The release date for Halo 2 on XBox has been set for April 18, 2004. Based on what the game designers are saying, this should be even more amazing than the original Halo.

First off, the game will support online XBox Live gameplay - something the original Halo lacked. Halo fans can enjoy capture the flag and other traditional multiplayer games in a halo universe. There will also be the ability to do massive combat engagements with all characters on the field being controlled by XBox Live players.

The story involves, of course, another Halo rings. This time the Covenant is attacking Earth and it's up to Master Chief and his crew to ward them off. There are new weapons, new vehicles, and stellar new graphics.

A la splinter cell, there is even more realism in combat. You can peek around corners, do combo attacks and even do a super-fast sprint for short periods of time.

Unfortunately, it sounds like they're gearing up for a trilogy - so we still will have to get a "still more to come" feeling from this one as well. Can't we play a game that lets us feel satisfied when we win?

Mark your calendar for April 18th!