I've often wondered whether it was actually necessary to play a game in order to review it. After all, most games are the same; or at least very similar in nature. In the end, every game is about completing a series of predetermined goals in order to progress to the next level or otherwise advance in the game world. Nothing is ever new, and nothing ever changes. It is in the spirit of this revelation that I present my review of the highly anticipated Halo 3 .

Halo 3, the sequel to the critically acclaimed Halo 2 (which, coincidentally was the sequel to the critically acclaimed Halo), could not have come at a better time for Microsoft. Six months after the lackluster release of the X-Box 360, gamers were left wondering "what's next?" for Microsoft. The answer comes in the form of a space marine, Master Chief to be exact.

Naturally, the story picks up where the last game left off; a place many gamers have been wondering about for the last two year. Without ruining any of the story, let's just say that everything works out for the human race and Master Chief saves the day (Opps!). At any rate, you didn't come for the story, you came for the visceral fist-person shooter action that only Halo can provide.


The game play in Halo 3 is, surprise, exactly like the last two games. It is also exactly like every other shooter on the market, but we can forgive them, because, hey, it's Halo! Once again you assume the role of Master Chief attempting to defend the human race against the evil Covenant. Using the same weapons (some new ones: more on that later) from the last two games, you'll battle your way through endless hordes of alien scum. Scattered throughout the levels are those familiar vehicles that you've racked up thousands of miles in the last two games. They're still annoying to control, but it's all in the name of realism, so it's not really a problem. The levels are littered with various "set piece" fire fights that are incredibly intense, and absolutely satisfying. During said fire fights, you may find yourself thinking "Haven't I done this before?" Answer: No you haven't. It might feel like you have, but trust me, this is different.

What's new? Nothing and everything. For one, the title is wholly different than before; this time featuring the number "3" instead of the pervious number "2". There are various new weapons and vehicles in the game, but they all do the same thing as the other weapons and vehicles in the game. For instance, the "RX-179 Rifle" is the machine gun, but painted red, which, by the way, makes it vastly superior. Also, let's not forget the addition of the motorcycle and the blaster-mounted sidecar. Now, you and a buddy can ride around in style. The online multi-play remains exactly the same as before, in other words, excellent. And finally, the other main addition to the core game is the co-co-op mode. In this mode, you, a friend and his friend can all play the campaign simultaneously. Thank you Microsoft.


Next, the graphics: If you thought the real world looked great, wait until you see the Halo 3. Nothing in your life could prepare you for the moment you turn on the console and witness its beauty. Each blade of grass is individually rendered, so when the wind blows, the grass follows; simply amazing. The sound is equally brilliant. You can hear the casings from your rifle hit the ground as you fire off rounds. Also, the voice acting is superb. New to the game is Robin Williams who voices the wacky Covenant Overlord and he is magnificent in the role.

If you have a beating heart, than you must own this game: 10/10