I've had some requests for a Halo 2 post, so here goes. First of all, the game is continent-sized big. I was really impressed by the size and the length of the levels in this game. For the most part, they managed to be varied and interesting, full of different vehicles, AI help, and strategies. I was really impressed by the AI in this game. Many times you can just sit back and watch the chaos as your allies and enemies face off. Vehicle and weapon selection has been expanded and improved, you can finally use Plasma swords and drive the Alien tanks. Very, very nice.
The frantic gameplay remains from the first, aided by fantastic graphics. I really felt while playing this that it was what the future of games was supposed to look like, it's be a console benchmark for years. Playing this, I feel like I had per capita "Holy Sh--" moments than any other game previously. There was this one part in particular where you're fighting a boss, and you can hijack his floaty thing, and punch him in the face til he dies. I was so impressed by that. The story was full of twists and surprises, although I wish maybe it would have been a little more focused I still like it. Unfortunately, the game ends just as the plot is getting good, Lord of the Rings-style. Ah well, what's another 3 or 4 years wait, right?