Sgt. Johnson commanding Halo 3: ODST preorders

At the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo, Microsoft for the first time showed off gameplay footage of Halo 3: ODST, the full-priced stand-alone expansion to Bungie's 2007 sci-fi shooter. Among the clips was one for Halo 3's new cooperative multiplayer mode Firefight (below), which tasks gamers...

At the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo, Microsoft for the first time showed off gameplay footage of Halo 3: ODST, the full-priced stand-alone expansion to Bungie's 2007 sci-fi shooter. Among the clips was one for Halo 3's new cooperative multiplayer mode Firefight (below), which tasks gamers with fending off waves of increasingly lethal opponents as members of the elite ODST brigade.

Today, Microsoft announced a preorder incentive that ties into that cooperative multiplayer mode, saying that those who order Halo 3: ODST in advance of its September 22 ship date will receive a redeemable code to play as UNSC sergeant Avery Johnson in Firefight matches. The grizzled UNSC marine has appeared in all three of Bungie's Halo shooters (as well as a number of novels), having died a hero's death at the hands of 343 Guilty Spark in the final scenes of Halo 3.

Halo 3: ODST will be available for the Xbox 360 as a $59.99 standard edition or as a $99.99 Collector's Pack, which comes with a UNSC-green special edition Halo wireless controller. In addition to the single-player campaign, ODST players gain access to three new multiplayer maps, the Firefight co-op mode, all previously released Halo 3 multiplayer add-on maps, and guaranteed access to the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta.

For more information, check out GameSpot's previous coverage of Halo 3: ODST.

101 Comments

  • KillerCouch117

    Posted Sep 16, 2009 3:03 pm PT

    I pre-ordered it at EB Games (im Canadian) and I put a $5 deposit, do I still get the code for Johnson? And im assuming that I get the code when I go pick it up...right?

  • Pokemon18986

    Posted Jul 20, 2009 5:56 pm PT

    Halo 3: ODST LOOKS AWESOME. Seargent Johnson rulez!!! I love him in Halo 3 even though he dies. Im gonna pre order Halo 3: ODST and im gonna get the special edition with the controller

  • Go_Away_Kid

    Posted Jul 18, 2009 10:26 am PT

    @ WardCleaver02
    I agree totally.

  • PunkHardRock

    Posted Jul 11, 2009 1:32 pm PT

    I thought people were being ripped off when they first decided to make an expension, you add they fact the the expension is the same exact price as a typical game retails, they expect you to buy it... and you will. Then they actually want people to buy the 100 dollar version!?!? I saw the X-box arcade for sale at 98 $ brand new at walmart.... there asking for the same price as a freaki'n game concsole? And the REALLY SAD thing is, people will buy it....

  • SergeantJohnson

    Posted Jun 27, 2009 5:17 pm PT

    All you muthas sayin that this is an expansion, F*** you!
    Its a game dumb a**! It aint no expansion! And Pre-ordering it gives you Johnson, thats worth buyin' the damn thing early! Any prick who reports this is...well, a PRICK

  • Excedra

    Posted Jun 23, 2009 2:46 am PT

    ODSTs cool cuz its nonlinear.

  • WardCleaver02

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 9:39 am PT

    MS has clearly stated that the game will be selling at a retail price of 59.99 because, "At the time [of Bungie's comments], the overall scope of Halo 3: ODST was not yet finalized, and since then, the project has grown increasingly more ambitious. We believe this stand-alone experience is much more than just an expansion. Halo 3: ODST provides a new campaign from the point of view of an entirely new character. Combine that with three new multiplayer maps, the entirely new cooperative mode called Firefight [shown below], and the complete Halo 3 multiplayer collection on a stand-alone disc, we feel this is a good value and tremendous addition to the Halo franchise." I agree that value is relative, but it seems disingenious to complain about this game, when games like COD4 had a 6 hour campaign and less MP maps out of the box. Or, what about games like Uncharted and Bioshock, that had 8-10 hour campaigns and NO MP? I think most of the "outrage" at the price is coming from people who are not Halo fans and/or never planned on buying ODST in the first place.

  • rann89 posted Jun 22, 2009 7:14 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    rann89

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 7:14 am PT (hide)

    Guys. I'm telling you. Rent it. You'll beat the game before you have to return it.

  • Mr_Fujiv1

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 3:57 am PT

    Im trying to get into halo but with expansion packs being what they are i think its a bit of a rip off.

  • MundoChinese

    Posted Jun 21, 2009 1:38 pm PT

    Overpriced expansion says it all. None would wan't to preorder this game, maybe even not buy it. I'd rather wait for Halo: Reach and rent this 3 hour expansion...

  • sconradp

    Posted Jun 21, 2009 4:49 am PT

    warning... halo fans will get upset BUT........this game will be a rip off. 60 bucks for a campaign add on and a 'horde' mode. i already have all the expensive map packs and now bungie wants me to re-purchase them. bungie can eat my @rse. i have always loved halo but bungie has pissed me off with ODST. treat the fans like the intelligent and loyal gamers they are and give them a whole new game not a half @rsed expansion wrapped in a new game hype. with all the great games coming out during Q4 why would i buy this junk. there are so many good new shooters out there i hardly play halo 3 anymore. the graphics are bad by 2009 standards, the gameplay is really, really slow compared to cod4/5 or battlefield and the matchmaking takes forever. this game is showing its age. i will be avoiding this expansion and waiting for halo:reach. hopefully a new and improved gaming engine and faster slicker graphics. maybe 60fps?

  • FallOfReach posted Jun 20, 2009 8:58 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    FallOfReach

    Posted Jun 20, 2009 8:58 pm PT (hide)

    i agree that i will be very disappointed that i'll be spending $60 for 3-4 hours-worth of campaign. this firefight video is good and bad: good - love the way enemies keep coming so there's a constant challence. and i like the way you can switch between different ODST members. bad - 3rd person? don't think i'm gonna enjoy that. it looks kinda slow-moving..... but based on my gamertag..... i wanna see what Halo: Reach is all about. so i'll probably shell out the money anyway. please don't disappoint!!!!!!!!

  • Shadowforce254

    Posted Jun 20, 2009 6:30 pm PT

    Halo 3 ODST rules going to be realy fun playing as sgt. Johnson since I am a huge halo fan I have halo 2 and 3 so lokking forward to playing as ODST and firefight.

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Jun 20, 2009 2:22 pm PT

    Although not a big HALO fan, i am definately looking forward to ODST. However the 'Firefight' mode movement looks a little weak, alomst as if your sliding around ala Falout 3 in TPS mode.

  • Slaughtahouse

    Posted Jun 20, 2009 7:58 am PT

    Nice, johnson is the best. Almost done Contact Harvest.

  • punkpunker

    Posted Jun 20, 2009 2:05 am PT

    if theres a "i'm too pretty to die" quote, it will be epic win!

  • robCROW75

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 4:37 pm PT

    not a halo fan ( my 10 yr daughter is and plays obsessively online) but i've played and own all the halo games except halowars so I'll undoubtedly buy ODST in the hopes that it'll bring something fresh to the table, however, sgt Johnson as a preorder incentive? come on that's really not worth the 5 extra $. In the end its just going to be another hood in the online ghetto that is Halo.

  • carbine97

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 4:06 pm PT

    @Shadowforce254
    I preordered it back in March LOL

  • ShroudedEagle

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 3:38 pm PT

    "Died a hero's death at the hands of 343 Guilty Spark..." Seriously? That wasn't a hero's death. It was one of the worst deaths they could think of for Sgt Johnson. It's like Bungie ran out of ideas for that scene and just decided Spark had a big laser beam all the sudden. Sgt Johnson was worthy of a death much better than that. Anyway it's a good thing we'll finally get the chance to play as the legend himself, even if I don't agree with the £40 price tag.

  • dRuGGeRnaUt

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 2:54 pm PT

    @Barighm:
    YOU THINK THAT BECAUSE IT IS HALO AND POPULAR IT SHOULD COST MORE THAN OTHER GAMES??!?!?!?!?
    GAming isn't dying... its dead

  • dRuGGeRnaUt

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 2:51 pm PT

    seriously though?!?! the write of this "story" gave away one of the biggest end scenes in halo3 without a *spoiler* warning!??! GAMESPOT WHAT THE H*LL IS GOING WITH YOU!?!?!?!?!?!???????????????????????????????????!?!?!?!?

  • dRuGGeRnaUt

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 2:49 pm PT

    seriously, halo 3s graphic left ALOT to be desired. especially when gears came out a year earlier and BLEW IT OUT OF THE WATER.
    60 for an expansion though?? don't make excuses, even blizzards expansion (which were HUGE) weren't full priced.
    But i guess fanboys will make up any excuse.. to me this just shows all the game companies that they can do this, and that is BAD. Just like the abuse of DLC as of late. look at halo wars DLC 3 new modes for more than 10$(canadian)???!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! don't tell me they spent money on development AFTER the game launch, because Ensemble was dismantled before it launched. That DLC was paid for by the development costs of the game, then you paid more for it... PATHETIC

  • starbead

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 12:58 pm PT

    @Titans23

    Why exactly can't you have a halo game with the master chief? He was a bland, faceless character, more a composite of various bland, generic action movie/game protagonists than an original character. Halo broke a lot new ground as far as shooters go (playable on a console and vehicles being the biggies), but its stories and characters were never very original. As long as the shooting mechanics remain sound, Halo should thrive until Bungie gets around to making Halo 4.


    Some people have complained about the game being full price with a miniscule campaign, but Halo is all about the multiplayer. Look at Left 4 Dead: full priced with a 4 hour "single player" option. The SP aspect really isn't a factor in the game's value. The question is whether 3 maps and a new mode are sufficient to justify $60.

  • Melty123

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 12:03 pm PT

    The firefighter mode is nothing new but it looks really good.

  • blackace

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 10:49 am PT

    Already pre-ordered this. Can't wait for it to be released. Should be a lot of fun.

  • Shtinky

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 10:48 am PT

    Gosh, from a distance, ODST lookes like an XBOX game.

  • Steel_Hawk_99

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 10:35 am PT

    Play as Sgt. Johnson only if you pre-order? Anything to hype the game even more. How about just showing the Chief's face if you buy the collectors edition while your at it and make even more money that way...

  • SalarianChemist

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 9:59 am PT

    Graphics are absolutely amazing in Halo 3: ODST

    I love the way Halo 3: ODST has the same style of "close-up" graphics that include lots of facial detail, similar to the type of grapic detail we see in Gears of War.

    The cool thing is that in addition to the cool facial detail and high-resolution look, we get to keep the awesome lighting, shading, and texture quality that we saw in Halo 3 -- especially during the cool Jungle stage.

    I've already preorderd Halo 3: ODST at Gamestop, because I needed an extra controller, and I liked the idea of getting that controller that comes with the cool Halo 3: ODST design on it.

    Sgt. Johnson has to be one of the most popular characters in gaming history. Anyone who doesn't spend the $5 (or $10 if you preorder the collectors edition) to preorder the game may be missing out on something special...I mean, I like the way Gears of War 2 had a limited edition that included a Gold Lancer weapon, but I like the idea of having Sgt. Johnson as a playable character even more!!!

  • fluffers623

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 9:41 am PT

    although im not a big fan of halo, johnson was one of my fav characters

  • PdPstyle

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 9:36 am PT

    Its good to see the halo franchise can evolve and expand, even if this game is using the old tech from halo 3 it looks like its being used in a good way. Cant wait to play

  • Titans23

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 9:28 am PT

    this is not halo, you can't have halo without the master chief, and if you ask me I'd say this game is a rip off.

  • 2kfan

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 8:56 am PT

    I cant wait for Halo 3 ODST to come out its gonna be great

  • mayo98wiz

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 8:09 am PT

    This game looks great i have been looking for a tactical aproach to halo.

  • NightRaVeN75

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 8:04 am PT

    this is great news, I already had Halo 3 ODST on pre-order, so looks like im guaranteed to get to play as one of the best soldiers of the halo universe

  • xgalacticax

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 7:45 am PT

    I hate the flying crappy things that fire needles at you. Disappointed they made a return.

  • Twilito

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 7:37 am PT

    @ dynomitemasta
    True that they're gonna keep expanding the Halo frnchise. But i think that Halo itself is a universe in which can keep on expanding and piiling onto the storyline, that's why bungie likes to create more of halo for us to play.

  • EXxile

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 7:23 am PT

    dynomitemasta said it best and completely accurate. Take head of what he said to all of you who wish to complain for no apparent reason.

  • baystatethrashr

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 6:44 am PT

    Old news this was announced at e3

  • dynomitemasta

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 6:43 am PT

    For all of you that keep complaining here that they are milking it and cramming Halo down our throats are forgetting one thing,,, it sells... and it sells well, very well ........ Freedom of choice allows for you to take a pass on the game, personally I'm old enough to know that it is money that makes the whole world go around and NOTHING is done in the gaming "business" without the bottom line first on the list of priorities. You all have to get over the "they are just in it for the money" line........ everyone is in it for the money.

    The day that games become free to create and cost developers little to nothing to make, is the day when this milking it angle will be relevant. The only reason games are funded in the first place is to MAKE MONEY. What multi-millionaire is going to fund a project just on principal alone? As long as Halo is a cash cow, you will continue to see new games and add ons.

  • Cwagmire21 posted Jun 19, 2009 6:40 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Cwagmire21

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 6:40 am PT (hide)

    This game is going to sell just because of the beta alone. Crackdown anyone?

  • gameweasl

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 5:45 am PT

    Thanks for the spoiler, what if I wanted to play Halo 3!!!

  • Shadowforce254

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 5:22 am PT

    Can't wait for Halo 3: ODST I am going to preorder it. I always loved things like Call of duty world at war nazi zombies or Gears of war horde mode.And Now there is one for Halo sweet. At the end of firefight on the last round you have to fight chieftins and hunters. SWEETER.

  • carbine97

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 3:35 am PT

    Thanks

  • dentui

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 3:33 am PT

    @carbine97
    Yea. Confirmed by Bungie.

  • carbine97

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 3:30 am PT

    You can play as Johnson? Now that's fan service will it be in Australia?

  • dentui

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 3:06 am PT

    @NeonNinja
    I totally agree. Just because it's halo it is easy to say they are milking it but so far only 4(3 not counting Halo wars) halo games have come out in the past 8 almost 9 years where CoD........Please don't get me started. and Final Fantasy, GTA, Metal Gear Solid. You would think they are milking right? No they have different teams working on their games. Same as Bungie.

  • PatchMaster

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 2:44 am PT

    Umm Mods, you may want to look about 9 posts down from this...

  • StarlightHunter

    Posted Jun 19, 2009 2:43 am PT

    You can play as Johnson, AWSOME.

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