1) Cutscenes: Halo 2 gave us 15 chapters. Unfortunately, the first chapter is nothing but cutscene. The second chapter introduces the player to moving as the Master Chief...wrapped in cutscene. It's wonderful to have more exposition in the game, but cutscenes that last more than five minutes do one thing: Annoy. Did we buy Halo 2, or another Final Fantasy sequel?

2) Short levels on rails: Most levels it's easy not to use all the ammo in your weapons before you reach the end, and there is nowhere near the same ability that the first game contained to explore the vast levels that stretch out around you.

3) Easy enemies: The Brutes are easier to kill than most of the other enemies in the game, even Grunts. And they definitely aren't as cute.

4) This game is way too easy, and way too hard: Bungie jacked up the difficulty on Legendary--so much so they should have called it "Mythic," or "Don't Bother." Meanwhile, Normal and Heroic should have been renamed "Cake Walk, parts 1 & 2."

5) Boss battles: Did we buy Halo 2, or Ninja Gaiden?

6) Cutscenes, Pt. 2: For all the exposition offered about the Halo story in the game, we really learned precious little information to expand the universe, aside from the fact that there are 7 Halos (which we really should have guessed, knowing Bungie's favorite number is se7en...).

7) The cliffhanger ending: You've beaten the baddest of the pushovers-er-Brutes, you're ready to take on the bastards that have invaded your precious Earth, but you may as well go to Disneyland instead, ‘cause here comes another cutscene...

Of course, none of the above are going to keep me from getting the Halo 3 Legendary Edition come September 25th...