What would a Microsoft event be without a major Bungie announcement. By now, many of you know a lot about Halo 3: ODST, the Halo 3 prequel that follows the exploits of several Orbital Drop Shock Troopers on New Mombasa weeks before the events of Halo 3. What you didn’t know is that ODST will feature a new cooperative multiplayer mode, called Firefight, that will allow up to four players to take on a squad of ODST against wave after wave of increasingly difficult enemies – wonder where they got that idea from? What you also didn’t know is that Halo Reach was in the works. The next installment in the Halo franchise was teased via a hi-def mini-trailer, which depicted the fiery destruction of a once tranquil planet. Little else is known, but fans will be happy to know that all copies of Halo 3: ODST will include a key for the Halo Reach multiplayer beta. Fact Sheet: Title: “Halo 3: ODST”
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Bungie
Format: DVD for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system; Xbox LIVE-enabled
ESRB Rating: Rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB
Pricing: $59.99 USD Standard Edition, $99 USD “Halo 3: ODST Collector’s Pack”
Availability: Sep. 22, 2009 Product: Overview: Developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie, “Halo 3: ODST” is a new game in the “Halo” saga that lets people experience events leading up to the epic story told in “Halo 3” through the eyes of an ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), as they search for clues leading to the whereabouts of their scattered squad and the motivations behind the Covenant’s invasion of New Mombasa. The release adds a new dimension to an all-encompassing universe that gamers around the world have known and loved for close to eight years. “Halo 3: ODST” also introduces Firefight, a new cooperative multiplayer* mode where up to four players can assume the role of an ODST squad and fight together to take on increasingly challenging waves of enemies. Also included are three new “Halo 3” multiplayer maps on a 2nd standalone disc, which includes all original “Halo 3” maps, as well as the “Legendary,” “Heroic,” and “Mythic” Map packs for a total of 24 maps. “Halo 3: ODST” is available for pre-order in both a standard package and a “Halo 3: ODST Collector’s Pack” which includes the game and a new and exclusive Wireless Controller. Those that pre-order “Halo 3: ODST” at participating retailers worldwide will receive a token to unlock Sgt. Johnson as a playable character in Firefight. Top features: All-new campaign content. The “Halo 3: ODST” campaign explores mysterious events leading up to the Master Chief’s return to New Mombasa in “Halo 3.” Experience the fate of Earth from the brand-new perspective of a special forces ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), adding a unique outlook and new gameplay elements to the events that unfold in the trilogy’s finale. This new chapter captures the same great feel of previous “Halo” experiences while offering fans new tactics, tools and weapons to defeat the Covenant. A new hero: Prepare to drop. ODSTs or “Orbital Drop Shock Troopers” are highly-trained special forces operators. Known for their courage, valor and willingness to tackle missions no sane soldier would, ODSTs pride themselves on being the first unit deployed into hostile situations, often in one-man drop-pods that burn through planetary atmospheres at break-neck speed. Expanded multiplayer experience. No “Halo” game would be complete without groundbreaking multiplayer content. “Halo 3: ODST” introduces an entirely new way to play “Halo” with Firefight, a cooperative multiplayer mode included on the campaign disc that lets up to four people jump immediately into combat. As an ODST squad, you will face increasingly challenging waves of enemies together, striving to earn the highest scores possible, while various “Halo 3” “Skulls” are progressively activated. The experience is intense and ever-evolving. “Halo 3: ODST” also includes a separate, standalone multiplayer disc which includes three new “Halo 3” multiplayer maps, all original “Halo 3” maps, as well as the “Legendary,” “Heroic,” and “Mythic” Map packs for a total of 24 maps. Ever-growing community options. Players will continue to enjoy all the great “Halo 3” technological innovations, including Saved Films, screenshots, Campaign Scoring and four-player co-op over Xbox LIVE. All of the new “Halo 3” multiplayer maps fully support the Forge editor, offering near endless gameplay customization possibilities for fans. Key to “Halo: Reach.” As a special bonus for fans, all copies of “Halo 3: ODST” will provide access to the “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta when the beta goes live. More information about the “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta will be shared at a later date.
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