- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Greatness: Halo: Combat Evolved -
The original Halo was a benchmark title that really set a new standard for FPS's as well as for games in general. Released November 15, 2001, Halo: Combat Evolved was the launch title for the XBOX and is easily considered to be the best launch title in videogame history. It was the game to completely change the way people viewed and developed future videogames. While many developers attempted to top the sheer quality of Halo, some came close and others couldnt even compare. Halo was the game to win over PS2 Fans into buying an XBOX. It has sold more than 5 million copies world wide and continues to sell due to its popularity. Not until 2004 did Bungie decide to drop the price to 29.99. Yes, after 3 years people were still buying it for 49.99 and enjoying it as if it were a new release. It just goes to show that even after the 2001, more than 400 new games released, and 2 other Game of the Year awards, Halo: Combat Evolved remains one of, if not the most popular, best selling, and highest quality game in the Game Industry today. The last game to really do this was The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. There is just something special about Halo not found in many other games. It has a heart of its own that manages to win the hearts of millions of gamers that sleep, eat, and breathe Halo. Halo has not only become the greatest game of all time, it has become a way of life and a day without it is like a day without air, food, and water. Quite simply, greatness was born on November 15, 2001.
Perfection: Halo 2 -
Three years later, that greatness has evolved into something much greater. Undoubtedly being the most anticipated and hyped game of all time, Halo 2 has promised to once again change gaming forever. Improving upon every aspect and then some on an already near perfect game, Bungie and Microsoft are confident that come November 9th, 2004, Gamers will never experience games the same way they once did. As Bungie puts it, "We're not ready, but he is." and "Earth will never be the same." It is a true testament as to how much work, dedication, and effort this team has put into assuring that Halo 2 will be the greatest game ever conceived on the face of the earth. With reservations reaching hundreds per store, online pre-orders surpassing millions, and message boards being overwhelmed with Halo 2 topics, one adjective can describe all this...a phenominon.
According to www.ilovebees.com, a URL first quickly shown at the end of the Halo 2 Theatrical Trailer which appeared in over 1500 Lowes Cinaplex Theaters, August 24th holds a significant date which gamers all over the web and on XBOX Live are discussing and trying to put puzzle pieces and clues together to come up with a conclusion to the importance of this date. Will it be a single player demo? The release of Bungie's new set of Halo action figures? A Halo 2 being announced for the PC? The early unexpected and shocking release date of Halo 2? Or simply nothing at all? One thing is for sure, it has started a craze among fans and anticipation for this game only continues to grow as days go by and more becomes revealed about August 24th. Whatever that date holds in store for us is all up in the air, however, some genious at Bungie really knows how to make the wait for Halo 2 even more painful. Is there any doubt that Halo 2 will be the Game of the Year? Is there any doubt that Halo 2 will be played for many years after 2004? Is there any doubt that Halo 2 will be the game to sell millions of XBOX's? Is there any doubt that Halo 2 will change the Game Industry and the way Gamers experience the future of videogames? Is there any doubt that Halo 2 will be the perfect game? And finally...Is there a slightest of a doubt that Halo 2 will undoubtedly be the Greatest Game of all Time? Not for me. Come November 9th, be sure that gaming will never be the same again.
Heres my Halo 2 wishlist:
-No repetitive environments
-Even more scripted events
-Not as linear
-4 player co-op ( Split Screen, System Link, and XBOX Live )
-A solid 30 frames per second or 60 if we're lucky
-Music just as memorable as the original Halo ( I want the original Halo theme to return too )
-Quality voice acting
-Some stealth elements
-Ability to pilot the Marine Drop Ship and Covenant Drop Ship
-A Marine Speed Boat that holds 2 gunners atleast
-A memorable, hollywood quality emotional and dramatic sci-fi storyline
-Multiple endings
-A beautiful opening intro
-A memorable and more than satisfying ending ( after 3 years of waiting, we expect a lot )
-A counter co-op mode like Perfect Dark
-Stat tracking for Single Player and Multiplayer
-An even longer and more challenging Single Player Campaign
-AI just as good or better than the original Halo ( the best I've ever seen in a game )
-Unlockables, secrets, rewards, easter eggs, etc. ( this was missing in the original Halo but surprisingly, it still has the best replay value ever in a videogame to date )
-Ability to choose different characters and alien races
-The return of the most popular original Halo multiplayer maps
-All original multiplayer modes along with new ones available through XBOX Live
-Bots to play against if you dont have an XBOX Live account or no friends
-Custom Soundtrack
-A unique HUD and feel of playing as the Covenant or any other alien race
-32 Players XBOX Live ( Im just being spoiled )
-Entire Single Player Campaign through XBOX Live
-IGN: 11.0...GameSpot: 11.0...EGM: 11.0, 11.0, 11.0 ( New Award )...OXM: 11.0...GI: 11.0
GamePro: 6.0, 6.0, 6.0, 6.0...XBN: 11.0...( That would just be amazing )
-I want to see the face under that mask!
Well, thats all. What is your Halo 2 wishlist?
P.S. Im a new member here, however, I've been visiting the message boards frequently hoping to find someone who solved another piece of that puzzle on ilovebees.com. I'll be here to stay.
102 days remaing until the release of our new God...