Halo 3: ODST Review

Halo 3: ODST

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Developer: Bungie Software

Category: Action

Release Dates

N Amer - 09/22/2009

Halo 3: ODST Review

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You would be hard pressed to find another video game franchise that is as successful as the HALO franchise. Not only did the original game make the Xbox a must-have, it launched millions of gamers on an adventure that spanned a trilogy storyline and got players excited about an alternate universe over run by a covenant of aliens who would like nothing better then eradicate the human race and the one man who was both skilled and lucky enough to pull our collective fat out of the fire.

Plus it really was fun to play.

"Still big and ugly."

So while many gamers thought that the (not dead) chief would make a return in the near future, Bungie and Microsoft slid one past us and instead made a game revolving around the near suicidal squad of Marines called the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers or ODST. These soldiers aren't genetically enhanced and armed with Mjolnir armor, but they still have a belly full of guts and a deep seeded need to kick the crap out of the bad guys. Taking place during the events of the end of HALO 2 and beginning of HALO 3, when the Covenant attacked New Mombasa the ODSTs are dropped into the city and subsequently rocked. You awake as the "Rookie" and having been knocked out for six hours, must forage your way through the war torn and covenant occupied city.

Here is where the franchise begins to show its stuff, the city is both claustrophobic and frightening since now you are playing a much more flesh and blood character rather then the almost unstoppable Master Chief. Roaming through the city is a bit more tense as you must maintain your health with med-packs, your armor may recharge, but falling hurts a lot worse now, again, you are no longer a super soldier. As you try and follow the path that your fellow ODSTs you discover equipment and are instantly transported back in time and as that character, thus learning about what exactly happened when you were sleeping. Its a clever way to unfold what may be called an average plot. This also allows you to play the game as several different characters all of who have their own set of problems to worry about. I couldn't help but think of the way Quentin Tarentino paces his movies with the constant back and forth, only fully realizing what the heck happened at the end.

"The more things change, the more they stay the same."

And what HALO game would be complete without a new set of weapons? The ODSTs have their own set of guns and one that really stood out for me was the handgun, mostly because it seems to be the same one from the first game, and we all know how effective that one was. There are other weapons as well, some familiar, some not, and of course the vehicles. Just enough vehicle action and combat to get you on your way and not sick of the action. The action sequences and incredibly annoying amounts of snipers in this game will both surprise and infuriate you. Now one thing I was expecting was maybe some new enemies, there are grunts, jackals, brutes and chieftains. But I was kind of hoping that the Covenant would have had something new to throw at me, some weird hybrid covenant dog or something. Also, there is never that surprise invasion of Flood, and while they can really tick me off, the Flood always created a new dynamic to the action, especially when you would stumble into a battle between the Covenant and the Flood.

Now the graphics are exactly what you would expect, clearly above par, but things aren't pushing the envelope either. Buildings and environments are recycled as is almost expected with this franchise but they work well regardless if the engine is showing its limitations. A decent framerate with minimal bog down is nice, especially racing around in the Ghost and some of the more active action scenarios. There is some lag during cutscenes, particularly when the voicework falls behind the moving lips, but it probably won't bug you since it is still better then 90% of the games that come down the pipe. The HUD also has an annoying way of going red when you take damage, even if it is minimal damage.

"So a priest, a rabbi and a gorilla walk into a bar..."

Now the game does come with a second disc and that contains the 21 maps from HALO 3 and the downloadable content that was previously available. Its a good way for those gamers to quickly get all content they may have not had. It's also one of the most popular set of multiplayer maps on the planet, so go in prepared cause you are going to be playing against people who have had a long time with them. It's a strong entry in the multiplayer mode, but then so is Firefight, the unending (seemingly) action that places you and three friends in a series of ever increasing difficulty of waves and waves of Covenant bad guys. A collective amount of lives exist that will eventually run out if your ammo doesn't first. These levels really stretch the imagination of how you can work together to succeed. The levels themselves also possess their own set of challenges and if you are smart you can really open up a can of damage.

Back to the single player mode, I was somewhat shocked at how short it was compared to the other titles, I would clock it in at just under five hours. Considerably shorter, but enough of a game to make it worth your while. With the additional disc and Firefight you are getting your money's worth. Just enough to keep HALO fanatics happy with new content until HALO: Reach comes out next year. And then of course there is the unanswered question of exactly when the Chief is going to make his return and what kind of threat he will need to be awakened for.

Review Scoring Details for HALO 3: ODST

Gameplay: 9.0

Still controls like a dream, I credit the franchise for bringing decent controls for a FPS to the consoles.

Graphics: 8.5

The game is good looking, but not supermodel good looking.

Sound: 9.0

Good voice work, phenomenal musical score and ambient music really help set the feel for the game. Sound effects are pretty sweet as well.

Difficulty: Medium

You will have to change the way you play the game since you are no longer eight feet tall and capable of superhuman action.

Concept: 8.4

The plot is made better by the series of action flashbacks where you play as other characters.

Multiplayer: 8.9

While its good, it misses true greatness for its lack of new multiplayer maps (really only two) exclusive to the title. Firefight can be very hectic and rewarding.

Overall: 8.8

Still a great entry into one of the most successful and enjoyable franchises, ever.