Halo 3

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5503 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4,271 out of 5503
  2. Mixed: 542 out of 5503
  3. Negative: 690 out of 5503
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Dave
    Sep 26, 2007
    6
    BIG disappointment from a HUGE Halo fan. I must admit that this seems like it should be called, "Halo 2: Episode 1." It just feels like a small advancement from Halo 2 in every single term. I do enjoy the multiplayer and that's why I give it a 6. Single player is extremely boring and repetitive.
  2. DavidO.
    Sep 27, 2007
    6
    Fun, but way over rated and unoriginal. Too much hype, not enough new things. Lame single player.
  3. JohnS
    Dec 31, 2008
    6
    Generic is the best word to describe this series. Halo 1 took all the best parts from other games, and put it all into one game. Shoot all the bad guys, run over here, shoot all these guys, ok now run over here, kill these guys. It was FUN, and the story was actually engaging, involving twists, dramatic moments and a common hated enemy that you actually enjoyed killing. But then the Generic is the best word to describe this series. Halo 1 took all the best parts from other games, and put it all into one game. Shoot all the bad guys, run over here, shoot all these guys, ok now run over here, kill these guys. It was FUN, and the story was actually engaging, involving twists, dramatic moments and a common hated enemy that you actually enjoyed killing. But then the sequels came, and the series started to lag. Its like Bungie didnt even try to top themselves. the sequels do nothing new or exciting, and do nothing to enhance the series. Overrated is also another word to describe Halo 3. The critics absolutely praise this game like theyve never seen it done before. I played this game 10 years ago when it was called Doom, Half-Life, Tribes, Medal of Honor, Wolfenstein, and every other fps created before this game. This game is overrated, overyhyped, and has been done many times before, and better.… Expand
  4. AnonymousConnor
    May 22, 2008
    6
    OK-ish. Didn't live up to the hype, but still pretty solid.
  5. DominicM.
    Jun 22, 2008
    6
    Average. It was my biggest disappointment. The single player gets boring and no where near as epic as Bungie made it out to be. The multiplayer takes a step down from Halo 2, getting rid of many of the open maps and replacing them with cramped corridors. The massive hype this game receives is amazing. The game just feels outdated compared to better shooters like Gears of war or Average. It was my biggest disappointment. The single player gets boring and no where near as epic as Bungie made it out to be. The multiplayer takes a step down from Halo 2, getting rid of many of the open maps and replacing them with cramped corridors. The massive hype this game receives is amazing. The game just feels outdated compared to better shooters like Gears of war or Resistance:Fall of man. The stupid cliffhanger ending doesn't help either.… Expand
  6. BasicFanboy
    Jul 11, 2008
    6
    I are loving Halo 3. mE is have S0 mach fun. Great fun is this. W007 W007 W007. ZOMGLOLOL. Seriously though folks, Halo 3 was average at best. I just get sick of stupid fanboys saying all games are awful compared to Halo. All FPS games perhaps, but halo does not cover all genres. Go die in a fire. That is all.
  7. ChristianH.
    Jul 31, 2008
    6
    moderate. I find it remarkably similar to halo 2. New features like forge and theater are ok, but boring single player, and repetitive multiplayer is annoying. Graphics are bland and were not anything impressive. Halo lost the respect it's been known for, killer graphics. A rent? yes. It's halo for god's sake. Halo 2 is good and if this is similar to halo 2 then you minus moderate. I find it remarkably similar to halo 2. New features like forge and theater are ok, but boring single player, and repetitive multiplayer is annoying. Graphics are bland and were not anything impressive. Halo lost the respect it's been known for, killer graphics. A rent? yes. It's halo for god's sake. Halo 2 is good and if this is similar to halo 2 then you minus well get it. Or if your trying to do machinima. Otherwise I'd just go to your friends house and play it.… Expand
  8. KennyC
    Nov 15, 2009
    6
    Halo 3 sits in the middle. If you want good sniping and realistic fire fights play any call of duty. if you want quick fast paced action. Buy a cheap pc and get quake 3 or ut 2004. Now that is just the multiplayer. the single player pityful compared to the first halo and not much better than halo 2. dont get me wrong i will still play it if im bored but that is all.
  9. AaronM
    Nov 7, 2009
    6
    this game is overly praised it is not a very good title. The campain is only good the first time you play it then you never look at it again. You will find yourself spending more time playing custom games with friends more than anything. On the bright side of things the online in this game is great the xp system works awesome but with double xp weekend you will find yourself playing this game is overly praised it is not a very good title. The campain is only good the first time you play it then you never look at it again. You will find yourself spending more time playing custom games with friends more than anything. On the bright side of things the online in this game is great the xp system works awesome but with double xp weekend you will find yourself playing custom games to level up. This game might as well be a party game if it wasn't for the other review companys giving it such a high score the game is not a A game it is just antisipated by the magazines and web sites and then brain washes gamers into believing its the best game ever.… Expand
  10. AnonymousMC
    Feb 16, 2009
    6
    An okay game. Just okay. The campaign is fun for a few times through, the multiplayer is also pretty fun in small doses, but gets boring after a while too. My biggest disappointment was the story; having been a Halo fan for several years, and after reading all the books, i was anticipating an epic finish to my favorite sci fi series of all time(and that includes movies and shows too, notAn okay game. Just okay. The campaign is fun for a few times through, the multiplayer is also pretty fun in small doses, but gets boring after a while too. My biggest disappointment was the story; having been a Halo fan for several years, and after reading all the books, i was anticipating an epic finish to my favorite sci fi series of all time(and that includes movies and shows too, not just games) Instead i got a confusing, irrational mess of convulated bull shit. Master Chief activiting the ring? I just dont like it.… Expand
  11. joshq
    Mar 15, 2009
    6
    Not even the fanbois can overpower the user rating on this game. I'd really like some of them to tell me what they like about it rather than just bullsh*t us about how great it is. At the time the first halo came out it was a really good fps, but the sequels are the same thing.. and this one is just very poor compared to other fps' at the time. It operates off the same unreal Not even the fanbois can overpower the user rating on this game. I'd really like some of them to tell me what they like about it rather than just bullsh*t us about how great it is. At the time the first halo came out it was a really good fps, but the sequels are the same thing.. and this one is just very poor compared to other fps' at the time. It operates off the same unreal tournament style shooting and movement mechanics that everyone hates because there's absolutely no dynamics to weapons like recoil and shooting things gives a terribly unsatisfying effect. In MP its Better Gun > Whoever sees who first > knowledge of map > and finally skill, very non-skill based game.… Expand
  12. elzilcho
    Nov 18, 2007
    6
    Halo is a multiplayer game. The first two were and the third exceeds all expectations...for multiplayer. I never exactly understood the first two games and was hoping that the third would tie the loose ends. It basically creates questions that will never be answered. The story was advertised to be great, but I was lost the entire second half of the game. Not to mention finding that it has Halo is a multiplayer game. The first two were and the third exceeds all expectations...for multiplayer. I never exactly understood the first two games and was hoping that the third would tie the loose ends. It basically creates questions that will never be answered. The story was advertised to be great, but I was lost the entire second half of the game. Not to mention finding that it has to be beaten on Legendary to see the real ending...hello YouTube. Halo, don't hate it, but don't play the campaign.… Expand
  13. ScottL.
    Dec 12, 2007
    6
    I rated this game a 6 because after waiting months for it to come out I bought it and found it to be the same exact game as Halo & Halo II, not that it is bad but just not much different than playing either of my other Halo Games I already own. I would not spend the money if you already have Halo or Halo II unless you are just a fanatic that must have every Halo game. The graphics are I rated this game a 6 because after waiting months for it to come out I bought it and found it to be the same exact game as Halo & Halo II, not that it is bad but just not much different than playing either of my other Halo Games I already own. I would not spend the money if you already have Halo or Halo II unless you are just a fanatic that must have every Halo game. The graphics are better and look very good in some areas but the sounds, the creatures and most everything else feels and plays like a clone with hardly anything that is significantly different from previous Halo's. The biggest build up of the year for any game turns out to be the biggest let down in my opinion. Some games that were innovative, fresh when new become old, less involved and very repetitive over time (don't get me started on Zelda). A very overrated game by almost all of the game magazines.… Expand
  14. ochentay4ochentay4
    Nov 25, 2008
    6
    I've played every FPS till this day on PC and there are a lot to recommend. I bought a Xbox360 only to play Halo Trilogy to really experience this game... only to found out that this is an overhyped game that offers no memorable story nor gameplay (I only played single player campaign). The only thing that I cannot understand is that many reviews conclude with many negative comments I've played every FPS till this day on PC and there are a lot to recommend. I bought a Xbox360 only to play Halo Trilogy to really experience this game... only to found out that this is an overhyped game that offers no memorable story nor gameplay (I only played single player campaign). The only thing that I cannot understand is that many reviews conclude with many negative comments yet they give 8 or more. This trilogy sucks at best. Please go play "The Orange Box" you wont regret it. There are a lot of FPS games that are really good. Go play something else, dont bother with ANY Halo.… Expand
  15. dupplawt
    Apr 20, 2011
    6
    Halo 3 is a fun game, loaded with content and full of replay value. The campaign is most fun to play co-op, and makes completing Legendary much easier given someone stays back and provides a constant respawn relief. The story rounds of the trilogy nicely and there's a couple of twists, but overall Halo 3 isn't about the story, it's about the action and this is where it remains one of theHalo 3 is a fun game, loaded with content and full of replay value. The campaign is most fun to play co-op, and makes completing Legendary much easier given someone stays back and provides a constant respawn relief. The story rounds of the trilogy nicely and there's a couple of twists, but overall Halo 3 isn't about the story, it's about the action and this is where it remains one of the best ever released on Xbox 360. The multi-player element is fantastic, with balanced weapons and good maps and modes. There is little more amusing than both yourself and an enemy beating each other down after a lengthy battle. Forge mode is good, although I'm not a particularly creative person, there are some super maps to get from those who are.… Expand
  16. ImmaGamer
    Mar 25, 2011
    6
    This game is among the most over-rated games, I've EVER played. Its purely nothing. You WALK around shooting plain aliens, with noticabely terrible cross-hairs. Ya sure vehicles, are cool and the graphics are O.K. but it's just not fun.
  17. davenbettridge
    Aug 1, 2011
    6
    Halo does have its production values but the immature brats that play it on Xbox live represent who this game is made for, and the over-rated near perfect reviews the Halo series has received represent the immaturity of game critics. Halo's multiplayer is its strongest side, there are 'some' good features but I cant help but say its been done better elsewhere. Unfortunately the singleHalo does have its production values but the immature brats that play it on Xbox live represent who this game is made for, and the over-rated near perfect reviews the Halo series has received represent the immaturity of game critics. Halo's multiplayer is its strongest side, there are 'some' good features but I cant help but say its been done better elsewhere. Unfortunately the single player side of the game fails and is only popular due to clever marketing to uncritical immature drone players who easily fall for the sensation of violence, guns, and 'badassness'. The single player campaign asides from a few moments of fun gameplay is totally bogged down with a standard sci-fi cliche dribble story having little originality. Halo 3 is not a bad game, its only ok, and does not deserve the over hyped praised it has received over the years.â… Expand
  18. Ordish
    Sep 12, 2013
    6
    Halo 3 was a decent game but there were some issues that kept me from being fully immersed in the game. The most important was the lack of customizable button layout. Having controls that are different from other popular games only makes sense if it adds to the user experience. In the case of Halo 3 going against long established norms, it did not make sense. If you are going to haveHalo 3 was a decent game but there were some issues that kept me from being fully immersed in the game. The most important was the lack of customizable button layout. Having controls that are different from other popular games only makes sense if it adds to the user experience. In the case of Halo 3 going against long established norms, it did not make sense. If you are going to have controls that are particular to your game, at least have the decency to offer a custom option for those who do not see the brilliance in our scheme. If the controls hadn't been an issue, this game would rate higher.… Expand
  19. biscuitboy46
    Nov 30, 2011
    6
    After killing about 13,000 Spartans in mulitplayer, I can confidently say that this is one the most addicting games ever. So much better than COD. Bungie did a really geat job on the campaign missions as well.
  20. spadenx
    Dec 16, 2011
    6
    Campaign is boring and the story is pathetic, Its just a poor mix between the first 2 Halo games. Multiplayer is ok and features a few new additions and its still insanely addictive but its not as improved as I hoped for. The covenant got a make over for the game and it took a turn for the worst, They look even worst then what they were before (which wasnt all that bad).

    I agree that    Campaign is boring and the story is pathetic, Its just a poor mix between the first 2 Halo games. Multiplayer is ok and features a few new additions and its still insanely addictive but its not as improved as I hoped for. The covenant got a make over for the game and it took a turn for the worst, They look even worst then what they were before (which wasnt all that bad).

    I agree that its far too overhyped and is a disapointment because of it.    … Expand
  21. Hyperbole
    Jan 17, 2012
    6
    If you've played Halo 1 and 2 then you seen it before. Halo 3 is fun, but not epic and imaginative like it's ad campgain. The end of the war with the Covenant should not be a hand full of Brutes. The ending is so vague that I really did not know what had actually happened. The Covenant were one of the most original characters in video game history, they diserved more than this, and soIf you've played Halo 1 and 2 then you seen it before. Halo 3 is fun, but not epic and imaginative like it's ad campgain. The end of the war with the Covenant should not be a hand full of Brutes. The ending is so vague that I really did not know what had actually happened. The Covenant were one of the most original characters in video game history, they diserved more than this, and so did you. Compared to the wonderful story this game falls on it's knees. It's action funnest with a series of confusing objectives tacked on.… Expand
  22. Mattyice
    May 20, 2012
    6
    Good graphics. Even today, but even before the server was shut down, there were still occasional lags and screwups. Too mediocre to still play, even a year ago when i bought the game.
  23. Redninja302
    May 26, 2012
    6
    It's a very overrated game and it shouldn't be as hyped as it should be. To me this is your average Fps game that lacks in certain ways. Don't get me wrong this game is beautiful but it isn't cut out to be an actual "Halo" game when compared to the first two games. This game only has 9 levels of campaign and one of the levels is just downright horrible. This goes to show how much effortIt's a very overrated game and it shouldn't be as hyped as it should be. To me this is your average Fps game that lacks in certain ways. Don't get me wrong this game is beautiful but it isn't cut out to be an actual "Halo" game when compared to the first two games. This game only has 9 levels of campaign and one of the levels is just downright horrible. This goes to show how much effort Bungie put into this game. The game design is bad because of this.The storyline seems to be a bit duller from the other games. It seems like it's always revolved around saving the world, which is okay but gets pretty bland after awhile. Other then that the online multiplayer experience is very well done. Which is why i give it a 6. It Lacks in campaign, storyline, and character development but it makes up for it in multiplayer.… Expand
  24. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    6
    game is okay, not as good as the previous two games.
  25. andrebitencourt
    Nov 12, 2012
    6
    Joguei Halo 3 com uma enorme expectativa. O jogo em si é bom. A história é interessante e tudo mais. Mas devo comentar sobre dois pontos de que não me agradaram: a jogabilidade e os locais no qual ocorrem a história. Sobre a jogabilidade, realmente percebi que não consigo jogar FPS sem ter aquela mira secundária, que aproxima. Parece um jogoJoguei Halo 3 com uma enorme expectativa. O jogo em si é bom. A história é interessante e tudo mais. Mas devo comentar sobre dois pontos de que não me agradaram: a jogabilidade e os locais no qual ocorrem a história. Sobre a jogabilidade, realmente percebi que não consigo jogar FPS sem ter aquela mira secundária, que aproxima. Parece um jogo de geração passada graças a simplicidade que é uma troca de tiros, além de não possuir cover. Cairia bem como um jogo TPS, não FPS. E sobre a localidade, em muitos pontos da história eu fiquei sem saber pra onde ir. Na parte em que estamos dentro daquele "monstro" mesmo, eu rondava o mesmo lugar diversas vezes sem intenção até achar o ponto certo. Mas como uma crítica não pode ficar restrita aos lados ruins de um jogo, vamos aos lados bons. Primeiramente, o gráfico. Para sua época, o gráfico do Halo 3 realmente é bonito e não é tão sujo. Outro lado bom é o multiplayer online. Muito divertido. Não joguei muito esse modo, mas pelo que eu joguei já pude ter uma noção da qualidade, que é grande. Enfim, Halo 3 é um jogo que por completo não me agradou. Mas sei que muitas pessoas o considera um dos melhores jogos de todos os tempos, e eu respeito isso.… Expand
  26. Huckleberry2013
    Aug 31, 2013
    6
    Single player, Solid game play. Multiplayer, leave it to the "click and twitch" crowd of adolescent 13-18 year old Red Bull laced kids. At this point, if you haven't played the other 2, don't start. The story isn't that compelling that you'll remember any major plot point.
  27. Woodsmack
    Jun 30, 2016
    6
    I have never understood the fascination with this game. Its graphics were above average for its time, yet they have not aged well at all. The sound design on the whole is fairly solid, however, many of the weapon sounds (especially the assault rifle) are downright laughable. Meanwhile, the soundTRACK is very well done, and it is worth owning if you're a fan of contemporary or Halo musicI have never understood the fascination with this game. Its graphics were above average for its time, yet they have not aged well at all. The sound design on the whole is fairly solid, however, many of the weapon sounds (especially the assault rifle) are downright laughable. Meanwhile, the soundTRACK is very well done, and it is worth owning if you're a fan of contemporary or Halo music in general. The controls feel clanky and awkward (even more so now), and I have never enjoyed being taken out of scope view or crouch when I'm under fire. Moving through the jungle and exploiting its features in the first mission is a real joy, and the final mission is absolutely epic, yet the stuff in between leaves much to be desired. The story and cut-scenes are well done, and they set a nice backdrop for saving humanity and the galaxy yet again; definitely a highlight of the game. The Multiplayer element of this game is very well done, and overall it's arguably the best multiplayer structure for any of the Halo games. Nonetheless, I can only do so much running around and shooting of human opponents, before the multiplayer begins to feel a lot less fun, and a lot more like work. As I am not being paid to play the game, reaching level 50 and becoming a 'world beater', is a relatively empty experience and offers next to no real-life value whatsoever. My advice to fans of this genre is to seek out Halo Reach and Halo 4, as those games are far superior in almost every way. All-in-All, Halo 3 is a decent game. However, in this reviewer's opinion, it was and still is extremely overrated, and it is certainly not an essential game for XBOX 360 owners.… Expand
  28. Skurttish
    Jan 5, 2021
    6
    It’s a game that could have been better than it was, with few surprises. Ultimately, this game felt like just ‘wrapping up the series’ than really delivering a surprising, exciting experience.

    First off, you can’t understand all of the plot without reading a book, which is not how games should be made. If you can’t understand everything that’s in a game during the game’s run time, that    It’s a game that could have been better than it was, with few surprises. Ultimately, this game felt like just ‘wrapping up the series’ than really delivering a surprising, exciting experience.

    First off, you can’t understand all of the plot without reading a book, which is not how games should be made. If you can’t understand everything that’s in a game during the game’s run time, that part should be cut or included in another way. There were too many questions I had about the story of this game for this to go unmentioned.

    Second, there were big spikes in difficulty that were surprising. You’d wander through an area full of big, tough enemies and get to the next and it’s, like, three grunts. Odd. Not game-breaking, and still an interesting game (and series) to experience, but odd.

    Finally, even after multiple Halos, I’m still getting lost in the levels. A consistent objective marker is such a key quality of life feature, but this game only turns on the marker for the more difficult locations. That’s great, but I’m such a moron that I needed it more often, ha.

    The ending was something you could have seen coming a while ago (or, at least, I did), although I think maybe I’ve played too many action games lately, if I’m starting to get a sense for the plots. Time to switch genres.    … Expand
  29. Gorillablackkillatail
    Jun 9, 2008
    5
    Halo 2 was a great game!! I enjoyed it very much, thanks to bungie. Now that have played halo 3 i realized that the makes of all the halos, halo, halo2, and now.... halo 3. I am quite shocked that the makers of all the halos decided to make a game for online. the maps are clearly over sized and are very good online. besides the maps, i thought that halo 3 would of had more than 2 people Halo 2 was a great game!! I enjoyed it very much, thanks to bungie. Now that have played halo 3 i realized that the makes of all the halos, halo, halo2, and now.... halo 3. I am quite shocked that the makers of all the halos decided to make a game for online. the maps are clearly over sized and are very good online. besides the maps, i thought that halo 3 would of had more than 2 people for campaign. Instead, i found out that only online you are able to play halo 3 campaign with more than 2 people.… Expand
  30. JonMatrix
    Sep 24, 2007
    5
    I was really looking forward to a game that would break the norm. But all it is really is a Halo 2.5. It looks very similar to Halo 2 and plays very similar to it as well. The polygons are present on he heads of every model of the game, and it really shows a lack of polish.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2007
1
#1 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2007
2
#2 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 86 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 85 out of 86
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 86
  3. Negative: 0 out of 86
  1. GameSpot
    95
    It's the addition of the Forge level editor and the saved films that give the game an even longer set of legs, legs that will probably keep you running at full speed until Bungie figures out where, exactly, to go from here.
    Read full review
  2. TeamXbox
    97
    Halo 3 is the best Xbox 360 game to date. The single-player campaign and storyline are both very strong, but it's Forge and the Saved Films features that will likely go down in history as Bungie's crowning achievements. They've basically taken everything great about the series and improved upon it in every way, then added some amazing new features that we'll be using for years to come.
    Read full review
  3. GamePro
    100
    It's solid gameplay, immense replayability, online functionality and incredible production values will ensure its place in video game history, and it is, without a doubt, a satisfying and fulfilling close to the beloved trilogy[?].
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »