Written by: Chris W.

 

 

 

Originally planned as an expansion, "Halo 3: ODST" has become so much more. Microsoft saw fit to release the game as a full boxed release, coming complete with a brand new campaign, a new mode and a separate multiplayer disc. Something the game is without is, of course, Master Chief, whom in the Halo timeline (the game is set during the Halo 2 events) is somewhere else other than the African city of New Mombasa.

 

 

Following a disastrous drop, the game begins with the ODST squad becoming scattered throughout the city. As, 'The Rookie' you'll be piecing it all back together, by investigating the current whereabouts of your comrades. This is an excellent manner in which to tell a story, as you'll be taking control of different characters in order to see their individual events unfolding.

 

This was Bungie’s promise to show a more human side to the Halo universe, though they've succeeded on many levels, the story itself is nothing more than decent, whilst the lead characters are loud-mouthed, clichéd and have next to no depth about them.

 

 

Admittedly, I've never been sucked in by Halo's storyline, it's definitely the gameplay that has really cast a spell on me. That's why I'm glad to say that ODST is classic Halo, although it also attempts to do something a little different as well, something that the series has never explored before: the open world.

 

 

Not too far into the game, The city of New Mombasa becomes a place that can be explored, allowing you to find out what happened to your squad mates in the order you choose. It makes things feel that little bit fresher, though at its core this is still very much a Halo game, something which you'll never find me complaining about.

 

Bungie attempted to show a more human side with the story and this mindset has also been transferred to the game itself. The ODST aren't able to jump as high as Master Chief and they grunt and breathe heavily upon taking damage. The recharging shield is in there, though like the very first game in the series, there's health to keep an eye on, as well. When your shields are down, taking damage will chip away at your health bar, and when that is depleted you very much go the way of the dodo. So, obviously the health packs have also made their return, allowing you to replenish any lost health.

 

What else has returned? The Covenant for starters, and they're still a smart bunch who impress with their AI. As for the guns, whilst the battle rifle and dual wielding have been nixed, the overly powerful pistol is back once again. Also, the vehicles, as well as the fun and chaotic gunfights have been left intact.

 

The campaign is a fantastic one, with so much packed into it and a lot of variation. True, it's not the longest game in the world, though I have no real complaints or malice directed towards such a well crafted and entertaining campaign.