The sequel to the best-selling Xbox Halo game is finished, say its makers. Developers Bungie said it had handed over the code to Microsoft for final testing.

"There are still many steps between now and the game's arrival on shelves, including the not-insignificant process of actually manufacturing millions of copies of the game," said Bungie.

Halo 2 is due to go on sale on 9 November in the US and two days later in the UK.

'Done and dusted'

The original Halo: Combat Evolved won universal acclaim when it was released for the Xbox in 2001.

The first-person sci-fi shooter went on to sell more than four million copies, making it the biggest Xbox blockbuster yet.

Fansites and specialist game websites have been buzzing with rumours as the sequel nears release.