Finishing The Fight
Bungie has really listened to its fans and provided a multiplayer experience that will hard to beat, which includes a superb matchmaking interface, great game modes and a number of groundbreaking features. First up, there's the 'Theatre', allowing you upload data from your campaign or multiplayer game and then let people download it. Halo 3 actually records your games and then allows you to go into the editor after the game, take screenshots or edit your footage, with multiple camera angles and slow-motion controls.Admittedly, I'm already sick of people sending me videos of them pulling off a triple kill (big deal), but this does open up all sorts of possibilities for gamers seeking to learn the finer tactics of Halo 3, in addition to those who just want to create some funny videos or screenshots to send to their mates.
The new weapons and equipment take on a different meaning in multiplayer matches, where games are even more tactically compelling than in Halo 2. There's a nice spread of well-designed maps, which play to the strengths of certain vehicles and weapons and overall cater for the different skills of the online Halo masses. The online component of Halo 3, the lobby system, matchmaking process and range of options at your fingertips, is the best I've seen in any multiplayer game on the Xbox 360 and whether you want to brave the fiercely competitive ranked matches or create your own custom games with friends, it's hard not to get completely hooked by the fast paced gameplay.
Click for larger imageGraphically, Halo 3 won't blow you away so don't expect the same standards as some Xbox 360 games, such as Gears of War or Bioshock. Some of the structures do look blocky, some environments jagged and interiors fairly bland, but it certainly doesn't hamper the whole experience. Halo 3 instead excels in the animations of the characters and the way its powerful physics engine affects and manipulates objects and enemies within the game.
Despite a few negative comments I made earlier in this review, Halo 3 is still worthy of a high score (8.0/10) for its single player campaign, but where it really shines is all the added extras (must deserve a 9.5/10). With Co-op, campaign scoring, hidden skulls, the forge, the theatre, impressive levels of customisation and a robust multiplayer mode, I'll be just one of the many who'll be playing Halo 3 for a long time to come. Halo 3 is the complete multiplayer experience and hey, the single player campaign isn't half bad either. If you own an Xbox 360 buy Halo 3, if you don't buy an Xbox 360 and an Xbox live account. You won't regret it.
Pros
Solid storyline
Intense, addictive
Co-op play
Ground breaking features
Explosive physics engine
The Forge
The Theatre
Customisation
Amazing multiplayer
Cons
Some dull interior environments
Getting lost thanks to the average mini-map
Not outstanding on the graphics front, but hey we don't care.
The greatest multiplayer game on Xbox 360, and the campaign isn’t bad either.
HEXUS Awards
Halo 3
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Halo 3 is available now.Play.com
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