Share Flyaznguy's profile
Flyaznguy
Flyaznguy's stats
- Review count1
- Helpfulness votes3
- First reviewMay 3, 2010
- Last reviewMay 3, 2010
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
Answers
- Answer count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First answerNone
- Last answerNone
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
Flyaznguy's Reviews
Learn more about Halo 3: ODST - Xbox 360. (Flash demo) The city of New Mombasa lies in ruins, the result of a catastrophic attack by the Covenant. Now the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, or ODSTs, must drop into the city to search for clues. Known for courage, valor and a touch of insanity, the ODST "Hell Jumpers" are neither as large nor as supernaturally gifted as their Spartan comrades, but they more than make up for it with unwavering nerve and ferocious attitudes. Join these legendarily fierce soldiers on a daring mission as they prepare to drop into a war-torn world.Return to the gripping world of Halo for a new perspective on the enduring Human-Covenant struggle in Halo 3: ODST. Embark on a vital, top-secret mission with the ODSTs, who pride themselves on being the first unit deployed into hostile situations, and delve even deeper into the ongoing conflict. A gripping story, cooperative campaign and new multiplayer content immerse you in the game world for a stunning new action-fueled adventure.
Posted by: Flyaznguy
from Westminster, CA
Halo 3:ODST is NOT an expansion, despite the many accusations and the common audience vernacular that really hampers this game's reputation. It's presentation is obviously one of Halo-caliber, realizing itself to be a fully revamped version of the Halo franchise. Yet despite the many differences in the HUD display and its game play execution, the Halo formula still feels, controls, and experiences like any other Halo game out there. Although, there is only a few minor changes in the game play itself.
First we have the shields and stamina taken away from the common Spartan suit, because now the player experiences the game through an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper who is not as "strong" as his Spartan counterpart. Many people see this as a hamper in the game play, and yet I feel as if it is a new refresher and an overall unique perspective on how a Halo game should be played. It encourages strategic placing, location, and overall just a bit of intelligence while playing. It treats the shooter-genre much more seriously, while those who will not be enjoying this new change are those who believe that rushing headlong into battle and recovering from every bullet taken is, in and of itself, the way to play. Although, it really makes no difference at all. The stamina is just a simpler representation of the previous shield system that just runs out a bit faster, and health reminiscent of Halo:Combat Evolved's HUD also returns. Overall, this new game play variation brings upon the player a new and refreshing take on the Halo experience.
Now, here it comes to the story, which is about 6 hours in average length. It is also something quite different from the usual Halo format as it does not follow the protagonist Master Chief any longer, but a new ODST recruit who embarks on a journey through New Mombasa. Yet, as he and his team depart, an explosion of the enemy covenant ship through slip-space tears the city apart, and ends up separating the team. You, the rookie, is trapped din the city isolated from the rest of the team, and must go throughout the city on search for beacons and clues about your team members. Activating these beacons stats up memory flashback sequences that allow you to play through your teammate's experience through the city. In the end, all of these memories tie together and end up to be quite the expected and action-filled Halo game everyone expects. Although it is not one straightforward story anymore, there are contrast game play levels in which you travel through. As the rookie, you wander around the open-world city in the pitch-black night, looking for clues. Here, you turn on the new nightvision HUD mode which outlines surface and reveals the night scene to be a bit brighter. This trek through the night is atmospheric and mood, which is accompanied by a fantastic score composed by Martin O Donnell. And the environments change to war-torn and brighter levels in the flashbacks.
Now, we have firefight mode, which is similar to Gears of War's horde mode where you face battering waves of enemies that increase as time goes on. Here, you attempt to live out as long as you can and vie fort he top score. It is a blast to play, and yet it is quite disappointing that there is no matchmaking for the mode, which means to MUST have a friend on in order to play it with others.
When it comes to graphics, they aren't photo-realistic but remain true to the style and physique of Halo 3. Yet, one may notice improvements with textures and lighting, as well as a change in color palettes. The palette was once a more blue and purple as you would travel on spaceships a lot, yet not there is a lot of brown and orange as the contrast shifts into the daytime scenes. Don't get me wrong, it isn't bad at all and also presents a different take on the Halo look. There is a modified SMG with a scope and a silencer, and a pistol replacement to be reminiscent of the Halo:Combat Evolved, which was a fan favorite. There is also the absence of dual-wielding which may be an issue to some, but it is really not necessary at all. This brings it closer to the Halo:Combat Evolved game play which everyone loves so dearly, which also marks the return of the HEALTH PACK which many people may not love. But for me, yet again, it is a strategic factor in the game play.
As for the second disk, it is basically a repackaging of Halo 3's multi player along with ALL of the downloadable maps that have been released so far, along with an exclusive three to this package. Some may argue that this is a cheap repackaging, but for me, I never bought the regular maps, and by buying this it seems I have saved over 20 dollars. Yet again, it is the Halo 3 multi player that no one should really complain about because it is still great, along with the other parts of the package such as Theater and Forge.
Overall, Halo 3 ODST is a fantastic game and package which should be worth checking out by anyone.
What's great about it: Cohesive, ambient, atmospheric, and gripping campaign tied along with a fun multiplayer mode called Firefight.
What's not so great: Some may find the campaign to be a bit too short, and tragically no matchmaking for Firefight mode
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
3of 6voted this as helpful.
Flyaznguy's Review Comments
Flyaznguy has not submitted comments on any reviews.
Flyaznguy's Questions
Flyaznguy has not submitted any questions.
Flyaznguy's Answers
Flyaznguy has not submitted any answers.