How Halo 3 ODST Differs From Other Halo Games
An FAQ About Bungie's Newest Halo Title Without the Master Chief
Jan 26, 2009
Halo 3: ODST is the next installment in the Halo series, except it will not feature the Master Chief. Players will instead be able to take control of an ODST in order to wage war against covenant forces. Halo 3: ODST will be set in the Halo Universe, but with a few slight differences from the previous Halo games. Everything about the soon to be released Halo game is answered here:
What are ODSTs?
Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODSTs) are an elite group of the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) Marines that perform specialized missions for the Unified Earth Government in the war against alien forces. ODSTs take their roots from the paratroopers of last century; however, instead of jumping from planes, they perform orbital drops onto terrestrial environments.
Where Does Halo 3: ODST Fit in the Halo Universe?
Halo 3: ODST throws the player into the rain-soaked streets of New Mombasa where the covenant forces are patrolling to lay waste to any human they see. Set as a prologue to Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST will take place after the elites join forces with the humans, but before the Master Chief saves the world from utter destruction.
Who Will the ODSTs Fight Against?
Whether the elites will fight side by side with the ODSTs is yet to be seen, but the main enemies seen in the game will be the skulking gorilla-like Brutes. This time round Brutes are most definitely brutal. The Brutes care more about self preservation than in the previous games, and they will even lure players into traps in order to gang up on them.
How is Halo 3: ODST Different From the Other Halo Titles?
As an ODST, the player will be walking through New Mombasa searching for clue beacons. After the first clue beacon has been discovered the world will be opened up for exploration. The remaining beacons can be located in any order, giving a fresher and more lifelike experience when playing through the campaign.
An ODST solo is nowhere near as powerful as a SPARTAN-II, and Halo 3: ODST has been highly criticized for not featuring the Master Chief, but fans need not worry, it is still a Halo game at heart. That means that the player will be shooting down enemies in a similar style to the previously released Halo titles, but with some slight differences.
For example, an ODST is nowhere near as strong as a Spartan. What does that mean in terms of control? Players will find that:
- the ODSTs don’t have shields, like the Master Chief
- they can’t jump as high
- they won't be able to run as fast
- ODSTs take a little longer to kill enemies
While this may not sound at all enjoyable, it will shift the focus from a ‘run and gun’ style to a more stealth-oriented style of play. To go along with this the M7 Submachine Gun (SMG) has even been fitted with a silencer for more tactical missions. That doesn’t mean the player will be sneaking around the whole game, but more that the player will need to plan attacks a little longer, and strategize a little better about how to enter into a battle.
How Will the Multiplayer Differ From the Other Halo Games?
Multiplayer options in the Halo games are some of the best that any system has to offer, and the live experience for Halo 3 was a rich and fulfilling experience. So how does Halo 3: ODST fit into the mix? Bungie commented that four player co-operative missions will be available, but have not released any further details.
When Will Halo 3: ODST Be Released?
Halo 3: ODST is due to hit stores this fall.
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