Halo 2 Legendary FAQ

Halo 2 – The Legendary FAQ
Original FAQ by makaveli the don, revision by gspawn.
-DO NOT POST until my signature “wort wort wort” denotes the end of the FAQ. This is the largest Legendary FAQ ever, and GameFAQs posting limits will cause this to take over three minutes to fully post.
-I dug up my old EGM (Nov2002) for this update. A lot of this info hasn’t been heard in a while. If reading the FAQ here is a problem, a copy is archived at: http://www.geocities.com/spawnofspongebob/faq.html

Q. When will Halo 2 be released?
November 9, 2004 in the US– official. International dates TBD.

Q. Will Halo 2 be released for the PC?
Halo 2 is Xbox exclusive. A PC release is probable, but only after Xbox.

Q. Will there be a Public Beta Test for Halo 2?
No. Halo 2 will undergo rigorous internal testing but it will not be available to the public. Anyone who claims to have a beta copy or demo is pulling your leg. The only exceptions are the multiplayer demo at e3 2004- which will not be made available to anyone- and a 1,000 person internal Microsoft test- all discs were mailed back to Bungie and accounted for.

Q. Will Halo 2 support online play via Xbox Live?
Yes, 16 is currently confirmed- with the Communicator headset. Bungie has also confirmed you can network 16 separate Xboxes. Bungie is also considering downloadable content- “We can't answer this just yet, but stay tuned...”. Also, “we have some big plans for Live that we'll reveal a little later.” Players can join a game in progress. Hosts can block players from joining a game in progress. If the host leaves the game control migrates to another player and the game continues.

Q. What about flying vehicles in Multiplayer?
You bet. All vehicles pilotable in Campaign mode will be available in Multiplayer mode. Phantom and Pelican dropships will most likely NOT be pilotable though. The Banshee is the only confirmed flyer so far.

Q. What about the visuals?
Halo will run 480p resolution on an HDTV, and the game will have some sort of support for widescreens. All “normal” resolutions supported as well. New bump-mapping power allows lower polygon counts to look better than anything ever before, and a new lighting engine means real-time shadows. Much talk has pointed to new engines that allow massive moving parts- like the 5-story fan in the Zanzibar level and the giant plasma cannon at e3 2003.

Q. Has there been any word on new Multiplayer Modes?
All modes from Halo: Combat Evolved will be returning, in addition to a bombing run style of assault (carry a bomb into the enemy base). E3 2004 demonstrated single flag CTF where each side takes turns raiding one base and returning the flag to their insertion point (yes, this was available in Halo, but there may be now be a specific mode for it). Bungie is exploring other modes, and promises alternatives for players “with two controllers and no Xbox Live”. Also, there are at least four teams playable in multiplayer: Blue, Red, Green, and Yellow.

Q. Will old multiplayer maps return?
Bungie is looking into bringing back popular levels like Blood Gulch- although we can expect them to be updated to suit new vehicles and modes of play. Nothing confirmed.

Q. What about new multiplayer maps?
-Waterworks is a large facility that happens to be underground, with light streaming in from a hole in the ceiling. There are two bases on each side and a massive structure in the middle that could make it perfect for CTF and Banshees.
-Lockout is a cramped Forerunner facility designed for close-quarters battle. Includes ramps, ladders, and mini gravity lifts that allow you to easily keep firing as you climb.
-Burial mounds is a deserted outdoor level where the hulks of structures destroyed in an ancient battle loom over the fight. A medium map designed for vehicle use, bases may include turrets to ward off attacks.
-Zanzibar is just north of New Mombasa from e3 2003. Called “Hell on Earth”, it’s a small map designed to show off single-flag CTF. Features include several switches and gates controlling access to critical areas, as well as a 5-story fan in the center of the level. It’s perfect for single flag CTF. Also showed off fusion cores- explosive barrels that litter the level.

Q. What about co-operative play?
Yes. Rumor says this mode may be extended to include more than two players and/or play over System Link and/or Xbox Live- not likely, but possible.

Q. What are these Halo 2 updates I’ve been hearing about?
Frankie, a new Bungie recruit who was formerly an OXM employee, is now issuing weekly updates, every Friday night, concerning what’s going on in the Bungie Studios. See Bungie.net for details.

Will there be bots?
Bungie is considering the idea, but if they can’t get the coding and AI right, then they will be left out of the game. “we're exploring ways to make multiplayer games more enjoyable for gamers with only 2 controllers and no Live access.”

Q. Will the enemies be smarter?
The AI for everything has been pumped up. Marines will hide behind cover, flip over tables for shelter, and call in snipers when needed. The Covenant will recognize destroyable elements, and blow away your cover. Enemies are no longer tied to zones on the map, and will hunt you wherever you go- or call in search parties to do so. The Covenant will also show off a bevy of new movies- expect to see them scurrying under ledges and climbing columns to take the action to new levels. Elites will move more jackal-like (the cat, not the Covie) and Jackals will act birdlike. Enemies will also use flashlights to search you out.

Q. Will the Flood be back?
Yes, Bungie has said that it is a 100% chance that the Flood will return.

Q. Does Master Chief have any new moves or tools?
Chief can lower his gun and sprint at twice his normal speed. MC can peek around corners- and even fire a one-handed weapon around the corner. MC might also be able to peer over edges- allowing you to see the enemy without risking a fall. Chief can string melee attacks into combos. Spartans can jump as high as Elites with the new armor. As Bungie is still fiddling with gravity, reports that players are jumping insanely high may reflect nothing about the final game. You’ll be able to push around crates and barrels by walking into them- or running them over or shooting them. There’s also a rumor that new UNSC translation will let you hear more of the Covie conversations.

Q. What’s with the HUD?
New icons and HUD relay tactical info. For example, there will be a CTF icon (a la Halo PC) in CTF games that will change colors depending on if the enemy has your flag, or has dropped your flag, etc. Team and Clan insignias will be included with names to help sort out who’s who on the battlefield. Reports about Halo 2 not having a bar to show your health level are very unreliable. The HUD and interface shown at e3 were place holders and are subject to change.

Q. Is that an Elite in Multiplayer?
Yup. Elites, for now, are a skin you can select in multi. For any gametype, teams can mix and match Spartans and Elites, although I imagine teams will want to play a specific side. Elites are exactly the same as Spartans other than looking really cool- all other reports are speculation. They can pick up any weapon and drive any vehicle Spartans can.

Q. Did that guy just steal my ride?
If someone is in a vehicle that’s moving slow or stopped, you may hold X to throw them out of the vehicle- hijacking it for yourself (and damaging them). You may also be able to shake off hijackers with quick maneuvering or stomping the gas/brake. There are currently separate animations for when you do this from the front or from the rear. You can now hop into a vehicle of an opposing team with hijacking. Drivers may have to decide between getting a vehicle to a necessary point or having to stop and kill the guy joyriding in their gun before he does too much damage.

Q. Why are my tires all flat? And why is my base all crumbly?
Vehicles- Fenders fly off, hubcaps and tires roll away, and the whole vehicle can be left in a heap. Individual parts can be targeted. A destroyed vehicle builds to a secondary explosion- watch out if you see debris shaking. Environments- Destroy turrets and walls to disable enemy defenses. Shoot out lights for stealth action. Gates, switches, and huge moving parts (like a five-story fan in the Zanzibar level) add to the mayhem. Glass can be broken, crates and debris can be pushed around with heavy gunfire.

Q. What’s this about customizable armor?
In multiplayer, you’ll have much more freedom over your suit color (when not in team games)- you can choose a primary color (armor) and secondary (accessories). In addition, there will be a system to create and use custom logos that will show on your shoulders and back. The full extent of these features is unknown. This applies to both Elites and Spartans.

Q. What are the Halo books?
There are 3 books. In order:
1) Halo: The Fall of Reach - by Eric Nylund - Prequel to the Halo game. The events that lead up to where Halo the game starts.
2) Halo: The Flood by William - C. Dietz - The events that happen in the Halo game.
Halo: First Strike - by Erik Nylund - It begins where Halo ends, and ends where Halo 2 begins.
Also look for The Art of Halo- a coffee table type book coming soon. It shows off concept art and renders along with Bungie insight into the images.

Q. What’s this about a Limited Edition?
People who have made pre-orders have the option to reserve a limited edition metal-case copy of Halo 2 that will include a bonus disc loaded with features. Not to be confused with Halo: Custom Edition, which is a re-release of HaloPC that allows users to more easily create and edit maps. Limited Edition is available in all formats and costs US$5 extra.

~ The Storyline
Halo 2 will pick up where Halo: First Strike left off. The Covenant have found their way to Earth and are momentarily destroying it. Master Chief will take the battle to the Covenant- and into Covenant territory. Expect a lot of plot twists to unfold as you play. The returning characters are Master Chief, Cortana and Sergeant Johnson. There is a possibility of 343 Guilty Spark returning as well. Everyone else will be new.

~ Dual Wielding
You can now pick up two one-handed weapons to use simultaneously (yes, two different ones included). Simply stand over the desired gun and hold “Y” to dual wield. Each trigger fires a gun. Accuracy decreases and you can’t throw grenades, but you can mow down enemies like nobody’s business. The melee button drops the dual weapon, (tapping?) Y switches to the secondary gun. Details subject to change.

~ Confirmed weapons (+ indicates dual wieldable)
=Human=
Battle Rifle
Submachine Gun (SMG) +
Rocket Launcher
Sniper Rifle
Shotgun
Frag Grenade
Stationary Machine Gun Turret (a la e3 demos)

=Covenant=
Plasma Rifle +
Plasma Pistol +
Needler +
Carbine (X03 gun)
Slug Thrower (Brute weapon)
Plasma Sword
Plasma Grenade
Stationary Shade Turret

Weapon Notes:
-When the Rocket Launcher is zoomed and held on a target, the missiles will track (may only work on vehicles). Bungie is considering having separate types of rockets for anti-personnel or anti-vehicle, etc- nothing confirmed.
-The Needler has been vastly improved- including faster rate of fire and needles fly much faster. One reviewer said needles make great tracer rounds to point something out or see where your bullets are going.
-Plasma Sword initiates combos with the melee button. Also, get a target in your sights and lock on to perform an instant-kill charge attack with the R trigger. Otherwise, R executes a huge uppercut.
-Grenades may stun targets they don't kill, adding realism, but concussion or flashbang grenades are highly unlikely.
-The Battle Rifle (was planned to have) a 40-round clip. Fires three-round bursts when not zoomed, single shots when zoomed. May take the role of Halo's Pistol. E3 reports say the clip size may be down to 36 to make it even for three-round bursts.
-The SMG was originally planned to have a 35 round clip, although new e3 vids say it may now have 60. Bungie is still considering the ability to mount silencer(s).
-The Covenant Carbine is their equivalent to the Human Battle Rifle, and is the only Covenant weapon known to have a scope. Formerly called the X03 gun.
-All rockets now accelerate toward their target- players will have to learn to compensate for a slow start and fast delivery if they expect to nail targets.
-The Brute weapon seems to have a slow firing rate with high damage per hit. The huge blade on the bottom may also make for devastating melee combos.

~ The Enemies
Returning Cast- Grunt, Jackal, Hunter, Elite, Flood.
Brute - Described as being a cross between a Gorilla and a Rhino. Brutes possess their own unique gun- the “slug thrower” has a slow rate of fire and high damage per round. The weapon also a mean-looking melee blade on one side. Bungie originally also described them as “field generals”; they may be equal to or higher in rank than Elites.
Prophets - The Prophets will also be a new enemy in the game. They will serve as religious and spiritual leaders in the Covenant. One character is called the “Prophet of Regret”. Prophets may or may not engage in combat. Renders indicate you may be able to hijack their hoverchair. Each prophet is rumored to have unique colors and accessories.
Engineers - Mentioned in the books and originally supposed to be included in Halo: Combat Evolved. Engineers are non-combative, but may factor into story. Not confirmed, but possible.
Flood - Yes, the Flood will be returning in Halo 2. Also expect new forms based on the new enemies.
Sentinels - We will be visiting another Halo, so Sentinels may return. Maybe even a “brother” to 343 Guilty Spark on the new Halo.
Unknown - There has been talk of one or more unknown enemies that may or may not make the game. Rumors have said “spiderlike”, and “big enough to flip a Warthog”. These may be unrelated to each other, or may be the same.

~ The Environments
Places you might expect to see:
-The wreckage of the old Halo (confirmed)
-Another Halo (possibly more than one)
-Earth (remember Earth City aka New Mombasa from the last e3?)
-A low gravity environment (called a moon base, low gravity, weapons fire will push you around in midair, Bungie even thought about moon buggy type vehicles)
-The Covenant home world (not guaranteed, but Bungie does say you’re “taking the fight to the Covenant”)
-An orbiting space station (Bungie kicked around the idea of using a giant weapon built into the station)
-(Forerunner?) space outpost – Last seen in EGM Nov2002, hurricane-like winds whip the installation which is in the upper atmosphere of a gas giant.

~ The Vehicles
+ Human.
ATV - Described as ‘The human answer to the Ghost.’ The ATV is a single manned machine, and may be faster than the Ghost. There are no weapons , but you may be able to use a one-handed weapon to shoot forward. It has been left out of recent news and may be getting overhaul/reconsideration. Last seen being primarily used by Marine snipers to get into position.
Warthog - Original ‘Hog will be returning as well as one with a Gauss rifle [Seen in the E3 2003 Halo 2 Demo]. There are three other types of Warthog –The Snow, Jungle and Troop transport- seen in renders but so far they have not been confirmed as in-game. Also, the rocket hog in the e3 2004 demos seems to be similar to the one first shown in the e3 2000 video.

Scorpion Tank - Bungie has promised to use this vehicle more often in Halo 2. During Campaign mode in Halo, a player was only allowed to use it once. It may be even more helpful now that the AI can drive. There may also be an option to drive and fire in separate directions- master pilots only need apply.
Pelican - The standard human dropship. The front area will be unlocked so you can see the controls, but don’t expect to fly it.
Longsword - Last seen bombing in the e3 2003 demo, the standard human fighter/bomber. Not expected to be flyable.
Shield Ship - Last seen in EGM’s Nov2002 issue, these city block sized transports haven’t been heard from since.

+ Covenant
Ghost - The Ghost will be relatively unchanged. The few exceptions are that the control panel now lights up, the noise of the engine has been changed, the Plasma Cannons on the front have also been updated a little. Not to mention “pimped out” ground effects.
Banshee - The Banshee is, like the Ghost, remaining intact. Sound and cosmetic changes can be expected. Both Ghosts and Banshees have a new Boost feature that lets you go 2x speed when you hold the L trigger. You can hold this forever, but maneuvering is difficult and risk of crashing grows drastically.
Creep - A new covenant transport “bus”. The vehicle can be seen in the e3 2003 demo. May also have a Shade-like turret.
Phantom – Massive new Covenant drop ship, AI controlled. Can be seen in the e3 2003 Demo.
Shadow - The Covenant’s answer to the Warthog with the ability to hold four players. One driver, two on the side and one gunner at the top. Not confirmed, but it got some coverage early in Halo2’s development (first EGM article), and was originally planned to be in Halo.
Wraith – A mortar tank from Halo that may return in a pilotable form. Not confirmed but likely.

~ Miscellaneous
:: Drop ships are now AI controlled (no pre-recorded routes- they really fly) and can be shot down. Bungie expects you will not be able to pilot any dropship.
:: Possibility of Halo 2 Announcement trailer being a part of Halo2 (OXM 200
:: The flamethrower will only be included in Halo 2 if Bungie can make it extremely realistic- setting trees, grass and enemies on fire, then have the fire spread to other areas.
:: Bungie has hinted at the fact there may a slight ‘bump’ in the alliance between the Elites and the Prophets (maybe the Brutes factor in?).
:: Bungie is considering other melee weapons, although nothing has really been shown or hinted.
:: You must hold X to pick up or drop a flag. Eliminates accidentally picking it up (when you tried to throw it away to shoot at someone, for example).
:: Xbox Live 3.0- Tsunami- supports clans. Halo 2 is tapping into that feature- not making its own system. Yes, this feature is free. The upgrade is automatically downloaded when you sign on.

--- Deze FAQ heb ik van het www.gamefaqs.com forum gehaald. Vond het een goede FAQ dus zet ik hem hier ook neer =P

 

Zit copyright crap op ouwe

 

Geen pistool meer? Dat zou ik wel jammer vinden...tenzij je natuurlijk met de battle rifle ook lekker snel kunt fraggen door 3x op een hoofd te schieten..

 

Waar zie jij dat staan dan? En alsof die gasten op een Nederlands forum komen xD Hij moet blij zijn dat mensen hem lezen! Maar goed, nu over de inhoud van het stuk!

 

Aarghh the Flood komt terug. Damn, en een nieuw wezen, een beetje spinachtig. Ik haat zulke beesten. Verder mooi artikel.

 

het is nog steeds niet duidelijk of er nou bots in komen of wel? ik denk eigenlijk van niet, anders hadden ze het waarschijnlijk al wel gezegd.
weet iemand het zeker?

 

Dat is nog niet zeker nee. Ik hoop van wel!

 

Kan echt niet meer wachten, zo'n opsomming van features maakt mijn Halo 2 sickness nog erger....hebben,hebben,hebben!

 

Dit topic over het hoofd gezien?

Laten we het wel een beetje overzichtelijk houden...