Halo 3: ODST

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1697 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,112 out of 1697
  2. Mixed: 354 out of 1697
  3. Negative: 231 out of 1697
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  1. ArminZ.
    Sep 22, 2009
    7
    Halo: ODST is a great experience while it lasts. This is not to be confused with the statement that it is a great game. If you are a diehard fan of the franchise then you most likely will look past the stagnation and lack of evolution in the series and disregard the fact that this is, by far, the worst game in the series. The graphics are suitable, but the Halo 3 graphics engine Halo: ODST is a great experience while it lasts. This is not to be confused with the statement that it is a great game. If you are a diehard fan of the franchise then you most likely will look past the stagnation and lack of evolution in the series and disregard the fact that this is, by far, the worst game in the series. The graphics are suitable, but the Halo 3 graphics engine wasn't even breathtaking when Halo 3 was released. Three years later the engine is in dire need of a rebuild. With games akin to Mass Effect 2 (on the horizon) MGS4, Gears of War 2 and (especially) Uncharted 2: Among Thieves - there is absolutely no excuse for a AAA title of this magnitude to be as lackluster graphically as ODST is. The sound design is commendable and the campaign is where ODST could have been a stellar title. The problem is, it will only take people 5-6 hours to beat on Lengendary. In such a short amount of time, Bungie was unable to fully develop the characters and really give the narrative any actual meat which could have added to the mythos of the Halo universe. The multiplayer is essentially the same as Halo 3 and, as such, does nothing but bring the overall score down (once again for stagnating). The pistol is back, which is fantastic, but it should have never been removed. The three new maps are about status quo for the series. all in all, the only thing that pushes the series forward is Firefight. You'll hear plenty of people discussing whether or not this title is an expansion or not. If reviewers are to judge it as an expansion, then it is almost as good as GTA: Lost and the Damned - almost, but for three times the cost. If a reviewer is to consider the game as an actual sequel/prequel (thereby attempting to justify the $60 asking price, sadly, the game doesn't offer enough. Halo: ODST is worth playing, it really is. The only caveat is that you should wait a year or so until the price drops to where it should have been in the first place.… Expand
  2. AGLion
    Oct 10, 2009
    7
    The campaign was short and started to get repetitive, but it kept bringing me back with its really cool side story and its awesome music. Firefight is both awesome and innovative, with the skulls being activated after every round keep the game flowing pretty well and adding a new aspect to survival game modes. Despite the bad campaign, I found that it met the $60 price tag with its The campaign was short and started to get repetitive, but it kept bringing me back with its really cool side story and its awesome music. Firefight is both awesome and innovative, with the skulls being activated after every round keep the game flowing pretty well and adding a new aspect to survival game modes. Despite the bad campaign, I found that it met the $60 price tag with its firefight mode, and it's still keeping me occupied.… Expand
  3. JimboH
    Oct 15, 2009
    7
    It has been a very long time since I've wandered a level for 40 minutes, searching the same places, riding along the edges of the map, and having no clue where to go. This describes the very first level I played on ODST. Eventually, some bad guys showed up who weren't there before, and suddenly I got a hint that told me to push the d-pad... for another hint. Since I am an expert It has been a very long time since I've wandered a level for 40 minutes, searching the same places, riding along the edges of the map, and having no clue where to go. This describes the very first level I played on ODST. Eventually, some bad guys showed up who weren't there before, and suddenly I got a hint that told me to push the d-pad... for another hint. Since I am an expert gamer, this kind of experience is ridiculous in AAA title. This also describes the "rookie" missions in the game, in particular the very first mission, and the third "rookie" mission. I dont understand the logic in "lets let the player wander with no idea what they are supposed to be doing". The rest of the game is more halo 3. There is in particular a part of the game where you collect audio clips and can view a slide show that plays with it. The voice acting was pretty bad, like Reading Rainbow children's book bad. You'd think Microsoft could find an aisan lady who actually sounds naturally asian and not phony stereotype cartoon character asian. The plot of the game seems irrelevant to the big picture (thus far). I was hoping it would explain Halo 3's quizzical beginning and fill in for what the kaput movie was supposed to explain, but it doesn't. At all. By itself though, its not a bad plot. Best part is that there's no AI chick who freezes your view and controls and nags you for abandoning her (for which you have no idea what she was talking about nor do you care). The size of the game is well suited for a rental; beat it on legendary on day 6 of my 7 day rental period, spending 1 - 3 hours a day on it. Firefight, while interesting, isn't worth 60 bucks, especially if you don't have any friends who also have this game. There's no matchmaking for it. The "par" score seems rather high as well. I got a 4,000 something score on my first try, after playing for over 20 minutes. The par was 200,000.… Expand
  4. Byrd76The
    Oct 7, 2009
    7
    I've always thought the Halo series has been seriously overated after Halo 1. ODST just proves how overated this series is. The campaign was painfully short and uniteresting. The characters were bland and the story was decent. With that said I can't say it wasn't a bad shooter. The game did what it had to do as a shooter but it just didn't push the envelope. The I've always thought the Halo series has been seriously overated after Halo 1. ODST just proves how overated this series is. The campaign was painfully short and uniteresting. The characters were bland and the story was decent. With that said I can't say it wasn't a bad shooter. The game did what it had to do as a shooter but it just didn't push the envelope. The graphics were hit or miss, which I don't understand with games like Dead Space and COD4 which both look amazing on the same console. I've played many games this new generation on every platform and honestly ODST looks and feels like the beginning of the generation. A game should not be measured on it's multiplayer alone. Please people wake up and stop giving this games 8's and 9's. Go play Gears of War or Uncharted, which are much solid games!… Expand
  5. PaulT.
    Sep 22, 2009
    7
    For what was supposed to be an expansion pack, I would say that ODST does not disappoint. It adds around 4-6 hours of Campaign and Firefight is a great addition, though not particularly innovative, to the solid game that is Halo 3. As someone who is not a die-hard Halo fan, however, there's really not much here to match the 60 dollar price tag. If you aren't a huge Halo fan, For what was supposed to be an expansion pack, I would say that ODST does not disappoint. It adds around 4-6 hours of Campaign and Firefight is a great addition, though not particularly innovative, to the solid game that is Halo 3. As someone who is not a die-hard Halo fan, however, there's really not much here to match the 60 dollar price tag. If you aren't a huge Halo fan, possibly buy it for $20 or less. Until it hits that price point, just wait to rent to make a decision about it.… Expand
  6. ApocalypseBrown
    Sep 23, 2009
    7
    In all honesty I haven't played the game, and though I think they can be pompous yuppies the normally excellent GameCentral is where I've nicked the score from. But I am posting to say to those idiotic PS3 fan boys to stop posting your brain dead reviews, you're wasting your time and ours so do yourselves a favour and stop it. Thank you.
  7. PAL4DIN
    Sep 24, 2009
    7
    To me this game has so far been a disappointment. The reason the game gets a 7 in my opinion is because there is nothing wrong with Halo 3 being redone so to speak, the problem is that there is nothing extremely new to play with. The absolute most disappointing part is that the new ODST feel is fun but isn't ported into multiplayer! If they made the single player feel a bit new, why To me this game has so far been a disappointment. The reason the game gets a 7 in my opinion is because there is nothing wrong with Halo 3 being redone so to speak, the problem is that there is nothing extremely new to play with. The absolute most disappointing part is that the new ODST feel is fun but isn't ported into multiplayer! If they made the single player feel a bit new, why not the multiplayer as well? I want to have the cool vizr, the silenced SMG, and the throwback pistol in multiplayer. Would it be too much to ask for a change in the multiplayer? They could have done so much with the ODST troops being in multiplayer but didn't.… Expand
  8. RowanF
    Oct 11, 2009
    7
    A real solid game and well worth your purchase, but let's not for a minute pretend that its of the same genre - reorganising caliber of Halo 3 or Halo 1. This is basicaly because its pretty much the same as Halo 3 - hence all the talk about it being an expansion. The graphics, enemies and gameplay are almost identical. Not only this, but lots of bits have been removed: You're A real solid game and well worth your purchase, but let's not for a minute pretend that its of the same genre - reorganising caliber of Halo 3 or Halo 1. This is basicaly because its pretty much the same as Halo 3 - hence all the talk about it being an expansion. The graphics, enemies and gameplay are almost identical. Not only this, but lots of bits have been removed: You're now incredibly weak and move painfuly slowly, you can't dual weild, use equipment, or use the battle rifle (cry). Bungie's answer to all this identical/removed content is the two new weapons: the silenced SMG and the Automag. I feel i must make a point here about the fact that in Halo 2 and 3, the SMG was frickin' useless unless dual-weilded, and even then it had the range of the frickin' energy sword. And yet in ODST, you can't dual-weild and it's still just as useless on its own. Ok so now its got a scope, but like I said, the thing's about as accurate as a shotgun with a 2 foot barrel. The Automag is ok, those first few instant-kill headshots against grunts are fun, but once you see how useless it is against everything else, you'll soon be swapping it for your trusty assault rifle. Weapons - wise, I was more excited about the return of the Brute Plasma Rifle. Of the new content that has been added, it's mainly new locations, which I have to admit are nice and interesting and as always it's probably worth getting it just for an inside look into the amazing Halo universe. The new story is interesting and again reveals lots of stuff about the Halo universe, but it's short and nowhere near as epic or enthralling as the other games, and the characters involved are nowhere near as likeable, mainly because its impossible to keep up with who's who unless you go onto Bungie.net and look at the character profiles, and plus I found it impoosible to take them seriously considering how retarded they look in the cutscenes. Honestly, in Halo 3, people in the cutscenes moved calmly, considerately and realisticaly, but in ODST they look like poorly made ragdolls being hung from the ceiling by nylon stings, and these strings are then being operated by a blind drunk man. The one realy soldily new and interesting bit of the game is Firefight, which it's probably worth getting for: it's fun, tactical and great entertainment for hours on end, my only complaint is perhaps that it starts way too slowly and is measured in such silly numbers: it doesn't exactly sound very cool to say ' i got to the end of set two', but that's acutaly quite an achievement.… Expand
  9. AaronH.
    Sep 22, 2009
    7
    Disjointed, too dark, terrible map, the player spends more time trying to figure out how to get to the next checkpoint than he does fighting. Very frustrating for that reason.
  10. eddierivera
    Sep 23, 2009
    7
    The game sucks compared to most games that have come out in the past 2 years. It is better then Halo 3 in many aspects so that stopped me from giving this game a 5 or less. I have to give credit where its due. It makes a great cup coaster
  11. IanB
    Sep 24, 2009
    7
    In my opinion, the value of Halo 3:ODST really depends on whether you own Halo 3 or not. For the avid Halo multiplayer gamers, you're getting shafted if you pay full price for this game. Microsoft charging you for content you have already paid for is a rip off, plain and simple. If you don't own Halo 3 this game is a great deal. You get the new 6 hour campaign and firefight In my opinion, the value of Halo 3:ODST really depends on whether you own Halo 3 or not. For the avid Halo multiplayer gamers, you're getting shafted if you pay full price for this game. Microsoft charging you for content you have already paid for is a rip off, plain and simple. If you don't own Halo 3 this game is a great deal. You get the new 6 hour campaign and firefight (both are excellent) and some of the best multiplayer you can find on Xbox.… Expand
  12. JordanA.
    Sep 22, 2009
    7
    fun game, not worth 60 bucks... at all. same multiplayer with the same maps ive been playing for 2 years. only 3 new maps. you're basically paying 60 dollars for a new game mode and a mediocre story.
  13. JohnD.
    Sep 22, 2009
    7
    I paid $60 for 6 hours and a buncha multiplayer maps I already paid for in the past? Thanks for getting us Fanboys, M$!
  14. Review9
    Aug 22, 2010
    7
    Halo 3:ODST was different from other halo games. Over the game you were forced to travel to your mission by walking throught the dark city of new mombasa. Sometimes i would get lost. It probably took me 45 minutes to get to the first mission cause it took that long to get used too. How ever the campaign was fun and still play it from time to time.How ever it was short. Firefight is fun butHalo 3:ODST was different from other halo games. Over the game you were forced to travel to your mission by walking throught the dark city of new mombasa. Sometimes i would get lost. It probably took me 45 minutes to get to the first mission cause it took that long to get used too. How ever the campaign was fun and still play it from time to time.How ever it was short. Firefight is fun but it is hard to get someone to play with online. This game should have been an add on instead of a full priced game. I give halo 3:ODST a 7.5 out of 10.

    Review9    … Expand
  15. Jagkid007
    Aug 29, 2010
    7
    i played through the campaign once, never played that again. Not because it was bad, it was just that there was really no reason to go back and play it again. The firefight mode is a very good mode where you fight waves and waves of enemies until you run out of lives. The downside is that there is no matchmaking for firefight. You are stuck playing either locally with 2 people or 4 playersi played through the campaign once, never played that again. Not because it was bad, it was just that there was really no reason to go back and play it again. The firefight mode is a very good mode where you fight waves and waves of enemies until you run out of lives. The downside is that there is no matchmaking for firefight. You are stuck playing either locally with 2 people or 4 players online. it is still fun but should have been tweaked before release.… Expand
  16. miramax123
    Jun 18, 2013
    7
    Halo 3: ODST was okay, not much to say about it, the Firefight mode though, was quite vague in setting selections, it wasn't as adventurous as Halo 3 or gave that much of a motivational feeling. I've only played it once, hence explaining my reason why I considered this boring. I was really happy with the Halo 3 multiplayer packaging, which is why I'm giving this an 8, it was getting quiteHalo 3: ODST was okay, not much to say about it, the Firefight mode though, was quite vague in setting selections, it wasn't as adventurous as Halo 3 or gave that much of a motivational feeling. I've only played it once, hence explaining my reason why I considered this boring. I was really happy with the Halo 3 multiplayer packaging, which is why I'm giving this an 8, it was getting quite boring with the repetition of grunts everywhere, but I still appreciated the satisfactory story line.… Expand
  17. paxbanana
    Mar 19, 2012
    7
    It's a fun game with a great atmosphere and very good voice acting. I managed a legendary single-player run through without much difficulty, which is probably not a point in its favor. It's hard to give the game a good rating because Halo, to me, is really made by multiplayer. It was fun, and I've played it on and off for achievements, but it's a game I'd consider selling back at some point.
  18. gstiker5
    Aug 29, 2013
    7
    While the six-hour campaign was interesting and fun but its only six hours and there is a Firefight Mode which has been bettered by Reach but is still very fun and interesting the multiplayer is Halo 3 again but with all the DLC included it feels like DLC and overpriced but buy it cheap online and you'll be fine
  19. Jryan
    Apr 23, 2013
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The actual game itself holds well on its own. As a downed ODST trooper, you spend the game moving around the city of New Mombasa, searching for your squad mates. The gameplay is as tight as a regular run of the mill HALO installment, and the story holds its own as well. This game doesn't come without its faults, however. The characters are shoddy, in terms of personality and actual physical design. When halo fans hear the term, ODST, the first image that comes to mind is a tatted-out, physically peaked killing machine. Basically a step below Spartans. However when you play through the different characters and their stories, you get the feeling that these squad mates are nothing more than goofy, hapless grunts. My second qualm came from the lack of Halo 2 tech. ODST takes place, in the halo timeline, in Halo 2, where brutes were only just making their appearance, elites were still the majority fighting force in the Halo 'verse. However you don't fight a single one in the campaign! Also, the assault rifle and chopper return, without the battle rifle. The entire campaign experience just felt like a Halo 3 recreation. Now, my main issue is my belief that the popularity of the package itself came majorly from the second disk, which contained the bonus Halo 3 multiplayer map packs and other miscellaneous content. If ODST had been an individual project, with all work focused on the game, without the halo 3 map pack, I believe it could've been a completely changed, for the better, superb game. Unfortunately, what with the inclusion of the map pack, in the end all ODST was was an extension that should have been something much bigger and grander than what it was made to be.… Expand
  20. busbfran
    May 16, 2014
    7
    Halo 3: ODST is the most unsatisfying game of the series, yet still portrays an intriguing story that pushes you through the lengthy adventure. The open world was so plan and boring, trying to navigate was very difficult that it became the most frustrating part of the game. Having to walk from side to side of the map is something i hated in this game! However the scenes of being weak andHalo 3: ODST is the most unsatisfying game of the series, yet still portrays an intriguing story that pushes you through the lengthy adventure. The open world was so plan and boring, trying to navigate was very difficult that it became the most frustrating part of the game. Having to walk from side to side of the map is something i hated in this game! However the scenes of being weak and venerable is done so well you start to get the creeps in some parts of the game especially at night time. This is something i haven't seen a halo game for a very long time, as master chief is a well known bad ass! All in all ODST isn't a must have just an expansion of the city from Halo 2, new comers will be left confused, do not start halo here. However if fans are looking for a unique game of the series. This is a must!… Expand
  21. HarbingerReview
    Apr 5, 2014
    7
    As a 10 or even 20 dollar expansion this would have been great, but I paid 60 dollars for it. This has excellent game play stellar graphics and an awesome story with a lovable set of characters, but it only took me 3 hours to complete on LEGENDARY. The multi-player despite being fun crashes multiple time in a few short sessions. Truly a sad corporate sellout to something that could haveAs a 10 or even 20 dollar expansion this would have been great, but I paid 60 dollars for it. This has excellent game play stellar graphics and an awesome story with a lovable set of characters, but it only took me 3 hours to complete on LEGENDARY. The multi-player despite being fun crashes multiple time in a few short sessions. Truly a sad corporate sellout to something that could have been great.… Expand
  22. Termin8ter
    Feb 8, 2016
    7
    If you are a Halo fan, then do not buy this game, wait for Halo Reach to come out, please don't buy this. Halo 3 ODST is not worth 60$ or 40$ or even 20$. ODST is an obvious cash grab to unsuspecting Halo fans like me. The game would be totally fine if it was DLC, for 5$ or 10$. ODST is a great expansion, but a terrible standalone game, save your money and wait for Reach to come out, orIf you are a Halo fan, then do not buy this game, wait for Halo Reach to come out, please don't buy this. Halo 3 ODST is not worth 60$ or 40$ or even 20$. ODST is an obvious cash grab to unsuspecting Halo fans like me. The game would be totally fine if it was DLC, for 5$ or 10$. ODST is a great expansion, but a terrible standalone game, save your money and wait for Reach to come out, or wait until the price gets lower.… Expand
  23. cish
    Oct 20, 2015
    7
    This had great potential that was not taken advantage of. Felt like more of an add on for halo 3 than its own game. The open world aspect could have been cool but was too dark, too empty, and too lonely to be much fun
  24. xboxkid
    Dec 23, 2016
    7
    The rookie parts are a bit boring, the gameplay has changed and not only do we have no shields (life regeneration) if we can not use 2 plasma rifles at once, the good thing is that the brute plasma rifle returned, Has a bug if you start the campaign in normal so it is better to start it in easy. It's not very nice to be the scent dog, I'm not a fan of firefight mode but it does, it bringsThe rookie parts are a bit boring, the gameplay has changed and not only do we have no shields (life regeneration) if we can not use 2 plasma rifles at once, the good thing is that the brute plasma rifle returned, Has a bug if you start the campaign in normal so it is better to start it in easy. It's not very nice to be the scent dog, I'm not a fan of firefight mode but it does, it brings more multiplayer maps, very good like sandbox or heretic.… Expand
  25. LuckyDrum
    Jun 10, 2019
    7
    Un spin-off bastante bueno que se centra en mostrar otro lado de la historia que ocurre durante el final de Halo 2 e inicio de Halo 3
  26. Blujus
    Jun 18, 2020
    7
    Everything this game offers is amazing! Firefight, the expanded Halo 3 multiplayer and the frankly AMAZING campaign but there's not enough content to make it worth it's retail price of 50 quid. Still a great game that I highly recommend anyone plays!
  27. Cyborg_TDRK
    Jan 13, 2021
    7
    O jogo é bom, mas não é Halo, não tem a alma de Halo, não te traz a sensação de estar jogando um jogo da franquia Halo, avaliando ele como um jogo da franquia Halo eu daria um 5, mas como um jogo em si ele é um 7
  28. LuanAmorim
    Dec 8, 2022
    7
    Halo 3: ODST - sua base é a mesma de Halo 3 então não tem muito o que pontuar: os gráficos são os mesmo; a trilha sonora continua boa; os personagens são bem carismáticos; as armas são as mesmas; não podemos usar muitos veículos; os inimigos são os mesmos; a dublagem é muito boa e ela contém ótimos dubladores.
    O que eu não gostei foram os momentos em que jogamos com o Novato e o mapa de    Halo 3: ODST - sua base é a mesma de Halo 3 então não tem muito o que pontuar: os gráficos são os mesmo; a trilha sonora continua boa; os personagens são bem carismáticos; as armas são as mesmas; não podemos usar muitos veículos; os inimigos são os mesmos; a dublagem é muito boa e ela contém ótimos dubladores.
    O que eu não gostei foram os momentos em que jogamos com o Novato e o mapa de Nova Mombasa, com ele na maioria das vezes você não tinha vontade de lutar contra os covenant e só fugir e evitá-los, o que não me agradou. Não teve um momento em que eu gostei de jogar com ele e sim com os outros personagens já que eles eram bem mais legais e seus momentos na história eram bem mais interessantes. No mais, é uma boa adição a franquia!    … Expand
  29. DerekF
    Sep 22, 2009
    6
    This is a fun game, but ultimately an overpriced expansion pack. Good value at $30, reasonable at $40, but not worth $60. The campaign only takes about 4 hours to complete and there is no matchmaking in firefight. Any halo fan would most likely have already purchased halo 3 and the map packs, so there is not much value for the majority of fans.
  30. DavidL.
    Sep 25, 2009
    6
    Firefight is a novel idea, however quickly gets extremely repetitive and boring. I'm surprised a broader selection of vehicles and weapons were not included. Let's face it, fighting against a computer is only so fun for so long when your using the same boring default weapons. Biggest Flaw: No matchmaking in firefight. The campaign was short with Co-op, but that's nothing Firefight is a novel idea, however quickly gets extremely repetitive and boring. I'm surprised a broader selection of vehicles and weapons were not included. Let's face it, fighting against a computer is only so fun for so long when your using the same boring default weapons. Biggest Flaw: No matchmaking in firefight. The campaign was short with Co-op, but that's nothing new. Lastly, this IS an expansion pack, nothing more. The maps included do not warrant a $60 price tag, as anyone who still plays Halo 3 already own all of the maps. Let's get real here, if it wasn't for the Reach Beta, ODST would not be a full-game priced expansion pack. Period.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009
2
#2 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2009
12
#12 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 94 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 94
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 94
  3. Negative: 1 out of 94
  1. Game Over Online
    85
    The bottom line here is that this is a nice little piece of Halo, and that anyone who has ever enjoyed Halo will probably enjoy this too. The only question is how much it is worth to you. As a full priced stand-alone game, its value is somewhat dubious.
    Read full review
  2. GamingXP
    88
    Not only an add-on! This is better than many of the main games! Next to the single player, you also get a great multiplayer mode. You just cannot do wrong if you buy this game!
    Read full review
  3. Extreme Gamer
    90
    Halo 3: ODST is an excellent add-on campaign for Halo 3, and one which all Halo fans should own.
    Read full review
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