Los Angeles (CA) - Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today announced that Halo 2, sequel to Halo : Combat Evolved will land on store shelves on November 9, 2004.

Microsoft prepares "one of the biggest launches in videogame history" for Halo 2, which will include "an extensive marketing campaign that includes cinema, print, outdoor, online and television advertising".

Prior to the launch of Halo 2, Microsoft said it would "soon" announce pre-order availability of Halo 2 Limited Edition in a metal box. The box will contain a second DVD with a video of "The Making of Halo 2", featurettes on game design, animation and music, cinematics and characters cut from the game as well as commentaries from the development team.

According to Microsoft, Halo 2 will offer improved graphics, enhanced AI, an advanced real-time lighting engine and destructible interactive environments.

Other high-profile Xbox titles due to ship from Microsoft later this year include Fable, Forza Motorsport, Jade Empire and Dungeon Siege 2.