Halo 3: Recon renamed

One of three projects the now-independent Bungie has in the pipe, Halo 3: ODST is set between the events of Halo 2 and Halo 3. Specifically, it's set during the invasion of the African city of New Mombasa by the Covenant, the pan-species army of religious fanatics on a crusade to exterminate humanity. Players will first don the boots, helmet, and armor of an ODST--called "The Rookie"--in search for his squadmates after their unit is scattered. According to the latest issue of Game Informer, he discovers their locator beacons in the ruins of New Mombasa, at which point the game flashes back to show the squadmates' stories--in playable form.

Though it will sport new multiplayer modes and a single-player campaign that will yield 1,000 Xbox 360 gamer points, Halo 3: ODST won't be a full-fledged game. Bungie is touting the game as an "expansion," and told Game Informer that its campaign will run only three to five hours--and shouldn't cost $60. For more on the game, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.