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{{ | {{Era|H2|H3|H3R}} | ||
{{ | {{Ratings}} | ||
{{ | {{Grammar}} | ||
{{Game | {{Game Info Box | ||
|name= ''Halo 3: ODST'' | |name='''''Halo 3: ODST''''' | ||
|image= | |image=Halo 3 ODST Cover.png | ||
| | |imageSize=250 | ||
| | |Developer=[[Bungie|Bungie, LLC.]] | ||
| | |Publisher=[[Microsoft Game Studios]] | ||
| | |Genre=[[First-person shooter]] | ||
| | |US Date Released=September 22nd, 2009 | ||
| | |UK Date Released=September 22nd, 2009 | ||
| | |Game modes=[[Campaign]] and [[Multiplayer]] | ||
|ESRB=Mature (M) <ref>''Game Informer: December 2008'', page 7</ref> | |||
|Platform=[[Xbox 360]] | |||
| | |Media=DVD | ||
| | |Website=[http://http://www.bungie.net/default.aspx Bungie.net] | ||
| | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''''Halo 3: ODST''''', formerly known as '''''Halo 3: Recon''''', is a first-person shooter video game exclusively developed for the [[Xbox 360]]. 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> | |||
Taking place in the [[Kenya|Kenyan]] port city of [[New Mombasa]], "ODST" follows a [[The Squad|squad]] of elite [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] during the [[First Battle of Earth|Covenant invasion of Earth]] on [[2552#October|October 23rd, 2552]]. <ref name="IGN.com - Behind the Scenes - PAX 09: Nathan Fillion, Tricia Helfer and More (Off-Screen)">[http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/852871/bungie-project-2/videos/pax09_haloodst_spc_voiceover_090409.html/ IGN.com - PAX 09: Nathan Fillion, Tricia Helfer and More]</ref> Knocked off course due to the [[Battle of Mombasa|Mombasa Slipspace Incident]], these six Marines fight through the waste filled and destroyed streets in order to link up, destroy, and evade the Covenant occupation force in the city. | |||
An official five-part prequel comic, ''[[Halo: Helljumper]]'', was released in the months | ''ODST'' is a campaign expansion and prologue to ''[[Halo 3]]'' which fills in the details of what happened in Southeastern Kenya from ''[[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|Helljumper]]'', was released in the months following 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>. A multiplayer beta of ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' <ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/features.aspx#beta Bungie.net : Invitation to the Halo: Reach Beta]</ref>, recently announced at E3 2009, is included with ''ODST'', and will become available sometime during 2010. | ||
==Campaign== | |||
===Opening Scroll=== | |||
Shown after the [[Bungie Studios|Bungie]] and [[Wikipedia:Microsoft Game Studios|Microsoft Game Studios]] logos, and before the main menu, is an opening scroll | |||
{{Opening Scroll | |||
|name = The year is 2552 | |||
|text=Humanity is at war with the alien alliance known as "The Covenant". | |||
Shown after | |||
{ | |||
| | |||
Humanity is at war with the alien alliance known as "The Covenant". | |||
We are losing. | We are losing. | ||
Line 64: | Line 44: | ||
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 | Teams of "Orbital Drop Shock Troopers" are ready to assault the carrier from Navy ships in low orbit. | ||
This is a near- | This is a near-suicide mission. | ||
But these troopers are the best of the best. | But these troopers are the best of the best. | ||
And saving New Mombasa could be the most important mission of the war... | And saving New Mombasa could be the most important mission of the war... | ||
}} | |||
===The Drop=== | |||
[[File:H3 ODST - Buck Dare Argument.png|thumb| | [[File:H3 ODST - Buck Dare Argument.png|250px|thumb|right|GySgt. Buck and Capt. Dare arguing.]] | ||
{{quote| | {{quote|The Navy put up a good fight.|Private First Class Michael Crespo.}} | ||
{{quote|'Course they did. It's Earth.|Corporal Taylor Miles.}} | |||
{{quote|Better late than never.|Lance Corporal Kojo Agu.}} | |||
Romeo jokingly remarks how the [[UNSC Navy]] | The game begins on a UNSC warship orbiting high above [[New Mombasa]], [[Kenya]] on [[Earth]] at about 4:00pm (16:00 military time) on [[2552#October|October 23rd, 2552]] <ref name="IGN.com - Behind the Scenes - PAX 09: Nathan Fillion, Tricia Helfer and More (Off-Screen)"/>, where the majority of the [[Unnamed Shock Trooper Squad|Squad]] is relaxing around a holo-table displaying the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s [[Assault Carrier]] hovering near the [[New Mombasa Orbital Elevator|Orbital Elevator]]. [[Taylor Miles|Corporal Taylor "Dutch" Miles]], [[Kojo Agu|Lance Corporal Kojo "Romeo" Agu]], [[Michael Crespo|Private First Class Michael "Mickey" Crespo]], and [[The Rookie|Lance Corporal "Rookie"]] are resting in the back, Romeo jokingly remarks how the [[UNSC Navy|Navy]] only put up a good fight until the [[First Battle of Earth|Invasion of Earth]] and still managed to allow a [[Covenant]] carrier to slip by the [[Orbital Defense Platform|Orbital Defense Grids]] high above the planet, to which Dutch criticizes Romeo for, stating that they left the lone ship for the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] to infiltrate. Shortly after, the ship is put on alert when their team leader, [[Edward Buck|Gunnery Sergeant Edward Buck]], enters the room with an attractive [[Office of Naval Intelligence|Naval Intelligence]] operative named [[Veronica]] or "Dare". Romeo quickly responds to them entering the room with "hello, beautiful", which caught the attention of Buck, ordering them to their [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|SOEIV "Drop Pods"]]. | ||
Walking to the armory nearby, Buck is stopped by Veronica who talks about the men in his squad being replacements, to which they go on about the small numbers of combat-experienced Marines they have to lead into combat. Conflicted about what she likely told him prior to entering the room, Buck attempts to protect his men by confronting his previous romantic interest about the Assault Carrier being a more vital concern than her covert mission. Dare reminds them they have orders to follow, and that she should be referred to her rank of [[Captain (Ground forces)|Captain]], in keeping with military regulations. | |||
Buck directs the Captain to | Buck directs the Captain to their pods, when Romeo asks about her; obviously angry about the mission, Buck confronts the curious Lance Corporal, informing that she is their "new boss". He gives a short speech to his men, and hands a [[Sniper Rifle System 99D-S2 Anti-Matériel|SRS99D Sniper Rifle]] to Romeo, confusing him and his teammates about the Assault Carrier mission they were previously given by the Admiralty. Proceeding to enter their pods, Romeo hits the Rookie across the head with the stock of his rifle (the player then transitions to a first-person mode) while still in his pod, Dutch pushes Romeo out of the way and hands the F.N.G. an [[M7S Caseless Submachine Gun]]; the Rookie's pod is then shut closed, spun around, and lowered into the launch bay to begin drop preparations. | ||
[[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.]] | ||
{{quote|Troopers, we are green, and very, very mean!|Gunnery Sergeant Edward Buck.}} | |||
Marine forces are informed by Dare that the [[Covenant Army]] is massing beneath the carrier near the Mombasa Orbital Elevator for an organized retreat. Dozens of [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] 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 Frigates|Frigate]]-type ships in orbit around the elevator, and begin to enter cloud cover above the city. After a flash forward (as shown by a brief white flash), the Captain orders the squad to adjust their trajectory and drop locations on her order, which launches the Marines way off of their intended course. | |||
Before the Marines can ever deploy the internal parachutes, the invasion forces have already evacuated inside the carrier. Dutch picks up a radiation alert in his pod, and the Assault Carrier proceeds to enter [[Slipspace]]. The slipspace rupture generates a devastating shockwave, while the {{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}} (FFG-142) enters the rupture provided by Regret's flagship. An EMP blast emitted by the rupture causes the Marine assault force to lose power in their SOEIV Pods, throwing them all over New Mombasa. | |||
Six hours | ===The Rookie Awakes=== | ||
Six hours after being knocked unconscious by the impact of Mickey's pod and a violent landing into the side of a building, the Rookie finally wakes up at 10:02pm (22:02 Standard Military Time), to the noise of a [[Type-52 Troop Carrier|Type-52 "Phantom" Troop Carriers]] flying low above the city. After regaining his situational awareness and waiting for the passing phantom to go by, the Rookie arms the four explosive bolts located in all four corners of the door to exit the pod. With the door removed from the pod, the Rookie jumps a few meters down into the streets below, completely draining his stamina and injuring him slightly. After combing the area for medical supplies, he regains his health, and proceeds to find his squad. | |||
Located only a few minutes away from the Rookie's location is a small area patrolled by at least two Covenant squads (one Jiralhanae and four Unggoy each); this is where the Rookie spots a ringing data terminal shortly after defeating both of the squads using his limited arsenal of suppressed weaponry. This ringing data terminal hooks him up with the [[Superintendent (Construct)|Superintendent]], a 2nd Generation dumb A.I. responsible for the infrastructure of the city. This A.I. provides data unlocked by their commanding officer, Dare, a long time before he encounters the terminal. Complete with maps and notable locations throughout the city, the Superintendent begins to aid this young Marine in his mission. | |||
As the Rookie finds certain clues about his squadmates, the game's perspective shifts to each respective ODST. Six hours earlier, Gunnery Sergeant Buck lands safely and makes radio contact with Dare, who is stuck in her HEV. Aided by two marines, Buck attempts to fight his way to her position, but when he gets there she is gone. He encounters a [[Huragok]] that is holding Dare's helmet in one of its tentacles and begins to investigate him, both mistaking it's curiosity for hostility, Romeo snipes it from afar. The two regroup and Romeo informs the Gunnery Sergeant that Dare is dead. At the same time, the Superintendent records via a hidden video camera of where Dare's helmet ends up being tossed by the Huragok's explosion, where the Rookie would later find it. | |||
Dutch and Mickey meet up and work to defend an [[ONI Alpha Site|ONI base]]. After leading Marines to a rally point, they destroy the bridge leading to the base, but are forced to fall back when the Covenant use [[Phantoms]] to land troops around the base. They fall back inside and continue to fight using an [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]]. Eventually they evacuate via [[Pelican]] and remotely detonate the ONI base, denying it to the Covenant. | |||
Buck | However, they are shot down on a rooftop and make radio contact with Buck and Romeo, who fight their way to the rooftop and defend it against Phantoms and Banshees with missile pods, machine guns and rocket launchers. However, the Covenant then land troops on the rooftop. The ODSTs manage to fend them off using heavy weapons, but Romeo is seriously wounded by a [[Brute Chieftain]] before the latter ends up getting taken down by the combined effort of the other three ODSTs. | ||
The ODSTs manage to stabilize Romeo with [[biofoam]]. They then proceed to hijack a Phantom and a Banshee to escape the city, blowing past enemy Banshees and even a [[Scarab]] while doing so, but notice the increasing number of phantoms and aircraft heading towards where the Slipspace crater was. However, shortly after Buck discards his Banshee and boards the captured Phantom, he remembers where Dare is and orders them to turn back. | |||
Meanwhile, the Rookie finds Dare in sub-level nine of the Superintendent's data hive. Dare explains that she discovered that the Huragok were actually enslaved by the Covenant and were forced to work for them against their will. She also reveals that she has found one which can help the humans, but unfortunately a large force of Covenant is in the way. She explains that this was why she requisitioned their squad on her own mission; it would have been suicide to go alone and she needed backup. The two humans fight their way to the Huragok, Vergil, and eventually made contact with Buck. They escaped the data core and fought though hordes of Covenant troops before reaching the surface. The group reached an elevator that takes them to the interstate highway and when they reach the top, they notice dozens of Covenant ships in the sky. Buck explains, saying that he has a Phantom waiting in a scrapyard and ready to pick them up once they reach there. Vergil powers up an [[Oliphant]] which Dare shortly enters to drive it, while been escorted by the Rookie and Buck in a Warthog and later a Scorpion tank. | |||
However, more Covenant ships start entering the city and begin the process to start glassing the local area to uncover the portal to the Ark. Buck freaks out; claiming it's [[Battle of Reach|Reach all over again]]. After a Scarab scores a direct hit against the Oliphant, the group was forced to change plans, abandon their vehicles, and hide inside a building where marines previously held before their death. | |||
After fighting waves of Covenant troops, including a Brute Chieftain and a Wraith, the captured Phantom arrives. But when the group attempts to board it, a Covenant Carrier appears just over their position and begins charging its glassing beam. Vergil becomes frightened and attempts to flee, but Buck and Dare push and shove Vergil inside the Phantom, and manage to do so in the nick of time before the Carrier's beam glassed the area. The squad then watch the Covenant glass New Mombasa, slowly uncovering a massive [[Forerunner]] [[Portal|artifact]]. | |||
A month later, Admiral [[Terrence Hood|Hood]] gives [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Junior Johnson|Johnson]] clearance to interrogate Vergil. Dare warns Johnson to be careful. As they enter the room, Vergil is in the process of accessing the Covenant battle net. Johnson tosses the Engineer his lighter, surprising others in the room and causing them to yell in protest; they are concerned about the delicate nature of Vergil. The Engineer catches the lighter smoothly. Speaking of the Covanent excavation in Africa, Johnson confidently tells Vergil, "You're gonna tell me exactly what they're looking for. And then, you're gonna help me stop 'em." Vergil raises the lighter, flicking it open, and lights the cigar that Johnson just placed in his mouth. The Engineer is complicit, perhaps even friendly with the humans. | |||
A month later, Admiral [[Terrence Hood]] | |||
An additional scene plays upon completing the game on | An additional scene plays upon completing the game on the Legendary difficulty. The [[Prophet of Truth]] is seen in the chamber that houses the Superintendent's core, smiling as Engineers uncover an extensive Forerunner complex beneath the earth. There is no clear indication whether this structure is part of the previously uncovered portal generator or something else entirely. | ||
=== | ===Characters=== | ||
*[[ | ====Major Characters==== | ||
*[[ | {{col-begin}} | ||
*[[ | {{col-2}} | ||
*[[ | '''[[United Nations Space Command]]''' | ||
*[[ | *[[The Rookie|Lance Corporal "Rookie"]] - The main protagonist of ''ODST''. | ||
*[[ | *[[Dare|Captain Veronica Dare]] - The Rookie's female commanding officer and [[ONI|Naval Intelligence]] operative <ref name = "Game Informer December '08 page 1">''Game Informer: December 2008'', page 1</ref>. She is voiced by actor [[Tricia Helfer]] <ref>[http://www.spike.com/video/gttv-2009-vgas-e3/3175518 GameTrailer TV: E3 2009 Special]</ref>. | ||
*[[ | *[[Edward Buck|Gunnery Sergeant Edward Buck]] - The former-leader now second-in-command of the [[Unnamed Shock Trooper Squad|squad]].<ref name = "Game Informer December '08 page 1"/>. Voiced by [[Nathan Fillion]]. | ||
*[[ | *[[Taylor Miles|Corporal Taylor "Dutch" Miles]] - The Heavy Weapons specialist.<ref name = "Game Informer December '08 page 1"/> <ref name = "Game Informer December '08 page 5">''Game Informer: December 2008'', page 5</ref>. Voiced by [[Adam Baldwin]]. | ||
{{ | *[[Kojo Agu|Lance Corporal Kojo "Romeo" Agu]] - The Marksman in the squad, and is quoted as being a "wiseass".<ref name = "Game Informer December '08 page 1"/> <ref name = "Game Informer December '08 page 5"/>. Voiced by [[Nolan North]]. | ||
*[[Michael Crespo|Private First Class Michael "Mickey" Crespo]] - He is the demolitions expert for the squad.<ref name = "Game Informer December '08 page 1"/>. Voiced by [[Alan Tudyk]]. | |||
*[[Superintendent (Construct)|Superintendent]] - New Mombasa's Urban Infrastructure A.I. construct. Voiced by [[Joseph Staten]]<ref>Halo 3: ODST Credits</ref> | |||
*[[Avery Johnson|Sergeant Major Avery J. Johnson]] - An experienced Staff Non-Commissioned Officer with nearly a half-century of combat experience. Voiced by [[David Scully]]. <small>(Epilogue only)</small> | |||
*[[Terrence Hood|Fleet Admiral Sir Terrence Hood]] - The Commander-in-Chief of the [[UNSC Home Fleet|Home Fleet]]. <small>(Mentioned only)</small> | |||
{{col-2}} | |||
'''[[Covenant]]''' | |||
*[[Vergil]] - A Huragok with the data and memories of the Superintendent transferred into him. | |||
*[[Prophet of Truth]] - The de-facto leader of the [[Covenant Empire]], he leads a fleet to Earth in order to find the [[Installation 00|Ark]]. Truth can be seen during the Legendary Ending in a cave that goes underneath New Mombasa to the [[Portal]] hidden beneath the city. | |||
*[[Prophet of Regret]] - One of the three Hierarchs of the Covenant, his only known role in the game is at the beginning where his [[Assault Carrier]] enters slipspace over New Mombasa. <small>(Mentioned only)</small> | |||
{{col-end}} | |||
== | ====Minor Characters==== | ||
{{col-begin}} | |||
{{col-2}} | |||
'''Covenant''' | |||
''' | |||
*[[Huragok]] | *[[Huragok]] | ||
*[[Jiralhanae]] | *[[Jiralhanae]] | ||
*[[Kig-yar]] | |||
*[[Mgalekgolo]] | *[[Mgalekgolo]] | ||
*[[Sangheili]] | *[[Sangheili]]<ref>''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', level ''[[Tayari Plaza (Level)|Tayari Plaza]]''</ref> | ||
*[[San'Shyuum]] | *[[San 'Shyuum]] | ||
*[[Unggoy]] | *[[Unggoy]] | ||
*[[Yanme'e]] | *[[Yanme'e]] | ||
{{col-2}} | |||
'''UNSC''' | |||
** | *[[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marine Corps]] | ||
**[[ | **Marine Infantryman | ||
**[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] | |||
** | *[[New Mombasa Police Department]] | ||
**NMPD Officers | |||
{{col-end}} | |||
===Locations=== | |||
*[[ | *[[New Mombasa]], [[Kenya]] | ||
**[[Lumumba|Lumumba District]] | |||
**[[Mbaraki|Mbaraki District]] - Most of Dare's squad landed in this district after they diverted their course from the Assault Carrier to the area surrounding the ONI facility directly across from the Space Tether. | |||
**[[ | ***[[Kikowani Station]] | ||
***[[ | ***[[Kizingo Boulevard]] | ||
***[[NMPD Headquarters]] | |||
**[[ | ***[[ONI Alpha Base]] - This [[Office of Naval Intelligence#Section Two|Section Two]] facility was the site of a [[Battle of ONI Alpha Base|fierce battle]] that pitted New Mombasa Police and the UNSC Marine Corps, against a Covenant assault from across the bridge. This building was destroyed shortly after the battle to prevent the Covenant from getting any important information. A Firefight map, known as [[Security Zone (Level)|Security Zone]], takes place in front of the entrance to the facility <ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU061209 Bungie Weekly Update 6/12/09]</ref>. | ||
***[[Office of Naval Intelligence]] | ***[[Tayari Plaza]] | ||
***[[Uplift Reserve]] | |||
**[[ | **[[Tanaga|Tanaga District]] | ||
**[[ | **[[New Mombasa Orbital Elevator]] - Severely damaged by the Slipspace Jump caused by the Prophet of Regret's Assault Carrier, snapping due to the tremendous stresses put on the tower, wreckage from this space tether can be seen all across the city. Only the base of the tether and the bottom few rings survived the jump, though the structure can be seen from most places in the city, still blazing. | ||
**[[ | |||
==Features== | |||
*[[ | ===Weapons=== | ||
**[[ | {{col-begin}} | ||
{{col-2}} | |||
'''[[United Nations Space Command]]''' | |||
*[[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]] | |||
*[[M6C/SOCOM]] | |||
*[[MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System]] | |||
*[[M7S Caseless Submachine Gun]] | |||
*[[M9 Fragmentation Grenade|M9 HE-DP Fragmentation Grenade]] | |||
* | *[[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]] | ||
*[[M41 SSR MAV/AW Rocket Launcher]] | |||
*[[M68 Gauss Cannon]] | |||
*******[[ | *[[M90 Close Assault Weapon System|M90A Close Assault Weapon System]] | ||
*[[M165 Demolition Charge]] | |||
*[[M7057/Defoliant Projector]] <ref>''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', level ''[[Data Hive (Level)|Data Hive]]''</ref> | |||
*[[Sniper Rifle System 99D-S2 Anti-Matériel|SRS99D-S2AM Sniper Rifle]] | |||
*[[Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galileian Nonlinear Rifle|W/AV M6 Nonlinear Rifle]] | |||
{{col-2}} | |||
'''[[Covenant]]''' | |||
*[[Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade]] | |||
*[[Type-2 Antipersonnel Fragmentation Grenade]] | |||
*[[Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer]] <ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=15956 Bungie Weekly Update 10/14/08] - ''CJ Cowan just made a Brute Chieftain introduce the business end of his Hammer to some dudes.''</ref> | |||
*[[Type-3 Antipersonnel/Antimatériel Incendiary Grenade]] | |||
*[[Type-25 Carbine]] | |||
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol]] | |||
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle/Jiralhanae Variant|Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle/Jiralhanae]] | |||
*[[Type-25 Grenade Launcher]] <ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=16887 Bungie Weekly Update 1/16/09] - ''At one point I found myself inquiring aloud if the Brute Shot had been powered up.''</ref> | |||
*[[Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher]] | |||
*[[Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon]] | |||
*[[Type-51 Carbine]] | |||
*[[Type-50 Sniper Rifle System]] | |||
*[[Type-52 Pistol]] | |||
{{col-end}} | |||
| | ===Vehicles=== | ||
*[[ | {{col-begin}} | ||
**[[ | {{col-2}} | ||
***[[ | '''United Nations Space Command''' | ||
*[[ | *[[D77H-TCI Pelican Dropship|D77H-TCI "Pelican" Dropship]] (Police Variant) | ||
*[[Warthog|M12 "Warthog" Light Reconnaissance Vehicle]] | |||
*[[Gauss Warthog|M12G1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle]] | |||
*[[Mongoose|M274 "Mongoose" Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle]] | |||
*[[M808B Main Battle Tank|M808B "Scorpion" Main Battle Tank]] | |||
*[[M831 Troop Transport|M831 "Warthog" Troop Transport]] | |||
*[[M312 Elephant HRV|Olifant Waste Recycling Vehicle]] | |||
*[[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]] | |||
*[[F-99 Wombat|F-99 "Wombat" Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle]] <ref>''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', level ''[[Uplift Reserve (Level)|Uplift Reserve]]''</ref> | |||
*[[UNSC Frigate]] | |||
**{{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}} | |||
*{{UNSCShip|Say My Name}} | |||
*{{UNSCShip|Tokyo Rules}} <small>(Teasers only)</small> | |||
*Various Civilian Vehicles | |||
{{col-2}} | |||
'''Covenant''' | |||
*[[Assault Carrier]] | |||
*[[CCS-class Battlecruiser]] | |||
*[[Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Type-25 "Chopper" Rapid Assault Vehicle]] | |||
*[[Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage|Type-25 "Wraith" Assault Gun Carriage]] | |||
*[[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Type-26 "Banshee" Ground Support Aircraft]] | |||
*[[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Type-32 "Ghost" Rapid Assault Vehicle]] | |||
*[[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Type-47 "Scarab" Ultra Heavy Assault Platform]] | |||
*[[Type-52 Troop Carrier|Type-52 "Phantom" Troop Carrier]] | |||
*[[Type-52 Anti-Aircraft Artillery|Type-52 "Wraith" Anti-Aircraft Artillery]] | |||
{{col-end}} | |||
==Gameplay== | |||
[[File:ODST Screenshot 12.jpg|250px|thumb|left|VISR Mode]] | |||
[[File:Battle of New Mombasa.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The Battle of Mombasa.]] | |||
[[File:The Squad.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The main cast of ''ODST''.]] | |||
; | ''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, and in any order, 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]], [[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 around thirty minutes, 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 the player is playing as an [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]], the player will not be using the shielding nor the motion tracker featured on the [[MJOLNIR]] Battle Armor suit. The Rookie and his squadmates will also lose the ability to dual-wield weapons, such as the [[SMG|M7/Caseless Submachine Gun]] and the [[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle]]. They also cannot use [[Equipment]]. | |||
On the other hand, the player will receive a helmet-integrated data management system known as the [[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance]] (or VISR), which includes a new 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, and yellow outline for important objects. 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|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]] will not be appearing at all 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]] will contribute 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> | |||
==Multiplayer== | |||
[[File:ODST Controller.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Controls for ''ODST'' gameplay.]] | |||
===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'', will be 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 <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>. | |||
===Firefight Maps=== | |||
Below is a list of maps for ''ODST''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> Firefight mode: | |||
*[[Alpha Site (Level)|Alpha Site]] | |||
*[[ | *[[Chasm Ten (Level)|Chasm Ten]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Crater (Night) (Level)|Crater]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Last Exit (Level)|Last Exit]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Lost Platoon (Level)|Lost Platoon]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Rally Point (Level)|Rally Point]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Security Zone (Level)|Security Zone]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Windward (Level)|Windward]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Crater (Night) (Level)|Crater]] (Night) | ||
*[[ | *[[Rally Point (Level)|Rally Point]] (Night) | ||
*[[ | |||
| | ===Map Packs=== | ||
All map packs (''[[Heroic Map Pack|Heroic]]'', ''[[Legendary Map Pack|Legendary]]'', ''[[Mythic Map Pack|Mythic]], and [[Cold Storage (Level)|Cold Storage]]'') will be 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 will be featured in the ''ODST'' package. These maps are currently known as ''[[Citadel (Level)|Citadel]]'', ''[[Heretic (Level)|Heretic]]'', and ''[[Longshore (Level)|Longshore]]''. | |||
While previously confirmed to only feature a Campaign element as the only gameplay mode, the second disc in the ''ODST'' box will contain all of the maps, which you will be able to 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== | |||
===Viral Campaigns=== | |||
====Superintendent==== | |||
==Marketing | |||
===Viral | |||
====Superintendent==== | |||
{{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 (Construct)|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 misson ahead. Clips directed by Rupert Sanders can be seen via a marker the Marines place on their right [[Wikipedia:Temple (anatomy)|temple]]. | ||
===Trailers=== | ===Trailers=== | ||
====Announcement==== | ====Announcement==== | ||
{{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 [[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 [[Phantom]] dropship has passed by, the object opens to reveal a lone surviving [[Unnamed Marine Shock Trooper|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 (Construct)|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}} | ||
Shown to the press at Microsoft's E3 '09 Media Briefing, the first gameplay trailer showcased the events surrounding the campaign and the new Firefight mode. It focuses mostly on the Rookie wandering around the streets of the city and looking for his lost squadmates, along with Dutch who fights during the Battle of ONI Alpha | Shown to the press at Microsoft's E3 '09 Media Briefing, the first gameplay trailer showcased the events surrounding the campaign and the new Firefight mode. It focuses mostly on the Rookie wandering around the streets of the city and looking for his lost squadmates, along with Dutch who fights during the [[Battle of ONI Alpha Base]]. | ||
This trailer also shows the very first glimpse of Firefight, the brand new cooperative game mode designed specifically for ''ODST''. | This trailer also shows the very first glimpse of Firefight, the brand new cooperative game mode designed specifically for ''ODST''. | ||
Line 490: | Line 289: | ||
{{main|Halo 3 ODST ViDoc: Desperate Measures}} | {{main|Halo 3 ODST ViDoc: Desperate Measures}} | ||
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 | Also shown are little clips of the flashback missions, namely, featuring GySgt Buck and LCpl 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 Banshee fighters. | ||
====ViDoc: Bip. Bap. Bam.==== | ====ViDoc: Bip. Bap. Bam.==== | ||
{{main|Halo 3 ODST ViDoc: Bip. Bap. Bam.}} | {{main|Halo 3 ODST ViDoc: Bip. Bap. Bam.}} | ||
The second | The second ViDoc for ''ODST'' first shown at the 2009 Games Convention in Cologne, Germany, ''Bip. Bap. Bam.'' shows off the new ''Firefight'' mode revealed earlier at E3 2009. | ||
[[Avery | [[Avery Johnson|SgtMaj Avery Johnson]] is the narrator of the ViDoc, making a stylish entrance in a [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|SOEIV "Drop Pod"]] over the ''[[Security Zone (Level)|Security Zone]]'' map. During the video, Johnson details the gameplay of this new gametype for ''ODST'', along with telling how they can play him by pre-ordering the game at a number of participating retailers. | ||
====ViDoc: Terra Incognita==== | ====ViDoc: Terra Incognita==== | ||
Line 506: | Line 305: | ||
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.'' | ||
==== | ===Other=== | ||
{{ | ====Strategy Guide==== | ||
{{main|Halo 3: ODST Official Strategy Guide}} | |||
Prima Games released the 272-page strategy guide alongside ''Halo 3: ODST'' for $25 USD <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>. | |||
Contents include <ref name="''Halo 3: ODST Official Strategy Guide'' on Amazon.com"/>: | |||
*'''Move Out Soldier -''' Complete coverage of the single player missions. With labeled maps for New Mombasa and tactics included for the Legendary level of difficulty. | |||
*'''Team Up -''' Intense Co-Op strategy to ensure you and your squadmates survive. With input from the actual developers and testers to give you the inside track. | |||
*'''Clan Wisdom -''' All Halo 3 multiplayer maps with breakdowns and tips from some of the best clan players out there. | |||
*'''Rise Through the Ranks -''' Detailed info on every Achievement from Halo 3: ODST and Halo 3. More than a list, instructions and tips for every one. | |||
====Special Edition==== | |||
A "''Halo 3: ODST Collector's Pack''" is available alongside the standard version. This includes the game itself, along with a limited edition UNSC-style Xbox 360 controller, and will retail for $99 USD (£60 GBP). The Collector's Pack is only currently available at GameStop in the USA, EB Games in Australia, and Game.co.uk in the UK. | |||
====We Are ODST==== | ====We Are ODST==== | ||
{{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'' will be 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.]] | ||
To promote the upcoming release of the game, Bungie and Microsoft started an "ODST Tour", showcasing the game's Firefight mode to fans all across the [[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 will last for nearly a month, coinciding with the release of the game. | |||
==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 will be 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> | |||
==Trivia== | |||
[[File:RvB ODST - Training Film.png|200px|thumb|right|"Umm...so where's the movie with the regular soldiers?" - Grif.]] | |||
[[File:H3 ODST - Unknown Image.jpg|200px|thumb|right|"Death Comes to All of Us".]] | |||
[[File:ODST Collector's Pack.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The Collector's Pack]] | |||
*The tagline for the game is ''Prepare to Drop'', which references the method of Orbital Drop used by the ODST's for quick insertion into operations. | |||
*A teaser trailer for ''Halo 3: ODST'' was ''[[Keep It Clean]]'' 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 [[List of "Seven" References in Halo|seven]]. | |||
*The "''Road to Recon''" challenge, as named by Bungie, will give players the chance to unlock the [[Mark VI MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/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 will require unlocking the current [[Vidmaster|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 [[Mark VI MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/R variant|MJOLNIR Mark VI Reconnaissance Armor]]. | |||
< | |||
*Though the game takes place during the events of ''Halo 2'' ([[First Battle of Earth]] and [[Battle of Installation 05]]), all of the characters, weapons, and vehicle models were taken from ''[[Halo 3]]'', creating an inconsistency within the canon, unless regarded as a Retroactive Continuity{{Verify_source}}. | |||
*During an interview at Gencon 2008 in Brisbane, Australia; [[Alan Tudyk]] commented on a so called ''Halo 3 Supplemental'', in which himself and fellow [[Wikipedia:Firefly (TV series)|Firefly]] actors [[Nathan Fillion]] and [[Adam Baldwin]] would lend their voices to the game.<ref>[http://forums.bungie.org/halo/archive30.pl?read=886556 Alan Tudyk does voice work for Halo 3 supplemental]</ref> All three of the actors played the role of [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] in ''[[Halo 3]]''.<ref>''[[Halo 3]]'', ''[[Halo (Halo 3 Level)|Credits]]''</ref> Assuming that this supplemental is ''Halo 3: ODST'', Tudyk and Baldwin will likely voice members of the [[Unnamed Shock Trooper Squad|squad]] in the game. The ''E3 2009 Gameplay Trailer'' confirmed Fillion, Baldwin, and Tudyk's roles as Buck, Dutch, and Mickey, respectively <ref name="[[Halo 3: ODST - E3 2009 Gameplay Trailer|''Halo 3: ODST'' - E3 2009 Gameplay Trailer]]"/>. | |||
*To accompany the launch of the Xbox 360's new Avatar Marketplace, Xbox LIVE members will be able to purchase a special clothing set featuring the ODST's Battle Armor <ref>[http://kotaku.com/5274407/xbox-360-avatars-getting-new-outfits-props-marketplace Kotaku.com - Xbox 360 Avatars Getting New Outfits, Props, Marketplace]</ref>. As of early September 2009, only a UNSC Marine Infantryman costume has been released. | |||
*[[McFarlane Toys]] will release a 6-inch figurine replica of The Rookie as a part of their "Medal Edition" line of Series 6, due out 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>. Included in the package is the M7S/Caseless Submachine Gun and exclusive Medals. | |||
*In early September 2009, [[Rooster Teeth]] began a four-part ''[[Red vs Blue]]'' special debuting ''ODST''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> Firefight mode to the cast of ''[[Red vs Blue: Recreation|Recreation]]''. The first episode, entitled "''Guys Like Us''" (referring to both the cast of ''RvB'' and ''ODST'' being "normal" soldiers), can be viewed on Rooster Teeth's official website ''[http://redvsblue.com/archive/?id=836 here]''. | |||
*Marketing for ''ODST'' will encompass a broad range of mediums, including print ads in magazines; with television spots taking center stage "with multiple ads prepared and sponsorship of key shows arranged" <ref>[http://www.mcvuk.com/news/35402/Halo-marketing-blitz-detailed#after_ad MCV.com Gaming Industry - Microsoft plans Halo 3: ODST marketing blitz]</ref>. Advertisements will be shown up to Christmas 2009 and into early 2010. Such ads can already been seen in the American version of the ''Official Xbox Magazine'' and even here on [[Halopedia]]. GameStop has already began their advertisements, showing off both UNSC and Covenant in the Firefight mode dancing to SgtMaj Johnson, a bonus unlock item for those who pre-order the game <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8iAeUicU9I YouTube.com : Gamestop Video - Halo 3: ODST]</ref>. [[Wikipedia:Spike TV|Spike TV]] has designated September as the "Halo Month", with five programs lined up over the course of sixteen days <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>. One such show will mark the debut of a live-action [[We Are ODST|ODST short]] and a preview of ''[[Halo Legends]]''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> ODST-centric film ''[[The Babysitter]]''. | |||
</ | |||
*Copies of ''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>. Despite that, there are no current plans for a sequel, despite the hints of an "''ODST 2''" during the Epilogue cinematic. | |||
*As a bonus feature for those who pre-ordered ''ODST'' at select retailers (including such stores as GameStop and Amazon.com), a token to play as [[Avery 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> | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
{{ | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
==Related | ==Related Links== | ||
=== Internal === | ===Internal Links=== | ||
*''[[Halo 3]]'' | *''[[Halo 3]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]'' | *''[[Halo: Helljumper]]'' | ||
*[[Mombasa|Mombasa, Kenya]] | *[[Mombasa|Mombasa, Kenya]] | ||
*[[Orbital Drop Shock | *[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] | ||
*[[Halo 3: ODST | *[[ONI Candidate Assessment Program V5.02A]] | ||
===External Links=== | |||
*[http://www.bungie.net/Projects/ODST/default.aspx Official ''Halo 3: ODST'' page at Bungie.net]. | |||
*[http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx ''Halo 3: ODST'' Field Guide at Bungie.net]. | |||
*[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=ournextgame ''Meet Our New Game'' - Bungie.net]. | |||
*[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=16271 ''The Guide to the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers'' - Bungie Weekly Update 11/21/2008]. | |||
*[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=16545 ''Halo 3: ODST Concept Art Blowout'' - Bungie Weekly Update 12/26/2008]. | |||
*[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=Halo3ODSTsquad ''Meet the Squad'' - Bungie.net]. | |||
*[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=Halo3ODST_FeetFirst ''Feet First'' - Bungie.net]. | |||
*[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=Halo3ODST_Firefight ''Drop Into Firefight'' - Bungie.net]. | |||
*[http://cdn.haloodst.xbox.com/odst/index.html ONI Candidate Assessment Program V5.02A]. | |||
*[http://www.amazon.com/Halo-3-ODST-Xbox-360/dp/B001HWB68K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1245259409&sr=8-1 ''Halo 3: ODST'' at Amazon.com]. | |||
*[http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?Product_ID=73841 ''Halo 3: ODST'' at GameStop.com] | |||
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