HALO 2 (PC) launches May 22nd. This is too weeks later than expected. The game was supposed to be out yesterday along with the Games for Windows - Live service.

The game will require the Windows Vista operating system but have pretty low minimum system requirements. You will not be able to ZOMGpwn XBOX 360 users in a cross-platform fashion like in Shadowrun. You will only be able to play against other PC players.

HALO 2 (PC) ships with two new maps not seen on a console. Hang 'Em High and Derelict remakes will not ship with the game and won't be coming to the PC anytime soon. Other than that, HALO 2 (PC) is pretty much exactly like HALO 2 for the XBOX except that it comes with a map editor. Gamers will be able to make their own custom maps and distribute them online for other to play on.

HALO 2 (PC) will run on the Games for Windows - Live service. This means that most all of the Live game features available on the console will be made available in this game (voice chat, text chat, friend requests, reputation, achievements, etc.). All Games for Windows - Live titles will have those features.

I will be running two HALO 2 (PC) dedicated servers and a voice server from Dallas via a super-secret Ninja connection. I will also host at least one Shadowrun dedicated server. A Counter-strike source server is already being hosted there.

Hopefully there will be some money to win in HALO 2 (PC).

HALO 2 for Windows Vista will be launched on May 8th. This is according to tons of new reports that were released early this morning. The Games for Windows - Live service will also be launched at that time in the US.

Kotaku
Shacknews
1up
Planet XBOX 360
Team XBOX
Gamespot
USA Today

I've begun building my new gaming system. I've decided to hold out for the new ATi DX10 cards that were supposed to be out this month. While DX10 isn't required for HALO 2 for Vista, I want one of those cards any way. The released date of those cards is expected to be sometime in April. Those cards were supposed to be released before Vista. Here's hoping for an April release of the R600 cards and that they don't get pushed back any further.