In it's opening moments, Halo 3: ODST shows a lot of promise. A noir mystery set in an open metropolis with a unique score and that classic gameplay initially makes ODST one of the more interesting titles in the Halo franchise. However, as the game goes on all the elements prior end up becoming dull and unfulfilled. As far as the mechanics are concerned; ODST is a Halo game through and through, which is good if you like this gameplay. However the lack of a core identifying feature has ODST feeling more like a Halo 3 extension rather than something standalone. I guess you could point to the visor mechanic that let's you see in dark environments, but I felt like it's only use amounted to seeing red outlines around enemies, blue outlines around weapons, and yellow outlines around optional audio log content. Overall I'd recommend Halo 3: ODST to Halo enthusiasts. It's opening moments alone make it worth experiencing. However ODST's latter game needed more to it in pretty much all departments. This is definitely not a game for first timers new to the series.