Dropped Into Hell

So after picking up Halo 3 ODST yesterday and after playing through a part of the campaign and running through a few rounds of Firefight, I have reached a conclusion. A little surprising to reach that point so quickly huh?

My overall impressions of the game is this: It isn't a bad game and despite the differences between a Spartan and a ODST, I can't really see the what is all that different about them. Then again, perhaps because I have not played a Halo game in quite a while, the differences would be harder to see.

The campaign itself is okay too, but I have to agree with what some other gamers have said in that the story itself is kind of all over the place. Factor in the point that there really isn't all that much to build up the other ODST and you've got a group of characters that is a little hard to give a damn about.

Gameplay wise, like I said before, I don't really see any real significant differences and so to me it plays like I remembered Halo to play. The visor mode is a nice touch though, it certainly helps out since this story takes place at night.

Another plus and I can't believe I'm saying this about a FPS, but the music in this game is actually pretty damn good. I was surprised at how well it meshes with the game, especially considering I heard a few jazz pieces in there. I will surely be keeping an eye out for the soundtrack.

And after finishing a few sections of it and watching the scenes with what the other ODST did during the few hours after their drop was disrupted, I still don't quite understand the whole purpose of it all. From the start, it appeared as though there was something more then just dropping in and fighting back the Covenant. Anyhow, I don't mind a good mystery to be truthful. But I am hoping the pieces come together by the time the campaign ends.

I hate cliffhangers.

Lastly, I agree that Firefight is similar to Gears of War 2's Horde mode. They are similar in that there are a waves of enemies rushing up to shoot, smash and otherwise rip your f*cking head off. The big difference to me is that this mode doesn't just send certain types of enemies at you. Oh no, they throw the whole goddamn shabang at you and you'd better have a plan or it'll be a fast game.

Then again, how much planning can a person do when you see a giant ape with a hammer that is taller then it, running full speed in your direction? Yes you can fire your weapon to your heart's content, but they don't go down quite that easily. And yes, I have met the business end of said hammer and I can still see my character's dead body sailing through the air.

On side note, it sure was graceful...