Halo: Combat Evolved was the best reason to own an Xbox. It was a fast-paced, seamless sci-fi action adventure set in awe-inspiring alien landscapes. Its sequel (also for Xbox; $44.99) is—wait for it—a fast-paced, seamless sci-fi action adventure set in awe-inspiring alien landscapes. The new plot is relatively thin and ends with a cliff hanger you will either love or hate (and may have to wait another three years for Halo 3 to resolve).
So why buy it? There are several serious upgrades, as legions of Halo junkies will attest: the ability to wield two weapons instead of one, for instance, or to perform spectacular hijacks of alien vehicles the moment they zoom past you.
The big picture, though: designers at Bungie deserve credit for not fixing what wasn't broke. Combat evolves incrementally, and Halo 2 just became the best reason to own an Xbox.
Ideal for: Sci-fi aficionados, Xbox Live subscribers