Halo 3: ODST Releases September 22nd

[BreakingBacks]

June 1, 2009

So you didn't get to go to E3 this year, and I bet you thought you'd miss out on all the awesome Halo announcements from Microsoft's E3 press conference. Well fear not, because we’ve got you covered. Everything you’ve been waiting to find out about Halo 3: ODST is right here, plus a few extra details probably didn't see coming!

Developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie, Halo 3: ODST is a new game in the Halo saga that lets people experience events leading up to the epic story told in Halo 3 through the eyes of an ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), as they search for clues leading to the whereabouts of their scattered squad and the motivations behind the Covenant's invasion of New Mombasa. The release adds a new dimension to an all-encompassing universe that fans around the world have known and loved for close to eight years.

Halo 3: ODST also introduces Firefight, a new cooperative multiplayer mode where up to four players can assume the role of an ODST squad and fight together to take on increasingly challenging waves of enemies. Also included are three new Halo 3 multiplayer maps on a 2nd standalone disc, which includes all original Halo 3 maps, as well as the "Legendary," "Heroic," and "Mythic" Map packs for a total of 24 maps.

Halo 3: ODST is available for pre-order in both a standard package and a Halo 3: ODST Collector’s Pack, which includes the game and a new and exclusive Wireless Controller. Additionally, if you pre-order Halo 3: ODST at participating retailers worldwide, you will receive a token to unlock Sgt. Johnson as a playable character in Firefight.

Check out all the amazing content packed into Halo 3: ODST -

* All-new campaign content. The Halo 3: ODST campaign explores mysterious events leading up to the Master Chief’s return to New Mombasa in Halo 3. Experience the fate of Earth from the brand-new perspective of a special forces ODST, adding a unique outlook and new gameplay elements to the events that unfold in the trilogy's finale. This new chapter captures the same great feel of previous Halo experiences while offering fans new tactics, tools and weapons to defeat the Covenant.

* A new hero: Prepare to drop. ODSTs or "Orbital Drop Shock Troopers" are highly-trained special forces operators. Known for their courage, valor and willingness to tackle missions no sane soldier would, ODSTs pride themselves on being the first unit deployed into hostile situations, often in one-man drop-pods that burn through planetary atmospheres at break-neck speed.

* Expanded multiplayer experience. No Halo game would be complete without groundbreaking multiplayer content. Halo 3: ODST introduces an entirely new way to play Halo with Firefight, a cooperative multiplayer mode included on the campaign disc that lets up to four people jump immediately into combat. As an ODST squad, you will face increasingly challenging waves of enemies together, striving to earn the highest scores possible, while various Halo 3 "Skulls" are progressively activated. The experience is intense and ever-evolving. Halo 3: ODST also includes a separate, standalone multiplayer disc which includes three new Halo 3 multiplayer maps, all original Halo 3 maps, as well as the "Legendary," "Heroic," and "Mythic" Map packs for a total of 24 maps.

* Ever-growing community options. Players will continue to enjoy all the great Halo 3 technological innovations, including Saved Films, screenshots, Campaign Scoring and four-player co-op over Xbox LIVE. All of the new Halo 3 multiplayer maps fully support the Forge editor, offering near endless gameplay customization possibilities for fans.

* Key to Halo: Reach. As a special bonus for fans, all copies of Halo 3: ODST will provide access to the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta when the beta goes live. More information about the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta will be available at a later date.