Sir? Permission to leave the station?

As of yesterday, November 9th, Halo 2 has been out for one year. I hope all of you with the capabilities to do so celebrated by doing as the kids do and "0wNz3r1nG bitches" and whatnot on Live. I know I did.

There is, to the present day, still nothing that compares (gameplay wise) with the thrill of landing a well-thrown (or just plain lucky) plasma grenade. Watching and hearing the reactions of people who've been hit with what we in the 'biz call a 'sticky' is simply sublime. I adore watching the moment of terrified or angry realization, the frantic charge toward your attacker, or confused backpedal into your own team...or hearing the exasperated exclamations, or irratated acceptance. It's all equally joyous.

I am a master of the craft. Given the choice of any weapon in the game at my disposal, throw me into battle with a plasma rifle of some sort for close range murderousness and some stickies. I assure you, I will cast rape.

I have the spell components and everything.

The brilliance of play on X-Box Live really is the ability to connect with your opponents and teamates via vocal channels. Halo 2's implementation of this feature is unsurpassed, and hearing your foes' cry out in surprise or exasperation takes the cake, with post-mortem insults adding sweet, oh-so-delicious icing to the mix.

The game has brought me many a night of fabulous stories and wonderful camaraderie, it will doubtless bring me many more.

A toast then, raise your glasses. To all the friends I've made, to all the skulls I've boned, and to Bungie. I'll be waiting for you at the starship with the food nipple.