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About Halo 2: Anniversary
Halo 2: Anniversary is a first-person shooter set in the Human-Covenant War, developed by 343 Industries and released in 2014. It follows the original Halo 2’s story, where the Covenant retaliates after Halo’s destruction, forcing Master Chief and the Arbiter to uncover a new ringworld. The campaign lets players switch between the Master Chief and the Arbiter for dual perspectives, with 15 missions across planets and space. The PC version adds 4K UHD support, mouse/keyboard controls, and ultrawide displays. Multiplayer includes 32 maps total, with remastered graphics and updated progression. It’s a remaster for long-time fans and newcomers wanting a classic Halo fix with modern tweaks.
Gameplay
The campaign is a mix of on-foot combat and vehicular dashes, with missions like defending Earth from orbital strikes or navigating alien ruins. You’ll use BR55 rifles, grenades, and jetpacks to outmaneuver Covenant grunts and Elites. Split-screen co-op lets two players tackle missions together, while multiplayer modes like Slayer and Capture the Flag keep matches fast-paced. The toggle between original 2004 visuals and the remastered 2014 look is a neat feature, but the core loop feels similar to classic Halo entries, sniping from high ground, using cover, and respawning instantly. Campaign sessions average 14 hours, with players juggling story beats and bullet-sponge enemies. The PC port adds smooth 60+ FPS and customizable FOV, but the split-screen is limited to local co-op only.
What Players Think
The PlayPile community rates it 82/100, with 38% of players completing the campaign and 18% finishing multiplayer. Average playtime is 14 hours, skewed toward those who skip co-op. Moods are split: 52% nostalgic, 33% chaotic. Review snippets praise the "crisp remaster" and "dual-perspective storytelling" but criticize "repetitive mission design." Metacritic scores 71/100, with critics noting the lack of new content. Players who loved the original campaign praise the toggle feature, while newcomers find the multiplayer outdated compared to Halo Infinite. The PC port is a highlight, with 45% of users saying it runs "smoothly at 4K."
PlayPile's Take
Halo 2: Anniversary is a must-play for fans of the series who want to relive the campaign with upgraded visuals. The 38% campaign completion rate suggests the story holds up, though 62% of players quit before the end. PC owners get the best experience with 4K and mouse controls, but the multiplayer feels dated. With a $30 price tag and 320 achievements, it’s a solid 8-hour investment for series veterans. Not essential for newcomers, but if you’re nostalgic for the Arbiter’s arc or want to try split-screen co-op, this remaster still scratches the classic Halo itch.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative, Split screen
IGDB Rating
81.9
RAWG Rating
4.2
Videos
2Launch Trailer
Screenshots
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