Visually, the game is stunning. Everything is fleshed out in detail, from cracks in the rocks to scuff on weapons. Covenant weapons no longer look like plush kiddy toys; they look fucking menacing.
Covenant Drones are a royal pain in the ass, Brutes even moreso. Tell ya, nothing gets the blood pumping like turning a corner and coming face-to-face with a pack of evil gorillas with an itch. I must say, it did feel really good to saunter up behind one that wasn't paying attention and dispatch him with a single blow.
Vehicles have changed, mostly for the better. The Warthog in both forms is still a ball to drive. The Scorpion has slowed down, to my annoyance, but it's faster firing rate makes up for it. The Ghost feels more solid now, and the weapons are infinitely more pleasing to use than last time. The Wraith is also a solid performer, slightly weaker than the Scorp but faster to make up for it. The Banshee is still too awkward and suffers from turning problems, but is otherwise dependable. The Spectre (the Covvie Warthog, as my friend calls it) is too fragile to be effective.
Taking over vehicles is a great addition to the game. There's nothing quite like kicking a Brute out of his seat, then spinning his Ghost around and flattening him. Sucker.
The new weapons are a mixed bag. I adore the Fuel Rod Cannon (eat this, Hunter bitches!) but the Brute shot can be annoying. The Needler is now a fucking menace. Don't get caught on the wrong end. The new battle rifle is pleasing, but the SMG is unreliable. The Coveneant carbine is a somewhat poor performer compared to most, but it holds its own. The Beam rifle is wicked. The Sentinal cannon is like death incarnate. And then there's my personal favorite: THE FUCKING SWORD! Get your ass over here you fuckers, I'll decap you one by fucking one! Watching the Flood explode when hit by the sword just never gets old.
The rocket launcher's new homing featuer is fucking evil. Shooting down Banshees just got a lot more fun. The ability to dual-wield makes for some really nasty attack options (double Needler is just fucking wicked).
Now, onto the story. I am very, very pleased that Halo 2 has not disappointed me on this count. The story has taken numerous left turns the left me gaping in astonishment, such as the leader of the Flood and the Covenant civil war (more on this later).
Revealing the names of the Covenant races was a nice touch. I especially like the new name for the Elites; the Sangheili. Unggoy is an appropriately amusing name for the Grunts. I don't care too much for Okgolo though, I think I'll keep calling them Hunters.
Telling the story from the Arbiter's point of view is a great addition and makes for interesting depth, watching him start out hunting a heretic, slowly befriending the Sangheili captain (the guy in white), becoming a pawn of Tartarus and then the Flood, then finally getting to unload on the backstabbing Brutes.
I should note here that Halo 2 is the second video game to ever make me cry. When the Flood released the Arbiter and he found a plasma rifle lying on the ground, I thought, "well that was prety conviniant." Then I turned the corner and found the awful truth: Sangheili bodies everywhere, carelessly strewn across the ground without regard. The music of the level just added to the shock and pain as I picked up an energy sword and threw myself at the first Brute I saw. I never even noticed the tears until I reached up to rub my eyes (I thought I was having an allergy attack) and felt them.
Oh, and bravo to the writers at Bungie. The Prophets are deluded fools. Tartarus and his Brutes are ambitious bastards. Even the Flood has become a fascinating character. And Guilty Spark's back. Looking forward to settling that score.
The music of the game is appropriately epic, and the increased use of guitar was a good touch. Looking forward to the soundtrack.
Well, that's about it. Can't wait until I get a chance to get back to it. Guilty Spark, Tartarus, and the Prophet of Truth still need to get what's coming to them.
