Halo 2: multiplayer screens have landed

The Master Chief is coming and now we've got a confirmed global release date of November 9, it seems the long, hot, football frenzy of Summer can barely pass quick enough, before we finally get to grab Bungie's second instalment of the Xbox masterpiece.

Well obviously the boys at Bungie have taken pity on us poor Xbox vets, because they've decided to unleash a whole raft of new screens and media from part deux of the acclaimed sci-fi shooter.

All of the shots are taken from Halo 2's spanking new multiplayer mode, obviously one of its key attractions and they show a wide selection of attractively-coloured Spartans clashing in a variety of intriguing environments.

Obviously we like big shiny guns as much as the next American, but there's also some splendid vehicular combat to appreciate, furtive sniping action and a sneak peek at some of the splendid new multiplayer levels and environments.

Looks like everything's shaping up nicely for the Bungie boys, so feast your mince pies on this little lot and tell us if there's going to be a better Xbox game this year.

John Houlihan