Yet again. We return with a sneak peek inside Bungie Towers and see that the game is getting closer and closer to completion. Or, bits of it at least. This week, we're debuting at [url=http://www.mlgpro.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=1863#1863]MLGPro.com[/url] where you can read the update and find out more about hardcore professional gaming.

The [url=http://www.mlgpro.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=1863#1863]Update[/url] this week features some cool info on network code, marketing blarney and animation, to name just a few snippets. [url=http://www.mlgpro.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=1863#1863]Get over there right now![/url]

We posted the latest update at Limey site [url=http://www.raiseyourgame.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2538]343GS[/url] this week? Why? Because Britain is the home of the Curly Wurly, Lion Bar and Sporty Spice. All things you don't want stuck in your teeth. So go read about the new stuff at [url=http://www.raiseyourgame.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2538]343GS RIGHT NOW![/url]

So again, that's [url=http://www.raiseyourgame.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2538]343GS![/url] And if you haven't read the [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=FAQInfo&subsection=WeeklyUpdate&page=15]updates before[/url] go catch up in our [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=FAQInfo&subsection=WeeklyUpdate&page=15]archive![/url]

Not a bad little [url=http://www.forerunners.org/phpbbinst/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?p=1853#1853]UPDATE[/url] even if I say so myself. Head over to [url=http://www.forerunners.org/phpbbinst/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?p=1853#1853] FORERUNNERS.ORG[/url] right now to check it out, with news on voice, animation, servers, the usual and a few unusual extras.

If you haven't seen the updates before, you can check them out at our [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=FAQInfo&subsection=WeeklyUpdate&page=15] ARCHIVE[/url] and enjoy our past efforts.

The E3 Game Critics Awards are arguably the most sought after plaudit at E3. This year, Halo 2's multiplayer demo garnered three of them. The awards are voted on by a panel of journalists and contributors from 35 different publications, from TV Guide to EGM. You can read the full list of awards [url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/win.html]RIGHT HERE![/url]

The shorthand version is that Halo 2 won BEST CONSOLE GAME, BEST ACTION GAME and BEST ONLINE MULTIPLAYER. Noah Robischon from Entertainment Weekly summed it up beautifully, saying, "suddenly November 9th seemed like a long time to wait." The other critics represented the following organziations: TV Guide * TIME * Newsweek * Entertainment Weekly * Rolling Stone * Business 2.0 * USA Today * Los Angeles Times * The Washington Post *   Gannett News Service * San Jose Mercury News * Seattle Post * Computer Gaming World * Electronic Gaming Monthly * Game Informer * Gamepro *  GameSpot * GameSpy * GMR * Happy Puppy * Hollywood Reporter * IGN * Official PlayStation Magazine * Official Xbox Magazine * PC Gamer * PSM * UGO.com * XBN * Yahoo! Games Domain * Bell Canada GamesMania * Game-Revolution * CNN/Money * Electric Playground * G4TV * TechTV *

The Weekly Update is over at [url=http://www.subnova.com/forum/?pid=20040604.224357]SUBNOVA[/url] today, and we talk about the usual stuff - animation, code, all that, but there's actually some interesting news on progress too. And, possibly the single worst Mister Chief in history.

So go read about it [url=http://www.subnova.com/forum/?pid=20040604.224357]at SUBNOVA[/url] for some laughs, some tears and some mild amusement. And if you've never seen the updates before, why not go read the [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=FAQInfo&subsection=WeeklyUpdate&page=15]ARCHIVE[/url] right now.

Short, lame update this week, thanks to the trials and tribulations of 3D screenshottery, and other weak excuses. There is some snippety rumoring regarding multiplayer, Parsons' theory on why Robots will NOT destroy us and more. Check it out [url=http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=108143&viewreplies=true]HERE! In one of our brand-new forums![/url]

And if you haven't read the updates before, go check them out in our crazy [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=FAQInfo&subsection=WeeklyUpdate&page=15]ARCHIVE[/url].

What happens when you get a few Elites behind the wheel of a Warthog? Check out the latest desktop [url=/Games/Halo2/gallery.aspx?gallery=Wallpaper&page=1] wallpaper [/url] from Zoe!

It's still weird to see Elites riding in a Warthog, no? I guess we'll have to get used to it since we will all inevitably be facing plenty of these while enjoying some Halo 2 multiplayer mayhem. The original idea for this came from Bungie.net oldschooler Evil Otto and then Zoe whipped up a version that could be shared with everyone. Enjoy!

It's over at [url=http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=429975]HBO Forums[/url] to make up for the fact that last week we stiffed 'em from E3 with a fake-looking update and no Mister Chief. This week, Jaime, Chris, Nathan, John and Joe tell you what happened in and out of E3.

So go check out the [url=http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=429975]HBO Forums[/url] and if you've never seen the updates before, head over to our [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=FAQInfo&subsection=WeeklyUpdate&page=15]ARCHIVE[/url] right now.

A website has recently reported, then retracted a story claiming that Microsoft would charge for Halo 2 clan support. Not only was the story nonsense, but the subsequent retraction and admission of falsehood was beneath contempt, blaming, in effect, reader gullibility for its own deception.

We don't normally address rumors one way or the other, but this one was so ill-conceived and mean spirited that we felt it necessary to cut it off at the pass. Halo 2 clan content will be a normal aspect of the Xbox Live service, and will incur no extra costs for the user. Sigh.

Sketch, working from beyond the grave (home sick in fact) still manages to get you a dose of Halo 2 graphical goodness with these sweet new [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/Gallery.aspx?Gallery=Screenshots&page=3]SCREENSHOTS[/url] - and yeah, you read it right, screenshots [i]plural[/i].

These two new shots show off dual Needlers and a great view of Zanzibar's windmill power generating facility. So what are you waiting for? Go [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/Gallery.aspx?Gallery=Screenshots&page=3]check 'em out[/url].

It's been posted over at [url=http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=426274]HBO forums for a few days now[/url] but thanks to tech difficulties, we were unable to get it up on the front page. So as usual, plenty of people thought it was fake. Oh well.

There's tons of stuff about E3, Zanzibar and new features found in the game - so head over there right now. If you haven't read the updates before, then check out our [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=FAQInfo&subsection=WeeklyUpdate&page=1]ARCHIVE[/url] to find out what you've been missing.

Still awake out there? As promised, we've got some more Halo 2 goodness coming your way straight from E3 in LA. Check out our latest [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/Gallery.aspx?Gallery=Screenshots&page=3]screenshot![/url]

A chain gun. A destroyed Warthog. A boosting Ghost... What more needs to be said? Go see it for yourself. Stick around, we've got a few more goodies coming later this week.

So, the game launches on November 9th, 2004, but we bet you can't wait until then to check out what the special, limited collector's edition looks like, so, here, for the first time ever, are pics of the box prototype.

Halo 2: Release Date and Collector's Edition Unveiled [img]http://www.bungie.net/images/News/InlineImages/metalboxshotz/frontmetalboxsm.gif[/img] Halo 2 will be available in stores on November 9, 2004. That's the long and the short of it. You'll be playing Campaign, multiplayer or both on November 9th. And if you pre-order, you'll have the chance to purchase an extra-fancy collector's edition in a metal box. I can still remember that feeling of buying my first ever game. In my case, it was the Atari 2600 game COMBAT. I remember taking the bus home and reading the instruction manual. "52 different games in one!" Admittedly they were all variants of the same game, but, that feeling of rushing home to play it, but cherishing that pristine box of your favorite game is an irreplaceable feeling. Of course back then, the boxes were made of cardboard and mine got wet and disintegrated within a week. That's why we're pleased, no, elated to announce the existence of the Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition in its cool, steely silver, embossed, satin-finished, perfect, metal box. The Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition is available to players who pre-order the game - those who have already pre-ordered, will probably be contacted by their retailer to see which version they want, but to be safe, we recommend contacting your retailer directly and making sure they know which version you want - awesome regular kind or super-awesome Limited Collector's Edition. The exclusive 2-DVD set includes, in addition to Halo 2: * The Making of Halo 2: Behind the Scenes of Bungie Studios. * Featurettes on Game Design, Animation, Music and More. * Deleted Cinematics and Characters * Art Gallery: From Concept to game * Commentaries from the Development Team * And much, much more. So, that's that. You're probably enjoying the new the shots, and there'll be more Halo 2 goodness later in the week - but lest you forget, here's a list of awesome things in history that were made of metal. 1. Katanas 2. Tanks 3. Death Stars 4. Bullets 5. Deadly Teeth So enjoy and to keep you going, check out these shots of the metal box concept - it may change a little between now and November 9th. [url=http://www.bungie.net/images/News/InlineImages/metalboxshotz/frontmetalbox.gif]FRONT OF BOX[/url] [url=http://www.bungie.net/images/News/InlineImages/metalboxshotz/backmetalbox.gif]BACK OF BOX[/url] [url=http://www.bungie.net/images/News/InlineImages/metalboxshotz/anglemetalbox.gif]ANGLE VIEW OF BOX[/url]

What's it like to play Halo 2 multiplayer for the first time? You've seen the screens, now hear a first hand report from our pals at IGN after they got an hour of hands-on time. We'll be updating our site as fast as we can but in the meantime, check out what they have to [url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/513/513152p1.html ]say![/url]

I've played my share of Halo 2 multiplayer and the IGN recap is a perfect account of how I felt those first few games. (well, the good parts at least, but then again, maybe I am a little biased =) Hell, who am I kidding, I get giddy as a schoolgirl every time I play it. November 9th will be here before we know it and we can ALL play together. In the meantime, enjoy the new screens and stay tuned to Bungie.net for more info!

New glimpses of Halo 2 have arrived! Hurry over to the screenshot gallery and feast your eyes on the goodness. [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/Gallery.aspx?Gallery=Screenshots&page=3]Check 'em out![/url]

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this story already has 8,000 words behind it. Yup, you got it - 8 brand spankin new Halo 2 screenshots are now up in the screenshot gallery for your viewing pleasure. E3 is officially underway and a big chunk of the darkness surrounding Halo 2 has been lifted. We'll have more lovin later this week so don't be a stranger. So go check out the new screens already! [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/Gallery.aspx?Gallery=Screenshots&page=3]Mmm.... multiplayer...[/url]

After a long break - we decided to take the Weekly Update back to [url=http://www.forumplanet.com/3dactionplanet/halo/topic.asp?fid=5258&tid=1366678]Battleground Halo[/url]. Even though some big kids were mean to me there earlier. Tons of little snippets this week, and an admission that we have been doing something for E3.

Yup, the Weekly Update has its usual collection of veiled secrets, half truths and zero screenshots, but it's still a fascinating peek inside the minds that brought you SPNKR and sticky grenades. And if you haven't read nay of the previous Weekly Updates, go [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=FAQInfo&subsection=WeeklyUpdate&page=1]CHECK OUT THE ARCHIVE[/url]

This week's update comes from a forum very, very close to our hearts - the Bungie Underground Forum. Home to some of the most sophisticated, urbane forum posters on the planet. A short, sharp shock of an update, since the Bungie team is as busy as a single mother-bee juggling three jobs and an angry hive of children.

Read the post [url=http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=43593]HERE[/url] And there are a few nuggets of juicy info about the UI, some graphics stuff and more, and there's always something in there for the fans. If you haven't read the Weekly Updates before, you should go check them out in the [url=http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=FAQInfo&subsection=WeeklyUpdate&page=1]ARCHIVE[/url]

Sweet holy mother of BLAM!! As promised, we've got one more brand new Halo 2 [url=/Games/Halo2/Gallery.aspx?Gallery=Screenshots&page=3]screenshot[/url] to share and it's a doozy! Go check it out now!

We've had a huge week here at Bungie.net. In fact, it's been the most action packed 5 days we've ever experienced! As a special thanks to all of you who helped make our launch week so great, we've got one more Halo 2 screenshot to cap it all off. This is now officially my favorite screenshot yet. Suhweet! [url=/Games/Halo2/Gallery.aspx?Gallery=Screenshots&page=3]Chief vs. Jackals![/url]

The Bungie Weekly Update is back, and guess where we're hosting this time? That's right, here on our own, freshly mown turf. This week we look at vehicle damage noise, apologia from earlier efforts and a good hard look at what's going on inside the maelstrom that is Halo 2 development. Check it out [url=/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=15139][b] HERE![/b][/url]

If you want to read past Bungie Weekly Updates, then go check out our [url=/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=FAQInfo&subsection=WeeklyUpdate&page=1][b]archive[/b][/url] right now!

The Halo 2 goodness continues with a brand new outtake from none other than David Scully, the actor who plays Sgt. Johnson. Head over to the outtakes [url=/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=AudioVideo&subsection=VoiceOuttakes&page=1]page[/url] and get ready to laugh!

Recording the dialog for Halo 2 can be a long and laborious process. To help themselves get into character, the actors sometimes resort to some interesting tactics for inspiration. In this outtake, you'll hear Sgt. Johnson like youv'e never heard him before. Enjoy! [url=/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=AudioVideo&subsection=VoiceOuttakes&page=1]Sgt. Johnson Outtake[/url]

Ever since the first glimpse was shown at E3 last year, many of you have been dying for a closer look at the ODSTs that will fight along side Master Chief in Halo 2. Here they are, for your viewing pleasure!

The Halo 2 renders page has been updated with a new image showing off the intimidating ODSTs that will join your fight against the Covenant. The render gallery contains various 3D models and wireframes that are created during the development of Halo 2. This particular shot is taken in-engine, but it's technically not a screenshot since it's not an actual gameplay moment. You can check out the ODST pic [url=/Games/Halo2/Gallery.aspx?Gallery=Renders&page=3]HERE.[/url] If you've read any of the Halo novels (which you definitely should do!) then you already know a little bit about these soldiers. The Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (also known as "Helljumpers") are more or less the UNSC equivalent of an Airborne Ranger. This all-volunteer outfit has a rep for being a tad bit crazy, but have to be in order to strap yourself into a HEV (Human Entry Vehicle) and be shot out of a ship, through the atmosphere, to a hostile environment below. Suffice it to say these guys are tough and can kick plenty of Covenant butt. *this one goes out to you, Ross.

The flood of new content continues! Now for what you've all been waiting for, a brand spankin new [url=http://www.bungie.net/SlideShow.aspx?Path=/games/Halo2&Slideshow=Screenshots&Slide=29]Halo 2 Screenshot[/url].

You can check out all of our Halo 2 screenshots by visiting the Halo 2 screenshot [url=/Games/Halo2/Gallery.aspx?Gallery=Screenshots&page=1]Gallery[/url]. Stay tuned, there's plenty more content to come! [url=/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=1945]Discuss this in the Forums.[/url]

A brand spankin' new piece of Marty-Music. "Remembrance" it's called. This one is haunting, dreamy and ethereal. Check it out in our [url=/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=AudioVideo&subsection=GameMusic&page=1]Halo 2 Audio Section.[/url]

A brand spankin' new piece of Marty-Music. "Remembrance" it's called. This one is haunting, dreamy and ethereal. Check it out in our [url=/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=AudioVideo&subsection=GameMusic&page=1]Halo 2 Audio Section.[/url] Naturally this area's going to get bigger and bigger, and we may even have one more audio-related treat this week.