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The trilogy is complete
Rating: 9.4/10
Halo 3 may very well be the most anticipated game of all time. The Halo franchise has become one of those trademarks for its genre as well as its console – the series has now become the poster child for the Xbox and Xbox 360 consoles and is one of the largest highlights in the FPS genre. When the original came out as an Xbox launch game years ago, it introduced everyone to the true power of the next generation of gaming, and spawned a single sequel which continued to redefine gaming. It was announced some years later that Halo 3 was in production, but for Microsoft’s newest console edition, the Xbox 360. As we waited, every leaked detail and screenshot raised the anticipation.
And now, it’s here.
Halo 3 follows the now ending journey of the Master Chief, the Rambo of the future clad in a state-of-the-art cybernetic suit which gives him immense strength that we’ve gotten in touch with in the previous two instalments. The religious war with the Covenant – an almighty and unstoppable alien race – continues to rage on as their largest fleet yet has hit Earth. The ending of Halo 2 is bridged nicely between Halo 3 and you’ll be taking over the Master Chief just has he passes through Earth’s atmosphere and thumps right down into Africa. From there, familiar faces show up and you’re thrown back into action. But this time, it’s better.
Halo 3 packs a monstrous punch compared to its predecessors. There shouldn’t be an worry when you think about graphical changes from the previous games to this; this is the Xbox 360, and it’s better. A lot better. The colors are blooming and everything is more deeply detailed. The chaotic atmosphere you’ll push Master Chief through are rendered very well on this powerful console. In a way, it feels similar to the original Halo in spirit. When people first played, they were amazed by the graphics and gameplay the Xbox could process. It’s the same thing this time around, and if it’s the best of the Xbox 360’s capabilities, it’s definitely Halo’s.
The same mechanics from Halo 2 resurrect themselves this time around, albeit some revamps and modifications. Master Chief is a walking and hulking tank; this time around he’s stronger, has the ability to jump higher, and has a wider range of weapons and vehicles at his disposal. The necessary and obvious additions are there, of course. There’s a lot of new guns available to both factions as well as the return of the Battle Rifle from the original Halo, so while you play through this instalment, there’s that nice touch of nostalgia that it carries with it.
One of the biggest additions is equipment. A lot of these items can be used to your advantage, and range from “bubble shields” (domes which you can take care over in and reflect fire) and radar jammers to confuse the enemy. Both sides have a fairly wide range and it adds to the gameplay, giving you a bit of variety and strategy rather and running and gunning through each level.
Some of the better is news is that Bungie, the game developers, have listened to their fans and helped improve their game based on their criticism. The biggest flaw of Halo 2 was the Arbiter, the main character of a second story line in that coincided with Master Chief’s. While it didn’t differ too much in gameplay, people wanted more of the Chief’s story and to stay true to the games roots. Bungie listened, and while the Arbiter is an important character in Halo 3, he’s no longer playable and serves as Master Chief’s companion, fighting at his side at various stages through out the journey.
You can count on Halo 3 being a good game – forget all of the rebels who pretend to hate this franchise, or more importantly, this instalment. I find it pretty darn impossible to not enjoy this game. If you’re a fan of FPS games, then you’ve played Halo. I advise you play this sequel, too.
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