
Six remastered versions of popular levels have also been rebuilt specifically for the Xbox One and modified with power-ups, additional weapons and a new vehicle, the "Gungoose." Every multiplayer map ever conceived for the game will be included in Anniversary, and they'll be old and new matchmaking modes, as well as a few favorites that were created for later games. (In fact, all games in The Master Chief Collection will use this rating method, though progress will be separate for each one.) The studio has even made a point to preserve Halo 2's glitches, many of which were an important part of high-level play - I got the impression from 343, however, that including an option to disable them is being considered. Halo 2's online ranking system, which is based more on won/lost games than play time, remains intact.
HALO 2 ONLINE PC
Not to mention online co-op has been included in the Anniversary version, previously only a feature of the Halo 2 PC release. Instead, I'm only excited for a new game - one that just happens to have a multiplayer experience I already know and love. As an ex- Halo 2 addict, I expected nostalgia to impact my enthusiasm for the reboot in the same way the remake of your favorite childhood film is always a disappointment. The graphical detail is so far improved as to be almost incomparable to the original, and jumping between these two views instantaneously is something to marvel at in itself. It's key to the modernization of Halo 2 that the core experience remains unchanged, emphasized by a player's ability to switch between classic and remastered visuals on the fly. Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary has received more or less the same treatment, since it's a heavily remastered version of the original game anyway. Halo 3 and 4, which both made increasingly efficient use of the Xbox 360's horsepower, have improved lighting and run at higher frame rates. The other three main installments in the saga haven't needed nearly as much attention. Four fantastic games updated for a new generation of hardware is a mouth-watering proposition, but Halo 2 is the jewel in the crown, being the only title to receive a complete visual overhaul. Microsoft's 343 Industries, the studio compiling The Master Chief Collection, showed off more footage of Halo 2: Anniversary at Gamescom last week. Halo: Combat Evolved may have introduced us to Master Chief's world, but it was Halo 2 that assured the franchise's legendary status, and it's coming back for more.
HALO 2 ONLINE PRO
With attentive level design, balanced gameplay and a strong online ranking and matchmaking system, the game spawned a pro scene that's persisted from sequel to sequel, console to console. Undoubtedly the most exciting part of the package is Halo 2: Anniversary, a fully remastered version of the 2004 title that set the bar for online multiplayer gaming on consoles. Halo: The Master Chief Collection promises to be the ultimate compilation for fans of John-117's adventures and online competitors alike, featuring remastered versions of all four numbered Halo titles (and access to the Halo 5: Guardians beta when it's live).
