10 Greatest Second Levels In Video Games
8. Halo - Halo: Combat Evolved
Though Halo's opening level, "The Pillar of Autumn," is a decent enough introduction to the sci-fi shooter's core mechanics, it's not until the second mission, "Halo," that you're spat out into the wide open world and given free license to have at it.
After being funnelled through relentless corridors in the first level, the second level's expansive sandbox is a major breath of fresh air both literally and figuratively, allowing players to soak in Halo's lush vistas before getting down to business.
What really takes this mission to the next level is both its open-ended design, with players able to tackle a number of objectives in any order they wish, and the fact that it introduces players to the series' signature vehicle, the Warthog.
For anyone who played Halo at the time of its 2001 release, the mission was a definitive "this is next-gen" moment.