Just completed my legendary playthrough of Halo 2 and it was absolute hell. It might have been the most difficult experience I've had playing a game and that's really saying a lot for me.
I already love Halo 2, but I think this game made me appreciate the lower difficulties. At least those are actually fun. Halo 2 on legendary is really bullshit all the time and never feels fair. Why did I do it? Bragging rights and achievements. Was it worth it? No.
In all seriousness though, Halo 2 is a great game. The original version of Halo 2 is great, but the anniversary version is even better. Not only does it have enhanced graphics with some fantastic cutscenes that are some of the best I've seen in a game, but they do a lot better of a job emphasizing the story and emotion. Because of this, I think Halo 2 has one of the best stories. Duel protagonists is one of the best parts and switching between playing as Chief and The Arbiter was a great idea and helps cement how likable the Elites are. Not to mention the writing and voice acting is also fantastic. Keith David as The Arbiter is absolutely is amazing and it also helps that about 80% of the lines in Halo 2 are extremely quotable.
The gameplay is as fun as always and the sandbox is even larger now. Thanks to Halo 2, it introduced the energy sword, sentinel beam, beam rifle, carbine, SMG, battle rifle, and more. It also introduced duel wielding which is awesome. It's a great sandbox for weapons and even more vehicles to use. It also introduced the mechanic to trade weapons with allies so you can gear up a squad with preferred weapons to hit as hard as possible.
Unfortunately one of the biggest faults of Halo 2 that's not its difficulty is its level design. Don't get me wrong, there are some great levels, but most of them are very linear and even pretty bad at times. It can still be fun with the great sandbox, but it can get pretty dull. There are still some great levels in this though. I can forgive some of the levels because of Halo 2's development hell, but this campaign is like 15 missions long and that's way too long for a Halo game if you ask me.
Even though Halo 2 is a bit lacking in level design, but it's great with its story, I have to mention the multiplayer. Well, it's amazing. The original Halo 2 multiplayer is already fantastic with great maps, weapons, game modes, custom games, etc. I still kind of suck at it since people are still using button combos like it's Smash Melee. The original multiplayer is great, though I slightly prefer the Halo 2 Anniversary multiplayer which is based off Halo 4's engine but is made to be like Halo 2. I have a lot more fun with it and it's a more casual experience. Both multiplayers are fantastic in their own way and provide endless hours of fun.
All in all, Halo 2 is a great game. It does lack with its level design in the campaign in a lot of places, but it still manages to tell an engaging story and manage to be fun in a lot of places. The multiplayer also happens to be a fantastic experience whether you're playing with strangers or friends. Definitely check this one out.
9/10
I already love Halo 2, but I think this game made me appreciate the lower difficulties. At least those are actually fun. Halo 2 on legendary is really bullshit all the time and never feels fair. Why did I do it? Bragging rights and achievements. Was it worth it? No.
In all seriousness though, Halo 2 is a great game. The original version of Halo 2 is great, but the anniversary version is even better. Not only does it have enhanced graphics with some fantastic cutscenes that are some of the best I've seen in a game, but they do a lot better of a job emphasizing the story and emotion. Because of this, I think Halo 2 has one of the best stories. Duel protagonists is one of the best parts and switching between playing as Chief and The Arbiter was a great idea and helps cement how likable the Elites are. Not to mention the writing and voice acting is also fantastic. Keith David as The Arbiter is absolutely is amazing and it also helps that about 80% of the lines in Halo 2 are extremely quotable.
The gameplay is as fun as always and the sandbox is even larger now. Thanks to Halo 2, it introduced the energy sword, sentinel beam, beam rifle, carbine, SMG, battle rifle, and more. It also introduced duel wielding which is awesome. It's a great sandbox for weapons and even more vehicles to use. It also introduced the mechanic to trade weapons with allies so you can gear up a squad with preferred weapons to hit as hard as possible.
Unfortunately one of the biggest faults of Halo 2 that's not its difficulty is its level design. Don't get me wrong, there are some great levels, but most of them are very linear and even pretty bad at times. It can still be fun with the great sandbox, but it can get pretty dull. There are still some great levels in this though. I can forgive some of the levels because of Halo 2's development hell, but this campaign is like 15 missions long and that's way too long for a Halo game if you ask me.
Even though Halo 2 is a bit lacking in level design, but it's great with its story, I have to mention the multiplayer. Well, it's amazing. The original Halo 2 multiplayer is already fantastic with great maps, weapons, game modes, custom games, etc. I still kind of suck at it since people are still using button combos like it's Smash Melee. The original multiplayer is great, though I slightly prefer the Halo 2 Anniversary multiplayer which is based off Halo 4's engine but is made to be like Halo 2. I have a lot more fun with it and it's a more casual experience. Both multiplayers are fantastic in their own way and provide endless hours of fun.
All in all, Halo 2 is a great game. It does lack with its level design in the campaign in a lot of places, but it still manages to tell an engaging story and manage to be fun in a lot of places. The multiplayer also happens to be a fantastic experience whether you're playing with strangers or friends. Definitely check this one out.
9/10