Totally distinct yet completely familiar at the same time, ODST is a nice change of pace and brings a new vibe to the classic Halo gunplay experience. The mood that Martin O'Donnell's score provided, particularly during the scenes as a lone soldier wandering the desolate streets of New Mombasa, is unbelievable and unlike anything delivered in a Halo game prior to this point. The alternating between wandering through New Mombasa and playing an action-packed level of classic Halo is a neat change of pace at first, before becoming a bit repetitive and New Mombasa losing some its intrigue as an environment the more it happens.
The dialogue and storytelling is amusingly cringeworthy and corny at times, but thankfully the game delivers on its exciting level design that feels just like the Halo I've come to know and love. While some unwelcome differences were evident, like a pointless new UI that felt like a serious downgrade from the other 3 Halo games and the inability to dual wield guns like the previous 2 Halos.
Halo 3: ODST brings some new elements forward that help the game stand out while still maintaining Halo's core style of gameplay. While it felt like some steps were taken backwards in some areas, ODST is ultimately successful in delivering a fun shooter that is short, sweet and doesn't over stay its welcome.
The dialogue and storytelling is amusingly cringeworthy and corny at times, but thankfully the game delivers on its exciting level design that feels just like the Halo I've come to know and love. While some unwelcome differences were evident, like a pointless new UI that felt like a serious downgrade from the other 3 Halo games and the inability to dual wield guns like the previous 2 Halos.
Halo 3: ODST brings some new elements forward that help the game stand out while still maintaining Halo's core style of gameplay. While it felt like some steps were taken backwards in some areas, ODST is ultimately successful in delivering a fun shooter that is short, sweet and doesn't over stay its welcome.