Master Chief is here to teach you how to file your taxes

Master Chief is an expert in all things. Master Chief, a Spartan supersoldier who has been well trained to handle any kind of tough battle and has successfully fought through many Halo games in over 20 years. Master Chief will be there to offer advice on everything from taxes and oil changes for your Nissan Murano 2006.

YouTuber Synthetic Soundsmith uses artificial intelligence voice-over to help Master Chief, the Tax Season’s chief tax officer, explain all details. “Let’s talk about taxes like we’re battling the Covenant,” Master Chief’s voice opens, in the video.

Amazingly, this description seems both true to character and actually useful. Master Chief instructs you to collect necessary documents and receipts, adding “don’t leave any stone unturned or the tax man will catch you like a Grunt in a trap.” He also walks you through selecting filing status, and calculating taxable income, tax liability, and deductions. “But don’t try to cheat, or the IRS will come after you like the Flood,” he says. He ends with a reminder to file on time — whether online or through the mail.

Maybe you aren’t in need of tax advice? There are many other options. Master Chief will guide you in your next oil change. Though if a little light role-play is more your vibe, Master Chief as an Applebee’s waiter is also an absolute treat.

My personal favourite is Master Chief’s pep talk about how to ask your crush out. “Fear not my comrade, for I shall assist you in your quest for love,” he says. “I may have fumbled my words a bit, but I made sure to convey that you find her incredibly attractive — like the side of a Warthog with a fresh coat of paint […] You’ll soon be holding hands with your dream girl, like you’re dual wielding energy swords.”

Generic AI technology has improved to an extent where it is capable of producing voiceovers sounding like public figures. The technology can be made to sound as if celebrities or politicians are saying ridiculous things. While these specific examples are funny — and I’d giggle at Master Chief saying just about anything out of character — it’s also a reminder of just how easy it is to use such technology to blur the line between reality and fiction.