Halo 3 ODST Xbox 360 Review

Halo 3 ODST

Xbox 360 Review
Bungie
Microsoft Game Studios
Released: November 2009

Halo 3 ODST is not so much a follow up to Halo 3 as much as it is a side-story to the biggest release in Xbox 360 history.

Halo 3 ODST brings us back into the Halo universe as it acts as basically a side-story to the hit game.

ODST stands for Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, and these are the guys that this game revolves around, not Master Chief.

Bungie has done a great job in changing things up while not messing with the core Halo formula. These guys may not be as tough as Master Chief, but they are definitely some bad asses.

Halo 3 ODST features an all-new campaign revolving around the Halo 3 story, as well as the complete Halo 3 multi-player experience on a 2-disc game release.

The whole idea here is pretty simple, as gamers who have not yet played Halo 3 will get a chance to have the whole multiplayer experience, as well as the brand new shooter.

Halo 3 ODST features a great campaign that takes place in the year 2552, with the Covenant in control of the city of New Mombasa. You play the role of one of the ODST, as you try to take down the Covenant and survive.

The gameplay has been refined quite a bit here as it keeps the same basic Halo formula, smoothing out a few things here and there to create a fantastic FPS experience.

The HUD here adds a lot to the experience, featuring the Visual Intelligence System Reconnaissance. This makes for a very entertaining and unique experience, as you can, with the push of a button, activate or deactivate this vision. This basically turns on a very advanced night vision where everything is outlined and your enemies get targeted.

This HUD also allows you to keep your eye on the prize by helping you get to mission objectives, get around environments, etc.

Speaking of the environments, Halo 3 ODST is one amazing-looking game on the Xbox 360. The environment you are doing battle in, New Mombassa, is truly a special place as it is dark, gloomy, and full of character.

The detail and character models are pretty similar in quality to that of Halo 3, and that is pretty darn good in my book.

The special effects, the lighting, the HUD, and everything else really add to the whole atmosphere.

The main campaign mode here is 8-hours long and is a lot of fun, with a great story and really adds to the whole Halo 3 universe.

On top of the regular campaign mode, there is also a four-player Firefight mode where co-op fans will have a lot of fun taking on the Covenant.

As stated, you also get the entire Halo 3 multiplayer component added into the mix, with new exclusive maps, and plenty of content to be had.

Halo 3 ODST is a fantastic FPS on the Xbox 360 and is a great package as you get a great new campaign in Halo 3 ODST, as well as the total Halo 3 multiplayer campaign. If you are someone who has already played through Halo 3, I’d say go trade it in and get Halo 3 ODST, you will get a brand new campaign and the same great multiplayer you love, well-worth picking up!

Graphics: 8.7 A great looking Xbox 360 game, dark and gloomy with some fantastic lighting.

Audio: 9.0 The special effects, the musical score, it is all here and sets a great atmosphere.

Gameplay: 8.5 The HUD is a perfect addition to the game, playing as the ODST is almost as fun as Master Chief, almost.

Replay Value: 8.2 The Halo 3 multiplayer is a great bonus, and the campaign is quite enjoyable, albeit short.

Final Score: 8.6