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. 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
  2. B
    Oct 6, 2009
    9
    Anytime anything gets this big it gets haters and there are 1 Halo hater for every 20 games sold so there are a lot of Halo haters. Yes you can finsih this game in less time then it took you to be super mario bros 1 when you were a special ed kid but its still a good game and the hours of multiplayer you will play of the firefight and new Halo 3 maps will more then make up for theAnytime anything gets this big it gets haters and there are 1 Halo hater for every 20 games sold so there are a lot of Halo haters. Yes you can finsih this game in less time then it took you to be super mario bros 1 when you were a special ed kid but its still a good game and the hours of multiplayer you will play of the firefight and new Halo 3 maps will more then make up for the slightly shorter campagin. The price could have been a few bucks less but considering all the MP I have played I am not going to complain.… Expand
  3. BrandonZ.
    Oct 5, 2009
    5
    The campaign was fun, but relatively short. I enjoyed the game until I put the multiplayer disk in and my xbox recognized it as Halo 3. This game was way overpriced, even with the $20 gift card from toys r us. It should have been a 20-30 download for Halo 3, but since Microsoft knows we love Halo, they thought they could just trick us into paying full game price for it. What a rip-off.
  4. SamJ.
    Oct 5, 2009
    4
    Okay while it lasts but its a bit short, I'd say rent it, you can finish in about 6 hours and the online is basically the same as halo 3 feels like the ODST should have just been a downloadable add on like lost and damned.
  5. AdamW.
    Oct 5, 2009
    9
    A worthy expansion to the Halo saga well worth 39 pounds (I don't know what that is in dollars) The campaign all be it short is great fun even though the storyline is a bit weak. Firefight makes up for this with loads of maps and a shared pool of lives means that you have to work as a team. It is much better than COD WAW Nazi Zombies. However you must have friend online because of A worthy expansion to the Halo saga well worth 39 pounds (I don't know what that is in dollars) The campaign all be it short is great fun even though the storyline is a bit weak. Firefight makes up for this with loads of maps and a shared pool of lives means that you have to work as a team. It is much better than COD WAW Nazi Zombies. However you must have friend online because of the lack of an ability to player with another three random people. Overall the new weapons, firefight and the ability to unlock recon (why is vidmaster endure so hard) this makes it a worthy purchase.… Expand
  6. MarkM
    Oct 4, 2009
    10
    ODST was a great game in my opinion. the campaign was very fun and it had a good story. The new health system makes the game a bit more challenging and the controls are easy for nearly any one to learn almost right away. the new firefight mode has been hours of fun for me and the H3 multiplayer is most like the most fun I've ever had in a game. Even if you own the normal halo 3 disc, ODST was a great game in my opinion. the campaign was very fun and it had a good story. The new health system makes the game a bit more challenging and the controls are easy for nearly any one to learn almost right away. the new firefight mode has been hours of fun for me and the H3 multiplayer is most like the most fun I've ever had in a game. Even if you own the normal halo 3 disc, ODST brings 3 new fun and exiting maps and it would be good if one of your friends doesnt't have halo 3 or ODST you can let them barrow your halo 3 and be able to play online with them. Overall I believe ODST is a great buy and that if you are new to halo it is even a greater deal.… Expand
  7. JordanB
    Oct 3, 2009
    10
    Although $60 may be a little steep for an expansion, it
  8. KP
    Oct 3, 2009
    5
    I'm pretty disappointed in this one. I disagree with some of the other comments. To me it feels obvious that Bungie cut corners on this game....from the game play to the graphics to the voice acting. I think the voice acting is terrible on this one. My biggest complaint is the lighting. When it's dark out and you are forced to used your VD vision or whatever it's I'm pretty disappointed in this one. I disagree with some of the other comments. To me it feels obvious that Bungie cut corners on this game....from the game play to the graphics to the voice acting. I think the voice acting is terrible on this one. My biggest complaint is the lighting. When it's dark out and you are forced to used your VD vision or whatever it's called...it just makes it an unpleasant gaming experience. I found myself constantly messing with the brightness adjustments to no avail. No matter what I did to adjust I found the game either too dark or too bright. Granted I haven't gotten into Firefight mode, but as far as the campaign, I'd rather replay any Halo game than play this. A Halo game this is not.… Expand
  9. 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
  10. ShaneZ.
    Oct 1, 2009
    10
    Best Halo Game EVER! What we lacked in the length of the game is made up for in the endless hours you can enjoy playing with friends in Firefight!
  11. JasonN
    Oct 1, 2009
    10
    The campaign was more enjoyable than the two previous Halo games. While there are times I was forced to hide and sneak past enemy soldiers, I played the ODST character nearly the same way I played the Master Chief. The different scenes were fun to perform, and the music flowed great with them. Firefight is very fun if you have friends to play with. The enemy retains its A.I. so difficulty The campaign was more enjoyable than the two previous Halo games. While there are times I was forced to hide and sneak past enemy soldiers, I played the ODST character nearly the same way I played the Master Chief. The different scenes were fun to perform, and the music flowed great with them. Firefight is very fun if you have friends to play with. The enemy retains its A.I. so difficulty level is not an issue. The game comes with the Halo 3 multiplayer, so it's bringing the best of both worlds. I personally would buy this over Halo 3.… Expand
  12. jamesk
    Sep 30, 2009
    8
    Its good, not great.the campaign is quite short, firefight is awesome but comes without matchmaking(none of my friends have the game), and i had all the online maps bfore anyway(which i say most people have), so only 3 new maps. Otherwise a good game with interesting story and if u hav friends playin firefight is a blast. but still, it is full price.
  13. TroyL.
    Sep 29, 2009
    0
    This game was a huge disappointment and let down considering all the hype. the campaign needed a huge twist which it just doesn't have, and the campaign also gets hard to understand. the multiplayer the only reason to get this. oh and you will need to pay $100 AUD for the privilege of this EXPANSION.
  14. NathanielJ.
    Sep 29, 2009
    6
    + actual characters, not just Jon everyman the stereotypical action hero and a supporting cast of fodder. + actual character development, which is refreshing considering the brevity of the story + the story is better told than any previous halo game and the contrast between night and day gameplay is wonderful + music is quite different from other halo games, but stands in in own right + + actual characters, not just Jon everyman the stereotypical action hero and a supporting cast of fodder. + actual character development, which is refreshing considering the brevity of the story + the story is better told than any previous halo game and the contrast between night and day gameplay is wonderful + music is quite different from other halo games, but stands in in own right + broader color palette than previous Halo games + enhanced vision is fun and useful and makes it so you can see -- you have to use the enhanced vision most of the time because everything is either black as pitch or blooming light out it's rectum - a better palette doesn't count when I spend the entire game in enhanced vision A) because I can't see otherwise and B) because there's no reason to ever turn it off! - auto-unzoom when you get hit I can understand, auto-stand I cannot however forgive. I do not wish to emulate the moronic AI, which flinches into full exposure when you nick their shoulder thanks. + quality time with the fuel rod gun and other lesser utilized weapons and vehicles - can't jack jack (no wraiths for you!) -- No firefight matchmaking, seriously?! I mean they ripped off horde from Gears and didn't think to rip off the public live option too? -- brutes are still the most annoying and uncompelling race/enemy in halo, I want to go back to fighting elites in halo 2 - buggers got tougher and are still annoy and unrewarding as well -- the story is however completely uncompelling and ultimately feels quite meaningless at the end of the game, sadly most fans won't notice or care. - story is VERY short and overall content is very limited ? it comes with a map pack, but that's more like bonus content than something the game itself should be rated on ODST is most assuredely NOT a standalone game and should not have been priced as one. It should've been moderately priced DLC (about $10-20 depending on whether or not the maps came with it), not an overpriced standalone (albeit not full price) game. It was worth a play through, but I honestly can't say I'm compelled to do much else and will readily give it up when my rental runs out. I greatly thanked the friend who convinced me to rent this one before buying it, which is about what the game is worth paying to play. A decent rental, but not a good purchase.… Expand
  15. MichaelS.
    Sep 29, 2009
    8
    Let' first start with the main reason anyone would buy this game: the infamous Recon armor. The only reason anyone else would pay 60$ for campaign and a few new maps, is for Recon armor or the person is a die-hard Halo fan. They need to sell ODST campaign separately or in a combo so people don't have to waste their money paying for the multiplayer disc, which most of us already Let' first start with the main reason anyone would buy this game: the infamous Recon armor. The only reason anyone else would pay 60$ for campaign and a few new maps, is for Recon armor or the person is a die-hard Halo fan. They need to sell ODST campaign separately or in a combo so people don't have to waste their money paying for the multiplayer disc, which most of us already have. Just leave the new maps for DLC. But, to be honest about the game, it's not really a revolutionary campaign. But also let's keep in mind that ODST is not meant to be a stand-alone game (as some critics above mention which is untrue), it is an expansion of the already amazing Halo 3, and in creating what it set out to do it succeeded. So if you're looking for a completely new game then you'll be disappointed, but if you're looking for expanded content (Firefight mode is addicting) then this game owns.… Expand
  16. DavidC
    Sep 28, 2009
    10
    Oh man. This game is pure awesomeness. Even though I'm a bit disappointed beacuse they're the same maps as halo 3, I still think this is a good continuation to the game. Firefight is so downright fun and the campaign and music are excellent. While there's many people who are not happy with the proce tag, guys,... ITS A WHOLE NOTHER DEAL.
  17. KeithR
    Sep 28, 2009
    5
    Why it sucks- campaign sucks, way to short, no new guns, stealth gameplay my ass, perfect enemy snipers, to much walking, no vehicles exept mongooses and SOMETIMES a ghost, price why it rocks- visor is pretty cool, flashback missions are pretty good, FIREFIGHT
  18. NathanD.
    Sep 28, 2009
    10
    This game is awesome! I don't know why its getting alot of average ratings. The multiplayer is amazing as always, and the story is a big-step up from the original Halo 3. The firefight mode is amazing addition to the Halo series too.
  19. BartJ
    Sep 28, 2009
    8
    As a long time halo fan i found this to be a worthwhile spin-off, its one of the shortest games ever but thats why i played it on legendary. Although some say its utter crap, these people only want multiplayer, come on be realistic, halo multiplayer sucks overall play cod 4 for multiplayer but for a great story more imaginative than halo 3, play ODST. A must for halo fans.
  20. GregorO.
    Sep 27, 2009
    9
    This is a really good game, I got mine for roughly 40$, for anyone worrying about the short campaign, play it the way it was meant to be played, on Legendary, it takes the game to a whole new level. For me, the deal was Campaign, Firefight and 3 new maps, and for 40 bucks, it's well worth it for me. However I do not think this is worth 60$ for the veteran halo player. But otherwise, This is a really good game, I got mine for roughly 40$, for anyone worrying about the short campaign, play it the way it was meant to be played, on Legendary, it takes the game to a whole new level. For me, the deal was Campaign, Firefight and 3 new maps, and for 40 bucks, it's well worth it for me. However I do not think this is worth 60$ for the veteran halo player. But otherwise, it's a great game.… Expand
  21. GeorgeC
    Sep 27, 2009
    9
    Campaign is quite good with some fantastic moments, although there is a bit of spark missing from the overall campaign. There needed to be much more bigger and better battles and definitely atleast 4 more new weapons for the hardcore halo gamer such as myself. Firefight mode is great although it too can become very lengthy and eventually becomes boring...firefight needed to be much faster Campaign is quite good with some fantastic moments, although there is a bit of spark missing from the overall campaign. There needed to be much more bigger and better battles and definitely atleast 4 more new weapons for the hardcore halo gamer such as myself. Firefight mode is great although it too can become very lengthy and eventually becomes boring...firefight needed to be much faster paced with better weapons and maps. Although there are many small negatives from odst, the game still offers a great deal for the hardcore halo gamer and cannot be missed. Brng on reach bungie… Expand
  22. BobbyD.
    Sep 27, 2009
    5
    And the vs multiplayer is where? Firefight.. that's it? Are you kidding me?!! I've already go Halo 3 and previously payed for the maps thanks! Imagine if the new COD MW just gave you the COD 4 maps on a separate disk. You'd feel justifiably ripped off.
  23. bobm.
    Sep 26, 2009
    9
    Loved the music and firefight. i thought the campaign was the best in the halo series. i loved the new health system to. i liked how countering a brute on firefight head on meant trouble while if you were a spartan u can take 10 on no problem. the only thing keeping this from a 10 is that firefight and campaign had no matchmaking.
  24. matthewt
    Sep 26, 2009
    0
    This game is horrible . 2007 graphics , online is exacly the same as halo 3. 2 new weapons, 3 new maps and a new mode (firefight) for 60 buck. very dissapointing. if anyone is thinking of buying this may god have mercy on your soul. in conclusion halo 3 odst is halo 3 with 2 new weapons,3 new maps and a new mode AMEN
  25. CraigT.
    Sep 26, 2009
    4
    Basically v.poor DLC for halo 3. A short and forgettable 5 hour long single player campaign and no new multiplayer content. The AI is rediculously inept at any sort of simple task and should not be allowed to drive at any time. Halo is the new cash cow in town and its already dry on milk. Developers like Bungie and publishers like MS just make Valve look even more like the idillic Basically v.poor DLC for halo 3. A short and forgettable 5 hour long single player campaign and no new multiplayer content. The AI is rediculously inept at any sort of simple task and should not be allowed to drive at any time. Halo is the new cash cow in town and its already dry on milk. Developers like Bungie and publishers like MS just make Valve look even more like the idillic buisness model and the saviours of gaming.… Expand
  26. SamM.
    Sep 26, 2009
    4
    Well it has a decent five hour campaign that fizzles out towards the end. Recycled Halo 3 multiplayer with the only new addition being Firefight. Sadly Firefight doesn't include matchmaking, which was one of the stupidest decisions Bungie could have made in my opinion. If you own Halo 3, and have already downloaded the new maps when they were released months ago, this game is not Well it has a decent five hour campaign that fizzles out towards the end. Recycled Halo 3 multiplayer with the only new addition being Firefight. Sadly Firefight doesn't include matchmaking, which was one of the stupidest decisions Bungie could have made in my opinion. If you own Halo 3, and have already downloaded the new maps when they were released months ago, this game is not worth buying. Had this game been $30 cheaper it would almost certainly have been a day one buy. Instead, I can only recommend renting it, or try your very hardest to find it under $35.… Expand
  27. 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
  28. EliJ.
    Sep 25, 2009
    6
    Oh i absolutely love the fact that it doesn't take 30 hits to kill someone, but i cant give it higher than a six because this game should be priced as DLC. Not enough game for your buck so to speak.
  29. ChristopherB.
    Sep 25, 2009
    9
    Overall the campaign was done really well. It added some new elements to the story and the whole game took place on earth. The firefight addition was great but I wish bungie had a matchmaking feature to it like in gears 2. I was also hoping that the multiplayer mode would not be halo 3 but more ODST style with some new maps exculsive to ODST.
  30. TalhaA
    Sep 25, 2009
    9
    This game is really good a little short and a bit different to halo 3. I think anyone who have played previous halo titles should buy this game. The story telling is what i like the most going from different sections of Mombasa to find out what happen to your fellow ODSTS.
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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.
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