As the Rookie, you search for your team of ODSTs on Earth. The controls are similar to the first in the Halo series: Halo: Combat Evolved. This does not in any way diminish the gaming experience that Bungie brings to the table. It’s a nice feeling to go back to what’s familiar instead of learning something of a new variation of what’s been available.
Graphics are above and beyond from the last game. Fantastic details in the cityscapes, especially with night vision turned on.
There are two mysteries where one is revealed as you collect video downloads from various kiosks throughout the city. The other is about your squad and you play their experience when you locate certain items throughout the city. It’s a great way to break up the monotony of what you’re doing, but every part of the city is different.
Located on disc one is the campaign and the maps of Firefight. The four maps included are: Alpha Site, Chasm Ten, Crater, Crater (Night), Last Exit, Lost Platoon, Rally Point, Rally Point (Night), Security Zone, Windward. One of the maps can only be opened by completing the campaign on Legendary. Disc two includes the online play along with all current maps available from Halo 3, plus three new ones: Heretic, Citadel, and Longshore. It’s a shame Heretic is labeled as such when its really Midship from Halo 2.
Overall, Halo 3: ODST is superior to its predecessors in every way. Even with the campaign being shorter it makes for a higher replay value with friends.
I give it a 5 out of 5.
Tips to get through the campaign:Your sniper rifle is your best friend. This is the fastest way of taking them out, but make sure you save your sniper ammo for the brutes! Best gun to use with it is your M6C pistol. Use this on all grunts and jackals, but not on brutes. It basically has no effect at all on them. Together, you will make quick of any patrol that comes your way.
The second great combo is the Needler with the M6C pistol. Take out all of the Brutes little friends with your M6C and then finish the brute with your Needler. He shouldn’t be able to dodge that!
Another combo to try is the covenants plasma pistol and carbine rifle. Make sure to get head shots on grunts and jackals with your carbine. Once your left with a brute, use the charged plasma pistol to take down shields and armor and finish him off with a carbine shot to the head.
If you do not have access to these weapons and you are using what’s available, make sure you sneak up to a patrol and use a grenade before firing any or your weapons. Unsuspecting groups will either be killed outright or take a lot of damage for you to move in and finish them off.
