If a Warthog?s wheel is blown off, then it will be harder to control, or if a Ghost?s wing was damaged, it will tilt to one side. Once a vehicle has taken enough damage, it will explode, killing anyone nearby. A secondary explosion will follow a few seconds later.
What new abilities does the Master Chief have in Halo 2?
In Halo 2 the Master Chief can put down his weapon and sprint for a short amount of time, he can shoot out lights and hide in the darkness. The Chief can climb certain objects, and flip over some objects to create cover. He can shoot two weapons at one time as long as each weapon only takes one hand to hold. Master Chief can also hold two different guns at the same time under the same circumstances. For example; a plasma pistol and SMG. The left trigger will control the left weapon, and the right trigger will control the right weapon. When the Chief is duel wielding however, the player cannot throw grenades. To duel weld, the player will stand over a weapon, and press "Y".
What is boarding? How is it preformed in Halo 2?
Boarding in Halo 2 is the takeover of a vehicle by the player, similar to hijacking a vehicle in the Grand Theft Auto series. A player simply gets close to any vehicle that can be boarded (the Warthog and Ghost are confirmed to have the feature) and presses "X". The view will then switch to third person, and there will be a short animation of the player kicking out the person in the vehicle. Bungie has stated that the player will be able to shoot or kick out someone while boarding, depending on the situation. When boarding a vehicle with multiple passengers, such as the Warthog, the person that the player is kicking out will be removed, but the other enemy personnel will stay inside the vehicle, unless they get out voluntarily.
Why is Sgt. Johnson in Halo 2? Didn't he die on Halo?
Sergeant AJ Johnson, or Sarge, as he is known, was loved by Bungie and fans alike. Although he died in the legendary ending movie, that was just meant for laughs, and had no impact on the plot. In reality, Sgt Johnson survived the Flood, the destruction of Halo, and made it into Halo 2?s storyline. To understand the full story behind it, read the latest Halo novel, First Strike.
What does the box art for Halo 2 look like?
There are two versions to Halo 2?s case. The first is the Limited Collectors Edition of Halo 2, which is silver and made out of tin. The cover of the case can be seen here, the side is pictured here, and the back cover is shown here. The cover art for the normal version of Halo 2 was fist shown at E3 2004, and pictures the Master Chief kneeling in front of a destroyed city. It may not and probably will not be the final version though, as it has been confirmed that it was just to send out to realtors. It can be seen here.
What is the Special Collectors Edition of Halo 2?
The Collectors Edition of the game is a special version that is only available by pre-order. It comes packaged in a silver tin case, and contains a bonus DVD. The DVD contains a making of Halo 2 video, commentaries, rare artwork, deleted cinematics and characters, and features concerning the game?s design, animation, music, and more. The Special Collectors Edition of Halo 2 costs $54.99(US) and will be released on November 9th, just as the normal version is. The bonus features may change before the final version is released.
What does Halo 2?s logo look like?
Halo 2?s logo was first shown at the Microsoft press conference preceding E3 2004. It can be described as a "2" in the Halo font, in the center of the letter "O", also in the Halo font. To view an image of the new logo for Halo 2, look here.
When will Bungie release a playable Halo 2 demo?
Bungie has stated that there are no plans to release a playable demo in the near future, since they want the player to be more surprised of the new game play when they get the complete game, and a demo would eliminate that surprise. A demo will probably not be released until the complete game is already on store shelves. However, non-playable demo videos have been released at events like E3.
Halo's subtitle was "Combat Evolved". What is Halo 2's subtitle?
Bungie has not released any official subtitle to Halo 2 yet. There are several rumors going around as to what it is, but none have been confirmed by Bungie. Everything is just speculation. It is not even known yet if Halo 2 will have a subtitle.
Will Halo 2 have a high Polygon count, and will that create more lag?
Not at all. Bungie is actually using fewer polygons in Halo 2, and are taking advantage of bump mapping. What is bump mapping? It is a rendering technique used to add improved surface detail to a model. Bump mapping is used in shading the surface of existing polygons in such a way to make the surface of an object look much better. Bump mapping looks better, and uses fewer polygons. So lag should not be too much of a problem in Halo 2.
When will Bungie release more information about Halo 2?
Information about Halo 2 is being released each week by Bungie?s newest employee, Frank O?Connor. His Halo 2 updates include new screenshots, information about what part of the game the Bungie team is currently working on, and so on. They can be found every Friday at Bungie.net.
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