Halo 3 arrived with mass hysteria. Everyone couldn't escape from this colossal game. It was on snacks, TV, buses, websites and every magazine known to man. Halo 3 has had a good run since the September launched and now we're ending the year I have to ask is this game the highlight of the year? I would have to answer with a definite no. I'm not bashing the game, but there's nothing truly to substantiate this game as the definitive game of 2007.

Halo's story is really convoluted and unless you paid strict attention to the previous two games, as well as part ways with cash for the books you'll have a hard time understanding what is going on. It's certainly enjoyable, but nothing makes absolute sense and things feel very loose. You're constantly jumping from one massive situation to the next and it's not clear why, to a point. Halo 3 starts off where Halo 2 eruptively ended with by now, the most dull cliffhanger ending to the industry. So straight away nothing is truly explained within the story but I'll summarize quickly for you. You play as the Master Chief and you're fighting the Covenant who are on a sacred pilgrimage to rid the humans from the galaxy. That's basically it and the titular Halo is actually an artificial ring planet (with an obvious influence from the book 'Ringworld') that is a weapon designed to wipe out the parasitic Flood. The power of the Halos (there's 7) is enough to destroy all known life within the galaxy. Course the Covenant believe the Halo to be a holy artifact and try to activate it. But of course once the Master Chief learns of its true meaning - you get the picture.

The campaign is stupendously short. Let's get that out the way right now. It's shorter than the original Halo and Halo 2, and with one of the worst levels thrown into the mix. The campaign is not entirely bad, but the story and brevity hurt it immensely. Especially when you compare it to the lengths of Halo and Halo 2. Yes the variety of levels and lack of backtracking is beneficial but that doesn't stop this glaring flaw from shining out like a brass penny lying in the road. It's just severely disappointing. But I'm going to stop moaning about the story and focus on the gameplay. Yeah, Halo 3 is not that much different from Halo 2. It's definitely a case of more of the same but it still plays exceptionally well. The inclusion of new weapons and the all new battle items is a poor excuse for next generation gaming. Rather than feel like a genuine step up from Halo and Halo 2, it just feels like a tighter and more polished version. Which is not excessively bad, but not excessively good. This may work to it's advantage as veterans can jump straight in with a near identical setup system. But I'm not really complaining, it's just I was expecting a lot more from Halo 3. I have to mention the AI of the enemies because it is still outstanding and no two battles are ever the same. The same can't be said for your allies. Do not depend on them at all. They really suck.

Multi-player and online is the core aspect of the Halo 3 package and was obviously the centre of attention. The amount of tinkering with options and modes is simply mind blowing and the addition of the Forge editor; which allows you to edit the map you're on to make new alterations of the map and game modes is nothing short of innovative and fun; and the theater mode which is a great way to replay any mission and see how well you did or if you score a headshot and really want to rub it in someone's face. The entire setup is noticeably better than Halo 2's, it's far more simple and effective and you can quickly find a game and set one up with the simplest of ease.

I have never been so disappointed by a game's graphics before, but Halo 3 is the one to take the accolade. This is one ugly game. It's not entirely ugly and the feeling of scope is excellent. The use of lighting is also effective but the overall aesthetics is generally uninspiring and well, ugly. The textures don't randomly pop in like they did in Halo 2, but they're definitely flat and fuzzy. Even some of the character models look half arsed. I was really disappointed and the game doesn't look that much better on HD. After playing games such as Bioshock, Call of Duty 4 or even last year's Gears Of War, Halo 3 just generally sucks.

One department that Halo 3 is not lacking in is the superb soundtrack and audio treatment. Once again the stirring, emotional -- if some what devoid of any originality orchestral soundtrack -- is just as powerful and as memorable as the previous games. Voice work sounds a little quiet and they always seem to be drowned out by the music. But for what you can hear it's all pretty good. The weapon effects are recycled from Halo and Halo 2 and sound just as great. Not more so but not less so.

The campaign mode is a joke, just under 10 hours but the re-playability of co-op with four players and four very different difficulty settings, plus achievements, finding skulls and so on will probably keep you coming back for more. The main part of the game is the online and that's where you'll spend most of your time playing. Up to 16 players can play and with a great assortment of maps, modes and general lack of lag, it's pretty much as good as it gets.

Halo 3 is a somewhat breezy end to the trilogy. Yes, the story is severely lacking and although things are tied up in an adequate way, things still don't make much sense. Fortunately, Halo 3 retains that Halo feel that has punctuated the series and has taken Halo from obscurity to the powerhouse that it is now. It's the very essence of any game, and that's the gameplay. Though it's not far removed from the previous iterations, that doesn't stop it from being enjoyable. If you're a fan you'll know what to expect from the outset. I however was more than disappointed by the game. Yeah the online is amazing and the balance is near enough perfect but I just couldn't get into like I did with Halo 2. Maybe I was expecting too much from this game, but it doesn't take fantastical leaps like the original did. I don't know, I just didn't like the whole game but I am fair and I will recommend this game because it is one of the most complete packages you can buy for the 360, just as long as you can forgive the very short campaign mode.