In the Tray: Halo 3 ODST, Part 2

Now to talk about the gameplay aspect of the ODST. This is kind of a throwback to the original Halo, with health returning to the mix. ODST can't jump as high, throw grenades as far, or hit as hard as the Chief can, and that makes the game all the more fun. Being much more human this time around forces you to make decisions and take risks, rather than just go in guns blazing and wait for a shield recharge. You have to think tatically and use your resources to adapt and achieve.

Most levels have a large Covenant force attacking just you and a few other Marines. In this sense, you have to be careful to take health packs conservatively. Once your stamina is gone, your health is open to deterioration. Fortunately, the game also makes old weapons in Halo seem completely relevant again, as well as adding new weapons in the mix. The Silenced SMG is mediocre, and I was especially annoyed with it after I got my hands on the still ruthlessly effective shotgun. Though it now has a scope, it still walks upward far too much to be a useful long range weapon, and you have to empty an entire clip on the dome just to eliminate a Brute's shields. The gun was meant to be dual wielded for a reason, and I found myself just going around meleeing everything when in close quarters. The Silenced pistol, on the other hand, is brilliant. Get a Brute's shield down with a tougher weapon and shoot its head once with the Magnum to down it. It's SUPER EFFECTIVE! Other weapons I liked were the all-powerful Carbine, taking out grunts and jackels with one shot and brutes with only a few. This plasma pistol is also very useful now, taking away shields very quickly. You can't be picky as you will run out of ammo rather quickly, especially is larger missions. Missing in action was the Battle Rifle, most likely due to its good power and range.

Shooting and working with squadmates rather than being a one-man army was a nice change of pace and gave the game somewhat of a Call of Duty feel. While the ODST AI is great, the Marines still are terrible, driving the wrong way and getting you killed far too easily. While most missions are fun and intense, I felt that a part of the last mission was far too easy, most likely because of the use of Gauss Warthogs and Scorpions. Still, there were moments of great difficulty, especially when there isn't a convenient kiosk of health packs nearby. One moment was when you and three of your squad get jumped by a Brute Chieftain. There is a great sense of urgency in the air as you attempt to take it down together. ODST capitalizes on moments like that to have all around solid gameplay. Co-op however, is crudely pasted on, with no backstory or explanation. Firefight is intense, taut, and fun. New maps for multiplayer are cool as well, but there is quite a bit to talk for each one so I'll save it for another blog. In short, get this game, you won't be disappointed. :D