Review of Halo 3: ODST

Halo 3: ODST (2009 Video Game)
9/10
Engaging, Addictive and Well-Paced, Halo 3: ODST successfully breaks new ground for the Halo series.
19 April 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This is the first Halo game I have ever played. Yes, I probably have been living under a rock for the past decade or that I haven't got an Xbox but I do have an Xbox 360. I have lost a lot of interest in gaming. The final 'spark' there was probably just the very second I got the 360 in Christmas 2008. Very bad timing indeed. Except Hexic HD, I haven't played the games much and I find them underwhelming. Also with my PSP and most other forms of gaming.

Now, one day, another game was bought and it was Halo 3: ODST. So, recently I have been giving the 360 a chance and all and tried out the game. Though it doesn't rekindle the interest I had with games, it is still a good game worth getting.

An interquel set during Halo 2 and 3, You take a role of an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper (ODST). The aim of the game is unclear though you take role as one of them as 'Rookie' who each ODST was separated one by one including him. You take his role in the hub of the game and in the final level. You find objects that are highlighted yellow (this can only be done by having the 'light' on i.e. press the (blue) X button) and pressing RB on them, you would go through the levels of the other ODSTs. The plot in each one is familiar but varies. You often have to defeat the alien alliance known as the Covenant in various ways while doing other stuff.

The gameplay is consistent, addictive and generally intuitive. Being mostly a First Person Perspective (though it goes to Third Person if you carry a turret or use a vehicle), slaying each of the covenant is often mandatory. They also appear in the hub of the game as Rookie, also there trying to kill you. The enemies which are the covenant range in terms of strength, endurance etc. From Grunts, which are a short species with a cone like hunchback. Easy to kill and sometimes flees but fight in numbers which is not so easy to Hunters. Which are a large, powerful species wielding a powerful green energy weapon which you can't take after they die. They're tough to kill and often strong long ranged weapons and grenades are practically the only way to defeat them.

The story is also eye-catching and not boring. Even the meta game known as Sadie's Story. Which depict a young African woman or girl during the Covenant invading the Earth. The story can only be heard and finished if you collect all the audio files containing a segment of the story, which are found through sound machines hightlighted yellow through New Mombasa in the hub of the game.The graphics are nice. Detailed and nearly flawless. The rough frame rate kills some realism but they still shine through. The sound and acting were also fine.

Although like all if not many things, Halo 3:ODST has flaws. Firstly, the damage sensor which the player's HUD glows red all around when being attacked is distracting. The story is quite short. You could complete it in about 4 or 5 days for a casual gamer. Hardcore ones could complete it shorter. How long it would take is unclear, as there are 4 difficulty settings. From the easiest to the hardest; Easy, Normal, Heroic and Legendary. Completing them all is optional though you would unlock achievements i.e. get some gamerscores and probably some other stuff. The multiplayer disc that came with it is nice as well. It has a similar engine to Halo 3. You play or compete with players around the world. Xbox LIVE and online access is required.

A good game that is fine to play, Halo 3: ODST succeeds in taking the series to break a new ground. It may also spawn newcomers to approve the game in this new concept. Worth your money, it is a decent bargain and is welcome to any Halo collection.
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