Settling long speculation over when the biggest of Xbox sequels might arrive, Bungie Software today confirmed a release window for Halo 2. Master Chief is scheduled to land on Earth in the fall of 2004, thus trumping the summer release dates of retailer-inspired rumor.

To go with that announcement, Bungie released the very first screenshot of Halo 2's multiplayer mode, done up in classic red versus blue, and a very impressive piece of work it is. We look forward to seeing that and much more at E3 -- meanwhile, you might want to check out Bungie.net today. There are no new Hyperfacts, but there's some fun stuff besides.

Copyright © 2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in 1UP.