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. AGuy
    Apr 10, 2008
    9
    while not as historically important as halo combat evolved the fact remains that halo 3 is one of the best fps games of all time. the single player is admitatly short its the best of the series so far. and the multiplayer is the best on 360. halo 3 can stand side by side with the best fps of this and any generation long live halo 3
  2. AddisonG.
    May 24, 2008
    9
    Halo 3's didn't end the story line in a very satisfing way but the multiplayer, forge, and above all the theater option is amazing. They deserve props for that.
  3. TomA.
    Jul 1, 2008
    9
    It is obvious when reading through some of the user comments that many reviews have been submitted by people who have an irrational hatred of halo 3, 'because its popular' syndrome. However personally i feel this game is great, I enjoyed the single player thoroughly, until it ended, and granted, it did so quite quickly, not clocking in much more than 7 hours for me on heroic It is obvious when reading through some of the user comments that many reviews have been submitted by people who have an irrational hatred of halo 3, 'because its popular' syndrome. However personally i feel this game is great, I enjoyed the single player thoroughly, until it ended, and granted, it did so quite quickly, not clocking in much more than 7 hours for me on heroic difficulty. Co op online is great going throught the missionsn with up to 3 other players online, not to mention some of the achievements available on the campaign mode, adding for more replay value. Multiplayer is where halo 3 shines, and quite frankly anyone who feels that the game doesnt have a great online system is an idiot, I could go all 'Pro' and moan about battle rifle changes, but tbh no one excpet the competetive folks rly care about that. But the whole experience of online play is sesnsational, the matchmaking system works well normally finding games quickly, depending on amount of playres in the playlist and skill levels available. Antway I digress, Halo 3 = Great game, minor faults, Alot of people here are just giving it low to make it look bad, it is a 7 at worst, bt tbh i cnt see how it isnt at least an 8, i'll give it 9 coz of theatre and forge modes tho , anyone giving it lower than about a 7 has some sort of bias up their sleeve, maybe bungie called them names...who knows.… Expand
  4. MattyF.
    Sep 20, 2008
    9
    Everyone giving it a 10 is blind, but everyone giving it below a 7 is just as ignorant. Online is great fun when it isn't laggy, Americans can play perfect games 9/10 times, while the rest of the world is left out. Gameplay is solid, Graphics are solid, and it is balanced as all hell. Everyone having a go at the MP obviously does not know how to play the game properly. Anybody can Everyone giving it a 10 is blind, but everyone giving it below a 7 is just as ignorant. Online is great fun when it isn't laggy, Americans can play perfect games 9/10 times, while the rest of the world is left out. Gameplay is solid, Graphics are solid, and it is balanced as all hell. Everyone having a go at the MP obviously does not know how to play the game properly. Anybody can play any game shit and not enjoy it, but once you get half decent, you understand everything and enjoy it. BTW Chris, don't steal Yahtzee's lines. This game is made to be played with mates, Coop and Online. Play with mates and don't care if you win or lose, and you will enjoy it. I've played this campaign around 5 times, certain levels up in to the high teens, and i still love it, why? because it's a social experience. So stop bitcihng.… Expand
  5. NikE
    Jan 24, 2010
    9
    Okay to all of those who are giving this game a scor of 0, fans of this game are not all a bunch of "retards without any brains" as one of you so eloquently stated. This game had a relatively well done campaign with enough action to keep an avid fps fan busy for hours. Remember the emphasis of this triology is NOT the storyline, if you want a storyline in an fps, go play one of the Okay to all of those who are giving this game a scor of 0, fans of this game are not all a bunch of "retards without any brains" as one of you so eloquently stated. This game had a relatively well done campaign with enough action to keep an avid fps fan busy for hours. Remember the emphasis of this triology is NOT the storyline, if you want a storyline in an fps, go play one of the rpg-fps hybrids like Bioshock or Mass Effect. The best thing about halo 3 and the entire halo trilogy is the multiplayer. The matchmaking system is definitively the BEST setup for any console ever made. The ranking system allows you to play competitively with people at your own progressing skill level, and joining games is always relatively quick and efficient. The mechanics of the multiplayer is also well done, all of the weapons are fairly well balanced, and excel in different unique situations. As a level 50 in 3 different playlists, im PRETTY SURE I KNOW WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT( and yes it IS possible to do well without hacking, you just need some aim and some teamwork). The reduction in health from the previous two games allows for a heavier emphasis on teamwork and communication ( its is hard for 1 player to take down 3 others at the same time). My only complaint about this game is that whenever new maps are released, you need to purchase them online to be able to continue to play of all the playlists available on XBL, giving the game a certain "WoW-scam" feel.… Expand
  6. DominikE.
    Sep 3, 2006
    9
    It's the best game, I've ever played!
  7. JosephL.
    Nov 13, 2007
    9
    Great game, possibly the best in the Halo series, but it's multiplayer is still too catered to the casual player.
  8. ApocalypseBrown
    Nov 16, 2007
    9
    For those who slander Halo 3, and say Call of Duty 4 is a more mature and better game? That is complete rubbish! Apart from the single player of COD4, Halo pisses all over it with polished gameplay, the best mulitplayer on any shooter, and map maker capabilities. Ok the single player here is marginally better than Halo 2, much isn't really saying much. But there is less repetition For those who slander Halo 3, and say Call of Duty 4 is a more mature and better game? That is complete rubbish! Apart from the single player of COD4, Halo pisses all over it with polished gameplay, the best mulitplayer on any shooter, and map maker capabilities. Ok the single player here is marginally better than Halo 2, much isn't really saying much. But there is less repetition and a much better arsenal of weapons, there is lots of fun to be had here. But where it excels to God-Father status is the multi player. The best ever! There is too much to write about, so go forth and play it! Forge is a nice novelty, and those patient enough to make good maps are well worth playing on. Overall I understand why some are upset about Halo, but this is second best shooter out there EVER! COD4 is a decent, but wooden ride with racist propaganda steeped all over it. Multi player score - 10. Forge - 9. Single player - 7. Overall 9!… Expand
  9. AnonymousMC
    Oct 1, 2007
    9
    Big fan of the series. I liked the campaign, don't really know why people are so upset about that. The gameplay itself is next to perfect but some decisions made by Bungie concerning the multiplayer just keeps amazing me. TEAM SLAYER with shotty snipers?!?!? that's a joke, why snipers have to ruin such a good playlist? But moreover, where's the hardcore playlist???!?!?!?!Big fan of the series. I liked the campaign, don't really know why people are so upset about that. The gameplay itself is next to perfect but some decisions made by Bungie concerning the multiplayer just keeps amazing me. TEAM SLAYER with shotty snipers?!?!? that's a joke, why snipers have to ruin such a good playlist? But moreover, where's the hardcore playlist???!?!?!?! everyone loves oddbalsl and king of the hills, now they are nowhere to be found. One other thing: MP maps. Huge setback, spoiled by too big areas. And that snowy map; why on earth there are those shield-doors??? makes gaming ridiculous. I just wait for update to make things right again. Bungie wake up! loose the snipers, add k.o.t.h.'s. You guys don't want to please majority, you have to please everyone!… Expand
  10. AntonioM.
    Nov 28, 2007
    9
    Great. You will replay the campaign a lot of times with your friends (LIVE or Split Screen), and after playing it a lot of times you will still think it's great! Multiplayer is awesome: lots of game modes and great gameplay. BUY IT!
  11. KarlG.
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    There is no way that Halo 3 could live up to the hype that it picked up in development. That said, it is still a very solid, decent game. The campaign was somewhat short but it definitely gave your the impression that you "finished the fight". In regards to the multiplayer aspect, just like Halo 1 & 2, people will be playing it for years to come.
  12. LukeH.
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    I would first like to note that 2 sentences is not a legitimate review. For people who like to bring down a games score with..."garbage" or "Yawn. Played it already--it was called Halo 2."...I seriously think that you shouldnt quit your day-job of mooching off of mother in order to become a distinguished writer of the 21st century. Now, onto the review. This game is essential to anyone I would first like to note that 2 sentences is not a legitimate review. For people who like to bring down a games score with..."garbage" or "Yawn. Played it already--it was called Halo 2."...I seriously think that you shouldnt quit your day-job of mooching off of mother in order to become a distinguished writer of the 21st century. Now, onto the review. This game is essential to anyone who owns an xbox 360. Hands down has set the bar for what a 360 game should be. Being a fan of the games since it was orginally released as Marathon for PC--Bungie has carried there FSP shooter series into the Next Generation. The engrossing campaign--with added hours of skull-hunting--and varying levels of difficulty make it worthy of purchase in itself...but then you have the LARGEST onlien community available for any next-gen console out there. This aspect just turns an already GOLD game--right into platinum. Endless hours of pwning people names Rolf S, (and getting an uber-amount of achievements for doing so) or other Noobs just makes for a truly epic experience. Where it lacks is the campaign is short. Only about a max of 10 hours on Heroic difficulty. But, the hours after you beat the campaign...especially if you have access to the internet...and even if you dont...are truly endless. That is, if you aren't a noob who gets pwned on a game-to-game basis.… Expand
  13. StevieW.
    Nov 7, 2007
    9
    Everything in this game is top notch. Except for maybe the facial expressions in some of the cinematics. Other than that Bungie did an awesome job!! This is my most favorite video game that i have played so far and will stay that way for a long time.
  14. MichaelB.
    Oct 17, 2007
    9
    Best shooter ever? Probably not. However, it is the best I've played thus far on the Xbox or Xbox 360. BioShock and Gears of War both come VERY close, but I still had a lot more fun with Halo 3. The visuals are vastly improved from the previous games (which is to be expected on a newer console)... the lighting effects are stunning. The voice acting and musical score are top-notch. Best shooter ever? Probably not. However, it is the best I've played thus far on the Xbox or Xbox 360. BioShock and Gears of War both come VERY close, but I still had a lot more fun with Halo 3. The visuals are vastly improved from the previous games (which is to be expected on a newer console)... the lighting effects are stunning. The voice acting and musical score are top-notch. And the gameplay is what every Halo fan has grown to love. There are, however, a few flaws. The campaign is too short (which was my biggest gripe about Halo 2 as well). However, it wraps up the story arc and its a good warm-up for the awesome multiplayer. Some of the weapons tweaks are particularly annoying. The pistol's refresh rate is much too slow, and (my BIGGEST complaint) the needler is no longer a dual-wieldable weapon (AHHH!!), making these weapons almost unusable. The controls for the Scorpion tank also seems to be a bit less refined than in Halo 2. All in all, I can assure just about any fan of FPS games that they will get enjoyment out of this game, particularly the multiplayer. I don't think that there was any way this game could live up to the hype surrounding it, which is sort of sad, but it still stands above most of the rest on a console that is saturated with first person shooters.… Expand
  15. CarterD.
    Dec 2, 2007
    9
    For being the most hyped up game ever, Halo 3 didn't deliver as much as everybody hoped. It has a few new weapons and vehicales, but they aren't that great. Also, I felt the story was going to be better than the first two, but except for a few moments it was quite dull. The reason this game is the best is not because of the single player. It is because of the best multiplayer For being the most hyped up game ever, Halo 3 didn't deliver as much as everybody hoped. It has a few new weapons and vehicales, but they aren't that great. Also, I felt the story was going to be better than the first two, but except for a few moments it was quite dull. The reason this game is the best is not because of the single player. It is because of the best multiplayer out there. You can play online forever. People can complain about this game all they want, but you can't say there is a better multiplayer than in Halo 3.… Expand
  16. StephenF.
    Oct 23, 2007
    9
    Halo is great, and I love it. It had the potential to be a great literary work and I feel it did not take full advantage of that.
  17. JamesB.
    Sep 25, 2007
    9
    I got this game last night, and played it until class today at 1:00. The campaign is excellent, leaps and bounds ahead of H1 or H2. The new weapons are a great addition, and the assault rifle isn't worthless anymore. The hammer might just be my favorite weapon of any game I've ever played.
  18. [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.
  19. Barry
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    Graphics - 8 Gameplay - 10 Value - 9 Overall - 9 It's a great game, no doubt about that. The in game graphics look really awesome and colourful, but the fmv leads alot to be desired. The jumping system is alot of fun, and it is nice to be able to jump in a game and pull off accurate shots while airbourne. I just have this little thing at the back of my head saying that something is Graphics - 8 Gameplay - 10 Value - 9 Overall - 9 It's a great game, no doubt about that. The in game graphics look really awesome and colourful, but the fmv leads alot to be desired. The jumping system is alot of fun, and it is nice to be able to jump in a game and pull off accurate shots while airbourne. I just have this little thing at the back of my head saying that something is missing from this game..and that seems to be the end result in great expectations. Ok, so i have only played the first one and never Halo 2 before, so i may not understand the story very well but so far after reaching the third level, single player seems to be a bit flat. But there's more where it all came from i guess..but i think i'm sensible enough to make a good judgement of what i have played so far. Overall, extremelly overhyped by the media and some fanboys (as they do) but it's a decent FPS that deserves a decent scoreline. There is nothing wrong with it at all, the only things that really stopped me from giving it a 10 was the fmv and it failing to live up to my expectations..and also the Sun/NOTW calling it the game of the decade when that is just uter rubbish, but it doesn't surprise me with a tabloid that talks a load of crap! Halo 3 is a very good game. I recommend it!… Expand
  20. SeanM.
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    If you go into this game expecting the second coming or something completely new and different than the previous Halo's, maybe you won't be that impressed. To put it bluntly, this game is Halo 2 with a new coat of paint and a whole bunch of new features. However, if you go in and take the game for what it is, I guarantee you'll be extremely impressed. It's a very solid If you go into this game expecting the second coming or something completely new and different than the previous Halo's, maybe you won't be that impressed. To put it bluntly, this game is Halo 2 with a new coat of paint and a whole bunch of new features. However, if you go in and take the game for what it is, I guarantee you'll be extremely impressed. It's a very solid shooter with some great graphics, finely tuned gameplay, a good story that actually ends (or does it?), awesome multiplayer, and a whole list of features that should keep you coming back for more again and again. I gave this a 9 not because it was the most innovative game ever, but because it accomplishes perfectly everything it sets out to do.… Expand
  21. JonathanD.
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    Single player is better then halo 2 by far but the original in my opinion was the best single player campaign in gaming history and this although good isnt as good as Halo, Half Life 2, Bioshock, or many other single player games. And its longer then everyone says, it took me more then 10 hours to complete, and i played on heroic, many parts will a few tries but nothing too frustrating. Single player is better then halo 2 by far but the original in my opinion was the best single player campaign in gaming history and this although good isnt as good as Halo, Half Life 2, Bioshock, or many other single player games. And its longer then everyone says, it took me more then 10 hours to complete, and i played on heroic, many parts will a few tries but nothing too frustrating. Also its glitchy, idk if its just my copy or what but the the final cutscene just died, and i never saw the credits it just got stuck on a single frame, now i gotta replay the final part to see the whole thing. There are also many bugs from killing things, often the enemies will just start to run into a wall and keep running thinking they're going somewhere. not often but it happened a few times to me, ill kill something or someone and their body will do that annoying twitch if it lands on an edge or another object. Usually im not picky about little bugs like this but Bungie prides themselves at completely polishing a game with no bugs and my grade for polishing it is a B-, not the A that halo was or B+ that halo 2 was. Graphically it is amazing at times but a lot of things are just bland and look exactly like they did in halo 2. The explosions are the best ive seen in any video game thou. Multiplayer is better then any other console game of all time and in my opinion better then all computer games too because it is so accessible, and with downloadable content it will only get better. Short Review Gameplay 10-feels like halo, simplicity is a great change of pace to games like Bioshock Graphics-8 Some things wow you others arent much different from Halo 2 Story-9 good wrap up with many twists you wont see coming Replayability:9 will be a huge xbox live title for both co op and multiplayer Sound - 10 think halo 1/2 sound except improved Weapons/Vehicles -10 many new weapons and vehicles to satisfy everyone.… Expand
  22. BillyE.
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    ALL major sequels will have the same gameplay and formula. To expect Bungie to churn out new and fun elements is simply impossible. Forge? Its just a map editor, people say. Saved Films? Nothing that the PC couldnt do. What did you expect from Halo 3? Flying brutes firing rainbows out of their mouths? Grunts that barf lasers? Bungie actually created a system that utilized the new ALL major sequels will have the same gameplay and formula. To expect Bungie to churn out new and fun elements is simply impossible. Forge? Its just a map editor, people say. Saved Films? Nothing that the PC couldnt do. What did you expect from Halo 3? Flying brutes firing rainbows out of their mouths? Grunts that barf lasers? Bungie actually created a system that utilized the new features perfectly, a refined system that bests many other games. THE GRAPHICS. People complaining about this really need to get hit in the head. Maybe the graphics had to be tuned down? The battles in Halo 3 are many times the size of the largest GoW map... GoW 2will have the same gameplay CoD4 will have some nifty features but the same gameplay. Crysis will have the same overused gameplay and is shiny. Haze will have the same overused gameplay. My predictions for the dumbass comments of the games of the future. To people who say Halo 3 is Halo 2.5, you should seriously check out a side by side comparison. There is a difference.… Expand
  23. RyanG.
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    Halo 3 definitely lives up to the hype. The campaign was a decent length and ties everything together, the graphics are great though not perfect (more than made up for by the rock solid frame rate), and the music and voice acting was excellent as usual. The multiplayer is not a huge step up from the last incarnation, but it's hard to make it much better. The re-mapping of the X and Halo 3 definitely lives up to the hype. The campaign was a decent length and ties everything together, the graphics are great though not perfect (more than made up for by the rock solid frame rate), and the music and voice acting was excellent as usual. The multiplayer is not a huge step up from the last incarnation, but it's hard to make it much better. The re-mapping of the X and shoulder buttons take a little getting used to, but it becomes second nature after a while. The new weapons and equipment are welcome additions and the new maps are for the most part good as well. Overall, a more-than-solid title for the 360 and a must-buy for anyone even remotely interested.… Expand
  24. Rev.Gomez
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    It's really alot of fun. How can you possibly beat taking down a Scarab on a ghost from beneath its legs? That said, the graphics are a bit sub-par, but come on! They look perfectly fine! All of you out there, stop f**king whining! This game is damn good!
  25. JackDaniels
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    This game is a lot of fun and has a ton of replay value, especially if you have an xbox live account. The single player is fun, but multiplayer is where all of the Halo games are at their best. Although the game has very good graphics, they could have been better, and that is why this game gets a 9 out of 10 from me.
  26. Daz
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    Only one complaint and it is in the CG the faces do not look hi def quality and they walk funny. Other than my complaint about the CG that is about it. The controls feel good, it looks fantastic in 1080i (I know it looks even better in 1080p). The best interactive flames and water I have seen in a 360 game. For the people complaining about the length of the game I would like to ask how Only one complaint and it is in the CG the faces do not look hi def quality and they walk funny. Other than my complaint about the CG that is about it. The controls feel good, it looks fantastic in 1080i (I know it looks even better in 1080p). The best interactive flames and water I have seen in a 360 game. For the people complaining about the length of the game I would like to ask how long you expect a shooter should be? Halo, Halo 2, Gears of War, Call of Duty all of these franchises give you a 10-15 hour campaign mode so what do you expect for an online 4 player co-op shooter? The meat of this game is in its features and online capability. After playing in any mode you can record and send videos to friends to talk trash later. You can manipulate the design of objects on a map (by yourself or with friends), you can watch the movies together its chocked full of possibilities. The score I would give it is a 9.8 due to the above mentioned in game CG.… Expand
  27. elmhurstNY
    Sep 27, 2007
    9
    I give this game a rating of 9 because I am a Halo player. By that, I mean; I play Halo online in xbox live. Now if you have limited experience w/ online play or, it's never interested you.. then I can see why you could be disappointed by the campaign. For all you that are bitchin about the short campaign, and not breaking new ground.. I hear you.. now go away. The reason why this I give this game a rating of 9 because I am a Halo player. By that, I mean; I play Halo online in xbox live. Now if you have limited experience w/ online play or, it's never interested you.. then I can see why you could be disappointed by the campaign. For all you that are bitchin about the short campaign, and not breaking new ground.. I hear you.. now go away. The reason why this game is so good (in my opinion) is because it STILL plays like halo, but is SO polished that it will entertain for years. It comes down to Fun Factor. Period. Now, when I say Halo (and Fun Factor) I mean Halo on xbox live.. because frankly there's no other game that plays with the Online functionality and game play like Halo. Like Bungie's 'holy pyramid' of weapon, grenade, and melee? What do you guys know about that? To me, that is the heart of playing Halo competitively. Bioshock? hahaha does that game play online? I've rented that game, and graphics and game play were admittingly excellent BUT there's no Online aspect to it!! In this day and age, why the fuck would you buy ANY First Person Shooter if it's not online? Bioshock was entertaining, it had smoother graphics and sound than Halo 3, BUT could I see myself playing that game a month after buying it? How would I do that? Somebody please explain to me how a grown adult could play a FPS against 'the computer' after you've beaten it. Do you guys really have that much fun with it? Really? Maybe it's me, but, this day and age.. If the game doesn't have Online play and if you cant play that game with your buddy half way across the world, in the comfort of your own living room, all the while chatting about the last episode of Beauty and the Geek.. I am not forking down $$ for that game. That's all my halo rant.. thanks for reading lol LONG LIVE HALO (at least until Bungie develops a new FPS).… Expand
  28. D.O.
    Sep 27, 2007
    9
    Halo 3, multiplayer wise, is a vast improvement. the weapons are more balanced and the game is more strategic and skill oriented. the gap between good and bad players widens.
  29. RigelH.
    Sep 28, 2007
    9
    i think that Halo 3 is a really cool game the graphics are awsome but the pnly thing that anoyes me is that it is only xBox 360. But i have one thats why its awsome.
  30. Jason
    Sep 28, 2007
    9
    Any one who thinks this game is too easy needs to play on a real gamers level. This game is a 5 on Normal, but crank it up a couple notches, then Halo shines as always...and please stop comparing it to Bioshock and Gears.....Halo could not be Halo without those epic battles sequences...and bioshock and gears....have none of those.
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 »