Fans Recall Their Best Memories of Halo 2 on Its 17th Anniversary

Today marks a historic day for the popular FPS Xbox franchise in Halo as the series’ second game celebrates its 17th anniversary. On November 9 2004, developers Bungie released Halo 2 following the massive success, which was Combat Evolved.

The title had some massive shoes to fill as Combat Evolved changed multiplayer gaming forever. However, according to fans, Bungie smashed it out of the park with an experience unlike no other. As many fans celebrated the game’s 17 year long existence, here are some of the best memories and wishes shared by the community on this auspicious day.

17 years ago today, we needed a weapon.

Happy Birthday, Halo 2! pic.twitter.com/zGzjf4sXLs

— Halo (@Halo) November 9, 2021

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Fans celebrate 17th anniversary of Halo 2

Twitter lit up yesterday with fans of Halo 2, who wished the game on its 17th anniversary. Many players shared their many memories of playing the game when it first arrived for the Xbox 360 back in 2004. The marquee Bungie franchise also had a lot riding on its shoulder when it first released Halo: Combat Evolved. However, many believed that it was unfathomable for the developers to improve on that.

Happy birthday, Halo 2. Hard to believe it’s been 17 years already. I still remember the first time I saw an ad for it and it was in a theater and I was captivated. It blew me away. pic.twitter.com/4IoRt9lfIk

— Halo Plasmaposting (@Plasmaposting) November 9, 2021

Happy birthday Halo 2, your story is still the best, your multiplayer is still legendary and your legacy is of youthful memories, fun and an exciting new way to experience gaming history with people from across the world. pic.twitter.com/MtHZ5eBKeu

— Dave (@TehSpearhead) November 9, 2021

Happy birthday to the video game that introduced me to online gaming and forever changed my life. #Halo2 pic.twitter.com/BpVsO3tjtM

— Jordan Payton (@LEGIQN) November 9, 2021

Happy Birthday Halo 2.

You’re one of the best damn video games ever made. pic.twitter.com/U7qwNny7kE

— Sacred Icon (@sacrediconpod) November 9, 2021

 

“You told me you were gonna wear somethin nice!”

Happy Anniversary to halo 2 pic.twitter.com/H2gxcnd7xS

— Winterspec (@TexD41) November 10, 2021

However, fast forward 17 years later, and Halo 2 is considered to be the GOAT of the franchise. While some may argue that Halo 3 and Combat Evolved might be a bit better, most would prefer the series’ second title. But why do many fans call it the best game of the franchise?

Happy 17th birthday to Halo 2, which continues to boast having some of the most stunningly memorable vistas in gaming pic.twitter.com/6N0Tf6O5Ft

— Alex | Haruspis (@haruspis) November 9, 2021

The Halo 2 Multiplayer Experience (feat. incredible physics) pic.twitter.com/EqrROvGwMp

— Alex | Haruspis (@haruspis) November 9, 2021

 

Halo 2: Anniversary pic.twitter.com/B64wLIkuMp

— Fala Gamer Cast (@FalaGamerCast) November 9, 2021

DOOM 3
Halo 2
Half-Life 2

2004 went hard pic.twitter.com/VC6qgT4AOk

— Powered by id Tech (@idTechpics) November 9, 2021

“Sure! Me waste ammo, you come along, take kill!” – Grunt Minor >:(#Halo #Halo2 #HaloMCC #HaloSpotlight pic.twitter.com/AtDoWLeXf4

— matthewo1o (@matthewo1o) November 9, 2021

Why the title still stands out for fans?

When it comes to storytelling, fans agree that Halo 2 was the high point in that regard for the franchise. The developers at Bungie expanded a lot from the base provided by Combat Evolved. With greater emphasis on the Covenant and the Flood, the developers showcased a storyline which kept fans hooked till the end. To add to the stellar storytelling, the developers improved on the gameplay as well.

Halo 2.

Known by many to be one of, if not the best video games ever made released 17 years ago.

Dual protagonists, online matchmaking, friends lists & a soundtrack that made the hair on the back of your neck stand up was just the beginning.

A legend by definition. pic.twitter.com/ua6LTO8c6W

— Sacred Icon (@sacrediconpod) November 4, 2021

Multiplayer maps for any game peaked with Halo 2 send tweet

— Halo Plasmaposting (@Plasmaposting) November 9, 2021

It’s old, steel rusted, and dented but I will always treasure my Halo 2 Collectors Edition.

Taking a moment to stop, reflect and embrace the emotions for a time when it felt like we had all the time in the world and Halo 2 LAN parties were eternal. pic.twitter.com/dwNjGbhLIq

— Joshua Hargis (@jurassicjoshy) November 9, 2021

Happy birthday to the video game that introduced me to online gaming and forever changed my life. #Halo2 pic.twitter.com/BpVsO3tjtM

— Jordan Payton (@LEGIQN) November 9, 2021

 

Halo 2 added new enemy types such as Brutes and Buggers, which made fighting the Covenant fun. Along with that, the developers also introduced new weapons, duel wielding and many other features which have become a staple in the FPS world. To cap off everything, the game also has the best soundtrack in the franchise as well.

Happy birthday to the greatest game ever made, Halo 2

The hype for this game was unreal, you don’t see anything like it these days. pic.twitter.com/UTDRTN6Fzy

— evolved (@evolvedhalo) November 9, 2021

“There are those who said this day would never come. What are they to say now?”

Much like the game itself, this old Halo 2 trailer is still unforgettably epic. pic.twitter.com/X4MdI4Q1wn

— Alex | Haruspis (@haruspis) November 9, 2021

OMG the yelling at the end Happy Birthday Halo 2 btw pic.twitter.com/sUpnBlHJRW

— Brett (@Naded) November 9, 2021

To celebrate Halo 2’s 17th birthday, here are a couple of pictures of some of my Halo 2 collection! pic.twitter.com/b4XTlIT63N

— Exotica (@H2Exotica) November 9, 2021

Me finding out Halo 2 turned 17 years old today. pic.twitter.com/X4cf4FzeQe

— SuperHorrorBro (@SuperHorrorBro) November 9, 2021

 

In the end, fans have mentioned how important the title has been for both Xbox and the franchise as well. With the release of Halo: Infinite next month, fans have bestowed a lot of hope on 343 Industries to create another epic adventure for the fans, and so far, everyone believes that to be the case.

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