First Halo 2 auto-update now available

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Automatic download shortens matchmaking wait times, fixes 480p support, and unlocks multiplayer map.
Today, Bungie announced the release of the first auto-update for its first-person shooter Halo 2. The update addresses many issues discussed in the first Bungie Weekly What's Update, assuring that the 2 million-plus owners of Halo 2 enjoy a smooth online playing experience. Some users experienced unusually long waits when joining an online game. Bungie states the delays were "caused by a combination of factors, including connection speed and other detailed nuances of matchmaking." The problem has been fixed in the update, normalizing wait times and getting gamers back into the frag-fests ASAP.


On the audio-visual tip, some Halo 2 players playing the game experienced parts of the heads-up display being cut off on HDTV and EDTV monitors in 480p resolutions. The auto-update also remedies that error.

In addition, the update also unlocks a multiplayer map, "Foundation," which is inspired by Microsoft-owned Bungie's classic mid-90's first-person shooter Marathon, which was made, ironically, when it developed only for the Macintosh. Foundation is a smaller two-tiered enclosed map, and Bungie recommends a friendly game of four-team capture the flag on it, claiming "It's a hoot!" Previously, unlocking the map required beating the game on any difficulty level and performing a "training event" on the final level.

The small update will automatically download, with the owner's permission, the next time Halo 2 logs onto Xbox Live. Halo 2 owners who aren't connected to Xbox Live can still download the update by using the free 2-month Xbox Live trial card included in the game, or use a friend's Xbox Live account and download the update onto a memory card or directly to their Xbox. The update cannot be installed by disc, and for that reason "it is unlikely that we will ever make the update available on a disc," said Bungie.

Bungie is currently working on another auto-update, which will add small changes to the matchmaking playlists. For more information on Halo 2, check out our previous coverage, including our full review of the game.

By Tim Surette, Tor Thorsen -- GameSpot

[[Stoned]Jesus H. Christ[Wheat]]

Why wouldn't they put it on disc? $$$$. Prolly be in OXM or something then

-Off topic, anyone try the new call of duty, shits out for d/l right now...dunno if it's in stores yet

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Why wouldn't they put it on disc? $$$$. Prolly be in OXM or something then

-Off topic, anyone try the new call of duty, shits out for d/l right now...dunno if it's in stores yet

because it fixes some xbox live problems and that new level was included in the game but for some reason there was a very small chance that you would play on it... alot of people thought it had to be unlocked

so really, a person without xbox live doesn't need this update