Halo 3: ODST - Gen. Discussion & Info

[LinkinPrime]

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9728/halo3reconnr1.png
Game Details

This new chapter in the Halo universe includes the following:


All-new campaign content: The Halo 3: Recon campaign is an intriguing side story that takes place during the terrifying events leading up to the Master Chief’s return to New Mombasa in Halo 3. Experience the fate of Earth from the brand-new perspective of a special forces ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), adding a unique outlook and new gameplay elements to the events that unfold in the trilogy’s finale. While the feel of this new chapter greatly resembles that of previous Halo experiences, Halo 3: Recon will require you to employ more elements of stealth and cunning than ever before.
Prepare to drop: Known for their courage, valor and, at times, insanity, ODSTs are among the fiercest UNSC soldiers, priding themselves on being the first unit deployed into hostile situations. While not as large or supernaturally gifted as their Spartan comrades, these "Hell Jumpers" more than compensate with their ferocious attitudes and unwavering nerve.
Expanded multiplayer collection:No Halo experience would be complete without groundbreaking multiplayer content, and Halo 3: Recon gives fans more of what they love. With exclusive new maps and expanded Forge options, Xbox LIVE® Gold members will find more multiplayer content than ever before with Halo 3: Recon.
Ever-growing community options: Enjoy all the great Halo 3 technological innovations, including Saved Films, screenshots, Campaign Scoring, and four-player co-op. All of the new multiplayer maps fully support the Forge editor, offering endless gameplay customization possibilities.


http://www.gametrailers.com/player/50009.html

Screens:

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/3607/h3odstcampaign3rdperson.th.jpg (http://img192.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaign3rdperson.jpg) http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/3607/h3odstcampaign3rdperson.th.jpg (http://img188.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaign3rdperson.jpg) http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/2971/h3odstcampaign1stpersoni.th.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaign1stpersoni.jpg) http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/7214/h3odstcampaign1stperson.th.jpg (http://img192.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaign1stperson.jpg)http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/2090/h3odstcampaign1stpersonb.th.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaign1stpersonb.jpg) http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/7792/h3odstcampaigndutch01.th.jpg (http://img188.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaigndutch01.jpg) http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8418/h3odstcampaigndutch02.th.jpg (http://img10.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaigndutch02.jpg) http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6599/h3odstdroppodcinematicl.th.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstdroppodcinematicl.jpg) http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/884/h3odstdutchcinematic.th.jpg (http://img188.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstdutchcinematic.jpg) http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/7583/h3odstfirefightcrater.th.jpg (http://img51.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightcrater.jpg) http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/5955/h3odstfirefightcrater2.th.jpg http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8624/h3odstfirefightcrater3.th.jpg (http://img197.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightcrater2.jpg) http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/553/h3odstfirefightsecurity.th.jpg (http://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightsecurity.jpg) http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/553/h3odstfirefightsecurity.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightsecurity.jpg) http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2450/h3odstfirefightsecuritym.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightsecuritym.jpg) http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/28/h3odstfirefightsecurityo.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightsecurityo.jpg) http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/553/h3odstfirefightsecurity.th.jpg (http://img192.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightsecurity.jpg) http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8936/h3odstnewmombasa.th.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstnewmombasa.jpg) http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4532/h3odstnewmombasa02.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstnewmombasa02.jpg) http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/5227/h3odstonibldgcinematic.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstonibldgcinematic.jpg) http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/2338/h3odstpreparetodropcine.th.jpg (http://img197.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstpreparetodropcine.jpg) http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/6816/h3odstrookiecinematic.th.jpg (http://img192.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstrookiecinematic.jpg)

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41059.html

http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/282/halo3recon182_screen.jpg

Stand-alone first-person shooter will boast four-player co-op, full 1,000-point GamerScore campaign, and multiplayer maps with additional achievements; next spring's Mythic DLC also packed in. (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6199075.html?tag=latestheadlines;title;1)

[v1et r1ce]

I'm not a huge Halo fan but I'm a little excited for this :D More 4 player coops will the the shizzle.

[Kendal]

I wish they would redo Halo 1 with online multi and online co-op. Hell, do the first two and I would be happy. I will be buying this for sure. I really really enjoyed Halo 3.

[HotShotX]

I'll be picking this up as well. Looking forward to it.

~HotShotX

[captmurphy]

Maybe this will mean a Halo game with no Flood. Maybe it's me, but I vastly prefer fighting the Covenant. Still, H3's single player is one of my favorites of all time, so Recon can only be a good thing.

[LinkinPrime]

I agree...I hate flood levels, they are so boring.

[seanr1221]

As I said in the Halo 3 thread, I bet this came out so they could release Halo 4 with the next xbox at launch.

[dastly75]

Looking forward to it. Glad not to be chief anymore, you're gonna be a lot more vulnerable this time around.

[Littlefields]

Glad it's not going be traditional run and gun type of gameplay. At least this time you have to actually think before you shoot. Also very interested in finding out more on the story.

[KingBroly]

If the mulitplayer system isn't 100% linked with Halo 3's and you can't download the base maps for either to your hard drive so you can play on any Halo 3 MP map with either disc, it'll be a major disappointment.

Basic understanding of what I'm saying
Halo 3 + Recon Multiplayer are compatible
Halo 3/Recon MP DLC maps can be accessed with either disc
Halo 3/Recon MP base maps can be put on a hard drive

[LinkinPrime]

If the mulitplayer system isn't 100% linked with Halo 3's and you can't download the base maps for either to your hard drive so you can play on any Halo 3 MP map with either disc, it'll be a major disappointment.

Basic understanding of what I'm saying
Halo 3 + Recon Multiplayer are compatible
Halo 3/Recon MP DLC maps can be accessed with either disc
Halo 3/Recon MP base maps can be put on a hard drive

I'm pretty sure that they'll be linked, specially if it includes the Mythic maps that are due to release this spring...that right there says it all. I hope your last 2 points are true as well.

[greyzieoriental]

Here's buncha new info on Halo 3: Recon

http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=15806

What is Halo 3: Recon?

Halo 3: Recon is a standalone, disc-based campaign expansion to Halo 3. It will be available at fine retailers around the globe in Fall of 2009.


I read on some Liveblog that Master Chief got out of the drop pod?

Negative, ghost rider. Instead of playing as the Master Chief (like players did in Halo, Halo 2 and Halo 3) in H3: Recon, players take control of an ODST (an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper) who entered orbit just after the slipspace rupture on New Mombasa (that event, you recall, took place as Regret left the planet – and in Halo 2, you followed him as the Chief). Now, players will learn more about what happened on New Mombasa during some of the events of Halo 2.



Is Halo 3 : Recon a 3rd person / squad based shooter?

Nope. "Recon" is definitely first person and it's definitely still a Halo game as you've come to know it. That said, playing as an ODST in this new setting will bring some new twists to the gameplay.



How much will Halo 3 : Recon cost?

The price point has not yet been determined. While there will be a lot of content to enjoy and a great deal of replayability, this is still viewed as an expansion to Halo 3 more so than its equal.



We saw Assembly at PAX 2008, when will we get more downloadable content for Halo 3?

The Mythic Map Pack will be made available via Xbox Live Marketplace in early 2009. “Winter,” as they say. As soon as we have more details we will certainly share them.



Will the Recon campaign content or the other multiplayer maps be available through Xbox LIVE Marketplace?

Beyond the Mythic Map Pack early next year, there are no plans to release other portions of the Recon package outside of the retail box.


Is there a multiplayer component to Halo 3: Recon?

There are multiplayer maps that will appear as a part of the Halo 3: Recon package. This includes the aforementioned Mythic Map Pack in addition to a few others. You can also experience the entire Recon campaign cooperatively with up to 4 players.



Will we get to play as ODSTs in multiplayer now?

No. The multiplayer maps included with the retail package are straight up Halo 3 multiplayer maps. The ODST and other components that make up the Recon campaign are in a separate bucket and not crossing over into the competitive multiplayer realm. Think of it as two games in one.



Will the Halo 3 : Recon multiplayer maps work with "regular" copies of Halo 3?

If you purchase the Mythic Map Pack early next year via Marketplace and your friend waits and gets them with the Halo 3 : Recon retail package next Fall, you can still play together. The multiplayer maps are all part of the Halo 3 "title ID" family, regardless of where or how you get them.



What about other features from Halo 3?

Halo 3: Recon will still make use of Screenshots, Forge and Saved Films just like Halo 3 does.



Will Halo 3 : Recon have new achievements? Are these the same as the ones already "leaked" online?

There are actually two separate buckets for new achievements. The multiplayer achievements will be considered additive to your existing Halo 3 gamerscore. Some of these will be available when the Mythic Map Pack is released on Marketplace early next year. The Recon campaign will include a complete set of unique achievements and a full bounty of 1000 gamerscore to obtain.



This dude at 7-11 told me that there’s a new Campaign version of Forge coming?

Get your Slurpee somewhere else. The maps included with Halo 3: Recon certainly support Forge and the functionality it affords players. But, there isn’t a new Campaign Forge being added to the Halo 3 experience.



I read somewhere that this is the last Halo game Bungie is making. Say it isn't so!

We're not ready to discuss the other projects underway within the studio right now but Halo 3 : Recon does represent the final basket of goodness that we will be delivering for the Halo trilogy. There are no more offshoots or side stories in the works.




Is this the game that Bungie was intending to announce at E3?

Yes, we are happy to finally be able to pull back the curtain and share our latest project with our fans.



Will Halo 3 : Recon still use the Halo 3 engine?

Yes, this is very much an extension of the Halo 3 you have come to know and love complete with all the features included with the original game.



Is this all Bungie has been working on since becoming independent last October?

"Recon" represents one of several projects that we have underway within the Studio but it's the nearest to release and the only one we're able to talk about for now.



If this is an expansion built on top of the existing Halo 3 engine, why will it take two years to create?

Development of "Recon" actually just began in earnest this past Spring. This project is in the hands of a small team and represents our most ambitious release cycle yet as a Studio.

[KingBroly]

So...let me see if I follow that. Halo 3: Recon's Maps will just be the Mythic Map Pack? So, not the original Halo 3 disc maps?

This is very confusing...

[Matt Young]

Yeah, I'm confused. The Mythic maps will be downloadable early in 2009, so if you buy Recon for the campaign, you're paying twice for the Mythic maps as well?

[Bioshocked360]

This better not be more than $40.

[captainfrizo]

More Halo 3, even though it's not really Halo 3?

I'm sold.

[greyzieoriental]

mythic maps will be packed in the halo 3 recon, as well as additional maps not included in the mythic map pack

[KingBroly]

If Halo 3: Recon includes the Mythic Map pack (presumably as a DLC code) then there's no real point to getting them until Recon comes out.

They REALLY need to be less ambiguous about this.

[Trakan]

If Halo 3: Recon includes the Mythic Map pack (presumably as a DLC code) then there's no real point to getting them until Recon comes out.

They REALLY need to be less ambiguous about this.

In time, just as always with Bungie; especially this far out.

I got money on it being two sets of maps.

[Kaijufan]

It would be cool if they did a level where you're about to be overwhelmed by Covenant forces and suddenly Master Chief appears, kicking ass and taking names.

I'm not a huge fan of the Halo franchise but if they price this like an expansion pack I might buy it.

[KingBroly]

Well then I'm putting money on the original maps for H3:Recon with a download code for the Mythic Map pack included.

[Trakan]

It would be cool if they did a level where you're about to be overwhelmed by Covenant forces and suddenly Master Chief appears, kicking ass and taking names.

I'm not a huge fan of the Halo franchise but if they price this like an expansion pack I might buy it.

Yeah, they did say that it doesn't have as much content as H3, campaign wise, so I'd expect it to be cheaper, but I doubt it will be less than $40.

[Corvin]

I'll still buy the Mythic maps in January. A year from now is too long to wait for a new batch of maps.

[seanr1221]

So it sounds like the DLC maps will work across both, while the maps exclusive to Recon and Halo 3 itself wont be backwards compatible.

[Madness09]

Looks like a pretty fun addition to the Halo universe, I'll be checking this game out

[depascal22]

5 bucks says this comes out at $60.

[Corvin]

5 bucks says this comes out at $60.

No way. They've pretty much said it's a glorified expansion pack.

[LinkinPrime]

I'd say $39.99-49.99

[Halo05]

Here's hoping for a $40 price point. I really enjoyed the campaign in Halo 3, moreso with other people playing. More of the same is a good thing if it's reasonably priced.

[richdmoore]

I'm hopeful that we will be able to "rip" the maps from halo 3 or halo:recon and play it with either disc in the drive, for example like Rock Band 2 can play Rock Band 1's songs. I will want to play with people with the new expansion, and people who still haven't upgraded when it comes out....

[LinkinPrime]

Halo 3:Recon i snow more....Now its

Halo 3: ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper for those who didn't know...)
http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=news&cid=16289

[doubledown]

Recon sounded better.....now it's just wordy.

[LinkinPrime]

I agree.

[guyver2077]

fuck ODST..

horrible

[Halo05]

Ugh, Recon was much better than ODST. I'll get used to it but I know that when it comes out, I'll just be asking for, "that new Halo game" as opposed to "Halo ODST".

[Frogurt.man]

Anyone want to take bets on when they change it back to Halo 3: Recon?

[Corvin]

Wow, ODST just rolls off the tongue. :lol:

As for price, I forget which but one of the podcasters out there was saying rumored to be about a 3-4 hour game, and if that is the case anything over $30 will be highway robbery. $30 is even pushing it for that amount of content.

[JoeX111]

I bet, at a minimum, it will be $40. That seems to be what Micro$oft considers to be a "Value Release."

And ODST sounds like a psychological disorder.

[seanr1221]

http://kotaku.com/5148816/all-of-halo-3s-maps-included-in-odst

The game will come with all of the Halo3 maps plus 3 extra ones.

[Spades22]

Wow thats sweeeeet! I haven't bought any of the maps yet either, so its great for me. Surprised they'd announce it now though as I'm sure they won't sell the mythic map pack as much since this news is out. This will probably be the only game I buy this year at release lol...

[Corvin]

Mythic was always confirmed to be included along with all the Halo 3 'disc' maps since ODST will essentially be your new MP disc.

It's been a year since we got new maps so I think it will sell fine even though they will be included with ODST 8 months from now.

[Monsta Mack]

http://kotaku.com/5148816/all-of-halo-3s-maps-included-in-odst

The game will come with all of the Halo3 maps plus 3 extra ones.

Thanks you just saved me some DLC points. I was gonna get them eventually, but forget it now. Theres almost no point for me even keeping the original Halo 3 at this point, but I suppose I will for collection purposes.

[KingBroly]

So how are they going to handle the remaining Halo 3 multiplayer achievements, then? Specifically the ones involving those 3 maps.

[kylerg]

I hope this game is dark and gritty.

[method47]

So uh.. ODST will have everything from Halo 3 except the single player? Same multiplayer servers?

[seanr1221]

Thanks you just saved me some DLC points. I was gonna get them eventually, but forget it now. Theres almost no point for me even keeping the original Halo 3 at this point, but I suppose I will for collection purposes.

Yea if you're not going to run through the single player ever again, might as well dump it.

[Corvin]

So uh.. ODST will have everything from Halo 3 except the single player? Same multiplayer servers?

Yep. Everything you can do in MP in Halo 3 will be included in ODST, so there will be no dividing the user base.

[LinkinPrime]

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/2009/06/custom_1243894692415_Halo_Shock_Bundle_front_01.jp g http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/2009/06/custom_1243889513738_HALO3_WL_Controller_01-CX.jpg

Halo 3 ODST (http://kotaku.com/tag/halo-3-odst/) may be a spin-off, but Microsoft wagers that enough content will be packed into the game's box to warrant a $59.99 price tag. Bungie Studios has suggested that Halo 3 (http://kotaku.com/tag/halo-3/) ODST won't be as long as Halo 3. So why will it run the cost of a full game?

Here's a list of the included content according to information released by Microsoft to the press today:
-Halo 3 ODST Campaign, which puts the player in control of different characters in New Mombasa during the events leading up to Halo 3.
-Halo 3 ODST "Firefight" mode, "a new cooperative multiplayer* mode where up to four players can assume the role of an ODST squad and fight together to take on increasingly challenging waves of enemies." Also: "As an ODST squad, you will face increasingly challenging waves of enemies together, striving to earn the highest scores possible, while various "Halo 3" "Skulls" are progressively activated." (It sounds to us like Gears of War 2's Horde mode.)
-Three new Halo 3 multiplayer maps on a standalone disc
-The more than 20 downloadable maps previously released for Halo 3 in the Legendary, Heroic and Mythic map packs.
-A key to the forthcoming multiplayer beta for the fall 2010 Bungie game Halo: Reach
(The new game is said to support all of Halo 3's main features, including four-player co-op, campaign scoring, screenshots and Forge multiplayer map editing)
In addition, Microsoft will sell a $99 Collectors Edition of Halo 3 ODST that ships with the above elements and an exclusive ODST Xbox 360 controller (http://kotaku.com/5148816/all-of-halo-3s-maps-included-in-odst).
http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/kotaku/full/~3/JkGrWU-WqNg/halo-3-odst-priced-like-a-full-game-loaded-with-content (http://feeds.gawker.com/%7Er/kotaku/full/%7E3/JkGrWU-WqNg/halo-3-odst-priced-like-a-full-game-loaded-with-content)

I want that controller :drool:

[KingBroly]

Called it. $59.99

No Dog Helmet, though

[mrcheapo11]

I kinda figured before that Microsoft would charge atleast $50 or $60, just based off the fact its a Halo game, and will sell the same amount anyways (for the most part). That controller is really nice though, so for $40 more, I will probably pick it up, as it is actually something useful that comes in a CE. Kinda glad I didn't buy a refurb of the original ones of the same color scheme. The "firefight" mode sounds pretty much like Horde, which certainly would be a welcome addition. Also probably won't bother picking up the Mythic maps now, since the game comes out in September!

My main concern would be getting a rechargeable battery that matches the back of the controller :razz:

[LinkinPrime]

My main concern would be getting a rechargeable battery that matches the back of the controller :razz:

Black should work fine...looks good on my Halo 3 (olive green) controller.

[FurryCurry]

I like that controller and I am willing to wait two years to catch it on clearence. :-)

[kylerg]

Gameplay looked cool. Darker graphics. The dude with the painted helmet (teeth) looked dope. Not a big Halo plan (playing H1 now) but this looks interesting. After they said it wouldn't be $60 and it is, kinda crappy.

[Lions]

Not a fan of the controller, but I'm excited for the game.
Crazy they are including the beta for the next game too, that's just awesome.

[LinkinPrime]

Here's the premium theme that's currently on XBLM for 240pts:

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/6799/img0353n.jpg
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/41/img0354s.jpg
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/6043/img0355hmr.jpg
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4735/img0356b.jpg

[Trakan]

If the campaign isn't co-op and this horde ripoff "firefight" is their idea of 4 player co-op I'm going to be pissed.

[chubbyninja1319]

Wants that premium theme...going to get it right now!

Also, major kudos on the collectors edition. Finally, something useful and relevant to the game (with it's 4 player squad modes). Definitely getting that!

[greyzieoriental]

premium theme looks pretty good. Best part is no HALO ODST Logo Ruining Everything.

[LinkinPrime]

Screens:

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/3607/h3odstcampaign3rdperson.th.jpg (http://img192.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaign3rdperson.jpg) http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/3607/h3odstcampaign3rdperson.th.jpg (http://img188.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaign3rdperson.jpg) http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/2971/h3odstcampaign1stpersoni.th.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaign1stpersoni.jpg) http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/7214/h3odstcampaign1stperson.th.jpg (http://img192.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaign1stperson.jpg)http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/2090/h3odstcampaign1stpersonb.th.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaign1stpersonb.jpg) http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/7792/h3odstcampaigndutch01.th.jpg (http://img188.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaigndutch01.jpg) http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8418/h3odstcampaigndutch02.th.jpg (http://img10.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstcampaigndutch02.jpg) http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6599/h3odstdroppodcinematicl.th.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstdroppodcinematicl.jpg) http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/884/h3odstdutchcinematic.th.jpg (http://img188.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstdutchcinematic.jpg) http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/7583/h3odstfirefightcrater.th.jpg (http://img51.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightcrater.jpg) http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/5955/h3odstfirefightcrater2.th.jpg http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8624/h3odstfirefightcrater3.th.jpg (http://img197.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightcrater2.jpg) http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/553/h3odstfirefightsecurity.th.jpg (http://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightsecurity.jpg) http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/553/h3odstfirefightsecurity.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightsecurity.jpg) http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2450/h3odstfirefightsecuritym.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightsecuritym.jpg) http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/28/h3odstfirefightsecurityo.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightsecurityo.jpg) http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/553/h3odstfirefightsecurity.th.jpg (http://img192.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstfirefightsecurity.jpg) http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8936/h3odstnewmombasa.th.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstnewmombasa.jpg) http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4532/h3odstnewmombasa02.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstnewmombasa02.jpg) http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/5227/h3odstonibldgcinematic.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstonibldgcinematic.jpg) http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/2338/h3odstpreparetodropcine.th.jpg (http://img197.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstpreparetodropcine.jpg) http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/6816/h3odstrookiecinematic.th.jpg (http://img192.imageshack.us/my.php?image=h3odstrookiecinematic.jpg)

[kylerg]

premium theme looks pretty good. Best part is no HALO ODST Logo Ruining Everything.

Agreed. Hate pimped out themes.

[Monsta Mack]

$60? Really MS? Really?
Even Bungie said themselves it wouldn't be $60/wasn't a full game. Well I have no doubt that this will sell well, but I was hoping more along the lines of $40. When Bungie says it won't be $60 you gota be weary of this.

With Left 4 Dead 2 out and Modern Warfare 2 not too far away either It's going to be hard to put down $60 for ODST.

[MonkeeMan85]

so this is really just a new single player experience, yet im still stoked

however bit disappointed over the price

[Corvin]

Given what we know about the game, the controller combo pack should have been in the $60-$70 range.

[TC]

That Firefight mode sounds like fun.

[Nealocus123]

Call me a Halo fanboy but I am so unbelivably excited about this! To be completely honest I wasn't 100% convinced by the trailer, but I have high hopes that bungie can pull this off. Hopefully there will be a secret level or ending that reveals more about Master Chiefs fate.

It would also be neat if they incooperated some of the vechiles from Halo Wars.

[playing mantis]

Yep. Everything you can do in MP in Halo 3 will be included in ODST, so there will be no dividing the user base.


Tell that to Capcom...they screwed the pooch with Lost Planet and the Colonies Edition

[playing mantis]

I'll pass on the ODST controller, still no improved D-Pad?

For the "Firefight" mode, will you need to have unlocked the skulls in Halo 3, or will they be a given? I couldn't even bear to finish the first level of H3, the series has gotten progressively worse since the original.

I watched the gameplay trailer last night, and I am interested. Hopefully they will have co-op campaign action. My hope is that this will play somewhat like Star Wars Republic Commando, but I doubt that.

[Nathan_Sama]

$60? Really MS? Really?
Even Bungie said themselves it wouldn't be $60/wasn't a full game. Well I have no doubt that this will sell well, but I was hoping more along the lines of $40. When Bungie says it won't be $60 you gota be weary of this.

With Left 4 Dead 2 out and Modern Warfare 2 not too far away either It's going to be hard to put down $60 for ODST.
Its $60?!
oh well, M$ sure does like its $.

[Ziv]

I already have two of the Halo 3 green contrrollers, but the design on this one will sucker me in. It actually looks like it fits with the H3 system better than the ones that came with it. Then my son will want one. Guess i'll be preordering two of them.

[A Happy Panda]

Anyone else more excited about Halo: Reach than this?

ODST is still day one purchase for me, but I'm more interested in the Reach storyline where we can finally play as/learn about the other surviving Spartans besides the Chief.

[Lions]

I'm excited for both. More ODST than reach, because I don't know anything about Reach yet, so it could be retarded for all we know. It's a FPS, which is a great start, but still. I'm sure it'll be awesome, I can't wait to play the beta.

[saunderscowie]

I like that ODST theme and the collectors editon is pretty cool, I have a question is the beta for Reach ONLY available if you get the collectors edition?

[MSUHitman]

FYI on G4 the lead Bungie guy said all you will need for the Reach beta will be the ODST disc, just like it was for the Halo 3 beta with Crackdown.

[Hydro2Oxide]

First L4D2 and now this? I hope this "Rehash the campaign and have minor tweaks and additions using the same engine" doesn't become a new acceptable standard.

[saunderscowie]

FYI on G4 the lead Bungie guy said all you will need for the Reach beta will be the ODST disc, just like it was for the Halo 3 beta with Crackdown.

Yeah thats what I thought.

[help1]

Anyone else more excited about Halo: Reach than this?

ODST is still day one purchase for me, but I'm more interested in the Reach storyline where we can finally play as/learn about the other surviving Spartans besides the Chief.

Of course! But for different reasons. I play Halo primarily for multiplayer, and Reach will hopefully be using a new engine and have an improved multiplayer portion over Halo 3, while ODST is just Halo 3's multiplayer with Firefight added.

[kylerg]

Probably going to trade Halo 3 this week and wait for ODST.

[Corvin]

Man, I really don't need another controller but that one looks awesome. I just know I'm going to fold like a cheap card table chair on release day. :(

[Monsta Mack]

First L4D2 and now this? I hope this "Rehash the campaign and have minor tweaks and additions using the same engine" doesn't become a new acceptable standard.

They've been doing it to Madden for years and that game continues to sell, and honestly who is going to be able to resist Halo as a XBox owner? Halo 3 is already on track to sell 10 million copies. I imagine ODST does at least half that if not more in a year.

[Trakan]

Anyone else more excited about Halo: Reach than this?

ODST is still day one purchase for me, but I'm more interested in the Reach storyline where we can finally play as/learn about the other surviving Spartans besides the Chief.

Yeah. Hopefully they can redeem themselves after fucking up Halo 3's multiplayer.

[johnnyrocker360]

i pre-ordered it from gamestop's e3 special with free overnight shipping. i'm personally looking forward to playing someone other than the master chief.

[LinkinPrime]

The bonus preorder is pretty lame IMO:

Play as Sargent Johnson in the new "flood" mode :-|
http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/19985/Halo-3-ODST-PreOrder-Bonus-Announced/

[The 7th Number]

Okay i bought 3 halo 3 map packs, only one i dont have is mythic, by any chance do these maps come with this game? I believe this game runs on the same halo 3 MP.

[LinkinPrime]

Yes...Mythic will be included with ODST.

[slickkill77]

ODST has all the maps and it has three exclusive ones or something like that. Errr no wait, I think the three exclusive ones will be released eventually but you get them free

[The 7th Number]

Will ODST add more to customizing your character? It would be nice to have new armor to use that isnt in Halo 3.

[mrcheapo11]

Okay i bought 3 halo 3 map packs, only one i dont have is mythic, by any chance do these maps come with this game? I believe this game runs on the same halo 3 MP.

Yes...Mythic will be included with ODST.

But the real question is, whether or not you can install the maps from the second ODST disc, and play them in Halo 3 to get the Mythic-exclusive achievements.:-k

Will ODST add more to customizing your character? It would be nice to have new armor to use that isnt in Halo 3.

The only thing ODST will allow is everyone to use the Recon armor (via the Vidmaster achievements), so other than that, I don't think you can customize further (unless there is customization in Firefight mode).

[tgk2044]

But the real question is, whether or not you can install the maps from the second ODST disc, and play them in Halo 3 to get the Mythic-exclusive achievements.:-k

I've wondered that as well, because I highly doubt that a cross-game achievement system is ready to go for this. They'd better do that, or I'll be pissed, cause I like having me some Halo achievements ;)

[soccerstud652]

Quick Halo 3 map question:

Of all of the released maps, which are remakes of classic (h1 and 2) maps?

I know Vallahalla is supposed to be Blood Gulch, and Blackout is Lockout, Zanzibar is on H3, are there any others? I know there are plans to remake Midship on Mythic Pack 2.

[Trakan]

Quick Halo 3 map question:

Of all of the released maps, which are remakes of classic (h1 and 2) maps?

I know Vallahalla is supposed to be Blood Gulch, and Blackout is Lockout, Zanzibar is on H3, are there any others? I know there are plans to remake Midship on Mythic Pack 2.

Cold Storage is Chill Out from H1.

Avalanche is supposed to be "inspired" by Sidewinder from H1.

[Corvin]

I know you said released, but Heretic (in ODST) is a remake of Midship.

[LinkinPrime]

But the real question is, whether or not you can install the maps from the second ODST disc, and play them in Halo 3 to get the Mythic-exclusive achievements.:-k

I'm pretty sure that won't matter. If you play Halo 3 MP directly from the ODST disc, you will be playing Halo 3, so all the achievements should correspond accordingly.

[Hydro2Oxide]

http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/25736

Nathan Fillion in ODST. I must buy this game now.

[LinkinPrime]

That's old news from E3...even though I forgot to update that here :oops:

EDIT: Oh shit...that's a new video...pretty fucking sick!!!

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/53570.html

[A Happy Panda]

So this may have been answered but...

If I get ODST and play that game's multiplayer disc which is the same as Halo 3's MP, can I work to get the new Halo 3 MP achievements using the ODST disc? Or would I have to purchase those map packs and use a copy of Halo 3 to get the new Mythic Pack achievements and the other ones?

[Zyzomys]

If I get ODST and play that game's multiplayer disc which is the same as Halo 3's MP, can I work to get the new Halo 3 MP achievements using the ODST disc? Or would I have to purchase those map packs and use a copy of Halo 3 to get the new Mythic Pack achievements and the other ones?I thought the second disc in ODST was installed to the hard drive, and then it would work with either Halo 3, or Halo 3: ODST. Then, with the Halo 3 disc, you got Halo 3 achievements, and with the Halo: ODST disc you get ODST achievements. This of course could be completely wrong - I have been following this game for so long it all becomes a little fuzzy.

[The 7th Number]

Just based off logic, i dont think you would be able to get Halo 3 achievements with Halo ODST. Each game disc has their own achievements. I cant get Lego Star Wars The Original Trilogy achievements by playing Lego Star Wars the Complete Saga.

[A Happy Panda]

Just based off logic, i dont think you would be able to get Halo 3 achievements with Halo ODST. Each game disc has their own achievements. I cant get Lego Star Wars The Original Trilogy achievements by playing Lego Star Wars the Complete Saga.

Well that sucks. I could potentially do all the Mythic Pack achievements using a ODST disc and get no achievements...

[LinkinPrime]

Just based off logic, i dont think you would be able to get Halo 3 achievements with Halo ODST. Each game disc has their own achievements. I cant get Lego Star Wars The Original Trilogy achievements by playing Lego Star Wars the Complete Saga.

I really don't think that's the case. When you play the Halo 3 MP, you'll be playing and updating your Halo 3 stats and achievements to go with it.

Bungie hasn't straight up answered these questions but they way they have the achievements setup make it seem like they have it under control, whether it's a code or a disc that allows you to download the maps to your HDD or maybe you'll be able to just boot up Halo 3 MP from the disc.

[dastly75]

I'm thinking they straight up extracted the Halo 3 MP from Halo 3 and put it on its own disc so achievements should work fine.

[The 7th Number]

Well if the map packs have achievements, then it shouldnt matter if you use Halo 3 or Halo ODST to get them. Both should work, I would assume. But something like getting a double laser kill thats from halo 3 achievements, i dont think you could get with ODST. LOL, totally goes against what i was saying before. I was thinking mainly of Halo 3 achievements, not achievements linked to the map packs. But then i wonder if you could get them twice if you did them while on halo 3 and halo ODST? Or maybe if you unlock one, both would show up for each game. IDK. Its too confusing. lol

[A Happy Panda]

I'm more wondering about the achievements linked to the Mythic and Legendary map packs. That'd be lame if I completed all the achievements in those two packs using the ODST MP disc but didn't actually unlock the achievements towards my gamerscore because I wasn't using the Halo 3 disc.

[Trakan]

ODST is going to be 2 discs. Disc 1 is ODST. Disc 2 is H3's multiplayer, where you can get the achievments for the new maps.

[A Happy Panda]

ODST is going to be 2 discs. Disc 1 is ODST. Disc 2 is H3's multiplayer, where you can get the achievments for the new maps.

I know about the 2 disc thing. I was just wondering about my ability to get Legendary and Mythic map pack achievements using the ODST MP disc and having it count towards my overall Halo 3 achievement score.

[Ziv]

When they first said that ODST was going to have the same multi player as H3 (excluding Firefight mode), they said that the multiplayer achievements were all tied to Halo 3's achievement list. So if you didn't have any Halo 3 gamerscore before, you will have if you start playing with multiplayer ODST.

The analogy the guy used was buckets. ODST will drop it's achievements into two buckets. The single player and Firefight goes into ODST. The regular multiplayer goes into Halo 3.

[Trakan]

I know about the 2 disc thing. I was just wondering about my ability to get Legendary and Mythic map pack achievements using the ODST MP disc and having it count towards my overall Halo 3 achievement score.

You shark lovin' motherfucker. Disc 2 is H3's multiplayer, with all DLC maps. You'll get H3 achievements playing it.

You'll get ODST achievements on Disc 1.

[seanr1221]

I'm sure if you put in the H3 map disc, it will just show up as H3 on your gamercard, giving you the achievements for it.

[A Happy Panda]

You shark lovin' motherfucker. Disc 2 is H3's multiplayer, with all DLC maps. You'll get H3 achievements playing it.

You'll get ODST achievements on Disc 1.

Shut up Trakan.

[Ninjanickx]

This looks really fun.
As a fan of Halo, this seems like a nice break from playing as a 7 foot tall tank, and someone a little more average with a little more of a challenge.

I bet the ending will have something to do with the Mast Chief appearing.

[tkINGnewbie]

Hey Everyone!

Just got this e-mail and thought more people might want to hear about it.

"Coming September 15, 2009: Best Buy RZGC members will have the chance to participate in a web chat with a Bungie developer on the upcoming release Halo 3 O.D.S.T. More details to be announced in early September."

Unfortunately, September is a long time away for those of you with short attention spans like me. HOWEVER! I talked to some of my contacts at corp and they said any questions posted in this thread will get sent in advance to Bungie to ensure your questions get answered!

Last thing...to actually take part in the web chat you have to be a Reward Zone Gamers Club member. Bummer huh...except it is free to join and all you need is reward zone.

Later

/edit Thanks Hydro! That look better to the grammar gods? :-)

[Hydro2Oxide]

Wow, misspelled bummer and like 8 exclamation points? Very professional.

[Taboner]

Yeah...right...I'll just buy the LE with the controller from GS.

[tkINGnewbie]

3 thoughts:

1. tkingnewbie = stupid sometimes when it comes to spelling. My bad and I will fix it.

2. Grammar police on exclamation points...seriously? Since when are gamers professional when it comes to posting on forums? I mean I could make a corporate type post that is free from my feelings but what fun would that be? However I apologize for my lack of attention to detail when posting and I will make sure I count how many exclamation points I put down next time:D

3. Buy the game wherever you want. If GS has a better deal then GS it is...but the chat with the bungie devs is free even if you never plan to buy a single game at Best Buy.

[A Happy Panda]

Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame

No Matchmaking for Firefight.

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2009/08/bungie-why-halo-3-odst-firefight-doesnt-support-matchmaking/

[LinkinPrime]

Wow that does totally suck!

[MasterSprtn117]

He does have a point there though. I wouldn't really want to play with randoms off of XBL. Just think of what could happen..you're about to finish the level, and then one guy kills everyone else with a rocket launcher, and then kills himself. Turns out he was host, and when everyone booted him, the game has to reconfigure and now everyone's stuck with lag from the new host.

Of course, that could happen with your friends, but then it's not as bad since you know them...usually.

[seanr1221]

No, it's stupid. You should be able to play it in matchmaking.

[A Happy Panda]

He does have a point there though. I wouldn't really want to play with randoms off of XBL. Just think of what could happen..you're about to finish the level, and then one guy kills everyone else with a rocket launcher, and then kills himself. Turns out he was host, and when everyone booted him, the game has to reconfigure and now everyone's stuck with lag from the new host.

Of course, that could happen with your friends, but then it's not as bad since you know them...usually.

As the commenter wrote in the Kotaku story wrote...even the original Nazi Zombies map in CoD: WaW had matchmaking, and that was a throwaway bonus game mode.

And even in Nazi Zombies, or even L4D, there were times when my friends and I could only get 3 or so people together, so jumping into matchmaking to find a 4th player really helped out.

[Immenseorange]

you should be able to play with random people, look at horde in gears, in works most of the time

[slickkill77]

Yea that sucks. Well I guess I'll have to get more friends that are going to play ODST then.

[bjstucker]

Have this fully paid off at GS. But after replaying H3 I think I will change that to NGS2. Hope its good.

[hufferstl]

This seriously sucks and guarantees that Firefight mode will have a very short life. I usually wait to pick up new games(just picked up Gears2 a week ago) and by the time I get ODST(and reach is probably out), all of my friends will have moved on to bigger and better things. Totally sucks for me.

[dastly75]

Sucks to lack that feature but doesn't affect me since I'll probably be playing it with friends.

[chubbyninja1319]

Didn't we "Finish the Fight" in Halo 3???

#1. Is it confirmed that HALO REACH is a FPS?

#2. Is it confirmed that HALO REACH will involve Master Chief?

#1 - I think it was, but not 100% positive. It was in a quote from a microsoft or bungie employee during E3.

#2 - No, this hasn't been confirmed.

I'm pretty excited for this game. But, I am a pretty big Halo fan. I just ordered the Master chief bobblehead (not the old crappy one, the new super deformed and articulated one).

[slickkill77]

1. No but that's what most people are leaning towards
2. In some way yes as well as other spartans. He was shown as part of the silhouette picture released for Reach. But it isn't known if he is playable.

As for your first question: Reach is a prequel



In case you didn't see it, Bungie came out and said: Install the single player disc, but do not install the multiplayer disc

[A Happy Panda]

Woot. The ODST Transport Vehicle is stopping at a Gamestop about 2 miles away from me.

If I can convince a of couple friends to go, I might be able to convince even myself that I can suffer the embarassment of going to a GS to play a fucking game early.

[slickkill77]

http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/852871/bungie-project-2/videos/haloodst_liveaction_trl_090409.html

[Halo05]

Wow. When I heard "live action" I was expecting the worst. Pretty stirring for a videogame ad.

[slickkill77]

http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=361

They're going to release the music for ODST on a 2 disc set

[VipFREAK]

http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/852871/bungie-project-2/videos/haloodst_liveaction_trl_090409.html

That was pretty epic.

[dastly75]

http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=361

They're going to release the music for ODST on a 2 disc set

I'm excited for that. Halo 3's OST was a let down after the amazing Halo 2 Vol. 2 soundtrack.

Also the live action commercial is pretty damn good.

[LinkinPrime]

So I was the only one that enjoyed the Hoobastank song from Vol. 1?

[Poor2More]

Live action trailer was VERY WELL done and convincing

[Chris Dillon]

that trailer should be the basis of the what the movie can be. Not a halo fan but that was pretty epic.

[Ziv]

got to try firefight out at the Gamestop truck tour. It was pretty cool. Melee attacks are much weaker as expected. Scoped pistol and smg are pretty cool. It shows on the screen when a new skull is added. It almost feels like call of duty halo with it's life system. The screen turns red when you get shot. If you make it to cover it goes back to normal if not, it starts taking down your life meter. Was getting this even if I hated it, but it is cool so no need to worry.

[seanr1221]

Awesome trailer, they definitely did a good job on that.

[lolwut?]

Holy shit that trailer was epic.

I just ordered this today in full on Amazon. Wasn't planning on it, but a new campaign and all the maps are worth it. Should hold me over til MW2

[Shrapnellistic]

What's the band's name that was in the live-action trailer?

[Aku]

Gotta say that trailer was pretty awesome. Goes along well with what I hope this game achieves: Putting faces behind the "ZOMG SUPER AWESOME SPACE MARINES" and telling there tales.

[IceBlueShoes]

Trailer is amazing.
Wasn't going to get this anytime soon, but after seeing this I think I'm going to cave and get it.
Looks to be a good game.

[Scorch]

So I was the only one that enjoyed the Hoobastank song from Vol. 1?

Hoobastank? Ew.

The Breaking Benjamin song was okay/better than Hoobastank.

[Dareb]

Hey, does anyone know when the pre-order bonus for Sgt. Johnson runs out?

[Corvin]

This seriously sucks and guarantees that Firefight mode will have a very short life. I usually wait to pick up new games(just picked up Gears2 a week ago) and by the time I get ODST(and reach is probably out), all of my friends will have moved on to bigger and better things. Totally sucks for me.

That's the nature of any multiplayer community though. If you want in you get in early. Rarely do games have a long MP tail. The game has to be huge (halo, GoW, CoD) for that to happen.

[Trakan]

No Reach thread yet, so I'll post it here.

Bungie has confirmed that Reach will have a new engine.

Thank God.

[ZxT Vendetta]

The game is amazing so far. Too bad the campaign is kind of short. My buddy and I played it today and are over halfway done with it but that is just on normal. Going to save the legendary for a 2nd playthrough since you have to play twice for all the achievements.

Firefight mode is freaking sweet too!

The new maps for Halo 3 all look awesome and I cannot wait to play those in matchmaking. The new skulls are pretty easy to find as well.

[M1C13]

did anyone else preorder at bestbuy online and if you did are picking it up at a midnight release? just wondering how in store pick up works for a midnight release maybe i will get an email sayings its ready at 11:45 Monday night.

[MSUHitman]

The full 90-second version of the live action trailer will be shown during the UFC prelims Saturday night on Spike. I'm assuming it will be available on the marketplace next week.

[slickkill77]

The full 90-second version of the live action trailer will be shown during the UFC prelims Saturday night on Spike. I'm assuming it will be available on the marketplace next week.


Um....you mean the same one thats already been released on the marketplace and the internet?

http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/852871/bungie-project-2/videos/haloodst_trl_liveactionextended_90809.html

[KingBroly]

No Reach thread yet, so I'll post it here.

Bungie has confirmed that Reach will have a new engine.

Thank God.

This one kinda had to have the same engine, though. Since it's the same multiplayer as Halo 3. Although, that brings up questions of how it works with Halo 3 in terms of achievements and maps.

Speaking of which, how does the second disc for ODST work for the 3 multiplayer maps? And how long's the campaign for this? I've heard that it's only an hour long

[saunderscowie]

I was just wondering why is this game coming out on a Tuesday? Games pretty much always come out on Fridays, just like new movies etc.

[Zyzomys]

Speaking of which, how does the second disc for ODST work for the 3 multiplayer maps? And how long's the campaign for this? I've heard that it's only an hour long
The second disc is treated as if you have Halo 3 in the drive, but is Mulitplayer only. It includes every map released to date plus three new maps.

The game length, played on Heroic (solo) is about 6-8 hours. This is how Bungie is recommending the game be initially played. If your first play through is going to be with 4-people, Bungie recommends starting on Legendary.

[Zyzomys]

I was just wondering why is this game coming out on a Tuesday? Games pretty much always come out on Fridays, just like new movies etc.I have no idea how games are released in the UK, but in North America, games, DVDs, and music are all released on Tuesdays. Friday releases tend to be the exception. XBLA and PSN have their own release days.

[Corvin]

Yeah, must be a region thing. As long as I can remember Tuesday has always been the standard release day. I can't think of a single game that released on a Friday. DVDs do on a rare occasion (Spider-man 3, Shrek 2) but they are few and far between.

[Corvin]

This one kinda had to have the same engine, though. Since it's the same multiplayer as Halo 3. Although, that brings up questions of how it works with Halo 3 in terms of achievements and maps.

Speaking of which, how does the second disc for ODST work for the 3 multiplayer maps? And how long's the campaign for this? I've heard that it's only an hour long

Post #149 meet posts #105, #106, & #107:


The analogy the guy used was buckets. ODST will drop it's achievements into two buckets. The single player and Firefight goes into ODST. The regular multiplayer goes into Halo 3.

Disc 2 is H3's multiplayer, with all DLC maps. You'll get H3 achievements playing it. You'll get ODST achievements on Disc 1.

I'm sure if you put in the H3 map disc, it will just show up as H3 on your gamercard, giving you the achievements for it.

[Corvin]

In case you didn't see it, Bungie came out and said: Install the single player disc, but do not install the multiplayer disc

Actually I didn't see it, and missed your post until I just reread the thread. I was curious about that so thanks for the heads up.

[ashe_Darkthorne]

If the mulitplayer system isn't 100% linked with Halo 3's and you can't download the base maps for either to your hard drive so you can play on any Halo 3 MP map with either disc, it'll be a major disappointment.

Basic understanding of what I'm saying
Halo 3 + Recon Multiplayer are compatible
Halo 3/Recon MP DLC maps can be accessed with either disc
Halo 3/Recon MP base maps can be put on a hard drive

Actually they will not be linked and the only multiplayer on the ODST side is firefight the mythic maps will be on a seperate disk with all the others and load just as if it was a halo 3 game just the multi-player as a standalone no campaign on the disk.

[$hady]

I'm not a big Halo guy, I played for a month or two when 3 came out and haven't played since. I got the chance to play some firefight yesterday and it's awesome. I'm going to pick this up for sure now TRU $20 GC and figure is a good deal plus maybe I'll play some more online H3. Be sure to check it out even if you were on the fence like I was.

[archibishopthedoge]

I can't think of a single game that released on a Friday..

Madden 10
Gears of War 2

Just off the top of my head from recent games.

It's not a normal thing obviously. Usually Friday releases are very big gaming events if they ever do happen, but it definitely has happened and most likely will happen again. If its coming out on Friday elsewhere, its probably got to do w/ manufacturing/shipping to distributors overseas.

[eastx]

The reviews are out!

http://kotaku.com/5363178/halo-3-odst-review-the-more-vulnerable-edition

Equally intriguing is the story the player gleans by accessing computer terminals located throughout the city. These discoveries drip, through voiceover and drawings, the surprisingly harrowing tale of Sadie, a young woman whose life was upturned in the Covenant attack. Extra credit goes to Bungie for figuring out how to introduce a surprise gameplay benefit to tracking down this side narrative, an accomplishment not seen in other games with rich side-stories, such as BioShock and Batman: Arkham Asylum.

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/102/1025307p1.html

9.0. In many ways, Halo 3: ODST is a return to the roots of the Halo franchise. Master Chief -- with his magical healing Spartan armor, mockery of gravity, and dual wielding ways -- is sitting this one out. Instead, you'll take the role of the Orbital Drop Shock Trooper, or ODST. These highly-trained, but not quite super, soldiers don't have all of the strengths of the Chief. They can only aim one weapon at a time. They have a health bar that requires health packs to restore once their light overshield is depleted. They can't jump as high or fall as far or take as many bullets without stumbling into Death's open arms. They handle quite like Master Chief did in Halo: Combat Evolved, and they have a powerful scoped pistol to complete the throwback feel.

http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3176104

A-. ODST has its share of flaws, but it's a noteworthy creation simply for the way in which it unites the two different faces of the franchise -- campaign and multiplayer -- into something that should appeal to both sets of fans. It doesn't really do anything new (quite the contrary, really), yet its take on these familiar ideas is at once incredibly polished and extremely addictive.

http://www.destructoid.com/review-halo-3-odst-148381.phtml#ext
Warning: The Destructoid review has a few too many spoilers for my liking.

8.0. The point of Firefight is to get as high a score as possible. It’s really about getting the chance to have some bragging rights against your friends, and there are a ton of ways to get points. Each enemy has a different point value assigned to it, and how you kill it will also change how many points you’ll get. All the medals you can get in the regular multiplayer for Halo 3 are attainable here, including some new ones for Firefight. Combos such as killing a Hunter and earning an Unstoppable medal will see your points jump, too.

http://www.giantbomb.com/halo-3-odst/61-24035/reviews/

4/5 Stars. Halo 3: ODST fills in a few interesting spots in the Halo timeline, even if the characters themselves aren't strong enough to carry the narrative. But it strikes a healthy balance between new twists and more content done in Bungie's trademark style. The more important thing is that if you've enjoyed playing Bungie's Halo games in the past, chances are you'll continue to enjoy that style in ODST.

[mercilessming]

As I understand it, Firefight doesn't have matching making so maybe we should start a list, on here to have each other join friends list to play firefight as a full group....???

[slickkill77]

Yep you can only play with friends

[Gamer SDP]

I'm considering picking this up. I've very little of H1 and H2 Campaign a long time ago and like one long gaming night of H3 (first time playing mulitplayer in a shooter). Hopefully I'll like this and will get used to the multiplayer.

[saunderscowie]

I have no idea how games are released in the UK, but in North America, games, DVDs, and music are all released on Tuesdays. Friday releases tend to be the exception. XBLA and PSN have their own release days.

Right okay I guess its just a worldwide release then.

[M1C13]

As I understand it, Firefight doesn't have matching making so maybe we should start a list, on here to have each other join friends list to play firefight as a full group....???
We can just use the friend of a friends list like we did for Hal 3 and COD4. One of use makes a dummy account and up to 100 people can be friends and invite people that are friends with the dummy account to firefight.

I will make this if people want.

[namster1337]

Just pre-ordered it from Amazon. Excited :)

[Poor2More]

We can just use the friend of a friends list like we did for Hal 3 and COD4. One of use makes a dummy account and up to 100 people can be friends and invite people that are friends with the dummy account to firefight.

I will make this if people want.

Dude thats fucken brilliant, great idea, pleas let me know when you get that set up pleas

[Immortal fWd]

Do you have to install the Halo 3 map packs onto the hard drive like the Oblivion and Fallout expansions, or is it playable right off the disc? I'd like to clear up some hard drive space and delete the map packs if they're playable right on the disc itself.

[Bioshocked360]

You don't need to install the disc.

[M1C13]

Dude thats fucken brilliant, great idea, pleas let me know when you get that set up pleas
I will set this up tonight and update everyone.

[Oside_hunter]

Can't wait to pick up my copy tonight! I really need that friend of a friend too for Firefight, I'm just a sad lonely hermit with no friends :cry:

[DomLando]

Excited to pick this up tonight. If anyone wants to play send me a FR.

[bobby107]

does anyone know if toys r us is giving out sgt johnson card when you pre oder it says on bungie site they are but a girl didnt know anything about it.

[Oside_hunter]

For the 20 gift card deal you have to show up on tuesday morning and buy it, but Sgt Johnson is for preorders only. Atleast that's what the clerk at TRU told me.

[jaso]

The multiplayer disc is still a little unclear to me, and I've been reading up on ODST. I'm still not sure I get it - all the Halo 3 maps are on the disc plus 3 new ones. Bungie says we don't need our copies of Halo 3 to play these maps, correct? So, are these maps playable with our ODST characters, or is it just straightforward Halo 3 multiplayer as Spartans with a few new maps that you don't need your copy of Halo 3 to play?

I'm only curious because I traded in my copy of Halo 3 to pay for my copy of ODST. It would be nice to know I could still play traditional Halo 3 multiplayer if I wanted to, but it's still cool if I only get to play through the Halo 3 maps as an ODST.

[LinkinPrime]

Disc 1: Halo 3 ODST (Campaign and Firefight Mode)
Disc 2: Halo 3 Mythic (Halo 3 Multiplayer including all maps)

Hope that helps.

[slickkill77]

The multiplayer disc is still a little unclear to me, and I've been reading up on ODST. I'm still not sure I get it - all the Halo 3 maps are on the disc plus 3 new ones. Bungie says we don't need our copies of Halo 3 to play these maps, correct? So, are these maps playable with our ODST characters, or is it just straightforward Halo 3 multiplayer as Spartans with a few new maps that you don't need your copy of Halo 3 to play?

I'm only curious because I traded in my copy of Halo 3 to pay for my copy of ODST. It would be nice to know I could still play traditional Halo 3 multiplayer if I wanted to, but it's still cool if I only get to play through the Halo 3 maps as an ODST.



Disc 1 is ODST single player and Firefight.
INSTALL THIS DISK ON YOUR HDD

Disc 2 is literally just the Halo 3 multiplayer component. Nothing more. It just includes every map that has been released and three new ones.
DO NOT INSTALL THIS DISK ON YOUR HDD.

[jaso]

Thanks for the clarification, guys. That does help.

[MSUHitman]

Shouldn't the CAGHALO tag that io setup be the one that's used, or are we going to end up creating a third tag for this series (first one was CAG Halo Clan.)

[MSUHitman]

does anyone know if toys r us is giving out sgt johnson card when you pre oder it says on bungie site they are but a girl didnt know anything about it.

They are supposed to be doing it, but given that's it's TRU, you might want to get there when they open tomorrow.

[M1C13]

Shouldn't the CAGHALO tag that io setup be the one that's used, or are we going to end up creating a third tag for this series (first one was CAG Halo Clan.)
That is where I got the idea. We can just stay with them wasn't sure if the people were going to be the same. I am already friends with caghalo so works for me.

[ajh2298]

--DUMB QUESTION ALERT--

If you get Halo:ODST there is no reason to hold onto your Halo 3 game anymore unless you still want to play that on single player is that correct?

I guess what I am asking is everything that was mutiplayer about Halo 3 is included in ODST on the second disc. So it would be okay to trade in my Halo 3 towards ODST if I am done with the Halo 3 singleplayer campaign?

[LinkinPrime]

You are correct.

Remember that there is a "Road To Recon" achievement list that if you get them all you get Recon armor...some of those achievements are SP so if you got them or don't care for Recon, you're good to trade/sell H3.

[ajh2298]

You are correct.

Remember that there is a "Road To Recon" achievement list that if you get them all you get Recon armor...some of those achievements are SP so if you got them or don't care for Recon, you're good to trade/sell H3.

Thanks for the quick response.

[A Happy Panda]

Seems like way too much work for that damn Recon armor.

If anything, they should've made the prize the damn flaming helmet.

Those vidmaster achievements are no joke.

[jaso]

Seems like way too much work for that damn Recon armor.

If anything, they should've made the prize the damn flaming helmet.

Those vidmaster achievements are no joke.

Agreed.

Knowing that the Recon armor is the only thing I'd be missing out on makes me feel even better about trading in my copy of Halo 3 for $20 toward ODST. All I did anymore was play multiplayer.

[hufferstl]

Anyone know who the unlockable firefight characters are?

[Draekon]

Seems like way too much work for that damn Recon armor.

If anything, they should've made the prize the damn flaming helmet.

Those vidmaster achievements are no joke.

It's only a matter of time before people find cheap tricks and post them on the internet though. Since that'll likely be the case with Classic and Déjà Vu, Endure will probably end up being the hardest of the three in the long run.

[DestroVega]

You are correct.

Remember that there is a "Road To Recon" achievement list that if you get them all you get Recon armor...some of those achievements are SP so if you got them or don't care for Recon, you're good to trade/sell H3.

So if I get this game, I can play multiplayer with friends playing Halo 3 multiplayer?

[LinkinPrime]

So if I get this game, I can play multiplayer with friends playing Halo 3 multiplayer?

Yes. The 2nd disc is essentially Halo 3 with the campaign stripped out.

[Draekon]

So if I get this game, I can play multiplayer with friends playing Halo 3 multiplayer?

Yes, the second disk is Halo 3 multiplayer including every single map pack to date.

EDIT: Gah, beat by less than a minute.

[spree4567]

So if I get this game, I can play multiplayer with friends playing Halo 3 multiplayer?

Yes. They just won't be able to join ODST disc only playlists as they won't have the 3 new maps that are only on the ODST disc.

[Halo05]

I kept meaning to jump back on some Halo 3 mp to get ready for this. I played some of the Halo 3 campaign to re-acquaint myself with the controls. I think I'll stick with coop stuff on ODST, I'm down to friend the CAG pseudo-friend come tomorrow. My GT is Gurtuuth.

[skubish]

Anyone going to make a CAG firefight night thread? Since Bungie failed and didn't include matchmaking with firefight mode.

[BackInBlack]

That is where I got the idea. We can just stay with them wasn't sure if the people were going to be the same. I am already friends with caghalo so works for me.

I have CAG Halo as well as a friend, but is everyone on that list active/want to actually play firefight with CAGs? I feel like a FireFight thread could be launched to see if there is enough of a following to justify a "CAG FIREFIGHT", as i don't want to harass gamers on CAG Halo. Just a thought.

[Ma12kez]

I have CAG Halo as well as a friend, but is everyone on that list active/want to actually play firefight with CAGs? I feel like a FireFight thread could be launched to see if there is enough of a following to justify a "CAG FIREFIGHT", as i don't want to harass gamers on CAG Halo. Just a thought.I just found out about Firefight not having any sort of matchmaking:bomb:. I assumed that there would be out of common sense, but I guess that's not the case here. I love playing Horde on Gears 2 (even now), but I'm kind of on the fence about picking this game up since there's no matchmaking for Firefight.

I'd be interested as well to see if we can get a good pool of CAGs to play Firefight on a daily basis before I make my purchase, since most people I know personally don't like/play Halo.

[BREVITY]

I was all caught up on the basic H3 achievements but I dont have any of the newer ones. I am game for working with people to get that one achievements for finishing the game in ghosts. Message me, I want to get Recon Armor.

[DiscoDuck8k]

Haven't been following the game much at all, but why exactly is there no matchmaking system? Seems like a pretty stupid move on their part.

Anyway, pre-ordered today on a chance and should be picking it up tonight.

[help1]

Could I pre-sign up for that CAG FIREFIGHT list, haha.

[Oside_hunter]

Man, I can't play firefight til tomorrow since my new mic didn't come and i'd be totally useless without communications. Looks like it campaign tonite :cry:

[KingBroly]

I'm not going to be able to get this until a deal happens, unfortunately.

[LinkinPrime]

WTF!?

TRU $20 GC + ODST figure at time of purchase
Amazon $15 GC after purchase

Those aren't enough of a deal!?!?!?!?!?

[BackInBlack]

Ok everyone, i created "CAG FireFight" I'll be able to check the tag at noon time tomorrow and then earlier that evening. I guess i'll create a thread now.


Stoked!

[jlarlee]

Ooopps answer to my question in previous page. It a bad time to be moving no internet for my 360 for at least another month

[JP]

Definitely cool to be hearing Baldwin and Fillion together again. They didn't do a very good job making Fillion's character look like him though. Well I mean you could tell it was supposed to be him, but it didn't look that good in my opinion. Didn't get a good look at the character model for Baldwin though. I've seen listed in places that Tudyk is in the game too, but I haven't come across him, of course I just started the game too.

[greyzieoriental]

Seems like way too much work for that damn Recon armor.

If anything, they should've made the prize the damn flaming helmet.

Those vidmaster achievements are no joke.

The flaming helmet you speak of is actually a flaming armor.
The armor will make any head flaming.

I'll be heading to Gamestop in a few hours for the midnight release.

Also if anyone doesn't get their Sgt. Johnson code. They have pre-order cases at Best Buy that have the code in them. You maybe too late to pre-order but they might let you get a case with the code in it.

[yukafls]

i would be up for a CAG firefight when i get the game. I tried best buy for those codes and they had just gotten rid of them :(

[thamaster24]

Enjoyed what I played of campaign tonight, firefight is going to be very good as well, can't wait to get further in the campaign tomorrow and there's definitely a different style of play with the ODSTs

Side note: As I picked the game up at 12, I walked in stood in line for less than a minute at GS then the employee asked for my receipt which I didn't have but it took him literally 30 secs or less to get my info and give me the game. As he was looking up the info he says, "Man you should have come earlier and listened to what we said about the receipts you held up the line."... there was one person behind me and he didn't even have the game reserved.

[BREVITY]

Loving it so far. Played a lot of the campaign on co-op.
Cant see how to get setup for Reach. I see a little flier in the box but no code or anything on it.

[M1C13]

Just sent a FR to CAG Firefight. I will be on later tonight.

Does anyone know if you preordered online at BestBuy if you will get the sgt. Johnson code in an email or if you get it when you pick up the game? I have a feeling with over 1.2 million preorders I will not be using Johnson since pretty much everyone and their mom will have him.

Edit: Make that 1.35 Million http://news.vgchartz.com/news.php?id=5257

[jaso]

Played through the first checkpoint achievement last night (while racking up a few 5-point achievements along the way). I think this game is about as solid as they come so far.

Love:
Pistol strength (seriously, you can snipe grunts with this thing)
The day-glow visor (but ONLY in low-light conditions)
The emphasis on actually examining your surroundings
The diverse score
The variety of achievements

Not fond of:
Low-stamina red fringing
Lack of radar
Stupid-looking health packs
Weak-ass shields

[tgk2044]

Just sent a FR to CAG Firefight. I will be on later tonight.

Does anyone know if you preordered online at BestBuy if you will get the sgt. Johnson code in an email or if you get it when you pick up the game? I have a feeling with over 1.2 million preorders I will not be using Johnson since pretty much everyone and their mom will have him.

Edit: Make that 1.35 Million http://news.vgchartz.com/news.php?id=5257

I ordered online and am having it shipped to me. I just got my code via email for Sgt. Johnson a few minutes ago and redeemed it.

[LinkinPrime]

So what did GS and Best Buy have for the midnight folks?

[GLOCKGLOCK]

So what did GS and Best Buy have for the midnight folks?

BB out here had neon green "Halo ODST" wristbands similar to the CAG wristbands that were given out a few years ago. There were gray firefight/skull T-Shirts and mini glow in the dark frisbees. They also gave everyone a $10 gift card for purchasing the game, but that could have been in the weekly ad, not sure. Either way there is a Gamer's Club coupon for a $10 gift card you can use that you can print off their website.

[DiscoDuck8k]

GS had Dunkin Donuts, but apparently no codes for Sgt. Johnson since nobody in line was getting them.

I like the game a lot so far, it has a very different vibe.

[BREVITY]

Just got my BB code for Srgt. Johnson. Excited. Again I ask if someone wants to work on Recon Achievements hit me up. I stayed home from work today.

Just to be clear there was nothing really in the box for the Reach beta right? I got the flier but there is no code on it.

[saunderscowie]

Played a little firefight is okay, can get really hard sometimes. Sucks that you can just jump on with random people online.

[TC]

Why is it preorder codes are always such a clusterfuck?

Edit-- Not 2 minutes after I posted that a code shows up from Best Buy via email.

[lt_homer]

anyone know if halo3 odst is like halo3 where its better to play it off the disc? same with the multiplayer disc? just wondering if installing it to the hard drive is even worth doing?

[M1C13]

Finally checked my email code the Sgt. Johnson code now I just need to game.

[hufferstl]

Reach(Beta) will just use the ODST disc, not a code - That way people don't trade the game in and use the code. Pretty sneaky, sis.

[GLOCKGLOCK]

There is a FREE premium Halo ODST Theme available in the marketplace (gold accounts only):

http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/offers/033f0002-0000-4000-8000-00004d530877?cid=SLink (http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/offers/033f0002-0000-4000-8000-00004d530877?cid=SLinkhttp://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/offers/033f0002-0000-4000-8000-00004d530877?cid=SLink)

[M1C13]

There is a FREE premium Halo ODST Theme available in the marketplace (gold accounts only):

http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/offers/033f0002-0000-4000-8000-00004d530877?cid=SLink (http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/offers/033f0002-0000-4000-8000-00004d530877?cid=SLinkhttp://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/offers/033f0002-0000-4000-8000-00004d530877?cid=SLink)
Thanks for the link, queued it up.

[archibishopthedoge]

anyone know if halo3 odst is like halo3 where its better to play it off the disc? same with the multiplayer disc? just wondering if installing it to the hard drive is even worth doing?

I believe Bungie said it was fine to install the ODST disc, but not the Halo 3 MP disc.

[LinkinPrime]

Thanks for the link GLOCKGLOCK, queued up and ready to go.

[spideymike]

My TRU ran out of preorder codes for Johnson this morning within 15 minutes of opening. Weak, MS. Weak.

[archibishopthedoge]

And just as I was getting ready to wonder, it gets delivered :)

[Link127]

also no Johnson code at my TRU

[AshesofWake]

is it just me or is this game basically just Halo 3 with less health?

[M1C13]

also no Johnson code at my TRU
How is the action figure though?

[M1C13]

There is a FREE premium Halo ODST Theme available in the marketplace (gold accounts only):

http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/offers/033f0002-0000-4000-8000-00004d530877?cid=SLink (http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/offers/033f0002-0000-4000-8000-00004d530877?cid=SLinkhttp://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/offers/033f0002-0000-4000-8000-00004d530877?cid=SLink)
Here is a video of the new theme. Looks pretty nice, nice enough for free.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz8xsTCvmrw

[DestroVega]

is anyone planning on never using their 2nd disc because they have Halo 3 and all the maps? i'd be interested in buying one.

[LinkinPrime]

They'll probably be dropping on eBay soon.

[DestroVega]

sounds good, I figured I would check that too... thanks!

[qbkorso]

Give me an add if you want to play some firefight.

Gamertag: qbkorso

[Link127]

How is the action figure though?

did not get one. they literally only hand out a couple. i was like 10th in line. i would have definitely got one but had to trade a game in first to put towards ODST.
:bomb:

[hufferstl]

Vega - the ODST disc has 3 maps that you can't download.

[A Happy Panda]

is it just me or is this game basically just Halo 3 with less health?

I thought the Rookie sections of the game played considerably different. I pretty much avoided fights with the Covenant whenever I could and tried to stealth my way through the hub.

Also the missions when you play as the other members of your ODST group felt different as well. I felt a lot weaker, and when you face off against 2 Hunters its much more of a challenge than Hunters have ever been in any Halo game.

[Corvin]

is it just me or is this game basically just Halo 3 with less health?

Actually it's basically the original Halo with a different protagonist. Health packs, zooming pistol, and damage when you fall from certain heights are all lifted from the first game.

[DestroVega]

Vega - the ODST disc has 3 maps that you can't download.

yeah I know, but I'm sure there is someone who doesn't play a lot online and wouldn't mind getting 33% cash back of what they just paid to buy the game.

I never once played campaign the 2 years I had Halo 3... my guess is that there are some people who are the exact opposite.

[archibishopthedoge]

Man that first section of single player once you get on the ground is overly dark, even with that visor thing turned on.

Its pretty slow thus far, but Ive only just gotten to the first beacon, so its hard to judge it whatsoever.

[Shimrra]

Anyone interested in playing together tonight? I will be online at around 9-10pm EST time till late.

[Nelo Ice]

did not get one. they literally only hand out a couple. i was like 10th in line. i would have definitely got one but had to trade a game in first to put towards ODST.
:bomb:

i went in an hour after they opened and the guy said they only got 6 in
it would've been nice to have but i mainly got it at tru cuz i got ridiculous value for 6 games i traded in and i got $20 back :bouncy:

[kklems]

Anyone know how GS handles trade in on two disc sets like Halo ODST? IE can I trade in just the campaign disc and if so do I get full credit? (Like with some special editions you don't have to trade in the extra content disc just the game disc)

[Mindzeye82]

I am up for playing through the campaign and fire fight mode. Feel free to add me!

[Papa Neorev]

well with no matchmaking.....i need friends lol.........add me if you want.

[Zyzomys]

can I trade in just the campaign disc and if so do I get full creditI don't know if this affects you (or even interests you), but you need the campaign disc to get into the Halo Reach Beta.

[Ziv]

@kklems: GS requires both discs for trade in (which is $30 as of this posting). It's labeled in their register as a 2-disk set. Unless you get a clueless person ringing you up, it's not gonna happen.

[thamaster24]

Finished the campaign a little while ago and I really enjoyed the campaign. Not gonna touch it for a couple days because of the marathon session today, but I'll probably start playing some firefight then.

[A Happy Panda]

Firefight anyone?

People who stink need not apply.

[slickkill77]

This game is a lot of fun...but f*%^*# hard on legendary