Halo 3 Impressions/Reviews

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 10:45 am

It's called Videogamesnewyork, and it's actually what the store I used to work at became. Located on 3rd ave. and 6th st. I picked up Halo 3 there on Saturday. They still have all the dusty old stuff I spent my days looking at.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:18 am

it's too bad they couldn't redo Halo 1 & 2 for the 360 and put that in as part of the Halo 3 package. That would have been the clincher for me. As it stands, I will probably play it at some point, but I am not chomping at the bit for this game. I can't see it being better than Bioshock or GOW.

LAking · Post by **LAking** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:35 am

JackB1 wrote:it's too bad they couldn't redo Halo 1 & 2 for the 360 and put that in as part of the Halo 3 package. That would have been the clincher for me. As it stands, I will probably play it at some point, but I am not chomping at the bit for this game. I can't see it being better than Bioshock or GOW.

Kind of in the same boat. Having played enough of the first two I know the story is too much of a typical sci-fi geek fest to be better than Bioshock and I prefer GOW slightly slower and more tactical MP action than the run and gun of the halo series. That being said, I'm sure it will still be a blast to play and I'll break down and buy it because everyone else I know will have it. co-op looks like it could be good fun.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:38 am

JackB1 wrote:it's too bad they couldn't redo Halo 1 & 2 for the 360 and put that in as part of the Halo 3 package. That would have been the clincher for me. As it stands, I will probably play it at some point, but I am not chomping at the bit for this game. I can't see it being better than Bioshock or GOW.

That pretty much sums it up for me Jack. I'll get H3 probably when there's a price drop. I'm not going to play the game online so I can wait. There are some really good sports games i'm dying to play instead. I also agree that story wise H3 won't be as good as Bioshock.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:02 pm

LAking wrote:Having played enough of the first two I know the story is too much of a typical sci-fi geek fest to be better than Bioshock and I prefer GOW slightly slower and more tactical MP action than the run and gun of the halo series. That being said, I'm sure it will still be a blast to play and I'll break down and buy it because everyone else I know will have it. co-op looks like it could be good fun.

Kinda how I'm feeling too. I think I know what I'm getting, here, and I'm pretty sure it will be good/great. However, I definitely don't have a 'need it now' feeling for this one. I was more excited for NHL 08 and Skate, and I think that was mostly because they seemed 'newer,' I think. (Two EA games, of all things!

)

The online will be fun too, I'm sure, but again I'm getting the 'it is what it is' feeling about it. It's a very straight forward, and very good run and gun videogamey shooter. There's nothing wrong with that, but at least for right now I actually think I'd rather be playing more of the COD 4 beta before it expires!

I do tend to like online shooters that suck you into their world, though. COD 4 feels like battles in a war to me. Gears is awesome in that regard. Even Shadowrun makes me believe I'm in the world a little bit.

Halo is like the Unreal tournaments to me when I play online. I very much feel like I'm a little plastic guy jumping around gameboards to get points. Yes, I know that essentially that is what EVERY online mp shooter is, but I guess some fool me better than others.

All that said, I'll probably have this by at least next weekend!

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:07 pm

Oh, and the 4p co-op campaign thingie is a GREAT feature!

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:27 pm

This may sound silly, but does anyone know where I can get a recap of the story from Halo 1 & 2? I don't finnish either one and would rather just read a synopsis of what happened so far before I start Halo 3.

p.s. just got SKATE, MotoGP07 & and DiRT at the TRU 2 for 3 sale, so I certainly have enough to keep me busy for a while

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:31 pm

Halo 2 was a stale offline rehash of Halo, with the only appealing carrot -- and a big one -- the addition of online play.

What is being added to Halo 3 that distinguishes it from Halo 2? What has MS added to the game to make it worthwhile, to make this more than just a massive cash grab because of the Halo name? Are people buying this game because it offers something new or different or just because it's "the new Halo?"

I'm curious. I've read little to nothing about this game since I don't have a console. But Halo 2 was the biggest disappointment in gaming for me the year it was released, with ease.

Take care,
PK

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:34 pm

JackB1 wrote:This may sound silly, but does anyone know where I can get a recap of the story from Halo 1 & 2? I don't finnish either one and would rather just read a synopsis of what happened so far before I start Halo 3.

p.s. just got SKATE, MotoGP07 & and DiRT at the TRU 2 for 3 sale, so I certainly have enough to keep me busy for a while

Try this webpage. I only played Halo sparingly on my friend's Xbox, and have never played Halo 2, so I need to do some reading myself.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:43 pm

For those planning on buying the Limited Edition.

http://www.dailytech.com/Early+Halo+3+L ... le9010.htm

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:50 pm

pk500 wrote:What is being added to Halo 3 that distinguishes it from Halo 2?

Full penetration.

Honestly, I'm not sure how to answer that one, having played a bunch of the campaign over the last couple nights. I guess I'd say that it's a feel thing, and this one feels more like 1 than 2, the latter of which I walked away from for a long time before picking it up again and finally finished the single player. Terrain is really interesting, some fun new weapons, but mainly it's that same core gameplay of clearing a given area of grunts, brutes, and elites before moving on to another area full of grunts, brutes, and elites. Still quite fun, and rewards you for thinking your way through a given firefight with regards to cover, weapons, and elevation, but it's not revolutionizing the franchise by any means and is no Bioshock in the story department (not that I expect or need it to be).

I think the main advances are going to be in multiplayer game types, the very cool replay theater, and 4 player co-op, which is going to be off the chain, I imagine.

LAking · Post by **LAking** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 2:01 pm

pk500 wrote:Halo 2 was a stale offline rehash of Halo, with the only appealing carrot -- and a big one -- the addition of online play.

What is being added to Halo 3 that distinguishes it from Halo 2? What has MS added to the game to make it worthwhile, to make this more than just a massive cash grab because of the Halo name? Are people buying this game because it offers something new or different or just because it's "the new Halo?"

I'm curious. I've read little to nothing about this game since I don't have a console. But Halo 2 was the biggest disappointment in gaming for me the year it was released, with ease.

Take care,
PK

The biggest additions are the level editor and replay theater. You can add/remove items and obstacles in any multiplayer map, even during gameplay. If you know how pen and paper role playing games work it's almost like a dungeon master. They can manipulate the world to balance the game out or just make a crazy map.

If you are not into the Halo style of MP to begin with I doubt any of the new features are gonna make much a difference to you. The online co-op is the feature i'm most looking forward to. My expectations for this game aren't all that high. I pretty much know what to expect from this game. It's gonna be a beefed up Halo 2, which isn't a bad thing at all, just not revolutionary.

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 2:18 pm

I'm caught up in the Halo hype enough to consider picking up a 360 again, but some of these posts remind me that Halo isn't really my type of game.
I like my FPS games to have a slower, methodical pace or at least a focus on smart strategy. I'm not sure anything's taken me in like Team Fortress as a sniper, or the original Ghost Recon. Halo doesn't reward positioning and sniping as much as running and gunning.

If that assessment of Halo is wrong, or you have a suggestion for a recent game that plays my style, let me know.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:17 pm

I'll probably pick it up once I finish Bioshock. I will say, the 360 really has some freaking games going for it.

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:34 pm

Sport73 wrote: I like my FPS games to have a slower, methodical pace or at least a focus on smart strategy. I'm not sure anything's taken me in like Team Fortress as a sniper, or the original Ghost Recon. Halo doesn't reward positioning and sniping as much as running and gunning.

Sounds like you need to get Bioshock asap.

greggsand · Post by **greggsand** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:57 pm

pk500 wrote:Halo 2 was a stale offline rehash of Halo, with the only appealing carrot -- and a big one -- the addition of online play.

What is being added to Halo 3 that distinguishes it from Halo 2? What has MS added to the game to make it worthwhile, to make this more than just a massive cash grab because of the Halo name? Are people buying this game because it offers something new or different or just because it's "the new Halo?"

I'm curious. I've read little to nothing about this game since I don't have a console. But Halo 2 was the biggest disappointment in gaming for me the year it was released, with ease.

Take care,
PK

Halo 2 was the first time I (and numerous friends) dove headfirst into online play. In fact, the only thing to shake 1.5 years of halo2 party games, was the debut of the 360. Even then, we'd bust out some games here & there.

Halo 3 = more weapons, more gadgets, smoother matchmaking, map editor, xbl co-op (finally!), etc... I'm glad to see the reviews have been glowing. If u recall, some people shrugged off halo 2 because offline was kinda boring. Most H3 reviews seems to really dig both (although, once I jump online, I may never go back to the offline...)

i imagine if u were just an 'offline' kinda guy, H3 would probably be an extended rental (like most offline shooters).

good stuff.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 4:18 pm

JackB1 wrote:This may sound silly, but does anyone know where I can get a recap of the story from Halo 1 & 2? I don't finnish either one and would rather just read a synopsis of what happened so far before I start Halo 3.

Jack,

The guys from Penny Arcade linked to this today. Seems like just what you're looking for:

http://forums.xbox.com/14748829/ShowPost.aspx

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 4:42 pm

All interesting points, fellas. It's moot for me since I'm not in Console Nation anymore, but I'm almost certain I'd skip Halo 3 if I was. It was dull as hell to me online, nothing but run and gun.

Like some cats around here, I prefer military-style tactical shooters over sci-fi twitchfests.

I hope you dudes enjoy Halo 3!

Take care,
PK

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 4:46 pm

pk500 wrote:All interesting points, fellas. It's moot for me since I'm not in Console Nation anymore, but I'm almost certain I'd skip Halo 3 if I was. It was dull as hell to me online, nothing but run and gun.

Like some cats around here, I prefer military-style tactical shooters over sci-fi twitchfests.

I hope you dudes enjoy Halo 3!

Take care,
PK

Not sure why you even bother to come in this thread, KNOWING that it is a console only game (for now), knowing that it is a "sci-fi twitchfest" sequel to a "rehash" that you disdain. It is like you came here to tell us how sucky H3 is when you have NO INTEREST in this game to begin with, or the hardware to even play it.

I don't get it.

Sully · Post by **Sully** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 4:49 pm

I ran through 2 missions on the campaign last night with 2 other guys from OS. Not a hint of lag. Only one of us, the room host, was Master Chief, while the other two were arbiters. It took us nearly 90 minutes to complete themc on Heroic, but it was a great time. I had zero interest in finishing the campaign by myself, but could see myself finishing it with others. It really adds to the experience.

Matchmaking went up late last night. I messed around with it a little bit today. It looks like you have to complete a mandatory basic training, which I believe can be done by earning 5 exp or finishing 10 custom or social matches. These basic training matches only have 4 to a room. I'm not sure if this has to be done before you can host private sessions, but it looks like it's mandatory for ranked play.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 4:54 pm

Will, it wouldn't be an impressions thread without at least two pages of non-impressions to start it off

And now for my non-contribution...

I had a Best Buy gift card so I preordered it. BB had an offer of 1600 MS points for $5 if you pre-ordered, so I went ahead and did it.

Halo 2 was good but not great, but I think people have been too dismissive about the first game. It didn't reach the level of the great PC shooters but it was pretty close and definitely the best FPS to ever hit consoles at the time. The combat was actually pretty varied with a good deal of weapon options and vehicles.

I'm picking H3 up because, frankly, I'm curious how it ends. I'll venture online and see how that goes when I finish the campaign, and if I don't like it, the game holds its resale value pretty well.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 4:57 pm

WillHunting wrote:Not sure why you even bother to come in this thread, KNOWING that it is a console only game (for now), knowing that it is a "sci-fi twitchfest" sequel to a "rehash" that you disdain. It is like you came here to tell us how sucky H3 is when you have NO INTEREST in this game to begin with, or the hardware to even play it.

I don't get it.

No, I didn't KNOW any of that. Did you miss the part where I wrote I had read little to NOTHING about this game? Apparently your rage that someone might be questioning your holy Halo caused you to miss that part.

As a former console owner and owner of the first two Halos, and as a gamer, I was sincerely wondering what was new with Halo 3. I was quite disappointed with the lack of innovation in Halo 2 other than online play and wondered if anything novel was being added to H3.

I loved Halo; I didn't care for H2.

So, is the new rule at DSP that anyone who doesn't own a console can't ask sincere questions about a console game? Interesting. I guess you can't keep up on the landscape of gaming by seeking feedback from experienced gamers if you don't own the hardware. Gaming apartheid rules at DSP. Lovely.

And I guess you missed the part where I said I hoped everyone here loved H3. I meant it. That's why the smiley face was inserted.

I'm sorry that I may have cracked your papier mache feelings about the Halo franchise with a few sincere questions. Is the series that sacred to you that it pisses you off when someone asks questions about the game that might be taken as disparaging, even if that interpretation is flat-out wrong?

My, oh, my: Scoop is right. Either this place is changing for the worse, or I just don't fit here anymore.

Once again: I hope everyone enjoys H3. And like the last time, I really mean it.

Take care,
PK

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 5:09 pm

pk500 wrote: My, oh, my: Scoop is right. Either this place is changing for the worse, or I just don't fit here anymore.

Come on, PK, that is not fair at all. WillHunting = DSP now? I'm glad you brought up Scoop, though, because I feel he did the same thing recently. If people around here have a problem with something someone is saying, how 'bout addressing that person rather than 'DSP' or 'Around here,' and unfairly assigning the same opinion to other forum members or the site itself?

I think I'm seeing the tendency for people to be getting upset at a very small number of posters, and then going ahead to suddenly address their response to 'DSP.'

For what it's worth, I like to think of myself as a part of DSP, and had no problem with you wondering what, if anything, is different about the next version of Halo. Good question.

Jimmydeicide · Post by **Jimmydeicide** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 5:20 pm

I agree with PK i have zero interest in 3 after 2, totaly lost the plot with that one arbeter who what, maybe cause i didnt play in long sessions like i did with 1 but i couldnt follow anything in 2 so i have no idea whats happening now or why.

Shame as 1 just kept me playing and playing on thru the night.
If you get the free moligner helmet or whatever its called with your game you are a 40 yr old virgin.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 5:23 pm

I'm just seeing more people around here hyper-sensitive and just plain hyper about games than before.

But it's probably me, not DSP. I was one of those hyper types when gaming was a primary hobby for me. Now that it's not, I don't get as worked up or expectant about video games as before. I just enjoy them for what they are to me: a diversion. Not an art form, not something to anticipate like Christmas morning, not a primary form of entertainment.

But yes, I'm still curious about games. That's why I asked the original question.

Take care,
PK