Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360)

Reviewed by Debra on December 16th, 2009

Thanks to a combination of well-designed levels, a solid story line, addicting multiplayer and top-notch voice acting, Halo 3: ODST presents a package that is even more compelling than its namesake. The game is not only better than Halo 3; it is the best Halo title to date. And, planned or not, Bungie has also managed to create a compelling character in Gunnery Sergeant Buck. He is just as much the hero as Master Chief ever was.

Reviewed by Elliot on December 12th, 2009

I found ODST very slow and time wasting. Being Rookie was really a let down, even though the other squads missions where good, I just founs it really boring. I am a fan of Halo etc, but this was a real let down

Reviewed by Aaron on November 24th, 2009

after finding out that instead of being the chief youd be a odst i was sceptical but after finishing the first mission i was hooked and tottaly forgot about it

although the campaign was way shorter then id hope for it was stil an excellent game and id hope or a another one although it looks bleak.

Reviewed by Ashley on November 2nd, 2009

Not a bad game but so much less than the expansive advertising campaign promised. The extra game modes were a nice bonus though.

Reviewed by Joe on November 1st, 2009

I think this game is a great game a little bit short on campaign but its awesome with the new guns the silencer pistol and smg but i think we should be able to use the new weapons in the matchmaking but only on the halo 3:ODST

Reviewed by Campbell on October 27th, 2009

More of what you know and love, which is a good thing really. I have some issues with Firefight over Live - it lags to billy-oh, but apart from that it's a blast.

Reviewed by Jake on October 26th, 2009

If there was one word to describe this game, it would be; Awesome. In Halo 3: ODST, you start the game off waiting to start a raid on a Covenant supership. But, as you unfortunately miss the vessel as it goes into slipspace rupture. You, The Rookie, are seperated from the rest of your squad.
You wake up after being unconcious for 6 hours since the drop. And you kick open your HEV pod's door. And so your nightmare begins.

The game has been fully renovated in terms of HUD, Graphics and AI Characteristics. Being The Rookie, makes you more fragile to enemies bullets and such. After getting hit by said enemies, your screen glows red as you lose your stamina. After you lose your stamina, health starts to drop.

Gameplay has been only slightly warped as it runs of the same engine as Halo 3. But it feels more polished and satisfying after killing an enemy.

The Audio Track is just spectacular. Martin O'donnel has outdone himself this time.

All in all, this game is one of the best games ever to grace the Xbox 360. 5/5

Reviewed by Matthew on October 22nd, 2009

Halo 3 ODST is a newly released expansion to the Halo series. ODST differs from its predecessors in the sense that players no longer control the Master Chief, but instead takes on the role of an ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper). The game itself, although primarily featured for its single player campaign, also contains an additional multiplayer mode entitled Firefight. And lastly, every copy of ODST comes with an additional disk which includes every Halo 3 multiplayer map ever created. So let's dig a bit deeper and see how ODST stacks up against its older and bigger brothers.


ODST's single player campaign is for the most part, a nice gaming experience. The cinematic cut scenes are well thought out, and really aid in stressing the game's main theme of humanity. The cut scenes themselves are very noir like, and are reminiscent of old detective style movies. In campaign mode players switch between the game's main protagonist (aptly name The Rookie), and that of The Rookie's other ODST team members. The game unfolds in a Tarantino like fashion, and uses flashbacks to tell the game's story. As The Rookie, players will scour the city of New Mombasa in search of your lost squad members. As The Rookie, players are primarily outnumbered, and because of this, the game tries to encourage players to use stealth tactics as opposed to going Rambo. I use the word try very loosely here... but more on that later when I get to gameplay.

Once a player reaches a certain area, the game switches to that of one of the other ODST members, giving valuable back story on that specific character's events following his or her's drop. The gameplay generally takes a switch here from stealthy, tactful gameplay, to a more run and gun style of play. Most of the combat takes place with other AI controlled teammates, and the levels for the most part (especially later on in the game), are quite enjoyable. Actually, I think it's safe to say that the levels when you aren't playing as The Rookie are some of the best in the game. With that being said, the game does a very nice job switching between the more emotional charged scenes as The Rookie, to more tense and action packed scenes as the other ODST members. As mentioned earlier, the cut scenes really seem to fuel the emotion felt when controlling The Rookie. Although The Rookie never actually speaks, players can still see and experience the despair and hopelessness that the character feels. But he isn't the only character here worth caring about, the rest of the ODST team are all fairly lively and interesting themselves.

Quite possibly one of the other things that makes ODST's campaign mode successful is the music score. The Halo series has always been known for its music, but ODST quite possibly takes the cake. The music has been perfectly balanced, thus allowing for a slow boil during tense action scenes, to jazzy interludes that reinforce the noir feeling. The music is without a doubt one of the strongest points of ODST, and without it, I don't think the campaign would be as strong as it is.

Moving on, I'd like to discuss the gameplay of campaign mode for a bit. In ODST, to reinforce the fact that humans aren't "immortal” creatures like Master Chief, Bungie has brought back health packs. ODSTs do have a small shield, but once their shield is depleted, they become hurt and players must then find a health pack or face being killed. As far as I am concerned, I am quite pleased that Bungie brought back health packs. It really seems to fit when playing as an ODST. Another addition to gameplay is the inclusion of two new weapons, a silenced SMG, as well as a silenced pistol. Both of these weapons have scopes on them, and both are quite powerful. However, to balance these guns out, Bungie put slight kick back on both guns when you zoom in, which makes them even in terms of usage. I'd love to see these weapons incorporated into Halo 3's multiplayer, but I doubt that will ever happen.

One serious gripe I had about ODST's gameplay was the supposed "stealth” element that was put into the game. Honestly, the stealth element is weak at best. Most enemies can still spot you when you are crouched in the dark, and even while hiding behind something. And as far as players supposedly not being able to go Rambo through the game, the truth is quite the opposite. Playing on Heroic mode, I had little trouble in dealing with enemies in the game. Rushing them almost always ended up in me walking away from the fight. That reminds me, another problem I had with ODST's campaign is the enemies. The Halo universe doesn't exactly have a wide cast of enemies, and ODST is even worse than previous games. If my memory serves me right, there are really only a total of about 4 or 5 different enemies that get quite boring to fight after about an hour in. Pathetic.

As far as campaign length is concerned, I personally got about 5 ½ - 6 hours of game time playing through on Heroic. Now to some people maybe that's enough, but to me personally, another hour or two would have been a lot better.

Next I will briefly examine the multiplayer modes. First let me just say that co-op in this game sucks for the most part. It destroys whatever tension or emotion that's built up by playing through the campaign alone, and on top of that, it really just feels tagged on. Firefight on the other hand, is much more enjoyable. I won't discuss the mechanics of how Firefight works, but overall the mode has a nice feel to it, and seems to fit fairly well in the Halo universe. I did have some gripes with it however. The first of these gripes being the difficulty curve. The first level is almost absurdly easy, but by time you get to second level (not the second wave mind you) or so, it seems you are fighting with everything you have just to stay alive. I understand that the game has a varying difficulty, and that it can be changed manually, but I just happened to like the way Gears of War 2's Hoarde mode is set up. Firefight seems almost impossible without a full party, even on normal mode. And the fact that Bungie disabled match making for Firefight may make it very difficult for some to constantly have a full party. On top of that, they also failed to include four player split screen. All in all, Firefight is a cool new addition, I just personally feel it needs some work.

In closing, Halo 3 ODST has a very well done campaign mode that makes for one heck of a gaming experience that almost all gamers should try to not miss out on. However, the short length of the single player campaign, repetitive enemies, the terrible co-op mode. My suggestion is to wait until it gets a price drop. 'Till then, ODST is at least worth a rental so one can experience the single player campaign.

Reviewed by Ben on October 21st, 2009

Despite what many people say this game is more than just a mere expansion to halo 3, it is its own game although it may not be a full-fledged game like halo 1,2and 3. The first disc contains the brand new campaign which although is quite a bit shorter than previous halo titles it makes up for it in being a bit different. On one hand there are the levels where you play as 'the rookie', these levels still have the core halo gameplay but it's a completely different experience with the dark and moody free-roaming city of new mombassa. And on the other hand you have the levels where you play as the other seperated troops, these levels are what all halo fans should know and love with the fast-paced combat, lovely bright outdoor and indoor environments, awesome vehicles and fun to play against A.I.

Also on disc 1 is the brand new multiplayer mode 'firefight'. Similiar to the GOW2 horde mode it is a survival mode where you fight against waves of incoming covenant. It really is a great and fun mode when you are playing alongside 3 friends on xbox live. There are also new skulls activated in each round to keep it from getting boring which increases certain aspects of the difficulty e.g: enemies will throw lots of grenades at you.

Then there is disc 2 appropriately named 'halo 3 the complete multiplayer experience'. Like the title suggests it is the halo 3 multiplayer which contains every single map released including DLC and three new mythic maps unavailable anywhere else. I am sure everyone knows how great the halo 3 multiplayer is so i wont really need to go any further than i have. Also released with ODST is an invitation to the halo reach multiplayer beta which should be available spring next year.

Even though this game uses the slightly out-dated halo 3 engine there does seem to be quite a bit of tweaking in the character models and the cutscenes. Another thing worth mentioning is the story and plot which although isnt amazing it is definately a step-up from the dissapointing halo 3 story/plot. Possibly the biggest dissapointments of this game though is that there is no 4-player splitscreen and also no matchmaking in firefight which means you can only play with people on your xbox live friends list.

Overall as one would expect, it is a great game. It is not a perfect game but then again none of the other halos were either. It retains the core halo gameplay that everyone knows and loves and puts a new spin on it keeping it 'fresh' and 'new'. It has a great new soundtrack which is just as good as the others if not better. Bungie are definately heading in the right direction with this. I mean, if this game was just a side-project made in about a year or so imagine how good halo reach will be!

Reviewed by Guy on October 17th, 2009

Halo 3 ODST has something that all previous titles have lacked, a solid story and character development. The majority of Fireflys cast were called in to deliver great dialog with mix of humor and action.

The gameplay is still the solid HALO fps mechanics but with some stealth aspects and with the online co-op and firefight mode you will be never shy of a game.
PLUS all the Halo 3 mutiplayer content to date.
Crazy good value, buy it.

Reviewed by Liam on October 17th, 2009

this game rocks the mythic disc is really awesome to and with the firefight game mode you can take on tonnes of covenant at once by yourself or with your mates. I love the way the campain plays and the fact you get to play as a whole squad of odst's awesome story with an interesting twist at the end adn of course the standard halo vehicle useage is always aplus. i,d call this game a definate must for all halo and shooter fans.

Reviewed by Gavin on October 14th, 2009

Personally, I thought this game was very good as a first person shooter, as soon as you compare it to Halo it leaves you feeling a bit unfulfilled as you do not have the destructive power of the master chief, but dont hold this against it, it is still by far enjoyable to play through. Definate must try for any Halo fan.

Reviewed by Ravi on October 9th, 2009

This continuation of the halo series does not miss a beat. While you don't have the genetically enhanced powers of the Spartans, playing as a Special Op's troop is a new but equally satisfying experience. While the game was relatively shorter then the original Halo's, it did not hold back on the intensity that the halo series is well known for. Well worth the money.

Reviewed by Shane on October 8th, 2009

The Game is rather short from what ive heard, hopefully not Half Life 2:Episode one short.

The Multiplayer is the Halo 3 Multiplayer on a disc (i have Halo 3 so its wasted space)though you could give or sell it to a friend who doesnt have halo 3.

A friend and i rented it Day one and had lots of bugs mainly reverting to mission whe had already done and alot of freezing. also far to few enemies when playing on normal not sure what its like harder.

overall is ur a crazed halo fan the by all means buy it but dont say noboby warned you.
as for everyone else, wait till its cheap.

Reviewed by Nick on October 8th, 2009

Halo 3 ODST was i game that i had high expectations of, i began playing and it was fantastic, the graphics were amazing the game play was amazing, everything new was amazing, but in career mode i was only playing for 2 days and the game was finished, it was a bit of a let down in that sense, as i expected there to be a much longer adventure than there was. but luckilly for ODST, firefight mode saved it and playing this with my friends is completely amazing! overall bungie did a great job, but like i said, needed to be dragged out a tad more. :D

Reviewed by Cory on October 7th, 2009

this was a real good game to play aye clocked it in one night it was so good hahahaha and firefight is kwl as aye and the shipping is great not scratches or anything or not broken bits on case all in good condition was great and got here pretty quick i recomend it to all people who like halo!

Reviewed by Hale on October 7th, 2009

Wow this game is amazing, the gameplay and they storyline are totally compelling and true to the Halo franchise. It's cool you get to play as lots of different people yet always reverting back to the main protagonist who is the strong silent type. The storyline answers some more questions and the gameplay is great. I highly recommend

Reviewed by Cameron on October 6th, 2009

I know what you are all thinking, yet another Halo game, but this one is worth taking a second look at, even if you didn't like the original 3 games.

Halo ODST changes the gameplay style, coming now from the ODSTs perspective, and it works surprisingly well. You feel much more human, and will notice this when you forget you aren't a super soldier anymore, after you die several times.

This game is worth playing, for both Halo players and Halo haters, though the story line makes no sense unless you know the Halo story, it's not hard to find a summary on the net.

The downside I found is that it can get repetitive. Firefight doesn't have much variance, so after you get all the achievements, there isn't much left to do that you haven't done a hundred times before. However, this is made for by the maps that come with it for Halo 3 multiplayer.

All up, this game is worth at least renting, and you will enjoy it far more if you can get two or more consoles together, with four people.

Reviewed by Robert on October 3rd, 2009

I am a big fan of the halo series yet ODST was a big let down as it was too short and just didn't seem to live up to the previous installments of the Halo series. But besides that, Firefight has opened a new window for the Halo franchise which will allow for a greater expansion into the Halo universe.

Reviewed by Daniel on October 2nd, 2009

I wish they never released this. First of all the story does not match between halo 2 and halo 3, so why did they make it?
No offence ladies, but the main story appears to be romance. Terrible! What is that doing in a halo sequel?
The online multiplayer is literaly equivelant to halo 3. We pretty much pay for nothing. The multiplayer doesn't even utilise the ODST battle system!
The game took us 3 hours to clock on normal which is far too fast.
Firefight mode is good but anything above Normal becomes legendary so it is either too easy or waaay to difficult.
The game is supposed to be sandbox. While one can argue that half the game is, they can also argue that half of that half isn't, making only a quarter of the game sandbox.
I would rather pay somebody $90 to wax my legs (and their very hairy) then pay for this game.

Reviewed by Colin on October 2nd, 2009

I have to say it was VERY short, but to be fair the game was originally going to be a expansion so you can't really argue with the length it also bothers me that it is using the original halo 3 engine which is reall starting to show its age

Reviewed by Satnam Singh on October 2nd, 2009

This game was great, the campaign is very fun, achivments arent too hard to get (apart from vidmaster ones and firefight ones :O) And firefight is VERY hard yet very fun at the same time,

This game in my opinion was far better than halo 3, and htey bought back the pistol! W00t!

Reviewed by Chris on September 30th, 2009

I have just finished the game on legendary and it was awesome. If you are a Halo fan like me you will absolutely love the story line and the legendary challenges. ODST is a super game with some tidy graphics and each level has some cool Halo challenges/Achievements. The variation in mission types is great, from running around in dark creepy streets killing the Covenant species to driving around in your Warthog or Scorpion blowing up the covenant Wraiths and Bashee's.

The new firefight mode is great if you are playing ODST by yourself or with friends. You battle waves of Covenant drop ship which throw everything at you from Grunts, Brutes, Jackals and even Hunters which will keep your trigger finger very happy, trust me you and your friends will have hours of serious halo fun.

If you are a Halo fan you have to get ODST. ENJOY !!!

Reviewed by Toby on September 28th, 2009

I'm only half-way through the campaign mode, but so far it's the usual good clean Halo fun.
This installment is alot darker (even while you have the night vision-style ODST HUD activated), which makes for a cool creepy vibe some of the time.
It's not all lonesome dark missions though, there's a good chunk of good old fashioned burning 'round in a warthog with some wisecracking soldiers shootin' up the covenant.

A definite highlight is firefight mode. I've only played a couple of hours, but it was a pretty awesome couple of hours with a mate and I having to hold down a large building set in the middle of a plain, while the covenant drop ships supplied load after load of grunts, elites and basically anything they could throw at us.

Damn good fun, especially if you have a mate round but don't have xbox live, or it's a bad lag day.

Basically, if you're a Halo fan - you'll be happy.

Reviewed by Glen on September 26th, 2009

This is a good game. I like the fact that they have gone away from master chief. I think this is a good idea.
I have played and clocked the game in 5 hours. The game is way way to short. i would of like another 5 hours or more of game play. AS well i hope that you would play it differently from Halo. I mean you are a ODSTsquad memberand I wanted something like Brothers in Arms. NO you play mostly by urself. In this game you are but a slightly weaker version of master chief. I mean come on Bungie. Apart from the above the game play is great and the graphics are good. not the best for the 360 but still up there.

Reviewed by Jairus on September 23rd, 2009

the campaign was good, but it was a bit short. bungie could have made it longer, and deeper with the story line. there where a few unanswered question in the campaign.

multiplayer should have been open to anyone not just friends, like a matchmaking server as well.

but in all a good game, and a recommended to halo fans

Reviewed by Guy on September 23rd, 2009

I have always enjoyed Halo but Master C was getting a bit all powerful, this new character means you have to be a bit tactical. The story is great with fantastic voice work.
4 player co-op is great fun too.

Reviewed by Ronald on September 23rd, 2009

playing this on 4 player co-op which is great I love co-op games but we where total disappointed in the graphics and the way you moved around. We also finished this under 5hrs on legendary earning around 700points achievements to easy...

There are some other good points to the game, but not much that why I am giving this 2.5 / 5 rating

Reviewed by Michael on September 22nd, 2009

Suberb game. The campaign is probably the best so far although slightly shorter.
The HUD can be a bit annoying also with the fact that it has a red haze as soon as you get shot so makes it a bit harder to tell if you are close to death.
Other than that it is the best so far adding a bit more of a challenge to the gameplay because on normal you will find confronting enemies up front almost as hard as legendary so causes you to be a bit more cautious in your approach but if you jump around enough and have a good aim you could still go in guns a blazing.

With a decent campaign, awseome mutiplayer you know and love and firefight( which is extremely addictive) you will find this very good value for money even for those who already own Halo 3.

Reviewed by Khan on September 21st, 2009

Halo: ODST not what i was hoping.

The campaign was average. Some bits were awesome and than other bits were boring.. Didnt quite feel like the originals something was missing... and no it wasnt because master Cheif wasnt in it.... Multiplayer is awesome though i would reccomend buying the games for that....

Reviewed by Sam on September 21st, 2009

In my opinion i think halo ODST will be a great new step of game playing. With the new firefight mode I think this will be even more addictive not to mention the all new visor system which outlines important things in various colours . I also think the halo series is one of the greatest first person shooter game that you can play co-op without having to access Xbox live which is good to hear they have kept this feature.

The halo games have always had good story lines and halo ODST looks like it is heading to be another great story. Can't wait to play this.

Reviewed by Martin on September 21st, 2009

Woa! when I found out that you get to play as an ODST I was so excited. This will make the game way more challenging then previous halo games. No shield gets your brain thinking which is what will make this game very popular. And Firefight! The new co-operative game. People say it's just like Horde from Gears of War 2 but Firefight has some unique things in it like the skulls from Halo 3. Every round has at least 1 skull on which changes your strategies just like that. If you liked Halo 3, then your gona love Halo: ODST.

Reviewed by Matthew on September 19th, 2009

When I heard About I thought Yeah! But When I heard you didn't play as master chief I thought What! And I was thinking just another game. A few Trailers later Im Hooked And Now Im Definately Be Geting it Now. And It Definately Looks Worth Buying

Reviewed by Matthew on September 17th, 2009

Oh my goodness!!!! ODST , the game i have been waiting for along time for!!! This game looks AMAZING I pre-ordered this game in JULY!! I cannot wait to play this game!! If you have all the other Halo games or havent even bought ANY ( which if you have a xbox I doubt you wouldnt have) this game is a MUST buy!!!!

Reviewed by Victoria on September 12th, 2009

use start playing as a "noob" in the "dark" part of the campain after your drop went bad, you have to use your wits to survive, and make your way around the city, finding out what whent wrong with your attack. there are also "light" dlashbacks, with what happend to your squad, a game for people who like mistery, adventure and fun!

Reviewed by Joshua on August 27th, 2009

The game running with the old Halo 3 engine with a few minor upgrades, the game seems expensive for what your are getting. Using an outdated engine and throwing in small new features, the game may not seem worth it, only to the die hard Halo fans which there are oh so many of.

Reviewed by Taylor on August 26th, 2009

I must say, when I first found out that you are not a Spartan but an ODST I was a bit sceptical about the whole thing. But as soon as I found out about the free roaming and saw all the preview videos for 'firefight' and the campaign, where you found out what happened to new Mombasa after 'Chief left, I was intantly hooked and forgot the fact that you are ODST, not a Spartan. I personaly reckon this game will be a big seller and can't wait for it to 'drop' September 22nd.

Reviewed by Ethan on August 25th, 2009

Effective, good looking, new and improved guns. Even more realistic graphics, great new gear.....what more could you want from Halo???? I've watched the trailers, read the reviews, and to me it looks like this game is going down in game history. I can't wait 'til my copy arrives in September. The only thing I'm worried about is this game taking over the world because people will not be able to stop playing it!

IT'S GONNA BE GREAT!!!

Reviewed by Tom on August 17th, 2009

Yes, I have to admit it, I'm a huge Halo fanboy. :P
Ever since Halo 1, I've followed the series, loved the games, including the campaign and characters, the whole lot.
I loved playing as the Master Chief, and never got bored, although when I found out that in Bungie's upcoming game, Halo 3: ODST, that you could play as best of the best, the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, I was stoked. I've always admired those guys in halo 2 and 3, and thought their armour looks so damn cool.
From the day I heard about it, I was looking everyday for the updates on Bungie.net that would release more info, more screenshots and then finally footage of the game. As soon as I saw In-game videos, I was re-hooked on the drug that is HALO (not a bad thing) hahaha.
The SWAT equivalent of the UNSC, the ODST's visually and functionally are just so awesome, the best stealthy and tactical game characters ever developed in my opinion.
The game has had some extra developing for the visual aspects side of things since it's predecessor Halo 3, as the artists have had more time to use their game engine to the best of it's ability. Gameplay is essential to a good game, and by the looks of what I've seen, Halo 3: ODST has excellent gameplay and a great replayability value.
The game looks superb, a great addition to the Halo series and a must buy for all Halo fans and others looking to get into Halo. Best game of 2009.

MUST BUY! :D

Reviewed by Douglas on August 14th, 2009

I have always loved the halo series and this should be a good addition. It is a bit more tactical than the others in the series, but i think that will be nice and fresh. The firefight mode looks to be a bit like a cross between Nazi Zombies from COD:WAW and GOW 2 Horde mode. Also, to clear any confusion up, there is no new multiplayer for ODST, there is simply another disc with ordinary Halo 3 multiplayer, and every downloadable map ever release for halo (plus three extras). The only thing that dissapoints me is that there is no matchmaking for Firefight, like in Nazi Zombies, but this is due to technical difficulties. Its gonna be Amazing!

Reviewed by Jordan on August 11th, 2009

I wasnt looking forward to this game at all when i first heard about it. Then i did my research and from what ive seen this looks like it could very easily outsell Halo 3. There isnt as much Campaign gameplay (5 hours compared to halo3 which had 7 hours) But ODST certainly makes up the difference with the huge amount of online play possible and the new firefight game mode looks awesome(A Little like horde off gears 2 but bungie said there are alot of differences)

Reviewed by Matt on August 8th, 2009

Bungie have made some of the biggest xbox titles to date which is why I hope not to be disapointed by their lasted creation. I'm looking forwad to this game ariving in my mailbox soon. For 90 bucks this game is of excellent value compared to most of the games released now days.