Oh yes, that photo. I can just say, it got ugly in only moments time.
As for the Halo 2 trailer, well, it didn't BLOW MY MIND (the original trailers for the first did however), but everything so far is looking well done.
It seems now there will be more open enviroments, and since Microsoft is not breathing down Bungie's neck about a launch release date this time around, I think we are in for a treat.