Cert: 16+
Platform: Xbox 360
Genre: First Person Shooter

Halo ODST is billed as a standalone title but it's essentially an expansion pack for Halo 3.

The release comes with two discs; the first features a new single player campaign and the second includes all the Halo 3 multiplayer maps released to date alongside three new ones.

In the single player campaign you take on the role of an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper fighting the Covenant in the African city New Mombassa. ODST are not as strong as the Master Chief - this game is all about stealth, cover, night vision and med packs (yes they're back).

The campaign looks great, the music is suitably atmospheric and the AI is challenging but it's all over in six hours.

Then there's firefight. This new mode lets players fight co-operatively against waves of the Covenant. However, Bungie weren't able to set it up for matchmaking meaning it's up to gamers to organise a time with their Xbox Live friends to play. This is a real disappointment as it limits the scope of ODST's best addition to the Halo experience. Still all those downloadable maps is a nice consolation.

Lovers of Halo may balk at the price of what's essentially an add-on but won't want to miss the new maps and content. However, those who dislike Bungie's franchise won't find anything here to change their mind.

Rent or Buy: Buy
Graphics: 4/5
Game Play: 3/5
Replay Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

Reviewed By: Bryan Collins