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{{Title|''Halo 3: ODST''}} | {{Title|''Halo 3: ODST''}} | ||
{{ | {{Era|RW}} | ||
{{Game Infobox | |||
{{Game | |||
|name= ''Halo 3: ODST'' | |name= ''Halo 3: ODST'' | ||
|image= [[File:Halo 3 ODST Cover.png|300px]] | |image= [[File:Halo 3 ODST Cover.png|300px]] | ||
|developer= [[Bungie|Bungie, LLC.]] | |developer= [[Bungie|Bungie, LLC.]] | ||
|publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]] | |publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]] | ||
|platform= [[Xbox 360]] | |||
|releasedate= September 22nd, 2009 | |||
|platform= [[Xbox 360 | |||
|releasedate= | |||
|genre= [[First-person shooter]] | |genre= [[First-person shooter]] | ||
|modes= [[Campaign]], [[multiplayer]] | |modes= [[Campaign]], [[multiplayer]] | ||
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{{Quote|Prepare to Drop.|''Halo 3: ODST'' tagline.}} | {{Quote|Prepare to Drop.|''Halo 3: ODST'' tagline.}} | ||
'''''Halo 3: ODST''''' | '''''Halo 3: ODST''''' (formerly '''''Halo 3: Recon''''') is a first-person shooter video game developed by [[Bungie]] for the [[Xbox 360]]. ''Halo 3: ODST'' was released worldwide on September 22nd, 2009, at 12:00 midnight.<ref name="[[Halo 3: ODST - E3 2009 Gameplay Trailer|''Halo 3: ODST'' - E3 2009 Gameplay Trailer]]">[[Halo 3: ODST - E3 2009 Gameplay Trailer|''Halo 3: ODST'' - E3 2009 Gameplay Trailer]]</ref> The game is a prologue to ''[[Halo 3]]'' which bridges the events in southeastern Kenya between ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]''.<ref>[http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/2317/Halo-3-Recon-Bungie-Speaks/p1 Team Xbox Interview]</ref> | ||
An official five-part prequel comic, ''[[Halo: Helljumper]]'', was released in the months leading up to and after the release of ''ODST'', starting in [[Halo: Helljumper Issue 1|July]], | An official five-part prequel comic, ''[[Halo: Helljumper]]'', was released in the months leading up to and after the release of ''ODST'', starting in [[Halo: Helljumper Issue 1|July]],<ref>[http://www.marvel.com/catalog/HALO~colon~_HELLJUMPER.2009.1 Marvel.com Catalog - ''Halo: Helljumper'' #1]</ref> and ending in [[Halo: Helljumper Issue 5|November]].<ref>[http://marvel.com/catalog/HALO~colon~_HELLJUMPER.2009.5 Marvel.com Catalog - ''Halo: Helljumper'' #5]</ref> An [[Xbox LIVE]] invitation to the [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta|Multiplayer Beta]] of ''[[Halo: Reach]]'',<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/features.aspx#beta Bungie.net : Invitation to the ''Halo: Reach'' Beta]</ref> announced at E3 2009, was included with ''ODST'', and ran from May 3, 2010 through May 20, 2010. | ||
On December 20, 2014, it was announced that ''Halo 3: ODST''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s campaign mode would be included in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' on [[Xbox One]] as a free content update to players who had played the collection between its release on November 11, 2014 and December 19, 2014 at 11:59pm PDT, serving as compensation to said fans who had experienced many bugs and glitches in the weeks following the collection's launch. | On December 20, 2014, it was announced that ''Halo 3: ODST''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s campaign mode would be included in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' on [[Xbox One]] as a free content update to players who had played the collection between its release on November 11, 2014 and December 19, 2014 at 11:59pm PDT, serving as compensation to said fans who had experienced many bugs and glitches in the weeks following the collection's launch.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/halo-the-master-chief-collection-thank-you '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''A Thank You to Our Fans from Bonnie Ross'']</ref> The ''Halo 3: ODST'' campaign was officially released as DLC for ''The Master Chief Collection'' on May 30, 2015. Players not eligible for the free DLC can purchase the ''ODST'' campaign add-on for $4.99 USD.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/halo-the-master-chief-collection-thank-you-faq '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection - Remnant & ODST FAQ'']</ref> | ||
==Synopsis== | ==Synopsis== | ||
===Characters and setting=== | ===Characters and setting=== | ||
[[File:The Squad.jpg|thumb|200px|The main cast of ''ODST''.]] | [[File:The Squad.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The main cast of ''ODST''.]] | ||
Taking place in the [[Kenya]]n port city of [[New Mombasa]], ''ODST'' follows [[Alpha-Nine|a squad]] of elite [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s during the [[Battle of Earth|Covenant invasion of Earth]] on [[2552#October|October 20th, 2552]]. | Taking place in the [[Kenya]]n port city of [[New Mombasa]], ''ODST'' follows [[Alpha-Nine|a squad]] of elite [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s during the [[Battle of Earth|Covenant invasion of Earth]] on [[2552#October|October 20th, 2552]]. Knocked off course due to the [[Battle of Mombasa|Mombasa Slipspace Incident]], these five Marines lead by an ONI officer fight through the waste-filled, destroyed streets in order to link up with each other, evade the Covenant, and execute a top secret mission. | ||
The game occurs directly after the events of the ''[[Halo 2]]'' level [[Metropolis]], when the [[Prophet of Regret]] performs a [[slipstream space|slipspace jump]] in New Mombasa. | The game occurs directly after the events of the ''[[Halo 2]]'' level, [[Metropolis]], when the [[Prophet of Regret]] performs a [[slipstream space|slipspace jump]] in New Mombasa. | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
===Plot synopsis=== | ===Plot synopsis=== | ||
{{Spoiler | {{Spoiler}} | ||
====Opening scroll==== | ====Opening scroll==== | ||
Shown after | Shown after the [[Bungie]] and [[Wikipedia:Microsoft Game Studios|Microsoft Game Studios]] logos, and before the main menu, is an opening scroll. | ||
{| | {| style="width:660px; margin:0px auto; padding:1px; border-radius:3px; -moz-border-radius:3px; -webkit-border-radius:3px; -ms-border-radius:3px; -o-border-radius:3px; background: #D8E9FC; text-align:center;" | ||
! style="background:transparent;" | Opening Scroll | ! style="background:transparent;" | Opening Scroll | ||
|- | |- | ||
| style="border-radius:0 0 | | style="border-radius:0 0 3px 3px; -moz-border-radius:0 0 3px 3px; -webkit-border-radius:0 0 3px 3px; -ms-border-radius:0 0 3px 3px; -o-border-radius:0 0 3px 3px; background:#F2F5FD; font-style:italic;" | The year is 2552. | ||
Humanity is at war with the alien alliance known as "The Covenant". | Humanity is at war with the alien alliance known as "The Covenant". | ||
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Now military leaders of the "United Nations Space Command" have prepared their response... | Now military leaders of the "United Nations Space Command" have prepared their response... | ||
Teams of highly trained "Orbital Drop Shock Troopers" are ready to assault the carrier from Navy ships in low orbit. | Teams of highly-trained "Orbital Drop Shock Troopers" are ready to assault the carrier from Navy ships in low orbit. | ||
This is a near-suicidal mission. | This is a near-suicidal mission. | ||
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====The Drop==== | ====The Drop==== | ||
[[File: | [[File:H3_ODST_-_Buck_Dare_Argument.png|thumb|250px|Gunnery Sergeant Buck and Captain Dare arguing.]] | ||
{{quote|no=three|[[Michael Crespo|Private First Class Michael Crespo]]|[[Taylor H. Miles|Corporal Taylor Miles]]|[[Kojo Agu|Lance Corporal Kojo Agu]]|q1=The Navy put up a good fight.|q2='Course they did. It's Earth.|q3=Better late than never.|An exchange between PFC Michael Crespo, Cpl. Taylor Miles and | {{quote|no=three|[[Michael Crespo|Private First Class Michael Crespo]]|[[Taylor H. Miles|Corporal Taylor Miles]]|[[Kojo Agu|Lance Corporal Kojo Agu]]|q1=The Navy put up a good fight.|q2='Course they did. It's Earth.|q3=Better late than never.|An exchange between PFC Michael Crespo, Cpl. Taylor Miles and L.Cpl. Kojo Agu prior to the drop.}} | ||
The game begins at around 4:00pm, [[2552#October|October 20th, 2552]]. The majority of an [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] [[Buck's squad|squad]] are preparing for | The game begins at around 4:00pm, [[2552#October|October 20th, 2552]]. The majority of an [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] [[Buck's squad|squad]] are preparing for the mission on board the {{UNSCship|Say My Name}} orbiting high above [[New Mombasa]], [[Kenya]]. They are grouped around a [[Holotank|holo-table]], which shows the [[Covenant]] [[Prophet of Regret]]'s [[Covenant assault carrier|assault carrier]], ''[[Solemn Penance]]'', hovering near the city's [[Mombasa Tether|space tether]]. [[Taylor H. Miles|Corporal Taylor "Dutch" Miles]], [[Kojo Agu|Lance Corporal Kojo "Romeo" Agu]], and [[Private First Class]] [[Michael Crespo|Michael "Mickey" Crespo]] are gathered around the holo-table. [[Rookie|Lance Corporal "Rookie"]] is asleep in his [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|SOEIV drop pod]] at the back of the room. | ||
Romeo jokingly remarks how the [[UNSC Navy]] managed to put up a fight during the [[Battle of Earth|Invasion of Earth]], but still allowed a Covenant carrier to slip by the [[Orbital defense platform|Orbital Defense Platforms]] surrounding the planet. Dutch criticizes Romeo, stating that the Navy left the lone ship for the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] to infiltrate. The ODSTs are soon put on alert when their team leader, [[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Edward Buck]], enters the room with an attractive [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] operative named [[Veronica Dare]]. Romeo utters "Hello, beautiful" in response to Dare's appearance, catching Buck's attention and prompting him to order the ODSTs to their drop pods. | Romeo jokingly remarks how the [[UNSC Navy]] managed to put up a fight during the [[Battle of Earth|Invasion of Earth]], but still allowed a Covenant carrier to slip by the [[Orbital defense platform|Orbital Defense Platforms]] surrounding the planet. Dutch criticizes Romeo, stating that the Navy left the lone ship for the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] to infiltrate. The ODSTs are soon put on alert when their team leader, [[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Edward Buck]], enters the room with an attractive [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] operative named [[Veronica Dare]]. Romeo utters "Hello, beautiful" in response to Dare's appearance, catching Buck's attention and prompting him to order the ODSTs to their drop pods. | ||
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While walking to the nearby armory, Buck is stopped by Dare, who remarks that the members of his squad are replacements. Buck acknowledges the problem, but notes that after 27 years of war with the Covenant, very few veterans are left in the UNSC. Conflicted about what she likely told him prior to entering the room, Buck confronts Dare about the objective of his team, stating the assault carrier (carrying the Prophet of Regret) is a more vital concern than her covert mission. Dare reminds him that they have orders to follow, and that she should be referred to as "[[Captain (Navy)|Captain]]", in keeping with military regulations. | While walking to the nearby armory, Buck is stopped by Dare, who remarks that the members of his squad are replacements. Buck acknowledges the problem, but notes that after 27 years of war with the Covenant, very few veterans are left in the UNSC. Conflicted about what she likely told him prior to entering the room, Buck confronts Dare about the objective of his team, stating the assault carrier (carrying the Prophet of Regret) is a more vital concern than her covert mission. Dare reminds him that they have orders to follow, and that she should be referred to as "[[Captain (Navy)|Captain]]", in keeping with military regulations. | ||
Buck directs the Captain to her pod, where Romeo asks about her; obviously angry about the mission, Buck confronts the curious Lance Corporal, replying that she is their "new boss". He gives a short speech to his men to motivate them for the drop, and hands | Buck directs the Captain to her pod, where Romeo asks about her; obviously angry about the mission, Buck confronts the curious Lance Corporal, replying that she is their "new boss". He gives a short speech to his men to motivate them for the drop, and hands a [[Sniper Rifle System 99D-S2 Anti-Matériel|SRS99D Sniper Rifle]] to Romeo, drawing questions from the squad, who were anticipating a close range battle inside the Covenant assault carrier. While en route to his own drop pod, Romeo rudely awakens the Rookie, hitting him with the butt of his rifle (at which point the camera changes to a first-person view) while the Rookie lies asleep in his pod. Dutch pushes Romeo out of the way and hands the Rookie a [[M7S Caseless Submachine Gun|silenced SMG]], telling the ODST to relax despite Romeo's obnoxious behavior; the Rookie's pod is then closed, spun around, and lowered into the launch bay to begin drop preparations along with the rest of the squad. | ||
[[File:ODST Screenshot 7.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The Rookie approaches the Assault Carrier.]] | [[File:ODST Screenshot 7.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The Rookie approaches the Assault Carrier.]] | ||
Marine forces are informed by Dare that the Covenant ground troops are massing beneath the assault carrier for an organized retreat. Dozens of ODSTs are launched into Earth's atmosphere in a coordinated drop to infiltrate and capture the Prophet of Regret aboard the assault carrier. They pass by a few destroyed [[UNSC frigate|Frigates]] slowly falling from orbit around the elevator and begin to enter cloud cover above the city. As they pass through it and approach the carrier, the Captain orders the squad to adjust their trajectory; sending the | {{quote|Troopers, we are green, and very, very mean!|Gunnery Sergeant Edward Buck.}} | ||
Marine forces are informed by Dare that the Covenant ground troops are massing beneath the assault carrier for an organized retreat. Dozens of ODSTs are launched into Earth's atmosphere in a coordinated drop to infiltrate and capture the Prophet of Regret aboard the assault carrier. They pass by a few destroyed [[UNSC frigate|Frigates]] slowly falling from orbit around the elevator, and begin to enter cloud cover above the city. As they pass through it and approach the carrier, the Captain orders the squad to adjust their trajectory; sending the ODST's "way off" of their intended course, in Mickey's words following the order. | |||
Before the | Before the ODST's are able to deploy their internal parachutes in preparation for landing, however, Dutch picks up a radiation alert in his pod, and the assault carrier proceeds to enter [[Slipstream space|slipspace]], closely followed by the UNSC frigate ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]]''. The radiation and energy burst emitted by the slipspace rupture disables the drop pods before they are able to deploy their parachutes, sending them out of control; the ODSTs are scattered across New Mombasa. Dare's commandeered squad, farthest away from the Slipspace rupture, manages to survive the fall, but the remaining ODST's aiming for the carrier are killed in action. During the fall, the Rookie's pod collides with Mickey's pod, sending it out of control. The high-G forces caused by the impact knocks the Rookie unconscious. | ||
====The Rookie awakens==== | ====The Rookie awakens==== | ||
{{Quote|no=four| | {{Quote|no=four|G.Sgt. Buck|L.Cpl. Romeo|G.Sgt. Buck|L.Cpl. Romeo|q1=Hey, Rookie? You out there? Respond, that's an order.|q2=Give it up, Gunny. Even if he ain't dead, he's lost in that soup. Our comms can't cut through that.|q3=Oh, give up, huh? What if it were you down there?|q4=Just saying. I ain't dead.|An exchange between Gunnery Sergeant Buck and Lance Corporal Romeo}} | ||
[[File:RookieAwakes.jpg|thumb|202px|The Rookie emerging from his pod.]] | [[File:RookieAwakes.jpg|thumb|202px|The Rookie emerging from his pod.]] | ||
Six hours after the drop (10:02pm), the Rookie awakens to the sound of two [[ | Six hours after the drop (10:02pm), the Rookie awakens to the sound of two [[Type-52 Troop Carrier|Phantoms]] flying nearby. He soon regains his situational awareness, discovering that his drop pod is lodged in a building at least twenty feet off the ground. With no choice, he jumps out of the pod, and falls to the street, slightly injuring himself when he hits the ground. After combing the area for medical supplies, he heads in to the city to find his squad. | ||
Almost immediately after starting out, the Rookie encounters a few Covenant patrols covering a small area. The Rookie uses his silenced weaponry to eliminate the patrols, after which he is alerted to a ringing data terminal. Upon accessing the terminal, the Rookie is connected to the [[Superintendent]], a second-generation [[dumb AI|"dumb"]] [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] tasked with maintaining the city's infrastructure. The A.I. provides the Rookie with data that had been previously unlocked by Dare. The Superintendent begins to assist the Rookie, giving him maps, marking notable locations throughout the city, and providing warnings using road signs. | Almost immediately after starting out, the Rookie encounters a few Covenant patrols covering a small area. The Rookie uses his silenced weaponry to eliminate the patrols, after which he is alerted to a ringing data terminal. Upon accessing the terminal, the Rookie is connected to the [[Superintendent]], a second-generation [[dumb AI|"dumb"]] [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] tasked with maintaining the city's infrastructure. The A.I. provides the Rookie with data that had been previously unlocked by Dare. The Superintendent begins to assist the Rookie, giving him maps, marking notable locations throughout the city, and providing warnings using road signs. | ||
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Six hours earlier, Buck had landed somewhat safely (if uncomfortably) and made radio contact with Dare, who told him that she had been trapped in her drop pod. With the assistance of Marines in the area, Buck fought his way to her position. Along the way, he noticed a "family feud" within the Covenant, as many [[Sangheili]] were found dead and seemed to have been killed by the Brutes. By the time Buck got to Dare's pod, she was nowhere to be found. Buck noticed a [[Huragok]], and saw that it was holding Dare's helmet in one of its tentacles. Curious, the alien began to examine Buck. Having mistaken its curiosity for hostility, Romeo sniped the inquisitive alien, inadvertently triggering the bomb mounted on its back. The resulting explosion threw the helmet out of sight, although the Superintendent recorded a video showing where it landed. Romeo and Buck regrouped, the former stating his belief that Dare was dead. The Rookie later finds the helmet. | Six hours earlier, Buck had landed somewhat safely (if uncomfortably) and made radio contact with Dare, who told him that she had been trapped in her drop pod. With the assistance of Marines in the area, Buck fought his way to her position. Along the way, he noticed a "family feud" within the Covenant, as many [[Sangheili]] were found dead and seemed to have been killed by the Brutes. By the time Buck got to Dare's pod, she was nowhere to be found. Buck noticed a [[Huragok]], and saw that it was holding Dare's helmet in one of its tentacles. Curious, the alien began to examine Buck. Having mistaken its curiosity for hostility, Romeo sniped the inquisitive alien, inadvertently triggering the bomb mounted on its back. The resulting explosion threw the helmet out of sight, although the Superintendent recorded a video showing where it landed. Romeo and Buck regrouped, the former stating his belief that Dare was dead. The Rookie later finds the helmet. | ||
Meanwhile, Dutch landed in the [[Uplift Nature Reserve]], where he led a [[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]] charge in an effort to breach Covenant defenses and secure the long-departed carrier's landing zone. Mickey had landed nearby, and stumbled upon retreating Marines, along with a tank. Mickey used a [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion]] to bring the Marines to their rally point: the entrance to [[ | Meanwhile, Dutch landed in the [[Uplift Nature Reserve]], where he led a [[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]] charge in an effort to breach Covenant defenses and secure the long-departed carrier's landing zone. Mickey had landed nearby, and stumbled upon retreating Marines, along with a tank. Mickey used a [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion]] to bring the Marines to their rally point: the entrance to [[ONI Alpha Site]]. There, he and Dutch regrouped and found a desperate [[new Mombasa Police Department|police]] officer, who was searching for an explosives expert. Mickey, who had originally hoped to dig in at the rally point and wait for backup, was pressed into service, and he and Dutch headed to the ONI Alpha Site with the police officer in tow. | ||
The two ODSTs worked with the officer and several Marines to defend the ONI complex. Dutch and Mickey used explosives to destroy the bridge leading to the base, but the Covenant easily countered by using Phantoms to land troops past the broken bridge. The courtyard was quickly overrun by Covenant forces, prompting the besieged humans to retreat to the structure's interior. The humans are eventually forced to retreat from the building using a [[D77C-NMPD Pelican|police Pelican]]. As they fled, they destroyed the base using remotely-detonated explosives, preventing the Covenant from using the structure and its contained information. While in flight, Dutch and Mickey managed to re-establish communication with Buck; they headed to the NMPD Headquarters to pick him up. | The two ODSTs worked with the officer and several Marines to defend the ONI complex. Dutch and Mickey used explosives to destroy the bridge leading to the base, but the Covenant easily countered by using Phantoms to land troops past the broken bridge. The courtyard was quickly overrun by Covenant forces, prompting the besieged humans to retreat to the structure's interior. The humans are eventually forced to retreat from the building using a [[D77C-NMPD Pelican|police Pelican]]. As they fled, they destroyed the base using remotely-detonated explosives, preventing the Covenant from using the structure and its contained information. While in flight, Dutch and Mickey managed to re-establish communication with Buck; they headed to the NMPD Headquarters to pick him up. | ||
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Upon arriving and attempting to land on a rooftop to pick up Buck and Romeo, Mickey, Dutch and their NMPD allies were attacked by [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshees]], and their Pelican is shot down. Buck and Romeo fight their way across the rooftops of the NMPD HQ to the downed Pelican and their squadmates. There, the four ODSTs used [[lAU-65D/SGM-151|missile pods]], heavy machine guns, and [[M41 rocket launcher|rocket launchers]] to defend the building from Banshees and Phantoms with landing parties. They were successful in repelling the Covenant assault, but in the process, Romeo was badly wounded by a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Brute Chieftain]], and their Pelican was damaged and left inoperable. | Upon arriving and attempting to land on a rooftop to pick up Buck and Romeo, Mickey, Dutch and their NMPD allies were attacked by [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshees]], and their Pelican is shot down. Buck and Romeo fight their way across the rooftops of the NMPD HQ to the downed Pelican and their squadmates. There, the four ODSTs used [[lAU-65D/SGM-151|missile pods]], heavy machine guns, and [[M41 rocket launcher|rocket launchers]] to defend the building from Banshees and Phantoms with landing parties. They were successful in repelling the Covenant assault, but in the process, Romeo was badly wounded by a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Brute Chieftain]], and their Pelican was damaged and left inoperable. | ||
Buck led the group to Kikowani Station, planning to use the tram system to escape the city, stabilizing Romeo with [[biofoam]] along the way. Upon arrival, however, the group discovered that the tram tunnels had been flooded. They proceeded to hijack a Phantom and escape the city, fighting their way past enemy Banshees and even a [[ | Buck led the group to Kikowani Station, planning to use the tram system to escape the city, stabilizing Romeo with [[biofoam]] along the way. Upon arrival, however, the group discovered that the tram tunnels had been flooded. They proceeded to hijack a Phantom and escape the city, fighting their way past enemy Banshees and even a [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]] in the process. Along the way, they noticed several [[CCS-class battlecruiser]]s moving toward the crater left by the assault carrier's slipspace jump. After escaping the city proper, Buck realized where Dare was, and ordered Mickey to turn back and set him down. | ||
====Reunited with the Team==== | ====Reunited with the Team==== | ||
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The ODSTs endure multiple Covenant attacks while waiting for Mickey to arrive. When Mickey and the rest of the squad reach their position, the group boards their captured Phantom, narrowly avoiding a Covenant carrier's glassing beam. They escape the city as more and more Covenant ships arrive to excavate the portal. | The ODSTs endure multiple Covenant attacks while waiting for Mickey to arrive. When Mickey and the rest of the squad reach their position, the group boards their captured Phantom, narrowly avoiding a Covenant carrier's glassing beam. They escape the city as more and more Covenant ships arrive to excavate the portal. | ||
[[File: | [[File:ONI_orbital_facility.png|thumb|250px|Sergeant Johnson and Captain Dare arrive to interrogate the Huragok held in the facility.]] | ||
A month later, Admiral [[Terrence Hood]] has given [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Junior Johnson|Avery Johnson]] clearance to interrogate Vergil on an [[ONI orbital facility]]. Dare warns Johnson to be careful. As the two enter the room, they see Vergil toying with the optics of a drone fighter. The squad is clustered around the Huragok, with the Rookie asleep in a corner. Johnson casually tosses his lighter to the delicate (and flammable) creature, much to Dare's alarm, which Johnson ignores. Johnson expresses the mutual loathing that humans and the Huragok share towards the Brutes, and appeals to Vergil to help the human cause, stating that "You're (Vergil) gonna tell me exactly what they're looking for. And then, you're gonna help me stop 'em." Vergil raises the lighter, flicks it open, and lights the cigar that Johnson just placed in his mouth, suggesting that the Engineer is friendly and willing to cooperate with the humans. | A month later, Admiral [[Terrence Hood]] has given [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Junior Johnson|Avery Johnson]] clearance to interrogate Vergil on an [[ONI orbital facility]]. Dare warns Johnson to be careful. As the two enter the room, they see Vergil toying with the optics of a drone fighter. The squad is clustered around the Huragok, with the Rookie asleep in a corner. Johnson casually tosses his lighter to the delicate (and flammable) creature, much to Dare's alarm, which Johnson ignores. Johnson expresses the mutual loathing that humans and the Huragok share towards the Brutes, and appeals to Vergil to help the human cause, stating that "You're (Vergil) gonna tell me exactly what they're looking for. And then, you're gonna help me stop 'em." Vergil raises the lighter, flicks it open, and lights the cigar that Johnson just placed in his mouth, suggesting that the Engineer is friendly and willing to cooperate with the humans. | ||
An additional scene plays upon completing the game on [[Legendary]]. The [[Prophet of Truth]] is seen in the chamber that houses the Superintendent's core, smiling as more Huragok uncover an extensive Forerunner complex beneath the | An additional scene plays upon completing the game on [[Legendary]]. The [[Prophet of Truth]] is seen in the chamber that houses the Superintendent's core, smiling as more Huragok uncover an extensive Forerunner complex beneath the dirt. | ||
{{Spoiler/end}} | {{Spoiler/end}} | ||
==Gameplay== | |||
[[File:H3ODST Campaign 1stPersonVISR02.jpg|250px|thumb|left|VISR Mode]] | |||
''ODST'' has the main protagonist, the Rookie, searching for beacons across the city of New Mombasa.<ref name = "Game Informer December '08 page 3">''Game Informer: December 2008'', page 3</ref> It is up to the player on how to get to any specific location, giving a very open-world feeling to the game; something for which the main trilogy has been criticized for, due to its linear gameplay style. The "beacons" are various objects, each linked to a particular squad mate in some way. Finding one of these objects sends the player back in the game to find out what happened to one of his five squadmates ([[Edward Buck|Buck]], [[Veronica Dare|Dare]], [[Taylor H. Miles|Dutch]], [[Kojo Agu|Romeo]], and [[Michael Crespo|Mickey]]).<ref name = "Game Informer December '08 page 3"/> Once you go back in time for a short period, you will take control of the player for a single mission, and play the situations that the particular character went through. Unlike the overall game, these flashback scenes go along the path of the linear gameplay that has been common throughout the original trilogy of ''Halo''. | |||
Due to the fact that you are playing as an [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]], you do not use the motion tracker or the shielding featured in the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR]] Battle Armor suit, instead using the more traditional health bar/medkit system. The Rookie and his squadmates are not able to dual-wield weapons, such as the [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun]] and the [[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle]]. They also cannot use the [[equipment|deployable equipment]] featured in ''Halo 3''. | |||
On the other hand, the player receives a helmet-integrated data management system known as the [[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance]] (or VISR), which includes a low-light vision mode which identifies allies and enemies through the HUD on his helmet's visor by illuminating and classifying objects; green outline for allies, red outline for enemies, blue for scavengable weapons, vehicles, ammo and grenades, and a thick yellow outline for important objects. Outlines of scenery and objects that will block weapons-fire have a thinner yellow outline. The VISR can also be used to manage waypoints, mission objectives, and information which will help the player. The squad has two new weapons, the [[M7S Caseless Submachine Gun|M7S Submachine Gun]] and the [[M6C/SOCOM]], which the protagonist and most of his comrades land with in Mombasa during the initial drop. Also, the grenade limit has been increased to 3 per grenade type. | |||
As stated by Bungie in the January 23rd Weekly Update, the [[Sangheili]] do not appear as enemies in ''ODST''.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=16989 Bungie Weekly Update - 1/23/09]</ref>. Although, several groups of [[Sangheili]] corpses are found throughout the campaign, apparently killed by Brutes. By December 2008, the game was "representational", meaning that players could experience the game from start to finish, albeit in an unfinished state. The entire Bungie staff was pulled from other duties to play through the game and offer feedback. Among the unfinished elements was the lack of finished dialogue delivered by voice actors; storywriter [[Joseph Staten]] filled in placeholder audio.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=16551 Bungie Weekly Update: 12/19/08]</ref> Bungie's audio director [[Martin O'Donnell]] contributes music for ''ODST'', as he has done for the previous ''Halo'' games. Due to ''ODST'''s shift to a new protagonist, O'Donnell created new music that was a homage to ''Halo'', though was taken in a new direction.<ref>[http://bpc.bungie.org/Bungie_Podcasts_Halloween_08.zip Bungie Podcast: 10/31/08]</ref> | |||
===Campaign=== | ===Campaign=== | ||
{{Col-begin}} | {{Col-begin}} | ||
{{Col-2}} | {{Col-2}} | ||
*[[Prepare To Drop]] | |||
*[[Mombasa Streets]] | |||
*[[Tayari Plaza (level)|Tayari Plaza]] | |||
*[[Uplift Reserve (level)|Uplift Reserve]] | |||
*[[Kizingo Boulevard (level)|Kizingo Boulevard]] | |||
*[[ONI Alpha Site (level)|ONI Alpha Site]] | |||
*[[NMPD HQ (level)|NMPD HQ]] | |||
*[[Kikowani Station (level)|Kikowani Station]] | |||
*[[Data Hive]] | |||
*[[Coastal Highway]] | |||
{{Col-2}} | {{Col-2}} | ||
Line 148: | Line 152: | ||
*[[Last Exit]] | *[[Last Exit]] | ||
*[[Lost Platoon]] | *[[Lost Platoon]] | ||
*[[Rally Point]] | *[[Rally Point (level)|Rally Point]] | ||
*[[Security Zone]] | *[[Security Zone]] | ||
*[[Windward]] | *[[Windward]] | ||
Line 156: | Line 160: | ||
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5 | {{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5 | ||
|title-1=Characters| | |title-1=Characters| | ||
'''[[ | '''[[United Nations Space Command]]''' | ||
*[[Rookie]] {{1st}} | *[[Rookie]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Veronica Dare]] {{1st}} | *[[Veronica Dare]] {{1st}} | ||
Line 162: | Line 166: | ||
*[[Taylor Miles]] | *[[Taylor Miles]] | ||
*[[Kojo Agu]] | *[[Kojo Agu]] | ||
*[[Michael Crespo]] | *[[Michael Crespo]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Superintendent]] {{1st}} | *[[Superintendent]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Avery Johnson]] | *[[Avery Johnson]] | ||
*[[Terrence Hood]] {{Mo}} | *[[Terrence Hood]] {{Mo}} | ||
'''[[ | '''[[Covenant]]''' | ||
*[[Quick to Adjust]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Prophet of Truth]] | *[[Prophet of Truth]] | ||
*[[Prophet of Regret]] {{Mo}} | *[[Prophet of Regret]] {{Mo}} | ||
|title-2=Species and entities| | |title-2=Species and entities| | ||
Line 206: | Line 205: | ||
**[[Unggoy Minor|Minor]] | **[[Unggoy Minor|Minor]] | ||
*[[Yanme'e]] | *[[Yanme'e]] | ||
**[[Yanme'e Minor|Minor]] | **[[Yanme'e Minor|Minor]] | ||
**[[Yanme'e Major|Major]] {{1st}} | **[[Yanme'e Major|Major]] {{1st}} | ||
**[[Yanme'e Ultra|Ultra]] {{1st}} | **[[Yanme'e Ultra|Ultra]] {{1st}} | ||
**[[Yanme'e | **[[Yanme'e Leader|Leader]] {{1st}} | ||
|title-3=Organizations| | |title-3=Organizations| | ||
*[[United Nations Space Command]] | *[[United Nations Space Command]] | ||
**[[UNSC Marine Corps]] | **[[UNSC Marine Corps]] | ||
***[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] | ***[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] | ||
Line 226: | Line 221: | ||
**[[Covenant fleet]] | **[[Covenant fleet]] | ||
***[[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] | ***[[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] | ||
|title-4=Locations| | |title-4=Locations| | ||
Line 232: | Line 226: | ||
**[[Earth]] | **[[Earth]] | ||
***[[Africa]] | ***[[Africa]] | ||
****[[Kenya]] | |||
*****[[New Mombasa]] | |||
******[[New Mombasa Data Center]] {{1st}} | |||
******[[Lumumba|Lumumba District]] | |||
******[[Mbaraki|Mbaraki District]] {{1st}} | |||
******[[Kikowani Station]] {{1st}} | |||
******[[Kizingo]] {{1st}} | |||
******[[Kizingo Boulevard]] {{1st}} | |||
******[[Tanaga|Tanaga District]] {{1st}} | |||
*******[[NMPD Headquarters]] {{1st}} | |||
******[[ONI Alpha Site]]{{1st}} | |||
******[[Tayari Plaza]] {{1st}} | |||
******[[Uplift Nature Reserve]] {{1st}} | |||
******[[New Mombasa Orbital Elevator]] | |||
|title-5=Events| | |title-5=Events| | ||
*[[Human-Covenant War]] | *[[Human-Covenant War]] | ||
**[[Battle | **[[Battle of Earth]] | ||
***[[Battle of Mombasa]] | ***[[Battle of Mombasa]] | ||
|title-6=Weapons| | |title-6=Weapons| | ||
Line 261: | Line 252: | ||
*[[Combat knife]] | *[[Combat knife]] | ||
*[[LAU-65D/SGM-151 missile pod]] | *[[LAU-65D/SGM-151 missile pod]] | ||
*[[ | *[[M6C/SOCOM]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[ | *[[MA5C assault rifle]] | ||
*[[M7S SMG]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[M9 fragmentation grenade]] | |||
*[[M41 Vulcan]] | *[[M41 Vulcan]] | ||
*[[M41 rocket launcher]] | *[[M41 rocket launcher]] | ||
*[[M68 Gauss cannon]] | *[[M68 Gauss cannon]] | ||
*[[ | *[[M90 shotgun|M90A shotgun]] | ||
*[[M168 Demolition Charge]] | |||
*[[M7057 flamethrower]] | *[[M7057 flamethrower]] | ||
*[[SRS99D-S2 AM sniper rifle]] | *[[SRS99D-S2 AM sniper rifle]] | ||
*[[M6 Spartan Laser]] | |||
;Unusable | ;Unusable | ||
*[[BR55HB battle rifle]] | *[[BR55HB battle rifle]] | ||
====Covenant==== | ====Covenant==== | ||
;Usable | ;Usable | ||
*[[ | *[[Type-1 plasma grenade]] | ||
*[[Type-2 spike grenade]] | |||
*[[Type-2 gravity hammer]] | |||
*[[Type-3 firebomb]] | |||
*[[Type-25 Spiker]] | |||
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]] | |||
*[[Type-25 Brute plasma rifle]] | |||
*[[Type-25 Brute Shot]] | |||
*[[Type-33 Needler]] | |||
*[[Type-33 fuel rod gun]] | |||
*[[Type-51 Carbine]] | |||
*[[ | *[[Type-50 particle beam rifle]] | ||
*[[Type-52 Mauler]] | |||
*[[ | |||
*[[ | |||
*[[ | |||
*[[ | |||
*[[ | |||
*[[ | |||
*[[ | |||
;Unusable | ;Unusable | ||
*[[ | *[[Type-1 energy sword]] | ||
|title-7=Vehicles| | |title-7=Vehicles| | ||
Line 327: | Line 291: | ||
;Usable | ;Usable | ||
*[[M12 Warthog]] | *[[M12 Warthog]] | ||
**[[M12 | **[[M12 Warthog LRV]] | ||
**[[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]] | **[[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]] | ||
**[[M831 Troop Transport]] | **[[M831 Troop Transport]] | ||
*[[M274 Mongoose]] | *[[M274 Mongoose]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[ | *[[M808B Scorpion]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]] | ||
;Unusable | ;Unusable | ||
*[[D77H-TCI Pelican]] | *[[D77H-TCI Pelican]] ([[D77C-NMPD Pelican|Police variant]]) | ||
*[[F-99 Wombat]]{{1st}} | |||
*[[F-99 Wombat]] | *{{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}} | ||
**{{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}} | |||
*{{UNSCShip|Say My Name}} {{1st}} | |||
*{{UNSCShip|Tokyo Rules}} {{C|Teasers only}} | |||
*{{ | |||
*Various civilian vehicles | *Various civilian vehicles | ||
**[[Genet|HuCiv Genet]] | **[[Genet|HuCiv Genet]] | ||
**[[HuCiv HC1500]] | **[[HuCiv HC1500]] | ||
**[[Olifant]] {{1st}} | **[[Olifant]] {{1st}} | ||
**[[Forklift]] | **[[Forklift]] | ||
Line 353: | Line 313: | ||
==== Covenant ==== | ==== Covenant ==== | ||
;Usable | ;Usable | ||
*[[Chopper]] | *[[Type-25 Chopper]] | ||
*[[Type-26 Banshee]] | |||
*[[ | *[[Type-32 Ghost]] | ||
* | *[[Type-26 Wraith]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Type-52 Anti-Aircraft Wraith]] | ||
;Unusable | ;Unusable | ||
*{{ | *{{Class|CAS|assault carrier}} | ||
**''[[Solemn Penance]]'' | **''[[Solemn Penance]]'' | ||
*{{ | *{{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}} | ||
*[[ | *[[Type-47 Scarab]] | ||
*[[Type-52 Phantom]] | |||
*[[Phantom]] | |||
|title-8=Technology and equipment| | |title-8=Technology and equipment| | ||
;[[Equipment]] | ;[[Equipment]] | ||
*[[Bubble shield]] | *[[Bubble shield]] | ||
*[[Power drain]] | *[[Power drain]] | ||
*[[Radar jammer]] | *[[Radar jammer]] | ||
*[[Flare]] | |||
*[[Regenerator]] | *[[Regenerator]] | ||
*[[Deployable cover]] | |||
*[[Invincibility]] | |||
; | ;Other | ||
*[[ | *[[Health pack|Optican MediGel Health Pack]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Biofoam]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Covenant communication node]] | ||
*[[Deployable lookout tower]] | |||
*[[ODST armor]] | *[[ODST armor]] | ||
**ODST/UA Personal Protective Equipment {{1st}} | **ODST/UA Personal Protective Equipment {{1st}} | ||
**Sharpshooter | **Sharpshooter | ||
**ONI/S-1 Recon BDU {{1st}} | **ONI/S-1 Recon BDU {{1st}} | ||
*[[Roadblock]] | *[[Roadblock]] | ||
*[[Rucksack]] | *[[Rucksack]] | ||
*[[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance]] | *[[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Multiplayer== | |||
[[File:ODST Controller.jpg|250px|thumb|Controls for ''ODST'' gameplay.]] | [[File:ODST Controller.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Controls for ''ODST'' gameplay.]] | ||
===Firefight=== | |||
{{main|Firefight | {{main|Firefight}} | ||
Firefight, a brand new feature to the ''Halo'' franchise announced at E3 2009, is a cooperative campaign gameplay mode. Four players over Xbox LIVE or System Link play to complete a series of Human vs. Covenant matches. All features from the Campaign Scoring, as well as skulls, achievements, and leaderboards of ''Halo 3'', are featured in ''ODST''. | Firefight, a brand new feature to the ''Halo'' franchise announced at E3 2009, is a cooperative campaign gameplay mode. Four players over Xbox LIVE or System Link play to complete a series of Human vs. Covenant matches. All features from the Campaign Scoring, as well as skulls, achievements, and leaderboards of ''Halo 3'', are featured in ''ODST''. | ||
Due to a technical issue, Firefight is relegated to an invite-only game, as opposed to a matchmaking system used by previous installments in the series | Due to a technical issue, Firefight is relegated to an invite-only game, as opposed to a matchmaking system used by previous installments in the series <ref>[http://www.kotaku.com.au/2009/08/bungie-why-halo-3-odst-firefight-doesnt-support-matchmaking/ Kotaku.com Australia - Bungie: Why Halo 3: ODST Firefight doesn't support matchmaking]</ref>. Fans who have spoken to Bungie employees on this matter have allegedly stated that the matchmaking function would have taken an additional six months to create for ''ODST'' <ref>[http://www.ethiopianreview.com/et/181 Ethopian Review - Seven Things You May Not Know About Halo 3: ODST]</ref>. It has been confirmed that Firefight mode will be returning in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', and Bungie have specifically confirmed that ''Reach'''s Firefight mode will feature matchmaking. | ||
===Map packs=== | |||
All map packs (''[[Heroic Map Pack|Heroic]]'', ''[[Legendary Map Pack|Legendary]]'', ''[[Mythic Map Pack|Mythic]] as well as [[Cold Storage]]'') are available for those who haven't already purchased them over Xbox LIVE Marketplace <ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=17195 Bungie Weekly Update - 2/06/2009]</ref>. In addition to the other map packs, an additional map pack are featured in the ''ODST'' package. These maps are ''[[Citadel (level)|Citadel]]'', ''[[Heretic (level)|Heretic]]'', and ''[[Longshore]]''. | |||
While previously confirmed to only feature a Campaign element as the only gameplay mode, the second disc in the ''ODST'' box, [[Halo 3: Mythic]], contains all of the maps, which you can play directly from there, without having to download the maps to your Hard Drive and starting ''Halo 3''. <br clear="all" /> | |||
==Marketing promotions and release== | ==Marketing promotions and release== | ||
===Viral campaigns=== | ===Viral campaigns=== | ||
Line 462: | Line 368: | ||
{{Main|Superintendent (Viral Campaign)}} | {{Main|Superintendent (Viral Campaign)}} | ||
On May | On May 29th, 2008, a viral campaign for ''Halo 3: ODST'' started which focused around [[superintendent|the AI of the same name]], New Mombasa's janitorial second generation dumb-A.I. construct that aids The Rookie and his squad in surviving the Covenant occupation of New Mombasa. | ||
==== | ====ONI Candidate Assessment Program V5.02A==== | ||
{{Main| | {{Main|ONI Candidate Assessment Program V5.02A}} | ||
On September | On September 4th, 2009, a second viral campaign was released on Xbox.com, letting fans watch interviews of the main characters of ''ODST'' <ref>[http://cdn.haloodst.xbox.com/odst/index.html ONI Candidate Assessment Program V5.02A]</ref>. These videos go into the background of each character, with Buck and a various teammate talking about their past, military career, their education, and about the mission ahead. Clips directed by Rupert Sanders can be seen via a marker the Marines place on their right [[Wikipedia:Temple (anatomy)|temple]]. | ||
===Trailers=== | ===Trailers=== | ||
Line 473: | Line 379: | ||
[[File:Halorecon noesrb fr-1-.jpg|thumb|The cover art before the name change from ''Halo 3: Recon'' to ''Halo 3: ODST''.]] | [[File:Halorecon noesrb fr-1-.jpg|thumb|The cover art before the name change from ''Halo 3: Recon'' to ''Halo 3: ODST''.]] | ||
{{main|Keep It Clean (Trailer)}} | {{main|Keep It Clean (Trailer)}} | ||
First, different screens of areas of New and Old Mombasa come on screen, followed by HEV pods entering the atmosphere. Here you can see the Prophet of Regret's carrier on the right, | First, different screens of areas of New and Old Mombasa come on screen, followed by HEV pods entering the atmosphere. Here you can see the Prophet of Regret's carrier on the right, then it moves behind buildings. The pods come into view as a large explosion (Caused by the Prophet of Regret's carrier entering Slipspace) appears, sending the pods off-course. Then, the Superintendent appears, and shows warning signs and then reboots. All the screens from earlier flash onto the screen, but heavily damaged from the blast. Then, a single [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|HEV]] pod falls through the sky, when the ''Halo 3'' Logo appears. The pod then crashes into the camera and goes black, followed by the words 'Prepare to Drop'. | ||
The second part to the trailer, released on the 8th of October, followed on from this - the Superintendent reinitialized itself, attempting to assess the catastrophic devastation and tries to identify the object that survived. Later, after a Covenant [[ | The second part to the trailer, released on the 8th of October, followed on from this - the Superintendent reinitialized itself, attempting to assess the catastrophic devastation and tries to identify the object that survived. Later, after a Covenant [[Type-52 Troop Carrier|Phantom]] dropship has passed by, the object opens to reveal a lone surviving [[Rookie|Marine Shock Trooper]] to clamber out, wielding a modified M7S Caseless Submachine Gun. The Marine narrowly avoids a [[Jiralhanae]] patrol, before encountering messages from the [[Superintendent]], presumably leading him to safety. | ||
Elements from this trailer have dramatically altered from announcement to the present day. | Elements from this trailer have dramatically altered from announcement to the present day. | ||
====E3 2009 Gameplay==== | ====E3 2009 Gameplay==== | ||
{{main|Halo 3: ODST - E3 2009 Gameplay Trailer}} | {{main|Halo 3: ODST - E3 2009 Gameplay Trailer}} | ||
Line 492: | Line 397: | ||
The first ViDoc of ''Halo 3: ODST'', ''Desperate Measures'' takes a look inside the squad that consists of the main characters in the game. It summarizes the skills that each Marine has, along with what equipment they'll be using in-game. | The first ViDoc of ''Halo 3: ODST'', ''Desperate Measures'' takes a look inside the squad that consists of the main characters in the game. It summarizes the skills that each Marine has, along with what equipment they'll be using in-game. | ||
Also shown are little clips of the flashback missions, namely, featuring Gunnery Sergeant Buck and Lance Corporal Agu on a landing platform at [[NMPD | Also shown are little clips of the flashback missions, namely, featuring Gunnery Sergeant Buck and Lance Corporal Agu on a landing platform at [[NMPD Headquarters]], where a police Pelican dropship was extracting the two Marines, before getting chased off by two [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshees]]. | ||
====ViDoc: Bip. Bap. Bam.==== | ====ViDoc: Bip. Bap. Bam.==== | ||
Line 499: | Line 404: | ||
The second "ViDoc", which is more of an advertisement, for ''ODST'', first shown at the 2009 Games Convention in Cologne, Germany. ''Bip. Bap. Bam.'' shows off the new ''Firefight'' mode, which was announced earlier at E3 2009. | The second "ViDoc", which is more of an advertisement, for ''ODST'', first shown at the 2009 Games Convention in Cologne, Germany. ''Bip. Bap. Bam.'' shows off the new ''Firefight'' mode, which was announced earlier at E3 2009. | ||
[[Avery Junior Johnson|Avery Johnson]] is the narrator of the ViDoc, making a stylish entrance in a [[ | [[Avery Junior Johnson|Avery Johnson]] is the narrator of the ViDoc, making a stylish entrance in a [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|Drop Pod]] over the ''[[Security Zone]]'' map. During the video, Johnson explains the details of this new gametype in ''ODST'', along with explaining how players can play as him by pre-ordering ''Halo 3: ODST'' at a number of participating retailers. | ||
====ViDoc: Terra Incognita==== | ====ViDoc: Terra Incognita==== | ||
Line 506: | Line 411: | ||
The third ViDoc for ''ODST'' released on Bungie's website, focuses on the development of Halo 3: ODST. | The third ViDoc for ''ODST'' released on Bungie's website, focuses on the development of Halo 3: ODST. | ||
The game developers at Bungie were entering unfamiliar territory, making the largest | The game developers at Bungie were entering unfamiliar territory, making the largest enviroment they ever created as the freely-explorable level of New Mombasa. It also says the differences and similarities of the ODSTs and the SPARTAN-II soldiers, such as jumping height and the fact that no motion tracker is present in ''ODST.'' | ||
====ViDoc: Dramatis Personae==== | ====ViDoc: Dramatis Personae==== | ||
Line 517: | Line 422: | ||
{{main|We Are ODST}} | {{main|We Are ODST}} | ||
A 2 | A 2 minute live-action short made exclusively for the launch of ''Halo 3: ODST'' was released on September 7th, 2009 on [[Wikipedia:Spike TV|Spike TV]] with a run-time of 2 minutes and 30 seconds. <ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS252724+03-Sep-2009+PRN20090903 Reuters.com - Prepare To Drop! Spike TV Gears Up For 'Halo Month']</ref>. This short is directed by Rupert Sanders, who previously directed the ''[[Believe|Halo 3: Believe]]'' series. | ||
This short showcases the [[19th Shock Troops Battalion]] during their operations in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. | This short showcases the [[19th Shock Troops Battalion]] during their operations in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. | ||
====ODST Tour==== | ====ODST Tour==== | ||
[[File:ODST tour vehicle.jpg|200px|thumb|A render mock-up of the tour truck.]] | [[File:ODST tour vehicle.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A render mock-up of the tour truck.]] | ||
{{main|Halo 3: ODST Mobile Tour}} | {{main|Halo 3: ODST Mobile Tour}} | ||
To promote the release of the game, Bungie and Microsoft started an "ODST Tour", showcasing the game's Firefight mode to fans all across the [[United States of America|United States]] | To promote the release of the game, Bungie and Microsoft started an "ODST Tour", showcasing the game's Firefight mode to fans all across the [[United States of America|United States]] <ref>[http://gamerscoreblog.com/press/archive/2009/08/20/sc200.aspx Xbox Press.com - “Halo 3: ODST” Transport Vehicle embarks on a nationwide tour]</ref>. Beginning August 22nd in Redmond, Washington, this tour lasted for nearly a month, coinciding with the release of the game. | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
== | ==Merchandise and promotions== | ||
[[File:ODST Collector's Pack.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The Collector's Pack edition of ''ODST''.]] | |||
Additionally, a ''Halo 3: ODST Collector's Pack'' was made available alongside the standard version. This includes the game itself, along with a limited edition UNSC-style Xbox 360 controller. The Collector's Pack was available in most stores across the world. | |||
Prima Games released a 272-page [[Halo 3: ODST Official Strategy Guide|strategy guide]] alongside ''Halo 3: ODST''<ref name="''Halo 3: ODST Official Strategy Guide'' on Amazon.com">[http://www.amazon.com/Halo-ODST-Prima-Official-Guide/dp/0761562885/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245259711&sr=1-3 ''Halo 3: ODST Official Strategy Guide'' on Amazon.com]</ref><ref>[http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?Product_ID=74846 ''Halo 3: ODST Official Strategy Guide'' on GameStop.com]</ref> | |||
[[McFarlane Toys]] released a 6-inch figurine replica of the Rookie as a part of their "Medal Edition" line of Series 6, released in October 2009 <ref>[http://www.spawn.com/toys/product.aspx?product=4020 '''SPAWN.com''' - ''Product page for The Rookie'']</ref><ref>[http://www.spawn.com/news/news6.aspx?id=13588 '''SPAWN.com''' - ''First Look at 'The Rookie' ODST Action Figure'']</ref><ref>[http://www.spawn.com/news/news2.aspx?id=13590 '''SPAWN.com''' - ''Halo Series 6 'Medal Edition' Photography Revealed'']</ref>. | |||
===Soundtrack=== | |||
{{main|Halo 3: ODST Original Soundtrack}} | |||
Like previous games in the series, ''Halo 3: ODST'' was released alongside an Original Soundtrack comprised of music heard in the game. This soundtrack features seventeen new tracks, composed by [[Martin O'Donnell]] and [[Michael Salvatori]], on two discs.<ref>[http://twitter.com/MartyTheElder Martin O'Donnell's Twitter "''MartyTheElder''"]</ref> Though over three hours of music was composed for ''ODST'', only two hours were released on the soundtrack.<ref>[http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=361 Music 4 Games - Behind the Music of Halo 3: ODST - Interview with composer Marty O'Donnell]</ref> Upon release, the soundtrack received near-unanimous praise from critics,<ref>[http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/g-l/halo-3-odst?page=0%2C2 OXM: Halo 3: ODST review]</ref><ref>[http://ie.music.ign.com/articles/102/1029363p1.html Halo 3: ODST Original Soundtrack Review on IGN]</ref><ref>[http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/699307/Halo-3-ODST-Soundtrack-Review---Music-for-Repelling-the-Covenant.html Halo 3: ODST Soundtrack Review - Music for Repelling the Covenant]</ref> and won the Spike Video Game Award for "Best Original Score".<ref>[http://www.chiff.com/recreation/video-game-awards.htm 2009 Spike TV Video Game Awards Winners, Nominees]</ref> | |||
===Campaign Edition=== | |||
On April 9, 2013, ''Halo 3: ODST'' was added to the Xbox LIVE Marketplace in the form of ''Halo 3: ODST Campaign Edition''.<ref>[http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-CA/Product/Halo-3-ODST-Campaign-Edition/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d8024d530877 '''Xbox Live Marketplace''', ''Halo 3: ODST Campaign Edition'']</ref> This version of the game does not include the [[Halo 3: Mythic|''Halo 3 '' multiplayer content]] found on the second disk of the original retail version; it includes only the ''Halo 3: ODST'' campaign and Firefight found on the first disk. The Campaign Edition sells for less than half the cost of other on-demand ''Halo'' games. | |||
{{clear}} | |||
==Reception== | |||
On release, ''ODST'' became the top-selling Xbox 360 game worldwide. The title received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the atmosphere, music, and story approach. Critics were divided on whether the relatively short campaign and included extras were enough to justify the full-game price tag. | On release, ''ODST'' became the top-selling Xbox 360 game worldwide. The title received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the atmosphere, music, and story approach. Critics were divided on whether the relatively short campaign and included extras were enough to justify the full-game price tag. | ||
IGN noted that playing on co-op during the campaign ruined the atmosphere of the game, and that the campaign went into "simple shooting galleries" too often. However, they praised the Firefight addition. | IGN noted that playing on co-op during the campaign ruined the atmosphere of the game, and that the campaign went into "simple shooting galleries" too often. However, they praised the Firefight addition.<ref>[http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/102/1025307p4.html '''IGN''': ''Halo 3: ODST Review'']</ref> Gamepro called it the "best Halo game yet", but mentioned that if the flashbacks were played in a random order, the story did not transition as smoothly. They also stated that the marine A.I. had "major issues" in the game.<ref>[http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/212166/halo-3-odst-review-xbox-360/ '''Gamepro''': ''Halo 3: ODST Review'']</ref> | ||
Team Xbox stated that it was the "same game at heart, and Firefight mode is an enhanced version of a game type that others have done before." Others mentioned that other games, such as ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2'' and ''Gears of War'', had much better graphics than ''ODST'', which was based on the older ''Halo 3'' engine. | Team Xbox stated that it was the "same game at heart, and Firefight mode is an enhanced version of a game type that others have done before." Others mentioned that other games, such as ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2'' and ''Gears of War'', had much better graphics than ''ODST'', which was based on the older ''Halo 3'' engine. | ||
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== | ==Trivia== | ||
Copies of ''Halo 3: ODST'' were sold early in France, to which Microsoft responded by investigating and threatening to ban any players on Xbox | *A teaser trailer for ''Halo 3: ODST'' called ''[[Keep It Clean (Trailer)|Keep It Clean]]'', was released on September 25th, 2008, at 07:07:07 am PST, which coincided with the one year anniversary of the launch of ''Halo 3''. The trailer was viewed through the many security cameras around New Mombasa. The time at which this trailer was revealed is a reference to Bungie's long-time "obsession" with the number [[seven]]. | ||
*The "''Road to Recon''" challenge, as named by Bungie, gives players the chance to unlock the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI/R variant|MJOLNIR Mk.VI "Recon"]] (simply referred to as "''Recon Armor''") for use in ''Halo 3'' multiplayer <ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/features.aspx#recon Bungie.net : Road to Recon]</ref>. This challenge requires unlocking the current [[Vidmaster Challenges]] from ''Halo 3'', and three more Vidmaster Challenges only available through purchasing ''ODST'' <ref>''Game Informer: December 2008'', page 4</ref>. | |||
*On November 25th, 2008, Bungie LLC. renamed the in-development ''Halo 3: Recon'' to ''Halo 3: ODST''.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/Blog.aspx?mode=news#cid16289 Bungie.net Blog - ''Halo 3: ODST'']</ref> The reasons to why the upcoming expansion was renamed is due to the player playing the character of an ODST in the game, and to focus attention off of the fact that players will be able to receive [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI/R variant|MJOLNIR Mark VI Reconnaissance Armor]]. | |||
*Copies of ''Halo 3: ODST'' were sold early in France, to which Microsoft responded by investigating and threatening to ban any players on Xbox LIVE playing ''ODST'' before its official release of September 22nd <ref>[http://kotaku.com/5346774/microsoft-taking-action-against-those-who-buy-and-play-halo-3-odst-early-%5Bupdate%5D Kotaku.com - Microsoft Taking Action Against Those Who Buy and Play Halo 3: ODST Early]</ref>. Microsoft France lead manager Stephen Toulouse later stated that they would not ban legitimate buyers of the game <ref>[http://kotaku.com/5347615/early-halo-odst-players-wont-be-banned-so-long-as-they-bought-a-copy Kotaku.com - Early Halo: ODST Players Won't Be Banned (So Long As They Bought A Copy)]</ref>. | |||
*In an interview with Microsoft Game Studios' Ryan Crosby on Joystiq.com, a sequel to ''Halo 3: ODST'' would be considered if fan and media reception exceeds expectations, and the need arises for a follow-up.<ref>[http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/video-interview-inside-halo-3-odst/ Joystiq.com - Video Interview: Inside Halo 3: ODST]</ref> | |||
*As a bonus feature for those who pre-ordered ''Halo 3: ODST'' at select retailers (including such stores as GameStop and Amazon.com), a token to play as [[Avery Junior Johnson|Sergeant Major Avery Johnson]] in [[Firefight]] was included.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/features.aspx#johnson '''Bungie.net''' - ''PRE-ORDER BONUS: Brings Sgt. Johnson into the Firefight'']</ref> | |||
*Players who have played this game with their current LIVE account can unlock the ODST [[Nameplates|nameplate]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_082010 '''Bungie.net''': ''Express Yourself'']</ref> | |||
*Canada-based [[MEGA Brands|Mega Brands]] has released several ''Halo 3: ODST'' [[Mega Brands Halo Toys#Halo 3: ODST Sets|construction sets]]. | |||
*''Halo 3: ODST'' is the only game in the series to feature every major Covenant species. | |||
*''Halo 3: ODST'' is the first game where player characters have dialogue during gameplay. | |||
*A poster in the game shows Earth and the moon with the line "Destiny Awaits." This foreshadows Bungie's current game project, ''[[Destinypedia:Destiny|Destiny]]'', with the moon representing the [[Destinypedia:Traveler|Traveler]]. | |||
** This was replaced in the Xbox One version with a Misriah Poster showing the Earth and the Moon with the Line "For Her". | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
===Logos=== | ===Logos=== | ||
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===Box art=== | ===Box art=== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:Halo3ODST-GameCover.jpg|Box art for ''Halo 3: ODST''. | File:Halo3ODST-GameCover.jpg|Box art for ''Halo 3: ODST''. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
{{ | {{Reflist|3}} | ||
== | == Links == | ||
=== Internal === | === Internal === | ||
*''[[Halo 3]]'' | *''[[Halo 3]]'' | ||
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*[[Mombasa|Mombasa, Kenya]] | *[[Mombasa|Mombasa, Kenya]] | ||
*[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s | *[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s | ||
*[[ | *[[ONI Candidate Assessment Program V5.02A]] | ||
=== External === | === External === | ||
*[http:// | *[http://www.bungie.net/Projects/ODST/default.aspx Official ''Official project page'' on '''Bungie.net'''] | ||
*[http://cdn.haloodst.xbox.com/odst/index.html | *[http://cdn.haloodst.xbox.com/odst/index.html ONI Candidate Assessment Program V5.02A] | ||
{{ | {{Halo Games}} | ||
[[Category:Halo 3: ODST| ]] | [[Category:Halo 3: ODST| ]] | ||
[[Category:Games]] | |||
[[Category:Canon]] | [[Category:Canon]] | ||