Halo3: ODST Review

Halo3: ODST My Rating: 8.5-10

Published by: Microsoft Game Studios

Developed by: Bungie Software

Genre: First-Person Shooter

Number of Players: 4+ Release Date: S: September 22, 2009 Japan: Q3 2009 Europe: September 22, 2009 Australia: September 22, 2009

ESRB Content Descriptors: Blood, Language, Violence

Also Available On: N/A

This rendition of Halo was originally going to be a just a expansion for Halo3, but as Bungie started the development process it turned into it's own stand-alone game, so thought Bungie and Microsoft. If you have not yet played this game i would recommend playing the campaign and the new Firefight Mode. Both have a good "fun" factor. As soon as i got the game i put it on Legendary with 3 of my friends and the missions we played didn't seem so bad so the next day i started my solo on Legendary and that was difficult but not as difficult as Halo3 it seemed.With this game Bungie decided to go back to the roots of the Halo franchise. Master Chief is not included. You will be playing as a mear mortal with out any shields, "super" jumps, or dual wielding. Bungie did add a new pistol with a scope, i must say that was one of the best choices they could have made. Also added night vision that adds a nice look to the game. Also with the purchase of ODST you received 3 new maps for Halo3 multi player, as well as the ability to unlock the much sought after Recon Armor for Halo3 online matches.

In the game you are start out as the "Rookie" in your ODST squad that got separated when you dropped from space to the streets of New Mombasa. As you explore the city trying to locate your squad you find remnants of them, a helmet, sniper rifle, etc... As you find the different items from your squad mates you get to play out their story to see where they ended up after the drop. One thing i can suggest is to make sure you check all the buildings and tunnels, you will find some nice weapons, such as the rocket launcher. 4 player coop just as well done as in Halo3.

The new Firefight mode is a blast, and trying it solo can be a challenge. Even tho Bungie wasn't the first to release this type of game play, Gears of War 2 and Call of Duty:WaW also had the endurance type of game play. Getting 4 of your buddies to play this can be a bit challenging at times. Many matches that i have played have lasted over 3 hours easy. Not sure about your friends but many of mine don't have that kind of time to spend playing on a game. The addition of the 3 new maps to the Halo3 mulitplayer was a nice bonus, one thing i feel Bungie could have done was to add the new pistol the the matchmaking on at least the 3 new maps which would have made for a fun time. Over all I really enjoyed this game and would recommend it to anyone, the only thing about it is that i feel it was not long enough to be called a "standalone" nor was it short enough to be a "expansion".

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