Stylish campaign + Firefight + Halo 3 multiplayer = great game.

User Rating: 8.5 | Halo 3: ODST X360
By deactivated-57cdbd2a2875f | Review Date:
I've never been a "Halo" fan. In fact, prior to buying "Halo 3: ODST", the last "Halo" game I played was Part 2. Of course, I did play the original based on how much it was a system seller way back in 2001. But I've never been into the online experience which is why "Halo" sells. "Halo 2" was released in 2004 and "Halo 3" in 2007. During both years, I did not own an XBOX nor did my household possess a broadband internet connection. That explains why I never was into the game's essential multiplayer modes. I was never into the single player mythology either. Besides, to purchase a $50 to $60 game just for a brief campaign mode isn't the smartest thing to do.

So, anyway, I've now had an XBOX and internet connection for more than two years. With Bungie's swansong in the series "Halo: Reach" coming in the next month, I figured it was time to jump on the bandwagon. With the aid of a magazine coupon, I was able to buy "ODST" for only 20 clams. I also bought a month long LIVE subscription. And so far, I've only enjoyed the game so far, although "Forge" could take weeks to master.

The game's campaign is done in the "Film Noir" style. That means it's dark, rainy and the story plays out like a mystery. It's also told through several viewpoints. There's no Master Chief in "ODST" to speak of. The game tells the tale of four "helljumpers" or "ODST" troopers. They're an extraction team who are a little like Black Ops agents. They travel light with supressed weapons and night vision goggles. The VISR is a little like the night vision found in "Batman: Arkham Asylum" in which it highlights everything with a high contrast green and outlines enemies in red. It looks cool and gives the game a distinct look from its predecessors.

Of course, "Firefight" is the big addition to this latest "Halo" game. It plays almost like "Horde" mode from "Gears of War". So, it's endlessly entertaining if you like the arcade-shooting like mechanics. Multiplayer offers the entire "Halo 3" experience. There's nothing new about it, but at least you get all of the maps. Theater mode is a fun way to spend killing time. You'll want to take creative screenshots and edit your videos. Of course, you can also create your own game variants and share them with the world. Or you can download from other gamer's "file share". There's also Bungie's favorites which consists of screenshots, game and map variants. I still haven't gotten a handle on Forge mode. It's a little difficult shaping the map. Not confusing, but complicated as hell. Intially at least.

Overall, the game is classic "Halo". There's never been an innovative title like the first one, but if you've never played a "Halo" game before. Then, "Halo 3: ODST" is a great place to start.

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