I always said Halo would be like the Matrix Trilogy.
First one: Groundbreaking, broke barriers in terms of console FPS and the story
was thrilling.
Second one: A little graphical upgrade (textures) and mostly action, story
seemingly tacked on to a barrage of hallways and buggers.
Third one: Absolutely confusing and uninspired plot, little graphical marvels here
and there but overall nothing too special.
The sad thing is, it will likely outsell both Cod4 and Killzone 2.... <sigh>