In what way is Halo 2 more impressive (technically) than Halo: CE?

[PSman]

It is generally agree that Halo 2 is a more impressive looking games than Halo: CE, but how and in what ways? I mean, Halo 2 has significantly smaller environments, darker levels, muddier textures (especially the Arbiter levels), lots of textures pop-in etc.. The only thing that look better than CE IMO is the character models, nearly everything else look pale to CE to me.

 

[Neb]

Dry season ey?

 

[Iron Tiger]

There's a buttload more normal mapping. Using normal maps on the character models allowed them to use less geometry, while still conveying more detail. Lighting is also better, even if it doesn't have the levels of dynamicity the trailers hinted at.

 

[(((interference)))]

Why is this even a topic? It's like asking whether the sky is blue

Just look at the multiplayer maps for comparisons, eg. Blood Gulch vs Coagulation, H2s variant is bigger and far, far more detailed than the original.