ODST: Another Take

With Bungie obviously eager to explore new facets of the Halo universe, it’s staggering as to why they didn’t explore equally new facets of game play, either. The weapons, vehicles, and enemies of ODST are, at best, shinier, slightly prettier versions of their two-year old counter-parts. That’s not to say there’s no improvement, because there is. But ultimately, Halo 3: ODST is a step sideways rather than a step forward.

And I can’t help but feel that it’s a step that could have been reached through cheaper, episodic packs of downloadable content. ODST does little to add to the universe in a significant and meaningful way. It’s almost like Bungie had some fantastic ideas but were too heavily tied to the already established mechanics. As a result, playing the role of the ‘lesser’ soldier doesn’t feel overly different from the previous adventures of Masterchief. Amazingly, these supposedly human soldiers can somehow carry – and fire – a turret on the go; it seems their training schedule had them pumping some serious iron.

Such inconsistencies reveal the developer’s reluctance to break away from the old and explore the new. The addition of the visor and somewhat altered – and notably improved – default weapon isn’t quite enough for ODST to form its own identity. It’s a shame that despite the emphasis on story and character, I rarely felt like one of the guys. If anything, I felt like the chief on a bad day. Moreover, the shock troopers can still jump alarmingly high.

As solid as the game’s foundations are, they’re not without issue. And nothing reveals this more than the inability to sprint. The dependency on health packs leaves you as vulnerable as ever. It’s this increased vulnerability that makes the ODST’s movement all the more annoying, and silly. I’m not asking for a record breaking speed, just the ability to get from point-to-point with more than a leisurely plod. Crawling from a wall, to an abandoned car, to another wall in an effort to avoid incoming fire isn’t especially fun. It’s understandable that Bungie would want to stick to the tried and tested formula, but if there ever was a chance to introduce more experimental elements then, surely, this would’ve been the opportunity to do so.

It’s tempting to write-off this additional content as ‘more of the same’ and in many respects it is. However, as this is inherently less Halo than previous entries in the series, those otherwise turned off might be tempted by its more tactical offerings. Playing as one of the shock troopers inevitably forces the player to approach any given combat scenario with far more patience and thought. The silenced SMG, night-vision visor and limited defences invite a new, less gun-ho method of play. It’s not as developed as it perhaps could have been and had Bungie turned everything upto eleven, then ODST could have truly been unique.

Yet as much as they try to remind us that we’re not quite a super-human Spartan, more often than not, you’re placed into situations only they could handle. That’s the problem – you’re not necessarily equipped to do the job. As much as this might read like an ‘it’s too difficult’ rant, Bungie could have gone a little further to dampen the god complex. Every scenario seemingly returns to you, the ODST, reprising the role of past outings. But this time, you’re forced into playing the not-so-invincible one man army. Where’s my squad? It would’ve been nice to receive some much needed back-up, or, at least, a few persistent soldiers to make my trooper feel like a smaller part of a greater whole. You’re still the guy or girl everybody looks too and relies on in times of crisis.

In fact, it’s only the later missions that actually give the semblance of a squad-based experience. It’s just a shame that this context couldn’t have been explored further, bolstered by squad commands or a heavier focus on squad interdependency. As compelling as ODST can be, it’s littered with wasted opportunities.

On the flipside, the sense of isolation roaming the streets of New Mombasa is undoubtedly a series first. It also happens to be one of the title’s greatest strengths. Bungie’s decision to introduce a pseudo-open world is another hint of their willingness to experiment and introduce new, unexpected ideas. I just wish they could have taken these concepts to a more substantial level. Exploring a desolate New Mombasa is an inarguably haunting and isolating experience, yet there’s little sign of a struggle; no evidence of the people that once lived there beyond the debris of abandoned cars and collectable audio logs. Whilst unsettling, the inclusion of the occasional corpse or fatally wounded survivor would have brought home the fact that, underneath the shiny aesthetics, Halo is effectively a story about humanity’s fight for survival.

Again, the absence of genuinely original content is further highlighted by the lack of a truly dedicated multiplayer component. It would have been nice to see the more grounded aspects of being an ODST integrated into Halo 3’s already impressive multiplayer suite. Why not let us go head-to-head on the massive array of maps as shock troopers? But what is included – the entire Halo 3 multiplayer experience, with replays, additional maps and forge – is without doubt an inviting package – especially for those yet to jump online. Of course, if you’re already familiar with the content then this might be a minor selling point, unless you’re eager to get your hands on the three exclusive maps included on the disc.

If you enjoyed Halo 3’s campaign to no end, then you’ll find Halo 3: ODST’s campaign to be an equally compelling, although short, experience. And with the addition of the 4 player co-operative mode, firefight, there’s not a shortage of things to kill, achievements to achieve and skulls to find, just don’t expect quite the same amount of content as its predecessor. The quality is mostly there, but the quantity isn’t.

Tags: HALO 3 ODST Xbox 360