Yeah this is actually pretty dang good.

Although the narrative is a lot tighter and more inconsequential than the three mainline titles released previously, ODST hits everything in stride in its sub four hour runtime. A tight package running on a familiar engine sees you take the role of a group of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers as opposed to the series mainstay Master Chief, tasked with delivering a promise on a seemingly suicidal mission. In your way stands the Covenant and a plethora of secrets and hints as to what happened to your peers.

Marty O' Donnell delivers another masterclass in the soundtracking department. In lieu of grandiose symphonic arrangements that detail the epic overcoming of a greater force, ODST is accompanied by a more ambient jazz and lower-fi rainfall of fittingly cozy songs. Everything just feels right for the delapidated city and downpour. In a game where you're playing as a normal soldier in the world of Spartans, Hunters, and the Flood, you need the entire environment to make you feel literally and emotionally grounded, and that's exactly what Marty was able to do.

The city of New Mombasa, formerly visited in Halo 2, is dark and dank with mystery abound. Even though the experience is short, being able to shoot and weave through the metropolis with a different set of weapons was the approach this title needed. Of course you get your warthog-led Halo moments like your engagement in the zoo and on the highway towards the end of the game, but the majority of ODST is seen through the eyes of the troops on the ground, as ants in a greater colony's conflict.

I was legitimately surprised with how well ODST held up and actually felt good in the current gamesphere to play. Not long after playing the beloved Halo 1's and 2's of the world, I find myself grateful for ODST and the solidly solemn experience it provides.

Halo 3 ODST is a unique take on the series that is probably not the best game, however the complete change in atmosphere and environments made it a very enjoyable experience. Going from bright worlds with teeming wildlife and enemy variety to the streets of New Mombasa and it's downtrodden rain-heavy world was incredible and much of that can be owed to Marty O'Donnell's impeccable soundtrack. ODST doesn't have the most interesting story, but has an element of immersion that makes it so captivating. Because of the change in UI, the smaller in scope world, and the atmosphere of music and environment, you feel like a common soldier in a more grandiose world. There's an ever so present element of mystery and intrigue that leads you on a journey through the city.

This game is best enjoyed in co-op on legendary in my opinion.