Publisher: Microsoft Games
Developer: Bungie Studios
System: PC
Minimum requirements: 2 GHz Pentium 4 processor; 1 GB RAM; 7 GB hard drive space; DX9 graphics card (at least an nVidia 6000 or an ATI x700); DVD-ROM drive; Windows Vista
Genre: First-person shooter
Release date: Available now
Review by: Michael Smith

Porting console games to the PC has always been a tricky, hit-or-miss affair. Developers frequently cut corners, failing to take advantage of the system’s strengths and leaving in console features that have computer gamers hurling their mice and keyboards in frustration. Given the checkered past of these games, it seems somewhat odd that Microsoft and Bungie would choose the venerable 2004 Xbox epic Halo 2 to be the first single-player title released exclusively for Windows Vista. And while much of Halo 2 is a blast to play, there are enough problems and disappointments to offset its entertaining aspects.

For the uninitiated, Halo 2 is the first sequel to the 2001 Xbox hit, Halo: Combat Evolved. In the original game, human space marines led by the genetically enhanced Master Chief destroy a giant, ring-shaped alien artifact known as Halo before it could be used to destroy all life in the galaxy. Unfortunately for Earth, Halo is also a holy object for a race of alien marauders known as the Covenant, who have been waging interstellar war with the humans.

As Halo 2 begins, Master Chief and his comrades are in Earth orbit on one of a series of defensive space stations receiving commendations for their part in the destruction of Halo. But a surprise attack by Covenant forces, who board the station and try to plant a massive explosive device, interrupts the pomp and circumstance. Master Chief must fight his way to the bomb and disarm it, wading through wave after wave of determined invaders.

Meanwhile, all is not puppies and roses for the Covenant. While the attack progresses against the humans, the commander who failed to prevent the destruction of Halo is brought before the Prophets, the ultimate leaders of the Covenant, in chains. He’s stripped of his armor, branded (literally) as a coward and sentenced to death for his incompetence. But he’s given a chance to redeem himself by becoming the Arbiter, the Prophets’ personal military commander, and is sent to eliminate an opposition leader known as the Heretic.