3/5 ★ – joeylikesmovies's review of Halo 2: Anniversary.

This is not a review of Halo 2 specifically, but rather this remaster. Just a few bulleted thoughts: - Yes, the pre-rendered cutscenes look gorgeous, even by 2022 standards. That said, if you are a Halo 2 purist and want to experience the game as closely to Bungie's original version as possible, stick with the OG cutscene graphics. Still, it's a great bonus. - Remastered graphics are hit or miss. Lighting and texture work are improved overall, although often at the expense of the game's original art style. For example, several sections from the original game that required your flashlight are way overexposed. It can be jarring switching back and forth between the two graphics styles. Also, despite playing this on a Series X, the framerate sometimes dipped below 60 fps during some frantic firefights. - Sound design and remastered original score are great, although you can tell Marty McDonnell was not consulted, as some of the tracks sound a little different. - This remaster's biggest misstep is not including in-game subtitles. Halo 2 Anniversary needs them even more than the average game because the dialogue mix is not the greatest. They have them for cutscenes but not for gameplay. I am not hard of hearing, but I still use subtitles for games, especially so I understand all of the dialogue amidst the action. In-game subtitles have been a thing since the early to mid-2000s. Hell, even Combat Evolved Anniversary has in-game subtitles. This oversight on 343's part is terrible, and it weighs heavily on my enjoyment of this remaster. - Admittedly, I have not touched Halo 2 Anniversary's multiplayer yet. The consensus seems to be mixed, although your mileage may vary. It does not impact my score one way or another.