Microsoft Games Studios proudly presents... HALO 2 for Windows Vista

LONDON 24th May, 2007 - Microsoft Games Studios today announced the eagerly awaited Halo 2 for Windows Vista, will be available on 8th June. The sequel to Halo: Combat Evolved brings Master Chief to Windows Vista allowing PC gamers to play the critically acclaimed Halo phenomenon against others for the first time.

Halo 2 for Windows Vista is a first person action shooter that takes place in the same science fiction universe as Halo, where humans have occupied numerous worlds due to the development of superluminal travel. More than 32 years before the beginning of Halo 2, the outer colony world of Harvest was destroyed by a collection of alien races, called the Covenant. Since then, the humans and covenant have been locked into a bloody war. Shortly before the events of Halo 2, the Master Chief heads to Earth after destroying a covenant fleet to warn of an impending covenant attack on humanity's home planet.

The game features an expanded range of vehicles as well as other gameplay changes to its predecessor. For example, in Halo 2 for Windows Vista the health bar is no longer visible on-screen. Instead, health regenerates slowly, if the player is not taking a beating!

Halo 2 for Windows Vista also features more than 14 human and alien weapons with players allowed to carry two weapons at a time, each weapon having advantages and disadvantages in different combat situations.

Master Chief is calling out for your help! So shoot on down to your nearest store and buy a copy of Halo 2 for Windows Vista for £34.99 and show the LIVE community what you are made of!

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Notes to Editors:

About Games for Windows

Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system in the world for games, delivering the widest range of titles, the most gaming hardware choices, and advanced gaming technology for players of all types. With Windows as the cornerstone, the Games for Windows platform offers publishers and gamers the most enjoyable and innovative gaming experiences available on a PC. More information can be found online at http://www.gamesforwindows.com.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE online gaming network and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a catalogue of more than 160 high-definition games and is available in 37 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox® and Xbox 360 video game systems, the Windows® operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows ( http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as "Age of Empires®," "Flight Simulator" and "Zoo Tycoon®"; Xbox and Xbox 360 ( http://www.xbox.com), including such games as "Gears of War" and franchises such as "Halo," "Fable®," "Project Gotham Racing®" and "Forza Motorsport®"; and MSN® Games ( http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Hexic®."

About Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows - LIVE

These LIVE services for gaming provide the first and a fully comprehensive cross-platform gaming experience, uniting players on Xbox 360 and select Games for Windows titles. These LIVE services make it easy for members to find friends, games and entertainment regardless of their preferred platform. LIVE connects millions of members across 25 countries, allowing them to easily communicate with each other and to enjoy the convenience of a single gamer profile, Gamerscore and Friends List while playing hundreds of multiplayer games. When accessing Xbox Live from an Xbox 360, members can download a wide variety of content that includes games via Xbox Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows, and movies as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favourite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live and http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/live/aboutLive.aspx.

Microsoft, Halo, Xbox Live, Crackdown, Xbox 360, Xbox, Windows, Age of Empires, Zoo Tycoon, Fable, Project Gotham Racing, Forza Motorsport, MSN and Hexic are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information, press only: v-kaszle@microsoft.com