Thavron

User Score
8.6

Presentation - 8.0
Gameplay - 9.0
Value - 8.0

You're going to find many reasons to love this game, especially if you're as dedicated to the Halo franchise as I am. At it's root, it's that great Halo gameplay we've fell in love with over the years, but there are enough differences to deter some away.

The campaign is top notch, the length isn't. The story is great. It's perhaps the best campaign in any Halo game yet in my opinion. That's pretty impressive considering it only took me around 8 hours to beat the game on legendary difficulty. It's different enough to be interesting but memorable enough to satisfy any true fans of the series.

The graphics are somewhat dated, but the game still looks great. I wasn't too impressed with the visuals in the campaign, but they look pretty amazing in Firefight.

Sound was normal. The chants and sayings from the Grunts are pretty amusing, especially in Firefight. Nothing spectacular here, but nothing to scoff at either.

The campaign will satisfy most, but some will be disappointed with the length and content. There is plenty that will be left desired for fans, but for something new, I found it satisfying.

Firefight is absolutely a blast. Sure, many see it as nothing more then a Horde rip-off, but Firefight has something Horde doesn't, the backing of the entire Halo universe. Gameplay is tight and very different from what you are used to. Frantically running towards ammo or cover is a great change. Deciding how you're going to take out that Wraith or Chopper is key. Enemies never stop coming and it's a blast. Lack of matchmaking is disappointing but gameplay is smooth and challenging, especially on the harder modes. Random enemies and the adding of skulls always make for something new and enjoyable. Firefight really is the stand out aspect in ODST. With the addition of multiple maps and players to choose from, Firefight is always something to enjoy for hours at a time, especially with a group of friends.

The extra disc with the Halo 3 multiplayer is nice also. I wasn't sure if we could invite those who didn't have that disc to multiplayer sessions, thankfully you can. The three new maps are pretty nice and a change of pace from the other maps Halo 3 offers. Citadel is a balanced map that is great for small slayer games. Heretic is Midship, an old favorite. Longshore is great for bigger team games and plays well with most of the gametypes designed for larger parties. The addition of this disc is a great accomplishment and is a blast.

Lack of dual-wielding, regenerating shields, and some key weapons from the series will disappoint some. I found adjusting to the new weapons and gameplay to be both challenging and rewarding. Sadly, ODST really does nothing to make it stand out considerably in the Halo-verse. The addition of a different perspective and Firefight are both great, but will leave many wanting more. All in all, ODST prevails in being another entertaining Halo game, but fails in progressing the series forward as a franchise. In the end, there's really nothing here but a whole bunch of fun. For me, it was enough to keep me entertained and satisfied with the $60 price tag. Hope everybody enjoys ODST and finds this review helpful.

--Thavron