Halo 2 Set to Make History on November 9, 2004

Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios on May 10th announced that Halo 2 will land on store shelves on November 9, 2004. In what promises to be one of the biggest launches in videogame history, Halo 2 will be the focus of an extensive marketing campaign that includes cinema, print, outdoor, online, and television advertising.

So should gamers mark Halo 2's official launch date November 9 on their calendars? Our gut feeling is yes. To announce this date at E3 only to fail to deliver would be a huge thorn in M$'s side.

To mark this occasion, Microsoft Game Studios will soon announce pre-order availability of a Limited Edition Halo 2, packaged in a unique metal box. In addition to the game, the metal box will contain a second DVD, loaded with special content.

This exclusive two-disc set will include:
The Making of Halo 2: behind-the-scenes footage of Bungie Studios in action.
"Featurettes" on game design, animation, music, and more.

Cinematics and characters that were cut from the game.
An Art Gallery that follows the artistic evolution from concept to game.
Commentaries from the development team. Much more!

GameStop President Dan DeMatteo predicts that a flood of holiday shoppers will be lining up for Halo 2 this fall. "We're expecting Halo 2 to be one of the most successful launches in GameStop history. This holiday is going to be a very exciting time for us."

Pushing the Xbox hardware to its very limits, Halo 2 will expand on everything that made the original game great, while adding a wealth of technological and gameplay advances. Significantly improved graphics, enhanced A.I., an advanced real-time lighting engine, and destructible, interactive environments are just a small part of Halo 2’s evolution of design and technology. Every improvement in Halo 2 is designed to take gameplay to a new level. And, in the end, it will tell a better story.

Utilizing Xbox Liveâ„¢ to redefine online play, Halo 2 will deliver superior online multiplayer capabilities. Whether playing with a clan on a new multiplayer map, boarding a friend's Warthog, watching a game replay, or checking player stats, Halo 2 will bring the social experience to a higher level via Xbox Live.

Info found on xbox.com "