Gamespot: Halo 3 ODST Review

Halo 3: ODST is an excellent package. The delicate construction of the story adds a new wrinkle to the typical Halo plot, and the action-packed campaign levels are full of intense battles and surprising encounters. Firefight mode is a standout addition, crafting highly addictive cooperative battles for players to experience. It's disappointing that the competitive multiplayer hasn't received any updates or innovations from its Halo 3 incarnation, but it's as fun as it ever was, and well worth sinking more hours into if you haven't yet seen the many downloadable maps. ODST is a superb addition to the franchise and a must-play for anyone who craves top-notch action.

[deadreckoning666]

Im not a fanboy or anythg, but after this past week of constant bullcrap towards ODST. This is pretty amusing.

Edit: Stealth disagrees already...
Edit: This is RIDICULOUS...people are losing bubbles for simply stating that GS gave a great review.

[Multi-Console Owner]

Nice to see another great review. I'm going to the midnight launch in a bit. I can't wait! I'm gonna play the campaign alone first, then play firefight for awhile, then beat the campaign on legendary with some friends and finally get the last few Vidmaster Challenges.

Since you know the PS3 fanboy sh*tstorm will be coming, I might as well say this in advance:

PS3 fanboys, please don't invade this article. Let us 360 fans comment together in peace. There's no need for you to come in and bash the game; we already know you hate it. It's like you're are scared of ODST. They should go praise Uncharted 2 in the Uncharted 2 articles and let the 360 fans praise ODST in the ODST articles.

I'm completely neutral and I praise games in their respective articles. Unlike the fanBOYS, I don't go in a game's article just to bash it. Look at my post history; it should be a guideline for all N4G users. Comment on a game that you personally are interested in it's articles and don't comment on a game that you hate.

Fans = Gamers who are here to learn about games they like or are interested in.

FanBOYS = Idiots who use gaming as a medium to brag. An example is all of the fanboys (both sides) flooding the 'other' consoles articles bashing a game for poor sales/reviews and bragging about their console of choice's great sales/reviews.

90% of an article's comments on here are fanboys bashing. It's hard to find relevant comment through all of the hate. It's ridiculous that since this site is mostly filled with Sony fans, if you praise an article located in the 360 section, you still get a ton of disagrees and lose bubbles from the Sony fanboys who invade it.

Fanboys need to stick to their console of choice's articles! Hopefully people will embrace this concept and N4G will be a better place :)

EDIT: The stealth disagrees are already here! We'll the 50+ disagree mark soon. We 360 fans should bubble each other so we don't lose bubbles from the crazy PS3 fanboys. "dolan" is already bashing me for going to the midnight launch for in his opinion "a $60 expansion" so predictable.

EDIT 2: Wow, I lost a bubble already! I'm sure I'll be down to three by tomorrow. So ridiculous. I'm sure they'll all report my comment even though they know it's true. What the mods SHOULD delete is all of the fanboy comments spamming these articles. All of us 360 fans are tired of the PS3 fanboys spaming the articles with "$60 expansion." "Halo is overrated.". Do something mods!

EDIT 3: Just about everyone who is commenting on how this review and ODST are good, is losing a bubble. Wow, just wow...

[Megan Fox]

Another great review, i was expecting a 8.5 from gamespot... great review.

[dolan]

"Nice to see another great review. I'm going to the midnight launch in a bit. I can't wait! "

Going to a midnight launch for a 60 dollar expansion pack? My god is that pathetic.

These 'reviews' are absolutely hilarious. The utterly asinine 10/10s for GTA4 were the wake up call gamers needed to see first hand what a complete farce game reviews are.

These joke Halo 3 ODST reviews are the final nail in the coffin of any pretense of credibility for the major gaming sites.

[PandemicPrawn0]

Well put, I hope all true gamers take note of the anti fanboy sentiment that is starting to rise up within this site.

Lets drive them back to the open zone, where they belong.

[Bodyboarder_VGamer]

Halo ODST here: http://www.justin.tv/halopr...

edit:
He is playing ODST and says that it is awesome...

[BadboyCivic]

END OF ALL DEBATE

HALO IS KING!!!

[DMason]

Well said my man. As an owner of both consoles, it makes me sick to see the hypocrisy. That's why I hate PS3 fanboys the most, they just can't bear to see a game on the 360 succeed. The use the term "expansion pack" and "Microsoft paid them off" so loosely.

I guess Microsoft paid of Gamespot too eh?

@Dolan
Get over it, Halo is a great franchise and of course there are going to be people waiting at the midnight launch. World of Warcraft "expansion" packs have hordes (no pun intended) of people waiting in line for it.

Quit your whining.

[dolan]

Halo has now become the laughing stock of the console world.

Congrats guys!

Just have your Halo buds in the gaming media give the games 1 milllion/10 from now since that is what you want to hear.

The rest of the gaming world just rolls their eyes and laughs now at anything Halo related.

The silly little shiny green power ranger has jumped the shark.

[Double Toasted]

Multiconsoleowner...

[SolidAhmed]

This really deserve 8 out of 10

for you information guys gamespot gave heavenly sword 8 for the shortness of the game. why do not they be fair at least with this one?

guess they have a great advertisement from halo out there

http://www.gamespot.com/

i am really sad that the industry will end up like this caring only for money

edit: i would have to say again it is really sad that some people would depend on reviews (i am not saying that i hate halo or something like that but u got to admit the fact that halo has the best campaign, yes they will receive the best scores BUT if they did not emphasize on the campaign it self and rather they focus little more on thier quality would this strategy change their game?

i am really hoping that halo fans will step on and demand some innovation

[Greywulf]

Its an expansion kit. You're buying it for $60.00. Think of one Sony fanboy on the site jealous that they only get to play AAA's this year. Done? Because I cant find any..

I just hope when EA/Activision start following this trend, that 360 owners continue to buy them up, then eventually.. MS/EA/Activision/ will create 1 console that releases halo, madden and guitar hero's hourly for $10.00. Then there will be gaming consoles that Nintendo/SOny makes. And "gamsoles" or something. I mean it shouldn't be hard. You can literally just use the same engines from years ago, low overhead, and some of you are too eager to justify a console purchase, you wont even notice.

Its like you cant comprehend that its a sham, and you're celebrating over getting peed on. Well.. heres a towel :)

[Multi-Console Owner]

Have you personally played? How can you say it deserves an 8? You can't review a game based on stuff you heard or some trailers.

And Heavenly Sword had no multiplayer, co-op campaign or a co-op game mode so in a way it's much shorter than ODST.

Also, I'm laughing at how I already lost two bubbles. You Sony fanboys are making yourselves look dumber and dumber. I'm a Sony fan (as well as 360 fan) but you fanBOYS are crazy. You fit the "boy" in "fanboy" perfectly; very, very immature.

It's funny how I got up to six bubbles for praising Uncharted 2 in the Uncharted 2 articles, but now I go down to four for praising ODST in an ODST article. Shows how messed up this site's community is.

EDIT @ Raptor below: People aren't bitter towards a review, PS3 fanboys are bitter towards a positive 360 review.

[Raptors]

People are this bitter towards a review? wow...

[Anon1974]

I'm a huge Halo fan and have been looking forward to this game for some time now, however I'm not going to buy it new. I don't play Halo online, so really I just want it for the campaign mode, and I've always thought Halo did co-op splitscreen right. That being said, I'll probably just pick this up used eventually. There's too many great games out right now on both systems that I haven't got the time to play, and I don't feel much like paying full price for a 5 hour campaign mode. I still want to play it, but I can wait till I see it cheap.

I never doubted for a second that Bungie would deliver, but I almost wish they had released this as a download, like The Lost and the Damned, rather then bundling it with those multiplayer packs most already had and then charging full price.

Edit: Also @ Multi-Console Owner. You really think you lost bubbles because you like Halo ODST and not because you seem to have spent your last few posts openly antagonizing PS3 fans? Doesn't take a rocket scientist...

[GiantEnemyCrab]

"for you information guys gamespot gave heavenly sword 8 for the shortness of the game. why do not they be fair at least with this one?"

Heavenly Sword has no multiplayer so I can see why it's a bit lower. Even if the MP is the same as Halo 3 you are still getting MP with it in addition to some extra maps and Firefight mode.

PS: Just saw on the news the lines to get into the ODST launch party in Seattle. The line stretched around the building... This game is huge.

[SolidAhmed]

i did not play the game your absolutely right

however, i do know that the game is too short and only for that reason other games did not get 9s specially from gamespot

please do understand my point i am not here for a fight over a game ....

[SiteNblog Defender]

@multi-console owner, well said. Just goes to show you that Destructoid article was correct.

[ArmrdChaos]

Of all those people using price as their main argument point...how many of you paid $40 for a demo? So all those who paid for GT Prologue who buy the actual game will end up paying $100 for said game, but that is not BS? Point of the matter is those people will say that they will get $100 of play out of it. Same here...most of the diehard Halo players will get as much play if not more than a full blown $60 game. Not a diehard Halo person...rent and decide. Don't like the price then wait for it to come down...simple.

[FantasyStar]

Multi-Console Owner FTW! (The user, and myself as a PS360-PC Owner!)

[Multi-Console Owner]

There's a LOT of replay-ability for ODST between co-op campaign and Firefight so even though the campaign is only 6-8 hours (according to IGN, GameTrailers etc) there's still a lot of gameplay time.

And you still can't rate a game based on what you hear, without playing it. HAZE sounded great but it actually sucked! You can't give a game a score without playing it.

It's like rating a movie based on a trailer which reminds me of this amazingly hilarious video:

[SolidAhmed]

i am little upset from gamespot because they are not fair and not consistent with their reviews "game length".

and i have seen the game on many websites and to tell u the truth i do sometimes predict the review score range but i did not expect 9!!!

any way i do agree with ur point i did not play the game and i think same goes for u

so let us buy it then we would see what will happen afterword with our opinions :)

Edit: BTW lol @ the video

Edit 2nd time:

i am giving u a bubble and u do deserve more than one for ur good understanding

[phosphor112]

Eat it ;)
http://image.com.com/gamesp...

[FlameBaitGod]

multiconsole is right, PS3 fanoys look like they scared on this game. I dont blame them, they r missing out on 3 new maps, 1 new game mode with no mtahcmaking and a 4 huge hours campaign which where change to 6-8 thx to the fan complains, bungie was so amazing to add 2 to 4 hours more in 1 day, thats the dedicating ever developer needs. Thx bungie for using the same old 2 year old engine and giving us great 640p quality games and great AI. PS3 FANS! GO BAACK TO PLAYING ALL UR NEW GAMES AND LEAVE US WITH HALO!

[callahan09]

9's a good score. I count it as fair from GameSpot. The game packs a lot of quality content. It's kind of an Orange Box of Halo, in a way. Lots of content, all of it good, but a lot of it isn't new.

But that's precisely why I won't be buying it. I've already bought most of this content, and I have no intention of buying it again. Come on Microsoft, release the new stuff on a standalone disc! Then I'd buy it, and happily so.

[Anon1974]

Not me, that's for damn sure. Just like I didn't buy Heavenly Sword because of the short campaign, and just like I'm not paying $65-70 cdn for Halo: ODST for a 5 hour campaign and rehashed multiplayer I have no use for. That's why if this had been a cheaper download, I'd be all over it, but because it's not I'll just pick it up used in 6 months or not at all. I want to play it, but I'm not paying full price for it. Maybe it'll be a weekend rental if I get some time.

[HolyOrangeCows]

Remember Kane and Lynch?

EDIT: Everyone ranting about "FANBOIIISSS!!" has been reported. I hope you guys like the open zone.

[InFAMOUS1]

huh!
I only trust a few websites for their reviews and gamespot is one of them. PERSONALLY I could never get into any of the Halo games, as jumping 60ft in the air shooting lasers was never my thing, but to each his own. Im glad 360 owners have another title to add to their library

[360FTW2]

Great point, these guys are talking smack about 360 fans paying 60 bucks for DLC while 3.13 million of them paid 40 bucks for a demo in GT5 Prologue. Haha, that's classic a bunch of prima_donnas the don't know the definition of hypocrisy.

The funny thing is, Halo is not available on the PS3 (because if it was they would buy it.) Yet they are constantly on halo threads barking like little lap dogs.

I think we should do what they do, 360 fans don't take enough bubbles PS3 fans take too many. If they troll, they should pay the price. They sure as hell make 360 fans pay the price now don't they.

@above - Thanks, I totally respect where you are coming from. I feel the same way about climbing large building and shooting electricity at people. :)

[Sitdown]

"Going to a midnight launch for a 60 dollar expansion pack? My god is that pathetic. "

Do you say the same thing concerning Madden or in Madden threads?

[InFAMOUS1]

I don't recall ever claiming to make reference to InFamous as a title that interested me. However I did buy InFamous because I like to show support to developers who actually think about what it is they want to create. Thats why I don't buy Activision games, and thats also why I don't own a 360. Like it or not PS3 first party devs are creative and love showing off their talents. Where as bungie has displayed time and time again that since their original design of halo they have done sweet EFF all with the franchise! Where as say Naughty Dog has taken Uncharted2 and really defined what they were capable of (not the ps3) by extending the single player, added multiplayer, created new weapons, upgraded graphics, upgraded the engine and just created a more balanced polished video game. Halo 1 2 3 ODST ALL play and look exactly the same!
Now I never 'troll' on here as I would agree with 360 fans that PS3 fans are typically the worst type of fanboy and I don't want to be labeled as such, so I tend to keep my distance but when push comes to shove we are ALL equally as stupid

[360FTW2]

I understand where you are coming from. Just having a little fun and threw in a little sarcasm, no disrespect intended.

My bad, bubbles up. Way to stay civil.

[InFAMOUS1]

OK sorry that I misinterpreted what you were saying! bubbles 4 you also, as civil you were

[tatotiburon]

any doubt why ps3 fanboys are the worst of the industry?? just watch all halo 3 topics

[Anon1974]

At this point, there's 97 comments in the Gamerzone. I count 3 that look to be PS3 fans just here to bash. Then the overwhelming majority of the posts are complaining about PS3 fans.

So where are all these awful, phantom PS3 fans? Are they in the Open Zone? Maybe in other threads?
Complaining about sites who post inconsistent reviewers isn't pro one console or the other, it's gamers noticing when sites give inconsistent reviews. How's that a bad thing to discuss?

I like Halo just as much as the next guy, but I think some of you are being overly defensive. I'm sure the Open Zone is a mess, but just stay out of there if you don't like it. Open Zone is always a mess.

tatotiburon above me said "any doubt why ps3 fanboys are the worst of the industry?? just watch all halo 3 topics."

At the risk of being unpopular, I'm reading the threads and I think some of you are over reacting. There's nothing wrong with questioning when a review site is inconsistent, or questioning the value of a full priced title with a short campaign. If you want to just see Halo fans sit around and pat each other on the backs, maybe you should find a Halo fan site. Gamers are trying to have a conversation.

[SaberEdge]

Oh please, Darkride. Don't play dumb. This article is the exception, and it still has too many PS3 fanboys doing nothing but trolling. But the trolling on most of the Halo 3 ODST articles is just out of control.

I love both my consoles, but I'll be honest, the behavior of most PS3 fanboys is downright shameful.

[Anon1974]

Take Edge's decent review of Halo: ODST. There's 250 comments in the gamer zone. Almost zero trolls, some legitimate discussion and a helluva lot of 360 fans complaining about PS3 owners who aren't really complaining.

Maybe it seems like a lot to you, but I don't know...personally, I don't think questioning a site's consistency or questioning the value of a full price game with a short campaign is trolling, I think that's gamers having a discussion.

Also, don't confuse PS3 fans with PS3 fanboys. There's a HUGE difference, just like with the 360. I know plenty of 360 fans who *gasp* just think the 360 is a system to play games on and don't have any particular brand loyalty! I know...it's shocking. Fans of a system and fanboys are two different things.

[Odin777]

I know you are supposed to be the Hero here, and I respect what you're saying, but you can't stop people from having opposing opinions.

[IaMs12]

Wow seriously people why do you not believe these reviews? Im sure you believe the UC2 reviews oh OOPS i just saw a review gave UC2 an 8 and all i found in it was bashing of the game site. HERE in ODST 360 XBOX! articles i see both bashing of the game and the site for a good review why bash a game? Why do you sony boys care so much if ODST gets good ratings? You dont see us in UC2 bashing it for no reason. I know it will be a good game, so why cant you GTFU and accept ODST!

Seriously, Sony fanboys are the worst, and i would not be proud to call myself one.

[-chaz-]

@Multi-Console Owner

+1 to you

Well said, and completely true. Mention Halo to any Sony fanboy and they leap out of the corner, fangs bared and press-on nails bloodied to tell you about how great Uncharted 2 is.

Having said that, I'll be a little sad when the holidays are over because this site won't be as amusing to read.

[SaberEdge]

Darkride, get real. If you are going to sit there and deny what is blatantly obvious I guess there is no real reason to even attempt to have a discussion with you.

It doesn't surprise me, though. You are one of the bigger PS3 fanboys on this site, who always has something negative to say about the 360 or its games. The most we get out of you is some transparent, stealth-trolling that you think fools people into thinking you are somewhat level-headed. I can't remember ever seeing you give an unqualified and unrestrained compliment to the 360 or its games (as I have done towards the PS3 many, many times). Just a simple, straightforward compliment towards the 360 seems to be impossible for you.

You can sit here and pretend that all of those known hardcore PS3 fanboys in those ODST articles are simply concerned gamers trying to have a conversation, but we all know that is a load of BS, now don't we.

[shadow2797]

I don't have any problem with the review, I expected lower from GameStop, but that's only because in the past they seemed pretty harsh. Halo's not my thing, personally, but I have several friends who will love ODST.

However, I would like to address the comparisons between GT5: Prologue and ODST (Which, by the way, is hypocrisy in and of itself, but that's beside the point). But honestly, you're not giving Prologue credit. GT5:P has at least as much content as ODST, if not more AND it retailed for $20 cheaper.

I'm not trying to downplay ODST, just defend Prologue. Which, by the way, has more cars than NFS Shift. Prologue is a little more than just a demo. Prologue also didn't charge you twice for the same content, but that's another argument entirely. The point is, a PS3 exclusive Sim racer doesn't belong in the comment section of a 360 exclusive FPS. You're just adding fuel to the fanboy war that you're complaining so much about.

[WenisWagon]

.

[vhero]

I agree with Greywulf as long as its called Halo no matter how terrible it is it will get 9 out of 10 from most places and people will buy it though lets be fair the same could be said for games like call of duty. the FPS genre is a state right now and we need to get some new material Sonys doing good with resistance and Killzone and MS with Gears but we need more!

[callahan09]

OK, seriously, what's with the disagrees on my comment? Is it because you don't think ODST deserves a 9 out of 10? Because, come on, it's brimming with content. The full Halo 3 multiplayer suite, the brand new campaign, Firefight. And Halo 3 is a top-notch gaming experience, always has been and definitely still is. So I do agree that all of the content in ODST makes it worthy of high scores.

Or is it the part where I said I'm not buying it because I already own half of the content in this box? Look, are all you guys here that are going to buy this game not owners of the original Halo 3? Because I can't imagine that you're such big videogame fans that you frequent a website like N4G, and that you're so interested in ODST, that you somehow don't have Halo 3. If you've got Halo 3, why wouldn't you prefer that Microsoft give you the OPTION of buying all the new content at a lower price? If you don't have Halo 3, then go for ODST, it's an amazing package and worth the 60 dollars. But I'm just simply not going to buy something that I feel should be offered in more than one package at two different price points for those of us who need all of this content and those of us who only need some of it.

Remember when The Lord of the Rings Return of the King came out on DVD? They sold it by itself, and they also brought out a box set that included all three movies. Now imagine that you bought the first two when they first came out, and now you wanted the third, but in this scenario they DID NOT release it by itself, and instead ONLY came out with the box set containing all three. Granted, it's still a great set of movies and for somebody who wants all 3 movies, it's offered at a great price. But for somebody who already bought the first two and just wants the third, you've got to be sitting there wondering why the hell New Line Cinema didn't give you the option to just buy the third movie.

I think that analogy pretty well sums up my concerns with the package and why I won't be buying it right now (but I do want it).

So I don't know why everybody disagreed with me. If you're more than happy to be forced to buy something you already bought a second time just to get to the new stuff, then I guess that's your business. But you should at least understand that some of us don't like that idea.

[callahan09]

I feel that my comment is very well-reasoned. To the phantom disagree, why don't you just come out and say what you don't agree with. Refute me if you actually have a legitimate contention with my logic.

[Anon1974]

You say I'm denying the obvious, I'm saying it's not obvious. I repeat...count them. You'll see I'm right. If it's so "obvious" then there's no harm in counting and reporting back. Should be easy to prove me wrong, unless I'm 100% correct.

Go and count how many PS3 fans are trolling ODST articles compared to those with genuine complaints regarding the game, Halo fans stoked about the game and 360 fans complaining about PS3 fans.

You'll see I'm right.

As for your name calling, dude, I couldn't care less about what you think of me personally because when all you do is name call rather then address the points I've raised it tells me you don't have a counter argument and aren't worth talking to. And anyone can see my posting history or look up my Gamertag (DarkrideHex66). So I'm a huge PS3 fan who plays on a 360 and defends Fable, Gears, Halo, geeks out about Alan Wake...etc..etc....
Give me a break. Ever stop to think I'm a 360 fan who just has a different opinion then you do?

[ShadowCK]

Superb Review. I thought it was going to be unfair but it turned out incredibly detailed and very well justified.

[Ashriel]

darkride:

We have plenty of ps3 trolls here, such as Saaking, Obama, Microsoft Xbox 360, FiftyFourPointTwo, Mooey, Omarja, ultimolu, helghan66, sir_ken_kutaragi, HolyOrangeCows, Nelson M., socomer, GWAVE
Just to name a few.
Obviusly they are not trolling this article in particular, but I've seen them in plenty of Halo related articles.

[starchild]

Oh, but according to darkride66 all those fanboys are really just people with "genuine complaints regarding the game".

[CreepyB]

is this the same site that said ratchet and clank had too much variety?.

[BadboyCivic]

IS STILL THE MOST TRUSTED SITE..
GET OVER IT ALREADY!

Edit: lol at the fanboys who took my last bubble...
i hope that make you feel reel good about urself...

[Elvfam511]

How did i post here lol

bubble up at above

[Saaking]

The only ones who complain about bubbles are the stupid bots who get de-bubbled because of their bs comments. And yes, I'm very satisfied that a moron like you can't comment as much anymore. One less bot to worry about.

[HolyOrangeCows]

The gamer zone is full of 360 fanboys complaining about the PS3 fanboys who aren't there, having a justification party the whole way.

They'll never learn. Kane and Lynch. Kane and freaking Lynch.

[ReviewsArePolitics]

Just read my name

[borgome]

Yes, this is the only site I trust reviews from. I pretty much don't buy a game unless this site gives a score of 8 or better. This site has always been brutally honest with their reviews.

Ahhh, can't wait to sit down and play some ODST tonight. Suck on that PS3 computer nerds. WOOO!!

I love seeing all the jealous PS3 turd nerds on this site get their panties in a knot over the greatest shooter series of all time, brings a smile to my face :)

[likedamaster]

"One less bot to worry about."

I'd hate to see what your sad life is like. Your name should be Saadking. My condolences on your hurt butt(since 2005).

[borgome]

Attention Ps3 nerds
I'll give it to you plain and simple so even the Ps3 nerds can understand this. The reason xbox is winning is because normal/cool gamers play xbox, the majority of people fall into this category.

Now, on the other hand the type of people that play Ps3 are the nerdy/uncool computer type. You my friends, in this world are the minority, that is why Ps3 can't beat xbox.

[ShabzS]

dang ... these were the guys i was wating for ... editiors choice as well ... good stuff

@multiconsoleowner: well said man ...

@below: just one more day to go man ..

[militant07]

I have this game for 3 days ago, Only played it for few mins.

i dont want to play it solo, and i cant find co-op mate, waiting for the game to be officaly released :(

[Christopher]

Never did get GameSpot's Editor's Choice. It's pretty much any game that gets 9.0 or higher.

Hope you guys enjoy your game as much as the reviewers seemed to have enjoyed it!

Edit: A disagree for telling people to enjoy their game? That's sad.

[Bumpmapping]

They gave MGS4 a 10 no reason why Uncharted shouldn't get it as well

[ShabzS]

yeah gs is very stingy when it comes to anything 9.2 above...

only 2 games have score 10 on gs... mgs 4 like you pointed out and gta 4...

for uc i'm expecting a 9.6 (with the ranks of gta sa) or a full 10..

[No FanS Land]

Sorry but on GS there is also that have scored 10's
Zelda: ocarina of time
soul calibur (dreamcast)
tony hawk3 (Ps2 version)
Crono Cross (PS1)

unless you're talking this gen.

[ShabzS]

yep talkin about this gen

[shocky16]

So for U2 I'm expecting a 9-9.5

[Tr10wn]

Like i said MGS4 is the only true game on the PS3. and that's why MS was looking for kojima. Uncharted well i was playing the beta in my friends house and it's look good very good but the gameplay was meh he over-act when jumping and when bullets pass wall corners looks unreal (that's maybe beta problems) but yea i don't see uncharted 2 dethroning MGS4 that game was selling consoles even in the midnight i remember that first 10 people all of them buy the game with the console.

[deadreckoning666]

@Multi-console owner- Ur right man. Honestly, Im thinking of buying a 360 now, not so much for ODST, but more for Reach. Its using a brand new engine and it seems likely that developers are making a Halo game that'll appeal to a wider range of FPS players.

[Double Toasted]

welcome to the jungle...its going to be a wild ride.

[Marie]

Ballllllllin!

[Evoluti0n]

The proverbial nail in the coffin.

EDIT: As in, all of the major gaming sites ranked it 8 or higher, this was the last one to report in.

Keep up :p

[angel604]

i dont get it?

[Mo0eY]

He means this is an AAA game, and this review was the last to prove it. Too bad this game isn't an AAA title.

[Evoluti0n]

Ignorance is amusing.

[angel604]

then why not clarify, just dont say "ignorance is amusing" if your gonna talk back it up with a reason i can just say "your an idiot" but that wouldnt very kind would it

[Evoluti0n]

Why do I have to clarify? It was a general statement; Don't you find ignorance amusing?

Sometimes there are no hidden meanings, what's said is said, and you should learn to take it for what it's worth.

Plain and simple.

And to clarify Mooey was assuming I was alluding that ODST was a AAA title, when I was simply pointing out the obvious...reiterating if you will, what has already been posted.

THUS, 'ignorance is amusing.'

And by no means was I bashing, so your whole...

'i can just say "your an idiot" but that wouldnt very kind would it'

...Isn't really justified, in that context.

My apologies.

[TrevorPhillips]

Great review Gamespot :)

[shadowfox]

http://onfinite.com/librari...

[SupaPlaya]

at that. It's funny.

EDIT:

It's just a joke, lighten up guys.
OK to make it seem more fair, I'm sure the halo fans are loving Taylor Swift as Master Chief.

[Christopher]

Too bad there's no second panel showing Master Chief 'accepting' his apology with his pistol.

[SupaPlaya]

Well, Master chief just need to whoop that DBag's behind. No apologies is accepted. A grown man against a 19 yr old girl. ORLY?

[foreverflame]

Once again the halo series rises above and beyond over the generic shooters found on the PS3.Uncharted 2 will get a 8.5 from gamespot Which is a total flop btw.

[Tinted Eyes]

And yet is has an 85 Meta, while Killzone has a 91

[foreverflame]

I just came from GS and saw Alot of Sony fanboys buying a 360 elite for $299 and ODST .Some guy even threw his ps3 in the trash.I walked up to him and shook his hand and gave him a copy of Halo wars to enjoy with odst.It feels like christmas all of a sudden:)

[Tinted Eyes]

Threw it in the trash?
lol ok

[angel604]

your one of those halo babies arent you, if anything mw2 is gonna step all over odstd's

[Dropthelines525]

At least we're weeding out the less intelligent of our ranks

[Chuck Norris KING]

maybe its just a good game ..

[mynd]

Well, Im playing it at the moment, and yeah guess what.

IT IS A GOOD GAME!

Wait for all the disagress from people who havent even loaded it up.

[StanLee]

Dude, if PS3 fanboys are up in arms about the review scores for Halo: ODST wait until the reviews for Forza 3; there will be mass suicides.

[Double Toasted]

folks, I said if any official website gave the game a harsh review it would be Gamespot because they are a bit nit picky. And here is what it boils down to for me...they didn't.

[PimpDaddy]

You lose bubbles for that. Whats funny is I can go into any Uncharted 2 review score that is a 9 or above and you see nothing but SDF in there circle jerking and toasting each other. The usual pro 360 guys are nowhere to be found.

Come into a positive Halo:ODST review the fast few days and it's overrun by the same SDF tearing down Halo, claiming bias, and bribes. Its like they are scared that a game console they don't own will have a successful game they cant play because they would rather pledge allegiance to a corporation. They would rather let their jealousy and insecurity drive them to spend countless hours attacking Halo:ODST rather than appreciate UC2. It's just a game. Relax.

I am just grateful that I dropped out of the console wars a year ago and decided to own both the PS3 and 360. Now I don't have to choose. I can play both HALO:ODST and Uncharted 2.

N4G has truly become a joke. I only come here nowadays to catch up on my videogame news. The community here is a joke. All the guys over 5 bubbles either suck up to Sony or say neutral comments out of fear.

[cheapndirty]

N4g has more bottom feeders that happen to own ps3's than any other site I have been too. And most if not all of them did not even buy the launch sku's.

[Double Toasted]

it almost makes me want to turn my back on Sony...almost.

[Homicide]

"folks, I said if any official website gave the game a harsh review it would be Gamespot because they are a bit nit picky. And here is what it boils down to for me...they didn't."

Didn't you get the memo? They were paid by MS.

[Anon1974]

Perhaps it's just your approach.

Personally, I'm a huge Halo fan, but like I mentioned before, I don't do XBL so all the multiplayer is of no use to me. I'm looking forward to playing the campaign, but this could have been done as DLC instead of packaging it with maps everyone has already.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you're a Halo multiplayer fan, don't you already have all those maps?

For me, this is a used buy, or possibly a rental. Now bring on Halo: Reach!

Also, of course Microsoft pays Gamespot. Do you not see Microsoft ads all over the site? On top of that, Gamespot is owned by Cnet, which is part of CBS and CBS has always had a partnership with Microsoft, but then Microsoft is partnered up with a lot of companies. Who's to say if this influences sites like Gamespot or not?

[PimpDaddy]

Your bubbles haven't gone anywhere because your a known PS3 fanboy on this site. I'm surprised you didn't mention your sad sob RROD story for the 100th time in your comment.

I love how you praise Halo but take the time to use stealth mode tactics to diss the game at the same time. Your the worst kind of fanboy. Fake as my last girlfriends tits. I'm not here to win some popularity contest on a videogame website. You go ahead and kiss up to the SDF.

On topic: IGN and Gamespot both gave this game a 9.0 and 1up gave it an A- Those are my top 3 trusted review sites. No amount of SDF crying can change the fact that this game is getting good reviews across the board and will see brisk sales. Be a Gamer not a Hater.

Edit: All anybody has to do is study through your comment history long enough and they will see your pro Sony. You can give back handed compliments to the 360 all you want. Doesn't change that you stealth troll 360 articles. All we need is another RROD reference from you. Any time now...

[Anon1974]

Who just happens to own a 360 and sticks up for Halo, Gears, Fable, gets excited about Alan Wake, etc...etc...

And I love how you take my honest opinion as some kind of under handed "stealth" tactic to undermine the 360 just because I don't bow once a day towards Microsoft HQ.

You ever stop to think that's I'm a 360 fan that just has an opinion that's different then yours? I love how when people can't argue with what I've said they resort to personal attacks.

If you disagree with what I've stated, then argue my point - don't simply call me names. That's a bit school yard, don't you think?

[aueslander]

....actually, the SDF goes into U2 review posts of the 9 and higher (usually 9.5) and b!tch that the game didnt get a 9.6. I kid you not tehre was one guy saying he thought at MINIMUM a 9.6 and he would have been happy with that BUT was majorly butthurt that it got a 9.5. Like a 0.1 point diff is REALLY that bi a deal.

Basically, if U2 didnt get a 10,the SDF swoops in and b!tches.

[PimpDaddy]

That's what I mean. The SDF are the absolute worse. It's some sort of insecurity that possesses them to behave the way they do. I will readily admit I prefer my 360 to my PS3. But I spent more money in the past 18 months on my PS3 than I did my 360. Plus I just recently bought my second PS3 when the SLIM came out so I could use my original PS3 40GB as a Blu-Ray player for the bedroom. I can see the value in owning both consoles.

You don't see me in PS3 game review threads dissing the game or the score. Why? Because I am a real gamer. Because I don't pledge allegiance to a piece of electronics or the manufacturer.

Do the rabid PS3 fanboys win a prize or get a check from Sony for their behavior? Go outside instead of living in these message boards. Experience life. Please!!!!!

[CWMR]

-LOL at darkride trying to pretend that he is some kind of fair and neutral gamer. Suuuuure dude, we believe you.-

[Odin777]

Talk about the "circle jerking" here...Jeez bunch of hypocrites.

[TrevorPhillips]

Hmm I got disagrees again for what just saying Great review Gamespot. The game got a 9 for gods sakes and you guys disagree with me lol real mature guys real mature.

[Chuck Norris KING]

its a good game but its no were near the
AAAA
uncharted 2 ..

[TrevorPhillips]

Gamespot overrated MGS and GTA IV with a score of 10, That's just too much.

[Saaking]

No, they overrated GTAIV (it is NOT above an 8.5). MGS4 was amazing and DESERVED a 10.

[dreamcast]

"MGS4 was amazing and DESERVED a 10."

Nope

[cmacdonald]

GTA4 all over again.

[umair_s51]

words of wisdom

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Another great game you mean? Nice. I'll take it.

[corywebb93]

Wow finally sumb websites that didnt accept sony bribe money

[foreverflame]

Sony Wasted all there funds on ign to give uncharted a 9.5,They couldve used that money to fund a decent exclusive on the ps3 for once.

[Homicide]

Or market one of their games.

[Dropthelines525]

This review brought to you by Microsoft. Making your life as redundant as possible four years strong.

[Mo0eY]

Keep drinkin' the kool-aid, Gamespot, IGN, 1up, etc.

These small sites know what they are talking about (Giant Bomb, Kotaku, and Ars Technica in particular). I won't be visiting you or any other big site (excluding Joystiq) any more.

Thank you for your time.

[TheColbertinator]

First IGN is biased,then not biased,then biased.

Kotaku is biased,then not biased,and is biased again.

Pick something and stick with it.

[Tinted Eyes]

Actually we have stuck with it, I have never doubted my suspicion that Kotaku is Hella Biased.

[ps3 haven]

Which review site isn't biased?

[dreamcast]

@above: Giant Bomb is a good one, but there's others.

[likedamaster]

Giant Bomb is a great site. Unfortunately, not so with their podcast. I lose braincells listening to them... with the exception of Jeff G., sometimes.

[KingKionic]

I knew it was going get a 9.

Gamespot had too much fun in firefight in the first impressions article .

[corywebb93]

All the websites that gave halo less than a 9 are working with sony in a comspiracy that are trying to stop halo from getting good scores

BUt is not going to work this time sony

Deep in our hearts uss 360 owners know halo is the best game ever made and will always be aaa no mattter how hard sony trys bribing game reviewrs to give it bad scores

my fellow xbox 360 comrades lets go to metacritic and give uncharted 2 a 0 so it can bring the user score down

[Dropthelines525]

How is that helping your position? Are you intimidated that much by Uncharted 2 that you all have to band together in some sort of resistance against it. Pretty pathetic.I don't rate your precious Halo poorly, it is doing it all by itself.

BTW your avatar is also counterproductive to your cause.

[ReviewsArePolitics]

"Deep in our hearts uss 360 owners know halo is the best game ever made and will always be aaa no mattter how hard sony trys bribing game reviewrs to give it bad scores"

LULZ somebody is pathetic

[SaberEdge]

corywebb, please stop pretending to be a 360 owner. It is extremely obvious that you are a PS3 fanboy trying to make 360 fans look bad.

[clintagious650]

Guess we can all EXPECT a 9.5 - 10 score for Uncharted 2 since it OFFERS way more then it offered in the first. Also demon's Souls should be AAA there aswell. Also expecting AAA for Ninja GS2.

[deadreckoning666]

@clintagious- U just had to be the first one to mention Uncharted 2 didn't you..

Edit: Hey man, I played WARHAWK for 6 months and I thought it was revolutionary as far as online games go, but u can't really compare it to Halo. There very different games. However, I bet if Warkawk was a 360 exclusive, id be the most popular XBL game next to Halo and Modern Warfare.

The reason why I ended up selling Warhawk was because they came out with expansion packs too often. And yes, personally, I thk WARHAWK is better than Halo 3, its just that people didn't know how to deal with the HUGE learning curve. Im still waitin on Starhawk though!

[sirbigam]

Lol I know right lets expect 9.5-10 for Uncharted 2, NG 2 got an 8 on the 360 this one has to get a 9 atleast lol.

[clintagious650]

As much as I think this is a good score, what makes me MORE mad is a game like WARHAWK offers way more then Halo ODST but yet it still gets lower score from Gamespot. And anyone whose played warhawk will tell u it is just as fun as halo 3 if not better. Thats my beef with this score, other then that, like I said, great score for a FULL PRICED EXPANSION.

[2FootYard]

Shareef don't like it.

[04soldier]

360 fans need this exclusive to be good. Let the dogs have their day, Who knows when they'll get another good bone thrown their way..

[aueslander]

......Halo:Reach, Crackdown, L4D2, Forza 3, and HUXLEY say hi.

[Bumpmapping]

I hope they do Gamespot got some of my respect back after MGS4 review but not fully.

[Stationfan]

Yeah they are right, we sony fanboys should just let them enjoy this game and its high review, Lord knows that they were desperatlly in dire need of a mediocre to above average game.

We ps3 owners have had a greast gaming year so far. Lets not rain on there parade.

[DarK-SilV]

This is one of the worst week ever on N4G ,fanboys from both sides are everywhere ,I just don't want to imagine what is going to happen when Oct ,Nov and Dec sales are in,

X360 fanboys been talking about sales for a long time and if Sony beat MS on sales ,Sony fanboys will ( whatever comes to your mind) ,this year is going to be an interesting year, get ready for the ultimate show down ,between the Green team called xbots and the blue team called droids

[Homicide]

I thought the PS3 color was black?

[topdawg122]

Go ahead and play your gaylo kiddies, I'll be playin some real games.

[shutupandplay]

What an idiotic comment...

[SaberEdge]

Both consoles have "real games", moron.

[Evoluti0n]

I mean, seriously?

Shouldn't we all be happy we all have great games to play?

Uncharted vs. ODST comparisons are getting old.

EDIT: Laugh Out Loud @ the disagrees.

[deadreckoning666]

@Stationfan- Why would you WANT ODST to be bad? It makes no sense.

[dreamcast]

We should be happy that there's a GOOD game to play, but unhappy that some reviewers give passes to half-assed games that apparently bring in a lot of ad revenue. Why should MS try to create great, original, groundbreaking games anymore now that they can release an overpriced expansion pack and get good reviews and a sh*tton of money?

I wouldn't be surprised if all we start seeing from MS is Halo, GoW, Fable, and Forza rehashed over and over with nothing else. That's not necessarily a bad thing if the "rehashes" are sequels and new experiences, but I don't want to start seeing Fable 3: ODST with a few new quests and some new spells for $60.

[JonnyBigBoss]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...
http://www.gamespot.com/

This one isn't hard to figure out.

[SiteNblog Defender]

Konami paid for the MGS4 review. Makes sense.

[dreamcast]

I was expecting an 8-8.5 like most sites have been giving it. Oh, what do you know... a huge ODST advertisement on the front page.

[JonnyBigBoss]

http://kotaku.com/328244/ga...

[Evoluti0n]

Congratulations.

[dkblackhawk]

you think all of your reviews are better then everyone elses? Seriously...give up...just because no one likes your reviews...lol

[Death]

Games are supposed to be fun first. Unfortunately many of the hardcore PS3 fans feel games need to look pretty first and be fun second. They are still trying to validate their purchase. Appearantly visuals are the easiest to recognize.

A word of advise to fall on deaf ears, stop worrying about a games technical prowess and start enjoying gmaes simply for being fun. The perfect game does not exist, but if you open your eyes there are a lot of fun ones you are probably missing.

-Death

[Sarcasm]

Then there are games like Uncharted 2 that delivers FUN, content, value and super insane quality graphics.

You're too blind to see it and settle for less.

[dreamcast]

Stop worrying about PS3 fanboys, and start worrying about how you're getting reamed by MS... unless you want Gears 3 to use the same MP from Gears 2 with 3 new maps to lag on.

[Death]

I already have it pre-ordered and didn't get the call. I would hope you don't have a PS3 and no games yet while you wait for Uncharted 2 to release. If you hold all games to Uncharted 2's 21/20 review score you are going to have a very dusty PS3. I own Lair (updated controlls are much better), Haze and a horrible Gundam game that I still enjoy. I also have Killzone 2, Metal Gear 4 and got suckered into the Prologue I swore I wouldn't buy. Not to mention Valkyria Chronicles which is the best RPG I've played in a long time. The PS3 has many games that are not technical masterpieces that are still fun. PAIN is incredibly fun and simple at the same time. If you buy all the add ons it's not cheap either.

I hate bringing up the Wii, but Mario Kart is not a leap above the SNES version yet it still gets heavy use in my house and is (sit down for this) Fun. Games can be fun and not have a multi-million dollar budget or be in "high def".

-Death

[gamingisnotacrime]

Stop trying to make better quality games.
Same graphicas after 2 years is better than fine, is what Death wants.

Stupid Sony and its Uncharted 2, Killzone 2, MGS4, LBP, GT5, GoW3,
Trying to deliver more to us, when just the necessary will do!

Geez do you realize how weak is your argument?

Edit

Some of the Best Games are technically unimpressive.
But to say that the quality Sony delivers is not worth mentioning is another thing. Yes Many simple games are fun and by a lot, and also Great looking HD games, like the ones we have seen so far this gen in 360 and PS3 are lots of fun too, and the visuals have to do with that.

Halo 3 ODST looks like a good/great game depending on taste, but the reviews are way to flexible on this game shortcomings, but when a PS3 AAA is reviewed we hear the classic "lack of innovation". They should apply the same standards to every game, and not to the ones that are moving forward in terms of graphics, physics, number of players at the same time (KZ2-32 MP matches), hollywood quality (Heavenly Sword) etc
I like the present of gaming, without dishing its humble past wich was great fun, but its time to move on

[Death]

I guess hurting is a strong word, but who suffers while you stare at your PS3 wating for the perfect game? I bought my Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii to enjoy games. I appreciate you wanting to force developers into making perfect games by not buying anything, but to be honest I don't think they really care what you do.

I am sure your intentions are good, but Sony took a bath on hardware in hopes people like you would actually buy games. Instead you have the discounted hardware and they see no royalties since you set the bar higher than 99% of the devs can afford to go. You do more damage then any Xbox fanboy will ever do. I admittedly prefer the Xbox more than the PS3 and yet I am telling you if you really want to support Sony, go buy some damn games already. They have a very nice greatest Hits collection if money is tight. http://www.us.playstation.c...

-Death

[Sarcasm]

I never said I don't enjoy games that aren't technical masterpieces. You misunderstood my comment. You said PS3 gamers care more about visuals than FUN. Cant speak for all of them, but that's where my point about having BOTH is great. I'm playing the MAG beta, visually it's pretty standard FPS affair. But it sure is fun. Of course that's where Uncharted 2 or games like Uncharted 2 comes in, that delivers everything in spades.

[dark_101]

im not a big fps fan but , if gamespot and IGN says it is cool
and worth it ,definitely buy it for sure

IGN=9.0 EC
gamespot = 9,0 EC

that game looks really not bad at all

[gamingisnotacrime]

DO you trust them that much to spent $60 from your pocket?
wow, i would be careful on that one

[shutupandplay]

Hahaha. Look at the ps3 fanatics pounce on this article. Again, just proving how truly mediocre their "AAA game library" is, as they would rather hit the refresh button over and over, praying for some 360 news.

[Bodyboarder_VGamer]

I see that you're doing great with multiple accounts. Already on 7 bubbles? Wow. How many accounts did you make to achieve that? Like 50?

shut up and play, that's pathetic you know...

[shutupandplay]

What`s the big deal about that? This is my only account, and I don`t even use all of my bubbles. I also have 40+ ignores, I guess all those are my accounts too, ya idiot. By the way, I have bubbles because I`m not a complete idiot, people tend to like reading my comments.

[dreamcast]

"I also have 40+ ignores"

"people tend to like reading my comments"

Does not compute.

[Thoreau]

i am viewing haloodst from the standpoint of someone whom likes progression in his games. even though i have not played odst yet, i don't see progress. codmw2 and kz2 offer some kind of gaming progress as well has halo 1 and 2, but does odst offer progress? it does not seem like it and i am unwilling to pay 60bones to figure it out. maybe i will remain ignorant of haloodst, but 9 out of 10 seems quite high for the same multi/6 to 8 hour campaign. maybe 30 would have been the sweet spot?

[gamingisnotacrime]

I also see the reviews are a bit exagerated. Short SP, MP maps are just a collection of old ones in their mayority. I dont see the "lack of innovation" bashing that KZ 2 got. The flaws are covered with "Halo fans will not care", or "minor issues". The game visuals do not improve much on the 2 years old Halo 3, but that seems to be okay...
9/10 is too high, i will keep watch to see what highly anticipated game gets below 9 from this "major" sites and find out if they are reviewing by the same standards, or by Halo standards
Im not bashing, is serious. In the PS2 days, the reviews were pretty good (no heated war) but this gen not so much. Things like lack of innovation, no co-op, what could have been etc are mentioned way too often is reviews which is why i decide what games i like by playing them. Is the only way to not miss out on great games

EDIT
I think i made valid points and i wanted some feedback. For those that disagree, it would be interesting (for me at least) if you replied with your own statements. That is what this site is for, for exchanging ideas and having healthy discussions, on what many of us love; Games

[Sarcasm]

Didn't you know?

The "Lack of Innovation" or "Graphics doesn't bush boundaries" mantra only applies to PS3 exclusives.

For 360 exclusives, it automatically gets a free pass.

And since we point this out, we're automatically labeled "Crazed PS3 Fanboys"

[Figboy]

Halo 3: ODST offers a 5 hour single player campaign, maps Halo fans have already played and paid for 2 years ago when Halo 3 came out, and visuals that are substandard for a modern day FPS. /sarcasm

it's Halo. it will forever and always do no wrong.

according to the reviews, this game is on the same level as games like Killzone 2 (and in the case of Edge and Eurogamer, BETTER than Killzone 2), Uncharted 2, inFAMOUS, MGS4, LBP, Mass Effect, Bioshock, Gears of War, etc, etc.

there is NO standard to gaming review criteria anymore. there is no rhyme or reason as to why one game will get docked points for not having a feature (ie, no MP in Uncharted netted it some point docking, but nobody batted an eye that Bioshock, who's campaign is just as long as Uncharted, didn't feature MP), but another game will get a free pass for not having that same feature.

Gran Turismo 5: Prologue was ALWAYS billed as a "taste of GT5." yet it still packed more cars and tracks (as well as online; a first in the GT series) that most full releases, and retailed for $40.

Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty was, roughly, a 4 hour game. 1 hour shy of ODST's reported 5 hour campaign. that game cost $15. it didn't include MP, but for $15, how can you complain? i've paid more than that for a trip to the movies, and it didn't last nearly as long, nor could i enjoy it over and over again.

Halo 3: ODST is Microsoft capitalizing off of the Halo name. if it was reasonably priced at $30-$40, nobody would have this much of a problem with it.

i own a 360. i wouldn't mind checking out ODST, but my problem is that 1) i don't have an Xbox LIVE account because i absolutely REFUSE to pay for online gaming when i can play for free on the PC, PS3, PSP, DS, and Wii. NOTHING MS is offering with LIVE justifies them being the sole company charging for an online service. the PC has been doing what LIVE is doing for longer, better, and for FREE.
2) i can't bring myself to pay $60 for an expansion pack. Blizzard can get away with charging $50 for WoW expansion packs, and yet they don't.

if Microsoft gets away with charging $60 for this Halo 3 expansion, then i fear for other expansion packs in the future.

paying more for less content is not a practice i can support, no matter WHAT the franchise is.

if it was MGS4: ODST, with a new 5 hour campaign and the same MP maps from MGS4, i wouldn't pay for it.

this isn't about console fanboyism and the ludicrous "console war." this is about my hard earned money.

when you have Halo 3: ODST sitting on the shelf, offering a 5 hour campaign + Firefight mode + the same MP maps i'd have already purchased with Halo 3 (and really, who interested in Halo 3: ODST would NOT have purchased Halo 3?), below FPS standard visuals (not awful, but not up to other FPS titles on the market like Killzone 2 and CoD) for $60.

and then you have Uncharted 2 sitting on the shelf, offering a 10-12 hour campaign, 3 player co-op, MP, Machinima tools to die for, and hands down the best visuals on ANY console to date for $60, why in the flying f*ck would i buy ODST for $60?

even Resistance 2, which was quite fantastic, offered a lot more content than ODST at $60, and still got reamed in reviews, despite subscribing to the SAME EXACT FPS philosophies that people praise in Halo (Resistance 2's single player campaign was long, had amazing scope, fun weapons, excellently designed set-pieces, and a genuinely intriguing story, even if you had to hunt for the most juiciest story points).

the hypocrisy and double standards of the modern day gaming review system are far more damaging to the industry and more abundant than the fabled "money-hats" and conspiracies people throw out there.

Microsoft doesn't have to bribe ANYONE when they are already pre-disposed to give anything name Halo a free pass, despite substandard genre expectations.

Call of Duty 4, despite my lack of interest in the series, introduced what should be considered STANDARD FPS features and gameplay elements, that games like Killzone 2, and Resistance 2 picked up on and implemented into their own makeup. games like Counter Strike and Team Fortress 2 have ALSO had these elements on PC before CoD4 came around.

Halo 3 is no different from games like Unreal Tournament and Quake in terms of how it's MP feels, and yet it's NEVER taken to task for it, and will therefore NEVER evolve and grow.

everyone is so afraid to criticize the giant franchise that is Halo, that Bungie and Microsoft have gone complacent with their approach to developing those series.

games like Zelda, Metroid, and Mario fall under that same umbrella. the franchises have grown so far beyond their iconic status that they are, to use a mafia term, "made men." they can't be touched, and in the end, it's the true FANS of those series that are losing out.

Sony has some longrunning series that have managed to reinvent themselves while maintaining the core essence of what made them popular in the first place. God of War 2 was still God of War, but such a marked improvement over the original that it's nearly impossible to go back and play GoW1 because 2 improved so much. GoW3 is looking to do the same to GoW2.

games like Jak, Ratchet, and Sly Cooper also improved upon it's predecessors in all ways from visuals to gameplay, while maintaining the core of the series that i find it absolutely hard to believe that MS can't do the same with their franchises.

as much as i love Fable, Fable 2 is BARELY an improvement over the original, and in a lot of cases, BACKTRACKS on some of the features that made Fable 1 so good. i'm looking forward to Fable 3, because i'm hoping that Peter Molyneux will get that much closer to what he promised us in Fable 1 that we've been waiting for for 4 years running now.

Halo fans deserve better than to be reamed for content they've already bought and for an inflated price. but hey, if you are willing to pay for that content, go right ahead. the message it's sending to the industry is rather clear: "We will pay for recycled ideas and content as long as it's from a brand/franchise we love, even if it's at a premium price."

the Wii already proved that you can get away with selling nearly decade old technology if you wrap it up in a pretty sounding package.

the last thing i need is my gaming software to follow a similar line of thought.

Halo 3: ODST may very well be a very good, enjoyable Halo game, but $60 is NOT a fair price to ask for it. THAT'S the part most non-fanboys are arguing here, PS3 or otherwise. if other games that offer similar or better packages than ODST were docked in their scores for it, the same brush should be used on ODST. it's only fair, but as we've seen, the gaming media this generation is ANYTHING but fair. or even logical.

[Still_Breathing]

You said everything I wanted to say.
I couldn't have said it better myself.
Bubbles up.

[Fozzy25]

You speak the truth, however that is not allowed anymore it seems. I find it funny that M$ fanboys truly believe that Sony fanboys care that a 360 exclusive got 9, even though its had a lot of 8s as well. My main issue is that developers will see this and realise that if their brand is strong enough, why bother putting in the extra effort in their games. That is why people are annoyed. Even in the Gamespot review, how can a game with a recycled multiplayer and 5-6 hour campaign not be given the recycled and short demerits? The last few days have just proved how much of a strangle hold Halo has on the industry.

[Ldubbz]

Wow...Halo just brings out the best in people! No way Im gonna waste my life reading all that nonsense, but I get the gist of it...you dont like Halo. We get it. And we think its funny.

Thanks for dropping by.

[Sarcasm]

You've pretty much said it all Figboy.

Well done.

And stop being a crazed PS3 fanboy! lol j/k

[Pistolero]

Funny thing is...Figboy IS a crazed ps3 fanboy...he takes this stuff way, way too seriously....and is always writing page long diatribes in defense of the ps3. Seriously...I actually took the time to read that wall of text and he tried to make it sound intelligent...but it was really just the same old regurgitated nonsense we have heard a million times from the more radical ps3 fanboys among us.

[kalebgray92]

poured his heart out... for no reason.... on n4g..... fail

[XDF]

All you have to say is I don't like Microsoft, Xbox, and Halo. Nice, short and easy...your bubbles will go up regardless of how much effort you put into these long essay poems of yours.

[Figboy]

except you, Sarcasm, of course.

it's not as black and white as me "hating" Microsoft, or Halo, or Xbox.

i OWN an Xbox. i own an Xbox 360. i used to stay at work with the guys at Activision until 6 in the morning playing 16 player Halo. it was great times.

Halo 3: ODST is a rip off. PERIOD. but hey, if you want to spend $60 on a glorified expansion pack, go right ahead. i've said my piece, and i'm still $60 richer, and am spending it on a package that is WORTH my hard earned money (ie, Uncharted 2).

i know it's been a bone dry year for quality games on the 360 (i know, i barely turned my 360 on all year until Shadow Complex came out; that game is hands down the best 360 game i've played all year), and the PS3 has been swimming in awesome games since Killzone 2 came out in February, and you guys are bitter that you have to wait until the last 3 months of the year to anything even REMOTELY worthwhile, and one of them is the overpriced expansion pack that is Halo 3: ODST, and the other is downloadable content for a game that most people got tired of within 4 months of it's release: GTAIV.

enjoy the half-assed efforts of Bungie and Rockstar North. just buy a damn PS3 and get it over with. you are all clearly so green with envy it's blocking your ability to have fun with your video games.

i never once said Halo 3: ODST would be a sh*tty game, but i am 100% free to say that i think it's underwhelming compared to OTHER games on the market. even Left4Dead 2 looks better in comparison (gameplay feature wise, not necessarily visually), and is ALSO priced at $60.

i can't wait until next year, when you guys are b*tching about why the next Gears expansion is full price, or Fable 2 expansion, or any other number of games you all love that will be whored out because you've shown with your unerring love of Halo, that you are willing to bend over and take getting shafted in the wallet.

and yes, ODST IS a half-assed effort. Bungie is capable of MUCH MUCH more than what they and Microsoft have decided to give you. it's been 2 years since Halo 3 came out, and that's the best they could do.

i don't even have to bring Uncharted 2 into this to show how much of an embarrassment that is. good day! i'm going to go play some awesome PS3 games now! /crazed PS3 fanboy rant.

[starchild]

Hey, figboy, you're an idiot, period. No room for opinion on this one, just like you seem to think there isn't any room for differences of opinion on the value of Halo ODST. I was moving away from the 360 for awhile, but even I think Halo 3 ODST is a good game that is well worth the money. Some people won't like Uncharted 2, or Forza 3, or Left 4 Dead 2, or Demon's Souls ...don't you get it? Value is in the eye of the beholder.

[04soldier]

Tis a double standard when reviewing PS3 & 360 games that only the educated can see...

[Thoreau]

if you own a 360 only, halo3 odst may be the pinnacle of your gaming needs and therefore deserves a great score. if you own a ps3 and a 360, you don't needs scores to determine whether halo3 odst is worth 60bones or not....

[SaberEdge]

Speak for yourself. I am getting both Uncharted 2 and Halo 3 ODST. From everything I have seen they both look like very good games.

[Raider69]

N4G bubble system is full of flaws,and is getting worse by the day and they simply cant control!Some people have multiple accounts,and they cant even control IP'S,shame.

[Petebloodyonion]

Why Halo ODST got a 9?

Simple!
The same reasons why a Mario, Zelda, GTA, MGS game always seem to get stellar reviews and GOTY mentions.
Brand recognition.
PPL loves them, ppl wants to buy them and in the end it's good for the whole gaming industry. We can argue all we want about how Uncharted 2 is a better game (wich is probably true).
But last time I checked the average joe Didn't knew Jack about Uncharted 1, but you can bet that he sure know about MGS and HALO.
(just look the pre orders)

It should cost 40$?

Probably true but there's a thing called brand value and charging less then 60$ would send the msg to the average Joe that this game is a B product. Also it would weaken the whole HALO brand name value.

Is it a expansion pack?

Does it require Halo 3 to play?
Answer is NO!
Then it's not a expansion pack.
I will gladly accept to review my position on this matter when ppl will claim that Madden xx, NHL xx, Street fighter 4, SVRxx and Soul Calibur 4 are expansions pack that should only cost 40$.

Should I buy this game or should I buy the CHAM WOW?
I really don't have a answer for that one but the guy in the informercial is starting to make a believer out of me!

[artsaber]

There are PLENTY of PC expansion pack games that DO NOT require the original game. As an example, I will give you one of the best I've enjoyed:

"Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts (abbreviated CoH:OF) is the stand alone expansion pack to Company of Heroes, a RTS game for the PC announced on April 5, 2007" - Wiki

They are called Stand Alone Expansion Packs, which is EXACTLY what ODST is. And hmmmm, oddly enough, guess what the price was for this good game, $39.99 you guessed it right. Sorry ODST is an overpriced expansion pack. The sooner folks admit it, the better off they will be.

[jarhead906]

You guys were waiting for GS's review, of all places?

Regardless of the review, I don't consider GS to be professional enough to accurately place judgement on games, especially after a horrible preview of Resistance 2 gameplay in which the author clearly showed inexperience in addition to not even having played Resistance: Fall of Man. I'm sure some at N4G know exactly which preview article I'm talking about.

[taylork37]

I didn't read the review you were speaking of, but come on...Resistance 2?!

I played the entire game and completed all the coop missions, and then traded it in. The game is sub par at best. It is doom 3 with better graphics and a really lackluster coop and multiplayer. At least some people compare 360 reviews with credible games like Uncharted, MGS4, LBP, and Infamous.

Without trying to sound disrespectful, you are going to have to come up with a better comparison.

[jarhead906]

Protip: Don't make assumptions.

Not only did you assume that I think Resistance 2 is a fantastic video game*, you also assumed that I was using it to compare against Halo 3: ODST. I applaud you on the latter considering that the entire second paragraph was discussing why I view GameSpot as unprofessional. It has nothing to do with Halo 3: ODST vs. Resistance 2. That was all done in your own head.

* I think Resistance 2 is the most underwhelming video game I have ever played. It is such a disappointing game because it tried to be something that it wasn't instead of sticking with what it already had with R:FoM, a fantastic game.

[NateDPG]

lol imagine the scores and reviewer complaints if this were a PS3 title.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

I'm just having a very hard time understanding how all these reviews can clearly acknowledge that ODST doesn't off much of anything new, has a 6 hour campaign, and is built on the same [now] outdated engine, yet it is still deserving of a score of 9 and a 59.99 price tag. Really, Bungie/Microsoft, in my opinion, would be doing the fanbase a great service by releasing the game with a sub-standard price. Everyone already knows that this is a 'break' until Halo Reach comes out, even by the developers own admission. Why not treat it as such with the selling price and the review scores then?

[CWMR]

-You ps3 boys just don't get it do you? Reviewing games is about the sum total of the experience offered and how it impacts you on a 'subjective' level. It isn't some kind of mechanical process where you just add up how long the game is and how new the tech is that powers it and a few other objective criteria and then pop out a review score.

I can't believe people can be this dense. Halo 3 ODST is a great game because of the overall experience that it offers and how much fun it is. Reviewing is ultimately a subjective process and how much weight is given to any one aspect of a game is entirely personal.

I got ODST and I am absolutely loving it. Do you think I give one flying f~ck about what anybody else thinks about it? You ps3 fans can hate on it all day long, but it won't change how much enjoyment I, or anybody else, get out of the game.-

[knightdarkbox]

HERES THE DROIDS??? hahahahahahah

Halo Odst=hours of fun. Halo are better than any Playstation Franchise that has ever been made!

please droids stop the hate in halo odst and buy one 360....

[Dropthelines525]

decided not to after my brother's broke 3 times.

[XDF]

What does your brother's broken penis got to do with anything.

[iistuii]

A short sharp burst of 6 hours of perfect fps action, is better than say 10 hours of total crap. Thats why it got a 9........Halo is back as great as ever...........get over it.

[durran3]

Whats with people getting disagrees and bubble losses because he/she is posting an opinion based on Gamespot's review? Seriouly i am really starting to hate this site because of the Rapid Playstation 3 fanboys here.. its really getting out of hand

[XDF]

There were at least 200 people there at the Gamestop where I was. As I recalled, over 3600 gamestops and many Bestbuy stores are having mifnight launches for this game. This game will be massive. Shouldn't be a problem finding Firefight pals on Live.

I am going to enjoy this game and some new Halo 3 maps..All you PS3 haters can continue to troll on N4G. :)

[ItsIncognito]

Gamers in general are discusted with the behaviour of gaming sites in general. When we would review real life products in the same way as the gaming media. Man oh man. The quality of our products would be severly lacking.

If you are a fan, than you are a fan. And I hope you have fun with the game. When you 're done. Take a step back, relax and look at the game again.

I see Halo as Nike. Not the best products in the world. However they are very popular. So it takes guts to say no. This applies also to a lot of other games and products.

Also the behaviour shown of gamers and people in general is very funny, in a time like this where our civilization is on the brink of collapsing.

We really live in the age of stupid imo.

[CWMR]

-You're full of it. The only people proclaiming to be disgusted with gaming sites in general are ps3 fanboys.

I don't think most gaming sites are biased, and I don't see many 360 or Wii fanboys claiming such a thing either. There might be a few individual reviewers here and there that I think are biased, but I think most of the established review sites do a very good job of remaining impartial. Most gaming sites seem to be staffed by genuine gamers who enjoy a good game no matter what console it is offered on and who simply express their sincere opinions about how a game impacted them.-

[Ldubbz]

IGN, Gamespot, 1up...the biggest three all hand out 9's. Its a done deal, case closed. CVG and EDGE, the big guys from the UK hand out 9's. Done.

The rest is all just hating just to hate. Opinions are like...well, you know what they're like.

The burn is setting in, the inescapable Halo launch is here, and the fangirls have to squirm and take it. This is when it gets good boyos, grab some popcorn and laugh it up...because we'll all be too busy gaming soon to care about whats going on here....

[XDF]

Forget the PS3 haters..I am too busy playing this game than to argue with those immature crybabies.

With Forza 3 demo coming out this week and enjoying some Rock Band Pearl Jam Backspacer with friends..this will be a great week.

Oh, and getting some comic relief from the always dependable OPEN ZONE with the PS3 fanboys can be fun too. :)

[Halo3 MLG Pro]

The fantastic reviews keep on coming... just like the crying from the sony fanboys. :)

[xg-ei8ht]

WenisWagon

Was that dude in a wind tunnel.

Christ that 360 hardware sux.

To all 360 guys, go buy ODST. go on, now. Have the best 4-5hours you can. and Enjoy.

[CherryLu-Chan]

"Sa-yoo-purrrr!"
"Awesooomeeeee!"

Showcases perfectly just what a joke Gamespot has become.

I'll stick with Gametrailers. A more insightful review, presented a universe more professionally.

[And, for the record, I adore the game]

[TheMailman]

The bulshit that reviewers magazines and sites turn to is well shown in high scores given to Halo 3 ODST. I´m not saying Halo is a bad game, but for god sake is JUST A EXPANSION PACK bringing nothing new to the gameplay, using a dated engine (with sub HD graphics)and storyline for kids. Is clear to everyone now, that the Xbox 360 lack of power is holding back the future of the gaming experience. The gap for the PS3 is greater, and greater as the new games comes along, and is very sad for me to see a marvelous polished and well crafted game as Uncharted 2 (truly breaking new bondaries in videogame history) having the same review scores of Halo ODST only because MS have deep pockets and completely dominates the reviewers market. The developers and gamers deserves to be treated with more respect by this parasites that do nothing but f@ck up the gaming experience... we are in 2009, not in 2007!!! Let the games evolve please... If Xbox 360 can´t deliver blame MS don’t hold down the progress...

[PoisonedTea]

Surely not everyone is on the take? That would be preposterous. ODST has to have some pretty great aspects for it to receive such high scores from the respected sites and magazines. I may have to pick this one up to decide for myself.

[Lex Luthor]

I wonder how many people here bought GT5 prologue and are gonna buy GT5.

[tonywood24]

THERE ARE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE, WHO LOVE PLAYING IT.
So, it's up to them to decide what they like. I have a lot of friends who hate on WWE, Dancing With the Stars, American Idol, and The dumb VH1 shows, BUT...the fans still support this crap!

Sure, Bungie & MS are under-delivering on NEW multiplayer maps, graphical enhancement, and charging a killing.....but if the fans like it, then it's all good. I have a PS3 and 360, (Elite off Craigslist for cheap!) and will only use my 360 for shooters. All of the gaming machines have their place out here. Halo is a cool game, so I wont hate on Bungie for doing what Sony doesn't...DELIVER THE GAMES THAT PEOPLE WANT! How much longer must I wait for God of War 3, GT5, Heavy Rain, The Agency, and a new Jak game? Halo: ODST is not as good as Call of duty 4 (In my opinion!), but it's a GREAT series.

[CherryLu-Chan]

But ODST *feels* different.

I love that it feels more stark and lonely in places, that being so much more underpowered than the Master Chief brings forth more of a sense of venerability and panic after a few shots [the voice work adds to this wonderfully].

I've been genuinely taken aback by just how much I've been caught up in the atmosphere of the game.

Considering a few weeks back I must admit it had drifted from my radar quite a bit, I'm so glad I picked it up.

Plus, I've been starving myself of it all day, waiting for night time to kick in. Something so delicious about playing a game built of such stark venerability in pitch black, the room disappearing, telly volume up - and just letting the sheer *feel* consume me.

^-^

[PoisonedTea]

That sounds great. You almost make me want to rush out and buy it.

[Odin777]

I'm getting a little disgusted by the sheer amount of Halo fannies that are orgasming at the thought of PS3 fanboys crying over such an arbitrary thing like a review score. I'm sure it is pissing off many droids, but the who the f*ck cares; just play the damn game if its so important to you.

I hear a lot about which fanboy is worse but in my opinion you're all demented.

[taylork37]

You are right, 360 fanboys are just as immature as PS3 fanboys, but the reason some of the 360 fanboys go crazy is because very narrow visioned PS3 fanboys come in and knock anything that is Halo. You don't see too many 360 fanboys going into Uncharted review comment sections completely one sided spouting off unfounded reasons why they think that game is bad.

Their reasons are unfounded because they are biased and most of those fanboys haven't even played ODST, let alone the other Halo games.

It almost seems like you guys are upset because Halo is very popular and has helped the Xbox rise to its current place among consoles. Now that you have "ammo" with Uncharted 2, you can use it to try an discredit the superiority of the entire Halo series, and discredit along with that, the majority of the legit review sites that like the game .

So excuse us for actually backing the console and the games we like.

[Altourus]

Actually you do see 360 fans doing that...

[cantfindaname08]

Halo series have:
Split screen online and offline
Balanced weapons
Good control mechanics
Fairly long and good campaigns

This is all i want from my shooters. In the ps3, we do not have a good FPS that has all of these in one. If you know of a game besides halo that does this well, please inform me because i would love to play the game. No matter how much people hate, halo series have done FPS justice.

[NateDPG]

If this were a PS3 title the reviews would go like this:

-very short campaign
-outdated technology
-lot of recycled stuff that was already available before

Sony how dare you to stamp a full pricepoint on such a thing? Final verdict: 4 out of 10 and this only because I'm a fan of this series.

[MeatAbstract]

I'll admit, GS seem to reaching back to their roots and simply giving decent reviews to games. They're not looking at what console its on, or what people will think, it seems like they just try and enjoy the games they play.

On the subject of Halo though, I have never tried a Halo game. But I ordered Halo 3 very, very cheap from Amazon and if I enjoy it I may even pick up ODST.

By the way, anyone feeling the need to scream that the reviewer is being biased, grow up will you? Its a games review, why not try playing the game and forming your own opinion rather then bashing someone elses? If you can't play the game because you don't have the required console, enjoy what you have and leave everyone be.