Editing Halo 2: Anniversary

{{Title|''Halo 2: Anniversary''}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{Game infobox
|name= ''Halo 2: Anniversary''
|image= [[File:Halo2anniversary.jpg|350px]]
|developer=
*[[343 Industries]]{{Ref/Reuse|RTX 2014}}
*[[Wikipedia:Saber Interactive|Saber Interactive]]{{Ref/Reuse|RTX 2014}}
*[[Certain Affinity]]{{Ref/Reuse|RTX 2014}}
|publisher= [[Microsoft Studios]]
|engine=
*[[Blam engine]] {{C|Classic campaign, classic and remastered [[multiplayer]]}}
*[[Saber3D engine]] {{C|Remastered campaign}}
|platform= 
*[[Xbox One]]
*[[Xbox Series X/S]]
*[[PC]]
*[[Xbox Cloud Gaming]]
|releasedate= *[[2014#November|November 11, 2014]] {{C|Xbox One MCC release}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}<br>
*[[2020#May|May 12, 2020]] {{C|Windows 10 and Steam}}<ref name="PC">[https://twitter.com/Halo/status/1257717196114935810?s=19 ''Halo on Twitter'':] ''"Halo 2: Anniversary arrives on PC as part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection on May 12!"''</ref>
|genre= [[First-person shooter]]
|modes= [[Campaign]]<br>
[[Cooperative]]<br>
[[Multiplayer]]<br>
[[Forge]]<ref name="IGNinterv">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTDVFdQVNw4#t=664 '''YouTube''': ''Halo 2: Anniversary - Cairo Station Campaign Gameplay and...'']</ref><br>
[[Theater]] {{C|Multiplayer only}}
|rating=
}}
{{Quote|Because the seeds of [[Halo 5: Guardians|our future]] are sown in his past.|[[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]}}<ref>'''[[The Hunter and the Hunted]]'''</ref>

'''''Halo 2: Anniversary''''' is the remastered edition of  ''[[Halo 2]]''. The game was released on [[2014#November|November 11, 2014]] as part of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' for the [[Xbox One]].<ref name="waypoint">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-the-master-chief-collection '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'']</ref><ref>'''E3 2014 Microsoft Media Briefing'''</ref> ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' is the first ''Halo'' game to support [[Halo Channel]], an Xbox One feature that was released alongside the game.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-gb/halo-channel '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo Channel'']</ref> On May 12, [[2020]], ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' launched on the PC platform as part of ''The Master Chief Collection''.{{Ref/Reuse|PC}}

==Features==
===Campaign===
As with ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'', the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign has been visually remastered by [[Wikipedia:Saber Interactive|Saber Interactive]] along with completely redone audio and the original soundtrack rerecorded by [[Skywalker Sound]].<ref name="PAX">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGn4YXXZyDo '''YouTube''': ''Halo and the Journey of the Master Chief- PAX Prime 2014'']</ref><ref>[http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=115637960&postcount=1792 '''NeoGaf''': ''Frank O'Connor on sound'']</ref> Similar to its predecessor, ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' uses a combination of 3D models from several of the prior games (such as ''[[Halo: Reach]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Unggoy|Grunts]]) as well as modified and all-new assets.{{Ref/Reuse|IGNinterv}} Unlike the other games in the ''Master Chief Collection'' which run at a 1920x1080p resolution, the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign has a lower resolution of 1328x1080p due to stated technical problems that arose from running the twin graphics and audio engines at 1080p. The game nonetheless has a frame rate of 60 frames per second like the other titles in the collection.<ref>[http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/10/07/the-horse-you-rode-in-on-a-halo-the-master-chief-collection-story-ign-first '''IGN''': ''The Horse You Rode In On (A Halo: The Master Chief Collection Story) – IGN First'']</ref> The remastered cutscenes have been pre-rendered by [[Blur Studio]] as opposed to being in-engine like those in most of the ''Halo'' games.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}

Like ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'', the game allows users to switch between the remastered version and a "Classic Mode" (also referred to as "Legacy" mode);{{Ref/Reuse|PAX}} both visuals and audio are remastered in the ''Anniversary'' mode but remain original in the Classic Mode. The switch between the two modes is more seamless than in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'', being instantaneous as opposed to the screen fading to black in the interim.<ref name="machinima">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crDIiFV-Wmw '''YouTube''': ''Every. Halo. Ever. E3 2014'']</ref>

''Halo 2: Anniversary'' also contains a remastered version of ''[[Another Day at the Beach]]'' (a bonus video originally shipped with the ''[[Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack]]'') animated by Blur Studio.<ref>[http://popwatch.ew.com/2014/10/29/halo-2-trailer-exclusive-comparisons/#more-313500 '''Entertainment Weekly''': ''"Halo 2" shows revamped cinematics in new trailer'']</ref> In addition, two cutscenes were added to the campaign's [[The Heretic|beginning]] and its [[The Great Journey|ending]], linking to the events of ''Halo 5: Guardians''. The two aforementioned cutscenes later being removed from the game all together, and were instead moved to the Videos tab.

The [[campaign]] consists of 15 levels, of which 14 are playable. 
#[[The Heretic]] - ''"For failure such as this, no punishment is too great."'' (cutscene; unplayable)
#[[The Armory]] - ''"Suit up, prepare for battle."'' (tutorial)
#[[Cairo Station]] - ''"Defend the station's MAC gun from Covenant boarders."''
#[[Outskirts]] - ''"Rally scattered marines, clear hostile contacts from the old-city."''
#[[Metropolis]] - ''"Take the bridge, break the Covenant's grip on the city-center."''
#[[The Arbiter]] - ''"Infiltrate a Forerunner facility, quell the heresy within."''
#[[The Oracle]] - ''"Kill the Heretic Leader. The Prophets' will be done."''
#[[Delta Halo]] - ''"A Covenant army stands between you and Regret. Get to work."''
#[[Regret (Halo 2 level)|Regret]] - ''"You heard the lady. Locate the Prophet, take him down."''
#[[Sacred Icon]] - ''"Succeed where others have failed. Lower the shield protecting the Sacred Icon."''
#[[Quarantine Zone]] - ''"Parasites, humans - no matter. The Icon must be found."''
#[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]] - ''"The Prophets have the Index and plan to use it? Over your dead body."''
#[[Uprising]] - ''"This is certain: The Brutes shall pay for the blood they have spilled."''
#[[High Charity (level)|High Charity]] - ''"Cortana can handle the Index - stopping Truth is up to you."''
#[[The Great Journey]] - ''"Form an unexpected alliance, keep Tartarus from activating the ring."''

===Terminals===
Like ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' and ''[[Halo 4]]'', ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' contains [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|hidden terminal videos]]; these terminals have been stated to be easier to find than before.<ref name="venturebeat">[http://venturebeat.com/2014/06/10/understanding-halo-the-master-chief-collection-faq-playlists-forge-control-schemes-and-more/ '''Venturebeat''': ''Understanding Halo: The Master Chief Collection (FAQ) — playlists, Forge, control schemes, and more'']</ref> As in ''Halo 4'' the videos are hosted on ''[[Halo Waypoint]]'', not on the disc, and as such require an Internet connection to access.

===Skulls===
The game also features [[Halo: The Master Chief Collection skulls|its own set of skulls]].{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}

===Multiplayer===
{{Main|Halo: The Master Chief Collection#Multiplayer|l1=Halo: The Master Chief Collection multiplayer}}
The ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer has been stated to be based on a post-patch version of ''Halo 2'' as rather than the shipping version.<ref name="bulletin61914">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-halo-bulletin-6-19-14 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin 6.19.14'']</ref> The game also has an online co-op mode.{{Ref/Reuse|IGNinterv}} Split-screen multiplayer is laid out in horizontal view instead of the original vertical orientation.{{Ref/Reuse|bulletin61914}} 

All original multiplayer maps (including the extra ones in the DLC [[map pack]]s and [[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|''Halo 2'' for Windows Vista]])<ref>[http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=115814609&postcount=185 '''NeoGaf''': ''Frank O'Connor on maps'']</ref> are featured in the classic multiplayer mode.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}

====Remastered multiplayer====
[[File:Halo The Master Chief Collection - H2A Elite armor permutation UI.PNG|thumb|250px|Various Elite armor permutations available in the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.]]
Six of ''Halo 2''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s multiplayer maps have been completely re-imagined{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}} in a separate multiplayer engine described as a combination of the multiplayer of the classic ''Halo 2'' and that of the more recent ''Halo'' titles.{{Ref/Reuse|IGNinterv}} A [[Forge]] mode is featured in the six re-imagined maps.{{Ref/Reuse|venturebeat}} [[Certain Affinity]] president [[Max Hoberman]], one of the multiplayer design leads on the original ''Halo 2'', helped 343 Industries design and create the remastered multiplayer component.<ref name="SDCC panel">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUGrnvdo8Ok&list=UU7NCg0venpKJg3kuJojKlbQ&index=1 '''YouTube''': ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection Dev Panel - SDCC 2014'']</ref> Many of the added features in the remastered maps were proposed for the original game but ended up being cut; thus, 343 Industries considers the remastered component a "Director's Cut" of sorts.<ref name="RTX 2014">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1a1FzQ3bdQ '''YouTube''': ''RTX 2014 - 343 Industries panel'']</ref>

The developers' stated goals for the remastered maps were to expand upon the core ''Halo 2'' experience, create the definitive version of each of the remastered maps, and to approach the remastering as more of an upgrade than a remake. Multiple aspects of the sandbox were tweaked to both improve and "modernize" the gameplay, although the goal is to remain faithful to the original experience. Some of these improvements include a boost to player speed, making the [[M6C magnum|magnum]] more powerful and the addition of the [[MA5D assault rifle|assault rifle]] as a mid-range weapon option, something the developers found lacking in the original.{{Ref/Reuse|RTX 2014}} The [[M7S SMG|silenced SMG]] has also been added along with the newly introduced [[M274R Mongoose#M274-M Gungoose variant|M274-M Gungoose]].{{Ref/Reuse|RTX 2014}}

As an added feature, players are able to choose their weapon set upon spawning, similar to the [[loadout]] system in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''. According to Max Hoberman, this feature was originally designed for ''Halo 2'' but was ultimately cut. Hoberman hesitated to call the weapon sets "loadouts" and underscored that the system is designed to be more evenly balanced; e.g. [[Lockdown]]'s weapon sets include a choice between the [[M7 SMG|SMG]], {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} and [[M6C magnum|magnum]]. The human weapon sets equip the player with two [[M9 fragmentation grenade|frag grenade]]s, while the Covenant ones have the player spawn with [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|plasma grenade]]s.<ref name="ign GTK">[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/10/24/get-to-know-halo-the-master-chief-collections-lockout-remake-lockdown-ign-first '''IGN.com''': ''Get to Know Halo: The Master Chief Collection's 'Lockout' Remake, 'Lockdown' – IGN First'']</ref>

Like earlier games' multiplayer customization includes [[nameplates]], service tags, [[armor permutations]] for both Spartans and Sangheili, and [[emblems]]. New features to customization include clan tags and in-game avatars.<ref name="Teambeyond.net">[http://teambeyond.net/halo-the-master-chief-collection-customization/ '''Team Beyond.net''': ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection Customization'']</ref>

Though most of the map geometry—including "skill jumps"—remain intact, the remastered maps contain a number of gameplay tweaks (such as additional cover) along with new "dynamic features", some of which Max Hoberman proposed to be added in the original ''Halo 2''.{{Ref/Reuse|RTX 2014}} These include the addition of a large energy shield in the center of [[Zenith]], the remake of [[Ascension]], which can be triggered by three panels across the map,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt-i0y35bxw/ '''YouTube:''' ''Halo 2 Ascension Anniversary Walkthrough'']</ref> and three stalactites which can be dropped on players on [[Lockdown]], the remake of [[Lockout]]. Most of these new features can be disabled via [[Forge]] for an experience closer to the original game.{{Ref/Reuse|PAX}}

Other additions to the remastered multiplayer include the name of the segment of the map that the player is currently in being displayed near the [[motion tracker]], as in ''Halo: Reach''. Gametypes such as [[Infection]], [[Race]], [[Ricochet (gametype)|Ricochet]] and [[Team SWAT]] have been added to the remastered multiplayer.

;Remastered maps
*[[Bloodline]], remake of [[Coagulation]].
*[[Lockdown]], remake of [[Lockout]].
*[[Remnant]], remake of [[Relic]].
*[[Shrine]], remake of [[Sanctuary]].
*[[Stonetown]], remake of [[Zanzibar]].
*[[Warlord]], remake of [[Warlock]].
*[[Zenith]], remake of [[Ascension]].

==== Armor permutations ====
{{Main|Armor customization (Halo 2: Anniversary)}}
There are two player models which players can choose from, the standard [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN]] model or an [[Sangheili|Elite]] model. Originally armor could not be customized, however in the ODST PC update, customization for ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer was updated to allow options similar to that of the other games. All armor permutations do not have any effects on gameplay.
{{Armor/Permutation/H2A|midpage=1}}

===Forge===
{{Main|Forge#Halo 2: Anniversary|l1=Halo 2: Anniversary Forge}}
Forge returns in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' with many more improvements and additional features. New features include simple scripting objects (such as switches which can be used to trigger various actions) and mirrored versions of objects. Additionally, the budget can now either be limited on the amount of objects placed in a map, or how well the map will run with the amount of objects placed. Three Skybox-only maps have been added to allow players to build and create with little restrictions.<ref name="gameinformerH2A">[http://www.gameinformer.com/games/halo_master_chief_collection/b/xboxone/archive/2014/08/30/343-details-halo-2-s-many-changes-and-additions.aspx '''GameInformer''': ''343 Details Halo 2’s Many Changes And Additions'']</ref>

;Forge maps
*[[Awash]]<ref>[http://www.ign.com/videos/2014/10/28/halo-2-anniversary-forge-demo-halo-the-master-chief-collection-ign-first  '''IGN''' - ''See Forge in Halo 2: Anniversary'']</ref>
*[[Nebula]]<ref name="thisisxboxaccount">[http://youtu.be/qzH38JjApMg?t=52s '''YouTube''' - ''Halo 2: Anniversary Forge Selection'']</ref>
*[[Skyward]]{{Ref/Reuse|thisisxboxaccount}}

==Development==
[[File:MCC Poster 01.jpg|thumb|250px|The Arbiter and Master Chief, with Installation 05 and [[Substance]] in the background.]]
===Cinematics===
While Saber Interactive produced the cutscenes in-engine in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'', digital animation company [[Blur Studio]] (who previously worked on the ''[[Halo Wars]]'' cinematics) was contracted to create pre-rendered CGI cinematics for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''. This was a considerable undertaking, as the game's cutscenes contain a total of 58 minutes of footage. However, since the template for the cinematics' structure and composition already existed in the form of the original ''Halo 2'' cutscenes, it was easier for Blur to focus on issues like visual fidelity than in a typical project in which they are forced to work with little to no such source material.<ref name="RTL">'''[[Remaking the Legend]]'''</ref>

The character animations were created through [[Wikipedia:Motion capture|motion capture]] technology; the new models for certain characters, such as [[Miranda Keyes]] and [[Avery Johnson]], are also modeled after their motion capture actors. The action scenes, which involve a great deal of movement on part of the characters, proved a challenge for the actors, particularly because the facial and bodily performances were captured separately. In one scene (the closing of ''[[Quarantine Zone]]''), for example, [[Damion Poitier]], the motion capture actor for Sgt. Johnson and the Arbiter, is fighting "himself".{{Ref/Reuse|RTL}}

All cutscenes can be viewed on [[Halo Channel]].

===Audio===
The soundtrack in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' is in surround sound and has been completely re-orchestrated by [[Skywalker Sound]], with several new tracks exclusive to the remake.{{Ref/Reuse|PAX}} [[Steve Vai]], who worked on the original ''Halo 2'' original soundtrack, was hired to re-record his original guitar tracks for the remastered soundtrack. Two new tracks by [[Wikipedia:Periphery (band)|Misha Mansoor]] replaces the exclusive songs by Breaking Benjamin and Incubus in the Anniversary mode; the original tracks are retained in Classic mode.{{Ref/Reuse|PAX}} An official ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary Original Soundtrack]]'' was released alongside ''The Master Chief Collection'' on November 11, 2014.{{Ref/Reuse|gameinformerH2A}}<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/13/listen-to-the-halo-2-anniversary-soundtrack-right-now '''IGN.com''': ''Listen to the Halo 2: Anniversary Soundtrack Right Now - IGN First'']</ref> The soundtrack is available as a double CD, digital download, and a limited edition vinyl record.{{Ref/Reuse|PAX}}

Every sound effect from the original ''[[Halo 2]]'' has been redone, including weapons, vehicles and ambient sounds. The Anniversary mode also features an overhauled audio engine, with new reflection and level of distance systems to more realistically model the sound effects' interaction with the environment, accounting for level geometry and distance in the propagation of weapon sounds. Each weapon's sound effects have been changed to make every weapon seem more intimidating.{{Ref/Reuse|PAX}} The audio team disseminated the original sounds in detail and attempted to find specific identifying characteristics of them to emulate in the new ones. Similar to the weapon sound effects in ''[[Halo 4]]'', source material for the new sounds was recorded with actual weapons fire. The developers picked weapons they felt had distinctive firing reports, including the [[Wikipedia:Thompson submachine gun|Thompson submachine gun]], the [[Wikipedia:Heckler & Koch MP5|Heckler & Koch MP5]] and the [[Wikipedia:M1 Garand|M1 Garand]]. New source material for the [[energy sword]]'s sound effects—which the audio team wanted to sound more powerful than originally—was created by recording the sizzling and crackling sounds created by placing ball bearings on dry ice.{{Ref/Reuse|RTL}}

The toggle between the original and the remastered audio are tied to the graphics switch and cannot be changed independently.{{Ref/Reuse|PAX}}

==Gallery==
===Box art===
<gallery>
File:H2A Full Cover Art No Logos.jpg|Full cover art.
</gallery>
===Concept art===
<gallery>
File:H2A-daniil-kuksov-metropolis-scarab.png|Concept art of [[Metropolis]].
File:H2A DeltaHaloRuins Concept.jpg|Concept art paintover of ruins on [[Installation 05]].
File:H2A - LibraryConcept.png|Concept art of the [[Library]] on Installation 05.
File:H2A - GravemindConcept.png|Concept art of the [[Gravemind]].
File:H2A - ScarabConcept.png|Concept art of the [[Protos-pattern Scarab|Scarab]] on [[The Great Journey]].
File:H2A Concept ForerunnerLights.jpg|Concept art of a Forerunner light fixture.
File:H2A Concept ForerunnerThings.jpg|Concept art of Forerunner structural elements.
File:H2A - ShrineConcept.jpg|Concept art of [[Shrine]].
File:H2A Relic Anniversary Concept 3.jpg|Concept art of [[Relic]].
File:H2A_Spartans_Concept.jpg|Concept art for the Spartan armor designs in the multiplayer component.
</gallery>

===Cinematics===
<gallery>
File:H2A-Trailer-MarkVI-1.png|[[John-117|Master Chief Petty Officer John-117]]
File:H2A - Cortana.png|[[Cortana]]
File:H2A - Johnson.png|[[Avery Johnson|Sergeant Major Avery Johnson]]
File:H2A - Hood.png|[[Terrence Hood|Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood]]
File:H2A - Miranda.png|[[Miranda Keyes|Commander Miranda Keyes]]
File:H2A - Arbiter.png|[[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]
File:H2A - Rtas in Wraith.png|[[Special Operations Commander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]]
File:H2A-POT.jpg|The [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]]
File:H2A - Regret.png|The [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]]
File:H2A - Prophet of Mercy.jpg|The [[Prophet of Mercy|High Prophet of Mercy]]
File:H2A - Tartarus and HighCouncil.png|[[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]] [[Tartarus]]
File:H2A-RefumeeRises.jpg|[[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|Heretic Leader]] [[Sesa 'Refumee]]
File:HTMCC-H2A 343GuiltySpark.png|[[343 Guilty Spark]]
File:HTMCC-H2A 2401PenitentTangent.png|[[2401 Penitent Tangent]]
File:Halo-2-Anniversary-Gravemind-2.png|The [[Gravemind]]
File:H2A-AlphaHaloDestruction.jpg|[[Installation 04]]'s destruction
File:H2A - Master Chief and antimatter charge.png|John-117 drags an [[antimatter charge]] across ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]''
File:H2A - In Amber Clad approaches Halo.png|The {{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}} approaches [[Installation 05]]
File:H2A-HighCouncilSession.jpg|[[Supreme Commander]] Thel 'Vadamee before the [[High Council]]
File:H2A - Arbiter and 'Vadum.png|Rtas 'Vadum and Thel 'Vadam converse
File:H2A - Mercydeath.png|Mercy dying from [[Flood]] infection
File:H2A-Trailer-MarkVI-5.png|John peering towards Earth as his vessel nears
</gallery>

===In-game===
<gallery>
File:H2A-Comparison.jpg|Comparison between screenshots taken on classic and remastered [[Cairo Station]]
File:H2A - MC uses SMGs against Grunt.png|Gameplay on Cairo Station
File:H2A-MasterChief-Screen01.jpg
File:H2A-MasterChief-Screen03.jpg
File:H2A-MasterChief-Screen05.jpg
File:H2A-MasterChief-Screen06.jpg
File:H2A-MasterChief-Screen07.jpg
File:H2A-MasterChief-Screen08.jpg
File:H2A-MasterChief-Screen04.jpg|John-117 facing down an [[Unggoy]] on Cairo Station
File:H2A-MasterChief-Screen02.jpg|The Master Chief wielding a [[BR55 battle rifle]]
File:H2A - Multiplayer gameplay.png|Multiplayer gameplay on [[Zenith]]
File:TanODST.jpg|ODSTs make landfall in the ruins on [[Installation 05]] from remastered ''[[Delta Halo]]'' in an early build of the game
File:H2A-3rdPerson-MC-DualWield-M7SMG.jpg
</gallery>

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|2}}

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