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STAR RATINGS EXPLAINED
5 Stars Classic
4 Stars Excellent
3 Stars Good
2 Stars Fair
1 Star Tragic

Packshot
Halo 3

Game Details
Released
26 September 2007
Format
Xbox 360
Developer
Microsoft


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Halo 3

Halo 3 (2007)
Review
When a sequel offers little in the way of innovation or stops short of a major revamp, we’d normally deduct a couple of stars in the name of tardiness. But this is a Halo game, and what makes it console dynamite isn’t so much what’s new, what’s different, or even what happens as you play - instead, it’s all about how it makes you feel.

Within an hour of starting the game you’ll be leaping onto futuristic motorbikes and ripping the alien driver from his seat, then flipping the bike around and mowing the monster down with his own ride. In tight spots you’ll be snapping stationary gun turrets from their mountings, then wading into the chaos of battle as your chunky cannon shreds legions of shrieking invaders. As you go ever-deeper behind enemy lines your allies will dive for cover when firefights turn to stalemate, compelling you to steam into impossible situations and sort them out with not much more than a pea-shooter. And when it finally comes to switching off your console and going to bed at night, finding the will to sleep will be impossible as you’ll still feel ten-feet tall and able to punch holes in solid concrete.

Thrilling action aside, Halo 3 is also one of the best-looking games on the shelves and surpasses all expectations; from the slick, Hollywood-quality movies that flesh out the story and introduce cannon-fodder characters you can’t help growing attached to, to dense forests where you can spot enemies fleeing through the undergrowth as trails of saplings get pushed aside, Halo 3 boasts an epic sense of scale and keen eye for detail, its stunning art direction helping to create breathtaking worlds that are a joy to explore and the perfect stage for tense and imaginative shootouts. The new battle gadgets and retooled Covenant enemies - each of which look more terrifying than before, especially when you’re standing toe-to-toe with a Brute Chieftain intent on caving your skull in - also make this instalment absurdly exciting, and the fact you can stick with Master Chief throughout rather than being forced to control a crappy alien like in Halo 2 will be enough to tempt back players who were disillusioned by the last game.

But while the single-player adventure doesn’t disappoint, Halo 3’s biggest draw is its multiplayer carnage. As well as the traditional deathmatch clashes where players can tear their buddies limb from limb, Halo 3 boasts a selection of Xbox Live cooperative challenges, allowing players to hook-up, choose from a quartet of unique characters, then work through the entire single-player quest as a team. The sprawling online mode also features clever ‘matchmaking’ options where you’re paired with other players of similar skill across the world, avoiding the frustration of becoming the whipping boy for a gang of experienced nutjobs.

While a tangible sense of déjà vu pervades the whole adventure, Halo 3 does what it does extremely well, and what it loses in originality it more than makes up for in stellar production values and delirious, balls-out blasting. And while players looking for a solo shooter may find BioShock’s bleak atmosphere more intriguing, Halo 3’s blistering blend of anarchic battles and team-based challenges make it worthy of the ‘game of the year’ tag so often thrust upon it.

Reviewer: David McComb

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Your Reviews
Average user rating for Halo 3
Empire Star Rating

Halo
Empire User Rating

While I admit that the game is great fun and much much better then it's dull sequel, for me it didn't live up to the hype. The game's story is alright and the gameplay is fun and thankly never gets boring, but there isn't much wow factor to keep your attention. Still it's a solid shooter and one of the best titles on the 360. ... Read More

MovieWatcher45 About me
17:34, 11 December 2008 | Report This Post

great but short
Empire User Rating

this is a great game, the ending was fucked up but it was still good, the last level had me on the edge of my couch, were i'm in my warthog, literally shitting my pants while driving through explosions and other shit. graphics are fucking cool, inside that spaceship or whatever, were it sort of breathes and everything. infection is my favourite game online, just ill those zombie motherfuckers on last resort, or run them over in sandtrap. funny times ... Read More

mozzaman About me
23:37, 13 July 2008 | Report This Post

HALO 3!!!
Empire User Rating

What a fantastic game. It never get's boring, the online is amazing, this is definetly something worth saving up for. ... Read More

Aaronpod777 About me
13:26, 04 June 2008 | Report This Post

meh.
Empire User Rating

Yeah i have this game and i think its pretty impressive, but not a 5 star. i mean, you have unlimited ammo which lets you kick ass without even worrying and there are only 10 missions!!! you could complete this game in the time it takes a kettle to boil! but its still bloody good and i recommend it if you are new to FPS ... Read More

IsabelB About me
19:30, 14 April 2008 | Report This Post

Halo 3
Empire User Rating

I recived an xbox 360 for chrismas, and the first game I played on was Halo 3, since christmas I have played many other games and they just don't compare to the quality of this fantastic first person shooter, well worth your time and money, brilliant online and campaign play, a must have! ... Read More

Tom Fiddes About me
18:48, 29 January 2008 | Report This Post

HALO *YAWN* III
Empire User Rating

Waste of graphics boring overated cack. overhyped and underwhelming just dont understand what the fuss is about. my advice tell masterchief to get stuffed BIOSHOCK is far superior. ... Read More

Horrorguru About me
15:40, 16 January 2008 | Report This Post

Empire User Rating

Havent actually played the story, but the multi-player is amazing. Still think that Halo 1 is the best ... Read More

Troopeford About me
17:09, 08 January 2008 | Report This Post

Mediocre Fun Hyped Too Much!
Empire User Rating

Good game. Great online multiplayer. But it's a huge letdown for fans of the series. The graphics match those from Halo 2 and the depth of story and gameplay leaves much to be desired. There's an army of Halo fanboys who will try to convince you this game is 'Next Gen' but it doesn't bring anything new to gaming or the Halo series. Let's hope they do better with Halo Wars... ... Read More

Stubacca About me
20:40, 03 January 2008 | Report This Post

Very good
Empire User Rating

I think the game itself was impressive, nothing spectacular and only a few memorable levels. But the multi-player is astounding. Great fun ... Read More

daithi baru About me
11:18, 07 November 2007 | Report This Post

Very good
Empire User Rating

I think the game itself was impressive, nothing spectacular and only a few memorable levels. But the multi-player is astounding. Great fun ... Read More

daithi baru About me
11:18, 07 November 2007 | Report This Post

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