A Parellel Universe Of Perfection

User Rating: 9.5 | Halo 3: ODST X360
Many famous franchises have tried to expand their Universe's with mixed results. Take Star Wars for instance' Lucas' attempts expands the Star Wars Universe have either enthralled of enflamed Fans. Bungie took a huge gamble in expanding the Halo story outside of the realm of Master Chief and that gamble has paid off with huge dividends for the Fans

ODST Drops you into New Mombasa during the battle that rages at the beginning of Halo 2. You are a member of a 5 Member Fire Team dropped from orbit into New Mombasa and have to rendevous with your Squad who end up scattered throughout New Mombasa. Your journey takes you to different points where you run into items left behind by your Comrades that reveal to you the journey that they are on and the perils they face.There are also data points throughout New Mombasa that take you through the journey of a young Girl trapped in the crossfire in the city, trying to get home.

The biggest complaint about ODST is that you don't get to double wield as you do in Halo 2 and 3. At first I was a little bothered by this, but then I realized, I am not a Spartan in this game I am an ODST. Spartan's can double wield because of their enhanced armor, and ODST's do not have this enhanced armor. Once you get over that point, the game is incredibly awesome.

All the weapons and Villians of Halo are present in this game with a few new surprises. The basic performance of the game is the same as in all other Halos. What makes this Halo special is its storyline and it's ability to make even the familiar areas of the Halo World appear new and refreshing. For halo Fans that is an enthralling expansion that will make you drool for more. Bungie was wise enough at the end of ODST to leave it open ended. Hopefully that will translate into further expansions of the Halo Universe.