Speaking of needing a hand, although you and your fellow ODST squad members have been separated, it doesn’t mean you’ll be all alone in your fight. Other UNSC soldiers do appear around New Mombasa every now and then to lend a hand during fights against the Covenant. Those who are use to the enemies of Halo 3 will be well acquainted with the foes you run across in ODST. The squealing grunts and wily Jackals aren’t all the enemies you’ll come across, but I don’t want to spoil everything before you get to play.

As you make your way through the city, your objective is to find clues to the whereabouts of your team that once found will then cue up a retina burning white flash and treat you to a scene, after which, you start a new mission in a new role. will then cue up a retina burning white flash and treat you to a scene. It’s a nice feature that keeps the gameplay moving and takes you to new locales as well as offering you changes from night to day, as well as getting your hands on some different weapons. There are also messages scrawled on walls within the destruction like “Remember Reach” and the like, that really drill home the fact that you are in the middle of a war.

While trekking across New Mombasa, the heel-toe express won’t be your only means of travel and many vehicles such as the Warthog, Scorpion as well as the enemy Ghosts and Choppers make a return to make battle and travel varied, easier and more enjoyable. In case anyone was worried that an ODST wouldn’t be as crafty as the Chief, fear not, as you can jump on Wraiths and drop your grenades in to give them a surprise from above.

With the time I had spent with the game, it certainly left me wanting to play more and although I didn’t get a chance to join in on the Fire Fight mode, it definitely looked like some major fun, especially with all the hoots and hollers coming from behind my screen. For you Achievement whores out there, I just wanted to say - they were popping up all the time. Mr. Binky, I'm looking in your direction. If you want to get your hands on Halo 3: ODST a day before it is released to give it a try and live in or near the Toronto area, Microsoft is putting on another event open to the public this Monday, September 21st from 7pm – 10pm for those 18 and older, which from the sounds of it, will be an all out amazing time.

Here are the details:



Sept 21: 7pm – 10pm

The Fermenting Cellar, 55 Mill Street

Building #6 and #7

Toronto, Ontario



See you there!