Preview: Halo 3: ODST (360)

Halo 3: Orbital Drop Shock Troopers is set just a few weeks before the arrival of Master Chief in the city of New Mombassa. You take the role of a UNSC soldier known as 'the rookie', who is deployed in the ODST section to the African city. The platoon specialises in rapid assault from above, deploying small numbers into a target area. Unfortunately during the drop, you become detached from the five-man unit and have to track down your comrades, with your only assistance coming from the Mombassa City artificial intelligence system. It is hoped that this 'Saving Private Ryan' type of game play will allow players to see another side to the Halo universe. Microsoft expects that many won't be able to resist the chance to rejoin the ongoing conflict and take up arms to defend the earth.

While highly equipped, you and your comrades lack any of the special self healing abilities that Master Chief relies upon, this brings a new dimension to the game play, with some unfortunate stealth influenced suggested. Bungie have already stated that this release, whilst featuring subtle changes, isn't a move purely into squad based fighting or stealth, it belongs in the Halo universe and will include many familiar trademark features that have made the series what it is.

The game was originally envisaged as an expansion to Halo 3 but soon grew beyond the limited confines that a typical expansion brings. "Over the course of development it got a lot bigger than we were anticipating," said Bungie's Lars Bakken. "We thought of it more as an expansion and then it grew well beyond that." One aspect quite apparent is the flexibility of the experience, with players being able to select what missions to pursue and making use of any vehicles or weaponry they find lying around.

The Halo series has consistently set the benchmark for online multiplayer and ODST looks set to continue this tradition. Bungie are promising twenty-four maps in total, with many making a return appearance after debuting in Halo 3. This makes sense given the location of the storyline; the lack of Master Chief should in essence open up a new range of tactics for players. Bungie have also addressed the issue of players wishing to collaborate in small groups with the inclusion of a Firefight mode. Here, you and four friends can tackle ever increasingly tenacious and deadly waves of enemies in the pursuit of glory and medals. This promises to be a fun experience with no limitations on ammunition, and like Valve's Left4Dead, should provide an adrenaline rush.

Only time will tell if Halo 3: ODST is more than just a quick planetary jaunt for the franchise, especially with Halo: Reach due sometime in 2010. With Bungie onboard and showing their usual customary skill, dedication and flair, this may turn out to be a successful port of call.

Words by Jason Julier