I got my copy of the new Halo 3 ODST yesterday. What was really surprising about this title being announced is I always wanted to play as an ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper). Something always interested me about them even more than spartans. Well, even though this wasn't originally supposed to be a full game, you will find that ODST is way more than a mere expansion.

The first thing to note is you're, obviously, not the Master Chief anymore but an ODST, which is the next best thing. You don't have shields, can't jump as high, and you're all around not some 7 ft tall super soldier anymore. Instead of shields, you have stamina which kind of acts like shields but not as strong, You also have a health bar again, much like the first Halo.

Because of all these disadvantages, the game becomes more tactical than the previous Halo games and survival is more important than ever. Definitely an interesting twist to the series, I just love the all around feel of the whole game.

The game also offers a new survival mode, Firefight. This has got to be, in my opinion, one of the best survival modes this gen (although it rivals Left 4 Dead's survival mode). There are plenty of maps to choose from and your goal is to kill wave after wave of Covenant forces and survive as long as you can. However, each round will activate a new skull which can make it a little more difficult. Very fun overall, although the lack of matchmaking is a bummer and then there's that damn black eye skull.

That's about all I can say about if for now, I'll write a full review soon of all my thoughts. So far, this game is another great addition to the Halo franchise and is more than an expansion. Firefight is some great fun and the campaign might even be better than Halo 3's (and I liked Halo 3's campaign). It doesn't bring too much new to the table but at the same time, it feels different because of the new health system and overworld of New Mombassa. It's old but it's new.

9/10