Guide Note

Halo 2, the second installment in the popular Halo series, is a science-fiction action first-person shooter for the Xbox console and Windows Vista.

Fast Facts

1. Developer: Bungie Studios (Xbox) | Microsoft Game Studios (PC)
2. Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
3. Platforms: Xbox, PC (Windows Vista)
4. Genre: First-person shooter
5. Modes: Single player, multiplayer, online multiplayer
6. Sequel to the 2002 Game of the Year Halo: Combat Evolved
7. ESRB rating: Mature (M)
8. Release dates:
   1. Xbox: November 24, 2004
   2. PC: May 31, 2007

After the destruction of the ring world in the first Halo, it is revealed that the Covenant believes the rings will open up a doorway into heaven. The Arbiter, also an Elite commander, is tortured and marked with shame as punishment for losing the first ring. The Brutes, a new race of aliens, are introduced. They resemble large Bigfoot-like creatures. The story splits into two parts. The first part follows the Arbiter as he embarks on missions for the Prophets, while beginning to doubt the information they provided about the ring. The second part follows Master Chief and Cortana as they defend Earth from an invading Covenant armada. In pursuit of the Prophet of Regret, a Covenant figurehead, Master Chief discovers a second ring and realizes he needs to stop it before the Covenant can activate it.