User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5503 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. GlenA.
    Sep 26, 2007
    7
    The game is extremely similar to Halo 2. Graphics are tweaked but nowhere near as good as even 360 launch titles such as COD3. I had severe problems with sound, especially dialogue which I have to turn up just to hear - a little annoying. Should not disappoint those wanting more of the same from Halo 2. All others should rent first.
  2. ChaseB.
    Sep 26, 2007
    6
    Its halo 2.5, graphicaly it looks almost identical to Halo 2 and the single player is just as bad (though amazingly possibly shorter) than it was in the seccond one...deffinatly not near halo 1 levels. Bottom line is everyone who is still playing halo 2 will buy it (I did) and so what do the reviews matter. Most disappointing part is deffinatly the graphics (decent on SD TV awefull on Its halo 2.5, graphicaly it looks almost identical to Halo 2 and the single player is just as bad (though amazingly possibly shorter) than it was in the seccond one...deffinatly not near halo 1 levels. Bottom line is everyone who is still playing halo 2 will buy it (I did) and so what do the reviews matter. Most disappointing part is deffinatly the graphics (decent on SD TV awefull on HDTV), the undeveloped singleplayer and the overly balanced multiplayer (everything is so gimped you hafto look beyond shooting first and in the head to get an advantage...so its just boring even once you master it. Same game, its up to you if its worth it to buy...owning a 360 I don't regret it too much (though prolly wasn't worth 60 bucks) but definitely don't go out and buy one thinking this is going to be Halo 1 or Halo 2 again. Expand
  3. BryanS.
    Sep 25, 2007
    9
    Halo 3 is my favorite game on the XBOX 360. Better than Gears of War. Better than BioShock. The campaign is a welcome return to form, and while the story doesn't come close to capturing the spirit of the first installment, it is equally as fun and a very satisfying conclusion to the remarkable trilogy. For this genre, Halo 3 bosts the best gameplay on the market and, of course, the Halo 3 is my favorite game on the XBOX 360. Better than Gears of War. Better than BioShock. The campaign is a welcome return to form, and while the story doesn't come close to capturing the spirit of the first installment, it is equally as fun and a very satisfying conclusion to the remarkable trilogy. For this genre, Halo 3 bosts the best gameplay on the market and, of course, the multiplayer will be played for years. Literally. Expand
  4. JasonE.
    Sep 25, 2007
    8
    Graphics could be better. Single player gets a little repetitive. If you're gonna get this, get it only for the multiplayer.
  5. AndyK.
    Sep 25, 2007
    7
    There´s no doubt ... HALO 3 is to an extremely high degree OVERRATED by the most Critics, even by the two lowest with the rating of 88 ! The MP is still very good but the very short SP (8-10 hrs.) is really disappointing. My ratings SP=60 / MP=85 / Overall = 72
  6. BrettH.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    Would've given it a 9 cuz it deserves it, but since there's a fakeboy two reviews down I figured I'd try to balance things out. Great game overall, very satisfied with my purchase!
  7. GarciaJ.
    Sep 25, 2007
    4
    The online gameplay was amazing but lets get serious, the ending was horrible and disappointing I don't understand how its getting awesome ratings. The graphics were awesome at times but other than that the game did not change much. the game captivated me during the first twenty minutes but then it felt to repetitive and then it just dragged. I'm still a little upset with the The online gameplay was amazing but lets get serious, the ending was horrible and disappointing I don't understand how its getting awesome ratings. The graphics were awesome at times but other than that the game did not change much. the game captivated me during the first twenty minutes but then it felt to repetitive and then it just dragged. I'm still a little upset with the ending though. It actually ruined the game for me, Waited so long for that ending just to have it rip out my heart. Expand
  8. RobertP.
    Sep 25, 2007
    5
    Mediocre game with recycled concepts and storyline - the hype ruined this game for me long before I played it. Tried to suppress the hype machine (myself being a part of it) ..unfortunately, this is simply another Halo shooter that did not meet expectations.
  9. ChrisK.
    Sep 25, 2007
    7
    The hype hurt the game, that's where it all begins. Reviews hit left and right for games over a 9.4 when it is a truly unique and innovative creation, Halo 3 was neither of these. With some decent graphics, new weapon additions and relatively shallow story line, the game isn't living up to these reviews. Microsoft must be deep in some pockets to get the reviews this game has The hype hurt the game, that's where it all begins. Reviews hit left and right for games over a 9.4 when it is a truly unique and innovative creation, Halo 3 was neither of these. With some decent graphics, new weapon additions and relatively shallow story line, the game isn't living up to these reviews. Microsoft must be deep in some pockets to get the reviews this game has been given. Fanboys rejoice, smart gamers rent. Expand
  10. EmoryB.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    I've been following this game from the begining. this is a fantastic game. yes, its mainly focused on multiplayer because in the long term that whats going to keep their fan base up. yeah its gonna piss off the people who do it mainly for the story line but it makes it up wth its incredible multiplayer.
  11. Alex
    Sep 25, 2007
    9
    A very good game. single player kicks the crap out of Halo 2 (4 player co-op is amazing, and the Campaign scoring is very cool), and the multiplayer is astounding, especially with the new Forge and Saved Films. HOURS of stuff to play around with. the game itself does have some wierd glitches and bugs, some more annoying than others, but it should all be smoothed out once the first patch orA very good game. single player kicks the crap out of Halo 2 (4 player co-op is amazing, and the Campaign scoring is very cool), and the multiplayer is astounding, especially with the new Forge and Saved Films. HOURS of stuff to play around with. the game itself does have some wierd glitches and bugs, some more annoying than others, but it should all be smoothed out once the first patch or two hits. overall, i'm glad to have picked Halo 3 up, and i see myself playing for a very, very long time. overall, 9.0 out of 10. Expand
  12. jeffpresley
    Sep 25, 2007
    3
    WHAT A BUST! SAVE YOUR MONEY!I figured with Halo 2 being somewhat boring in single player mode and with new technology that Halo 3 would have the textiles or graphics that it would make the game seem more real but instead I feel like I'm playing my old x-box again. SAVE YOUR MONEY! Go BUY Gears of War. That's worth your while. HALO YOUR TIME IS DONE!
  13. JoeD.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    I waited in front of the store at midnight, bought the game, and love the hell out of it. Im really confused at all the people who are giving the game bad rating because it wasnt new and different. You loved halo, you loved halo 2, but wait!!! halo 3 isnt a completely different game?! WHY would you expect halo 3 to be any different from the first two? Go cry yourself to sleep with your I waited in front of the store at midnight, bought the game, and love the hell out of it. Im really confused at all the people who are giving the game bad rating because it wasnt new and different. You loved halo, you loved halo 2, but wait!!! halo 3 isnt a completely different game?! WHY would you expect halo 3 to be any different from the first two? Go cry yourself to sleep with your ps3 fanboys. The graphics were amazing(for all those who disagree, go buy an HDTV) Bungie couldnt have done a better job. Expand
  14. Thomas
    Sep 25, 2007
    5
    What a disappointment. This game was a dinosaur before it was even released. But i think the bigger disappointment is the sheer lack of credibility so many of these reviews are truly showing by giving it so many perfect scores. this game had me yawning within 10 minutes, and thinking i was still getting over Al Gore losing the election. Any reviewer out there that scored this game a What a disappointment. This game was a dinosaur before it was even released. But i think the bigger disappointment is the sheer lack of credibility so many of these reviews are truly showing by giving it so many perfect scores. this game had me yawning within 10 minutes, and thinking i was still getting over Al Gore losing the election. Any reviewer out there that scored this game a perfect 10 clearly has either fanboy blinders on, or is afraid to bash the most hyped game in history in the face of the advertisers that fund their magazines and websites. the bugginess and outdated graphics and sound effects alone should've dropped it a couple notches... way to have a spine, guys. you should be embarassed for yourselves. Expand
  15. JaycenA.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    Bungie can do no wrong! this game is just too damn awesome! Tha multiplayer is awesome & Bungie incorporated gamers mods from Halo 2 into 3, now that is too cool. Tha sad part is that the trilogy is over :( please please make Halo 4, 5 & 6!!! Halo 3 is tha Greatest Game of all time. Graphics dont quite match up to Gears of War but gameplay beats EVERYTHING!
  16. TylerG.
    Sep 25, 2007
    4
    Good way to end, but too short.
  17. JasonL.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    After last night, playing it for 5 hours non stop, I can easily see how the improvements have made this game better. This game really takes off on the 360 and you can see how Bungie's vision of Halo2 was stunted due to the smaller environments. I like to think that Halo2 was originally meant to be the final, but the 360 gave Bungie the hardware to make a better version of Halo 2. After last night, playing it for 5 hours non stop, I can easily see how the improvements have made this game better. This game really takes off on the 360 and you can see how Bungie's vision of Halo2 was stunted due to the smaller environments. I like to think that Halo2 was originally meant to be the final, but the 360 gave Bungie the hardware to make a better version of Halo 2. Thus Halo3 is born. This is no way an indication that it should be called Halo 2.5. It doesn't have the feeling of potential wasted that the Halo2 campaign gave me. Also the comment - 5 Minutes of gameplay in 24 hours makes absolutely no sense as a critical comment. It's one of those things critics like to say because it initially sounds clever. It is a stupid comment as it literally applies to most games anyway. Halo3 manages to bring grand vision and excellent game play to the console market. Like Halo 2 and Halo before it, I will be playing this game for years to come. Expand
  18. DavidC.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    Pretty much as good as it gets. Short but great campaign, fantastic multiplayer, good graphics, great sound, top notch controls and endless options.
  19. DanielMW
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    Having played it myself, Halo 3 lives up to the hype. At times easily the best-looking game on Xbox360. The story is well delivered. The environments are colossal and the busiest you'll find in an FPS. 4-player co-op, motion blur, 3D water (with physics), foliage that moves and the best HDR lighting ever. All of that stuff adds up. Then there
  20. OscarG.
    Sep 25, 2007
    6
    Well what can i said about this, i wait almost three years for this game and i figured out that nothing has change from halo 1 it´s the same gameplay, the same mechanic, boring history with better graphics but not superior, i am very disaponting about this game, GOW rules on 360 sorry halo fans.
  21. Giterdone
    Sep 25, 2007
    4
    The most overhyped let down in history. I honestly don't know where to begin. Barely next gen graphics, identical gameplay, and so on. M$ has lined the pockets of these reviewers. Either that or they hacked this site and put in all of their own reviews. At least when people's shitbox 360 RRoD during this game (which is inevitable) they won't be crying that they can'tThe most overhyped let down in history. I honestly don't know where to begin. Barely next gen graphics, identical gameplay, and so on. M$ has lined the pockets of these reviewers. Either that or they hacked this site and put in all of their own reviews. At least when people's shitbox 360 RRoD during this game (which is inevitable) they won't be crying that they can't play Halo....cause they'll realize it got old fast. Expand
  22. RayD.
    Sep 25, 2007
    7
    Well i am half way through the campaign and last night while playing i sat there and thought its good but not that good.... the multiplayer is pretty nice i like the upgrades they did on it compared to halo 2. Its close to the same game with twists that i think were needed esp for online. but good job overall microsoft.
  23. [Anonymous]
    Sep 25, 2007
    9
    Based on the games multiplayer, this game deserves a nine. I don't play it myself because its not my cup of tea, but with the most robust and feature laden online modes I can see why many people do.
  24. TylerD.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    My expectations were fairly high, but Halo 3 blew me away. Amazing multiplayer, great creative opprotunities, and a brilliant campaign mode add up to what every 360 owner should own: Halo 3.
  25. MatthewS.
    Sep 25, 2007
    9
    It's a very solid game. There aren't many things to complain about. But It doesn't deserve a perfect score. Bioshock is still the best game on the 360. Halo 3 is number 2 in my book.
  26. NickC.
    Sep 25, 2007
    7
    I'm only on the second level and I have to say I'm underwhelmed. Far from looking amazing the graphics just don't impress. The interiors are much worse than the exteriors, the low resolution textures on the doors are particularly bad. The game these areas most remind me of are Fear with added backtracking. On the bright side the AI is still cool - I love it when grunts get I'm only on the second level and I have to say I'm underwhelmed. Far from looking amazing the graphics just don't impress. The interiors are much worse than the exteriors, the low resolution textures on the doors are particularly bad. The game these areas most remind me of are Fear with added backtracking. On the bright side the AI is still cool - I love it when grunts get scared and retreat. The Brute Alien weapons are things similar to nail guns and grenade launchers and are much more satisfying to use than the old Alien weapons (still in the game) which shot glowing stuff (not lasers, light travels at the speed of, well light and you would only see it reflecting off what ever you are shooting.). I've had a quick look at Forge basically you can mess around with game parameters and add objects to the level BFD. I buy a lot of games, and maybe finish half of them, all the extras packed in to this game don't really matter to me, I'm much more interested in the core game. The core game here is solid but and in the upper quartile of games on the system, but not worthy of being a flagship title. Expand
  27. EliezerG.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    Awesome. There are video games, and then there's Halo. For millions of people around the world, the science fiction FPS is the reason they play games. It's the reason they bought an Xbox. It's the reason they signed up to Xbox Live. Master Chief is their hero, a modern day icon for a modern day generation.
  28. StephenS.
    Sep 25, 2007
    9
    The best multi-player ever mated to a solid single player. Forge is a simple but power addition to multi-player action.
  29. RanderN.
    Sep 25, 2007
    7
    Halo 3 is a very good game that totally fails to live up to the massive hype and marketing drive that preceded it. It has a short single player campaign, the same old floaty low gravity feeling the previous versions had (even while on earth) that just can't stand next to today's moder physics models in gaming, and somewhat repetitive gameplay that will have you shooting endless Halo 3 is a very good game that totally fails to live up to the massive hype and marketing drive that preceded it. It has a short single player campaign, the same old floaty low gravity feeling the previous versions had (even while on earth) that just can't stand next to today's moder physics models in gaming, and somewhat repetitive gameplay that will have you shooting endless waves of mostly the same 2 types of enemies and running back and forward inside the same level, reminiscent of the key hunting of the FPS titles of old (as in Wolfestein old). A good game, not a great one. Expand
  30. BuddhikaM.
    Sep 25, 2007
    1
    Too focused on multiplayer.. Graphics look like Halo 2.5.. sound problems.. NPC's gets stuck and AI bugs.. Boring singleplayer, cannot compare to Halo 2. Biggest disappointment of my life..Getting rid of my 360 now.
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 86 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 85 out of 86
  2. Negative: 0 out of 86
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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[?].