Reviewer: ODST is 'underwhelming'

From Gameswire: "Halo 3 ODST is 'underwhelming', reckons a journalist who has recently been given access to a review build of the game."

[Pennywise]

But it will still sell 5mil min.

[Chubear]

easily

[wxer]

you know
kids buy stuff

[nightelfmohawk]

Moar liek Halo OverpricedDLC, mirite?

Also, those f@ggot moderators at Gamespot locked a topic about this very article. Can't be pissing off our M$ corporate sponsors now, can we?

http://www.gamespot.com/pag...

[El Botto]

And with soooo many HIGH quality triple A or double A titles having been released so far in 2008 and 2009 and titles still coming around the corner, gamers will have to make choices.

Modern warfare 2
Tekken 6
Assassins Creed 2
Bioshock 2
Lost Planet 2
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
Uncharted 2
And many many more.

Its hard to justify a frikkin 5 hour DLC with graphics that are 3 years outdated for full retail price when you could get some other triple A title with that money.

And let us not kid ourselves. No matter how you twist it or deny this, but PS3 games have raised the frikkin bar 40 stories high. For shooters in particular, the new standard is Killzone 2.

Games that cant match up to this level, are simply unworthy. The only reason why Gaylo DLC will still sell large amounts, is because xbots have no other games to play.

[PS3PCFTW]

what we have here is a old ass 2006 game engine in a 2009 game... running on a dvd for that matter LMFAOOOOOOO

compare this pos to kz2....kz2 nukes this piece of crap all the way to last gen.

lets not even go to a uncharted comparison.

this game will sell alot simply becuz the xbots will try to save face and buy the only game they have this year. even though you f@gbots disagree and take away my right to speak I AM still right.

You know wut happens when u try to silence the truth? rrod ring a bell?

This is just toooooo easy now.

fucc the green power ranger. sh1t is whack.

jump out of mediocrity and PLAY BEYOND dvd

oh yeah 1 more thing,

@ the mart: your a fuccin f@gget. bend over, microsoft is looking for u.

[Wiitactics]

It doesn't have anything to do with quality @Pennywise. The Halo franchise is a game that america have come to love maybe a little too much, so much that even girls play Halo like crazy. By just having the name of "Halo" on it it'll sell a lot. It doesn't matter if it's good or not because the "hype" will cover for it.

[Sir Ken_Kutaragi]

And because M$ NEED something 'AAA' this year, so their loving internet sites will give it a 10/10. Oh well...

[wxer]

lol
guys check this out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

"Halo 3: ODST is a standalone expansion for the first-person shooter video game Halo 3."

" bu bu bu itz not an expansion "

and it comes in 2 DVD-9
"Halo 3: ODST will ship as a two-disc set"
loooooooooooooooool

downgrading the AI
the graphics
short game play length
all in 2 DVD-9
loooooooooooooooooool

fail

[54percent]

sales =/= quality

"not limping along at 640p"

640p

L O L

[likedamaster]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/be...

Nuf said.

[The Iron Sheik]

Halo is the Backstreet Boys of games.

[AngryTypingGuy]

"The only reason why Gaylo DLC will still sell large amounts, is because xbots have no other games to play. "

Hey Botto, need I remind you that all those games you mentioned are on the 360 except for Uncharted and Sigma, but Sigma is a carbon copy of NG2. And let's wait until we get a good Metacritic score before we rely on the reviews of one source. Every game deserves that courtesy because no one game can please everybody.

[Another One]

for using wikipedia as a source. lol. I don't think I need to say more.

[SkolarVisari]

And he is really going to give the game an eight to be "safe" we have all entered into a very sad time.

[omimasum]

just because the game didn't get a perfect 10

the bar has been raised by killzone 2 modern warfare etc

[talltony]

this is the first halo game I refuse to pay full price for. I swear the whole point of ODST is to resell all the dlc again but on a disc this time. They added a short campaign to make people think they will get their moneys worth. It just seems like a gimmick to me.

[sonarus]

Pfft Halo doesn't need good graphics. Who needs good graphics...smelly old 2007 graphics will do fine.

[gaffyh]

Well I'm glad to see that whoever this is, they aren't buying into the hype like last time. GTA4 and Halo 3 got 10s and we all know that neither deserve a 10.

[ATY]

"Halo doesn't need good graphics. Who needs good graphics...smelly old 2007"

2007 is being way too generous.

Halo's entire existence is founded on that stupid 'green shiny effect' that for some reason was latched onto as 'teh ultimate graphics' back on the Xbox.

Other than add massive amounts of bloom to cover up the ridiculously outdated rendering engine that series is like some band still trying to put out disco albums.

Take away the stupid shiny green character and replace him with something less ridiculous looking and all you are left with is a mediocre arcadish fps with a last gen 16 player P2P online networking.

[StanLee]

Apparently the reviewer doesn't review games, he reviews a game's engine and graphics. This is the first negative comments I've read. Most accounts have been glowing. It is after all an expansion but you can't expect these puedo-journalist to be objective now can you.

Edit @ GWAVE

Look, this game is pure fan service. It's something to appease the fan of the series while Bungie works on the next real Halo game. The only people who believe this is a full Halo title are PS3 fanboys hoping to see the Halo franchise fail.

Edit @ Raf1k1

We all know what the game's single player is; it's DLC. The game is price at $60 because of content and most reputable sites have been agree that there is value for Firefly mode, a 5 to 7 hour campaign and all the Halo 3 maps and Halo 3 multiplayer experience and the Halo Reach Beta. Is there $60 value, yes. Is it a new Halo title, no. It's an expansion built in just over a year on a dated engine. It's fan service. To expect more means you're an idiot.

[Baka-akaB]

entered ? We've been there all along for a long long time already , if not always .

remember doom 3 ? The game had impressive technology but was a weak fps , a weak survival horror , bottom line meh .. yet pc mags couldnt stop raving about it and rating it hihgly ...

You dont give most of the time highly profiled title bad ratings .

[TK421]

What was that other Halo game they released earlier this year??

Microsoft working on Super Halo Puzzle Fighter as well?

They're watering down a great franchise.

[GWAVE]

NO huge surprise here. Pretty much every gamer except harcore Halo fanboys knew this game would be so-so.

@ StanLee

Well, have fun with your "fan service", but I'll take a full game any day of the week, thank you very much.

[wxer]

"Reviewer: ODST is 'underwhelming'"
well
what you expect from a DLC ???

[Gregmonk]

What else are we expecting from an expantion on an old game engine? People who enjoy kicking the dead horse that is halo should be happy it is looking decent at the least. People that want some true next gen action should look at grabbing a new 300$ Ps3 and Killzone 2. As it was said earlier, the bar has been raised, and devs need to follow suit, including Bungie.

[DelbertGrady]

I see the usual suspects are doing their daily Halo bashing.

This sounds like a poor attempt at getting site hits.

[Raf1k1]

It's not a full Halo title but it's priced as though it is.

I'm pretty sure there will be people (from the casual crowd) that think it's a full on Halo game.

[raztad]

Quote:
"It doesn't matter if you're the biggest Halo and 360 Fan going - don't bury your head in the sand, demand better!" <-- I really would love to see xbox fans taking this advice.

Now it is more o less clear why so many "reasons why ODST is worth buying" articles.

[dolan]

I don't understand how Microsoft with all its billions and so few first party studios can't hire competent people to update the horribly outdated Halo engine.

They are obviously basing their entire holiday sales season on this game. They have the resources. I can't imagine they are spending all their resources on that motion control garbage they are releasing late next year.

Sure, the 360 isn't ever going to have graphics anywhere near Killzone 2 or other PS3 games, but at least they could have given people an incentive to buy the game with a graphics upgrade.

Halo 3's graphics are what should have been released at launch with the 360. Nothing more than Halo 1/2 in higher rez. You have to wonder what the hell Bungie has actually been working on since Halo 2 launched.

[gamesR4fun]

"Haven’t decided yet. Prolly give it an eight to be safe."

To be safe... that's the world we live in people. Don't give big games low marks - no one wants to hear it.

this is the way it is tho when dealing with anything halo. Inflated review scores rehashed game and charging 60 bones for 5/h dlc. Yet look at the sites bending over with all the why this games worth your money articles.

Edit my bad made it sound like all 360 games got this treatment fixed...
n ya 360 is a solid game machine they just need to get more games going make the online free n keep the malfunctions down...

MS better get its act together asap that 299 ps3 aint going nowheres.

[Sarcasm]

Honestly, after seeing the beautiful graphics on my 360 from Dirt 2. The 360 is VERY capable of amazing graphics. It just takes the right kind of developer to utilize it.

After seeing Halo 3 ODST in person, it's really not that bad like this guy is putting it to be. It looks to be improved from Halo 3. The only thing that bothers me is the ugly looking character models and their blocky animations. That didn't seem to change.

So Killzone 2 graphics for Halo MIGHT be possible, but I don't think Bungie is really up to the task.

Needless to say, is ODST worth buying? I say yes for the hardcore Halo fan. Is it much better than Halo 3? Not really.

[dolan]

"So Killzone 2 graphics for Halo MIGHT be possible, but I don't think Bungie is really up to the task."

That's like claiming Halo 3 graphics MIGHT be possible on the Wii.

It's a nice 'everybody's a winner' sentiment, but has nothing to do with reality.

"Dirt 2"

Amazing? No...

[gaffyh]

OK so I just heard that HHG played the game and said the same thing. And he is a MAJOR Halo fanboy, I remember a few weeks ago he was super hyped up for it, and when he played it he basically said Halo 3 is better.

He even said it himself, it feels like MS are milking the franchise.

Looks like this isn't worth $60, but I'll probably get it anyway.

[gamesR4fun]

never quote hgg on a review friend

dude raved over transformers n godfather2 terminator2 GIjoe jus bout any game hes seen or been given dudes got no objectivity. So quoting him will jus get u laughed at in some circles...

N the only reason he'd say a game sucks is for hits...

[JsonHenry]

I have felt that every Halo title to date has been "underwhelming" compared to the hype that surrounds the series. And this is coming from a fan of the Xbox 360. I also did not think much of Killzone 2 either. At least not compared to the hype that surrounds that game either.

But then again, as an avid PC gamer, I must be honest and admit that I have been playing better FPS games than those two for years on the PC.

As far as console only FPS games they are pretty good I guess.

[GameGambits]

Seems like you are IN every Halo topic to say the same thing every time.

Maybe you don't get that A) ODST isn't jesus' second coming in pixel form and B) That Halo has become watered down to a good extent. I'm not saying it's over for the franchise by any means, but I hope for Bungie's sake that Halo Reach sets the bar higher than all the past Halo titles combined.

You troll a pretty mean game man, but the fact is that Halo isn't everyone's thing. The majority of the people who ARE into Halo and praise it aren't big time nerd gamers. If you take a look at N4G itself you realize a good majority are nerdy gamers and therein is where the "meh" reaction comes from the Halo franchise. Us nerds have been spoiled and experience by bigger and better things like Metal Gear Solid 4 for instance.

ODST has not even reached the level of hype that Halo Wars did. It's probably going to even out with it soon enough now with reviews coming out, but comparing the hype between ODST and Halo 3 is little to huge. I expect pretty bum reviews for the most part like with Halo Wars. Most won't be fooled about what ODST really is...something that shouldn't cost more than 30 bucks that Msoft decided to milk for all it's cash. If ODST had remained with a non full game pespective like it was originally told to us to be as, then it'd get better scores and praise. For 30 bucks you'd be getting a great deal for each dollar, but for 60 bucks you are getting milked.

[gaffyh]

@1.20 - Exactly, that's what I mean. He gives 9s and 10s to EVERYTHING and is excited about EVERY game, but he doesn't like Halo ODST even though he's a Halo fanboy?

Now that's saying something.

[Sarcasm]

""Dirt 2"

Amazing? No... "

I'm saying it how it is. I think Dirt 2 on the 360 OR PS3 looks amazing. The lighting, the effects, the car detail, EVERYTHING.

I have the 360 version (rent) and I'm saying if they can achieve those kinds of graphics, then there's no reason why they cant do it with Halo 3.

If MS puts $40 mil into Halo 3 on making a custom new engine instead of parading around with Burger King Halo Fries, it MIGHT have been in the likes of Killzone 2. Sure it may not be pixel for pixel or effect for effect like Killzone 2, but at least it would have been better than crappy looking and poorly animated character models, outdated lighting engines, and 640p resolution.

The only reason why I like Halo 3, is that I like how it plays. But the presentation is lacking and I blame it on MS and Bungie.

[callahan09]

I'm excited for Halo ODST, because I enjoy playing Halo, but I'm definitely not paying 60 dollars for it. The majority of the content is just Halo 3 Multiplayer, so I'd be buying something I've already bought. If they offered the ODST campaign, the Firefight Mode, and the 3 new maps on a single disc for less, I'd buy it.

Just look at some examples of comparable DLC for other games.

GTA 4: The Lost & The Damned. It's an expansion with an even bigger campaign than the ODST campaign is purported to be, and it only costs 20 dollars. The Resident Evil 5 versus mode expansion only costs 5 dollars. A 3-map pack for Resistance 2 costs 6 dollars.

So the extra 3 maps, the Firefight mode, and the new campaign should be like 30 dollars. So why are we paying 60? Oh, that's right, an extra 30 dollars for Halo 3 multiplayer, which we already own.

I just think it's kind of unfair of Microsoft to only release this as the whole 2-disc set without any other option for those who don't want to re-purchase Halo 3 Multiplayer. I was going to say "short-sighted", but who am I kidding, this thing is going to be the best-selling game of the year anyway besides maybe Modern Warfare 2. So what difference is it to Microsoft that they're forcing their fans to repurchase content they already own just to get to the new stuff. They don't care, because they know we'll buy it anyway.

[ShabzS]

hmm the old engine argument is valid... cant blame him its about time for a change... halo deserves it

but it'll be interesting to see what the new x engine tools and the 1gb dev kit can do for future 360 games...

halo reach might be the answer

[a_squirrel]

Remember back then when Killzone 2 got SOME bad reviews, and they got up on the site (basically one good one got approved) then all the 360 fanboys are like "Hahahaha Killzone sucked, and now Killzone 2 sucks", but it doesn't.

Now lets not do the same thing to them until we've PLAYED IT OURSELVES

If you think it's crap, then that's alright, but then again you could still think that ET was a good game, but don't just yell at everyone who has an opinion

If you think it's good, then great, good for you, but don't shove it in other people's faces, like "Hahaha, I have an awesome game and you don't"

Great, now you've started getting me in this long rant about how the ps3 was better when it was $600, and it still is! But people can't seem to even fathom that the ps3 could be selling more than their 360 in the first place, since the hardcore fanboys are either ps3 or xbox360, because they are gamers! If I was a gamer, I'd probably go online on sites for hours just typing rants at fanboys, instead of actually having a life swinging around at thin air with my friends in front of a TV screen... for 5 minutes.

No Offence to any fannyboys out there, but I'm offended by your presence, I mean come on, do you even take a shower, or get dressed, or eat, or brush your teeth, or say goodnight to your mother, or say anything to your mother, or breathe, or sleep, or even know your REAL mother, cause you never know... You might not know that, your WRONG, or somethhing equally depressing, since your whole life, you've always been that popular nintendo freak or something equally similar, and you stay up all night to watch a new sega saturn commercial with someone exlaming, WHOA! Look at those graphiks!

I'm having so much fun typing this, I don't think I can stop... at all anymore! My brain is hurting and I'm half asleep, cause I type a little slow but hey! It's all for the great or good... right?

[VenomCarnage89]

"Look, this game is pure fan service. It's something to appease the fan of the series while Bungie works on the next real Halo game. The only people who believe this is a full Halo title are PS3 fanboys hoping to see the Halo franchise fail."

I honestly dont know where you got that, because the only people who i see trying to pass this off as full game are the 360 fanboys that try to make it sound like 360 has a full game line-up for the rest of the year. everybody else(for the most part) can see its not a full game and not worth full price

[mingeater]

i read the title, saw the amount of comments, and before i entered i could have named atleast 10 well known sony fanboys that i knew would be in here before i even clicked the comments link. my god you lot are pathetic. truely the saddest cretins on the net!

[Wiitactics]

This has to be the stupidest statement I have come to read on N4G since I got here like 3 years ago. And please don't click disagree on me because there's no way to spin this fact. =|

How he has so many bubbles and more agrees than disagrees goes beyond any logic. I thought the "Gamer Zone" was for "Gamers" and the Open Zone for "Fanboys" but it seems that the "Gamer Zone" it's just a more polite "Fanboy Zone".

[Defectiv3_Detectiv3]

You know, the way this guy describes Halo ODST is pretty much the way I feel about the whole series.

Its the same way w/ L4D2. Valve doesn't have any other games releasing this year, so of course they are going to try and charge full retail price. Even if 1/4 of the people buy the sequel, they still made more money than if it was just an expansion. I think the fact that the biased media has been so quick to jump to their defense is a sign of weakness.

MS calls Halo their Xbox centerpiece, and if that's the case, its no wonder I never eat at their table.

Gears of War 1 is the only game I play on my 360.

[aldesko]

I hate saying this, but I'm glad. I like Halo 3 a lot, and I'm looking forward to Halo: Reach... but this is what MS gets for charging $60 for something that's worth about $30. It deserves to be judged as a full retail game because of MS's greed.

It's too bad that not all sites are going to review it fairly, but I don't care about reviews. I just hope that after the masses play it, anyone who wasn't happy paying $60 for a 5 hour campaign and horde mode complain to MS. If I remember correctly, didn't ODST take just a year to complete by a small group from Bungie? That sounds more like DLC material to me. If people keep paying full-price for anything with Halo on it, the series will get watered down.

Also, lol at the 360 fanboys claiming the site is looking for hits. How the tides have turned since KZ2....

[SONYFOREVER]

If anyone's wondering how to get your site traffic..

http://img17.imageshack.us/...

Start bashing Halo (Which they started doing early September)

And their source is obviously fictional but you can be sure they will give Halo an unfavorable score so they can get plenty of traffic.

It's almost sad the people on THIS site can be so easily brainwashed.. give it an 8 "to be safe?" No reviewer would actually say that, b/c if a reputable site gave a 7 or an 8 and all the other sites gave it 9s or 10s, their traffic would INCREASE for the review.

People on n4g.com are so easily brainwashed, and speculative and amateur articles like this are NOT NEWS.

And for the record: I absolutely not buying this game.

[Arthur_]

Cost the full retail price that other PC Games cost.
People pay for them and also continue to pay for the subscription costs to play them with others online.
WHY?
Because the game is addicting, fun, and people cant get enough of it.
The graphics arent great, and they dont really improve with each expansion.
But no one cares, they just want to play.
Halo isnt an MMO, granted, but the visuals are decent(personally i've never noticed the lack of quality) and its gonna be ALOT OF FUN---which is really all that should matter.

[54percent]

"It smacks of no effort and is a teensy bit cynical."

O U C H !

That was straight and hard, a good point of view, let's hope a bribe don't change his mind

[Defectiv3_Detectiv3]

I don't have a hard time believing the source is legit, this game has been leaked for like two weeks now, a lot of people have started playing it.

I think it is just hard for people to believe that there are those out there that can see through Halo's guilded hype. It is a valid point thought, if this is supposed to be the 360's centerpiece, as MS calls it, then why the lack of innovation or progression? Are they just afraid to change anything and turn people off?

For the life of me, I could never understand the fascination w/ this game. I geuss its just so easy to play it has a wide appeal, but it has been a while since I could honestly say the Halo series has impressed me.

[Shepherd 214]

Funny how this extremely intelligent reviewer only nitpicks on the graphics. Halo 3 was never a game that shined in the graphics department, it was the extremely refined gameplay, story, and multiplayer that is what makes the game a great shooter. This reviewer is indeed, an idiot.

[lightningsax]

Really? Iterating on old engines with slightly new content is a new thing and sad? Nintendo has done that for years with the Pokemon franchise, yet sells them in massive truck-load quantities to this day, and they're still fun.

Maybe this is the beginning of the Microsoft Halo era. Maybe each sequel will not be so mind-blowingly different, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Just different. Since I don't care about Halo, it's no skin off my back.

[Tinted Eyes]

I hope more reviewers also don't let ODST slide just because its Halo.

[xboxlj]

Regardless of what everyone is bickering about, we all know it will make more money than Killzone 2 or any other PS3 game. Heck it will make more money than most 360 games. That is what makes Bungie an awesome company.
Because at the end of the day all businesses are primarily concerned about the profit.

[JokesOnYou]

You sony folks have been walking around preaching about how the media is biased and how reviews can't be trusted, then we get:

"Halo 3 ODST is 'underwhelming'," >>reckons a journalist<< = "OMG I knew it he's(a journalist) right!" LMFAO, hold on wait, I'm still laughing, ha ha so now the media knows what their talkin' about.

-Oh really?, so now some *no-name-journalist said he's underwhelmed and basicly you all light the fireworks as if this guy is the voice of reason for all the media beyond question. lmfao you guys have no backbone at all; your opinions seem to change with the direction of the wind. lol

-The FUNNY THING IS MOST OF HIS CRITICISM OF THEM NOT MAKING ODST WITH A NEW ENGINE IS VALID, but even without a new engine that however DOES NOT MAKE ODST ANY WORSE OF A GAME, IT SIMPLY MAKES ODST EXACTLY WHAT BUNGIE INTENDED= MORE HALO3....then he lost his validity about the game itself when he takes a dip into the fanboy pool and tries to link 640p/graphics with ODST value....and despite what the haters say Halo3 was beautiful, it doesn't have to be a Gears or KZ2, hell if anything it only proves how much more important addicting gameplay is vs graphics, so far games like COD4 and Halo3 not having 720p res, hasn't been a problem with so many folks anticipating MW2 and ODST. lol, Simply put ODST is NOT a brand new game, it is an extentsion of Halo3 story arch told through different charachters. Who promised him ODST would be on a different engine, we all knew it was the same engine soon after the game was announced a year ago, so who exactly was expecting some overhaul of Halo3 graphics?

ODST is shipping with a campaign length comparable to most games in the same genre this gen, it will have even more content than Halo3, and feature a horde type multiplayer= a total package bigger than most games...if thats not worth $60 then there's tons of games with shorter campaigns and less content that many gamers still paid $60 for, remember Heavenly Sword which even with sites like IGN calling it what like 6hrs if that?..lacking replay value, ha ha and Many of YOU SAME HYPOCRITES still brought it. pa pa please take the Halo-hate BS somewhere else, I can see the envy in your eyes, nobody takes you sony extremists seriously, hell one of you probably wrote this, either way if YOU don't think its worth it then don't buy it, I'm sure the millions who WILL BUY IT, won't miss you on LIVE. lol

-So the bottom line is he's pissed because Halo3 ODST is using the same game engine....so if he had his way we should all just wait until for Halo Reach/Halo4, so we can play Halo 4 on a updated engine, perhaps the next console. lmfao, HELL NO! I say if Bungie's got more story to tell **BEFORE** Halo Reach/Halo 4 then I'm all ears and *fingers, I prefer to play as many FUN games as possible, especially when its from one of the best franchises in the business, so I'll take Halo3 ODST AND a The New Halo4 on a updated engine WHENEVER it hits. -Good thing the haters have no say in the matter, hell if it was up to them there would have been no Halo3.

JOY

edit vvvv @Darkeyes or instead of the giftbags Bungie/micro could just tell them to not point out certain aspects of the game that have nothing to do with the plot/spoilers like Konami/sony did with MGS4. lol, this is too easy.

[FlipMode]

Joy you can't think the only ones saying ODST its exactly worth 60 bucks are sony fanboys? Do you?

[3XP]

Here is what makes this reviewers comment somewhat invalid. It almost makes him sound as if he doesn't deserve to review games because he obviously doesn't understand the concept of addons.

Here is my point:

-It was originally stated the ODST was to be DLC (on disk)or an add-on
-All of the previously downloaded Halo 3 maps are suppose to be on the disk.
-You will be able to play halo3 without the need for the halo disk
-you can continue to play the older halo3 maps with people playing halo3

Okay with that being said how does he expect them to use a new engine. Since it is "HALO 3" ODST why wouldn't it be the same engine as "HALO 3"? This is not HALO 4 folks it HALO 3 so should it not be the same. Also, why would it not play like halo 3 (duh). I mean lets keep it real here. If Sony released an addon to Killzone 2, I "wouldn't" expect it to have 3D holograms for graphics and still work with the Killzone 2.

All this guy did for me is make me question his exerience as a reviewer. Not to mention, is he trying to get hits for his site. Why not just wait and release his review when he's allow to. Why is he giving a preview for his no-name review. Since no one knows who he is, how do we know he's not just some fanboy making sh!t up?

If these things are to stand true, how the hell does he expect a new engine to be used.

Edit:

@Microsoft Xbox 360 (Below):

"I'm A 360 fanboy and even I think halo 3 engine is outdated."

"I now understand why bots can be so bitter these days. NO game on the shaftbox 360 looks as smooth and fluid like that."

"NFS Shift will outdo Forza 3. GT5 will demolish both games combined"

"I hope they bring this "Minis" idea to the PS3. We need non gaming apps for the PS3. Imagine Firefox or Chrome downloadable from the PSN store."

These are comments made by you in the last week or so. You are NOT a 360 fan, and because of your lame tactics, you're the worst kind of PS3 fan. Who would have imagined a true PS3 fan posing as a 360 fan and making negative 360 comments to try and make it look legit.

Dude, you're the kind of Sony Fanboy the brings this site to the ground. You have no game and obviously no dignity. Hell there's honor even amongst theives.

360 fans should rape every bubble you have. I can respect a legit PS3 fan as being supportive of his console and making his point, but your tactics? Not so much. Bubbles down son!

Edit 2:

Way to change your comment. I have even less respect for you now as if it could actually get any lower.

[Microsoft Xbox 360]

So your telling me people have to front 60 bucks for ODST if they ONLY want to play the 3 new maps? What if they have no intention of playing with the campaign? Seems like a scam to me.

[Bob Loblaw]

You quoted this from Sarcasm: "The only reason why I like Halo 3, is that I like how it plays."

Then you posted this monstrosity in response to him:

-

"This has to be the stupidest statement I have come to read on N4G since I got here like 3 years ago. And please don't click disagree on me because there's no way to spin this fact. =|

How he has so many bubbles and more agrees than disagrees goes beyond any logic. I thought the "Gamer Zone" was for "Gamers" and the Open Zone for "Fanboys" but it seems that the "Gamer Zone" it's just a more polite "Fanboy Zone"."

-

Since there's so many moronic things in your post, I'll sort them with numbers:

1) Your dumbass opinion is NOT a fact.

2) How the fvck is someone stupid for liking how a game plays?! I guess your just a dumb graphics whore who doesn't care about gameplay.

3) Sarcasm has bubbles because she posts long, insightful comments and doesn't post retarded stuff like you. LOL at how you think getting agrees for liking gameplay "goes beyond any logic"!

4) YOUR comment is right up there in the "Stupidest Post" category.

Good day uber fool.

[Bob Loblaw]

Haha 0 agrees and 2 disagrees! Stupid N4G, the wasteland of Video Game discussion.

[na2ru1]

they must've not got their $1000 limited edition freebies from MS :S

[Bob Loblaw]

I lost a bubble, I love it! You N4G fanboys literally make me LOL! 90% of this site is a bunch of angry, ignorant tools.

Bring me down to three XD

[JonnyBadfinger]

I couldnt agree with you more,
in this entire article your the only person speaking with their brain. I thought ODST was a 360 exclusive and some how, these turds from the PS3 side of the toilet bowl feel the need to put it down. WHY!? you got NO business in a Halo related article.
If the games on 360 matter soo much to you go buy a 360. cause at the moment your heads are so far up each others arses that your literally talking sh*t.

I dont feel the need to abuse Uncharted or Killzone, but since you sorry excuse for human beings can talk crap, well then i guess i can too. Killzone and Uncharted offer nothing but graphics (and yes i HAVE played them both), gameplay and control configurations are horrible. Their story-plots are nothing new, Killzone being another post apocalyptic based future war game, and Uncharted.... well thats just Tomb Raider Lara Croft without boobs.

While Halo ODST and the Halo story is nothing new, atleast they put effort into a exciting universe.

But the PS3 fans will never understand Halo, simply because they arent willing to give it a chance. Killzone had its time to capture everyones imagination with Killzone 1, but they failed. Uncharted while looking stunning..........well thats all it did.

PS3 fellas will never admit it but Killzone only set the standard for FPS graphics, its gameplay is sooo lack-luster it deserves to be on the Wii. but even that would be a little harsh on the Wii.

IF you want a true next generation mulitplayer and gameplay that acctually gives you challenging competition, HALO is THE GAME.

the most challenging part about Killzone 2 was that retarded controll fig. Once you got over that problem the challenges disappeared.

Halo ODST is #1 on my must have list, and my review is the only review that matters.

EDIT: @ BOB
I know how you feel. i get de-bubbled more when i post in the Gamerzone then compared to the Open zone. you say one bad thing about sony or PS3 in 360 article on this site and post it in the Gamer Zone, your bubbles get raped.

[Bob Loblaw]

Not like I post more than 2 or 3 times in an article. 10 bubbles are unnecessary; no one posts that much in a single article. Maybe you dumb fanbabies should report me so I get banned to the OZ. Cus you know, I can't just make another account...

[KRUSSIDULL]

I think Halo 3 has better graphics than Gears of War 2. Look at what Halo 3 does HDR lightning more things going on screen. Gears of War 2 got bad up-close textures looks plastic no vegetation look at grass areas where there is no grass? only green paint. Gears of War 2 gameplay sucks online anway it lags so much that even the best player cant get any kills. Writting this cuz im pissed lol.

[PshycoNinja]

I've been playing COD4 and GeOW2 for the past 2 weeks on XBL ( got my 360 just 2 weeks ago. Just so I could stop being called a fanboy. ) And me and a friend have been asking players on both those games and even a few Halo 3 multiplayer games, if they were going to buy ODST, and pretty much everyone said that ODST is a waste of $60 and has no value.

So even most 360 owners know that the game is an uninspired Halo game ( much like Halo Wars ). Some even went as far as to say that Halo went downhill after Halo 3. 360 owners need to demand better games, instead of (some 360 owners)being a sheep and buying whatever Microsoft tells you is good. Microsoft should make better games like COD4, GeOW2, and Splinter Cell: Conviction. Its sad when the best game on your platform that many to this day enjoy is a multiplatform title.

Microsoft needs to stop milking the Halo and Fable franchises and need to get some new IP's for a while. They are like the Activision of the console makers... too scared to try something new, while Sony is like EA where they take many risks but still release games that give "Fan-Service".

[Syronicus]

There is nothing special about the game anymore. It is what it is and in todays world with all the other good FPS's, Halo is just another FPS.

[Majunior]

Ok so most may be complaining about the graphics and how they're not on par with gears 2 and Killzone. This game isn't supposed to be. It's "Halo 3" ODST. Hence a game built on the same engine as 3. Wait for Halo: Reach to complain about graphics. Another thing is maybe the campaign should be DLC but for people like me who never bought the multiplayer maps for Halo 3 will happily dish out 60 bucks for this instead of paying that much anyways for the maps. Also sold my Halo 3 so this will give me back the Halo 3 multi, new maps, and campaign although "half assed" it may be. Also I like the stories in Halos universe so i'll buy it just to experience the odst story. My opinion its a fine deal.

[ThatCanadianGuy]

No surprise there.

Same graphics
Same resolution
Same bad A.I
One year later..

[Pizzagaki]

Same canadian lamer
still no sandwich
and no game.

[dragonelite]

Wow reviewer should go back playing gears and killzone 2.
All he complained about are outdated graphics and sure he is right but halo is about gameplay.

[table]

I agree but even though the gameplay was great in the first Halo it is still very overrated and has not evolved with other shooters and instead has been left behind. I hope reviewers don't give this game a free pass like they did with Halo3.

[Raf1k1]

Isn't it the same gameplay as the previous Halo FPS games?

I wouldn't want to pay for a new game that does nothing new in any way.

[mrv321]

Forget about graphics because they are inferior? All other games are compared on graphics and Halo shouldn't be different.

[Sarcasm]

"All he complained about are outdated graphics and sure he is right but halo is about gameplay. "

You're missing the point. Halo has become one of the biggest franchises in video game history.

It DESERVES to have Killzone 2 or Gears 2 graphics. That's what they are saying.

Wouldn't it be that much more amazing if Halo 3 had those graphics PLUS the gameplay?

[Eddie20101]

I do believe that this is mostly a single player add on. With the exception of the first Halo game, the single player in Halo 2 And Halo 3 were not that impressive.

[StanLee]

No you're missing the point. The point is, this game is an expansion built on a dated engine. It has to be reviewed in context. To compare it to a title with a triple A budget or have the same expectations of the technology is stupid. Questions to ask as a reviewer are; is the story engaging, does it provide atmosphere and mood, is the gameplay engaging and entertaining, does the game offer longevity and replayability, does the game offer value and warrant a purchase. I'll bet most sensible persons will answer yes to all those questions. You know John Carmack is right, game reviewers are ridiculous. Every game is reviewed as if it has or should have a 40 million dollar budget and they shouldn't. Gamers are missing out on great experiences because reviews play such a huge role and people don't seem to find value in the game's experience. They have their own misconceptions as to what the game could have done better or what the game should have looked or played like. Games need to be reviewed in context and with objectivity.

[mastiffchild]

We don't know really if the gameplays the same or not, do we? ODST was the nig chance, imo, for Bungie to expand the Halo template but, for me, the jury's out on that from all I've seen.

Not playing as the big fella should have released them from the routine of polishing the same core gameplay but it appears it's more about the slight sandbox pretensions and more open mission structure in the SP rather than a beru different feeling SP experience. The MP will be the same with added firefight mode(or Horde if we're being pedantic)but it was the SP where, I feel, Bungie had most opportunity to change the core mechanics a little.

The last time out wasn't as good looking as we expected(and that goes for most people I've spoken to face to face about this-I don't care what people might say now pretty much every Halo or 360 fan was expecting something more spectacular looks wise than what H3 delivered)after the AMAZING ad campaign that painted MC as somehwere between God and Johh Wayne in a green helmet! As it turned out the looks were a little upgrade from Halo2(which was a GREAT looking Xbox game), the MP a little upgrade(esp Forge) while the SP campaign was, imo and many other folks, a bit of a damp squib.

I feel my light criticisms of Halo3 are pretty fair and think Bungie are aware many folk feel the same way so I'd be a little surprised if they allowed similar criticisms for ODST to surface. This makes reactions, if this is true, like this one a worry for original Halo:CE fans like myself as it's a little poor if they haven't adressed those real problems/irks from H3.

Now ODST might be amazing, might be the very slightly underwhelming SP and same great MP as last time OR be a bit of a change around and refrechment for the series-we won't know til it lands but, for me, the SP is what needs to change(esp as all the normal maps are in here they won't alter the MP)if we're to feel this is true value(esp, again, if you already like many, many of us own the maps already)and any improvement on Halo3 at all.

As a full retail game I believe it has to offer more than just the same old, same old no matter how great that same old(in MP terms is)and if they don't spruce it up some for the SP then it's fair enough, though people are way too defensive over Halo sometimes-like you aren't, even if you've bought every game and map like myself, allowed to have any issues with either the games or Bungie. The scores for Halo3 were, like with other games, generous and I felt the SP should have dragged them down to 8.5-9s in general. If Bungie don't push this as hard as they could have(or maybe should have) just because they know it'll sell like mad with or without the Reach key(though more with it obviously) then I'm gonna be alittle upset and also surprised if the scores stay resolutely high again.

The series isn't gonna fail, and I would hate it to do so, but Halo isn't my favourite shooter anymore as while it was a new thing fopr consoles at one point much of what made it special hasn't changed and has been caught or passed by other games in places. I know as this started as an expansion we shouldn't expect the earth BUT if it gets a free pass because of it's name and fanbase it won't help future Halo releases in quality terms - whu slog their guts out if the minimum will suffice?

I'm only concerned as I felt Halo3 wasn't as complete a package as other games in the series AND it still got better metacritic averages somehow-I don't want Bungie to be like the rock star who loses their spark because noone will ever tell them that they're making the same thing or that this one isn't as good as the last. I know I'm possibly worrying over very little but there's so many writers who want Halo to be as great as ever(like with GTA) that some errors get brushed away while the reviews staay pretty much as glowing, if not moreso, than ever. Hope I'm not going to find any truth in it though.

BTW, don't hammer me. I'm NOT knocking Halo and don't want it to fail-much the opposite but sometimes I don't think the discussion over whether it's stagnating is even allowed to begin as fans get so damned protective they can't see a criticism as anything other than insults and it really helps none of us.

[Sarcasm]

@StanLee, I agree with your points. But I was referring to Halo 3, not ODST.

Halo 3, considering the massive amount of hype that it had is definitely qualified as a "AAA" high budget title.

Yet, it's presentation was severely lacking.

ODST has made some improvements in terms of mood, but honestly. You don't really do anything you haven't done in Halo 3. Once people play the game and stop bashing anyone who says criticisms about it, they will see themselves.

And they took out the BATTLE RIFLE. The best weapon IMO in the game. Or at least it's my favorite. Though it's probably going to be in MP, but it's not in the SP of ODST. That's a downgrade to me personally.

[Rhythmattic]

@ StanLee

"The point is, this game is an expansion built on a dated engine. It has to be reviewed in context. To compare it to a title with a triple A budget or have the same expectations of the technology is stupid."

So Bungie dont have a triple A Budget with 10 Mil Sold ?

BTW, here is Oz in 3 weeks 360 Elite will drop to $349 Australian dollars.... Only With a purchase ODST for $100...

While retailers sell what 360 Pro Bundles they can for $439 (inc Halo3 & Halo Wars) , in 3 weeks , whatever is left over, MS will take back and re stock with Elite SKU's...

Mmm... Pro inc Halo3/Halo Wars for $449.... OR, Elite with a 120Gb HD inc ODST for $449 ??

I'm gonna wait.

3 weeks.......

And I will join you all online, and get my arse whipped.....

[mingeater]

sorry mate, but are you competing with darkride66 to see who can write the most amounts of boring drivel??

everytime i see one of your posts, it's just a wall of words. relax, take a deep breath, open the front door and see the world outside.... that goes for you aswell sarcasm

[aueslander]

Since all KZ2 is is a world of nothing but browns and grays? Though they could have been bumped up some, the first few levels in Halo 3 being OUTSIDE and IN A JUNGLE as opposed to a drab industrial looking city with only 2 or 3 colors, give me Halo's anyday. Also, give me the tight controls of halo over the mushy, loose controls of KZ2 anyday.

And finally, Give me the different looking enemies of noticable different sizes, shapes, color, and ability any day as opposed to enemies whose only differences between them is the type of helmet/hat they wear.

KZ2 is fun to play and I do the online a number of times a week but overall, I still take Halo.

[Silence]

without the Chief

[bobdog626]

You wont tell the diffence. Case Closed.

[joydestroy]

the Halo franchise is being beat like a dead horse.
here's to hoping they put a lot of effort into Reach.

[The BS Police]

Activision just called they want their dead horses back.

[Raf1k1]

It's possible for more than one franchise to be milked at the same time.

[Scotracer]

Oh well, you can't please everyone.

[FiftyFourPointTwo]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!

[rawd]

TOOOOOO HUMANNNNNNN

[Gamer1111]

a journalist....id rather get a review from a gamer

[DJ]

That means that they're a gamer. You can't just conveniently separate the two terms whenever you don't agree with someone's opinion.

[Raf1k1]

Gamers come in many different forms. That includes journalists BTW.

Anyway, anyone can review anything. It's just that some reviewers are more respectable than others and therefore their reviews have more weight to them.

[Gamer1111]

are you saying that every journalist is right? ahhahaah

[Baka-akaB]

It was obvious all along that Reach would be the new halo graphics benchmark people want .

[Waldex]

Is just that the reviewer is tired of playing the same sh!t Microsoft likes to do... like a retard monkey

[gdguide]

Yeah, look at all the screens linked to in the article. This honestly looks like a step down from Resistance 2. : / Luckily Halo is about great gameplay, so I will still be buying. But this IMO isn't what MS should want new Xbox 360 owners to be buying first. It would really leave the impression that the 360 visuals are really lagging, when they clearly are a lot better with Gears 2 and others.

[Arnon]

Why would a Journalist be given access to a review build over a reviewer?

This is just silly.

[rhood022]

A person can be both a journalist and a reviewer, you know.

The person could be a journalist working for one of the myriad of game magazines or even for their related websites.

[gdguide]

MS will be sending this game out to craploads of journalists to get reviewed so there will be more coverage. I wouldn't be surprised if several places are working on their reviews right now. Games come in early for a game this big.

[Redempteur]

lol reviewers getting review discs in order to review can have a journalist card you know ...

[Arnon]

I love how you guys totally missed the point.

"Halo 3 ODST is 'underwhelming', reckons a journalist"

I think it would be best to read the article and realize that the man who is a 'reviewer' is not really reviewing the game. "I don't like this because it looks like Halo 3." is pretty much what he's implying.

[JonnyBigBoss]

I do both. Reviews are a form of journalism.

[crillyconlig]

go watch the game on youtube and make your own mind, personaly i wasnt impressed

[dragonelite]

This youtube footage looked great firefight that is part 2 is where it really gets intense.

part 1
[url] http://www.youtube.com/watc...
part 2
[url] http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[crillyconlig]

retarded AI and average game play, you need to play more games

[Sez]

Nice to know games are rated high based on graphic and not gameplay. So if a game doesn't have gears or KZ2 graphic. Then it's underwhelming.

@below.

if i'm not mistaken. wasn't MGS4 below HD rez. did that lower the score. how about ps3 version of GTA4 or PS3 version of SF4 or ghostbuster. did lower REZ effect the score of those games?

[Raf1k1]

Games are rated on a number of different things. Graphics and gameplay are just two of them and since the graphics are obviously lacking an overall score of 10/10 is impossible.

Still, it will probably get close to full marks for gameplay.

[Rhythmattic]

Still , without graphics, we'd all be listening to an audio CD.

[Pennywise]

As usual, you are mistaken.

GB just got a patch, didnt it?

Why compare multiplatform over rated games with your favorite consoles flagship title?

[DJ]

Why even bother giving it an 8. A score of 8 means that the game is impressive, but with a few flaws. This sounds like ODST deserves a 5.

[Redempteur]

Well it's an 8 ( to be safe )..

You know it's in order to not get some big MS people angry ...

[u got owned]

wrong post

[Dylan is talented]

this is the reason i dont support certain devs or listen to a lot of reviewers about their final score like ign. halo 3 was crap since day one when it came to graphics but the gameplay was good. review sites like ign and others gave the game a lot of 10s which was rubbish . gears 2 came out and ign and others spoke about how the graphics are way better and the gameplay online was wicked . i played gears 2 on launch day morning and rembered saying to myself that this game is SH*t online . the game lagged worse than gears 1 with more glitches.

to each his own, but people need to understand that if they support bad games that they'll end up getting bad sequels . i remembered people reviewing HAZE harshly because the graphics were mediocre but if it had killzone 2 graphics it would have scored higher. haze has very solid gameplay but suffered due to graphics. why would i want to buy a game with worse graphics than a 2007 game called uncharted? its almost 2010.

[Redempteur]

I agree BUT haze had more problem than just the graphics ..

The IA for example was really BAD too IMO

[u got owned]

Haze didn't have anything good going for it. It was just a bad game.

[clintagious650]

Its the generic story which in order for u to really understand the "HALO UNIVERSE" u have to buy the book which sucks because shouldnt everything be in the games? I mean coughing up $60 is not cheap & is underwhelming to gamers like myself who DEMAND a better story for the single player campaign. I agree with the writer not because the graphics but if your going to make a game atleast make the single player expirience good & not just give us a mediocre single player & awesome multiplayer. The writer is right if gamers dont complain, theyll keep dishing out the same sh!t.

[Kushan]

Why are people actually taking this seriously? This barely even constitutes "rumour" worthy.
Lets break this down - this site is reporting that "someone" didn't think ODST was all that special. No source, no indication to say who it is, could just be one of their friends who pirated the french version for all we know and considering the amount of Halo haters out there, its more likely that this is just some bitter fanboy. And that's assuming the "source" actually exists and isn't just some flimsy cover so this site could get hits through a bit of controversy.

And furthermore, nothing was mentioned about the gameplay at all, just another person moaning that its not "HD" enough. Neither was COD4 and that was one of the finest games released in 2007. And in fact, why are people SO bothered about screen resolution? Screen Resolution alone doesn't make a game good looking or not, essentially it just makes it less jaggy (which is what AA is for). What really matters are things like the lighting, the textures, the models, the particle effects and so on. I'm calling FUD on this article - complaining about the game, yet not revealing knowing anything about it other than its native screen res screams "fake" to me.

[Pizzagaki]

Amen.
You summed it up perfectly.

[Arnon]

This was the point I was trying to convey earlier. It's a man claiming to be a journalist/reviewer, and he's not even reviewing the game.

[Ashby_JC]

AGREED

I read the title and thought to myself...this smells of someone countering all the glowing previews for the game.

I know everyone is entitled to there opinion and I am not saying that EVERYONE has to like ODST and anyone who says different are liars.....

But if you take the time too look at the article. He is quoting a source and all he had to say was ...the game is underwhelming because it looks like Halo3.

Thats it???? Umm so a game (Halo 3) that sold a crapload and to this day 2 years later is still played a TON and sells 25k copies a week is underwhelming also.

I call BS on the article. Just smells like a site seeing a chance to get hits a making up a fake source.

Its like me reviewing a series I dont like...of course im gonna be underwhelmed by its sequel (expansion)

[TheCagyDies]

I fully agree with you

[bjornbear]

"Embargo’s lifted ten days from now. That’s when we’ll be slammin’ our review live."

[Pizzagaki]

Someones begging for hits.
I for one wont be as dumb as others and jump the gun straight away.
Passing a judgement on something like this really doesn't show intellect.

[aldesko]

Unless it's a PS3 exclusive, then you'd be happy to "pass judgement"

amirite?

[albert_275]

This doesn't sound like a very reliable source.
I watched one gameplay video (tried to stay away from spoilers) that takes place in the later half of the game, and I came out quite impressed. The environments have a new, fresh feel to it that haven't been seen in previous games before, and the storyline is simply a lot more engaging. My guess? ODST will get an average of 85-90/100.

[Sarcasm]

Get used to new Mombasa, that's where 80% of the game takes place. And when you play as the rookie, you need to turn on your visor to see anything.

[ASSASSYN 36o]

That's pathetic. He gives it a run through with his opinion then gives it an eight like a punk. Grow a pair or order some from getsomeballs.com. If you don't like it then rate it like you hate it.

[Munky]

Harsh words :|

[PLAYSTATIONGENRATION]

I wont be getting this game ....but i will get reach...If its not master chief but...who cares..unless you are just blind enough to buy it just cause it says halo if so have fun...I doubt its bad but halo always provides a fun experience I do think it is overrated but its fun always and thats what i care about

[CobraKai]

is me. Regardless of reviews, be it from critics or fans, I always have to play the game myself.

[IQUITN4G]

If this is underwhelming then i say bring it on

Halo=fun

Reach should both dazzle with new tech and the usual brilliant Bungie gameplay but for now i'm pumped for ODST

[ForROME]

Well I think there has been a shift, COD has really called out shooters to step up their game, more of a clean stealth mode or a online crazy fest or a intense explosion movie gun fight COD has brought a new bar, and Halo 1 and 2 while rocked 3 wasnt as robust and this game seems to show the same pace. I myself, will love halo and tell my grand kids about it, but I see why the newer generations arent adopting it as well.

[n4gno]

...and KZ2 >>>>> cod

(perhaps not for casuals or bad players)

[IQUITN4G]

Lol lets just wait and see what people actually think of the game once they get to play - it's easy to say what some of you guys are saying

Anyway people forget that if you take Halo's graphics away, you're still left with the most fun and accesible FPS out there and this wont change for ODST

[KingKionic]

lol...

Not one day can go buy without someone not wanting this to release.

Now we have this article about the writer complaining about the resolution .

[IQUITN4G]

Time on N4G would be very boring were it not for Halo

[bjornbear]

=)

[tonywood24]

I HEAR IT ALL THE TIME, "YOUR A FANBOY", "YOUR A TROLL", "STOP HATING". BOTTOM LINE, MS IS RUNNING THE HALO FRANCHISE LIKE EA IS DOING WITH MADDEN FOOTBALL.

Of course, I am a Playstaion guy, BUT I have played/loved Halo 1. (WHAT HAPPENED?!) I understand America loves to copy each other and appeal to the "mainstream" and social crowd, but I would love for the "sheep" to stop and think. Now, I am looking at Halo: ODST, as I have just started to play a lot of Halo 3. (I just bought my own 360 Elite..getting into the Halo hype.) With exception to charging for maps that look a lot like Halo 1 maps, and not spicing up the graphics (People can say what they want..the 360 is touted as a HD gaming machine, so it's fair to expect MS to deliver on it's promises.) Halo 3 is an excellent game, and I may buy ODST!

With that being said, Halo 3 looked good. (Not fair to compare it to Killzone 2 or Gears, due to the fact that those games are running on specific engines.) HOWEVER, when you force people to buy a 360, and produce games that could very easily have been on the 1st Xbox, then watering down the Halo name is risky. (To both the publishers reputation and the gamers.) I see that a ton of people don't care about this, as the games are still selling outstanding. Maybe it's the crowd that loves to run to vehicles, the sniper rifle, and use mod controllers to cheat...eventhough I think it's wack, some people love that stuff. I am not hatin, just saying that MS is doing what they do..STEALING OTHER FRANCHISES, LIVING OFF A FEW GAMES...RATHER THAN DEVELOPING SOMETHING NEW, AND MANIPULATING THE CONSUMERS. (just like Sony, Nintendo, and PC does!) All gamers, no matter what system you like, should have the right to complain, compare, and discuss issues like Halo: ODST, the super high PS3 price point, and need for a new PC graphics card, DAMN NEAR EVERY OTHER WEEK!

[ukilnme]

We all know how N4G works. Flame is the way.

[Game13a13y]

Gamers: Xbox 360 is underwhelming

[cygnuszero]

Well it's just an expansion on an old game. What the hell were people expecting, some AAA Halo game here? Lol @ you for your expectations being way too high.

[tonywood24]

POINT EXACTLY, BUNGIE/MS ARE BANKING ON THE FEELING THAT YOU HAVE JUST EXPRESSED! $60 bucks for OLD TECH., A SCRIPT THAT SEEMS LIKE DELETED SCENES FROM ONE MY DVD MOVIES,(They are deleted for a reason!), AND ONLY 3 NEW MAPS.....come on man, I don't expect you or any other Halo/360 fan to diss MS, but this issue is warranted.

I have a 360 now, (Price is finally where I believe it should have been all along) and aside from the team killing, sniper hording, and racial comments...the game is cool. Granted, I just started halo 3, so when I'm ready for ODST...the price will be Ok for me. With that being said, Halo fans must admit that there is no excuse for the Halo advancement in graphics, physics, and story, to not have gotten better. Rather you like Killzone 1, Resistance 1, and MGS or not...please recognized that these developers have continued to raise the bar on their sequels.

[bjornbear]

That'd be a list I think we'll see in the future =)

[giovonni]

Did the guy actually play the game though? Most of the stuff he talked about were more complaints that deal with resolution. I want to know what the controls felt like, how was the planets atmospher was the character well suited through the game. Give me something. I understand Halo should be given the royal treatment, but just talking and comparing it to Halo 3 is not a review. I can look at youtube videos of ODST and give you the same review.

This N4G is not a review, Not to take nothing away from the Journalist's, he maybe right, but his article doesn't warranty any valid indication that the game is underwelming because he hasn't shared any info about the games game play to warrant a true review, and then have the nerve to say, well, I'll give it an 8 to be safe.

Come on now, he hates it and then gives it an 8? Does this sound like a man you want to trust with a review?

[qwertyuiopasdfghjkl]

"Haven’t decided yet. Prolly give it an eight to be safe."

To be safe? Safe from WHAT?! Microsoft Ninjas?

Go ahead, give ODST a 6 or even a 7, and you'll get your ****ing throat slit.

[giovonni]

Lol, and after he roasted the game he goes and says that. Would you trust someone like that around you? Talk mad smack, and then turn around and give it high praise?

[Siqness]

thts it?...just the graphics...jeez...killzone 2 was all about the graphics..look at it now ... SUCKS A****...well it doesnt suck but its not like ppl enjoy it as much as they enjoy halo 3 on xbox live.....K2`s a one player game ffs(Halo killer my A**)

[bjornbear]

Part of Killzone 2's great success was its Multiplayer.

Actually, its MP is praised over its SP

But i agree, it isn't the Halo killer, ODST is ;)

[n4gno]

" its not like ppl enjoy it as much as they enjoy halo 3 on xbox live"

because not (and impossible) on xbox, if it was, with microsoft marketing, everybody will lplay kz today, so much better than anything else on console (skill is important, not like cod)

halo is just a slow unreal (all time best fps, even the last one on console...but with mouse and keyboard)

[NotSoSilentBob]

Will MS start sending out $800 "reviewer" packages this time around to raise the review scores again?

[ukilnme]

Looks like $ony beat them to the punch on this one.

[NotSoSilentBob]

How so?

[ukilnme]

This journalist was paid off by Sony. I kid, I kid.

This is one person's opinion. I see a bunch of Halo haters in here as usual. Will these same haters come back and give props on the positive reviews? I already know the answer to that.

[bobdog626]

That's ok though.Halo will Break Records and Remain King of the Shooter for this gen.Nothing can stop Halo . I mean Nothing that sony can produce at this time so stop crying .

[Crystallis]

LMAO...dude you crack me up so much...

[Dead_Cell]

And this is coming from a person who's played all three and hated every one of them.

[n4gno]

ridiculous boddog, continue lying to yourself until you believe all you say.

believerbot playing numbers, not games :)

[bobdog626]

Halo going to sell like hot cake's . Just you wait and see my friend's.Just you wait and see.

[ukilnme]

That was never in question. Will the gameplay be great is the real question for gamers.

[tonywood24]

360/HALO FANS ARE GETTING THEIR PANTIES IN A BUNCH, BEFORE ADDRESSING THE THEME OF THE AUTHORS/JOURNALIST POINT.

As I have said in previous post, I am a Playstation guy, BUT Halo: Combat Evolved was so sweet, that I bought a Xbox....JUST FOR THAT GAME!!!! Halo 2 was so good that it was hard to find a Xbox over that holiday season! So when people (I admit that I am a very hard grader) bang on ODST, it's because greatness is expected at all times! How many times have people seen H. barry, Megan Fox, Kim Kardiashasian, and Carmen Diaz looking like crap?!! Halo 3 and ODST were suppose to been near the graphical and innovation level of K2, Gears, and Call of Duty 4. I am still sure halo: ODST will still be a great game though.

[Man_of_the_year]

So it all comes down to graphics and resolution now does it? That is all the reasoning that the writer gives. He even says that the gameplay is fun....but then downplays the graphics and resolution saying that its the same as Halo 3....HELLO its called HALO3: ODST. It takes place between Halo 2 and 3 which then is still apart of the HALO UNIVERSE. Why should it be drastically changed? Leave the Drastic change for Halo reach, which has already been stated.

My god it is really not all the difficult to comprehend.

[PopEmUp]

it always had cave man, didn't you know?

[Narutone66]

then go play space invaders instead, it's more fun. That is if you're old enough to remember that game.

[Man_of_the_year]

or HAZE.

[JonnyBigBoss]

Cool game, I'm glad you 360 guys have an awesome game to enjoy this month, but I'm going back to what I said before:

Awesome game, you'll eat it up like you did Halo 3, but it should be $39.99 because it's a standalone expansion. I expect nothing less from any game series. When you use the same engine, add content but keep the same gameplay, mechanics and overall feel, it should be $29.99 - $39.99. In this case, I say it should be $39.99 because it does add a lot of good content. And that goes to you COD: World at War, you should have been $39.99 too.

[tordavis]

Like GT5P right?

[bjornbear]

Or got it bundled with PS3 =) GT5P was never marketed as a FULL game, hence Prologue =) I think ODST is LESS clear on that factor, to the point that MS / Bungie have to constantly re-affirm the cost with mentioning what ODST contains

[JonnyBigBoss]

Not like GT5P at all. GT5P was in and of itself a great game but was only a taste of the full game. Halo 3: ODST is the opposite, and is Halo 3's DLC and a single-player bundled onto 2 DVDs. They are comparable in terms of how much they offer, but yes, both should be $39.99 (and GT5P was).

[Sumadyan]

Argue all you want. Bash it all you want, live in denial whatever.

The only thing that matters is that HALO is much bigger then any other fps, the sales and people who play it online day in and out prove it.

And ODST will move more copies in the first 24 hours then kz2 or res2 did since their release.

[JonnyBigBoss]

Call of Duty series says hi.

Counter-Strike succeeded way more than Halo competitively.

Half-Life 2 was a higher rated game, and also regarded to for having a better story.

[likedamaster]

"Counter-Strike succeeded way more than Halo competitively."

That's a negative. Halo is played more competitively than Counter Strike. And Counter Strike may have been the longest running online but doesn't have 1/2 the players online.

"Half-Life 2 was a higher rated game, and also regarded to for having a better story."

Better story is subjective. And HL2 was not rated higher.
http://www.metacritic.com/g...
http://www.metacritic.com/g...

PC version of HL2 was 96 to Halo 2's 95. Not much higher either.

[Niske]

LOL Pennywise.

[dragonelite]

From what i heard at the pax bungie Q&A session Reach will be a graphical jump like halo 2 to 3 was. And three was even going to be released on the original xbox i heard.

[dragonelite]

wow and all sony has is uncharted 2 a glorified tomb raider.

[Ashby_JC]

For me I feared this day would come where ppl where more concerned with the look of the game and make it like thats ALL that matters!!

But you know what 10 million and counting tells me that you folx on this comment section complaining about the graphics are in the minority.

Complain all you want while the GAMERS enjoy playing games instead of counting pixels!

[tordavis]

Talk to em brotha!

[Omega Zues]

Would of been great if it stayed as simply a expansion, but ever since MS over priced it then tried calling it a "full game" it falls short. Ive said this before, if it was around $29 to maybe even $39 I would be a buyer but at $59...LOL no thanks.

[Horny]

I would be pretty damn pissed if I got all the dlc for halo 3 and they charged me 60 for this. With that said how is it a fan service, thats more like a slap in the face. The single player is not going to be anything spectacular, most of us play it just for the online multiplayer anyways, so some people will be paying 60 for 3 new maps and a new mode.
Im wating for Reach.

[Deadman64]

Opinions are like a$$holes, everybody has one.

I agree with the graphics being rehashed, and I'm really expecting a large leap with Reach.

However, ODST switched up the gameplay style enough it seems to make it very enjoyable, and that's while I'll be getting it. Plus all the H3 maps which I have been holding out on.

Win/Win.

Thanks

[Pennywise]

And they all stink.

[mayberry]

Im looked at some screen shots, and looks like a ps3 launch title graphics wise, I mean, ridge racer like graphics. http://www.eurogamer.net/vi...

[kornbeaner]

On a related note, if only by name. Check out the ODST mini-movie. I believe its on Spike tonight. I'm not a Halo fan but the preview for the movie looked sweet. Just thought people should know.

[A HiFi]

Sounds like a crappy journalist lacking the integrity to do the right thing. It's obvious he didn't enjoy Halo 3 very much. Move along...

[Aloren]

I'd rather trust the first impressions of "famous" reviewers I heard in podcasts than a site's claim that "a journalist said..."

[Socomer 1979]

2 words & 1 number:

Resistance 2 !

That's a true sequel & insomniac gave us

Resistance retribution for $30 dollars with free wi fi multiplayer.

Resistance 3 will have vehicles & more content. Insomniac is a dev studio that gives a fck about it's fans.

Get a psp & a ps3 & forget all about halo & xbox live.
Not only will you do yourself a marvelous favor but you'll be a better gamer.

Co-op ftw!

[Obama]

I still remember how the AI driver drove off the Cliff 2 times in the gameplay video, and some bots call it realistic lol.

[TheblackBanana]

Better off playing Gaylo 3 because this is the same thing but with a different colored character

[Narutone66]

That's what comes to mind if somebody mention Halo.

[Ko_Uraki]

Why I should expect something different about Halo 3: ODST?

[tordavis]

I think there's more content in Halo 3: ODST than GT5P and that demo cost moneh.

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

as some comments seem to suggest. But otherwise I think that is a good comparison. I think both games are a bit of fan-service between the main titles. I think Reach is going to let Halo go out in a bang.

[BX81]

I'll let all you haters know how the game was. Meet me on some Uncharted 2 online.

[divideby0]

this game will sell well...but does not mean its a great game..
from all I have seen, its just a milking of a franchise with rehash of many maps.
Face it..REACH is what we all want, not this as MS put expansion pac and for 60 bucks....not me...
This game has way to much competition of UC2, MW, GT...just to name a few

graphics are meh.

[dragonelite]

So bad games like halo 3 are played by 1 million different gamertags each day 2 years after launch. Why doesnt killzone 2 has those numbers if that game is so god dam good graphical wise its a powerhouse but gameplay wise i heard it sucks.

[3rik]

Nothing about it got me that excited.

Open world - Not that amazing. It seams like every other game these days has open world. Red Faction, Fallout 3, Prototype, those games have good open world for some good reasons. Red faction; finding sh!t to blow up. Prototype; it is just a lot of fun to move around the world. Fallout 3; just amazing (I'm a fanboy).

Halo Combat - It feels too......plastic and fake. When compared to games like Modern Warfare or Gears of War it feels flat to me. Gears and MW feel more like action. Its hard for me to explain what I am talking about here, but Halo combat just doesn't seem compelling to me.

Stealth - Once again, it's in so many places now and a lot of games do it better.

Firefight - Been used already. Gears, L4D, and CoD;WaW did things like this very well. Bungie is just being lazy and not thinking of something new.

It just doesn't seem like that good of a game. I've been pretty "meh" about it for a while. There are better games coming out to spend my money on, and especially better shooters (Modern Warfare 2). But I will probably rent it.

[Unicron]

Halo deserves better tech to match the solid gameplay.

Reviewers won't care though, its Halo.

[shutupandplay]

Yeah, I figured all he would down is the resolution and graphics. Glad to hear the game is still more fun than all other ps3 games.

[matchgrade]

I think it was hard for anyone to convince themselves that this game was going to be more than average. It was pretty clear (at least to me) that this was just going to be another Halo but with a different character and without shields. That's as far as the innovation was going to go. I accepted that early on and was okay with it. New campaign missions are always welcome for fans of any series to enjoy and play through (though maybe not for $60), but somewhere along the line, the Halo fanboys deluded themselves into thinking this game was going to be revolutionary "just cuz."

[divideby0]

short SP....rehashed maps....meh graphics....60 bucks....please

this was a buy game for me...now knowing that SP is that short = rental

[n4gno]

Oh, a non-ms affiliated source...u.s or else ?

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

this still will be a successful game addition for the franchise no doubt!

Im a multiconsole owner that certainly EASILY picks Halos muliplayer over Killzones ANYDAY!... it offers WAY more game modes, more weapon types, vehicals, and forge! all stuff not found in Killzones multiplayer.

This is MY personal taste and my personal OPINION.

PS = The people talking about beating a dead horse, with the Halo franchise are most likely the ones waiting for Final Fantasy 14? now is it?... theres wayyyyyyyyyy more franchises that need to be canned before this one!

[lagoonalight]

surprised most people are not lacing into nintendo as this is what they have basically done for 10 years now

[Silent]

low scores?? maybe he didnt get the package from MS :)

[Ron_Burgundy]

all hopes and dreams were cooped up onto this game releasing

"our savior!!! Halo RRoDst will come!!!"

pretty sad year for the bots, another flop

[NateDPG]

I'll LMAO if MS destroys their franchise with this game

[PimpHandHappy]

you bots have only waited a almost a full year for a exclusive 2 play.... Its not like you cant play it its just that you will probably be bored of it in 2 days and start the wait for MW2!

You still have Forza 3.... a great arcade racer

and Mass Effect 2

[STICKzophrenic]

...but I'm tired of people saying this looks like Halo 2. Let me tell you, Halo 3 was my first Halo game, and it was an adjustment to go back and play Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2. Halo 3, graphically, blows both of those games out of the water.

That said, I'm stoked for ODST. I think it'll be an awesome game and I can't wait to get it.

[CharlesDCI]

I use to play Halo 1 (Lan parties) and 2 online religiously. Got tired of Halo then tried Halo 3 and was not impressed at all. I'm not trying to bash Halo, but from my extensive experience with the franchise I don't understand its popularity. I understand that it was the only good game on a new system when it launched and was marketed to death. It also didn't have to share a stage with other great franchises (like if it was released for the PS2) so it stuck out like a sore thumb.

I've seen ODST at PAX and it just confirmed why I quit playing Halo. There is nothing new this game is bringing to the table. I'm sure Halo fans wasn't wondering what it would be like to play a regular grunt when they were playing a cyborg for years lol. Most of the "new features" are just new to Halo and not the genre. In my eyes that's not enough. I also think its funny that ODST and Reach are prequels, which tells me Bungie doesn't even want to explore new story ideas for the franchise.

I agree with the article, it was underwhelming just watching it played at PAX. The only thing I like about Halo nowadays is the concept art lol.

[baph777]

Halo was supposed to come to an end with 3. Of course, we've known that Halo has been on its way out for a long time. So this is to be expected.

But, if you're one of the ones that has recently purchased a PS3 and want a shooter then you should go out and buy a game in a series that is on its way up and that is Killzone 2 which has recently been added to the PS3 Best Of lineup. Killzone 2 it rocks and Reaches' graphics won't be anywhere near it.

MS really needs a new console.

[saint_john_paul_ii]

"Haven’t decided yet. Prolly give it an eight to be safe."

To play it safe? your not suppose to play it safe, you are a reviewer. your suppose to give numbers based on your feelings, not just to play it safe.

epic fail.

[Digitaldude]

Well thats what Halo does to reviewer sites, imagine the hate they would get for giving Halo a bad review?
Its rather lame...

[divideby0]

I have bought every Halo game on release up to this game...the more I read, the less I am enthused about the game. Bring on Reach

[Droid Control]

I have a 360, but i hate halo and gears.

I'd rather buy Heavy Rain for my PS3 slim.

[Another One]

one nameless "reviewer" doesn't mean a whole lot. Especially since all he complained about was the engine being the same. Just sounds like a site trying to get hits. The whole "play it safe" sounds made up too. I don't trust this article at all.

And not because he didn't like the game. It just doesn't seem like the real deal. I wouldn't be surprised if this nameless reviewer was from a site that very little people have heard of, if he was real at all.

[CherryLu-Chan]

When 'a source' and 'a journalist' is mentioned in such a 'news' piece.

It;'s the equivalent of The Sun running an entertainment story with the tagline 'a source close to the star says..' or 'Sky Sports News understands...'... meaning you can print any old arse and it doesn't matter if it's true or not.

If it is a real journalist and indeed a respected one, why wouldn't they put their name to what they have just played. If they wanted to keep themselves to themselves and save it or the preview, then why say anything at all.

How else can the piece be judged as anything other than suspect, featuring no insights regarding anything specific whatsoever. What was intimated there could have been ascertained from viewing a preview video. Undoubtedly with an agenda.

*Should* it actually be the case and that the journo is real, well..it is all about opinions. But one with specifics and a little more credence makes it more valuable and concrete.

In any case i'll make up my own mind when I play it.

From a gamers perspective i'm really excited to play Halo:ODST and Uncharted 2 and see which one of them screams game of the year. Both look fabulous fun.

[sak500]

Even being a 360 fanboy i would rather get it free than buy it. I know people in MS who can give promotional copies. Same as i got halo wars, Gears of wars for PC.

I will say again, bungie are the laziest of devs they dint bother making new engine for 360 rather used the old xbox game engine and added few shiny touches. The aliens sound and look like cartoons for kids. Seriously my halo3 copy has been lying with my nephew 2 months after the launch as i switched to COD4 and Bad company. Since hes in mid teens he really loves the game but since I'm not a teen or in my 20s I would rather play some gritty games in my 30s.

I bet bungie would do a Duke forever one day with the way they are relying on halo IP. 4-5 years ago the game mite have been hit but in current times the game is still looking like original xbox game.

[chisox100]

11 year old kids don't read reviews so this wont affect the sales

[Relientk77]

this game doesnt seem that great

and they didnt update the engine, graphics, gameplay and stuff? wtf

[Another One]

update those things. The gameplay is different from being a Spartan and they talked in their PAX panel about the engine tweaks and upgrades they made. As far as graphics, it looks better than Halo 3 from what I've seen. Their artist got a lot more out of the engine this time.

Another reason why this seems either fake or some nobody reviewer is because they seem to not have their facts straight.

[MasterChief2829]

Of course they didn't, it's an expansion to Halo 3. It was developed by a small team in 12 months.

[Creep]

how sad that the game does not fit on one dvd 9 but MS said blu-ray is not needed and it has the same maps form halo 3 sounds like a very pricey DLC but they have nothing else to play like i said before halo is the stars wars of gaming

[gamesonsmash]

played it at pax and it was meh and one of our people played the game at his friends house and they all hated it but if you want a review we will do a review

[MasterChief2829]

Urk from Bungie confirmed it to be fake because the Embargo date is wrong.

[Another One]

a link? I'd like to see it. I couldn't find on Bungie. Is it on GAF?

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

should more than compensate. This is like Halo Wars, at the very least a distraction until the real thing arrives.

[Amir51]

I dont think the issue here is the quality of the title, at the end of the day its Halo 3 and however you felt about it then, this isnt gonna change your mind.

The issue is that Microsoft is using this full price to trick non informed casual gamers into buying this thinking theyre getting a whole new game. Obviously everyone here is a gamer and knows what the deal is but beleive it or not there's alot of people who buy games based on box art!

And these guys are the people who Microsoft is planning to trick with their full pricing. Thats my beef, and i know for one id be gutted if I got home expecting Halo 4 after slamming down full price.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

A whole new campaign at this 10-15hrs. All the Halo multiplayer including new modes like Firefight and beta access to Reach.

I've paid $60 for less in games.. Trick?? GMAFB So typical N4G.

[Amir51]

Well im sure the campaign is not 10-15 hours, not even any of the previous halo games were that big.

And even if it was, everything else is recycled. So would you say a game with just a 10 hour campaign and NOTHING else is worth full price?

My point is that its NOT HALO 4 and many people will think it is, only leading to dissapointment.

[gamesonsmash]

you guys do know it's on torrent right now as we speak

[Ko_Uraki]

IMO it will be a great game. A lot of people are understimating it.

[air1]

c'mon it sounded like a grumpy sony fanatic from n4g wrote that...

the guy kinda said game play doesnt matter it needs to look like gears and kz2.. sorry, game play > graphics all day every day..

then he said look at the pic its full of jaggies.. what jaggies? that pic looked damn good for a engine made 2 years ago..

[DARK WITNESS]

lol, i can't believe you got disagrees for that statement.

so now its graphics > then game play is it ?

truth is they know it owns everything with game play, so they fall back on the graphics not being up to scratch. lololol.. there are sum funny comments going on round here.

[Thoreau]

micro could have created a new IP. i am sure odst will be solid but will it make people leave KZ2 or COD? maybe not.

[Microsoft Xbox 360]

Only an idiot would spend 60 bucks for this garbage. Luckily, all known idiots are found playing on the shaftbox 360.

[Saaking]

Ouch, FAIL.

[XDF]

Saaking, what fails you.it seems you are in pain..hmmm, is that why your GF left you? LOL

[360_Rules]

Most PS3 fps games are underwhelming and Killzone 2 online is certainly underwhelming! Hahahahhahahahaha!!!!!! Droids you can't compete against the Xbox 360 fps shooters so don't even try! Now back to your boring games! Haahahhaahahaha!!!!!

[Midgard228]

its a game that shuda been dlc being sold as a full game, no one said it was game changing, thats what halo reach is for.

as far as 3-4 dlc on a disc im not getting this, i'll wait for reach. maybe if odst had 12 new maps and 1 or 2 new vehicles but it doesnt, its shorter than the aready short halo 3, boosted from 30 to 60$ price tag,

everyoneis looking at this game as if its a full sequal or somethin, its not and if ur hoping for alot then u will sadly be let down

[chisox100]

well if this is the case for ODST then it's game over the holida for M$ since all they got left is Failza 3

[Figboy]

then it's by no means to be viewed as "just an expansion, so what do you expect?"

when has an expansion EVER been as much as the original title it's "expanding" on?

not even WoW expansions cost $50, and i'm pretty sure Blizzard could get away with it.

if Microsoft wants to exploit the Halo fanbase by charging full price for "just an expansion," then that expansion is open to the full spectrum of criticisms and critiques being leveled at it.

in my opinion, i think the game looks underwhelming. i'm not a Halo fan by a long shot, but i've always enjoyed playing the games when they came out (with my favorite still being the first).

i know Halo 3 just came out last year, but you're telling me that Bungie couldn't even bother to update the engine in the 12 months since Halo 3 came out?

the bar has been raised by other FPS titles on the market, and i don't care if Halo 4 is coming out in two years, don't try and pass off a half-hearted effort (i just KNOW Bungie is dying to do something that's NOT Halo related) as a full $60 experience, and delivering gameplay and graphics so far below the standard in 2009 that it's laughable.

hell, Resistance 2 is looking better than Halo 3 ODST, and while i love Resistance 2, it's not exactly pushing any graphical envelopes (although, honestly, i think it looks great in HD, especially after you beat the game, and unlock the "extra options," that allow you to play around with depth of field and motion blur effects. it's surprising how much better the game looks with those effects turned on).

Halo fans deserve better than the blatant exploitation they are giving, and it's absolutely pathetic that this reviewer is still going to slap an 8/10 on the score, "just to be safe."

and there you have it, ladies and gentlemen: journalistic integrity is dead, and it's the reason why i buy the games i'm interested in, regardless of the reviews.

i'm sure ODST will be a good game. it's Halo after all. but it could have been SO MUCH better than what you're getting. Bungie is still one of the best devs out there, i'm just dying to see what ELSE they can cook up. they've been working on Halo games for damn near 8 years. can you imagine working on the same project for 8 fricking years!

it's why developers like Naughty Dog, Sucker Punch, and Insomniac have broken away from Jak, Sly, and Ratchet, respectively, or alternated dev cycles to give them a break from those projects.

Bungie needs a break from Halo, and the chance to flex their creative muscle. it just doesn't seem like Microsoft is ready to cut them loose yet, despite their "independent" status. the more things change...

[Midgard228]

MS just likes to rip people off, its y they r so rich.

i totally agree with what ur saying, i mean why isnt DLC for oblivion 60$ when it adds 100+ hours to the game but doesnt even cost 20?

y does halo get away with it? cuz its halo? plz, m not falling for it.

i hope that other Devs dont follow bungies footsteps cuz then we r screwed, COME ON ITS THE SAME MULTIPLAYER!

2 games MS did this with, halo and L4D, sept L4D2 calls itself a sequal

[EVILDEAD360]

Saw this coming a million miles away. Expecgt the same for every big Xbox release in the coming month through next year.

Halo threatens PS3 F-boys and PS3 special interests to the core. Don't' believe me? Scroll back through the trollacious responses to this and every Hslo:ODST related article in the past few months.

Don't matter what build this guy got, because a million fans like myself will be playing this game in less than two weeks.

Sticks and Stones and F-boy journalism won't stop ODST or Reach. The fans will see right through it, just like they did with this article.

Sep 22nd! Life is good!

[Midgard228]

just renting for 5 bucks, will download the 3 new maps and beat th game before dinner :) sad for people paying 60$

almost worse than the map disc that cuda been borrowed for halo 2, just installs and u can use on the multiplayer on normal halo

[EVILDEAD360]

LMAO @ midgard

If you can't afford it then hey rent all you want. For the rest of us, who own the game and play with their friends through campaign single and 4 player co-op; we'll be playing deep into 2010 on Firefight. Plus with all the achievements, rentinng the game is useless.

Plus it's clear from your posts your not even a Halo fan anyway.

LOL @ renting ODST and not getting to play the beta for Reach.

Good luck with that

[GiantEnemyCrab]

You know I probably wouldn't of even agree or replied if it was already proven that this story is fake BS.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

So yes, unfortunately it's looking like you are correct. It's funny that all the pro ODST articles barely make the front page but you get a hater and it's the hottest story.. Just more evidence to the fact I guess.

[PLXNIN]

You can take ODST the same way as any other GOTY editions that include all the DLCs selling for $60 like COD4, LBP etc. ODST offers not only the DLCs from Halo 3, but a new SP campaign, new mode (firefight) and 3 new maps. I think it's not a bad deal at all, this is Halo the play proven we're talking about here. In fact, in contents wise, ODST is best bang for your buck, and that's why Halo series have been so successful where KZ2 has failed.

What would you say if GG is to release a KZ2 expansion with new SP campaign, all the DLC maps + 3 new ones, and new horde mode?

I'd say 'HELL YEAH!!'

[Midgard228]

sept that all the maps on halo 3 r free sept the mythic lol, cant be considered game of the year,now if halo 3 was included heck yeah its worth 60 since halo 3 is like 30-40 new.

so ur really paying full price for 3 new maps and a short single player.......but hey i guess people did buy army of two at full price aswell lol

[Evoluti0n]

everyone knew that ODST was a different story being told, a branch if you will, of Halo 3. Everyone knew it was an expansion of sorts. Everyone knew it was going to be the same 'tried and true' formula that Bungie became known for.

So, why is it that we are all complaining that it's still the same engine? That it's still the same animations, story, etc.?

Bungie's lead programmer had stated that ODST is much more than what they had first anticipated it to be. For example, instead of just a simple expansion, it's pretty much a stand-alone game now. 10 missions (I do believe), with about 8-10 hours of gameplay, plus 'FireFight.'

Some games don't even hold up to 6 hours nowadays, (Army of Two) is a prime example. I rented it, but alot of people I know bought it and were satisfied with the product.

Everyone knows Bungie makes fun games, that's all I really want right now, and I know I'm not the only one that feels this way.

Top-notch graphics? No, but if they're a bit better than Halo 3, cool.
Different story? Yes, excellent.
Multi-player? Yes, and 'Firefight' has been added, awesome.

Just take it for what it's worth.

[Supraman21dt]

As far as graphics go I honestly don't think Gears 1 or 2 was good. Not even above average after seeing screenshots on a comparison of Uncharted and Gears of War. Honestly the Gears screenshots look like 2d pictures...it was terrible. The textures where so bad.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

If your only comparison is the bogus and BS kineticninja link that PS3 fanboys love to throw around.

Anyway, after playing both for hours on end on a very nice HDTV I disagree. What does this have to do with ODST again?

[The BS Police]

The Halo 3 engine is alot more capable of doing certain things that other engines can't. Sure it can't render the greatest graphics even concieved by making everything either, brown, grey and black. But it sure as hell an created some of the ebst lighting effects in videogaming today.

It also allows Bungie to created wide open environments and fill them with alot of enemies/allies, vehicles, weapons and other objects.

My big critisisms of modern day FPS games (Call of Duty, Killzone) is how they mute out alot of the colors... even nthe trees are brown in the Call of Duty games.

Halo IMO just does alot more than what other FPS games do.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Proven FAKE.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

Gameswire you suck! Haters in here rushing in like maggots on a hot can of corn suck as well.

It's the same names the same trolls and N4G you need to get this sh*t under control. I see very little if any moderation being done.

[Another One]

I was looking for that. I'm glad my first instinct was right. I knew this seemed like flame bait trash just to get hits.

[The BS Police]

Haters have just gotten owned!!!

[PS360PCROCKS]

Halo 3 I repeat Halo 3 :ODST... of course it will look the same..."dur the graphics are underwhelming and look just like Halo 3"

Let look at it...

Halo 3 cold storage map - free
Halo 3 heroic Map pack - free
Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack - $6.25
Halo 3 Mythic Map Pack - $10.00
Halo 3 Heretic, Longshore, and Citadel maps - roughly $8-10

so about $25 plus the free extra 4-5 maps, plus 4 player co-op firefight mode and a 5-7 hour campaign.

No offense but what are you crying over? Most game are like 8-10 and include NO multiplayer...

All this for people who payed $40 for a demo with 60 cars and 5 tracks because "Omggzzz it's the greatest racer evaz!!!!"

If you disagree with this, you're a delusional idiot, because it's the truth. Pot meet kettle, now SHUTUP

[crom]

So many idiots here bashing the Halo's engine, but this outdated engine has done so much more than any others fps this generation. It's true that the graphic is not at par with Uncharted, Killzone, etc. But, why do millions still play it on a weekly basic. Explain that if you please. Does anyone still play Resistance or Killzone? If Halo suck so bad, than explain why this expansion is generating so much discussions. It wouldn't surprise me if this expansion from an old enginge outsell both Killzone and Resistence combined. No doubt that this outdated engine is going to outsell allot of superior Sony graphic focused games to the dislike of fanboys. The numbers don't lie. Halo might have an old engine, but it's superior in term of game play. It may not support more than 30 players, but who cares. Pick up a copy and play it instead of pitching for your beloved brand because Sony doesn't pay you sh.t.

[Omega Zues]

^You know thats pretty much what N4G soul purpose in life is.

Fake game news and sale figures. Pretty much sums up N4G.

[ps12&3lover]

its sad that this crappy add on will sell millions where as real AAA games like kz2 sold poorly...

[XDF]

PS3 fanboys jumped all over this news like a hooker is offering free B____job.

LOMAO...it is proven fake and don't be surprise this news was made up by Nasim, Obama or Saaking. Halo news is always front news on N4G..and PS3 fanboys just proved to the world how pathetic they are...look at all the people that approves this trash article. nuff said

[XDF]

Saaking is actually pretty good at writing....and create his own blog..I was wrong about him in the past..LMFAO

[rbluetank]

if none of your friends buy's HALO ODST the game; you will be playing at home with your wife and kids 4way split screen... FVCK that!!! lol HALO ODST does not have "match making". atleast in gears horde mode you can play with other xbl people you do not know and have a good time/most of the time. everybody should find out more about this game before buying...!

[DARK WITNESS]

Pop !

[Me1on]

He doesn't want to give it something below 8 so his readers and the developers won't despise him. Really, it's a perception thing, and perception is an emotional thing.

And he didn't say he didn't like it but basically it's like how EA's NHL 07 and 08 were so alike, looks and playing wise, and how it didn't bring anything new to the table.. well this is the same thing. So it deserves getting a lower point.

But there you have it.

[lonix]

and this is the result

what should be free DLC is being sold to you as a FULL GAME

Microsoft lost my confidence a long time ago

with windows 98 crashing when bill gates plugged in a usb

[Condemnedman]

Halo . Always get the f@nboys Excited :}

[taylork37]

I like how the PS3 fanboys compare Halo to KZ2.... Yes good work, KZ2 has the best graphics to date, and that's it. The multiplayer BLOWSSSS and is forgettable at best. I played the short campaign and all I thought of was how clunky and horrible the controls are. The only good part was the sniper rifle and the six axis.

Halo may have bad graphics, and any true gamer knows that graphics are important, but not as important as gameplay. With that said, Halo 3 multiplayer a few years after its release is still better and played more than KZ2.

Stop comparing Halo and other Xbox360 FPSs to PS3 FPSs. This genre is not even in the same league. Resistance 2 and KZ2 cant measure up.

Damn... now I sound like a fanboy..someone shoot me. I'm not a fanboy if I have both consoles right??

[DARK WITNESS]

I actually agree with you.

unfortunately most people will see your comments as fanboy rant.

I own both systems, I owned killzone2 and resistance 2. I don't own either of those games now, i still own halo CE, 2 and 3. that says it all really.

[taylork37]

Same here, KZ2 and Resistance 2 were traded in a week after I played them. Every halo game is sitting on my shelf right now.

[DigitalPiracy]

I plan on buying ODST because I never purchased any of the map packs for Halo 3. In that case I think a new campaign, all Halo 3 maps plus some new ones, firefight mode, and a Halo: Reach beta key are worth $60. However, if you've already purchased all or most of the map packs it certainly isn't worth the price. Also, I haven't played Halo 3 all that much sooo....

[i3eyond the Circle]

Buddy of mine has the leaked french version but it has english subtitles in cutscenes.

It doesn't look bad quit BULLSH8tting yourselves until you get the actualy game.

Campaign is short if you run straight through but searching the city for the the Audiophiles is pretty cool and adds a few hours, you get to admire the ambience of New Mombasa while picking off covenant.

The Audiophiles also has an interesting story of Sadie Endesha.

But anyways....

Don't let these N4G noobs veer your attention from a pretty damn good game.

They rather play WKC maybe? Just saying...

[Evoluti0n]

are fun. You all really crack me up.

Honestly though, Gameplay > Graphics, no matter how you spin it.

As long as it doesn't look like utter s***, which this does not, despite 'popular' opinion.

[corywebb93]

n

[MajorJackHoff]

Who knows if ODST is going to be a sh!tty game, a decent game, or a great game?

Owning all three consoles I can safely say that it will more than likely just be a decent game. Probably not worth the 60$ dollar price tag. I'm not sure why all the homosexual fanboys seem to think Halo 3 was a bad game. Of course, it was overly hyped, but what good game isn't nowadays?

Halo ODST will more than likely offer a solid single player, and then also add to the already good multiplayer experience.

See, what you dipshit fanboys don't seem to comprehend, is that the real WINNERS of the console war, is the people that own all of the consoles and can play any game they choose.

KZ2, Uncharted 2, Halo 3, MW2, Gears of war, God of war, hell, I can even play Mario. In my opinion Sony has the best console of the three. But Microsoft has a great console as well. And Wii? Well, they aren't as great as I thought when I first purchased it.. But hey, they're fun to just get drunk, invite some people over and just goof off on the Wii.