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7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1697 Ratings

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  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. GaryL
    Dec 21, 2009
    3
    $60 game, 5 hours of campaign, new Gears of War rip-off multiplayer mode you can only play with your friends, and the same multiplayer you probably have because chances are if you are buying this game you already have Halo 3. This doesn't add up to a good game to me. The new campaign is barely different from other Halo games in terms of gameplay and the story seemed to be written by $60 game, 5 hours of campaign, new Gears of War rip-off multiplayer mode you can only play with your friends, and the same multiplayer you probably have because chances are if you are buying this game you already have Halo 3. This doesn't add up to a good game to me. The new campaign is barely different from other Halo games in terms of gameplay and the story seemed to be written by a 7th grader. The audio logs you can go collect around the city have the most nonsensical and embarrassing dialogue I have ever heard in a game series of this caliber. This is a bad game at a high price. Expand
  6. Aug 12, 2010
    8
    A very good, enjoyable campaign. Though my only complaint is that the campaign is a bit short and is the difficulty equals that of Halo 2 if you decide to play it by yourself ;D . The campaign is very well done, but its not really a game that you would pop in your Xbox just to play. It does however come with the Halo 3 multiplayer disk with all the DLC included. Overall, not a bad deal ifA very good, enjoyable campaign. Though my only complaint is that the campaign is a bit short and is the difficulty equals that of Halo 2 if you decide to play it by yourself ;D . The campaign is very well done, but its not really a game that you would pop in your Xbox just to play. It does however come with the Halo 3 multiplayer disk with all the DLC included. Overall, not a bad deal if its your first time buying a halo game. Expand
  7. 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
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  8. Sep 24, 2010
    10
    As MikeW put it "The ruined Mombasa that you play for most of the game as the rookie is very dull and lifeless." Duh. It's supposed to. Anyway, The game brings back some features from Halo: Combat Evolved, such as the health system and the ability of dual wielding is absent. The music is great and sets the tone of the game. While Firefight is not matchmaking, it is great to play withAs MikeW put it "The ruined Mombasa that you play for most of the game as the rookie is very dull and lifeless." Duh. It's supposed to. Anyway, The game brings back some features from Halo: Combat Evolved, such as the health system and the ability of dual wielding is absent. The music is great and sets the tone of the game. While Firefight is not matchmaking, it is great to play with friends and is an excellent addition to the franchise.Also, be sure to visit Bungie.net and get your Halo 3: ODST nameplate for Halo: Reach! Expand
  9. Sep 25, 2010
    5
    This game isn't the worst ever, but it certainly is not a Ã
  10. Sep 29, 2010
    9
    Halo 3: ODST is little more than an expansion pack. But where there isn't a rethought mutliplayer component that pushes the series forward, there is a stellar story told through a scope that is brand new to Halo and will really please fans that are wanting to answer the question "why am I doing this?" as they progress through the campaign. The only real new face in ODST besides theHalo 3: ODST is little more than an expansion pack. But where there isn't a rethought mutliplayer component that pushes the series forward, there is a stellar story told through a scope that is brand new to Halo and will really please fans that are wanting to answer the question "why am I doing this?" as they progress through the campaign. The only real new face in ODST besides the obvious 6-8 hour campaign portion is the intriguing Firefight mode that brings up to 4 players together to fight off massive waves of Covenant soldiers & vehicles. This mode is reminiscent of Gear of War 2's "Horde" mode and will give friends something great to enjoy while playing with up to 3 other friends. But other than that, you're looking at minimal changes to what has been a solid formula up to this point. Though adding in great voice acting from the likes of Nathan Fillion certainly pushes the game into believable AND captivating territory. If you were hoping for something big, new, and a step up graphically... well you'll only get a little of each. Though running around, guns blazing, has never been so cool. Expand
  11. Oct 7, 2010
    8
    Halo 3 ODST has seen mixed reaction from Halo fans due to a short campaign and an "invite only" multiplayer gametype. The game, despite short, has a great atmosphere and music. This isn't an action first person shooter, this is more of a mystery / crime thriller game where you investigate what happened to your teammates through objects found on the city. Firefight is a great addition toHalo 3 ODST has seen mixed reaction from Halo fans due to a short campaign and an "invite only" multiplayer gametype. The game, despite short, has a great atmosphere and music. This isn't an action first person shooter, this is more of a mystery / crime thriller game where you investigate what happened to your teammates through objects found on the city. Firefight is a great addition to the Halo series and it's addictive, sadly there are only a few maps and there are like only 2 or 3 that are enjoyable and really fun. A must buy for REAL Halo fans, it's been a year anyways, it's now for $30 USD or less and contains Halo 3 multiplayer maps on a second disc. Expand
  12. Dec 11, 2010
    8
    Not as good as Halo 3 but it is and expansion after all. Campaign is still as great is ever but is now getting too short. Like the idea of new vulnerability, not being a spartan anymore, and the return of zooming magnum is nice. Firefight is kl but it is kind of laggy and there's no olnine, only friend co-op =(. The audio files r sweet tho and the campaign has a lot of hidden easter eggsNot as good as Halo 3 but it is and expansion after all. Campaign is still as great is ever but is now getting too short. Like the idea of new vulnerability, not being a spartan anymore, and the return of zooming magnum is nice. Firefight is kl but it is kind of laggy and there's no olnine, only friend co-op =(. The audio files r sweet tho and the campaign has a lot of hidden easter eggs so keep an eye out. Unfortunately gun-play doesn't feel as good as before, but too me thats actually just the smg and magnum and not any other gun really, for others its virtually unnoticeable. The new DLC and Reach beta inclusion was great but... Why am i paying for some DLC I've already bought. Negative points aside, a great game but notas good as others in the series, and I recommend you play the other Halo's first. Expand
  13. Feb 16, 2011
    10
    The graphic are Horrible ! The monster are **** ! The characters are (comment on dit un travelo ?), the story is whoring. The Game-play is moisi... ODST Is a **** game which is good and pourri.
  14. Feb 23, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is great. I felt/feel that it's not worth $60 but at the same time I had such a good experience playing it that I have a hard time gauging what it's worth. Definitely $20, $30, maybe $40. It is great because of the moodiness, and because of the frailty of the playable characters. You are not a spartan, you are a soldier, and you don't have super shields and you are not unstoppable. Choices must be made with consideration to ammo, health and environment. Battles with hunters in tight corridors vs. out in the open are awesome and difficult choices to make. Finding the snipers in the buildings is essential to cross some sections, with soldiers coming on your position from multiple directions. Survival strategies become important.

    There are multiple mission types, each carried out by other members of the ODST team focusing more (albeit not by much more) on their characters special training, well voiced by half the cast of firefly (with multiple references to the show). I would liked to have seen a longer game just to get to flesh them out more. Or, better yet a new game continuing their story. With master chief gone I was really hoping they would be the future of the game franchise.


    You can get the game dirt cheap now, and if the cost or halo-burnout kept you at bay before it's worth the $10 or twenty bucks you would pay to get it.
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  15. 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
  16. Mar 22, 2011
    8
    Halo 3 ODST is close to being the best Halo game yet, placing it second place to Halo; Reach. It has an intriguing Campaign and it brings more realism to the series. The campaign is shorter than the series's previous game. To put it in a different way I guess you can say that the campaign is quality over quantity. Halo 3 ODST also introduces a new game mode called "Firefight" which testsHalo 3 ODST is close to being the best Halo game yet, placing it second place to Halo; Reach. It has an intriguing Campaign and it brings more realism to the series. The campaign is shorter than the series's previous game. To put it in a different way I guess you can say that the campaign is quality over quantity. Halo 3 ODST also introduces a new game mode called "Firefight" which tests how long you can survive against an unlimited amount of Covenant. This new game mode is definitely very fun and is the perfect thing to play with your friends. Unfortunately, they do not introduce a new Online Multiplayer experience. Instead they give you a special Halo 3 Matchmaking disc which includes all the DLC maps. Once you complete the Campaign and play alot of "Firefight", you will find that this game might start to get boring. Expand
  17. Dec 13, 2021
    10
    Phenomenal atmosphere and storytelling. The gameplay is what is expected from a Halo 3 spin-off, but the story is what this game excels at. The characters are memorable and their chemistry is well written. Rookie's part of the campaign I find it add to the whole feeling.
  18. Aug 18, 2011
    5
    The campaign of this game was really bad, but the firefight mode in this game saves the game to be a very awful one. But, to get the maps for firefight, you need to play the campaign! I feel it's an okay game, but the campaign just lacks in story and makes no sense at all.
  19. Aug 30, 2011
    10
    I really enjoyed this halo because of the story and the soundtrack. I actually like this story better than Reach's and the characters were much more enjoyable in this. I can understand why some people thought it was too expensive for what it is, but I still picked it up quite cheap. The facial graphics of the odst's are the weakness of the graphics overall a great game.
  20. Sep 6, 2011
    9
    +6 for the best Halo campaign I've ever played.
    +5 for the Firefight being awesome.
    -1 for not having matchmaking in Firefight. -1 for not being able to unlock bigger portions of Firefight maps. Okay, I am a long time Halo fan. I've read all the books and own all the games. I understand why people would think that ODST should not have come out as a full priced game. It didn't have an
    +6 for the best Halo campaign I've ever played.
    +5 for the Firefight being awesome.
    -1 for not having matchmaking in Firefight.
    -1 for not being able to unlock bigger portions of Firefight maps.

    Okay, I am a long time Halo fan. I've read all the books and own all the games. I understand why people would think that ODST should not have come out as a full priced game. It didn't have an independent multiplayer, but is that seriously what we base game quality off of today? Some of the most amazing games I've ever played are single-player and ODST is no exception. The inclusion of Firefight easily evened out the lack of mulitplayer for me. With Reach coming out so soon after, I wouldn't have spent any time on ODSTs mulitplayer anyway.
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  21. 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
  22. Apr 11, 2013
    8
    Until this game my only experience with Halo was the original on the PC. From an outside looking in perspective, I found the game (both multiplayer and campaign) to be quite enjoyable. The graphics are quite nice and the storyline was very well done. The only complaint I had was the controls. It seemed as though the controller setup was made as unconventional as possible. Thank goodnessUntil this game my only experience with Halo was the original on the PC. From an outside looking in perspective, I found the game (both multiplayer and campaign) to be quite enjoyable. The graphics are quite nice and the storyline was very well done. The only complaint I had was the controls. It seemed as though the controller setup was made as unconventional as possible. Thank goodness for being able to change it. Expand
  23. Nov 17, 2011
    1
    I hate the fact that this game exists. You play as a weak ODST, who dies too easily making the game very difficult even on normal difficulty. The storyline does not flow smoothly and I find no likeable characters in the game. This is not how Halo is supposed to be, the only time you will have fun is in a vehicle where you can run down the covenant forces with ease. The visuals are ok, butI hate the fact that this game exists. You play as a weak ODST, who dies too easily making the game very difficult even on normal difficulty. The storyline does not flow smoothly and I find no likeable characters in the game. This is not how Halo is supposed to be, the only time you will have fun is in a vehicle where you can run down the covenant forces with ease. The visuals are ok, but good graphics does not mean a good game, they only compliment one. Expand
  24. 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
  25. Feb 16, 2012
    4
    ive been a fan of halo ever since the 2nd one came out and i have to say this is the worst halo ive ever played the story is the worst in the series you are random solders in the unsc army that get lost in there drop pods and get scattered around this city and you have to find out what happened to your squadmates and do random missions this halo has the worst plot line out of the seriesive been a fan of halo ever since the 2nd one came out and i have to say this is the worst halo ive ever played the story is the worst in the series you are random solders in the unsc army that get lost in there drop pods and get scattered around this city and you have to find out what happened to your squadmates and do random missions this halo has the worst plot line out of the series although they did bring in this mode called firefight which is amazing its like horde mode from gears of war and zombies from cod and you have fend off waves of the covenant but that is the only good thing about the game and they completely scraped competitive multiplayer if it wasnt for firefight i would give this a zero Expand
  26. 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.
  27. Aug 13, 2012
    10
    YES YES **** YES Bungie! ODST may only be an expansion to Halo 3 but it is easily the best entry in the entire series. Set during the New Mombassa mission in Halo 2 you play as Rookie, a new addition to a group of ODST's sent in to assist Chief in the defence of New Mombassa, however things go pear shaped and the Covenant cruiser hits hyperdrive in orbit. Now scattered you and your squadYES YES **** YES Bungie! ODST may only be an expansion to Halo 3 but it is easily the best entry in the entire series. Set during the New Mombassa mission in Halo 2 you play as Rookie, a new addition to a group of ODST's sent in to assist Chief in the defence of New Mombassa, however things go pear shaped and the Covenant cruiser hits hyperdrive in orbit. Now scattered you and your squad must regroup and escape the crumbling ruins of New Mombassa before the Covenant glass the place. The game plays in 2 different ways, with Rookie during the night searching for your lost squad members, gathering clues and using stealth to your advantage. Then there is the flashback sections where you play as each of the other members of your squad in a defining moment in the battle of Mombassa. It uses all the same mechanics and features from Halo 3 whilst adding a couple more but its the story and sound engineering that make Halo 3: ODST the series standout game. Expand
  28. Apr 29, 2012
    8
    Its not Bungie's best halo ever. But its a great game to have. Campaign was the best about Halo 3 ODST, at first I thought it a bit silly, but once you go past the start it gets to very good. Firefight something new and fun with a friend but it was hard to find a game. And now the second disc with the multiplayer with 3 new maps witch were okay but very useful if you never got any of theIts not Bungie's best halo ever. But its a great game to have. Campaign was the best about Halo 3 ODST, at first I thought it a bit silly, but once you go past the start it gets to very good. Firefight something new and fun with a friend but it was hard to find a game. And now the second disc with the multiplayer with 3 new maps witch were okay but very useful if you never got any of the map packs [like me] because its give you all the halo 3 maps witch was cool. Campaign 8/10 Firefight 8/10 Disc 2 8/10 Halo 3 ODST 8.0/10 Expand
  29. 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
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 94 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 94
  2. Negative: 1 out of 94
  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. Halo 3: ODST is an excellent add-on campaign for Halo 3, and one which all Halo fans should own.