Master Chief On Your Desktop

Microsoft today announced the launch of a Halo 2 desktop agent. Microsoft partnered with Skinkers communications to create the interactive Master Chief, downloadable from www.xbox.com/en-gb/halo2/desktop , will keep fans up to speed with regular news bulletins about the most eagerly awaited console game in years, Halo 2.

As well as regular news bulletins, Master Chief will also be on hand with hints, tips and tasters for the eager gamer, in game footage and trailer videos as well as exclusive competitions and offers.

Due to hit shelves on the 9th November, Halo 2 will expand on everything that made the original game great, plus add a wealth of technological and gameplay advances. Significantly improved graphics, enhanced AI, an advanced real-time lighting engine and destructible interactive environments are just a small part of Halo 2's evolution of design and technology. Every improvement in Halo 2 is designed to take gameplay to a new level; and in the end, to tell a better story.

Utilising Xbox Live to redefine online play, Halo 2 delivers superior online multiplayer capabilities. Whether playing with a clan on a new multiplayer map, boarding a friend's Warthog, or checking player stats, Halo 2 will bring the social experience to a higher level via Xbox Live.