A while back, I read a very nice review of Halo 3. Can’t remember the magazine or website, but it said that Halo 3 was the “most complete game on Xbox 360.” Or maybe it was the most complete video game ever. I don’t remember, but I agree with both statements.
Let’s quickly run through a couple reasons that make Halo 3 one of the most complete video games ever…
- Co-op Campaign: Halo 3 isn’t just the baddest multiplayer game ever, it’s got a story too. And another way you can play alongside your buds and whoop on the covenant — Instead of each other.
- Multiplayer: Has there ever been a multiplayer game that’s so easy for noobs to get started in — and still be a rocking good time for all of the “professional” types?
- Forge: Think the multiplayer maps blow? Then freakin change them you whiny beee-atch! You’re in control! Edit everything the way you see fit, then play it with buds and/or upload it so everybody on Xbox Live can play your custom maps. Two words: Bad. Ass. Hell, you can even PLAY Forge as a multiplayer game. Wouldn’t you like to drop a Scorpion Tank on top of your friends FTW?
- Theater: How can I describe this feature? It might be the “coolest” part of the game. Replaying an entire game — multiplayer or campaign — from any angle imaginable. And the ability to snap screen shots, record videos and upload both to bungie.net. It’s brilliant. I’ve spent as much time in the Theater as I have playing games.
Sure those 4 are obvious, but there are so many other neat little details too. For example:
Lighting: Perfect. Man, the highlights and shadows created from your basic plasma grenade explosion is beautiful to watch. If you haven’t seen it before, go into Theater and watch, pause and circle the camera around a bit. Notice all the details, the highlights that show up on the surrounding environment including Master Chief’s armor. Gorgeous.
Chaos: While you’re in the Theater, move the camera high and away for a bit. Watch the madness that happens, all of the covenant or your multiplayer comrades running around in frantic patterns to avoid death. It’s a viewpoint that you’d never be able to view without the theater option.
The basic idea here is that I don’t feel like anything is missing from the game. In fact, it’s just the opposite — I’m constantly discovering tiny new details that I can’t believe are in there. That’s what makes it so much fun to play over and over again…
That’s it for now, but I’ll be adding to this post in the comments. Of course you’re welcome and encouraged to add as well!
P.S. The photo is of MY TRANG getting killed in our most recent co-op campaign mission. Ouch.
