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Halo 2 is now a much different game than it was when it launched back in November. Here are the key Halo 2 gameplay adjustments to date, plus what's in store for the future.

With Bungie's recent upgrades, Halo 2 is now a much different game than it was when it launched back in November. The new maps play a key role in the that; Containment, Sanctuary, Turf and Warlock are unique and demand unique strategies. But some of the underlying mechanics are different, too. Here's a quick refresher of all the key Halo 2 gameplay adjustments to date, plus what's in store for the future. Don't head onto Xbox Live without reading this.

Core gameplay changes (as of version 1.1):

-Shorter fuses for plasma grenades and frag grenades

-Moderately enhanced frag grenade splash damage (2 hits to kill)

-Massively enhanced plasma grenade splash damage (1 hit to kill)

-Massively enhanced melee attack damage (2 hits to kill)

-Massively enhanced Brute Shot damage (2 direct hits to kill)

-Moderately enhanced Brute Shot melee attack damage (1-2 hits to kill)

-Toned-down Magnum/SMG combo -Toned-down Magnum/Magnum combo -Toned-down Plasma Rifle/SMG combo

Xbox Live cheat fixes (as of version 1.1):

-Drastically enhanced automatic anti-cheating technology; stiffer punishments for cheating

-Stopped players from using modem disconnections to "teleport...

cheaters can be quickly kicked from matches and will be permanently banned from playing online

-Stopped players from "Bouncing... flag in CTF games

-Stopped players from grabbing flags through walls in CTF games

-Stopped players from "flying... with the Energy Sword (still works in single-player)

Playlist changes (as of May 02, 2005): -First and probably foremost, a reset leaderboard (quit yer bitchin')

-Sudden Death has been removed from all Assault variants (if this upsets you, Bungie suggests you call 911 and ask for the "Whaaahmbulance...)

-Round times for Assault games increased to counter-balance for missing Sudden Death mode

-If you're playing CTF or Assault, the Banshee is no longer available on either Ascension or Headlong

-The overpowering overcharged Plasma Pistol/Battle Rifle combo has been limited by the playlists; Slayer games on Colossus and Beaver Creek will only have "Human... weapon sets

-Motion Detector has been removed for Head-to-Head (one-on-one) matches, a rather controversial decision on Bungie's part

-Most Coagulation and Burial Mounds matches will start players with a Battle Rifle, a much more suitable firearm for those larger, spread-out levels

-The Phantom (invisible) matches are no longer in rotation

-Head-to-Head matches now sometimes feature King of the Hill or Oddball rules

-More CTF and Assault matches will feature Covenant vehicles, like the Spectre, Wraith, Banshee and Ghost

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