Review: Halo 3: ODST

My it's been awhile folks.

Miss me?

Well I'm back, and I have for you; The Offical Electrical Outlet Review of Halo 3: ODST!

Now as many of you might already know, ODST stars a ragtag group of ODST's (Orbital Drop Shock Troopers). This is the fundamental difference between Halo 3 and the side story, ODST. Not only is it a story difference, but a gameplay and tone shift. While change is always welcomed within the Halo series, this change is not only it's highlight but also it's low point.

First off, the game comes with two discs; the first contains the ODST Campaign and Firefight while Disc two contains all things Halo 3 Multiplayer. Keep in mind that the ODST differences don't apply to the Multiplayer; this is simply a bundling of everything that Bungie has offered in terms of maps and content.

First, the campaign. I have never been a die-hard Halo fan. So I'll just say that the idea of ODST interested me. You're a lone soldier who's physically not as strong as Master Chief and yet has to survive in a Covenent filled New Mombassa. Fear is the name of the game. Bungie has rather simply gimped your player. You won't notice it on the easier difficulties, but once you attempt Heroic or Legendary it really becomes apparent. He can't jump as high, can't duel wield, and has half the stamina of the Chief. At first this annoyed and frustrated the hell out of me. It feels at first like you're just fighting with your arm tied behind your back; and while that's relatively true, it's hard not to feel a sense of determination to win the battle. It's desperation on the battlefield to survive basically.

Eventually this becomes less frustrating. I died less in the last act and the game really shined for me. I won't give away spoilers but if anyone was wondering where the new Firefight mode got it's inspiration then you now know.

Which brings me to Firefight, the Horde for Halo. Four player co-op survival modes are all the rage and certainly it'd take only a manner of time for Bungie to implement one into Halo. Overall, it's fun! You really get the sense that this mode was made for Halo. Each round begins with a Skull. After a round, a new Skull is activated. Anyone who knows what Skulls do in Halo will instantly see the challenge in that. As well as the gratifying reward for survival. I had gripes with the fact that only ODST's could join the Firefight. Couldn't they make two maps that you could play on as Spartans? Also, Weapon placement is shotty at best. Sometimes you'll find that Spartan Laser, and other times you're simply going to walk there and find nothing.

There's also the Multiplayer disc. Every single Halo 3 map is on there as well as a few new ones. The new maps are fun, and Heretic (Remake of Halo 2's Midship) is stellar. I have to obviously complain that I'm paying for maps I already have; however it's nice to have them on disc and not hogging room on my hard drive. I would've even like a refund on those maps. I know that won't happen but a boy can wish eh?

Overall, I have to say this is the best Halo yet. I had my gripes. However, the campaign had no sor spots in terms of level design. This is after all Halo folks, a series that's had a dissapointing level in every single one. They've made it terrifying and frustratingly difficult; however I think it grows on you after a while. You have top tier voice acting by a majority of the Firefly cast. Most importantly, it's fresh. It never really get boring; It gets frustrating and you'll want to pull your hair but it's never a dull moment. Bungie is one of those devs who masters huge action set pieces. Once again we get to see a momentus action packed shooter. Much is to be said on the future of Halo. Many see Halo: Reach as a reboot of the franchise; so if this is the last Halo game to utilize this formula, I have to say that even though Spartans are bigger, ODSTs are certainly no whimper.