Halo 3: My God, It's Full of Stars

PC World's Matt Peckham - who had less than 24 hours to review Halo 3 and gave the game a score of 85%, (currently the lowest score for Halo 3,) was then ordered by his editor to go to bed and later woke up to find out the game he had given 85% is getting full of stars from everyone else - so he has written an article to clarify his earlier review. Although he digs Halo 3 (i.e., he digs it a smidgen more than he did Gears of War, which got a B+ from him,) his earlier review and complaints for Halo 3 still stand.

[JDW]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and not everyone has to love the same things.

85% is still a good score, an by no means should be seen as a bad score by anyone.

[_insane_cobra]

Agreed, all this bickering over some scores is ridiculous. Whether someone gave it 8.5 or 10 is of lesser importance, the only thing that really matters is that Halo 3 is obviously a great game that for the most part delivers.

[Twizlex]

Maybe I'm blind or maybe the link doesn't go to the right page, but I don't see an actual review score ANYWHERE on that page. Just curious if any of you are just replying to the news title or if you actually read the "review" because I just don't understand. The dude just said he likes the game, but I don't see an actual review or a score on that page.

EDIT: After searching through the website, I finally found their actual review. Why wasn't that linked instead of this dude's blog ABOUT his review?

[MADGameR]

Still a bit disappointing. But is'nt for hardcore Halo fans. Halo 1 for me was the best in the series. As it was reviewed, they said it did'nt look as good as they expected it to be. So yeah AGAIN Halo 3 fails to amaze everyone just like Halo 2. Halo 1 is the best in the Halo series. KZ2 just takes the cake and leaves Halo 3 in the dust graphically. Then again, graphics does'nt always matter.

[Vavoom]

Who said anything about Killzone II, why can't you fanboys comment on an article without turning it into a flamewar by making stupid comparisons. We will judge KZ2 when it actually releases, until thing chill with the jealousy and fanboyism.

Have a drink and enjoy the party.

[SL1M DADDY]

A critic that will give this game what it deserves without fear of public backlash. Halo 3 is another FPS amongst many other FPS's and has a good story to boot. With slightly off base graphics from other games in it's "hype zone" and a short campaign, I see no reason a game like this that brings few new experiences to the table deserves anything greater than a 9. But then again, that is my opinion. My hats off to the review here as they have shown no fear towards Microsoft and their cash cow Halo3.

[PumPum]

Good post. I agree with you!
Reviewers should be fair and not give a game a 10 just because of the pressure they might get....
----------------------------- --------------------
Edit: WOW unbelievable someone actually disagrees! Fanboys are insane.

[oohWii]

You know it's okay to be a fanboy, what's annoying is a hypocritical fanboy. The only reason you praised this reviewer is because gave halo3 a lower score and that's what you as a Sony fangirl wanted to see. You claim that it's good to see a reviewer stand his ground and not be afraid of the MS machine. (in so many words) Even though the guy says he like it a little better than GOW, yet he scored it lower. Kind of like saying "I don't eat pizza because I love it!"

Looking back at one of your past post, which are full of fanboy banter I might add, I found this:

"Oh yeah, it too scored higher than Lair. Red Steel was complete and utter crap. The controlls were broken and the game was horrible. Lair is not an 8 or a 9 out of 10 game but it is nowhere near a 4 or a 5. If they wanted to do the readers justice, they could have put down the angst against this title for its inovative controlls that they could not graps for some unknown reason and give it its due. I say the game deserved a 7 for it's awesome graphics, good storyline and it's controlls that for many out there have not been the bane of the games completion. Anybody that rates Red Steel higher than Lair is an idiot - plain and simple. "

Funny how this reviewer didn't get any praise from you. No matter how wrong or right his review was, you were having no part of it. However had this been an XBOX title, you probably would have praised him also. See, how this knocks you credibility flat on its A$$. FANBOY comments are only good to make like fanboys feel better.

A more neutral comment would have been, "Wow, an 8.5, I'm not a halo fan myself, but based on everyone elses posts, I'm curious as to how he came up with an 8.5. I guess every game isn't for everyone."

After reading a post like that, I could only agree with the poster, but in your case, it pure fanboy garbage.

[dantesparda]

Careful, you're sounding kind of fanboyish there yourself too.

[uxo22]

I didn't see it that way, I thought oohwii's comment had some validity to it. IT's amazing how the automatic support system on this site works huh?

[tmax]

Just saw it in store. Graphics - o.k nothing special for a next gen game for a next gen console. Gameplay was ok, nothing that hasn't been done before.

As far as I'm concerned it didn't give me the same WOW factor as Halo or GoW did, when they first came out.

It now makes sense on why the spent their money on creative advertising and hype rather than trying to sell the game based on in-game graphics alone, I would have done the same.

[TitanUp]

yep its a good score its an opinion and im fine with it. halo is a cash cow but its not like they making 100 different halo games to make money. mario?

well anyways im happy that 3 is just around the corner cant wait. no matter what the reviews turn out to be im going to be playing that sucka all week long.

[JokesOnYou]

I'm glad to see most 360 fans are not crying about a few scores that are lower than what we expected or believe Halo3 should get because, at the end of the day we "believe" the game is great and when its all said and done the final scores will support that statement. 85% is not a bad score at all especially coming from "PC World", in fact he even said he liked it a little more than Gears which I think is a awesome game (no shiii, huh)=

JOY

[toughNAME]

Yeah the opinions will vary..

i still expect one 4/10 for a site that wants some attention

but keep in mind..85% is still a REALLY good score

[mesh1]

HAHAHAHAH i just got a 22 inch monitor from pc world hahaha i never knew they did game reviews hahaha the just sell eletronics hahah the ppl sony pay to review games are so funny pc world doing console reviews come of it

[IRONMAN_57x]

it should get an 8.5, i mean i played it

[BloodySinner]

You sure about that, douche? Because the game isn't even out yet.

[bednet]

Hmm. I also played it at a friends...it's been on the Net for like a week.

My friend had his XBLive banned, because got caught playing one game, one time before the release date (don't ask me how he got it). Now he just doesn't care anymore, he modded his 360 and downloads every game.

Just for the record, I don't approve the modding part, but I sure appreciate it...

Uninformed douche!

[DARK WITNESS]

at the end of the day the thing to remember is that all reviews are going to be based on what the reviewer thinks makes a great game. This will change from person to person.

in the same way no reviewer should be pressured or give a review based on a games hype, one should also remember that when a reviewer does give a game 10/10 it may be because they genuinely think its a 10/10 game.... it does not mean they are giving into hype or being paid to give it a good score.

personally i would give halo 1 10/10, but halo 2 more of an 8.5 ( based on the single player experience.

[DaEnforcer]

Looks like MS forgot to bribe this reviewer and we got the 1st legit score.

[DeadIIIRed]

Who thinks Microsoft is innocent and NEVER influences their public relations (i.e. reviews, commercials, wikipedia, blogs, forums) is an idiot with no understanding of business. Sony is guilty of the same practices, but Microsoft is especially known for playing dirty (thats how it was founded).

[bluebrad1974]

Might I ask why a PC mag is reviewing a 360 game? That would be like TeamXbox reviewing a PS3 game.

[Rooted_Dust]

Because they are almost guaranteed to be completely critical and totaly unbiased.

[bluebrad1974]

Since when is a PC only gamer considered an expert on console games? Of course this review is biased.

[Rooted_Dust]

Wow, your right...How could someone who has a degree in journalism, but got hired as a PC gaming journalist instead of as a Console game journalist possibly understand the complexities and possible shortcomings of a console game. It's like traveling to a foreign country and trying to understand their customs in a single day. I have truly realized the folly of my ways.

P.S. If you don't see the intended sarcasm of my post you are an idiot.

[Rooted_Dust]

I would like to remind you that this game will be released for PC in mostly the same form you will see it on the 360. Just like Halo and Halo 2 it will be scrutinized by PC gaming journalists, so your point of "PC journalists can't review this game" has no merit whatsoever.

[bluebrad1974]

You are wrong, and you know it. PC is a whole different platform, with a whole different type of audience. Why not have PC gamers review Wii and handheld titles? I'll tell you why, because PC gamers don't understand the audience that plays these games. This site has no business reviewing a console game. If Halo 3 ever goes to pc, that would be the correct time to give a review. Until then this PC World review is nothing more than a low-handed attempt to get web hits.

[Rooted_Dust]

Perhaps if you cared to actually look at the site you would see that they cover all areas of the technology spectrum on PC world. They are not soley a PC gaming magazine. You are constantly refering to him as a PC gamer. Why? The man is a journalist no diferent from any on the Gamepro, IGN, TeamXbox, or GameInformer staff. Also you infantile jabs show your overall level of maturity or lack there of.

I have no interest in continuing this pointless debate. It's faily obvious why your already blocked by 35 users.

[bluebrad1974]

Actually, avoiding obvious facts shows how infantile you are. Say you wanted to buy a computer, and started searching for product reviews. Which would you consider a better source, PC World or K-mart? Stop being a dumb****, your wrong and no amount of spin or fanboy bs is going to change that.

[mirroredderorrim]

Because the game is also on PC, genius.

[nanometric]

I'm pissed off at you 360 fanboys! Yes, 85% IS A GOOD SCORE!!!! ALSO ON THE PS3!!! Yet, somehow, you think that a game is a POS if it gets 85% on ps3, but yet you love it it gets the same score on the 360! Please don 't be stupid, ok!? plz?

[cain141]

I'll probaly be disagreed at for saying this, but normally 360 fans only insult the titles that got a 6 from everyone, and a 8.5 from Sony defense force (yes I know this site is a joke).

Halo is getting high nines across the boards, someone eventually will not be a fan. That is life. Metacritic had this sitting around a 9.7 when I last looked.

[icechai]

Can you really expect a super high score from a PC magazine? I mean, Halo 3 defines console FPS games but PC gamers have been playing variants of FPS games for the past 15 years. I mean, that, RTS and RPG are pretty much all they play, so they might be a bit pickier than your standard console owner. Also there is nothing wrong with the magazine reviewing Halo 3, as its going to come to PC anyways like most of the Xbox's games.

[deadpreacher]

as its going to come to PC anyways like most of the Xbox's games.

You say that likes its a bad thing. Microsoft aint just console they are PC involed to you know (Just in case you forgot who Microsoft is). Besides thats the whole game plan to have Console and PC guys coming together this gen and playing the same games and this is good it only makes microsoft stronger. They need the PC gamers just as much as they need Console gamers. So when you go off and say i won't get a x360, but i will buy the PC version you do know MS still wins you over.

[ceedubya9]

I can't find the other article yet, but this one seems to imply that he was referring to the single player only. Of course, I don't know for sure yet, but if this is the case, then the review seems accurate if its based on single player alone. But as a complete, feature rich game, I can't see how it would get any less than a 90%. But, everyone has their opinions.

[Gamer luv]

im not sure but i think he said something about, cant wait for tuesday to test infection out with thosands of people, and if thats a gamemode of MP then i guess he has.?>

[nobizlikesnowbiz]

Halo isn't for everyone. Some people on this site are ridiculous about it though a la "Halo Haters".

A review is entitled to his opinion. It's not like 85% is a low score folks.

Every other review is much higher, and this game is scoring as good if not better than BioShock.

Thats a great game IMO.

But all the reviews could have been bad. Me and +2 mil others would have still picked this one up.

[Says you]

Even I would god! everybody is just a bunch of panzies and infact I think alot of people are being biase about this game considering its basically the same thing as 2nd Halo I mean come on! wakeup people! this game isnt a big deal god I think some times idiots that praise Halo 3 needs to get a brain transplant people shouldnt be afraid of giving their own thoughts on how they feel about this game.

[socomnick]

PLay the game then talk Sh|T. This isnt lair its an actually good game.

[Gamer luv]

hello 85% here, not bad but not great either.

I think the game is getting scores it deserves, me reckons u need a brain transplant mate.

Halo is not the best thing since baked bread but its sure as hell alot better then some of the other crap sony and ms are offering.

[MANTIIS]

Why? Because its Halo 3. Halo3 will resist being labeled with a score below 95%. Halo3 will not lose points for its flaws even if it has them because it is Halo 3. Halo 3 commands a hype machine of such colossal proportions that the hype alone makes up the extra 15% of what is at its core 85% to give it 100%! Halo 3 contains easter eggs that reveal the date of the second coming...ah...you get the point.

"Separate the honest reviewers from the fanboys as those who detract points from the game they review."

[Rooted_Dust]

I love PC magazine reviews. They are always thorough and they usually don't pull any punches. Also who better to review an FPS? It's a PC gamer's meat and potatoes. There is also no reason he would be unable to do a review of a console game. Do you think when he went to study journalism that he studied PC gaming journalism?

[MarioFromTexas]

but refuse to deduct points for it, like they would any other game. Dumb A.I., short game, graphic not that great. I thought for a game to be 9 or above it had to standout above other games in the same genre which I don't think Halo3 does from what I read on reveiws. How can Halo3 score 9.8/100 as an overall, Where is the point deduction for bad graphics, where is the point deduction for terrible A.I...Where is the point deduction for the Story being terrible just like Halo2...It's seem double standards and I respect a score of 85/100 for Halo3 because from the flaws I hear it's about the right score.

[nobizlikesnowbiz]

Where have you read anything for terrible A.I.?

All I've read are great things about the A.I. Are you talking about the A.I. if it's set on Normal or Easy? If so, remember those modes are toned down, catered for the non-gaming crowd. A.I. on Heroic or Legendary is supposed to be great.

Only gripe with A.I. I've heard is teammate A.I. Arbiter is useless, and Marines are Brute fodder.

But that's why Master Chief is such a badass right? He handles everything while the normal guys try not to get killed?

[DeZimatoR]

lmao, this guy actually had to justify himself because he gave less then 90% to Halo 3! Pathetic really...

All the reviews I've read point flaws to the game but those don't seem to drag the score down at all...

The graphics are indeed poor and the gameplay is basically the same as the two previous games (not to speak about the 6 year old animations - Halo 1 - and the very poor character models).

Looks like the hype was so strong it made every review be inflated...only this guy wasn't influenced it seem ;)

Seriously now, this game's avg score is better then Bioshock's?!

[Nth RooCH]

When did you complete it dude?

(could whoever disagreed with this post, containing a QUESTION, please post an explanation, because it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.)

[kurtblindass]

what this guy gave Bioshock. I dont think it was worth a "10" as i heard from other reviews. As for Halo 3 and his review... To each their own, Im sure Im gonna love it!

[Nth RooCH]

I don't see it as being unreasonable to score a game 85%, but with a game like Halo 3, chances are the reviewer just did it to get his five minutes of fame. Like "look at me, I scored Halo 3 lower than anyone else, aren't I special". I mean even if you don't like the game, you can't argue with the massive steps forward it has taken. Forge, save films, whilst maintaining the stellar online play that has defined the series, and sharp graphics. There really isn't much to rip on other than a supposedly short campaign (couldn't say without playing it). I dunno, I think this game may be getting lots of hype, but anyone claiming it doesn't deserve it clearly hasn't had any experience of it, or is a purposefuly detractor.

[hwbrewer3]

HALO 3 WILL OUT SELL ANY GAME EVER TO BE MADE FOR THE PS3 AND SONY KNOWS IT.THE PS3 IS THE FIRST SYSYTEM THAT CAME OUT THAT I DIDNT EVAN LOOK INTO BUYING.

[Relientk77]

an 8.5 sounds like a legit score... it should not just get amazing 9/10 10/10 reviews just becuz it has "halo" in the title i respect this reviewer for not doing that ... and im not saying halo sux or whatever.. cuz it doesnt its awesome and totally kicks ass... but i do believe that the game is overrated/overhyped... ppl make it seem like its the best game or best shooter ever made... i dont make assumptions like that no game can be "the best" or "perfect" becuz thats all based on OPINIONS.. tho Halo is microsofts shining gem on their xbox and 360 .. so according to them the xbox's "best game" is halo, n halo 2 and 360s "best" is halo 3

[wangdiddy82]

lol this shows u why halo is getting such good scores.. Pressure from everyone not to and the time frame people had to give the reviews.. I think all these sites rushed to get there reviews out so people would come to there sites.. And i know and we all know if any site gave halo a bad score that website would be hated by many.. So many sites state that the game brings nothing new to the table, the graphics aren't the best, a couple of framerate issues, short campaign that lacks a good story.. But yet they still give it 9's and 10's.. I bet if they gave anything lower they would get the same crap from there head honcho or co workers like this guy did.. You gave halo an 8.5 you better go re think that before we publish it.

[Goshyujin_Sama]

that theres at least one reviewer out there who will rate Halo 3 how they see it and for what it is. Honestly, if I were to review Halo 3 I would give it about the same score. Its a good game, but it is very short(I beat in it in about 8hrs) and the gfx are simply not that impressive. Honestly the gfx dont look much better than Halo 2 which is a big let down for me because gears just looked so much better. But the game is fun and the weapons are cool, and when it launches officially, im sure it will be fun online. But as far as im concerned, halo 3 is about an 8.5/10 and im glad that this reviewer was not pressured into giving it ridiculously high scores just because of pressure from the higher ups.

[Covenant]

One man's opinion.

If he honestly thinks it deserves an 85 when everyone else is giving it perfect 10s, even after pressure from his editor, then it's his opinion, and he's entitled to it. Even if he's wrong (which a lot of people--me included--think he is).

[Relientk77]

u cant be wrong if its an opinion

[Covenant]

"u cant be wrong if its an opinion"

One person's opinion.

By that logic, you're wrong for criticizing my opinion that the reviewer is wrong. I can't be wrong about the reviewer because it's my opinion.

But I won't leave you negative feedback/disagree because this is a minor thing.

[Mc187]

seriously. just cause u cant afford it dosn't mean u never looked at buying one.

[Tyrael]

all i really hit the jump for was because i found the photo of Master Chief reading the newspaper amusing...

[jazzmanb]

he gave the single player game an 8.5...seems about right,pop in coop its about 9,pop in the insane multiplayer and its a 9.5.....seems bout' right...halo is as good as its hype...trust me...

[XLiveGamer]

((( 1.3 - Ha lo can you go?
Our fans have done a great job putting the worthiest score of 0/10 for Halo 3 on many popular gaming sites. We must be honest to ourselves that the game was made to fail. *no Halo 4 plan for the xbots* )))

Hey Ignorant no Halo 4 plans because MAYBE they are planning to make the next games about the past of master chief. By the way "HALO WARS RTS"!!!. Who is Master Chief? How everything Start? Do you Remember the Commercial? Those Kids in the Grass Master Chief? Cortana?

Believe me they don't need Halo4. I want to see your face when they come out with MasterChief past story.

[jazzmanb]

the graphics are fantastic,they look nothing like the beta...those who still talk smack about the graphics,obviously havnt played or seen the final game in hd.....not only does it look fantastic,but the multiplayer is what makes halo what it is..the balance,the weapons,the level designs,the matchmaking,the co op,the forge,the sound,the gameplay,the vehicles,the controls etc...thats why the game is a 10...if the single player merits an 8.5[i say 9.5 personally] than you add the coop,and endless multiplayer,its in a league of its own....though this guy is entitled to his opinion,its a one he posted knowing he get attention,and on top of it,he never touched coop and multiplayer...its a dumb review really..

[SaMiR111]

baaahhhh IGN SAY 95/ 100

Eurogamer 100/100

Meristation 100/100

1up 100/100

halo 3 the best! dont try to distrac...HALO 3its a bigg gamee

[batman2million]

why is a pc magazine reviewing halo?

[MANTIIS]

Actually, having played the game-I would say that's the right score for this game. Anyone who gives Halo 3 a 10, is clearly someone who does not understand what the value, and significance of the all coveted "10" for a game is. There are only one or two games a generation, that deserve the "10" score, and sometimes a generation will go by without one. Halo 3 is not one of them. The game is great fun, campaign is so-so, graphics awesome, and quite sharp-but not the best on the 360 (that would still be GOW). The true strength of the game is in multiplayer. In my opinion 85%, a strong 85%, is the right score for this game, and anyone else who gives it higher is either letting their fanboism affect their review, riding the hypewagon, or being paid by MS.

[sicknnyc]

GTA3 defined 3D gaming there for it's a 10

[fopums]

I think this guy was on the right track, did anybody listen to IGN's video review? he had some major issues with the single player campaign and yet only deduct's .5 from the score?

Im not suggesting Halo 3 isnt going to be a blast online, but a short and somewhat hindered campaign SHOULD effect the games score.

lets not forget, every thought Halo 2 was the godsend with the reviews as well and then Bungie the developers had to be the ones to own up to the faults of that title.

and yes Im going to play the game tonight with some freinds and will probably have fun, but Halo sadly isnt going to make me go out and buy a 360 just yet

[Jones Miller]

85% is an awesome score still! Forge and the fact you can release the camera and take pictures WOW simply WOW!

[IRONMAN_X57]

and my friend jackson has itm ask him tard

[Ugly American]

Didn't I ignore you?! What is this? A duplicate account?

But I can see from your post why I ignored the OTHER account. What are you really trying to say? Too bad I will never see, because welcome to Ignorville... again.

[jackdoe]

Why did his editor order him to go to bed? Seems a bit funky...

[360_Rules]

I am shocked! Yeah that guy is mad he can't play it on his PC right now! LMAO!

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Oh wait for a second there I thought I was a Droid, wew thank god I'm an Xbot. The 360 has pwned everything the PS3 can throw at it for the next 5 years. PS3=pwned and beat down like a little skanky a$$ b!tch, yup yup. Oh well droids back to playing "nothing" or you can watch a Blu-Ray movie of people playing Halo 3, might make you remember what it was like to play games on a games console.

[sak500]

The fker is a sonyturd or what? The cutscenes and ingame fighting is 100 times better than dark, dreary and colorless Kz2. I've played h3 on 50" HD tv and it looks amazing.

[MANTIIS]

The Final Verdict
So what's wrong with Halo 3? Not a lot, but after all the buildup in Halo 2, it's worth asking the following: Why can you play as the Arbiter only in cooperative mode during the campaign? For a character whose story was arguably more interesting than Master Chief's, the Arbiter's reduced to little more than a silent computer-controlled drone here. And why does the Arbiter go down from a lethal blow over and over, yet recover moments later, fully healed? (It feels a little gimmicky.)
How come you can still burst loudly into enemy area after area, yet no one seems to know you're coming? (You'd think the bad guys never heard of radios.) Why do the environments looks so great, but character models, especially faces, have all the expressiveness and lip-sync articulation of rubber masks? Why, without the aid of secondary storage devices like memory cards, must you still sacrifice your progress to replay completed campaign levels? And why does everyone else know where to go in these games, but you don't? For a guy called "Master Chief," you sure play a lot of follow-the-leader.
Does it "finish the fight?" Perhaps. It feels shorter than Halo 2, though it's also much harder setting for setting difficulty-wise. It's not the best looking Xbox 360 game (Gears of War has its number, there), and it certainly doesn't have the best story (BioShock), but Halo's (and Bungie's) skills lie in synthesizing all of the above to produce games with maximum appeal and minimal compromise. Halo 3 probably isn't the best Xbox 360 game you'll play this year, but with its endlessly inventive online options, it's close.

Halo 3 Platform: Xbox 360
Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Microsoft
ESRB Rating: Mature
PCW Rating: 85

[spike]

Cant wait 4 more hours. Well I got to go wait in line now.

[cheatmaster28]

This is sh*t! this doesnt deserve to be the top news! STOP KISSING MASTER CHIEFS ASS if you keep kissing it you are gonna taste his anus!

[gsx-r]

I didnt drink the koolaid, and buy Halo 2.1

[360_Rules]

LOL!