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. EnigmaReviews
    Nov 6, 2011
    9
    The campaign in this game ventures off from the previous Halo games. While playing as the Rookie and wandering around the darkened streets of New Mombasa alone you actually get the feeling that you are indeed "alone". While in this segment of the game you would want to avoid enemy as much as possible which is why I think those Hard Core Halo fans say that it sucks but overall the campaignThe campaign in this game ventures off from the previous Halo games. While playing as the Rookie and wandering around the darkened streets of New Mombasa alone you actually get the feeling that you are indeed "alone". While in this segment of the game you would want to avoid enemy as much as possible which is why I think those Hard Core Halo fans say that it sucks but overall the campaign is amazing and possibly the best in the Halo series. It has great storytelling and a good transition between flashbacks with a good ending. Firefight is one of the best modes for a fps to date you've might have seen games where you fight waves of enemy but Bungie's take on it is amazing. This would be the perfect feature to the game if it had matchmaking but Bungie neglected to add it to the final product. Overall the game is amazingly good from the spectacular campaign to having fun with friends in firefight but for a 60.00$ price tag it is not. The game is only an expansion with the price tag of a full game. If Bungie would have made an entirely new multiplayer featuring the Odst and their new guns and Visr as well as making matchmaking possible with firefight then the game would be an 11/10 that's how great it would have been just imagine playing multiplayer on it with some night maps using the Visr and the new SMG all the things that could have been but isn't in the game. Still it's a spectacular game none the less but for it having a 60.00$ price tag for something that's not a full game turns that "spectacular" to a great which is why I'm giving it a 9.1/10 instead of a 10/10.… Expand
  2. Katharsis
    Mar 28, 2017
    9
    I just revisited this game after nearly a decade, and I have to say, it holds up as one of the strongest stories in the entire Halo franchise for me. When Bungie revealed Halo 2 at E3 2003, they introduced us to the sprawling city of New Mombasa in Kenya, which plays a pivotal role in the overall Halo story. This is ground zero for the Covenant invasion of Earth, but when Halo 2 actuallyI just revisited this game after nearly a decade, and I have to say, it holds up as one of the strongest stories in the entire Halo franchise for me. When Bungie revealed Halo 2 at E3 2003, they introduced us to the sprawling city of New Mombasa in Kenya, which plays a pivotal role in the overall Halo story. This is ground zero for the Covenant invasion of Earth, but when Halo 2 actually came out, the E3 parts were cut and replaced with something a little more disappointing. This game revisits New Mombasa at a pivotal moment in the series' story progression. You assume the role of an ODST soldier that must link up with his squad in the tattered ruins of a Covenant controlled city. The game introduces a new, stealthier playstyle, and constantly reminds you that you are not a Spartan super soldier; larger enemies feel threatening and can be difficult to kill. The game also has a co-op option for story mode. In my opinion, what really makes this game stand out to me is the way that the story is presented. Your character finds clues all over the city to piece together what happened not only to his squadmates, but during the preceding battle. One of my favorite little things is finding an alley full of dead Elites and other Covenant aliens, but no humans. This alludes to how the Elites seceded from the Covenant, but most humans wouldn't know about it yet at this point in the story, because this game chronologically precedes Halo 3. Overall, the game's atmosphere is much darker and more somber than the rest of the franchise, and offers a brand new way to play Halo that still feels like Halo. The story is very strong, and the multiplayer is fun as well, even if it is just horde mode.… Expand
  3. Mako5
    Feb 26, 2012
    9
    Halo 3: ODST should have never been an "expansion" and should have just been a game on it's own. Regardless, it is a truly unique game. For those expecting the standard, stellar Halo-style experience they will be somewhat disappointed. The art style and color palette are totally different from Halo 3. The cut-scenes have a more cartoon-like feel to them, and the game is amuchdarker inHalo 3: ODST should have never been an "expansion" and should have just been a game on it's own. Regardless, it is a truly unique game. For those expecting the standard, stellar Halo-style experience they will be somewhat disappointed. The art style and color palette are totally different from Halo 3. The cut-scenes have a more cartoon-like feel to them, and the game is amuchdarker in tones. The story-telling is vastly different, but once you get used to it only then can you appreciate it. ODST slows down the fast pace of Halo story telling to focus, in detail, on the episodic encounters of surviving members of an ODST unit. Instead of vast, galactic battles with epic proportions, ODST tells the small-scale story about the lives of brave and honorable men and women who would have otherwise been considered insignificant. ODST takes a mysterious, suspenseful approach in a fantastic tale on how ODST struggle to save Humanity from the invasion of the Covenant. The Human-Covenant War takes a heavier toll as you literally feel and experience the War from a purely human perspective. You dwell among the dark, dead ruins of one of earth's greatest cities: New Mombassa. You can see Covenant ships hovering nearby and laying waste, you see human soldiers scrambling in guerrilla warfare against alien invaders. You can explore the city and uncover interesting side-stories from a civilian perspective of the attack, and you experience -block-tp-block fighting against occupying covenant forces. The stakes seem higher, and I almost wish this game would have been called Halo: ODST so it could have been a $30 tie-in special release in between Halo 2 and Halo 3. I think more people would have appreciated the game more than way, especially with how the plot progresses and then ends. The story is very interesting, and enjoyable. At first I had a hard time actually liking the characters, but as the game continued on I felt like i fit in among them, and I felt for them and connected to them. The music is unique and enjoyable. The gameplay is solid and smooth. The game is challenging and immensely fun. This game has a high replay value, and is a must-get for anyone who wants a game where they can take time to explore and relish details of a larger story.… Expand
  4. Somalion
    May 1, 2014
    9
    Certainly not going to be everyone's cup of tea but I loved it. I felt sneaking around the ruins of the city, looking for clues and stockpiles to be great fun. You have to use your head a bit more, you're not a super human soldier any more. This actually leads to some nice tactical situations and is a refreshingly different experience. The music, the lighting etc. are done excellently butCertainly not going to be everyone's cup of tea but I loved it. I felt sneaking around the ruins of the city, looking for clues and stockpiles to be great fun. You have to use your head a bit more, you're not a super human soldier any more. This actually leads to some nice tactical situations and is a refreshingly different experience. The music, the lighting etc. are done excellently but for the die hard Halo fans there's still the flashbacks where you get to be involved in some really heavy action instead of city skirmishes.… Expand
  5. guest1321
    Oct 11, 2012
    9
    After a year of owning the game I finally got around to playing it through. I really was expecting another linear Halo game when I popped this in. It was delightfully different to be presented with the option to walk about a city fighting through the covenant to regroup with my lost squad mates. Visually the game was really no different from any other Halo; however, the ability to walkAfter a year of owning the game I finally got around to playing it through. I really was expecting another linear Halo game when I popped this in. It was delightfully different to be presented with the option to walk about a city fighting through the covenant to regroup with my lost squad mates. Visually the game was really no different from any other Halo; however, the ability to walk through a city at night and then see it at a different time of day during a mission was quite enjoyable. The music was supposed to be an homage to the previous games OST's but I really believe the change in style for ODST sound was one of its biggest strengths. The ability to quickly tell a story through little snippets of each squad member made for a great storyline that required you think about how the pieces fit together. I think the timing of the game was also a huge strength. Having a game that you could get through in a little over six hours yet receive an ample story was a nice change of pace. I have found this series to sometimes drag levels out by forcing you to spend a lot of time on non-story progressing moments. That was not at all the case with ODST. Overall I am fairly pleased with the game and it has re-sparked my interest in the series quite a bit.… Expand
  6. aventador
    Nov 3, 2012
    9
    If you're thinking about buying it now (for about $20), do it. every multiplayer map, and in my opinion the best campaign in the halo series. for what it lacks in length it more than makes up for in its characters (the cast of firefly with a cylon? fantastic!), the perfected gameplay and graphics (with a silenced magnum and smg, who needs dual wielding?), and the mood and atmosphere thatIf you're thinking about buying it now (for about $20), do it. every multiplayer map, and in my opinion the best campaign in the halo series. for what it lacks in length it more than makes up for in its characters (the cast of firefly with a cylon? fantastic!), the perfected gameplay and graphics (with a silenced magnum and smg, who needs dual wielding?), and the mood and atmosphere that puts reach to shame, this is bungie's masterpiece. firefight, whilst in its best incarnation in my opinion, is the game's only weak point. didn't anyone think to put it on Live?… Expand
  7. demonmind
    Nov 5, 2012
    9
    I don't no why ppl hate on this it was a welcome edition to the halo lore I myself always thought about how would someone else fair in the wars of halo besides john 117 aka master chief. And then odst was made and I enjoyed playing it all the way through. Like all the halos from the past the gameplay was top notch playing in the city environment was awesome I mean this game was a good.I don't no why ppl hate on this it was a welcome edition to the halo lore I myself always thought about how would someone else fair in the wars of halo besides john 117 aka master chief. And then odst was made and I enjoyed playing it all the way through. Like all the halos from the past the gameplay was top notch playing in the city environment was awesome I mean this game was a good. game story and just all around fun time.… Expand
  8. savagejoe444
    May 31, 2013
    9
    A Halo game where you play as a human ODST soldier instead of a Spartan, that's a first and big change. I did, however, enjoy Halo 3: ODST 'cause its different. Playing from a soldier's point of view and not a spartan is actually fun. They brought back the healing aids from the first, since the characters are human, so you can't just run into the fight, you'll most likely die instantly.A Halo game where you play as a human ODST soldier instead of a Spartan, that's a first and big change. I did, however, enjoy Halo 3: ODST 'cause its different. Playing from a soldier's point of view and not a spartan is actually fun. They brought back the healing aids from the first, since the characters are human, so you can't just run into the fight, you'll most likely die instantly. The new Horde like 'Firefight' mode is fun when there's up to 4 players. Though the game was good, it was really short. Probably wouldv'e worked better as an expansion pack to Halo 3, rather than being a full game, but there is still enjoyment to have here. But if you liked playing as an indestructible super-soldier, than look somewhere else.… Expand
  9. iddqd4
    Mar 16, 2018
    9
    В игре просто невероятный саундтрек, который хорошо звучит и в отрыве от игры. А какие шикарные ролики наснимали в Bungie для рекламы, потрясающе.
  10. x0v3rKiLx
    Aug 28, 2016
    9
    The only place where this game loses a point from my score is the poor online connectivity in Firefight and the lack of a proper Battle Rifle. Other than that, this game is an artistic beauty. It deviates extremely far from the typical Halo game and offers a unique, memorable atmosphere of mystery and suspense from beginning to end.
  11. badfantasyrx
    Sep 13, 2016
    9
    Awesome gameplay, and a really easy to use interface. Loved playing along with my ex-husband on game night, and PvP is fun too. Good storyline, although a little repetitive.
  12. Petethepig123
    Jul 2, 2018
    9
    Halo 3: ODST is up there with my favorite Halo games. While it was not nearly as hyped as Halo 2 or 3, there is a lot to like here. It really changes up the formula while still keeping the classic Halo feel. The game takes place in the ruins of New Mombasa, sometime during Halo 2. The story does not involve Master Chief whatsoever, but a squad of ODSTs (Orbital Drop Shock Troopers) whoseHalo 3: ODST is up there with my favorite Halo games. While it was not nearly as hyped as Halo 2 or 3, there is a lot to like here. It really changes up the formula while still keeping the classic Halo feel. The game takes place in the ruins of New Mombasa, sometime during Halo 2. The story does not involve Master Chief whatsoever, but a squad of ODSTs (Orbital Drop Shock Troopers) whose specialty is to drop into battles in pods from an orbiting spaceship. You play as the Rookie, and due to the slipspace rupture, your squad is scattered throughout the city, so Rookie must find them and avoid Covenant patrols. There are no Flood or Elites, but there is a new Covenant enemies called Engineers that provide overshields to allies. It keeps the same weapon arsenal from Halo 3, but certain guns like the SMG have been changed. ODSTs are similar to Spartans in gameplay but they cannot dual wield or use equipment for reasons I do not know. You will have to change up your strategies because ODSTs are noticeably weaker in health than a Spartan. You will be relying on health packs much more now, as there is no shield. New Mombasa is somewhat open-world and you can go inside almost every building, which is really cool. You traverse the city, finding objects like guns and Biofoam canisters from battles that took place earlier in the day. As you find them, there will be a flashback and you will play as a character within the scene. It's a cool concept and it works out really well. Around New Mombasa you can find audio logs, which are incentives to explore, as they tell a story of their own. The action and fights are all really fun, and there are a couple vehicle sections as well. Marines are still idiots but your ODST allies are awesome. They are smart and invincible. They are also cool characters and they each have personalities. There is no multiplayer, but it comes with a second disc of the regular Halo 3 multiplayer. It also introduces Firefight, where you fight waves of enemies by yourself or with three friends. This really is a standout game in the Halo series, and it is a shame it was passed over by most.… Expand
  13. pyrofox117
    Feb 24, 2017
    9
    This is an amazing game and now that the price has dropped almost a must own if your a halo fan. As its the original release of Fire Fight. As well its probably got the best OST mixing of action with Jazz. Yes you heard me Jazz. Anyways the story line is fast paced and and really hits all the point of what makes a halo game. The only real negative about the whole game is that its shortThis is an amazing game and now that the price has dropped almost a must own if your a halo fan. As its the original release of Fire Fight. As well its probably got the best OST mixing of action with Jazz. Yes you heard me Jazz. Anyways the story line is fast paced and and really hits all the point of what makes a halo game. The only real negative about the whole game is that its short but. Its got a kinda investigation free world aspect to it that will blow your mind.

    However just a warning about the vertigo in the beginning,    … Expand
  14. Deckard2
    Sep 17, 2018
    9
    This game is wonderful. I've just gone through a replay of this and have bathed in sweet 2009 nostalgia. Playing like an extended episode of Firefly (a lot of the cast provide voice work) the story takes you on a journey running in tandem with the events of Halo 2. Clearly Bungie have made subtle improvements since Halo 3 and have mastered the engine to provide a slightly tighter gamingThis game is wonderful. I've just gone through a replay of this and have bathed in sweet 2009 nostalgia. Playing like an extended episode of Firefly (a lot of the cast provide voice work) the story takes you on a journey running in tandem with the events of Halo 2. Clearly Bungie have made subtle improvements since Halo 3 and have mastered the engine to provide a slightly tighter gaming experience. This is by no means a knock at Halo 3, a game I have a great fondness for, but merely a testament to how good this follow up is.

    Although the narrative does slow down somewhat in the segments dedicated purely to the rookie, taking on a much more stealth orientated focus, the action quickly picks up the pace again when returning back to one of our main protagonists. The gameplay is tight and the music on point drenching the New Mombassa streets in piano soaked atmosphere.

    9 years after its creation Halo: ODST still stands out as a pleasure to play and a journey worth taking even if its not your first time dropping from orbit.    … Expand
  15. ViniVillela
    Dec 3, 2017
    9
    Its campaign should have been longer, only problem i can think at the moment. Nice gameplay, with changes that assure you fell less powerful and much more vulnerable than a Spartan II. A espectacular and unforgattable soundtrack. Mombasa is really nice, but could have been better explored. Nice characters.
  16. Co-Odyssey
    Jul 8, 2018
    9
    An improvement on the original version of Halo 3 in almost every way. The linear feeling structure of levels in Halo 3 now feels entirely avoidable with a hub-like open world that encourages exploration. New weapon variants and mechanics makes ODST feel like a more substantial upgrade over Halo 2 than Halo 3 attempts. The atmosphere of the game, while held back by Halo 3's game engine,An improvement on the original version of Halo 3 in almost every way. The linear feeling structure of levels in Halo 3 now feels entirely avoidable with a hub-like open world that encourages exploration. New weapon variants and mechanics makes ODST feel like a more substantial upgrade over Halo 2 than Halo 3 attempts. The atmosphere of the game, while held back by Halo 3's game engine, is expertly crafted and really makes the player feel like a lone survivor in an empty city. ODST simply has the best soundtrack in the series, probably one of the greatest game OST's period. ODST also contains the definitive version of Halo 3's multiplayer and includes the entirety of its DLC. ODST also introduces a mainstay game mode in the series, Firefight, which is still the best version of said game mode. Overall the arguably superior campaign to the original Halo 3 and ODST's wealth of content really brings it close to perfection.… Expand
  17. PalpetineSheev
    Mar 20, 2020
    9
    A short yet veeerrrrry sweet addition to the Halo franchise. Fun, fast paced, great mechanics, Nathan Fillion, everything you could ask for really.
  18. Dylan117
    Jul 4, 2020
    9
    The most underrated Halo game. Fixes all the issues people had with Halo 2 while providing a unique story on Earth with one of the best soundtracks in the series. Takes the Halo 3 gameplay and gives a brand new story. The only problem being enemies use equiptment and you don't? The launch price and the campaign was too short. Added firefight which is on the same level as call of dutyThe most underrated Halo game. Fixes all the issues people had with Halo 2 while providing a unique story on Earth with one of the best soundtracks in the series. Takes the Halo 3 gameplay and gives a brand new story. The only problem being enemies use equiptment and you don't? The launch price and the campaign was too short. Added firefight which is on the same level as call of duty zombies. Great game, must play for all fans of Halo.… Expand
  19. BernardoUPoud
    Aug 27, 2020
    9
    Not the best Halo but at least like a lost episode , very nice and fun.

    Story: 9
    Characters: 8
    Graphics: 9
    Multiplayer: 10
    Audio: 10
    Gameplay: 9
    Fun: 8
  20. RoninNinjaXL
    Sep 25, 2020
    9
    GREAT GAME WITH A BADASS SLAP CERTIFIED

    Story: 9
    Gameplay: 9
    ost: 9
    Characters: 9
  21. wiredspore44
    Dec 28, 2020
    9
    Fun spin-off with great characters, a good story and entertaining game mechanics. My only complaint is that the campaign was too short!
  22. Ederalexander
    Feb 13, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. El juego es espectacular, en el apartado de gráficos el juego no se ve nada mal, los personajes sin dudas se me hacen personajes entrañables con personajes como buck dare romeo micky y el novato se me hacen grandes personajes y en el apartado de jugabilidad se me hace un poco pesado controlar al personaje aunque añade una nueva jugabilidad muy interesante como el poder tener una vision nocturna,un visor que te permite ver un mapa de la zona que te deja ver los objetivos de la misión etc en el tema de la historia se me hace un poco alargada a la fuerza ya que primero caes en nueva mombasa como el novato y luego vas buscando artefactos en toda la ciudad para saber un poco mas de lo que paso con los personajes despues del descenso le doy un 8 de 10 por que me encanta la jugabilidad y sus soundtrack y su desarrollo de personajes… Expand
  23. CloudStrife05
    Aug 19, 2021
    9
    I was actually shocked at how good this game turned out and how much I enjoyed it.
  24. OnlyHarDRUg
    Aug 27, 2021
    9
    Крутой атмосферный сингл под шедевральный саундтрек Мартина О'Доннелла. ОДСТ доказала, что Хало может быть интересным и без Мастера Чифа. Так же имеется годный кооп режим. Бонусом шел диск во всеми мультиплеерными картами для Хало 3. БалдежКрутой атмосферный сингл под шедевральный саундтрек Мартина О'Доннелла. ОДСТ доказала, что Хало может быть интересным и без Мастера Чифа. Так же имеется годный кооп режим. Бонусом шел диск во всеми мультиплеерными картами для Хало 3. Балдеж
  25. UnturnedAntics
    Oct 6, 2021
    9
    This game Is almost a perfect version of what it's supposed to be which is to make you feel weak it's completely different from all other halo games you aren't a spartan you don't have strong armor or guns. The game really makes you think smart about what you have to do you can't just jump into and fight a platoon of enemies because getting hit actually does damage so in some cases youThis game Is almost a perfect version of what it's supposed to be which is to make you feel weak it's completely different from all other halo games you aren't a spartan you don't have strong armor or guns. The game really makes you think smart about what you have to do you can't just jump into and fight a platoon of enemies because getting hit actually does damage so in some cases you even have to divert from fights and let enemies pass. All around amazing game and I will be playing the campaign again.… Expand
  26. TeemoTime
    Sep 4, 2023
    9
    A game that has a mood I adore, and a strong campaign to boot. It's more open approach to the campaign is a nice change of pace, and the more tactical approach you have to take as an ODST is a welcome change. Firefight is also an awesome addition, being the large scale co-op PvE Halo always could have had. It was also nice that the game came with Halo 3's multiplayer with all of the MythicA game that has a mood I adore, and a strong campaign to boot. It's more open approach to the campaign is a nice change of pace, and the more tactical approach you have to take as an ODST is a welcome change. Firefight is also an awesome addition, being the large scale co-op PvE Halo always could have had. It was also nice that the game came with Halo 3's multiplayer with all of the Mythic map packs. Now was this game worth 60 pound back then, no. But it still feels like a great to addition to the masterpiece that is Halo 3.… Expand
  27. KIrillooss
    Dec 9, 2021
    9
    Хорошее дополнение к 3 части в которой вы можете почувствовать себя в шкуре обычного солдата, а не спартанца
  28. goodgriff33
    Dec 24, 2022
    9
    Answer: 75 characters is between 10 words and 19 words with spaces included in the character count. If spaces are not included in the character count, then 75 characters is between 12 words and 25 words.
  29. JW
    Mar 27, 2010
    8
    ODST is a solid shooter better than average but the campaign is too short and easy to get completely excited about. It's main new feature is Firefight which while fun is a time consuming affair, expect to spend over 2 and a half hours if you're performing well so casual gaming goes out the window. Expect to beat the campaign 3-5 time in your fisrt few days of owning it. And dont ODST is a solid shooter better than average but the campaign is too short and easy to get completely excited about. It's main new feature is Firefight which while fun is a time consuming affair, expect to spend over 2 and a half hours if you're performing well so casual gaming goes out the window. Expect to beat the campaign 3-5 time in your fisrt few days of owning it. And dont expect any gameplay revolutions for the Halo franchise. The multiplayer disk though is great, Halo 3's entire multiplayer with every DLC and adding that onto the solid but not great campaign and this is a solid game decision.… Expand
  30. MarkJ
    Oct 1, 2009
    8
    ODST is in its essence an expansion to Halo 3. Int his capacity it makes for a great game. The inclusion of the Multiplayer map packs alone almost makes up for the cost of the game, but adding firefight and the beautifully done campaign it is totaly worth it. The only reason to pass this game up would be if you have all the maps and dont want to spend the cash on the 8 new missions and ODST is in its essence an expansion to Halo 3. Int his capacity it makes for a great game. The inclusion of the Multiplayer map packs alone almost makes up for the cost of the game, but adding firefight and the beautifully done campaign it is totaly worth it. The only reason to pass this game up would be if you have all the maps and dont want to spend the cash on the 8 new missions and one new game type. The only bad thing to be said about this game is the shortness of the campaign.… 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.
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  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!
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  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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