7. Halo 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2diJm7U55U There's little arguing with the fact that Halo 2 remains one of the best first-person shooter experiences in console history or otherwise; it was gorgeous to look at, the combat had a real weight to it, and until that unfortunate kicker of an ending, it really had the makings of a classic. Though we all expected that this would be a smaller part of a bigger picture, just how much of a tease it was for the third game cannot and should not be excused. Master Chief is heading towards the final mission, and when asked what he's about to do, says, "Finishing this fight", an awesome set-up for the final, surely chaotic set-piece. Except that is the end. If you want to finish this fight, you'll have to wait a few years and shell out another £40, because this ending not only deprives you off an epic, badass finale, but also removes any visceral involvement, simply because it's so abrupt; how are we supposed to emotionally engage with it? It felt like Bungie being so wrapped up in getting a precious trilogy made that the second game just ended up suffering from Awkward Middle-Child Syndrome.
Shaun Munro
Contributor
Frequently sleep-deprived film addict and video game obsessive who spends more time than is healthy in darkened London screening rooms. Follow his twitter on @ShaunMunroFilm or e-mail him at shaneo632 [at] gmail.com.
See more from
Shaun